RUMOURS a mosque may form part of the new Pan Meadows housing development were this week quashed by the Isle of Wight Council.
Council leader, Cllr David Pugh, said the 'outlandish suggestion’ was nothing more than an urban myth and he was perplexed by repeated and untrue rumours surrounding the Pan Meadows project.
Concerns have also been raised that people from the Midlands and the north will be offered properties ahead of Island residents.
"For the record, there is no deal between the Isle of Wight Council and local authorities in the Midlands — either actual or planned — and neither is there any proposal for a mosque. I hope this will once and for all stop the circulation of these urban myths which a few people, for whatever reason, seem intent on peddling," said Cllr Pugh.
Newport East councillor Geoff Lumley, whose ward includes Pan, said although he was aware of the rumours he had not been approached by concerned residents.
"I think this mosque rumour is just mischief making, much like the idea there will be an influx of people from Birmingham and Liverpool. I think it’s a load of rubbish to be honest," he said.
The first homes at Pan Meadows, one of the Island’s biggest ever housing developments with more than 800 properties, are expected to be ready by March next year.
Cllr Pugh said demand for affordable housing on the Island was particularly high and homes would be fairly allocated to those most in need.
"Last year in excess of 98 per cent of the affordable homes on the Island were allocated to existing Island residents," he said.
"We all have a responsibility to address genuine housing issues without getting sidetracked by ridiculous scare stories."
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk