A first Essex area eruv is in prospect with the imminent submission of a planning application to the Redbridge and Epping Forest councils by Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue.

The proposed religious boundary would run from Fairlop Station, along the Central Line as far as Hainault Road, then along Manor Road, including Repton Park, Tomswood Road, Tomswood Hill, Fullwell Cross, Forest Road, and the Timberdene Estate.

Following extensive discussions with the London Beth Din and the relevant councils, the shul had “fine tuned the proposals to fit with Jewish law and local requirements”. The project has the support of Ilford North MP Lee Scott.

Chigwell and Hainault minister Rabbi Baruch Davis expects the cost to the community to be less than £10,000. The hope is that the eruv will be operational by the end of 2013 and news of the project has already attracted a number of young couples to the locality.

“Nowadays the buzzword is ‘sustainability,’” Rabbi Davis said.

“An eruv in our area would not only be helpful for the growing number of elderly synagogue members, but would particularly encourage young families who see it as vitally important in their decision as to where they put down roots.”