FAITH leaders in Bradford are "excited" ahead of the proposed easing of lockdown rules next month, hoping that 19 July will bring a "sense of togetherness" back to the district's places of worship.

Members of the Sikh, Christian and Muslim communities say they are all longing for a "return to normality", something which Boris Johnson said yesterday is "very likely" to happen next month.

The Prime Minister suggested that a return to "pretty much life before Covid" is on the cards, news which faith leaders in Bradford have welcomed.

"Hopefully, things will go back to how they were at the start of 2020, before the pandemic", said Karen Kaur and Ajit Singh Gill, of the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara on Leeds Road.

"It's been difficult for everyone. At our gurdwara, we haven't been able to hold big events, such as weddings, and we've had a reduced capacity. It's been disappointing, but unfortunately, it's where we are right now - we have to abide by the rules.

"We've been offering langar since May, but on a much smaller scale than normal. We're hoping that by 19 July, we can offer it in full."

In Sikhism, langar is when people of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to eat together at the gurdwara. Karen and Ajit say it will be "amazing" to be able to have a langar without social distancing, or a limit on capacity, once again.

"The whole community gets involved with langar, so it's upsetting that there are limited numbers. But hopefully we can have that again, and people can come to the gurdwara for as long or as short as they want, without feeling that pressure about how long their visit can be", they said.

Reverend Nathan Javed, of GBM Churches, added that the relaxation of rules could bring back things which "have been lost for so long" at places of worship.

"It will bring a sense of togetherness back, and it will mean that relationships will be built again", he said.

"We have been practicing social distancing, wearing masks and using hand sanitiser, because we know that looking after each other is a huge thing.

"But it has been hard, and there are still gaps to overcome. People have been apart for so long, so it may feel like meeting for the first time again.

"On the financial side, churches are run on people's funding, so it's also been hard to run the building and pay the bills.

"But we're excited to see people again, as it's been over a year. I'm also excited to engage with our South Asian Christian communities again, too, and it will be a joy to see people face-to-face."

Hawker Hussain, a member of Salahadin Mosque off Little Horton Lane - which is an important hub for the city's Kurdish community - said the mosque always puts "safety first", but added that people are "excited" for 19 July nonetheless.

"We have limited capacity and everyone must wear a mask and bring their own prayer mats, and it has been difficult", he said.

"But hopefully, things will go back to normal on 19 July, and we can bring back our usual activities, such as Friday prayers and community meetings.

"Before Covid, we had a kids' area, where they could play and socialise together, and also learn more about our religion. We're excited for families to come together again at our mosque soon."

Dr Javed Bashir, a safeguarding consultant at Strengthening Faith Institutions - who helped to carry out Covid-19 risk assessments at places of worship in Bradford - added: "The reopening of places of worship will be a sign that life is returning to something like 'normality', but there is some uncertainty and concern over how the regulations such as social distancing and controlling numbers can actually be implemented", he said.

"Covid-19 still exists and can be dangerous, and faith leaders must carefully plan and decide when they feel they can put the required controls in place to reopen in the safest way possible.

"We have worked with dozens of faith institutions to help and support risk assessment and get them ready to re-open and will continue to do so in the coming weeks in the run up to 19 July."