The difference between an eruv pole and a telegraph pole is that an eruv pole is a symbolic structure marking out a private domain for the more observant Jews to evade their strict rules of Sabbath observance.

Telegraph poles are a public utility for the benefit of the whole community. There is no eruv of the type proposed for north-west London anywhere else in the world. The proposed eruv would encompass 6.5 square miles of the borough bordered by 87 poles and 13 miles of wire.

Everyone going about their daily business would be compelled to pass through the eruv gateways either by foot or in a vehicle whether he wanted to or not.

Since the eruv was first proposed ten years ago, it has caused considerable divisiveness in the community.

There has never been proper consultation with the community and especially those householders whose property would be used as part of the boundary.

Furthermore, I doubt that the Eruv Committee has been able to arrange insurance to cover injury or damage which might result from vandalism or other interference with eruv structures (Eruv agreement is a step closer', Times Group, November 29).

In practice this would result in any costs falling on the Barnet taxpayer. Further, I would like to know how much this application has cost Barnet Council and us the ratepapers, particularly as there has never been any proper consultation with the community.

Elizabeth R Lawrence

Barnet Eruv Objectors Group, Wentworth Road, Golders Green

December 5, 2001 11:29