Pub to be converted into Islamic centre

A burnt out pub will be the latest venue to be converted into a religious centre, after being bought by an Islamic association.

The Skinny Dog in Aylesbury has been shut for several months following an arson attack, but has now been bought by the Toheed Ul Islam Association, a registered charity, for £600,000.

The building will be converted into an Islamic cultural centre and Mosque. In line with Islamic belief, all alcohol will be removed from the premises.

Mark Greig, managing director of Paramount Investments, which handled the sale, said: "Currently, we are doing a lot of deals with retailers outside the pub sector. Surely a community facility is better for a community than a boarded up pub with no future."

Meanwhile, Save the Swan campaigners are fighting against the proposed sale of the Swan on Clapton Common, East London, to the Stamford Hill Bobov Jewish community who want to turn the premises into a synagogue.

The group have been holding events at the pub to raise money and highlight the popularity of the premises.