THE town's Pakistani community could be a step nearer its new mosque and community centre.

Redditch Council and Redditch Community Forum are waiting for the results of a lottery bid which, if successful, could result in a £100,000 grant.

This money would be spent on funding a project development officer who would oversee the project to build a new mosque and community centre on the old Alcad site in Smallwood.

Redditch Pakistan Community Forum represents the interests of the town's 2,000-strong Pakistani community and is eager to get the project moving to provide a focal point for its members.

Forum secretary Perwaiz Khawaja said: "There's been a Pakistani community in Redditch for 40 years now and we are desperate for a community centre.

"At the moment, things like weddings have to be held at Bridley Moor School, which isn't suitable.

"We've started raising funds for the centre and will apply for external funding as well.

"If we get it built, it will provide a platform for us to progress and form a real link with the town. "

The centre would provide space for events, skills workshops, employment advice offices and medical facilities.

Plans for the mosque and community centre are currently the subject of a public inquiry.

In the meantime, the forum's first office was opened at Community House, Easemore Road, last month.

THE town's Pakistani community could be a step nearer its new mosque and community centre.

Redditch Council and Redditch Community Forum are waiting for the results of a lottery bid which, if successful, could result in a £100,000 grant.

This money would be spent on funding a project development officer who would oversee the project to build a new mosque and community centre on the old Alcad site in Smallwood.

Redditch Pakistan Community Forum represents the interests of the town's 2,000-strong Pakistani community and is eager to get the project moving to provide a focal point for its members.

Forum secretary Perwaiz Khawaja said: "There's been a Pakistani community in Redditch for 40 years now and we are desperate for a community centre.

"At the moment, things like weddings have to be held at Bridley Moor School, which isn't suitable.

"We've started raising funds for the centre and will apply for external funding as well.

"If we get it built, it will provide a platform for us to progress and form a real link with the town. "

The centre would provide space for events, skills workshops, employment advice offices and medical facilities.

Plans for the mosque and community centre are currently the subject of a public inquiry.

In the meantime, the forum's first office was opened at Community House, Easemore Road, last month.