Eruv to 'go live' in Borehamwood and Elstree this weekend

The original planning application for the boundary was passed in 2007 and amendments to the plan were unanimously approved by Hertsmere Borough Council's planning committee in November last year.

The construction of the eruv, made up of 34 sets of poles and connecting wires, was put up in July this year.

The eruv is used by Orthodox Jews to carry out tasks which are usually prohibited on the Sabbath, such as carrying or pushing.

Hertsmere Borough Council's planning department advised the Ebor Eruv Trust in July that retrospective consent must be obtained for the relocation of some of the final pole positions.

At a planning meeting in September, half of the 34 eruv poles were approved, but decisions on a remaining 17 had to wait until officers made site visits.

Officials were asked to check colours of some of the poles, consider whether others may need anti-climb paint and in one case ensure there is space allowing a double pushchair to get through.

Councillors agreed to defer the decision to the head of planning and building control, Polly Harris Gorf, to allow time for officers to make the site visits.

A spokesman on behalf of the Ebor Eruv Trust said: “We are delighted to confirm that, subject to the standard weekly checking procedures, and the possibility of inclement weather, the Elstree and Borehamwood Eruv will 'go live' this coming weekend.”

Councillor Derrick Gunasekera, chairman of the Elstree and Borehamwood Planning Committee, said: “I signed the letter two weeks ago to confirm all this has gone through and the eruv will indeed be going live this weekend.

“The work is complete and everything is ready to go. We are glad to finally get there after three years but the time taken was so that all sides could be as happy as possible with the eruv.

“There were a number of objections the committee had to work through to get to this stage and hopefully we have resolved those problems now.”