Poll on Charedi move ‘inaccurate’
THE VERACITY of an online poll indicating widespread support among Strictly Orthodox residents for moving out of Stamford Hill has been questioned by a leading activist.
At the latest count on Wednesday morning, nearly 82 per cent of respondents to the Yiddish questionnaire indicated that they would consider leaving Stamford Hill.
No fewer than four schemes to set up new Charedi communities in Essex have been floated in recent months as affordable housing for large families becomes increasingly difficult to find in inner London.
The poll was organised by a local business for an anonymous group referring to itself as Igud Hayishuvim, which broadly means an association for new housing developments.
But according to comments posted on the survey site, it has been easy to manipulate the results of the poll because individuals could enter multiple replies.
“Wow, I just realised you can vote unlimited,” one person wrote.
Given the suggestions of multiple responses, local philanthropist Rabbi Asher Gratt cautioned this week: “Whilst it is very important to gauge public opinion, I believe that, as a result of the quotes in the comment section of the questionnaire, this poll should not be taken seriously.”
Rabbi Gratt is behind one of the schemes to launch a satellite Charedi community in an as yet unidentified location, although it is understood to be in Essex.
According to the survey, the favourite location is Canvey Island, where a number of Charedim are said to have bought houses in advance of a planned new community in the Thames Estuary. More than half — 56 per cent — of responses indicated a willingness to consider moving there.
The next most popular option was 31 per cent for Rabbi Gratt’s scheme, while other alternatives in Westcliff and East Tilbury attracted little support. More than 40 per cent of respondents were looking for five-bedroom houses; 37 per cent wanted four-bedroom properties.
There was one alternative suggestion among the comments. “Why not come to Manchester?”