Purmerend votes against refugee housing facility

The majority of the city council of Pumerend voted against the permanent shelter location that was requested by the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) for the establishment of permanent housing for around 700 refugees. The decision came on Monday, after a meeting was held with residents regarding the towns’ reception of asylum seekers three weeks ago, which the residents used to voice their anger and concerns. Only a small group of concerned residents was allowed attendance to the meeting, while outside, NOS reported a gathering of around 50 protestors. A study is going to be conducted regarding the establishment of a small-scale permanent shelter location in the church, which will house anywhere from 30 to 200 refugees. Pumerend Mayor Don Bijl closed the meeting saying ,”I predict that we have not heard the end of this.” Mondays meeting was reported with disruption as police presence was on hand to keep “a leg-up” on the peace.