A camp of Flemish scouts in Samrée, in the province of Luxembourg, is turning into blood sausage. As relayed this Wednesday morning by our colleagues from The last newsa group of 230 scouts from Wilrijk (near Antwerp) was asked to pack their bags for Wednesday 4 p.m. at the latest, otherwise the police would release them.
In question? Complaints from residents who believe in particular that the noise pollution is too high. Asked by HLN, the camp management explains that the police arrived on Tuesday around 4 p.m. with them. “The police showed us an order from the burgomaster that we had to leave our site within 24 hours following complaints from locals. We were completely caught off guard because we had received no warning that we were doing anything of badness”, says a chef. The latter, who was well aware that campfires were prohibited, explains that a complaint was also filed because of… citronella candles. “A small barbecue was allowed, so we thought candles wouldn’t be a problem.”
Management adds that one complaint also concerned waste management.
“The farmer who owns the field had already come to say that there was too much waste and we immediately cleaned everything up”
testifies however the chief interviewed.
“The mayor was perfectly aware of the number”
Faced with this situation, some young people went to the mayor to clarify this tense situation. “He initially said he understood us, but then changed his tone and claimed that the neighborhood was also fed up with us because we were making too much noise. And he insisted that we all left at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Except for regarding 20 people who have been allowed to stay”.
The group of scouts is in the eyes of the mayor too important. But according to the management, the latter had nevertheless given his agreement at the start. “Samrée has only regarding 400 inhabitants. We are 230, regarding 180 children between 6 and 18 years old plus a supervisor and a kitchen team. The mayor said that the village might not manage such a large group. However, he was perfectly aware in advance of our number. And it is only now that we realize that there are too many of us…”
“We don’t want to leave”
Note that the camp should normally end on July 30, in three days. “What’s Not So Long Anymore”indicates the direction. “We are still in talks with the mayor to be allowed to stay until then. We want to avoid having to return earlier and are keeping all options open for now. It remains to be seen what the mayor will say during the day. Wednesday. We’re also looking at legal options with a few lawyers. We’re really aggrieved. We don’t want to get out of here at all.”
Camp leaders said the children’s parents received an email late Tuesday evening to provide an update on the situation and will be contacted personally today.
