BUSHEY ERUV COULD EXTEND INTO STANMORE

An application to modify the location of a Jewish religious boundary in Bushey has been passed by planners. The Eruv would turn Bushey into an area where strict Sabbath observances could be relaxed for orthodox Jews. The proposal is for the boundary to be marked by 5.5 metre high supporting poles linked with wires in 25 locations around the town and five in Bushey Heath leading into Stanmore, which is governed by Harrow Council. Developers for Bushey United Synagogue, who are behind the application, wanted to remove one of the sites previously earmarked for a pole with a site alongside Common Road at its junction with Tanglewood Close also being relocated. A report to planners states that the proposal would facilitate the creation of an Eruv for the Bushey area. It reads: “It would have an identified benefit to members of the local Jewish community and have no unduly detrimental impacts upon the wider community or the character and appearance of the area.” There are currently Eruvs in Borehamwood, Edgware, Stanmore and other parts of North West London. The application for the Eruv in Bushey was approved by Hertsmere Borough Council last year, causing controversy among some local residents.