Dutch and Belgian municipalities call for resident reports to curb local nuisance

The municipality of Horst aan de Maas in the Netherlands is urging residents to continue reporting disturbances in the Kasteelse Bossen. The call follows a rise in complaints about drug and alcohol use, litter, intimidating behaviour and even human waste in the forest area, as highlighted by the local fishing club HSV ’t Bliekske. The council has increased patrols but says further reports are essential for shaping a spatial vision and targeted measures.

In Belgium, the municipality of Beerse is advising citizens on how to prevent rat and mouse problems that have increased with warm weather. Officials recommend securing food waste, sealing containers, fixing leaks and blocking entry points, and suggest humane trapping or professional pest control if infestations persist.