Alum Rock 'is a peaceful, law-abiding community'

Feb 19 2008 By Emma Cullwick

PEOPLE living in Alum Rock today urged others not to feel wary of visiting the Birmingham suburb.

Coun Tariq Khan (Lib Dem, Washwood Heath), who was born and raised in Alum Rock, said the community had been battling to rebuild its reputation after it was flung into the national spotlight when police carried out last year's terror dawn raids.

Today, Coun Khan, unrelated to convicted Parviz Khan, said: "We don't want people to think that anyone who lives in Alum Rock is a terrorist.

"I haven't heard anyone saying they support terrorism, and I'm sure people around here would condemn terrorism.

"I know a year ago Alum Rock was linked to terrorism, but there is more to this place than that.

"We have a thriving business community, people live here from all different backgrounds and it is a peaceful community.

"The vast majority of people who live here are law-abiding citizens.

"I still remember the morning when I watched the police investigation unfold on the TV, I couldn't believe they were arresting people in Alum Rock.

"It came as a total shock that took everyone by surprise, but now we want to move on."

Coun Khan called on the Government to take more action to tackle religious extremism at a local level.

"The Government says it is trying to solve the problems but it is not doing it at grassroots level," he added.

"They can't solve these problems from their ivory towers."

Barber Zahid Mahmood said: "The area is very safe, and I don't think people need to be worried about coming here."

Shopkeeper Yasser Hussain condemned the men behind the kidnap plot.

"I'm not convinced it would ever have actually happened, but it's disgusting that it was thought up in the first place," he said.

Teacher Saqib Maliq said: "This is a community that requires investment and we need an external agency to come in and help to bring more positivity."

Medical student Irfan Rashid also called on the Government to do more.

"There could be more effort to come here and do something positive to stop these failings," he said.