A group of local residents is not happy with the plans of the province of Drenthe and the municipalities of Assen and Midden-Drenthe to adjust the access for traffic to and from the Asser district of Kloosterveen. About twenty residents of the Zodiac Area neighborhood came to the council chamber tonight to express their objections.
“It is with some surprise and annoyance that we have taken note of the proposed changes to the N371,” says Lisa Vergoes Houwens on behalf of residents of the Sterrenbeeldbuurt in the Kloosterveen district. The group is concerned that doubling the road, giving it four lanes, will lead to increased traffic speeds. The result, among other things, is noise nuisance and a reduction in road safety.
They also do not like the disappearance of the bicycle crossing on the Polweg towards the Baggelhuizerplas recreational area. “This crossing is a frequently used crossing, especially for pedestrians. The need will increase due to the construction of the new homes. The detour via the roundabout to the Pelinkbos is too large for pedestrians and the large group of dog owners and therefore a major infringement on their living enjoyment “, says Vergoes Houwens.
The group also regrets the lack of communication from the municipality about the plans. They are also not happy that they were not involved in the design earlier. “The way of communicating about this process does not deserve a beauty prize,” says Vergoes Houwens. “In the media and in your letter to us, the route and the basic choices are presented as a fixed starting point, without us having had the opportunity to have a say in this. As far as we are concerned, there is a lack of participation from the surrounding residents. “