Den Bosch bell towers closed due to safety concerns

The Dutch Labor Inspectorate has ordered the closure of the bell towers at the Sint-Janskathedraal and the City Hall in Den Bosch due to safety concerns. Following an inspection of the City Hall tower, officials determined the environment does not comply with labor safety laws, citing narrow, steep stairs and moving clockwork parts as potential hazards in emergencies.

Because the conditions in the Sint-Janskathedraal tower are considered similar, the municipality has also restricted access there. This decision has halted regular bell performances by carillonneur Joost van Balkom and suspended guided tours of the cathedral towers. Visitors with existing tickets are being refunded.

Joost van Balkom, whose family has been in the profession for 125 years, has criticized the decision as “great nonsense,” arguing that the towers have been used safely for centuries and that he is professionally trained to handle the environment. The municipality is currently awaiting the formal report from the Labor Inspectorate.