The tensions in the city council of the municipality of Maashorst are rising on the arrival of new asylum seekers’ centers. The intended place on the Boekelsedijk in Uden in particular evokes resistance, according to various opposition parties. During the Committee Meeting on Monday evening, opposition parties mainly expressed hard criticism.
The municipality of Maashorst wants to take care of refugees in three places, spread over different cores. In addition, there is also room in the intended places in Zeeland, Schaijk and Uden for people who are urgently looking for a house.
The daycare is necessary because the temporary emergency shelter in Hotel van der Valk closes in October 2026. The largest intended shelter is on the Boekelsedijk. This choice in particular leads to a lot of resistance from a number of parties. “This place is totally unsuitable for large -scale care,” argues Maarten Prinssen of the VVD.
“You don’t have to put AZC here.”
“It is a busy sports park where hundreds of people exercise and work. You don’t have to put AZC here,” he adds. Although the opposition party is not against reception. Prinsen argues for extension of the reception at Van der Valk. “It went well there and has not been any inconvenience.”
Udenpluslanderd agrees with the VVD that help should be offered. “We have a responsibility here as a Udense community,” says councilor Tinie Kardol, who does have doubts about the largest location. He also thinks of an extension of the reception location in the Van der Valk Hotel. “To have more time to come up with other alternatives.”
The SP and GroenLinks mainly want to know whether it was seriously looked at more small -scale alternatives. “That works in the municipality of Meierijstad too. It requires more commitment, but provides peace,” said the SP. “With the wrong circumstances we will create a ghetto in the sports park.”
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Forum for Democracy was the most pronounced during the meeting. Janco Bethlehem’s argument can count on applause from the well -filled public gallery several times during the evening. “This is contempt for the inhabitants. We do not want asylum reception in this municipality.”
Coalition cautiously positive
Within the coalition there is support for reception, but not without conditions. CDA’er Jan Poels emphasized that the shelter at Van der Valk went well, despite earlier worries. “It even became safer there. We have to take that with us.” Yet he also wants guarantees about safety and control of local residents.
Maashorst Vooruit and for the villages also see the problems, but pointing to the need. “Every location evokes resistance,” said Keijzer party leader. “We have to do it. This proposal meets the agreements. We come up with wishes based on conversations with residents.”
Thursday the decision
The city council has to make a decision on Thursday. The Boekelsedijk seems to be the largest stumbling block, although coalition parties seem willing to compromise. Whether the proposal reaches the finish line in its current form remains exciting.
