Europe’s largest Islamic gathering held in Blackburn at the weekend sparks 'parking chaos'
Wednesday 31 July - Numerous complaints have been made about ‘parking chaos’ surrounding Europe’s largest spiritual gathering held in Blackburn at the weekend.
More than 20,000 Muslims visited at the weekend to take part in the Tablighi Ijtima, an Islamic congregation, which was held Frontier Park near junction six of the M65.
Jacqueline McGrew, the chairwoman of the Whitebirk and Intack Tenants and Residents Association, said that cars were blocking pavements and driveways across several streets.
She said: 'No one on these streets were told about this event. We were very angry because cars were parked everywhere.'
'It’s not about who has parked there or what the event is about, it’s about the fact these cars should not be parked in this way.'
A local resident, who identified herself as Anne, said: 'There were huge car parking issues throughout the day. It was chaos. We were not told of the event and there was loud noise late at night and during the early morning.'
'People were parking their cars in the street without a care for residents. There were no cones or anything.'
Another resident said people were 'effectively prisoners in their own homes' as a result of the bad parking.
Worshippers arrived and left at staggered times throughout the event and Sunday morning saw the biggest attendance with more than 10,000 participating in prayers.
Sayyed Osman, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s director of adult services, prevention and strategic commissioning, said the council highlighted concerns during the event planning stage to the organisers.
He said: 'We were disappointed that some visitors to the event parked in streets and not in the designated parking areas.'
'We understand from speaking to police that they received numerous complaints.'
'Clearly there are learning points for the future that will be addressed.'
Author's comment: It is typical for this sort of event to generate numerous problems for local residents, which are left largely unaddressed by organisers. The same problems occur around local mosques at prayer times, and are one of the reasons that Gavin Boby, 'the Mosque-Buster' enjoys so much success with his role in having planning permission refused for mosques.
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