The "Hijab Gates" - A Local Resident Speaks!

Much has been written in the press (both local national) this week about the Tower Hamlets Council proposals for the so-called "Hijab Gates" at Brick Lane.

The following text is from a letter I received on the subject fron a local resident (who has given me permission to publish this) and I think the content speaks for itself:

"I understand that there is to be a meeting regarding the application for a pair of 'head scarf' style arches to be erected at each end of Brick Lane.


I wish to express my abhorrence to this plan. Before I proceed I would like to make it clear that I myself grew up in Tower Hamlets and my background is Bangladeshi Muslim.


I have viewed pictures of the plans and regard the arches as ugly.


They will not serve to improve the look of Brick Lane in any way. I am getting tired of the way Tower Hamlets Council keeps trying to highlight the fact that Brick Lane is the centre of the Bangladeshi community in London - we all know that, we do not need to be constantly reminded.


The arches exclude other communities that have thrived in the area and I feel that they will create racial tensions. Why do they not concentrate on making the area cleaner and less tacky? And most people would agree that Brick Lane is not the best place to buy a curry. Restaurants need to improve the quality of their cooking.


I would like to see more money spent on the rest of Tower Hamlets. I would also like to see Tower Hamlets Council doing things that make all communities in the borough happy. I was shocked a few years ago when the council decided not to spend money on Christmas lighting because it would offend Muslims - what utter nonsense! I do not know any Muslims who find Christmas lights offensive and creating a lie like this serves only to create racial tension.


I hope that my letter will be taken into account at the planning meeting and thank you for taking time to read it."