By Ruth Halkon, Reporter

A temporary home has been found for the Somali community centre whose premises was destroyed by fire last week.

Barnet Borough Council has offered the Somali Bravanese community temporary accommodation in East Finchley Library after their centre in Coppetts Road in Muswell Hill was destroyed in an arson attack last Wednesday.

The Bravanese community will be able to use the library in the High Road after 5pm on weekdays, Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. The centre has also been offered office space at the library.

Chairman of the Somali Bravanese Islamic Welfare Centre Abubakar Ali said: “We’re very grateful to Barnet Council for the temporary support of an administrative office and meeting rooms, and to local schools and communities who have stepped up to host our after school and weekend learning activities.

“We hope that with Barnet Council’s support we will be able to see the Somali Bravanese community having a secure, suitable and long term centre for all our activities soon”.

The council has also arranged for the North London Business Park to host the end-of-year celebration for the young students of the community centre and their families, which will be held before the start of Ramadan.

Cabinet member for customer access and partnerships Cllr Robert Rams added: “After last week’s incident we’ve received many offers of support from residents, businesses and other faith groups. We’ve evaluated the offers and feel that a temporary solution at East Finchley Library is the best option.

“I’m delighted at the way everyone has pulled together and that our offer of a temporary new home will secure the centre’s future in the heart of the community.”

Source: Hendon & Finchley Times