A group of local residents and supporters gathered on Saturday morning in Deurne-South to protest against the recent felling of over 800 trees for the construction of a new tram terminus loop.
The demonstration took place on Wouter Haecklaan, where the extensive tree felling began earlier this August. Protesters decorated the remaining trees on Cornelissenlaan with ribbons to symbolise their "tears".
According to officials, the trees were removed to prepare the site for new bridges over the E313/E34 motorways and the development of the F107 cycle highway. However, local residents say the impact on their living environment has been devastating.
“The air quality has worsened, and the noise is overwhelming,” said Raymond Denis, who lives in an apartment nearby. “It feels like I’m living on a highway now. They’ve destroyed our natural buffer. It’s completely irresponsible.”
Denis, along with other concerned residents, has been campaigning tirelessly to prevent the loss of greenery. “Since April this year, we’ve written to countless authorities, pleading for changes to the plans,” he said. “Around 750 formal objections were submitted, but I doubt they were even read. The decision had already been made.”
Charlotte Pellens, another involved resident, echoed this frustration. “We, the citizens, are not being heard,” she said. “Objections give an illusion of participation, but they’re ignored.”
Mia Janssens pointed to a broader issue of political accountability. “The politicians want our votes at election time, but afterwards, they forget us. The anger in the community is real,” she said. “They need to understand they won’t get our votes ever again.”
The protest was organised by Collectief Ongehoord, a coalition of citizen and activist groups advocating for better environmental protection. On Sunday, they will host a larger protest event in Te Boelaer Park in Deurne.
“We currently have more than 2,500 trees at immediate risk of being cut down,” warned Ellys Van der Taelen from Collectief Ongehoord. “These are mature trees that can’t simply be replaced with new ones. A newly planted tree takes 20 to 50 years to provide the same benefits.”
Van der Taelen also criticised the decision-making behind local construction projects. “There are always alternatives that preserve the greenery, but they’re never considered. That must change—this is why we’re taking to the streets.”
Protesters are calling on the city council to adopt stronger measures to protect the urban environment and prevent further unnecessary destruction of green spaces.
