HIGH Wycombe MP Paul Goodman has defended the Muslim Education Centre in Totteridge Drive against claims of extremism.

The centre has been the topic of much public and media speculation since the terror arrests and workers there asked for the chance to put the record straight.

Neighbours had claimed that some of the arrested men visited the centre after being thrown out of a mainstream High Wycombe mosque in Jubilee Road. The Jubilee Road Mosque denied the claims, saying they have never banned anyone from there.

Mr Goodman said: "I've been to the centre twice by invitation.

"My experience of it has been positive. When I last went, children were specifically being instructed in relation to growing up as good British citizens."

The Muslim Education Centre opened in 1999 and serves the community as a part-time school, bookshop and advice centre.

Zaffar Iqbal, 56, who works in the centre's bookshop, said: "It is not in any way extremist."

Mr Iqbal said that adults can use a room at the back to pray in, however it does not have the status of a mosque and there are no lectures or rallies held there.

He said the centre was collectively funded by people in the surrounding Muslim community and had helped many people.

He said: "The children used to fight in the streets but now they come here and learn Arabic and about good morals."

Mr Iqbal added that the teaching consisted of Arabic language classes to help the children read the Koran and memorise it by heart. He said the books they stocked were not special texts and were widely available in any Islamic book store.

In September the centre celebrated the achievements of its pupils at an award ceremony attended by Mr Goodman, former town mayor Cllr Mohammed Liaquat Ali and the vicars of St Andrew's and St Francis of Assisi churches, in High Wycombe. The guests praised the centre's work to develop understanding and promote peace in the community.

Police did visit the bookshop last Friday, but confirmed they were only there to speak to local people over any concerns they may have had following the police operation in the area.