I was in the edition of l'avenir.net ;

Read the full article;

Work on the Place de la Station in Warneton is causing concern...

The work carried out seems mysterious, but you have to wait for the final configuration to understand the philosophy behind the development.

Marie-France PHILIPPO

Published on 10-08-2023 at 14h42 - Updated on 10-08-2023 at 14h43

On 27 July, we reported on the roadworks being completed in the Place de la Station. Local workers have created a pedestrian walkway across the flowerbed in front of the old station, which has just been refurbished to house the Sidec office and a BiblioLys branch.

"Criticism is easy!"

The astonishing configuration of the pedestrian walkway, whose axes of passage can barely be guessed at the moment, has provoked reactions on social networks. In short, some are criticising the unnecessary expense, the destruction of a little corner of nature and the fact that the work is pointless when so many pavements are in poor condition.

These reactions "disgusted" Hugo Clauw, a member of the local advisory committee on cycling: " It's not safe, you have to walk in the dirt and it's messy! I think it's only right that the town should spend a few thousand euros on this kind of work. Criticism is always easy!" 

he doesn't like to be lumped together: " Compare that to the pavements and football pitch on Quai Verboeckhoven: they're completely different issues!" 

A safe and attractive neighbourhood

We wanted to find out more about the philosophy behind the project by contacting Didier Soete, the alderman for Mobility. " This crossroads is extremely dangerous and, in the past, consideration was given to installing a roundabout there. However, with the ban on vehicles over 3.5 t in the centre of Warneton following the arrival of the Clarebout company, it is less useful and, in any case, the SPW, whose resources are limited, does not wish to carry out any work there.. "

Hence the idea of rehabilitating the neglected flowerbed: " It was mainly used by pooches to lighten their load! The aim is to create a pedestrian walkway to link the two sides of life in Warneton - the town centre and the Place de la Station area - in a way that is more accessible to PRMs and pushchairs. I'm thinking in particular of the cemetery, the RAVeL and the four shops in the area. Our services had to build a V-shaped footpath because the gradient was too steep.

Some improvements need to be completed, such as the pedestrian exit into the Warneton carriageway. A barrier and a flower box are planned to avoid being directly on the road, as is currently the case." 

There is still the problem of the bus stop, which is stuck to the road in Warneton and still not accessible without getting your shoes dirty. " The current aubette will be accessible from the rear. The aim is to turn it into a public space where people can wait, read, have a bite to eat and so on. In fact, the TEC is going to move the bus stop to the beginning of the chaussée de Warneton, with the construction of a bus shelter. Appropriate safety measures will be implemented. This work should be completed quickly." 

Of course, the parterre will be embellished: " The trees have not been cut down and the land has been prepared for planting."