More than 400 residents have signed a petition against parking chaos near Bournville Masjid and Community Centre on Cob Lane, with claims that up to 130 cars attending the mosque are compromising safety.
Residents Raise Safety Concerns
Residents say drives and junctions are being blocked, buses struggle to navigate roads, and cars park on footpaths. People with pushchairs and mobility scooters are forced into the road. The former church hall on Cob Lane had stood empty for over a decade before Bournville Village Trust leased it to the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association, becoming the Bournville Masjid and Community Centre in July 2024.
Community Feels Misled
Robert Thornewell, a retired company director, said: "People in Bournville don't have a problem with it being a place of worship, whatever the faith. But residents were not consulted and the current scale of use is impacting on them." The petition has gathered over 400 signatures from the most affected streets.
Mosque Association Responds
The South Birmingham Muslim Community Association said it had "gone to every effort to address and alleviate these concerns" including weekly reminders to park considerately and volunteer marshals. The association is also seeking a dedicated parking site nearby. It disputes the vehicle numbers quoted and says it has experienced harassment and hate crimes, which have been dealt with by West Midlands Police.
Residents have turned to local MP Al Carns for help, who advised them to launch the petition.
