One of the busiest synagogues in the country has been threatened with closure and needs £200,000 of essential work to its ageing building.

Salford's Machzikei Hadass Synagogue, used daily by around 1,000 people, has been refused insurance and wil need to close unless it completes a £20,000 electrical overhaul. But the MH executive have said the major works must also include replacing almost all flooring, costing hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Jon Manson, director of the Manchester branch of the Jelf-Manson insurance group, said that old communal buildings were being affected as underwriters consolidated their risks.

He said: "More fires are started by faulty electrics than any other causes. It seems insurance companies are not prepared to take a more liberal attitude in the current financial climate".