An eruv covering much of Borehamwood and Elstree is almost ready to go, members of the area’s two Orthodox communities have been told.

The final requirement before work can begin is the formal rubber-stamping of marginally revised plans by Hertsmere Council and Hertfordshire County Council’s highways department.

Hertsmere originally granted planning permission two years ago for the eruv, which allows certain items to be carried and prams and wheelchairs to be pushed on Shabbat and festivals. Progress has been delayed over health and safety requests from the county council to relocate some of the slim poles which are part of the eruv structure — which in turn needed halachic approval. It is now anticipated that the green light will be given by the end of July.

One upside of the delay has been the momentum in the fundraising campaign to cover construction costs and the first year’s maintenance, which is now £10,000 short of its £100,000 target. Much of the cash has been generated through events organised by the fundraising committees of the Borehamwood United and Elstree Federation (Ohr Yisrael) shuls.

An eruv committee spokesperson saw the project as “a valuable addition to the growing infrastructure of Jewish life in Elstree and Borehamwood”.