A mosque has launched an appeal after strong winds blew the roof off the main structure.

The Masjid E Saliheen, Didsbury Street, Blackburn suffered extensive damage following the stormy weather on Monday morning. A large section of the roof has been ripped off and lay in the courtyard.

Storm Franklin hammered parts of the UK with strong winds and heavy rain this week.

A mosque spokesperson said: “Following strong winds and heavy rainfall over several days, a significant portion of the Masjid E Saliheen roof sustained devastating damage as a strong gust of wind blew off in the early hours of Monday 21 February. 

“The continued rainfall on the already damaged roof has caused further damage to internal structures.

“Temporary measures have already been taken to prevent further damage, however the next step is to make urgent and permanent repairs to the roof to prevent further damage to the external roof and internal building.

“Initial estimations are suggesting the required work to cost in the region of £50,000 for which we require your urgent support through donations, sharing this campaign and your humble duas (prayers).”

In the past year the mosque, which is based in the Whitebirk area, off Burney Road, has been at the forefront of a number of innovative community initiatives.

It was the first mosque in the area to offer Covid vaccinations during the pandemic and also unveiled new defibrillators for use for all sections of the local community just last month.

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