Ideas for the Bocholt cemetery district

How can the quality of life in the neighborhood be improved? Residents of the neighborhood around the Bocholt cemetery have been thinking about this. Many good ideas were generated at a workshop. The workshop was also based on the results of a survey conducted in the summer.

A community "dirt-road clean-up" in the neighborhood, Christmas caroling, a running club and a neighborhood run, a swap meet, a public book shelf and various creative activities (handicrafts, painting) - in working groups, around 50 participants made numerous suggestions for activities and offers to strengthen the sense of life and social cohesion in the neighborhood. The actions are to be implemented with the support of the "Leben im Alter" association.

The workshop in the parish room of St. Paul took place under the scientific guidance and direction of the Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, represented by Prof. Dr. Reinhold Knopp and Prof. Dr. Anne van Rießen.

In his welcome address, Lukas Kwiatkowski, neighborhood coordinator of the city of Bocholt, emphasized the "very good and green location of the neighborhood between Stadtwald and Aasee." He said he was pleased with the many participants who took "time to improve their living environment."

Anne van Rießen presented the results of the extensive study, which was conducted from July to August. Interviews were conducted with more than 300 residents of the cemetery district at that time. This study was financed by the "Stiftung - Dein Zuhause hilft" (Foundation - Your Home Helps), an initiative of the LEG real estate group, one of the cooperation partners of the neighborhood development in the Friedhofsviertel in addition to LEG, Bocholter Heimbau, the city of Bocholt and the association "Leben im Alter" (L-i-A).

The results of the survey showed that there are many starting points for improvements in the neighborhood: The issues of trash, noise and parking spaces were raised very frequently. Improving relationships within the neighborhood was also an important concern for many respondents. Van Rießen: "I am thrilled that 50 of you expressed your personal willingness to work in the neighborhood during the surveys. There is a lot for us to do. Let's get it done!"

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. in the St. Paul Parish Rooms (24 Breslau St.). "People who have not yet been involved are also welcome," says Agnes Wellkamp of the L-i-A association. She can be reached for questions and information at Tel. 01523 21765-65.