Ideas for Bocholt's cemetery district

How can the quality of life in the neighbourhood be improved? Residents of the neighbourhood around the Bocholt cemetery have been thinking about this. Many good ideas emerged at a workshop. The results of a survey that took place in the summer also formed the basis.

A communal "dirt removal campaign" in the neighbourhood, Christmas carol singing, a running group and a neighbourhood run, a swap meet, a public bookshelf and various creative activities (handicrafts, painting) - around 50 participants made numerous suggestions in working groups for activities and offers to strengthen the attitude to life and social cohesion in the neighbourhood. The activities are to be implemented with the support of the "Leben im Alter" association.

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

In his welcoming address, Lukas Kwiatkowski, neighbourhood coordinator for the city of Bocholt, emphasised the "very good and green location of the neighbourhood between the city forest and Lake Aasee". He was delighted with the many participants who took "time to improve their living environment".

Anne van Rießen presented the results of the extensive study, which was carried out from July to August. Interviews were conducted with more than 300 residents of the cemetery neighbourhood. This study was financed by the "Stiftung - Dein Zuhause hilft", an initiative of the LEG-Immobilien Group, one of the cooperation partners for neighbourhood development in the Friedhofsviertel alongside 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 neighbourhood: The issues of rubbish, noise and car parks were raised very frequently. Improving relationships within the neighbourhood was also an important concern for many respondents. Van Rießen: "I'm delighted that 50 of you expressed your personal willingness to get involved in the neighbourhood during the survey. There is a lot for us to do. Let's tackle it!"

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 22 November at 6 pm in the St. Paul parish rooms (Breslauer Straße 24). "People who have not yet taken part are also very welcome", says Agnes Wellkamp from the L-i-A association. She can be contacted for questions and information on 01523 21765-65.