The College of Mayor and Aldermen makes Maria Mediatrix available as a reception location for Ukrainian war refugees. In addition, there is a private initiative that offers shelter at the Zwanenhof to Ukrainian war refugees. The college has taken the concerns raised by local residents and the Community Interests Foundation (large) Azelo (GBA) into consideration.
With this decision the municipality of Borne answers to the urgent call of Security Region Twente (VRT) to look into possibilities for the temporary reception of refugees from Ukraine. The Safety Regions in the Netherlands have been instructed by the government to realize about two thousand places for these refugees in each region. In addition, during the council meeting of Tuesday, March 1, the Borne town council instructed the college to examine the possibilities for accommodating Ukrainian refugees in Maria Mediatrix.
Number of available placesImportant aspects in the consideration of the number of available places are the burden on the environment and the discussions with the residents of Maria Mediatrix and GBA. They understand the situation and have a positive attitude towards accommodating refugees from Ukraine.
Based on that, the college decided to notify the Security Region Twente that the Borne municipality will maintain a range of 250 to 350 refugees for the reception of these war refugees. This includes the possible shelter at the Zwanenhof on the Retraitehuisweg in Zenderen. This is a private initiative.
Borne municipality has opted for a range of 250 to 350 places, taking into account a phased intake. The intake will start within a few weeks and will take place in stages because of the adjustments to be made to the building and the organization that still needs to be started up.
Positive energyAlderman Martin Velten: “We would also like to ensure the connection with the many initiatives that are already in place from the Born community and that have been made known via Borne is very hospitable and the solidarity is great. This is evident from the many ways in which the people of Borne embrace the reception of these people. In the short term we will hold a meeting for residents who want to contribute.
From the moment the war broke out, a positive energy has been released in Borne. Mayor Jan Pierik: ‘It is heartwarming how the community of Borne takes action to offer refugees a safe place. Various spontaneous actions and initiatives are taking place to help the refugees from the Ukraine.
Safety region for coordination and implementationBorne municipality is facing a major challenge. The municipal executive committee has therefore set the (pre)condition that the reception in Borne is only possible if there is strong regional coordination and implementation in combination with good cooperation with local teams and volunteers. In a regional context, there has been a positive response to this and the possibilities for a regional implementing organization, especially for the larger locations, are being explored.
Borne municipality has given the order to start work that is necessary to make reception in Maria Mediatrix and the Zwanenhof possible. This is necessary to be able to receive the refugees as quickly as possible.