Barnet's controversial eruv is one step closer to being erected, according to Transport for London (TfL) and Barnet Council.

The boundary will enclose six square miles of Hendon, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Golders Green and Cricklewood with 87 poles and wires.

Orthodox Jewish theologians say it will permit the faithful to carry out forbidden activities on the sabbath such as pushing prams and wheelchairs.

The eruv was granted planning permission by Barnet Council in 1998 but could not be built until it secured licences from TfL and Barnet Council for certain wires and poles crossing roads.

A TfL spokeswoman revealed: "We have agreed to grant a licence for poles and wires to be sited on our land and hope the eruv committee will agree to the conditions and sign it shortly."

A Barnet Council spokesman added: "Our licence has also been granted but one or two minor technical difficulties still need ironing out. There's no reason why the eruv shouldn't go ahead."

However, Edward Black, US Eruv committee spokesman denied things were moving so quickly. He said: "TfL have only confirmed they can issue a licence and a draft is being prepared. We look forward to receiving it and hope we can agree the licence in short order and thereafter can quickly see the fruition of this project."

Elizabeth Lawrence of Barnet Eruv Objectors Group said: "I'd like to see copies of the licences and know whether the committee has secured insurance for vandalism as the taxpayer should not have to foot the bill.

"I'd like to know just how much money this has already cost the council which has never properly consulted with a community which has a minority of Jewish people."

November 28, 2001 20:13

SARAH MILLS