An inaugural meeting for people interested in establishing a United Synagogue congregation in Mill Hill East attracted a turnout of 50, including officers of nearby synagogues.

Activities for children and explanatory services were among the issues raised, co-host Avi Gillis reported.

But most importantly, "people were just so happy at the thought they could have some kind of communal provision in this area, because there hasn't been any from any affiliation for so long.

"We had a mixed crowd of young families and older people and some clients from the Jewish Blind & Disabled base around the corner who are very interested in having somewhere close by to daven."

Mr Gillis, 31, denied that the prospective community would be a source of friction with the US shuls in Mill Hill and Woodside Park.

"I've heard nothing negative at all. It's been the opposite, frankly. Someone from Woodside Park was happy to have us on board to get the local eruv up and running.

"The more open we've been, the more they come to the realisation that we can work together on this. No one's stepping on each other's toes."

A working group would be the next step but Mr Gillis said he and co-organiser Josh Kleiman "want things to happen organically. We don't want to rush. A community should serve its constituents' needs, not the other way round. We're willing to take the time to think before making any big decisions."