Potters Bar and Brookmans Park Synagogue has put its premises up for sale for £850,000.

The site includes a small one-storey building on the Great North Road at Bell Bar and an adjoining four-bedroomed bungalow, home to part-time rabbi Adam Hill and his family.

In its place, the 85-member family congregation is seeking a home in a more central location, preferably in Potters Bar itself, some three miles down the road. A committee led by board member Malcolm Ginsberg believes that a better positioned shul will attract new members.

As Mr Ginsberg acknowledged: "This is not the best moment to launch yourself on to the property market". But the timing reflects the conclusion of negotiations with the United Synagogue, which acquired the Bell Bar property 20 years ago. "The US has been extremely supportive of our making the move," he said.

"Should a sale go through without new premises having been found, an offer of temporary accommodation is on the cards."