A MUSLIM charity has repaid £2,300 of taxpayers' money to the council after worshippers raised concerns about how the cash had been spent.

The Jalalabad Association, which runs the mosque in Vincent Road, Worcester, says that the money has been sat in its bank account since 2012.

Former county councillor Allah Ditta signed off on two council payments to the charity to pay for a new IT system and a day trip.

However, worshippers claimed the mosque had not bought PC equipment or organised a day trip.

Mohammod Abu Taher, aged 29, the new secretary of the Jalalabad Association, said: "The money was never spent.

"The funds were left in our reserve funds account.

"We received a letter [from the county council] saying 'if you have the money can you send it back to us'. That's what we did."

The council confirmed it had received Jalalabad Association's £2,300 cheque at the beginning of March.

The secretary claimed the charity decided against buying an IT system because it feared the equipment would be stolen, following a burglary a few years ago.

He added that the charity also failed to organise a day trip because it was not able to agree a date with families, due to clashing schedules.

Mr Taher said the Jalalabad Association now has five new trustees, replacing their three predecessors who stepped down on February 3.

The former secretary, chairman and treasurer have also been replaced, after their resignations last month.

Mr Taher said: "We are also working towards a new constitution.

"This is a learning curve for all of the individuals within the community, especially Jalalabad Association members. We accept out shortcomings.

"There was a naivety about how to run the charity but... there was never a concern that money was being misused."

He added that membership fees will now be taken by direct debit, while donations taken during prayers will be logged on a list and witnessed by two members of the mosque's leadership team.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said: “The council has now received a cheque for £2,300 from the Jalalabad Association. The matter is now closed.”

READ MORE: The county council launched an investigation into the charity.

The Charity Commission is currently investigating the Jalalabad Association.

A spokesman said: "Our inquiry into Jalalabad Association remains ongoing. As such we’re unable to comment further at this time so as not to prejudice the outcome of the inquiry. Once it has concluded we intend to publish a full report on the outcome of the inquiry.”