Charity aims for better relations

The Near Neighbours programme has received 35 grant applications for work to help to build community cohesion in Bradford, Burnley, Oldham, Leicester and areas of London and Birmingham.

The charity, created by the Church Urban Fund and the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England, awards small grants of up to £5,000 and has approved more than £98,000 of funding for 26 projects so far.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, who attended the launch of the scheme in Bethnal Green, east London, said the project marked the next chapter in the “proud and unbroken tradition” of faith groups giving back to local communities.

“They enrich their neighbourhoods and improve the lives of those around them through practical action,” he said.

The launch of the project was supported by several senior bishops in the Church of England.

Baroness Eaton, chairman of Near Neighbours, told the gathering: “I come from Bradford, I grew up in Bradford.

“I think being born and bred in Bradford was a privilege because my life from a very early age was always full and enriched by the huge numbers of people who have made Bradford their home over centuries. Life was always stimulating, always exciting.”