I wish to record my objection to the planning application that has been submitted for the erection of an eruv in the area surrounding Hale.

The implication for the area if planning is approved cannot be underestimated, both physically and ideologically.

While the trust argues that the physical presence of the poles and suspended wire used to connect them is so minimal as to go virtually unnoticed (a matter of opinion, surely) collectively, the physical impact will be significant.

Furthermore, the decision on which existing features can and cannot make up part of the eruv seems, to me at least, wholly unintelligible; some manmade features are permissible, while others are not and the decision about which are included seems entirely arbitrary.

As far as I can tell there is no scientific evidence being presented to support the 'need' for the eruv. The trust argues that it will allow members of the orthodox community to carry out some duties that are forbidden during the Sabbath; this is disingenuous.

The decision not to undertake these duties is made by individuals choosing to adhere to a version of archaic Jewish law. While fully entitled to make this choice, they cannot then use this as the basis from which to argue that there is a physical 'need' for the eruv.

The trust has said that the eruv will have no effect on non-orthodox members of the community. However, by expecting non-members of that community to accept the reasons stated by the trust in favour of the eruv, so too, the trust (and the council) must concede that any 'change', physical or theological, felt by one party must by definition be felt by other parties also.

I sincerely hope that the decision taken by the planning and development committee will be to refuse this proposal, a decision that, if taken, will benefit the cohesion of the wider community as a whole.

Name and address supplied