AS Muslims across Bury celebrate Eid al-Fitr this weekend, the council has joined Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in expressing gratitude to the Muslim communities during Ramadhan.

With current social distancing guidelines making celebrations challenging this year, the Council and GMP wrote to community leaders acknowledging the immense sacrifices made during the Holy Month.

By not attending Mosques and limiting contact with friends and family, the Muslim community has helped save lives and ease pressure on the NHS.

The communication also recognised the work of Bury’s Muslim communities who have joined in a borough-wide effort to support, feed and keep safe vulnerable people.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council, said: “On behalf of the Council, I hope Allah brings you all joy, happiness, peace and prosperity and wish you and your family well on this happy occasion of Eid.

“Holy month has brought significant challenges but I would like to thank Bury’s Muslim community for adapting to observe Ramadhan in different ways, for example using technology to ensure people can hear prayers at home.

“These exceptional arrangements will continue as people celebrate Eid in their own homes with those they live with, rather than in mosques or open spaces.

“We offer our deepest thanks to our Muslim communities for continuing to follow social distancing guidance, and also for their valued support in helping with the Borough’s effort in helping our most vulnerable people during this COVID-19 crisis.”