The new chairman of Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation has pledged to work to restore “peace and harmony” to the warring Essex community.

Michael Nelkin was elected at Sunday’s AGM, at which previous board of management leaders were voted out.

The unprecedentedly high number of votes cast, almost 500, reflected concerns about the synagogue’s future direction in the light of the row over the influx of Chasidim into the congregation. Some voters had to wait almost an hour to cast their ballot because of a queue stretching down the street.

Around 300 members voted on the day, the rest by proxy or postal ballot.

Derek Silverstone failed in his bid for re-election as chairman. Kevin Leigh, the outspoken legal adviser to the shul board, was defeated by Michael Franks in the contest for vice-chair.  Aron Engel from the Chasidic community was elected as a non-executive member.

Prior to the AGM, letters were sent to members  suggesting that the newcomers were “totally against the way of life that the majority of our community follow” and urging recipients to vote for Mr Nelkin and Mr Franks. There is no suggestion either candidate had any involvement in the letters.

The key area of division has been the planned lease of the shul’s Talmud Torah building to the Chasidim for use as a school. Mr Nelkin promised that any proposed draft lease would be discussed, and voted on, by members. He wanted discussions with the Chasidim.