Jewish school scheme 'is a terrorist risk'

Residents opposed to a Jewish school's expansion plans claim the extension may make a terrorist attack more likely.

Akiva School in Barnet, part of the Sternberg Centre, wants to put up a new building with £6.7million of government funding.

Residents have formed the Manor House Area Preservation Group to oppose the plan. Their main objections are extra traffic and parking problems.

The group, headed by Dr Kim Bryan, has also brought attention to the 10 CCTV cameras the Sternberg Centre has installed, which the residents say are to protect it against terrorist attacks.

He asked: "Why then put these high-profile buildings in such close proximity to residents and St Theresa's Primary School?"

Supporters of the school's plans say the residents' argument is "outrageous".

Parent-governor Clive Sheldon said: "The Sternberg Centre has never been threatened by terrorism but, like all Jewish sites, vigilance is now sadly necessary."