Community United and West Berkshire Muslim Centre appeals for transport for Muslim asylum seekers observing Ramadan

The West Berkshire Muslim Centre is seeking assistance in acquiring transport for asylum seekers and refugees in the district.

Among those staying in hotels in West Berkshire, many are Muslim and will soon be observing the holy month of Ramadan whereby they dedicate daylight hours to prayer and family while abstaining from food and drink.

With the help of Community United West Berkshire, volunteers will help to drive asylum seekers to and from local mosques and community spaces so they can break their fast with others.

In a recent presentation given to Thatcham Town Council, Community United director Alice Kunjappy-Clifton said: “To get them there we need transport and that has been a big problem.”

Councillor Jeff Brooks said: “There’s a lot of constraints on [asylum seekers] and it must be very difficult to be in a hotel day after day after day without anything to occupy them.”

The asylum seekers, some of whom have to eat their meals in their hotel rooms due to a lack of space and facilities.

Mr Brooks added: “There is no canteen or restaurant.

“There is nowhere for them to sit together and have any sense of community.”

For more information on how to help, call (01635) 725825 or email hello@communityunited.uk

Ramadan is due to begin on Saturday, April 2.