CONTROVERSIAL plans to incorporate a mosque into an islamic education centre in Clitheroe look set to be knocked back by councillors.

Residents have bombarded Ribble ValleyCouncil with letters of complaint about the proposals and two petitions, one with 550 signatures and another with 99, have been drawn up objecting to the plan. Residents say their main points of concern are noise, traffic and parking problems and the possibility that property would be devalued.

Many householders also believe that the facility on Holden Street could never be of benefit to the Muslim community as it would not be located in an area where Muslims live.

Two petitions supporting the application have also been received by the council - one containing 124 signatures and the other 53. One of the petitions contained a statement that the mosque would only be used for prayers and meditation and there would be no call to prayer.

A report to be put before Ribble Valley planning councillors says: "The council recognises the importance of meeting the needs of all religious groups but also recognises the need to prevent harm to the amenities in the area."

Clitheroe Town Council says it is not opposed to a mosque in the town but believes the proposed location on Holden Street is not ideal.

And the town's civic society has also objected to the plan on the grounds of the alterations that would be made to the street scene, and the possibility of increased traffic congestion.

Council planning chiefs have recommended councillors to reject the project at a meeting in Clitheroe Town Hall next Thursday.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.