The ongoing tensions between the Zottegem city council and local shopkeepers continue to affect the town’s shopping centre. Despite changes in leadership, the relationship remains strained, with recent events deepening the divide. On 2025-08-15 11:47:00, concerns resurfaced as merchants voiced frustration over disruptive roadworks and sporting events scheduled during peak shopping periods.
- Stadsbestuur en handelaars blijven in conflict
- Verkeersmaatregelen verstoren koopjesperiode Valentijnsdag
- Omloop Het Nieuwsblad veroorzaakt leegte winkelcentrum
- Middenstandsraad vraagt verplaatsing Egmontloop zondag
- Stadsbestuur negeert voorstellen middenstandsraad
- Sportevenementen conflicteren met belangrijkste verkoopdag
Earlier this year, fiber optic installation on Hoogstraat and tree pruning in Heldenlaan caused traffic and parking bans during the Valentine’s sales rush. This was followed by the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad cycling races on March 1st, which left the shopping centre eerily empty from early morning until closing time. Now, the Egmontloop event threatens to repeat this pattern, with traffic restrictions returning on a key Saturday afternoon.
Why does the city council overlook merchants’ suggestions to reschedule events? And how can Zottegem balance community activities with local business interests? The answers lie in the ongoing dialogue—or lack thereof—between stakeholders, as the Fast Answer below highlights.
Could better coordination prevent future conflicts? The situation raises important questions about city planning and support for commerce:
- Merchants proposed moving the Egmontloop to Sunday afternoon, aligning with a now-defunct cycling race, but the council ignored this.
- Traffic and parking bans during key shopping days hurt footfall and sales in the centre.
- Sporting events are valued but may need rescheduling to protect local trade on peak sale days.
Looking ahead, open dialogue and flexible scheduling could help Zottegem foster a more supportive environment for both merchants and event organisers. Will the city council heed the calls for change, or will tensions continue to rise?
