MUSLIMS in Three Rivers will be invited to a special event intended to unite the community after the terrorist attacks on America.

Speaking at a meeting of Three Rivers District Council on Wednesday, October 17, leader of the council Mrs Ann Shaw asked members to support the initiative to invite Muslim residents to meet councillors, staff and other local bodies.

She said: "I want this council to put out the hand of friendship to our Muslim residents in Three Rivers, to welcome them as neighbours, and as valued members of our community."

Councillor Shaw's proposal was agreed by the council. In a speech on the events of Tuesday, September 11, leader of the Conservative group Amrit Mediratta said: "We do not tolerate the yobbish behaviour of those who seek to destroy the harmony that exists between the different groups."

However, while members agreed on the need for the council to embrace Muslim residents, leader of the Labour Group Mrs Nena Spellen, argued for consistency in the council's approach across departments.

She referred to one Muslim family living in temporary accommodation in South Oxhey and offered a house in Maple Cross, who she felt had been treated unfairly by the housing department.

She said: "They were told in the most forceful manner that this accommodation was what they were getting and they would have to take it. If not they would be evicted in a week's time."

According to Councillor Spellen, the family had then been asked to provide the council with both birth certificates and passports while other families had only been asked for one form of identification.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Spellen denied that she was accusing the council of racism. However, she said: "It's no good putting out our hand to the Muslims in the community and treating our own Muslim tenants in that manner.

"They have been treated scandalously as far as I'm concerned. They have been bullied into moving to Maple Cross."

Director of housing and environment, Ms Lorraine Dallas, explained that, under the 1996 Housing Act and the 1996 Asylum and Immigration Act, applicants must provide either a passport or a birth certificate for verification.

She said: "The council only requires sight of one of these items although, in practice, many applicants offer both."

She added: "The council's policy is to offer homeless families the first suitable property available to meet their needs. That policy provides for one offer only to all homeless applicants."

October 23, 2001 10:07

Joanne Davis