London, Feb. 2: Senior members of the Oxford Central Mosque are seeking permission to broadcast a two-minute Adhan, the traditional Muslim call to prayer, through loud speakers in the minaret three times a day.

The proposal has reportedly outraged many East Oxford locals, some of whom have issued dire warnings of "Islamic dictatorship" and the destruction of Western culture.

The Telegraph quoted some of the locals as saying that the ethos of Christianity is being undermined.

The Bishop of Oxford has entered the fray appealing for calm, while British Muslims say they simply want to practise their faith.

The mosque is close to the area in East Oxford where many of the city's 6,000-strong Muslim population - a small percentage of the city's 150,000 inhabitants - live.

However, it seems to be half a mile too close to the city centre. The immediate surrounding area is a mix of Edwardian and Victorian houses and is unashamedly middle class and predominantly white.

Andrew Smith, the Oxford East MP, urged the mosque's leaders to consult fully with the local community so that a "common sense" solution could be found before putting in an application to the council.

Work on the two million pound mosque started seven years ago and is due for completion later this year, although it is operating with 700 regular worshippers. (ANI)