Youth nuisance puts pressure on neighborhoods, but there is also resilience

In the Gageldonk and Warande districts of Bergen op Zoom, unrest has not been an incident for years. Youth nuisance, crime and even fireworks bombs put pressure on the quality of life. Residents are left with a gnawing feeling of insecurity. At the same time, initiatives by the same residents – often out of sight – also show resilience. What is really hiding behind the front doors in these neighborhoods? Omroep Brabant will visit the two neighborhoods next week and look for the stories of the people who live there.

Gageldonk and Warande, two adjacent neighborhoods in the east of Bergen op Zoom with a history dating back to the post-war reconstruction. In recent years, work has been done in both neighborhoods to renovate houses and the environment to make living more pleasant.

But in practice it is difficult. Problems are piling up. For example, the Warande district had a hard time last New Year. Several cars went up in flames and the mobile unit had to be deployed to nip in the bud the fireworks violence by young people around Zonneplein.

A large package of measures such as cameras, drones, extra boas and police on the streets ensured that, according to the municipality, the neighborhoods remained a lot quieter than the year before.

Because around that infamous New Year’s Eve 2024/2025, things came to a dramatic low point in Gageldonk, among other places. A Turkish baker, among others, was targeted by fireworks bombs.

The residents were well frightened. “Should I prepare things to flee?” a resident expressed her fear in the neighborhood at the time. “You’re very wary. You wonder if you’re still safe.”

The vulnerability of the neighborhoods is visible. The social challenges are great. At the same time, the residents are not giving up.

Complaints about litter in the neighborhood are followed by a massive action by residents to clean up the neighborhood again. And if there are concerns about drug nuisance, local residents mobilize to take quick action against a shelter for addicts.

Gageldonk and Warande, two neighborhoods where the meeting space Merope in Warande and Huis van de Wijk in Gageldonk connect the residents of the neighborhood. And where it is made clear that the neighborhoods do not always have to be known as problem neighborhoods where something is always wrong.