A TEA party provided members of a St Albans Jewish community a glimpse of their future place of worship last weekend.

The St Albans Masorti Synagogue (SAMS) invited members of all ages to view plans for the development of the building in Campfield Road. The new premises will provide the congregation with their first fixed location to worship after 21 years of hiring different venues for their services.

Paul Hoffbrand, co-chair of SAMS, said they were delighted to finally have a home which would also allow them to strengthen their ties within the local community. He said: “Our members are very enthusiastic about the new site, as well as being mindful of the needs of our new neighbours. We intend to do our best to ensure that our presence will enhance the area.”

Work on the development, a former industrial unit, is expected to begin in October and it is hoped it will be completed by spring 2012.