Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation may be on the move from its Wootton Garden premises, members have been informed in a letter from the synagogue executive.

Shul president Harvey Lipsith stressed that the search for a new site is in its infancy.

"A planning committee has been meeting for several months to review the feasibility for relocating," he explained.

"Although a move is not imminent, it was felt necessary to advise the congregation, and to seek their approval.

"The Wootton Gardens complex is too large for the congregation's needs. It is old and expensive to maintain and its location is no longer satisfactory, being in the heart of Bournemouth's lively nightlife."

Established in 1905, the congregation has been at its has been at its purpose-built town centre site since 1910.

One of its oldest members is Alan Citron, 86, who reflected: " I feel very sad but I can appreciate the reasons behind such a move - it's an old building and needs a lot of maintenance. Our shul fees therefore keep going up and many of our community are living on a fixed income."

His wife Sara added: "On a personal level it upsets me to think it would be gone. It holds so many happy memories, including our son's barmitzvah and daughters' weddings."

An extraordinary meeting to discuss the issue takes place at the end of the month.