How Permanent is "Temporary" ?

Anyone else spot this little gem of information on the Hamptons Sports and Leisure Ltd Facebook page ?

CMS (Chelmsford Muslim Society) temporary prayer service !

This of course establishes that this isn’t a private hire (as we’ve always said), since the Chelmsford Muslim Society own the Hamptons, but the term temporary is alarming. Yet another attempt to deflect the growing anger from local residents and members. Let’s not forget that the CMS have another fully Covid compliant facility in Moulsham St, so they could pray there comfortably and safely.

Using a carefully prepared script council officials and Essex Police will tell you that they are aware that the venue is being used by the muslim community to hold prayers, and that the centre has been used by a number of religious groups for similar events. This is a complete fabrication. Having spoken to an ex member of staff of more than 10 years standing, we are satisfied that the Hamptons has never been used for mass congregational worship.

The use of the Main Hall for worship is a completely wilful and deliberate planning breach which has been ongoing since 31/07/20. Chelmsford Muslim Society were informed on the 22/09/20 by Chelmsford City Council that they required planning permission to use the Hamptons as a Place Of Worship. Without any enforcement action and in the absence of any planning application, we fear this “temporary” use will become permanent.

This will also mean that the presence of four or more police officers will become a regular sight on Fridays, hardly a positive effect on the residential amenity…and a catatstrophe if you are trying to sell your property. Let’s not forget the £33 per hour per officer that it costs the public purse !

Apart from a few statements issued in January, the Chelmsford Muslim Society have made no attempt to keep residents informed and engaged. Their actions and continued public silence shows a degree of contempt for the club members, their families and local residents who supported and used the centre since it opened in 2012.