A woman who was looking to move into the Broughton area has contacted Blog Preston after graffiti and a piece of bacon were left outside the new proposed Broughton mosque site.

The planning application has received backlash as well as racist graffiti left on a concrete barrier outside the site.

A woman from Manchester told Blog Preston: “We are thinking of purchasing a property on the new Storey Homes development off Eastway I was taking a walk in and around Broughton and the Fulwood area with my husband.

“We were assessing if the Broughton-in-Amounderness Primary School was within walking distance of the property when we came across a horrendous scene as can been seen in the attached photographs. This was on D’Urton Lane.

“After doing a search online, I came across your article regarding a planning application for a new mosque in this location, and I read some of the comments attached to your article There seems to be some comments for and some against, which is to be expected as everyone has an opinion of everything these days.

“However, I am truly shocked by the graffiti and the fact that a piece of bacon had been left on the gate. This is just awful to witness and as I am not from the area, it gives a terrible impression of the local residents, and has quite frankly, put me off moving to this area.

“I am not a Muslim, but there is no way I can move to an area with my family and young children where there is blatant racism, and especially during Ramadan. I have numerous friends that are of Muslim faith and I am looking to move into an area that celebrates all faiths and cultures.”

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Since this, the graffiti and bacon has been removed but there is still mixed views on whether the mosque should be built.

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A spokesperson for Preston Police said: “We are aware of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to email 1604@lancashire.police.uk or call 101.”

An anonymous leaflet was sent around Preston houses last week asking residents to complain to the council about the proposed mosque.

The mosque is due to be built by Broughton roundabout (junction one of the M55).

Ally Brown, Director of Communities and Environment at Preston City Council, said: “Our team has acted quickly to remove this unacceptable graffiti from the land off D’Urton Lane in Broughton. Given the inflammatory nature of this graffiti, the Council decided to urgently remove this message, despite the land being in private ownership – however, any future issues will be dealt with through the landowner.

“This is not an acceptable way to express concerns or objections. We are proud to be a diverse, multi-cultural city.”

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