Bradford is set to be named as one of the areas which will benefit from cash to tackle Islamaphobia and "win the hearts and minds" of young Muslims.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly and Community Cohesion minister Phil Woolas want councils to work with the Muslim community to crack the ongoing battle.

A £5 million Government scheme will be announced this month after discussions with local authorities on how they can respond to the threat posed by violent extremists.

It is not yet known how many councils will benefit but Mr Woolas told the Telegraph & Argus it was "more than likely" Bradford would gain.

He said: "I am emphasising there is no reason, nor do I have evidence that there are extremists in the area. However, there was no evidence in Leeds before the July 7 bombings.

"We want to win the hearts and minds of young Muslims and in Bradford we are asking the Council and all community organisations of all faith groups to help make this happen. We want to deter people who might be attracted by Osama Bin Laden's evil message."

Mr Woolas said councils and police will be asked to work together. The measure comes as the Government hopes to prevent a repeat of the bombings which shook the capital and killed 52 commuters during a morning rush hour.

But Bary Malik, chairman of Ahmadiya Muslim Assoc-iation, fears throwing money at a specific group will only alienate other minorities.

He said: "The Government is again singling out the Muslim community which will create diversity.

"Creating artificial projects will not solve the problem. We need to go to grass root level and find out why people believe extremist views. Only then will we get results. We want people kept away from extremist acts but showcase projects are not the answer.

"I fail to understand how local authorities will be able to remove the threat without co-operation at grass root level, but obviously hope it will be successful."

Rashid Awan, president of the Pakistan society of West Yorkshire, said the cash could unite communities and ensure young people feel they belong.

He said: "It is great news. Constructive projects will contribute towards eliminating extremism and it needs to be done in a systematic way. The money could help educate young people so they are seen to be cared for and part of the community and part of the institution of Bradford and bringing them together will be an important move."

A Department of Commun-ities and Local Government spokesman said the announcement was part of a "huge" programme of work under way across Government to tackle extremism.

In November the Govern-ment announced it would push ahead with creating forums to tackle extremism - an idea put forward in the T&A by Mr Awan.

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