In recent weeks, the peace and quiet of the provincial library of La Louvière, located in the brand new premises of the Gazomètre, which housed many students during exam or blockade periods, has been disrupted.
This gathering of students brought together other young people in the normally quiet premises and possible drug trafficking was notably mentioned. The La Louvière police have just denied this rumor during the last meeting of the municipal council following a concern from Xavier Papier (PLUS) who demanded accountability from the College. “Contrary to what has been said in the press, our services have never found drugs on site.“, explained Eddy Maillet, head of the La Louvière police force. “At most, in the trapdoor of a ceiling, we found snus, a substance derived from nicotine that is not considered a drug although its effects can be very powerful. This is a product which, until now and despite the advice of doctors who denounce the harmful effects it can have on organisms, is over the counter and therefore legal.“
The police in La Louvière are not minimizing the facts, however.I think that the bad weather conditions of the last few weeks have attracted not only young people, but also marginalized people to these places that are accessible free of charge, especially its cafeteria and toilets, places that are not subject to staff surveillance..”
For its part, the library has put a system in place to limit access to the library.We obviously discussed with management and the Gasometer was integrated into the patrol areas of the agents..”
Hopefully this will be enough to reassure students who come to the library looking for a quiet and peaceful place to work.
Several measures taken
In order to immediately secure access to this new space while leaving it open and welcoming for its users, readers, students or users of the digital space, the Province of Hainaut has decided on several measures.In consultation with the local police, surveillance of the comings and goings was organized.“, communicated the Gasometer. “It will cause as little disruption as possible to people wishing to use the library or young people looking for a quiet and suitable place to study. The aim is to deter disruptive elements and provide support to the staff present on site..”
Keen to give priority to prevention so that this place remains resolutely accessible to all, the Province of Hainaut will use street educators and will call on peacekeepers. “These agents will promote dialogue in order to establish a peaceful atmosphere around the building. Internal developments of the building will also be carried out to secure each part of it. The Gasometer was designed as a center of culture and continuing education. Everything is being done to preserve “living together” there. Disturbances at the entrance and in the building will no longer be tolerated and a reader’s card will now be required..”
