Municipal council gives the green light for naming the inner area behind the old Cinema Rex

The name refers to doctor Van Bavel, who was a familiar face in Berlaar for decades. He was active as a general practitioner from 1959 to 2007 and played an important role in local health care. For example, he was co-founder of the Somedi center and founder and honorary member of the Wachtkring Berlaar-Kessel-Koningshooikt. Doctor Van Bavel died on July 1, 2021, at the age of 86.

Not everyone supported the choice of a personal name without reservations. Municipal councilor Eric Stuy (Vlaams Belang) indicated that his group traditionally handles such names more cautiously. “In the past, our group has always been cautious when it comes to street names with personal names. We have a preference for topographical names. If you do take a person, it must be someone who has really meant something to Berlaar. That is why we are asking for a vote so that everyone has the opportunity to abstain,” it said.

Ultimately, the item was approved by the city council. This means that the procedure will now officially start and that a public inquiry will follow, during which residents can submit their comments or objections. Only afterwards will the street name be definitively recorded.