Motivated by a desire to "save the community in south London", a lawyer from New Malden is fronting a committee working towards the first Jewish primary school in the area.

Lawrence Kingsley last week presided over the inaugural meeting of the South West London Jewish Primary School Project, attended by professionals from across the Jewish spectrum. The aim is for a cross-communal school for children from south London and Surrey.

"There is a Jewish community here but there won't be for much longer because all the young people are moving to north London so that their children can go to Jewish schools," Mr Kingsley said. Only one of his four daughters still lives in South London, where the Jewish population is estimated at 13,000.

He believes an inclusive school could also help to attract new families to south London and says it "will open in the area with the most demand. I am seeking the advice of teachers and fundraisers to work it all out."

The committee is in consultation with local authorities and is seeking advice on financial backing. Mr Kingsley wants the school to open as soon as possible.

South London Chabad director Rabbi Nissan Dubov sees a Jewish school as an "essential" focal point for a widespread Jewish population.

"It would both reinforce Jewish knowledge, instil Jewish pride in our youngsters and would create a social network. Sunday cheders are praiseworthy but are not adequate."