AN Atheist councillor has welcomed a court ruling banning prayers at council meetings.

Liberal Democrat Jerry Patterson leaves Vale of White Horse District Council meetings when the Christian prayers are said.

Yesterday the High Court ruled the practice was unlawful under the Local Government Act 1972, as it was not necessary and could be divisive.

Mr Patterson, who represents Kennington and South Hinksey ward, said: “I objected to having it as a formal part of the meeting. It shouldn’t be forced on people who don’t share these views. I resent having to leave the meeting.”

He said prayers should be held in a separate room prior to the start of meetings.

The council is the only authority of its kind in the county to hold Christian prayers before every full council meeting.

Last May members voted to continue the custom. Matthew Barber, the Conservative leader of the council, said it would be a shame if prayers had to end.

He said: “It’s not compulsory for everybody and I think it should be for the council to decide whether it continues with prayers.”

However, Dr Evan Harris, the former Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said: “It’s not the council’s business to invoke the help of one particular, or any, deity.”

The National Secular Society took the case to the High Court, claiming prayers at town council meetings in Bideford, Devon, made non-believers and followers of other faiths feel uncomfortable.

Yesterday, David Buckle, the council’s chief executive, said: “We will take time to consider the implications of this verdict and make a decision in due course.”

Abingdon Town Council holds prayers at every full council meeting. Deputy town clerk Sandra Hill said: “It would be best for each council to look at the issue and decide democratically what to do.”