MUSLIM leaders hoping to build a mosque in Clitheroe have written to Tory party leader Michael Howard criticising Nigel Evans MP for his lack of support.

Sheraz Arshad, of the Medina Islamic Education Centre, Holden Street, has called on the Conservative leader to examine Mr Evans's lack of involvement in the controversial mosque issue.

The letter also accuses the Ribble Valley Tory party, led by council leader John Hill, of using the mosque issue to score political points.

But Mr Evans has dismissed the letter as an attempt by the Muslim leader to 'get his own back' after the latest block on mosque plans by Ribble Valley Council.

Councillors refused to sell land at a former depot in Kirkmoor Road to the Muslim community to build a place of worship

Instead they voted to retain the land for elderly people's housing. It was the fifth time in six years that councillors had voted against a mosque in the town.

The letter, which is addressed to Michael Howard c/o Conservative Party Headquarters, reads: "I have found Mr Evans to be incredibly unhelpful and insensitive.

"On four separate occasions over the last three years I have left phone messages for him so that I may meet with him to discuss local matters affecting Muslims in the community and not one message has ever been returned.

"I needn't have bothered trying to get in touch with him however as I have since discovered that his views are no different than the leader of the council. The local Conservative party has been involved in brazen politicking, using the local Muslim community and their search for a place of worship as a convenient tool for furthering their own populist agenda."

But Mr Evans dismissed claims that he has ignored the Muslim community, adding: "Everyone will tell you I am one of the most contactable MPs in Westminster. They must have got their wires crossed somehow.

"As for Mr Arshad, this man is clearly irritated and wants to get his own back. This is no way to go about it. As I have said many times this is a local authority issue, but if I am able to get the Muslim community and the council leader together, I will do so. I have already said the local authority should help these people."