Cathedral to get CCTV to protect against attacks

Guildford Cathedral is to install CCTV with a fund to protect places of worship from potential attacks.

The cathedral will place 16 new security cameras both inside and outside its main building, which was made possible by the Home Office's Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme.

Guildford Borough Council has granted planning permission for these cameras to be installed across the Grade II* listed cathedral.

Planning documents state "due to the level of threat of terrorism in the UK remaining substantial" the cameras will "help deter attacks", and the work has been advised and funded by the government.

It comes after new legislation requiring premises to ramp up their security measures to safeguard against potential terror attacks was passed into law last year.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is also known as Martyn's Law – named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

A cathedral spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they "welcome this investment" into these security systems, which comes as part of its response to this changing legislation.

They said they were grateful to the Home Office for awarding the funding for additional CCTV, adding: "The improvements will support our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment for everyone who visits the cathedral."

The colours of the new cameras were chosen to be as discreet as possible, according to planning documents, and will broadly match the render of the walls.

Documents said: "Their visual impact is of little significance when considered against the possibility of damage of which the cameras will help prevent."

Council planning officers wrote in their approval that the cameras "would not have any adverse impact on the listed building".

The UK terrorism threat level was raised from "substantial" to "severe" in April – meaning a terrorist attack is deemed highly likely within the next six months.

This designation came following the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, North London.

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