Farmer Tom addresses a reader's problem regarding dark patio tiles that become dangerously hot in the sun. He suggests that reducing the amount of stone and adding more greenery can provide necessary shade and cooling for the outdoor space.
More travelers are choosing to take the train from Haarlem to sunny European destinations this summer to avoid airport queues and luggage restrictions. The article highlights how convenient rail routes make it easy to reach countries like France, Spain, and Italy directly from the city.
The share of homebuyers purchasing a property within their own municipality is decreasing as rising prices force them to look elsewhere. This trend is particularly evident in the western part of the Netherlands, where buyers are moving further away on average than they did a decade ago.
According to a CBS study of nearly 8,000 people, approximately half of the Dutch population participated in volunteer work in 2025. While participation levels are comparable to pre-pandemic 2019 figures, they represent a slight decrease compared to 2023 and 2024.
Amsterdam Alderman Alexander Scholtes has rejected a proposal to use ferrets for rat control, arguing that current trapping methods are more animal-friendly and cost-effective. The city plans to prioritize prevention and public awareness over the ferret-based hunting trials seen in other Dutch cities like Rotterdam. Officials noted that while rat complaint numbers fluctuate, they have not shown significant growth in recent years.
The DekaMarkt branch in Velserbroek opened its renovated store on June 18 while temporarily retaining its old logo sign. Management decided to delay the installation of the new branding to avoid disturbing a pigeon nesting within the existing signage.