Vlaams Belang, together with local residents, opposes the plans by the Brussels region to partly convert the Neerpede pond in Anderlecht into a swimming pond. “In Brussels brings the opening of something apparently innocents Like thislike a swimming pond unfortunately automatically brings with it crime and nuisance“, says group leader in the Brussels Parliament Dominiek Lootens-Stael. “We used to go this week with local residents by to encourage them.”
The Neerpede district in Anderlecht has been known for years as one of the few quiet, green areas in the Brussels-Capital Region. However, the same region has big plans for the district: the Neerpede Park should receive a drastic facelift, which also includes the construction of sports infrastructure, the installation of noise barriers and greening operations. The total result should be a nature and recreational park of 400 hectares. Part of the Neerpede pond would also be converted into a swimming pond. The Brussels Region would like to start the works next year and complete them in 2026. “However, the plans met with a lot of opposition,” says Lootens-Stael. “Not least from the local residents themselves, who launched a petition that already has thousands of signatures.”
“While people talk about citizen participation, the will of the citizens of Neerpede is simply ignored”
Vlaams Belang has already visited many people in the neighborhood in question. “The plans of the green government are not only a disaster for biodiversity, but will also cause a lot of inconvenience for local residents,” Lootens-Stael continues. “It is therefore only right that these people are concerned. It is also revengeful that parties that always talk about ‘citizen participation’ completely ignore the will of the citizens of Neerpede in this regard.”
Leader of the Brussels Parliament Bob De Brabandere agrees: “There is simply no confidence in the fact that the Brussels government will be able to guarantee safety and biodiversity in this current oasis of peace. Who wants to let them swim there? The young people who are causing a stir in recreational areas in the rest of the country today? It’s understandable that people don’t want that. That is unfortunate, but it is a reality.”
Vlaams Belang therefore advocates that the Brussels Region focus first and foremost on the most urgent thing, and that is regaining the trust of the people. “Once people regain confidence in this government and their capacity to guarantee safety and quality of life, only then will they perhaps agree to these types of initiatives,” concludes Lootens-Stael, who will interpellate minister Alain Maron (Ecolo) on the matter. .
