A RISE in the number of divorces among Muslim couples is leading to an increase in criminal activity by followers of Islam, according to a mosque-based think-tank.

Vision 2020, launched at the Noor Ul Islam Trust in Leyton during Islam Awareness Week, says it aims to improve the borough over the next 10 years using principles from the faith.

Speaking at the event Faisal Raja said research shows divorce rates are rising and blamed family breakdown for an increase in the number of Muslim criminals.

He said: “We've come to a problem statement that comes from the weakening of community and the increase of individualism.”

A Vision 2020 report was handed council leader Chris Robbins, community safety cabinet member Cllr Afzal Akram and council officers from the authority's community cohesion department at the launch.

It includes recommendations such as publicising how Muslims believe Islam changes people's behaviour for the better and providing drug counselling at mosques.

The report also suggests increasing single-sex schools in the borough, claiming children who attend them perform better.

Survey results included in the report showed both Muslims and non-Muslims feel there is a 'lack of mutual respect and tolerance' for different groups in the borough.

The report, which is tailored mainly for a Muslim audience, suggests tackling this by promoting 'God consciousness' and the establishment of a gang reconciliation unit where 'truces and dialogue can take place'.

The Muslim community makes up about 20 per cent of the population in Waltham Forest and carries considerable influence, Cllr Robbins acknowledged.

He said: “The Muslim community within business has a powerful presence and in many ways, it will be the salvation of Waltham Forest.

“It will be a major driver in the future.”

Cllr Robbins pledged to take the report back to the council with a view to implementing some of its recommendations.

Although the report is specifically aimed at a Muslim audience it was suggested it could be tailored to appeal more to the wider community and could be seen as a 'consultation document'.

Cabinet member for community safety Cllr Afzal Akram, who attended as a cabinet member and a Muslim, added: “I will make sure this is put into the hands of the lead officer for community cohesion.”