Permission has been granted for the controversial felling of trees in the Antwerp neighbourhoods of Deurne and Borgerhout to make way for a tram turning loop. Amid protests from residents, the Council for Permit Disputes has ruled that the felling can continue.
Residents continue protests as tree felling for tram line in Antwerp district goes ahead
The city and transport operator De Lijn have begun cutting down the trees for a new tram connection, but there has been significant protest from locals.
Thousands of objections have been lodged against the project. Trees have already been cut down this week on Boekenberglei amid a heavy police presence. On Wednesday, five protestors were arrested after a confrontation with the police.
Appeal rejected
Neighbourhood committee Het Juiste Spoor had requested a suspension of the felling, but the council has now rejected that appeal.
Around 100 activists attended the scene again early on Thursday morning. Police were also present in large numbers and set up a perimeter, behind which trees were being felled.
Five trees have already been cut down, each time accompanied by loud whistling and booing from the protestors.
What is happening here is truly unacceptable. If this continues, we will be forced to leave the coalition
Lode Daelemans of Het Juiste Spoor was there for the fourth day in a row. “We are forming a human chain to signal that we, as local residents, find the way this is being handled and the way we are being treated unacceptable,” he said.
Green party Groen, which forms a coalition with N-VA and Vooruit in the Deurne district, is threatening to leave the coalition over the issue.
We are forming a human chain to signal that we find the way this is being handled and the way we are being treated unacceptable
“I have put a lot of pressure on my N-VA colleagues over the past few days,” said district alderman Karen Maes. “What is happening here is truly unacceptable. If this continues, we will be forced to leave the coalition.”
'Lack of dialogue'
Coalition partner Vooruit in Antwerp is also frustrated with the approach. “This is not how you deal with citizens and their concerns,” party leader Kathleen Van Brempt posted on social media. “The lack of dialogue and communication is not acceptable.”
According to police spokesperson Kim Bastiaens, today will proceed in the same manner as yesterday.
“First, we will engage in dialogue with the protesters,” she said. “If the situation threatens to escalate, we will gradually build up our response.”