Traders support arrival of new synagogue (From Times Series)

Traders in Edgware support Barnet Borough Council's decision to allow new synagogue

2:29pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Emma Innes

Traders in an Edgware shopping parade have expressed their support for a new synagogue which is moving into the area.

Business owners in Edgware Way are supportive of Barnet Borough Council’s decision to grant KBA planning permission to open a small synagogue in Mowbray House, Edgware Way.

Elchonon Litke, director of Kosher Meat Centre Limited, said: “It will promote business. The synagogue will be quiet, I don’t think it will generate more noise.

“I am very supportive of it.

“I am very happy – it brings more customers in.

“The whole parade will be busier when it arrives.”

Tal Retchpaul, an optical technician at Fast Lens agreed.

He said: “I will support it. It will bring more people to the area and they will spend more money.

“Anyone coming to the community is a good thing.”

When the planning application was submitted some people expressed concerns that a new synagogue would cause parking problems in the area.

However, the traders do not agree.

Barry Abraham, manager of K Grill, said: “It is good that it’s coming here.

“There’s nothing wrong with it. I don’t see the negatives.

“I think a lot of the people will walk here so it shouldn’t cause a parking problem – I don’t see it causing any harm.”

Planning permission to open the synagogue was granted at a council meeting on October 4.

However, there are restrictions upon the new facility.

Planning officers have said that no more than 50 people will be allow to attend a service at any one time and the synagogue will not be permitted to hold weddings or Bar Mitzvahs.