Evidence of the interest in the north Manchester eruv was the turnout of 400 on Shabbat at Salford’s Stenecourt Synagogue to be told about the final preparations.

They heard that 101 of 117 poles for the religious boundary were in place and that completion was expected by Succot.

In a question-and-answer session, Rabbi Yehuda Brodie of the Manchester Beth Din, which is endorsing the project, said that “respect and sensitivity” should be accorded to those who lived by more stringent codes and would not utilise the eruv.

Only one rabbi from the local strictly Orthodox community has so far publicly said he would advise congregants not to rely on the boundary.

Supporters of the 13-mile eruv include Machzikei Hadass rabbi, Menachem Mendel Schneebalg, considered Manchester’s leading halachic authority.