MUSLIM groups in Kent have refuted claims made by a Bishop that Islamic extremists are turning parts of Britain into no-go areas for non-Muslims.

And they have asked the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, the Bishop of Rochester, to provide details of where he thinks they exist.

In a Sunday Telegraph article, the Bishop insisted those of a different faith or race might find it difficult to live or work in some areas dominated by a strict Muslim ideology.

But Anwar Khan, from the Kent Muslim Welfare Association, in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, said: "I am baffled.

"It is contrary to what the situation is on the ground. It is absolutely unfounded. If there is a particular place, or places, then the Bishop should pinpoint them and we can get together and do something about it."

Mr Khan, who is the association's coordinator in education and community cohesion, added: "He has struck something very dangerous. Why would he want to do that? I really don't know why such a highly intellectual person like him has done this.

It's time for us to come together."

Mohammad Idrees Shad, a senior representative from Folkestone Mosque, which also has members from Canterbury, Ashford, and parts of Thanet, said: "It is wrong what Bishop Nazir-Ali said. I don't believe in no-go areas. Everybody is free.

"In Folkestone, as a brotherhood, everybody is peaceful. As Muslims we live in peace. First of all, our religion teaches us to pay respect to every religion and every human being."

He stressed: "If someone is doing wrong then they don't believe in the religion.

"The rise of Islamic extremism has only occurred since 9/11. The Americans are the ones putting blame on Muslims and making the difference between Muslims and non-Muslims."

In the Sunday Telegraph article, the Bishop also expressed his concerns that the establishment of the Church of England was being eroded.

He said: "It is now less possible for Christianity to be the public faith. Chapels and chaplaincies in hospitals, prisons and institutions of further and higher education are in jeopardy either because of financial cuts or because the authorities want 'multifaith' provision without regard to the distinctively Christian character of the nation's laws, values, customers and culture.

"The establishment of the Church of England is being eroded both locally and at a national level.

"My fear is, in the end nothing will be left but the smile of the Cheshire Cat."