THE merry-go-round continues!

Only minutes after Dudley Council planning committee reject the plans for the much opposed mosque project, Khurshid Ahmed and the Muslim Association declare their intention to appeal the decision.

The UNANIMOUS decision, made by councillors from left and right of the political spectrum, was the only one available to them given the restrictions associated with this piece of land i.e. it can only be used for industrial purposes and the creation of employment opportunities.

That fact remains even if there are multiple appeals.

It should also be remembered that on two separate occasions to date, the people of Dudley have exercised their democratic rights and let all concerned know, without any doubt, that they do not want another mosque in Dudley.

Indeed ,on the latest occasion, they provided the largest opposition petition that Dudley Council has ever received.

In appealing the council's decision, Khurshid Ahmed now reveals his real agenda, and the lengths he is prepared to go to get his own way.

It clearly exposes his previous lip service and rhetoric to the people of Dudley about the project being designed for their collective benefit for what it is - an absolute sham.

It further demonstrates that he does not care for local opinion or the will of the majority.

He then shows further contempt with comments like "Democracy in Dudley is in the gutter". Why? Because the majority do not agree with him?

He blames "misinformation" and "councillors wanting to appease the crowd" and anyone else he can think of for the projects failure.

I suggest he takes a good hard look at the ongoing level of opposition from people of differing races, young and old, to this project and he may just realise that the VAST majority do not want another mosque!

Now what I find disappointing but not surprising is Mr Ahmed's blatant attempt to introduce the race card.

Certainly his comments like "the decision was influenced by right wing insurgents" and "the decision sends negative signals to the Muslim community that they do not belong here" do not help race relations.

No, Mr Ahmed, the decision tells you, loud and clear, that the mosque is not wanted by the people of Dudley and that's all it tells you.

As for his accusation of right wing insurgency, I suggest he takes a look at newspaper pictures of the opposition because all I saw (and I was there on the night) were local people - mostly aged over 40 years - not your stereotypical right wing thug eh? Oh, and no BNP banners/representation either!

So, come on Mr Ahmed, stop the dirty tricks. As for the accusations of misinformation and lies, be specific so that your allegations can be investigated properly.

At the same time you can answer the opposition's concerns (and I don't mean a few hours at the 11th hour in your HQ either!) The people have spoken.

P.A. Rowe Milking Bank