Residents frustrated over 'nuisance' church traffic

Residents have raised concerns over "nuisance" traffic linked to a growing congregation at a non-mainstream Christian church in Peterborough.

KingsGate Community Church in Parnwell hosts regular services and outreach work, with about 2,000 worshippers attending on Sundays.

However, residents told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the services were causing "traffic disruption, noise, pollution" and "the ever-increasing numbers are something that needs to be addressed for the benefit of the whole community".

The church said "more people than ever" now come to its weekly services, and that "proactive work is ongoing to manage increasing traffic both on and off the KingsGate site".

KingsGate Peterborough is the founding hub, and the largest, in the wider KingsGate network, which includes campuses in Cambridge and Leicester.

The congregation moved to the site on Staplee Way in Parnwell in 2006 and has since grown to attract about 2,000 worshippers at its busiest services.

Lou, a local resident who did not wish to give their surname, said they were experiencing "a nuisance with queuing traffic... causing a lack of flow for local residents" on Sundays between 09:00 and 12:45.

"At times it feels like you are coming across football match traffic issues on a weekly basis," they said.

Labour's Sam Hemraj, who represents East ward on the city council, said the church did "fantastic community work", but described the congestion as "horrendous".

"For residents living around the Parnwell Road and Oxney Road area, it is a nightmare at times," she said.

"This [issue] is on my agenda. I think that the only way to alleviate [the traffic] is an improvement to the road.

"There were talks about extending Parnwell Way. But it goes down to [council] funding. I think… that road needs two lanes."

The church said it was "grateful to be part of the Parnwell community" and was exploring solutions, including use of additional car parks.

"We understand the frustrations expressed by some residents… and would welcome the opportunity to engage directly with members of the local community," a church spokesperson said.

Do you have a story suggestion for Peterborough? Contact us below.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.