Not a good plan, said Irma Talens (VVD) on Thursday evening. Her party would much rather see the existing port extended instead of the barge. “So that there is more space for pleasure boating. That fits much better with the historic character of the center and ensures liveliness.” As an example, she referred to the historic port of Blokzijl. Her party also questions how the concrete tank can be properly maintained.
A larger port was something the VVD could not get together within the council. “Before you want to expand the port, you should first look at how the existing port can be better marketed and used,” said Ton Soppe (BBC2014). “We see more in a multifunctional pool with all kinds of possibilities, than extra space for those two ships.” Henk Bouwers (PPC) then continued: “I notice that there are already fewer and fewer ships. I see something more in a development that benefits the entire city, from young to old.” As far as Jerry Stoker (PAC) is concerned, the comparison with Blokzijl was flawed. “If we want that, we will take the port a long way have to move on.”
Councilor Erik Holties (BBC2014) did not want to waste too many words about it. “We have previously had a nice meeting about this plan, in which residents were involved. I am not hearing much support from the council for a larger port. I think this is a close race.”