LÜTZERATH (dpa-AFX) - In and around the lignite village of Lützerath, preparations for the expected eviction of the hamlet occupied by activists are to begin on Monday. According to police, the energy company RWE wants to work next to Lützerath on areas that would be needed for a later eviction operation. The police are on site to secure the project against possible disruptive actions. In addition, access roads around Lützerath are to be closed from Monday and will remain closed for the time being.

In parallel, activists are also dealing with the possible eviction of the settlement. They have announced an "action training" (11:00) in Lützerath. "We practice how to block the eviction and demolition of Lützerath with different methods," the announcement said. Such trainings are also to take place in other cities in the coming days. The activists are trying to activate supporters.

Lützerath, near Erkelenz in the Heinsberg district, is to be mined for coal. However, activists who want to fight for the place live in the houses whose former inhabitants have moved away. They see no need for the mining and burning of the coal. However, the land and houses belong to the energy company RWE.

The evacuation of Lützerath is expected before the end of January. The district of Heinsberg has announced a general order prohibiting people from staying in Lützerath. If this prohibition is not followed, the order provides the basis "for taking eviction measures as of January 10," according to the district./DP/he