THE long-running row over control of a Leyton mosque could finally be at an end.

The current Waltham Forest Islamic Association (WFIA) committee and an opposition group have been locked in a bitter dispute over control of the Lea Bridge Road Mosque since 2006.

The row began after the opposition group claimed the committee refused to hold elections or call an AGM, meaning they were in place "illegally".

And problems escalated earlier this year when a number of members of the opposition group were barred from the mosque, leading to protests.

But the committee has staunchly defended itself, saying they were always willing to hold elections and that complaints from the opposition to the Charity Commission had stalled them.

The Charity Commission also launched an inquiry into the purchase of a building using WFIA funds after it was found to have "no properly appointed trustees".

Both sides made allegations of violence against one another and supporters of the opposition group staged the protests outside the mosque.

Claims were also made that Muslims from other sects had been allowed to register at the mosque despite stipulations in the constitution that only Sunni Brailvis should be allowed to do so.

But following mediation through the Muslim Arbitration Tribunal, Waltham Forest police and the Charity Commission, an agreement has now been reached and elections for a new committee are to be held in July.

Tariq Mahmood, 52, a businessman of Leyton and a representative of the opposition group, said: "Everything's in order now. The opposition and the governing group have come to an agreement to process the new registration for membership."

Those who worship at the mosque must register themselves as Sunni Brailvi Muslims before they can vote in the election and the process is due to begin on June 21.

Mr Mahmood added: "We've had an important breakthrough, accommodated by both parties."

He said he is "over the moon" about the outcome of the mediation and praised borough commander Chief Superintendent Mark Benbow for his support.

Imtiaz Qadir, 51, of the Drive, Walthamstow, who is a member of the current committee, said: "The election process is underway and we're pretty happy about that."

Both sides agreed that the support of the police was essential and said the solution was only reached after they were able to sit down and discuss it.

Mediation between the two groups was ongoing for about three months, after the dispute came to a head earlier this year.

The elections were announced after a Charity Commission representative made a visit to the mosque on May 15, and will be held on July 12. The Commission cannot comment as it has yet to release a formal report on its inquiry.