Leaders in Worcester came together to celebrate the opening of Worcester Muslim Welfare Association’s new youth and community centre in Stanley Road.

Mayor of Worcester Steve Mackay, MP Robin Walker, and Deputy Mayor Jabba Riaz were at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Worcestershire County Council leader Simon Geraghty, Deputy Leader of Worcester City Council Marc Bayliss and Cathedral Ward councillor Allah Ditta as well as local activist Nida Hassan.

They toured the newly refurbished centre and heard about the association’s plans to tackle anti-social behaviour, bullying, provide job and training opportunities and to promote pride in Worcester’s heritage.

Mr Walker said: “I was delighted to attend the opening of this fantastic new community facility, and would like to extend my thanks to Worcester Muslim Welfare Association for both their hospitality and the extensive fundraising they have undertaken to fund the upgrades at Unity House.”

“It was a great example of Worcester’s diverse communities coming together in celebration of our shared values. I have always believed that part of what makes our sense of community in the Faithful City so strong is the way in which those of many faiths and none regularly join in a shared appreciation of what we all have in common, and on occasions like this I am always reminded of those bonds.”

“It is hugely to the benefit of our city that facilities such as Unity House continue to thrive and grow, and I look forward to seeing more of the centre and the many projects taking place there.”