By Daniel O’Brien

SIX months after the Somali Bravanese Centre in Muswell Hill was destroyed in an arson attack, the group’s chairman has expressed his frustration at the slow progress in finding the community a new permanent home.

The centre, in Coppetts Road, which housed the Bravanese Welfare Association, was burnt down in the early hours of June 5.

Officers investigating the scene discovered the letters “EDL” (the initials of the far-right, anti- Islam group English Defence League) had been sprayed on the side of the building.

The charity, which provides support and education to the Bravanese community, is currently operating from the offices of East Finchley Library, in High Road, while carrying out lessons in the evenings and at weekends at Barnet House, in Whetstone High Road.

Centre chairman Abubakar Ali said that the community was still struggling to come to terms with the way it was targeted. “For the community, it was a shock,” he told The Press. “We are trying to rebuild the community and forget what happened.”

He added that despite the continued support of Barnet Council, as well as members of the multi-faith community, the lack of a permanent home had made it more difficult for the community to unite following the attack.

Mr Ali said: “Being isolated, especially the older people, is one of the concerns. It was a meeting place for a community.

“When they felt lonely, they had someone in the community centre they could talk to. Now they lock themselves in their homes. “Barnet House is not fulfilling all our members’ needs. There are no education facilities and it is concerning that the children are not able to go outside.

“One of the main things we are thinking about is when are we going to get back in? The way things are going are too slow. We still don’t have an answer.”

A spokesman for Barnet Council said it was discussing alternative venues with the community.

Barnet borough police commander Adrian Usher said that the investigation into the fire was continuing.

“It is a well-resourced and focused inquiry, which we hope will have a positive outcome.” said Chief Superintendent Usher. “We will leave no stone unturned in order to try to catch the perpetrator.”

Source: Edgware and Mill Hill Press