There are concerns not only within the village, farmers in the immediate area also feel the railway line hanging over them like the sword of Damocles. At two farms (‘preferably no name’), the railway line may soon cross their lands. The current route is cutting our agricultural land into pieces,” says one of them.
“Our plots are now nice and square, which works efficiently. If the railway line comes through diagonally, we have to take a detour with heavy machinery. That costs time, fuel and money.” The question then is whether farming in the current location still makes sense. “And sales will be difficult with a track straight through all your country.”
A farmer from Emmer-Compascuum adds: There must be decent compensation. It’s not just about money, but also about the future. Our children want to take over the company, but they will soon have to deal with a train straight through the arable land. That not only brings inconvenience, but also means depreciation.”
Concerns are also shared in Nieuw-Weerdinge. Village chairman Wim Katoen: “If that line runs along the N391 and the Siepelveen district, the nearby houses will also have to be insulated.” And the sooner we get to the table in that regard, the better, he believes. Katoen expects Nieuw-Weerdinge to agree with the letter that Weerdinge sends to the municipal council of Emmen this week.
The subject has hardly been discussed in Roswinkel, but there too there is a desire to be involved earlier. Village chairman Maaike Buiter: “If the route runs along the N391, it will affect us directly. Then you want to know what the plans are in time, so that residents can participate.” Buiter does not find it an excuse that the route is not yet final: Right now you can still exert influence. Once everything has been decided, you will be left behind.”