Mayor, aldermen and councilors of the municipality of Roosendaal sound on Thursday because they are dealing with threats, false accusations and insults. In a press release they call on residents to have the debate about a possible asylum seekers’ center in the village of Heerle ‘with respect and decency’.
The city council meets on 2 April about the arrival of a possible reception location for refugees in Heerle. A maximum of three hundred refugees would be taken care of on the Bergsebaan, for a maximum of four years. The village has 1800 inhabitants. The various parties in the municipality are divided and it is not yet clear what the outcome will be.
“This will be an important and careful decision. We want to have an honest and open debate, where all opinions count,” the statement says. The college and councilors say they have received many responses from residents. Letters, e-mails and messages on social media.
“Unfortunately we also have to deal with insults, false accusations and sometimes even threats. This is unacceptable. Everyone must be able to do their work in politics safely and without pressure. Respect for our democracy and for those who are committed to our democracy is very important. Everyone must feel free and safe to take a position, but no intimidation and decisive.”
According to the college and the council, the conversation must be conducted on content. “Respect and an open debate fit in with this. Improper pressure, insults, false accusations and threats certainly not.”
The possible arrival of an asylum seekers’ center keeps the minds busy in the village. A protest trip took place in August. During a consultation evening, there appeared to be strong opposition of a number of local residents against the municipality’s plan and the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA).
Also in Berlicum, a consultation evening ended on Wednesday evening on a chaos because of the possible arrival of an asylum seekers’ center.