A former church is to be turned into a mosque, it was announced at a public meeting which was called after concerns were raised about work taking place on the grounds. Chew Moor Methodist Church closed last year after serving the community for almost 170 years. Recently work has been taking place on church grounds, which residents likened to their own ' village green'.
They say it has been "torn up" by workmen leaving residents upset. They met with ward councillor Anne Galloway, councillor for nearby Westhoughton , Martin Tighe, and prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency Chris Green last night (June 26) at Tempest United's club house to discuss their concerns. Cllr Martyn Cox outside the church (Image: UCG) Almost a hundred people packed the meeting, with some people stood outside to hear what was being said.
Cllr Anne Galloway told residents that she had met with one of the developers for the site. She said: "He said that it is going to be a mosque and a madrasa. It would not require a change of use.
"If it changed to a community centre as well, then a change of use would be required." (Image: Newsquest) Although no planning application for a change of use would be required, she said there are plans to put a car park next to the church, which would need a planning application. She said she raised concerns to him about opening times, as prayer rooms and mosques can open as early as around 4am in the summer.
Cllr Galloway said she was told the "majority" woul.
