Several residents and associations of Anderlecht municipality gathered on Thursday afternoon from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at various ‘hotspots’ within the area.
The ‘Pause 1070’ initiative aims to reclaim public spaces in Anderlecht, particularly areas where recent shootings occurred, including Clemenceau metro station, Sint-Guido, Aumale, and the notorious Peterbos.
Around thirty people attended a gathering held at Sint-Guido, where coffee, biscuits, and cake were served. At Aumale, about ten residents gathered to support each other and highlight the positive aspects of Anderlecht.
In the past few weeks, the municipality has been in the spotlight due to drug-related violence, which has claimed several lives. Over the weekend, drug gangs targeted a night shop in the area, frightening customers but causing no injuries.
Residents want to emphasise through ‘Pause 1070’ that Anderlecht is much more than drug violence. Anna, who works in the municipality, said, “I am here to show that Sint-Guido metro station is a fun place and can be a fun place. There is life here."
“There’s a certain fear, but there are also many positive things in Anderlecht beyond the shootings," she added. "We shall continue gathering together.”
Claire Bosman, a resident of Sint-Guido, was also eager to attend the neighbourhood gathering. “I love living here, and I’m not afraid to live here,” she said.
Bosman lives just a stone’s throw from where a Kalashnikov was fired a few weeks ago. She added: “I didn’t notice anything. It happens at night when you’re asleep. It’s not the first incident here, but I’ve never noticed anything personally.”
