Community relations in Pendle are at risk if a charity’s funding is cut, councillors have warned.

Fears are growing the Building Bridges charity in Pendle could lose a slice of funding if the government stops supporting the national Inter Faith Network. Councillors say the current Israel-Gaza conflict and the Burnley riots of more than 20 years ago show how cohesion in boroughs like Pendle cannot be taken for granted.

Government minister Michael Gove MP recently said he was ‘minded’ to withdraw funding to the national network over concerns about a trustee connected to the Muslim Council of Britain, which the government does not engage with.

Pendle’s Building Bridges has roots going back to the late 1980s. Its various activities aim to promote awareness of different backgrounds, friendship and common values.

At the latest full meeting of Pendle Council, a motion was backed, calling on the council to contact Michael Gove and Pendle Conservative MP Andrew Stephenson about the issues. It was put forward by Lib-Dem councillors Chris Church and Susan Land.

Separately, a motion about Gaza and Israel was also backed by all political parties. That reiterated the council’s motion from November, calling for peace, condemned the Hamas attack, murder of Israelis and hostage-taking, and subsequent death and destruction in Gaza. It called for humanitarian aid and a political solution with two-states of Israel and Palestine.

Speaking about the inter-faith motion, Coun Church said: “It might be noted by everyone that this proposal is coming in light of the Gaza situation. The work of interfaith associations has never been more important.”

The motion stated: “Council [all councillors] notes considerable and positive work done by Building Bridges, an interfaith association. Building Bridges brings people of all faiths and none closer together with mutual

respect, understanding and cooperation. We also note reports of a concerning rise in hate crimes in the UK, including increased cases of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

“The decision of the government to end all funding for the Inter Faith Network for the UK, which will result in the closure of the charity. Council believes the work of interfaith associations has never been more important. At this time, every effort should be made to bring faith communities together to tackle the challenges our society faces. It is deeply regrettable that the government has decided to end all funding for the Inter Faith Network for the UK.”

Coun Susan Land said: “I want to say how important these associations are. Although they have funding from other sources, it will be very difficult if part of the funding is cut. I think it’s important to support this organisation and show how the impact will affect the community.”

Lib-Dem David Whipp, the deputy leader of Pendle Council, said: “We had a Barnoldswick community iftar recently, attended by over 300 people of all faiths and none. It was partly supported by Building Bridges in Burnley. It was a huge success. People came along, ate together, and it showed we all part of the community – whether we are Christian, Muslim or of no faith.”

An iftar is an evening meal held after the sun has gone down during Ramadan.

Coun Whipp added:”I have been very concerned about community cohesion in Pendle over the years. Locally, Building Bridges has been a key player in bridge-building, in having a more cohesive society rather than a divided one. This cut is unfortunate, to say the least, and highly damaging.”

Labour’s Mohammed Iqbal said: “I support this motion. Building Bridges has done great work over the years. We have seen some difficult times. In the 2000s after the Burnley riots, there was a real risk that this would spill-over into Pendle. People were brought together in this town hall [Nelson} for talks and it was very important. ”

Coun Iqbal added that a Nelson community iftar is due at the mosque near Morrison’s supermarket and all residents are welcome.

Both motions were supported.