Delhaize backs down on anti-homeless device

Special panels installed at a Delhaize store in Brussels to drive away homeless people have been dismantled, following a compromise struck on Tuesday between local residents opposed to the idea and the Ixelles municipal authorities.

Last week Delhaize had set up slanted panels to keep the homeless from sitting on the windowsills at the store, where panhandling is frequent. The panels caused an outcry among local residents.

According to the compromise, Delhaize will be able to activate a series of new movable panels in the coming days, but they will only be used in case of "serious trouble". A small party to celebrate the compromise was held at 16.00 yesterday by local residents.

"The panels are not targeted at the homeless per se, but rather street disturbances," said Delhaize spokesperson Roel Dekelver. "They are specific to this store. Delhaize already supports plenty of initiatives to support the homeless, like distributing unsold foodstuffs to homeless associations. If homeless people respect the rules and don’t bother customers and staff, their presence isn’t a problem. We are really looking for a structural long-term solution for homeless people living in the vicinity of this shop, but they haven’t accepted proposals made by the municipality to date."