In recent times Dovedale has become a Mecca for Muslim daytrippers to the Peak.   Now, proposals to build a mosque at the southern end of this popular beauty spot are bringing about anything but peace and goodwill between visitor and villager alike. .

Imam Mudabbir Bangura of the Society of Muslim Culture in the Peak said, "We love Dovedale.   We love its nature and amenities.   We have many friends in the Islamic faith from Leicestershire and Derby.   For them also, it is a great day out from business and town life.   It is very much a paradise and together we would life somewhere close-by to offer quiet prayer for this beautiful place". .

The Society and their friends are applying for permission to build a mosque not far from the Izaak Walton Hotel, in the shadow of Thorpe Cloud.   But a furore of opposition was pressing its demands before the plans had even been posted. .

Michael Ostler of the 40+ Northern Ramblers Association excercised his views.

"We don't mind anyone coming to the Peak District to enjoy themselves, or any other national park, so long as they obey the country code and don't leave any litter or light any fires.   The Peak District is for everyone".   However, his utopian philosophy was not without a proviso.   "We're not so sure about the building of a mosque, though.   Mosques are generally bright and conspicuous and would detract from the Dale's natural beauty.   No, we wouldn't want a mosque, though we do understand the intention". .

Imam Bangura, the 45 year old newsagent from Long Eaton plaintively replied, "There really is no question of our mosque becoming conspicous.   We have hired a very good chartered architect indeed, Mr Sigfried Pryce.   He has told us we will conform to the regulations of the Planning Authority.   The walls will be of dressed limestone with gritstone quoins I believe he said.   The roof will be of natural slate.   We do insist however, on having a star and crescent fitted on the gable-end.   This I'm told can be cleverly disguised in what you might say, a weather-cock".   He continued, "We are business men after all.   We can negotiate on the use of our car park when available to members of the 40+ Ramblers Association for a much-reduced fee". .

Unsurprisingly, the most severe condemnation of the proposed building of Dovedale's mosque comes from Freddy Ambleton, leader of Danelaw, Derbyshire's far-right party.   The acid-tongued coypu farmer, 49, from Monyash said in a scornful diatribe (much of which has had to be censored due to infringement of Your Peak District's publishing code), "Quiet prayer?  What a load of bunkum!  Once that lot start up they'll be catawaulin' from Ilam to bloody Alstonefield.   You mark my word. . .   As regards that little coterie on t' council, they refused an extension on me sty four times. . .   All down t' shade o' green paint fer t' tin roof it was. . .   Them buggers would only 'ave it if it were painted wi' Dulux Brunswick Woodpecker. . .   I could only find it in two-litre tins - cost me a bloody fortune it did. . .   So, if them Peak Park Banners pass a mosque in Dovedale it'll be a liberal, left-wing fix, I'm tellin' yer". .

The divine debate is set to continue for some time. . .