Thousands of people sign anti-Worcester Park mosque petition

More than 3,500 people have signed a petition against a mosque being built in Worcester Park.

An Islamic association wants to convert the disused Bank Chambers building in Green Lane into a car-free mosque. But campaigners who do not believe the group’s claims that no-one will travel to the proposed mosque by car have organised a petition and collected more 3,737 signatures.

Plans to turn the derelict building into a mosque were rejected by Sutton Council in December on the grounds it would bring too much traffic to the area. But the new plans, from Cunnane Town Planning LLP, claim “extensive travel planning procedures” will mean people do not drive to the building.

The council’s development control committee will make a decision on the plans at a later date. More than 500 letters objecting to the new plans have also been sent to the council.

Earlier this month, the Sutton Guardian revealed the proposed site of the mosque had been targeted by racist vandals who daubed a swastika on the building’s door.

Sutton Guardian, 23 June 2013