Belgian news in brief, 21 September 2005

Five children struck by car

Five adolescents were hit by a car on Wednesday after it ploughed into them as they waited on the pavement for their school bus. The children, aged between 12 and 15, were seriously injured. The driver said he had lost control of his vehicle after swerving to avoid a lorry but has since been arrested for driving without a licence. The accident took place in Stoumont.

Famed cyclist enters local politics

Belgian racing cyclist and Tour de France veteran Tom Steels has announced he will be entering local politics at the next election. He plans to stand for the sp.a/Spirit/Groen party in the Saint-Nicolas commune. The 34 year old is still on a contract with racing team Davitamon-Lotto and he says he will respect his commitments. But he indicated he would like to leave the world of racing cycling by the time he reaches 37.

85,000 Alzheimer sufferers in Belgium

Belgium has 85,000 patients who suffer from the memory-loss Alzheimers disease. The figure is set to rise to 150 000 by 2010 because of the aging population. Around 20 000 new cases are diagnosed every year, according to the National Alzheimers League. One in three cases are discovered when the disease has already reached its intermediary stages.

Postal reforms to be published on Thursday

Controversial reforms of Belgium’s postal service are to be presented to union workers on Thursday. According to draft plans, every commune in Belgium would be guaranteed a post office outlet but this would not necessarily mean a fully functionning post office. Union leaders have already protested that vulnerable customers will suffer and have not ruled out strike action.

Subject: Belgian news