A prickly debate, that’s how you can summarize the discussion about whether or not to establish a safety risk area in the vicinity of the Emmer station. There were heated discussions between Mayor Eric van Oosterhout and especially VVD faction leader Patrick de Jonge about its usefulness and necessity.
It is mainly due to De Jonge’s tenacity that the motion, which initially seemed doomed, was nevertheless adopted with broad support. The Liberals felt that this sent an important signal to residents of the station area.
The proposal from VVD and 50PLUS had already been put on the table during the first part of the budget. The parties argued in favor of a designation as a safety risk area, which would allow police and enforcement to carry out preventive searches. According to them, this is necessary because the station area has been one of the most unsafe places in Emmen for years due to nuisance from homeless people, dealers and safelanders.
Mayor Van Oosterhout initially reacted cautiously. “We are already doing a lot in the station area,” he emphasized. It is and remains a headache, especially for the group of safelanders, he argued. “But establishing a security risk area is legally complex and is only possible if there is a serious threat involving weapons. And there is none.”
VVD member De Jonge did not stop there. He pointed out the persistent feeling of insecurity among residents and travelers. “Everyone complains, everyone asks for action. Are we only going to do something when things really go wrong? Use this instrument as a pilot for a year if necessary.”
The mayor reacted visibly irritated to the suggestion that the council would do nothing. “Don’t pretend like nothing is happening,” he shot back. He pointed to a package of measures previously taken, such as expansion of camera surveillance, area bans and tightened cooperation between the municipality, police and Groningen-Drenthe public transport agency.
However, De Jonge insisted: “What else is possible? I don’t hear you saying that.”
At that moment, René van der Weide from Wakker Emmen joined the discussion. “It feels a bit uncomfortable when the council comes up with suggestions and it is dismissed in this way,” he said to the mayor. “The council is looking for ways to increase safety. Then it is important that you indicate what is possible.”
Van Oosterhout then acknowledged that his response may have been a bit short-sighted. “We will put everything in order again,” he promised. The safety plan is also on the council’s agenda, in which this subject can also be included, according to the mayor.
Joey Koops of D66 also underlined the importance of extra attention for the area. “I live there myself. Recently there was an attempt to break into my car. That happens to more people,” he said.
The feeling of insecurity is increasing, says Koops. “It is therefore not only important what the council thinks, so also talk to our residents.”
During the vote, the council appeared remarkably unanimous. Only GroenLinks and one PvdA councilor voted against. The rest supported the motion.
“It is not the Emmen we want to live in, that we need these kinds of instruments,” said Anita Louwes (PvdA) before the vote. “But we also cannot close our eyes to what is happening in the area.”