THE Muslim community in Skipton is likely to have part of a local cemetery set aside for traditional burials.

Land originally reserved for World War Two fatalities has been earmarked, and could accommodate around 260 Muslim grave spaces which have to be aligned with Mecca.

The land at Waltonwrays Cemetery is available because only three spaces were ever used. If it goes ahead, a 'herringbone' pattern of graves will build up as the plots will not be set out in a grid pattern like the Christian sites.

In the past the local Muslim community has had to use cemeteries elsewhere.

Now Coun Dennis Hall has taken up the case on behalf of the Muslim Association, and has urged Craven District Council to look at opening up the spare land.

And the councillor representing the majority of Muslims in Skipton, Andrew Rankine, is 'delighted' that the proposals are under way.

He said: 'It's important to the Muslims that they have their deceased buried in accordance with their religion. 'Before the Community Services Committee meeting on February 4, the council is approaching all local religious leaders to get some feedback.

They will be asked for their views on Muslim burials, which in Skipton's case will involve Mecca alignment, one interment per grave and interment within 24 hours of death.

Coun Hall said: 'The Muslim community approached me to see if anything could be done to find space to bury their dead. So I got in touch with the council and they have very kindly set to work on the idea. 'The space at Waltonwrays was found and, so far, everyone I've spoken to seems fine with the idea. I hope there are no objections within the committee because we all have to work together in the town. 'Let's hope we can plough an amicable course and provide a place for the Muslim community to pay their respects to their lost relatives.'

Shabir Hussain, secretary of the Skipton Muslim Association, added: 'We appreciate the work the council is doing on our behalf. We need a place to visit our deceased easily. 'We don't want to be segregated within the cemetery, it's just that it's easier practically to have all the Mecca-facing graves in one place.'

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