TAXPAYERS FACE £1.8M BILL FOR 'HIJAB' ARCHES

A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build arches in the shape of Muslim headscarves has been labelled as a “waste of money” by angry residents.

As part of a cultural trail along Brick Lane, famous for its door-to-door curry houses, bars, nightclubs and art galleries, several gates in the shape of hijabs could be built at entrances to the street, in London’s East End.

However, the £1.8 million scheme has been branded as offensive to Muslim women and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

And the local authority, Tower Hamlets, has been accused of inflaming racial tensions by trying to force the plans through without a proper consultation.

One Muslim woman told the council the stainless steel, illuminated arches “create a stereotypical image of Islam”.Another hijab wearer said the project was a “huge waste of money” and a “tool of aggravation”.

Brick Lane lent its name to Monica Ali’s best-selling novel, which was later adapted to the big screen.

And the area now has many celebrity residents, including artist Tracy Emin, who has objected to the plans.

In a letter to the council, she wrote: “I am shocked to learn that the scheme is budgeted at £2million and I strongly feel that rubbish collections, vermin control, education and improved policing are more important to resolve.”

Following the outcry, the council pushed back the deadline for comments to February 22.

A council spokeswoman said the idea of the arch was “loosely based on the sculptural form of a headscarf, reflecting the many cultural backgrounds that have occupied and sought refuge in and around Brick Lane over the centuries”.