Cllr Paul Sullivan also thanks Places of Worship and volunteers for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic
I am writing to all religious congregations in the Bingley Rural ward.
I would like to draw your attention to the Government’s £3.2 million Places of Worship Protective Security Fund.
My three decades policing experience makes clear it is not just inner city places of worship that suffer hate crimes.
You can submit a bid for funding until 23:59 on 9 August 2020 on this link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/places-of-worship-security-funding-scheme
I think this is an opportune moment to register my personal thanks to faith leaders of Cottingley, Cullingworth, Denholme, Harden & Wilsden for all you have done to support our community throughout the Coronavirus outbreak.
It all contributes to Safer and Stronger Communities.
Faith communities have gone without collective worship in order to protect public health. I know from my own experience how difficult it has been to forgo Holy Mass.
Please convey my thanks for their resolve, especially to those who have also volunteered to help their neighbours. I hope that very soon you are now able to admit people for individual prayer.
The Fund helps place of worship such as churches, mosques, gurdwaras, temples and associated faith community centres with funding to improve physical security. This can include more secure gates, locks, alarms and CCTV in order to deter and prevent hate crime attacks.
Funding was doubled to £3.2 million, simplified, and expanded, following last years’ tragic attack in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Since its introduction grants have helped the security of many faith communities. All faith groups have the right to worship without fear of attack or hateful discrimination.
The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has reminded us all of the importance of faith to so many people. HM Government is determined to keep our places of worship safe.
Cllr Paul Sullivan
