PRAYERS could be off the agenda at council meetings, following a High Court ruling that they are “unlawful”.

The National Secular Society has succeeded in bringing legal action against a Devon council, with Mr Justice Ouseley ruling that local councils have no power to hold prayers as part of a formal meeting or to summon councillors to a meeting where prayers are on the agenda.

The judgement is being seen as a test case and Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch councils are among those that will now consider whether they need to change their proceedings.

A spokesperson for the Borough of Poole said they had no current plans to scrap prayers and Cllr John Beesley, deputy leader of Bournemouth Council, said: “We are aware of the case and the council will take the implications of the judgement into consideration for future council meetings.”

Councillors are divided on the issue. Cllr Roger West, a member of Dorset Humanists, said: “I’m pleased with this ruling.

“I’m passionate about diversity and equality and I think prayers of any nature can be seen to be divisive, particularly in a multi-cultural society like Bournemouth.”

And Cllr Beverley Dunlop agreed: “I would be happy to see prayers scrapped before council meetings.

“I believe religion and faith is a lifestyle choice and is something that you need to pursue in your private life.”

But Cllr Stephen Chappell said: “I would be very sad to see prayers go.

“It’s part of our tradition.”