The centre in Truro catered for up to 40 Muslim worshippers

The Cornwall Islamic Centre was based in a semi-detached house in Tresawls Road in Truro until its recent closure.

Carrick Council took enforcement action because it said the mosque was unsuitable in a residential area.

Muslim leaders say they feel let down by the council, but the local authority insists it has worked with the Muslim community to try and find a new home.

Everywhere in the world there are mosques and people have the right to pray in the mosque... we are losing our rights here Kamarl Meear

The centre was used by up to 40 worshippers who gathered there for weekly prayers.

The council's decision to force the centre to move was upheld by a government planning inspector last November.

Kamarl Meear, from Perranporth, said the Muslim community felt very disappointed with the council.

"We need to have a place to practice our worship. It's part of our religion," he said.

'Planning consent'

"Everywhere in the world there are mosques and people have the right to pray in the mosque. We are losing our rights here."

But council director of external services, Daphne Lockwood, said it had worked with members of the Muslim community.

"We have certainly wanted to help them as much as possible," she said.

"It's really quite difficult to find an existing building that has got the planning consent suitable for worship.

"It is even more difficult to find a new build site which they have potentially been looking for."