A hoax poster suggesting that Burnham-On-Sea’s high lighthouse could be turned into a mosque has created heated discussion on social media, but been dubbed ‘fake news’ by several residents.
The poster was pinned to a tree in Gore Road on Friday to promote an open meeting of residents at the BAY Centre to discuss “Burnham’s lighthouse mosque development.”
However, no planning application for a place of worship has been lodged with Sedgemoor District Council and the BAY Centre told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Friday evening that no booking has been made for the meeting on August 16th.
The poster states: “Following the recent sale of Burnham-On-Sea’s historic lighthouse to a supposed wealthy investor, it has emerged that the historic lighthouse has allegedly applied to be converted into a mosque.”
“Built in the 1830s, this building is a local landmark and we want to gather resident’s opinions on this proposal.”
“There are many issues surrounding this, which we would like to put forward to the council. While we welcome new developments to the town, some residents have already expressed concerns, whereas others have welcomed the proposal with open arms.”
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here that the lighthouse was sold earlier this month, however the new owner wants to remain anonymous.
The poster claims the meeting will be held at the Bay Centre in Cassis Close, offering refreshments including “halal options.”
The author of the poster has listed a number of so-called ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ about a mosque development.
One person posted on social media: “I suspect this has done its job – stirring up race/religious arguments.”
Another added: “This is blatantly fake news. I don’t see what the intention of this poster is, apart from to incite hate. Someone has already said that no such application has been made to Sedgemoor, does anyone know if the bay club have received a booking for the date given? If so, I’m wondering if it is a stunt by someone like Britain first?”
Mike Lang, spokesman, for the Bay Centre told Burnham-On-Sea.com that there is no booking for the mosque debate on August 16th in their calendar. “It would seem this is fake news to me,” he said.
