Bradford’s Reform congregation has reluctantly agreed to the sale of its Grade II listed building as “a very last resort”.

The proposal was supported at an EGM on Monday, despite opposition from within the 35-member shul.

Those against the sale include Rachel Yosef, who feels it would be the “death blow” for Bradford Reform. “We need to seize on the last fragment of hope and raise enough money to ensure that this sale does not happen.”

Joint chairman Rudi Leavor said afterwards that the community was pinning its hopes on “a white knight”. The shul council had approached the Lord Mayor’s office for funds and had also been working with the Historic Chapels Trust. “The building is loved by all its members, but unfortunately sentimentality does not pay the bills. Any sudden major expense may cause bankruptcy.”