PLACES of worship in Keighley with concerns over safety are being urged to apply for funding to improve their security.
The town’s MP, Robbie Moore, is encouraging them to bid for cash under the Government’s £3.2 million Places of Worship Protective Security Fund.
Grants can be used for measures ranging from more-secure gates to locks, alarms and CCTV systems.
The fund was established in 2016 but it was simplified and extended following the terrorist attack on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, last year, which killed more than 50 people.
Mr Moore has written to places of worship across the constituency thanking faith leaders for what they have done to support communities during the coronavirus pandemic, but also to raise awareness of the fund.
“Everybody has the right to worship without fear of attack or hateful discrimination,” he said.
“If any place of worship in our community feels at risk from hate crimes or attack, I would urge them to apply for this important funding to improve security.
“The pandemic has reminded us all of the importance of faith to so many people – and this Government is determined to keep our places of worship safe.”
For more details, visit gov.uk/guidance/places-of-worship-security-funding-scheme.
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