Community Leaders Raise Safeguarding Concerns Over Approved Premises Placement

The Ghausia Rizvia Jamia Masjid in Accrington has written to Lancashire Constabulary expressing concerns about the reported placement of a convicted sex offender at Highfield House in Accrington town centre.

In the letter, the mosque committee says the location is close to a public playground, places of worship and other community facilities, and states that the decision has caused concern among local residents, particularly families with children.

While acknowledging the importance of lawful supervision and rehabilitation, the committee is calling for:

• An urgent safeguarding risk assessment of the location.

• Greater engagement with the local community to explain the monitoring and management arrangements in place.

• Consideration of alternative accommodation that is not located close to schools, playgrounds or places of worship.

  
  

The committee has requested a written response from Lancashire Constabulary outlining the steps being taken to protect public safety and says representatives are willing to meet with relevant agencies to discuss the matter further.

This version reports the contents of the letter without endorsing its claims, making it suitable for a community news blog while remaining balanced and factual.