Nieuwe Winterswijksche Courant, 23 September 1966
Work is currently under way near Aalten to widen and improve the Keizersbeek. The aim is to allow the water carried by the stream to be discharged more quickly in future, reducing flooding to a minimum. The stream is not only being improved in Aalten. Large sections near Gendringen and Ulft have already been tackled.
An overflow channel will be built near Bredevoort so that, when necessary, water from the Slinge can be diverted into the Keizersbeek. As is well known, around Bredevoort the Slinge repeatedly proves unable to cope with the volume of water and bursts its banks. It is hoped that the overflow channel will prevent this.
Near Aalten, the Keizersbeek is not only being improved but is also being straightened in places, including between the Bocholtseweg and the Bodendijk. The new bridge on Bodendijk is already in place. Straightening the stream will also create a better, continuous site on the Aalten side, offering considerable possibilities for both housing development and sports facilities.
Plans have already been drawn up for the latter and consultations have taken place. What will ultimately come of them, however, will partly depend on the plan that the town planner prepares for this area.