Police answer why officers were present at controversial meeting (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Police answer why officers were present at controversial meeting

8:56am Friday 12th February 2010 in News By Alexandra Barham

OFFICERS were called to a planning meeting in case tempers flared during a vote on a controversial application to build a mosque in London Colney, police have said.

The application to convert Cemex House into an Islamic centre was given the green light, despite strong opposition from residents, citing parking, traffic issues, road safety and noise as prime objections, during a heated meeting at St Albans Civic Offices on Monday night.

Hertfordshire Constabulary today confirmed that officers attended the hearing to deal with any possible disruptions amongst villagers and members of the Muslim community, who turned out in force to hear councillors vote.

Police spokeswoman Nicola Lawrence told the Review today: "Some residents in London Colney have opposed a planning application for the mosque and police officers attended the planning meeting to ensure no problems occurred as a result of the opposing views of attendees." Although residents were left furious by the decision, police intervention was not necessary.