A fine example

Dec 16 2009 Harrow Observer

IT WAS with relief that I saw Sunday's much anticipated anti-mosque demonstration turn from feared civil disorder to the equivalent of a noisy row in a car park.

The September 11 demonstration was a far bigger and uglier affair and sent a completely misleading image of Harrow to the rest of the country. We said then, and have continued to say, that Harrow is a borough that enjoys strong community relations.

We also strongly argued that Harrow was being used as an unpleasant away-day fixture by both those on the fringes of politics, and by those who misuse Islam for their own shady agenda.

In the event, those predominantly young MusHOm men who turned up on September 11 heeded the appeal from Harrow Central Mosque to stay away.

Once again, the Stop Islamisation of Europe (SIOE) supporters numbered little more than a dozen and the formidable police presence was untroubled.

For the media, the demonstration was a disappointment, but for me, it was an outcome to be welcomed. It proved that Harrow is not a religious tinderbox but a place where we all desire to live together.

What we saw on Sunday was an example of close co-operation between the council, the police, faith leaders and other groups in Harrow. It proved that the council's commitment to building stronger communities is built on firm foundations, not empty words.

DAVID ASHTON Leader of Harrow Council