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Faith groups and local authorities should work more closely together to build sustainable communities, according to the head of the Thames Gateway.

Chief executive, Judith Armitt, told the Faith In The Gateway seminar that faith groups had a key role in helping people access services and provide skills such as learning languages or IT.

She said: ‘It's a variable situation. Some faith communities do command respect and some don't.

‘We need councils and faith groups to start working together. But groups need to understand council processes. As in all negotiations, we have to engage on their terms.'