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Norwich Muslim group hits back at pub-to-mosque critics, saying the Gatehouse 'only had three regulars'

The Gatehouse pub, which closed after its landlord died, was later purchased by the Norfolk Muslim Community Association after a community group's bid to buy it collapsed.
The Gatehouse pub, which closed after its landlord died, was later purchased by the Norfolk Muslim Community Association after a community group's bid to buy it collapsed.

The Norwich Muslim Centre has defended its proposal to convert the Grade II-listed Gatehouse pub on Dereham Road into a mosque, dismissing local opposition by arguing that the 1930s red-brick building attracted almost no custom. Trustee Sirajul Islam said he knocked on doors in the surrounding streets and found just three regular patrons. Anonymous leaflets opposing the conversion have been sent to Norwich households, including a blank objection letter addressed to City Hall that gave recipients no means of registering support for the plans.

Residents point out that a mosque already exists nearby — within half a mile, further along Dereham Road.

The Gatehouse closed after its landlord died three years ago, and the Norfolk Muslim Community Association subsequently purchased it when a community group's bid to do so collapsed.

The source of the anti-mosque leaflets is unknown, as the objection letters bore no sender details.

MoreGB NewsMuslim group hits back at protests against plans to turn Grade II-listed pub into mosque claiming boozer 'only had three regulars'Edp24Who is behind anti-mosque leaflets being posted to Norwich homes? - Edp24Norwich Evening NewsMuslim group say just THREE people regularly visited pub it wants to turn into mosque - Norwich Evening NewsDaily MailMuslim group planning to turn pub into mosque hits back at critics
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