Local politicians believe mayors should have the right to refuse to allow ex-prisoners to settle in their areas if there is a risk of social unrest, according to research by website nu.nl.

In a poll of over 2,000 mayors and councillors, 42% said mayors should be free to refuse residency rights to ex-prisoners. A further 15% support a ban if there is considerable opposition to someone, say a convicted paedophile, moving in.

There is, however, wide variation in terms of political support, with Labour mayors and councillors more likely to oppose a ban.

The issue is current in Amersfoort, where locals are trying to have convicted child abuser Sytze van der V removed from his new home in a block of flats above a daycare centre.

Earlier this year, Bernt Schneiders, chairman of the Dutch mayors’ association, called for mayors to be given greater discretion.