200 people regularly cram into this bungalow...used as illegal mosque

AN Islamic group has been told to clear out of an illegal mosque in a small bungalow after residents complained it is regularly crammed with as many as 200 people. Southend Council has received 150 complaints from angry residents in Fairfax Drive, Westcliff, since September 2010.

The Jaafriya Islamic Welfare Centre did not apply for change of use when it took over the two-bedroom chalet bungalow and began holding regular meetings.

In December 2010 the owner of the site also built an extension without planning consent.

Residents claim cars are parked on the pavement, bin bags litter the front of the property and there is noise at all hours of the night from running engines, slammed doors and raised voices.

Southend Council has now issued an enforcement notice after discovering the residential property is being used for religious celebrations and child education classes. (...)