CONTROVERSIAL plans to set up a mosque in Astley Bridge have been given the go-ahead.

The place of worship on Ramsay Street was given the green light after it went before the council's planning committee for the fifth time.

People living nearby had continually opposed the plans, sending 60 letters of objection. They claimed changing the use of the building would have worsened already poor traffic conditions near the street's junction with Belmont Road.

The disagreement between the applicant, Massid E Salam and Madrassa Trust, and residents came to a head when neighbours fenced off land near the building.

This site was to be used by the developers to build a car park for four vehicles - which was a condition of the project going ahead.

But councillors at a planning and highways committee meeting at the town hall yesterday voted for the plans to go ahead.

Some councillors said the applicants had done as much as they could to fulfil their obligation and the building should be allowed for worship.

The site at the moment is used as a madrassa, a place of learning. Adult prayers will now be allowed.

Residents said they felt there were enough mosques in the area and feared the price of their property would fall if traffic problems worsened.