Religious groups waiting to see if they will be given a cash boost to improve their places of worship have been told the decision has been delayed.

Successful applicants to the first round of Tower Hamlets Council’s “Community Faith Building Scheme” funding programme were due to be unveiled by the end of January, but the Town Hall says the decision has been delayed.

It claims the hold up is a result of the high number of applications received.

Grants of up to £75,000 are up for grabs from a £2million kitty in the first round of the scheme, in a bid to help faith groups repair and improve their buildings.

A council spokesperson could not confirm when the successful applicants would be announced.