Groups of rioters have threatened to disrupt residents’ evenings about the possible arrival of an asylum seekers center in Nederhorst den Berg. Due to these signals – and after consultation with the police and the judiciary – the municipality of Wijdemeren has therefore decided at the last minute to cancel all residents’ evenings in the coming weeks.
A spokesperson for the municipality tells NH Nieuws that there was a lot of commotion on social media about the meetings.
As a result, the municipality was afraid of a ‘rioters from outside the municipality’. There would be calls on social media to go to the residents’ meetings.
According to the spokesperson, large numbers of people were involved, but she could not say exactly how many. She did emphasize that it was not about the residents of Wijdemeren themselves.
Due to the tone of the messages on social media, the municipality was not sure whether it could guarantee safety.
Resistance
The unrest about the arrival of a large asylum seekers center in Nederhorst den Berg has not gone unnoticed by the municipality. “There is resistance”, also notes a spokesman.
The municipality does plan to hold new meetings, but there are no new dates yet. According to the spokesman, safety is especially important.
Mayor response
Mayor Crys Larson has responded to the situation via a press release. “We find this very annoying, because it was our intention to discuss the azc with the inhabitants of the Horstermeerpolder as early and carefully as possible. But the safety of all those present and also those living near the location of the meeting comes first everything. That is why, after extensive consultation with the police and OM, I have decided to cancel the meetings for now.”
The mayor understands that there are many questions about the possible arrival of an azc. “We would have liked to talk to our residents about exploring the possible arrival of an azc. Together with the police, alternatives will be sought so that our residents are informed as well as possible and that the safety of all can be guaranteed.”