Haaltert (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Haaltert, a resident’s fence blocks sidewalks, prompting complaints. Alderman Meganck criticises it, while another resident also obstructs paths.
In Haaltert’s Bakkerstraat, a resident put a fence on the sidewalk, blocking the path for people to walk. Local officials and neighbours are unhappy about this. They say sidewalks are for everyone and cannot be blocked. The same resident also placed posts in front of their home. The town has asked the residents to remove the fence and posts by a certain date.
What actions will Haaltert take against the blocking fence?
Alderman Nathalie Meganck has criticised the fence, calling it harassment and a violation of public property laws. The deadline for the resident to remove the blocking items ended yesterday, 13 January 2025, so the town is ready to take action. It is unclear why the resident put up the fence, but it has upset people passing by and started discussions on social media. Local officials want to solve the problem quickly to make the sidewalk safe for everyone.
The disagreement about the blocked sidewalk in Haaltert’s Bakkerstraat has become a legal matter. The resident who put up the fence has filed an objection and asked to meet with the town. This means the town will hold off on removing the fence for now so the resident can explain their reasons.
According to Nathalie Meganck, who is in charge of Spatial Planning, the town is open to discussing the issue but will not change its stance. She made it clear that the fence violates public property laws.
“We want to have discussions with the resident to find a solution, but the law is clear,”
she said, reinforcing the town’s control over the land.
The town plans to show evidence that the land where the fence and posts are located belongs to them. The resident’s actions are against the law. Town officials want to talk to find a solution, but their main goal is to keep the sidewalk open for everyone. The town is trying to resolve this issue in a friendly way.
In Haaltert, a new problem has come up with blocked sidewalks. A resident in Watervoorstraat has put up posts and planted a hedge, making it hard for people to walk. This forces them to step into the street, which is unsafe.
The town has acted quickly in other areas, but no action is planned for Watervoorstraat yet. Many residents are worried about safety and want to know why the rules are not being enforced the same way everywhere. The town needs to make sure sidewalks are safe and clear for everyone.
“The street will be reconstructed at the end of this year, and the problem will solve itself,”
says Alderman Meganck.
