During the weekend of 30 and 31 August, the South Zone police took action against the ever-increasing illegal street trading. In June this year, the belgian Minister of the Interior, Mr Bernard Quintin, visited the neighbourhood and saw for himself how bad the situation can be here at times.

Last week, Mayor Fabrice Cumps provided the police with the necessary facilities to take effective action against illegal trade. The police came out in force to reinforce the intervention. Our footpaths are being taken over by illegal stalls, but we are also struggling with this phenomenon on our own private property (see photo). Prohibited foodstuffs are being sold, and sometimes you will find bric-a-brac, second-hand clothing or other items of dubious origin. More than 400 kg of goods were seized last weekend!

The mayor of Anderlecht signed an ordinance allowing the police to seize and destroy goods. Several officers, some with dogs on leashes, ensured a safe environment during the operation last weekend. These illegal sales cause a great deal of nuisance and litter, and create a heightened sense of insecurity. People are appropriating public and private spaces that are intended for the smooth passage of people.

We are grateful to the authorities for their action and hope that there will be more such actions in the future. This is also a boost for our market visitors and traders. After all, the markets at Abattoir remain a crowd puller, and it's good that the surroundings are at their best!