A MULTI-faith action group has been formed to fight plans to create a Hale Eruv.

The Hale Eruv Project Trust is behind the scheme to create an eruv route around Hale which will allow the orthodox Jewish community to carry or push certain items outside of their homes on the Sabbath.

This includes pushing children in push chairs, picking up or carrying items and the use of wheelchairs.

The plan would see the erection of 95 galvanised steel poles at 50 individual sites along a 12-mile route in south Trafford.

The majority of the poles will be approximately 6m in height and around 8cm in diameter, a similar height to a lamppost but slimmer. They will be linked by wire, around the same width of fishing line which will link pairs of poles.

But the new action group - called STATE (“South Trafford against the Eruv”) - hit out at the plans. The group brings together representatives from the Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Humanist communities.

STATE claimed the Hale Eruv was backed by only a small section of the Jewish community in the area.

A STATE spokesman said: "It is estimated that less than 100 people will benefit from this development. The majority of the Jewish community in the area are opposed to this proposal as they prefer to live peacefully in this diverse community.

"This proposal will have a serious effect on social cohesion in times when religious privilege can lead to hatred and factions within the communities."

STATE said the plans had been revived despite significant opposition when they were first proposed nearly two years ago: "In November 2014 there was a meeting at the Marriot Hotel attended by more than 300 people, the majority of whom were opposed to the eruv. Yet despite this plans for the eruv are to be submitted to Trafford planning committee."

A representative of the Hale Eruv Trust said: "It is not true to say that only 100 people would benefit from the eruv. The eruv would be available for all the Jewish community in the area to use should they wish to.

"It should be noted that there are two synagogues within the eruv boundaries which have a combined membership of over 600 families. In addition numerous Jewish people come to the area to visit family and friend from UK and abroad and they will also benefit from the creation of the eruv.

"Hale has a proud and inclusive history and the eruv will have no impact on that social cohesion.

"As has been stated, the land within the eruv is not consecrated land and would not be considered to be “owned” by the Jewish community. We should all be striving to work together and strengthen our links rather than pointing to differences and using divisive language or inflaming fears and prejudice."

The proposed eruv route map runs from the junction of Oakfield Road and Moss Lane in Altrincham; eastwards towards the junction of Canterbury Road and Clay Lane in Timperley; then southwards to Hale Street (Marriott Hotel) Hale Barns; then westwards to Bankhall Lane in Hale (near to Ashley Road junction); and northwards to Oakfield Road and Moss Lane.