Councilor Marius Tielemans (CDA) had to provide explanations to the municipal council on Thursday evening about the green strips that have been constructed on the sidewalks of a number of streets in Heesch. “In retrospect, it could have been more convenient,” he admitted.
The green strips in the middle of the street caused quite a commotion and surprised faces. Residents felt that it created dangerous situations, especially for people with mobility problems.
Some of the green areas have now been removed, so that at least one side of the street remains an uninterrupted sidewalk.
‘It’s been quite a journey’
The SP, Progressive Bernheze and ONS Bernheze also asked questions about it during the half-hour of questions, writes DTV News. Greening in the neighborhoods is fine, but it should not cause practical problems on the streets, as was the criticism. And how is it possible that the residents were so attacked, the councilor was also told.
The councilor once again explained that there had been a whole process in advance with the residents of the streets where measures had been taken. Based on this, an adapted design was created, which was also passed on to the residents. But the ‘green sidewalks’ were apparently still a surprise to many people.
‘Involve citizens even better’
An important lesson according to the councilor is to try to involve citizens even better in these types of plans. Because in practice, people only take action once implementation has already started, says Tielemans.
