Plans to create a symbolic Jewish boundary around Borehamwood in north London were approved at a planning meeting on Thursday night.

The public gallery in Hertsmere Borough Council's chamber was packed with people waiting to hear the decision on whether 34 sets of poles joined by wire can be put up around the town to create an eruv.

Once the poles are put up, there will be a zone in which Orthodox Jews can carry out tasks which are usually prohibited during the Sabbath, such as carrying or pushing.

Currently, observant Jews who have small children or have to walk with an aid cannot leave the house on the Sabbath and therefore cannot visit the synagogue.

Although two councillors on the panel abstained from the vote, the other seven members approved it.

Speaking against the proposals, John Brown, of Morpeth Avenue, Borehamwood, said: "In certain areas there is almost a forest of poles, signs and other street furniture. The council, if it gives approval, wishes to increase this.

"We will have a situation where individuals will have poles outside their house. People with low walls are going to have a pole put in front of it. What security is going ot be offered to these people?"

But speaking in favour of the application, David Freedman, of Markham Close, Borehamwood, said: "As the Elstree and Borehamwood Jewish community continues to grow and thrive, the existence of an eruv will permit a substantially greater degree of mobility for those observant Jews with young families and the less mobile, so that all can take part in communal activities. It will have no impact whatsoever on anybody else."