Borehamwood residents have accused the eruv committee of “dragging its feet” after no poles have been erected, six weeks after planning permission was granted.

Last month, Hertsmere council approved plans to build an eruv covering the local United and Federation synagogues, and allowing observant Jews to carry or push things on Shabbat.

Abraham Wahnon, eruv consultant, said: “All permission has been received, the money is in place and everything is ready to go but it’s not moving on.

“The eruv is desperately needed and the community are getting frustrated that nothing is happening.”

But David Freedman, a committee trustee, said plans for the eruv were “on track” but would not comment on why a contract had not been placed yet or when works would begin.

He said: “The eruv trustees are pleased to confirm that they have now completed the necessary statutory licences with Hertsmere council and Hertfordshire council and that the construction plans are all on track.”

Meanwhile, 40 residents attended a meeting to discuss plans for an eruv in Mill Hill. Members of Mill Hill Synagogue were joined by the president of the Mill Hill Preservation Society and members of the Conservation Area Advisory Committee.

Mill Hill’s Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet said that Mill Hill Eruv Committee have “taken us to the wire, we now have to cross the line” .

Mr Wahnon gave a presentation about the eruv, due to connect with the existing Edgware and Golders Green eruvs and encompass 12 square miles, and what its construction would involve. The committee aim to submit a planning application in March 2010.