A TOWN has expressed its "abhorrence" for hate crimes in an attempt to make it safer for all in the community.

All members of Barrow Borough Council united to approve the motion, drafted by councillor Alec Proffitt, following an alleged threat to a gay pride night in the town last month.

Members of the town's LGBT community attended the full council meeting on Tuesday night, with councillors reassuring everyone of their importance in Barrow.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Mike Cassells said: "Hate crime impacts on anybody who may already feel isolated and vulnerable. The safety of our streets and community is something I take for granted.

"We all have a role to play in promoting acceptance. I don't need to make another coming out speech today, because I'm not out. I'm in and part of this community."

Councillors also praised the emergency services for their rapid response to the incident.

The motion said: "This council records its abhorrence for all crimes based on prejudice, intolerance and hatred. It reiterates its commitment to working with the whole community and all partner organisations to ensure that the borough of Barrow in Furness is an inclusive and accepting society no matter of sexual orientation, race, religion, gender, age or disability.

"The council will do all it can to ensure that it helps to break down barriers and to build bridges with all groups that could be the subject of such divisive and hateful crime and reassure everyone that the borough is a tolerant and safe place to live for all.

"The council also wishes to record its gratitude for the swift and effective police intervention on attempted hate crimes recently, and the reassurance this has provided to members of the public.

"It is particularly impressive considering the financial and resource pressure our emergency services are under.

"We're calling on central government to invest further resource in the UK's emergency services in order that their excellent work in combating extremism, in all of its forms, and protecting the public can continue effectively."