On and around the Marktplein in Winschoten, the police are allowed to carry out preventive searches on Friday and Saturday evening. There is also camera surveillance and the cafes have to close at two o’clock in the morning.
The municipality of Oldambt has taken this package of measures after consultation with the Public Prosecution Service (OM) and the police. The drastic measures are a direct result of several violent incidents, in which the use of firearms is not shunned.
‘Devil’s Dilemma’
Mayor Cora-Yfke Sikkema calls the decision ‘a diabolical dilemma’. ,,It is weighing, balancing, but safety comes first. How unfortunate this decision is.”
The fairground entrepreneurs have permission to run until 8 p.m. There is no line through the commodity market, because it already stops at 20.00. Although the cafes are allowed to be open until two in the morning, there is no live music on the Market Square.
The decision has arrived hard at the catering entrepreneurs on the Market Square. The fact that there was no prior communication with the catering industry has also gone down badly. “The mayor called me and passed on the decision. I had expected that we would be involved in the decision,” says Heiko Tuin. As chairman of the Marktplein Winschoten foundation, he has been organizing the 40th Night of Winschoten for months.
‘Succumb to crime’
Although Tuin was not overwhelmed by the decision, he still thinks it is a sign of weakness. “You show the Netherlands that we succumb to crime. Otherwise; it is about safety. That is the most important.”
In a hurry, the catering entrepreneurs gathered on Thursday evening to discuss whether they will still open on Friday and Saturday evenings. “The atmosphere is gone. There’s no party. This is going to cost a lot of money anyway.”
Tuin has already hinted to Sikkema whether the catering industry can be compensated. She said she couldn’t make any promises about that. But we will certainly sit down with her soon to talk about this.”
For now, safety comes first
Sikkema finds the decision extremely sour, but says that there has been a lot of concern about order and safety. “The recent incidents have been intense. I have had frequent consultations and have been informed by the police and the Public Prosecution Service. Based on that information, I have decided not to let the Night continue.”
The hope is that by canceling the live music and early closure of the café, there will be more overview. “And that makes the situation more manageable. Very sour for the organization. They have committed themselves to creating another great Night this year, but for now: safety comes first.”
Sikkema points out once again that residents hear and see a lot about these incidents via social media. ,, The messages pass quickly in app groups and on other social media. But beware, not everything is correct and because of the frequent sharing, it will also lead a life of its own.”