Finally progress in the practice circuit problem?
Will there finally be some progress in the well-known problem? Last week we read the statement below on national news sites. The positive thing about the matter seems to be that it is being considered, but hopefully there will also be definitive solutions... Nevertheless, these 'provisional solutions' would be a step in the right direction... hopefully to be continued.
Below is the article as read on hln.be
Temporary training areas for motorized sports are being demarcated in the port areas of Antwerp, Ostend, Zeebrugge and Ghent. Flemish Minister of Spatial Planning and Sport Philippe Muyters reported this today in a press release. According to Muyters, only undeveloped port areas are eligible for such cross-circuits.
“The motocross terrain file dates back to 2002, with a difficult course from the start,” it said. “Although our country traditionally excels in motorized sports such as motocross, it appears to be extremely difficult to find sufficient space to practice them.” Only the province of Antwerp sees opportunities for a new site in its province.
“Difficult exercise”
“It's impossible to keep going in circles,” Muyters said. “It is a very difficult file and a difficult balancing act, but it is high time that clarity is finally provided. Today we in the Flemish Government have decided to take full control of the file.” In Flanders, the ports, with their open spaces far from residential areas, are the only places that, according to the minister, are still eligible to set up training areas.
Imago
In addition, the Flemish Government wants to do everything it can to maintain the four existing regulated circuits. The motocross sector remains involved in the discussions surrounding the designation of the training areas. “The sector is actively working on a more positive image of its sport, including by promoting quieter electric motors. We work well together and that is why I hope that a solution is near that will satisfy everyone," Muyters concluded.
Opposition criticism
Opposition parties Open Vld and LDD call the Flemish government's plans to provide four temporary motocross sites in the ports of Ghent, Zeebrugge, Ostend and Antwerp insufficient. “I am happy for our motocross riders that they are temporarily given extra space to practice their sport, but with this decision Muyters is pushing this problem beyond next year's elections. Moreover, the minister is failing in his promise to find at least 1 permanent site per province," says Open Vld MP Peter Gysbrechts.
LDD
LDD politician Ulla Werbrouck calls the temporary cross terrains “a sweetener”. “The temporary sites are a useful interim step for the sector, but will by no means herald a revival of the sector. This sector absolutely needs regulated permanent training areas,” says Werbrouck.
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