NEIGHBOURS have vowed to fight plans for a synagogue in a family’s garden over noise and traffic fears.

The Paneth family of Furtherwick Road, Canvey have submitted the plans.

But residents say they are worried about traffic, parking and noise issues and the operating hours of the Jewish prayer centre.

The family says it is working with the community and open to conversation.

Two petitions have been set up with more than 600 signatures and more than 100 people have objected on the Castle Point Council website.

Lisa Foster, 38, from Canvey, said it’s not the right location.

She said: “I am concerned about the noise and traffic and I just do not think it’s the right place for it. This is a quiet area and I’ve got young children who I do not want disturbed by the noise.

“Everyone I’ve spoken with does not want it and it’s not about the fact it’s a synagogue, I’d be against any development that causes issues with noise, traffic and parking.”

Valerie Hammond, 72, who lives next door to the home, said: “When they have smaller prayer events it’s loud and I think if this goes ahead there will be hundreds of people.

“I set up a petition going door to door and collected 580 signatures.”

Marco Figueira, 38, from Canvey also set up a petition with more than 100 supporters.

He said: “Canvey people are not opposed to a synagogue on the island and there’s one in Meppel Avenue with plenty of fields and it’s not a problem but there should not be one built down a residential street in a back garden.”

The Paneth family said: “The anticipated use means there will very little car use. Given the capacity of the premises, the build design and proximity to neighbouring properties, we do not anticipate that noise will be an issue at all.

“Although we have received many positive comments, clearly, there are concerns amongst some neighbours and residents, some of whom we have already engaged.

“It transpires that much of this is based on misinformation and fear of the unknown. We plan to address these concerns and work with our neighbours and the council in a constructive manner.”