PARKING, road safety and fire fears have sparked a protest over plans for a Blackpool mosque.

Residents have collected a 350-name petition against the proposal to convert the old Cartmell Signs factory behind Revoe Library into a mosque.

The Islamic community has rented rooms at Revoe Library for Friday worship for the past few years.

Petition organiser Mrs Brenda Croft, whose Central Drive home fronts the proposed site, said: "I agree the Muslims need somewhere to worship and I've nothing against that, I just object to the fact that there isn't the parking space in the area to accommodate them.

"It creates a fire hazard because the fire engines can't get access when the area is choked with cars."

Another neighbour said : "With 840 pupils at Revoe School nearby it causes a danger to children and public safety."

With 80 to 100 worshippers, the Muslims have outgrown their first mosque in Rigby Road, opened in 1992.

Islamic Mosque Committee chairman Dr Ghafoor Baloch said: "The majority of worshippers don't use cars because they live in the area."

Eight to ten parking spaces would be provided with the new mosque, he said, alleviating street parking.

"It will have to be passed by the fire authorities before we get final approval," said Dr Baloch.

"They will ensure there is no problem.

"We certainly have a lot of regard for our neighbours and we'll make sure there's no disturbance."

Blackpool regeneration and development committee is expected to assess the plan at its April 6 meeting.

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