"We would not even think of doing anything which will be inconvenient for our neighbours. We have always worked with the community. We are part of it and always will be."
Source/Credit: Scunthorpe Telegraph
By Scunthorpe Telegraph | January 11, 2015
OBJECTIONS raised to the building of a mosque in Scunthorpe are "fear of the unknown", it is claimed.
Concerns have been raised over plans to knock down and replace the bungalow currently used by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association at 53 Cliff Closes Road.
The concerns are based around parking issues that may be caused.
The bungalow has been used as a mosque for 12 years, but because it is in a poor state the association is hoping to build one that is smaller in footprint, and slightly taller with a dome.
Many residents have written to North Lincolnshire Council to express their concerns claiming the road is "very busy during the hours of worship".
Muzaffar Ahmad, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Scunthorpe, said the association has bought the neighbouring bungalow which has some open space that will be used for parking.
"In 2002 we could see there were a lot of concerns and a fear of the unknown from local residents. We did get the permission and the fears were allayed," he said.
"The concerns this time again reflect a fear of the unknown. There's no increase in membership. All we are trying to do is have a purpose-built mosque.
"The bungalow is decrepit and needs replacing. There is no access for disabled people or a creche for the children. The new one will be functional and practical.
"I know neighbours have reservations about parking. At the moment we have six to seven places in the bungalow. These proposals will increase that to 12 places."
Referring to one of the objection letters from someone living in London stating there would be 100 worshippers "increasing noise and disturbance", he said: "Over the last 12 years not on a single occasion have we had 100 cars."
He said there are 20 to 22 families that are part of the mosque and they can double park because everyone is in there at the same time.
"We would not even think of doing anything which will be inconvenient for our neighbours," he said.
"We have always worked with the community. We are part of it and always will be.
"Ahmadiyya Muslims can't pray in other mosques and haven't been able to for 125 years.
"Anyone is welcome to come and pray. We don't stop anyone coming to the mosque."
At present, there are also parking restrictions between 8am to 8pm, meaning in the summer worshippers have to park on the street for late and early prayers.
However Mr Ahmad hopes these will be lifted so they can park in the mosque car park.
This was reiterated by a former resident who said if they were lifted in the car park, there would be "minimal disturbance" and added: "I can not ask for a better neighbour than them."
Read original post here: UK: Objections to new Scunthorpe mosque are ‘fear of unknown’
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