Manchester’s first eruv survived gale force winds allowing it to be launched for its first use this Shabbat.

Shabbat observers in Whitefield, are expected to be the first Jews to use an area-wide halachic boundary outside London after 10 years of planning.

Whitefield Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi Jonathan Guttentag confirmed winds had not damaged the 11-mile perimeter. “The eruv is expected to be live this Shabbos. We gained planning permission in 2010 but it’s taken 10 years to bring this to fruition,” he said.

The eruv is one of the cheapest in the UK, with capital costs of £45,000 after Rabbi Guttentag conducted much of the halachic consultation himself. The boundary will cost £3,000 annually to maintain, with a supervisor already appointed.

A larger and more complex 13-mile north Manchester eruv, costing £300,000 currently under construction to cover Prestwich, Salford and Crumpsall has been delayed but is expected to be operational within the coming months.