A SENIOR Epping Forest councillor has spoken out over the local town council committee’s objection to the placing of a Menorah in the High Street.

A Menorah is a multi-branched candelabra, used in the religious rituals of Judaism but it has also be adopted and adapted by many as part of festive decorations across the UK.

A public menorah has been in Epping for the past four years, but in a less central location. Reasons given for the proposed change include vandalism of a previous, shorter menorah.

Epping Town Council has objected to the licence on a number of grounds including that the traditional candelabra may be “insensitive to other religious groups”.

YH has contacted the chair of the Epping Town Council committee, Michael Wright and asked him to expand on the committee’s comments (see letter below).

We asked him if he could you be a little bit more clearer regarding which “religious groups” they meant?

We also asked if he had spoken to any other religious groups? If so, what was the feedback?

We have yet to receive a reply.

Cllr Holly Whitbread, a Tory councillor for Epping Forest District Council, who is petitioning in support of the menorah, wrote on Facebook that a menorah not being allowed in the town centre “would be deeply disappointing and upsetting to the hundreds of residents in our local Jewish community”.

She called the town council’s decision “particularly puzzling” as “the new location (opposite M&S on the extended pavement) was chosen precisely because it is not used for market stalls. The neighbouring stallholders are supportive and accommodating and were not even consulted about the council’s objection.”

She added: “As a town, Epping prides itself on celebrating various religious festivals, and I believe this Menorah installation should be viewed purely as a religious celebration, much like a Christmas tree.”

Rabbi Yossi Posen of Chabad of Epping said: “Despite these challenges, we have been overwhelmed by the support from both the Jewish and wider community.

“This outpouring of encouragement highlights the strong sense of unity, inclusivity, and respect for cultural and religious diversity that defines our beautiful town of Epping. It also reflects the remarkable growth and vibrancy of the Epping Jewish community, which has become an integral part of the town’s social fabric.”

A spokesperson for Epping Town Council said: “Epping Town Council were made aware that an application had been submitted from Epping Forest District Council to Essex County Council for a Menorah to be placed outside Marks & Spencer in Epping. The Town Council were not consulted about this. Epping Town Council have always supported the Menorah and its location on the green outside Argus lighting, where it has been enjoyed by many and would support appropriate positioning.

“Epping Town Council’s Market Committee submitted an objection to the application based on the limited information we were subsequently provided with. The Menorah would be sited where the market was operating and was next to the public highway. The objection was made in relation to the location and public safety only.

“Essex County Council are the decision-making authority, and they will need to decide whether to grant the licence. The Town Council will not be withdrawing the objection they have made to the location and concerns about public safety. Epping Town Council have always supported the Menorah and would continue to do so in a safe and appropriate place.”

A spokesperson for Epping Forest District Council said: “Epping Forest District Council has supported an application for the relocation of the Epping Menorah to Epping High Street.

In recent years, the celebration of Hanukah has become a welcome addition to the festive season for many of our residents in towns across Epping Forest. We have received the draft consent from Essex County Council, and have consulted with Essex Police, neither of whom has raised any concerns. We are suggesting the placement of the Menorah should go ahead this year. We will see how it goes and gather any lesson to be learnt for future years.

“For clarification, the application was not required to go through a committee process and was a decision taken by the Executive Leadership Team and Elected Member”.

The letter from Epping Town Council is below.

YH understands that the decision lies with Essex County Council. It is not known when a decision will be made.