Herselt Residents Petition Against McDonald's Arrival

In the heart of the Kempen region, the quiet, green municipality of Herselt is facing a familiar battle against the encroaching tide of global fast food. Nearly 1,000 residents have rallied, signing a petition to block a proposed McDonald's with a drive-thru.

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Herselt is een groene en landelijke gemeente

This isn't just about a burger joint; it's about preserving the character of Herselt. As one local activist, Steven Surkol, stated, "Herselt is a green and rural municipality." The community fears the inevitable consequences: increased litter, light pollution, and a surge in traffic. For residents like Steff Witvrouwen, who cycles past the proposed site with her children on their way to school, the safety concerns are paramount, especially with a dance school nearby where children frequently cross the road.

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We maken ons inderdaad zorgen over de verkeersveiligheid. Het is nu al zo druk rond de Snepkens

While McDonald's has proposed mitigation measures like sound barriers and its own traffic management, the community remains unconvinced. The petition, a powerful symbol of local resistance, has been handed to the municipal council. The council, acknowledging the "live" nature of the dossier, will weigh the concerns against potential benefits before making a decision by summer. This local stand highlights a common tension between development and community preservation, a narrative playing out in many towns across Flanders.

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Ik fiets daar elke dag langs met mijn kinderen op weg naar school. Ik hou mijn hart vast als er nog meer auto's komen door McDonald's. Er is in de buurt ook een dansschool waar veel kinderen de straat oversteken. Veiligheid is een grote bezorgdheid.