JEWISH worshippers who break the laws of their own faith by driving on the Sabbath cause horrendous parking problems near a synagogue, planners have been told.

The car park at the synagogue at Hale Barns is not used, but worshippers' cars are left in nearby side roads within walking distance.

Cllr Barry Hepburn told Trafford's planning committee: "Putting traffic cones in the road makes no difference.

"They must move the cones or park on top of them. If they get parking tickets, they just pay the fines and come back and do it again the next week.

"The traffic and parking is appalling."

The committee was discussing an application to convert a 63-bed nursing home at The Firs, Bowdon, into a 200-seat synagogue -the plan was approved.

Nearby residents objected on the grounds of traffic hazards, noise and parking problems, drawing attention to problems at the existing synagogue in Shay Lane, Hale Barns.

Cllr David Merrell said he was pleased the Jewish community wanted a synagogue in Bowdon, but he was concerned about traffic and parking problems and did not think that the proposed site was suitable.

Although the applicants were prepared to enter into a legal agreement to place cones in the road, it was doubtful the police would enforce it.

Planning director Angus McIntyre stressed that the cones would only discourage parking - not stop it altogether.

The penalty for infringements was only a fine and those who could afford to pay would undoubtedly continue to park.

Cllr Steve Adshead said Jewish law prohibited the use of cars on the Sabbath and this was why the synagogue car park would not be used. He suggested the rabbi could assist the parking problem by turning a blind eye to parking on the car park.

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