Local politicians in the Brabant town of Uden are being intimidated and threatened at home by people who oppose plans to set up a refugee centre, according to acting mayor Gijs van Heeswijk.

Speaking during a council meeting on Monday evening, Van Heeswijk said several officials on Maashorst council, which includes Uden, had been visited at home by opponents of the planned reception centre while local broadcaster Dtv Nieuws said the mayor in particular had been targeted.

Van Heeswijk said concerns about the asylum centre were understandable and should be voiced, but said a line had been crossed when protests moved to private homes.

“That means some members of the council executive feel they are being hindered in carrying out their duties,” he said. Several councillors also said the debate had taken a personal toll.

Despite the opposition, the council approved plans for an asylum centre for 300 people, clearing the way for the centre to open on October 1.

Aggression

Aggression and intimidation against mayors, officials and councillors have become increasingly common in recent years, particularly by far-right agitators who oppose any efforts to provide housing for refugees.

In Venlo, extra security has now been installed at the home of mayor Antoin Scholten because of the threats he has received  and Teurneuzen mayor Erik van Merrienboer resigned because of the threats which have been made against him.

The Dutch local authorities association has called on the government to act swiftly to address problems around accommodation for asylum seekers, warning that local councils are being left “on their own.”

In a letter to the cabinet last year, Sharon Dijksma, mayor of Utrecht and chairwoman of the local authorities association VNG, said the situation is spiralling out of control. “Councils are finding it harder and harder to do their jobs,” she wrote.