Intimidation, rowdiness and vandalism: young people cause nuisance in the center of Uden. The municipality introduced a ban on gatherings there on Wednesday. Young people are therefore not allowed to gather if they behave disruptively.
It has been restless in and around the center for some time now. According to the municipality, this creates feelings of insecurity among residents and entrepreneurs.
Center manager Peter van den Elsen recognizes these feelings. He sees all kinds of things happening in the center. “It ranges from throwing snowballs and eggs against shop windows to removing the paving and throwing stones,” he summarizes. “Lately we have also seen young people spraying water pistols on visitors without asking.”
Especially in the evening
Willy van Erp, chairman of the business association, agrees with this doom and gloom. “I almost call it street terror,” he says. The chairman notices that the young people mainly strike in the evening. “They have zero respect for the entrepreneurs and consumers who walk around there.”
Van Erp hopes that this will not keep people away from the center and wants safety to be guaranteed. He is happy with the municipality’s measure, but is also sceptical. “Then there really has to be enforcement.”
24 hours a day
The ban on gatherings applies 24 hours a day and initially until May 25 this year. The police can send away groups of young people who cause a nuisance. Violation is punishable, the municipality reports.
Signs have been placed in various places where the ban is in force. This is around the shopping area and in the adjacent Liberation Park. The municipality of Maashorst, which includes Uden, wants to prevent further disruption of public order with this measure.
