Assen is central behind the shelter. “There is broad support for it.” However, councilor Luc Rengers argued for the approach to ‘the growing feeling of insecurity’. “We show ourselves from our human side, and show our hospitality. Refugees must also have a safe place. But we have to get started with the concerns of local residents about the insecurity,” said Luc Rengers.
After the start of the AZC in 2017, after the first complaints of nuisance in the neighborhood, according to Assen Centraal, day and night protection was used by the asylum organization. There were stricter house rules, street coaches and WhatsApp groups. “If more measures are needed to tackle that insecurity, then the government must get started,” said Rengers.
The CDA also wants to fight nuisance. “Standards and values apply to everyone. Anyone who breaks them must be punished,” says the CDA. GroenLinks also wants a plan of action to prevent nuisance for the neighborhood.
Local residents who are fiercely protesting, because it would be promised that the asylum reception would last a maximum of ten years, are angry. Four speakers expressed their anger and frustration tonight, prior to the city council. Their reproach is that the municipality violates agreements and does not take its residents seriously.
“Agreements have been made and they have to comply with the municipality. Promises are being violated. We feel second -class citizens. It seems like a prestige project. As if Assen wants to show, look at us well. But who comes up for the Assenaren, who listens to us.”
They spoke about intimidation on the street, tensions in the neighborhood, gathering, and a growing sense of insecurity. Especially in the city center and at retailers, where a lot would be stolen. But recently it became clear that the nuisance in the center cannot be directly related to the AZC.
Parties that convert the anger of local residents into actions, “after ten years no AZC to the Schepersmaat, because agreement is agreement,” were Leefbaar Assen, List van Brakel and the Homan list, from former VVD member Bert Homan. His proposal: “No new administrative agreement with the COA.” Homan, who stands in the Asser PVV department with one leg, turned out to be a calling in the desert. Just like Livable Assen and List of Brakel, who want an AZC for 400 asylum seekers elsewhere in Assen.
Alderman Cor Staal (ChristenUnie) still put on the fine. At the start of the AZC in 2015, the municipality should have communicated differently about the duration of the location on Schepersmaat. Local residents knew no better than that the AZC would leave after ten years. According to them, that black and white says in a letter they received at the time. But according to the alderman, the comment, the conclusion of a management agreement for five to a maximum of ten years, was misinterpreted. “That could have been better from our side.”