Tensions rose last Saturday as activists clashed outside the soon-to-be-built South Lakes Islamic Centre in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Tensions rise as protestors gather (Image: Newsquest, SWNS)
Banner-wielding demonstrators clashed once more outside the site of a contentious £2.5 million mosque in the Lake District. Tempers flared as campaigners confronted each other outside the under-construction South Lakes Islamic Centre in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, on Saturday, September 6.
Officers maintained a significant presence in the vicinity, with police imposing a dispersal order from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as rival factions chanted and yelled. Building work on the mosque commenced in January 2025, with those spearheading the project claiming it will be the inaugural mosque in the South Lakes region.
Supporters of the South Lakes Islamic Centre (Image: Newsquest, SWNS)
Planning permission for the mosque was approved in December 2022 following 30 formal objections.
Critics have voiced concerns regarding the development, arguing it is unnecessary in Furness, whilst advocates maintain the centre would offer a vital place of worship for hundreds of Muslim households residing in the locality.
Harry Jackson, from Hull, was demonstrating against the Islamic Centre and declared: “I go to protests all over the country.
“If I were from this area, I wouldn’t want this construction. This area is less than one per cent Muslim.
“We’re hoping the local council will make a U-turn and realise it’s not what the local community wants. Of all the counties, this place makes the least sense; places like Birmingham have a much higher population of Muslims.”
Harry Jackson and protestors against the South Lakes Islamic Centre (Image: Newsquest, SWNS)
On one side of the carriageway, demonstrators were brandishing the St George’s Cross and the Union Jack. Counterprotesters gathered in front of the construction site, brandishing placards that read “stop the far right” and “No to hate”.
Supporters of the centre were heard singing Louis Armstrong’s ‘It’s a wonderful world’.
Andy Sallabank, from Ulverston, who was present at the protest, stated: “There shouldn’t be any need for a protest here today.
“People should be free to worship and follow whichever religion they want. In this country, in this age, we are a multicultural society and a multifaith community.
Andy Sallabank and supporters of the South Lakes Islamic Centre (Image: Newsquest, SWNS)
“Most people here will have had their lives saved by the NHS, where many of the staff are from different faiths. And we should support them.”
Karen Evans, from Stand Up to Racism, declared that the “South Lakes welcome everyone”. She added: “The far right has organised hatred against the Islamic Centre.
“They’ve been trying to stop it being built, intimidating workers, and organising protests against what will be a wonderful place for the community. We’re here to say that the South Lakes and the people from this area welcome everyone.”
