Neighbours of South Manchester Synagogue in The Firs, Bowdon, are upset at the granting of an extension in opening hours for the shul's functions hall.

Residents of the quiet suburb tried to block the extension application at a council planning meeting, citing parking and noise issues. The functions suite can accommodate 300 people but there is limited parking space. However, the council granted a licence for opening until midnight for a 12-month trial period.

"No one's happy about it," maintained neighbour Pamela Evans. "We have two restaurants at the end of the road so it's a bit much to have something else open until midnight." But synagogue secretary Sim Goldblum pointed out: "There is a free car park about 200 metres away and we are working with other providers to give us additional parking. The 12-month trial was an appropriate compromise."