Cathedral in leafy English town installs security cameras amid fear of attack

A cathedral in a leafy British town in Surrey has been forced to install security cameras amid fears of attacks.

Guildford Cathedral has secured planning approval to install 16 new CCTV cameras across its Grade II listed premises, with funding provided through the Home Office's Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme.

The scheme exists to safeguard religious sites from violent attacks.

Guildford Borough Council granted the green light for the surveillance equipment to be positioned both internally and externally throughout the main building.

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Planning documents submitted to the local authority stated that the heightened terrorism threat level in the UK made expanding camera coverage necessary to help deter potential attacks on the cathedral.

Council officers concluded the cameras would not adversely affect the listed building.

A cathedral spokesman told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they "welcome this investment" into the security systems as part of their response to changing legislation.

They said: "We are grateful to the Home Office for awarding Guildford Cathedral funding through the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme, which will enable us to install additional CCTV across the cathedral site.

"The improvements will support our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment for everyone who visits the cathedral."

The installation follows new legislation passed last year requiring premises to strengthen their security measures against potential terror attacks.

The cameras have been selected in colours designed to blend as seamlessly as possible with the cathedral's wall render, according to planning documentation.

The documents acknowledge that despite efforts to choose discreet equipment and positioning, some cameras will remain visible to those examining the building closely.

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However, the planning submission argued that any visual impact is of minimal significance when weighed against the potential damage the surveillance system could help prevent.

Council planners noted in their approval that the development's scale and nature, combined with the site's distance from other sensitive properties, would create no unacceptable impact on neighbouring amenity.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, commonly known as Martyn's Law, became law last year.

The legislation takes its name from Martyn Hett, who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

Britain's terrorism threat level was elevated from substantial to severe in April, indicating authorities believe an attack is highly likely within the coming six months.

This escalation followed the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London.

The cathedral's security upgrade forms part of its broader response to the new legislative requirements compelling venues to enhance protective measures against potential terrorist incidents.

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