Salons Tabaksbloem has not been a party room for years, since three years the Islamic vzw Amal Al Madina has been renting part of the building as a prayer room. Muslims from Northern France in particular come to Wervik to pray, but the non-profit organization has no permit for that. That is why there was an application for the re -use from hospitality to community space.
The city of Wervik has received 360 objections. Reasons include parking pressure in the station area, nuisance and value reduction. Currently, the users of the non -profit organization park on a parking lot of Infrabel across the street. “This leads to serious parking problems for residents, traders, commuters and visitors to the station environment,” says the city of Wervik.