A plan to create a religious boundary around Borehamwood using six-metre poles and wires has sparked a huge response from supporters and opponents.

A group of Orthodox Jews has applied to put up 34 sets of poles joined by wires around the Hertfordshire town to create an area in which they can travel without restriction on Saturdays - the Jewish Sabbath.

Hertsmere Borough Council's planning department has received 50 letters in favour of the proposed poles, 12 letters against, and a petition with 262 signatures opposing the plan.

Religious law prohibits Orthodox Jews from carrying anything - even house keys - on the Sabbath. But carrying is permitted within a defined symbolic boundary, or eruv.

If allowed, the eruv will be made up of 76 six-metre poles and linking wires spread over 34 locations to create a boundary around the entire town.

Organiser of the petition Carol Denbigh, of Shenley Road, said: "We have many religions in Borehamwood and they all get on together.

"I can see this is going to cause friction between the different communities and if this is allowed it will set a dangerous precedent.

"To have these great big poles put up around the town will make it seem like this is a Jewish state."

But Reverend Richard Lesley, vicar of St Michael and All Angels church, in Brook Road, Borehamwood, disagrees. He said: "I wrote to the council on behalf and as convener of Hertsmere's forum of faiths.

"I think it is a matter of freedom of religion and expression.

"Too many people think we should hide away our religions like our Christmas trees and carols, but we shouldn't be afraid to put them in view."

Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council has already rejected the plans, stating: "The committee feels this proposal would be visually intrusive."

But members of the Jewish community say the poles would not be intrusive.

A spokesman for the Elstree and Borehamwood Eruv Charitable Trust, which submitted the application, said: "The eruv will enable hundreds of observant Jewish families in the Borehamwood and Elstree community to enjoy their Sabbath to the full.

"In practice, mothers pushing pushchairs and wheelchair CONTINUED Pg 3 FROM Front Page users need no longer be tied to the home and will be able to attend the synagogue and visit family and friends.

"Although the eruv will greatly enhance the quality of life for the observant Jews, it will have no adverse effect on others.

"We would welcome the opportunity to start a dialogue with those opposed to the plans and take them to visit other eruvs in the surrounding areas which have worked successfully."

Features, such as fences or walls, railways or terraced buildings can form the eruv boundary. But, where there is a breach in continuity, for example by a road, the gap has to be bridged by two poles linked by a wire.

The council has written to residents who live within the immediate area of each proposed pole. But one resident is angry that he has not been consulted even though his address is on the council's list.

Richard Grove, head of planning and building control, said: "It is important to stress that the planning application is not for the eruv as such, it is only for the poles and wires relating to each gateway.

"The council will be considering issues such as the visual appearance of the structures and the possible impact on traffic and trees."

The application was due to be put before the planning committee yesterday but has been postponed until the beginning of July for further consultation.

To view the application, visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk quoting reference number TP/07/0204.