THE Borehamwood Eruv has proved to be a contentious subject since the original planning application was passed in 2007.

An eruv is a symbolic religious boundary to allow Orthodox Jews to carry out tasks usually prohibited on the Sabbath, such as carrying or pushing.

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

Amendments to the eruv were unanimously approved by Hertsmere Borough Council's planning committee in November last year.

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 was 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.

The eruv application was finally accepted a month ago and signed off by Councillor Derrick Gunasekera, chairman of the Elstree and Borehamwood Planning Committee.

Mother-of-four, Louise Moont, 30, from Borehamwood, said by having the eruv she is now able to spend more time with her family.

She said: “Last week there was a community lunch and because the eruv was up we were able to go along as a family.

“Previously I would stay at home with my youngest child and my husband would go with the other children as I couldn’t push a pram.”

Mrs Moont said as well as helping mothers the eruv helps other members of the community.

She said: “The eruv also helps the disabled who would normally be stuck in their homes during this time. It benefits a lot of people.

“I wish it had come in time for my three-year-old but it had to go through the correct planning procedures. When we received the email from the synagogue to say it was all happening we were so happy.

“It has made a real difference to our lives.”

Mother-of-three Jo Grose, 35, from Borehamwood, said: “Essentially all the family get to go to Shabbat and I’m not left at home on my own with the baby.

“The first Friday night when we could go out together was quite moving.

“In terms of the community it has transformed it. It was frustrating that it took this long but we knew the planning process needed to go through.

"I talked a lot with our non-Jewish neighbours about it. The important thing was the wider community was happy with what was happening."

Rabbi Dr Naftali Brawer, at Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, in Croxdale Road, said: "I'm delighted that the eruv is up. It took the concerted effort of many individuals and the support of the community and it's a real source of pride.

“It's made a huge impact on the community already with record numbers of young families able to attend synagogue."