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| Exeter mosque costing £1.7m opens | Exeter mosque costing £1.7m opens |
| (about 9 hours later) | |
| A new £1.7m mosque has opened in Exeter. | |
| Devon County Council said the mosque, which took three years to build, was needed because of the city's growing Muslim population. | |
| It has been paid for with money raised by trustees and the Muslim community. | |
| Those behind the project said they hoped the mosque, which received planning permission in 2000, will help raise awareness of the religion and attract thousands of visitors. | |
| There are currently mosques in Plymouth and Torbay, but this is the first to be built using the traditional Islamic minarets. | There are currently mosques in Plymouth and Torbay, but this is the first to be built using the traditional Islamic minarets. |
| A spokesperson from the board of trustees said: "Planning permission was granted in 2000 and with strenuous efforts by the trustees and the Muslim community, funds were raised and the work was started in 2008. | A spokesperson from the board of trustees said: "Planning permission was granted in 2000 and with strenuous efforts by the trustees and the Muslim community, funds were raised and the work was started in 2008. |
| "We are delighted by the finished building." | "We are delighted by the finished building." |
| About 3,000 Muslims live in the city, with thousands more across the South West. | About 3,000 Muslims live in the city, with thousands more across the South West. |
| Imam Mohammed Abrar said he hoped it would attract thousands of Muslims and increase the understanding of Islam in the wider community. | Imam Mohammed Abrar said he hoped it would attract thousands of Muslims and increase the understanding of Islam in the wider community. |
| Jonathan Marshall, of the Centre of Faiths and Cultural Diversity in Plymouth, said: "This particular development enriches us all because it brings an opportunity for everyone, and particularly young people, to encounter the Muslim faith community. | Jonathan Marshall, of the Centre of Faiths and Cultural Diversity in Plymouth, said: "This particular development enriches us all because it brings an opportunity for everyone, and particularly young people, to encounter the Muslim faith community. |
| "There is still a very significant misunderstanding and a stereotype of the faith often connected with negative imagery. | "There is still a very significant misunderstanding and a stereotype of the faith often connected with negative imagery. |
| "Having a mosque is a wonderful opportunity for people to encounter the true heart and true faith of Islam." | "Having a mosque is a wonderful opportunity for people to encounter the true heart and true faith of Islam." |
| 'Very important' | |
| Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Stephen Otter, who was at the official opening, said it was "extremely important" for the city. | |
| He said: "What's very interesting is that mosques in the South West have a very strong tradition of being very much part of the wider community; and, with churches as well, they're very important in bringing people together." | |
| The mosque includes an elaborate dome, minaret and hall for daily prayers and Friday sermons. | |
| The building also contains a large community hall which will be available for local events and activities. |