Plans to erect 34 six-metre poles around Borehamwood to form a symbolic Jewish zone have been submitted to the borough council.

The eruv' is a continuous boundary designated in accordance with Jewish law. Religious rules generally prohibits Orthodox Jews from carrying or transporting on the Sabbath (Saturday), but these are permitted within the eruv.

The proposal has angered some members of the community who are worried about the impact the structures will have.

Tracy Gloster, of Gateshead Road, said: "I am annoyed about the way this has been handled. I did not receive a letter from the council but my neighbour did - and I will also be affected by the poles.

"They will be unsightly and spoil the look of our road. Secondly these poles are for a very small minority of people and will not offer anything to the rest of the community.

"The Jewish community has lived in the area for such a long time, so I cannot understand why suddenly it has to have this. I feel this is being inflicted on others of all religions."

The application was submitted to the council on February 9 by the Ebor Eruv Charitable Trust, which helps plan for the designated area/boundary.

On its website it states: "An eruv allows members of the community with poor mobility, such as mothers with babies, people with disabilities and the elderly, to come to the synagogue and visit friends and family on the Sabbath.

"More than 90 per cent of the perimeter is made of pre-existing boundaries like terraced houses and fences and so it will be mostly invisible.

"Where there is a breach in the perimeter that does require poles and wire, they will be inconspicuous among existing lampposts and telegraph poles and will be painted in muted grey."

The council has written to residents who live within the immediate area of each proposed.

Richard Grove, head of planning and building control at the council, said: "We are currently starting the consultation phase of the application and are seeking the views of residents within the immediate areas of gaps within the proposed eruv.

"It is important to stress, however, that the planning application is not for the eruv as such, it is only for the poles and wires relating to each gateway. The council wil be considering issues such as the visual appearance of the structures and the possible impact on traffic and trees."

For more information and to comment on the application visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk The application reference number is TP/07/0204.