A LONG-RUNNING dispute over the safety of an access road leading to a mosque and community centre is threatening to damage race relations in Watford.
Leggatts ward councillor Steve O'Brien claims the lives of children from nearby schools such as Cherry Tree Primary School in Berry Avenue will be put at risk by the road in north Watford, which he says flouts safety standards.
The Conservative councillor, who released a strongly-worded newsletter entitled A Message From Your Very Angry Councillor, has waged a battle against plans to build the lane off the A41 North Western Avenue since he was elected four years ago.
However, the Watford Mosque Committee supported by Watford Council insists the route has the approrpiate planning permission and its design meets safety requirements.
A spokesman at the mosque, which has been targeted by vandals and arsonists, said Councillor O'Brien had been told repeatedly the access road had been authorised.
He warned the conflict could harm relations with the town's Muslim community.
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