SAPA
After a very
difficult couple of months, I am delighted to advise that SAPA finally agreed
to freeze payments from Tala residents for the sewerage until the end of
2016. Those of you who have received
invoices, can therefore ignore these.
I was called to a subsequent meeting at SAPA when a number of people attempted to get this decision reversed [probably as Peyia have now applied to have their charges postponed for 12 months]. However, I am pleased to advise that sense prevailed and the decision to freeze charges for Tala until the end of 2016 applies. The matter has now been referred to the Government for a decision as to what should happen at the end of 2016.
I was called to a subsequent meeting at SAPA when a number of people attempted to get this decision reversed [probably as Peyia have now applied to have their charges postponed for 12 months]. However, I am pleased to advise that sense prevailed and the decision to freeze charges for Tala until the end of 2016 applies. The matter has now been referred to the Government for a decision as to what should happen at the end of 2016.
Anyone who has
paid the SAPA invoice will, I am afraid, have to wait until the Government
confirms one way or another what is going to happen to Tala – this is for legal
reasons as the Department of Ministers has to approve rebates and they will not
do this if there is any possibility that charges may still apply at some
time. This position has changed somewhat
from what was originally advised unfortunately.
We still intend
to attempt to get Tala excluded from the SAPA road-based sewerage system if at
all possible. Freezing the charges for Tala
at least allows us more time to negotiate with the relevant departments.
I had a good
meeting with the Water Board in Nicosia.
They have advised that Tala has their full support and they wish to use
Tala as a test case to show that the Government did not interpret the EU ruling
correctly in respect of sewerage. The
Water Board will be in Tala during the next few weeks and it will be
interesting to see where their findings take us!
POST OFFICE
Following the
resignation of Andreas, the vacancy created has been advertised and the position
filled. The successful candidate was
Yiota so please allow her a little time to find her feet and get used to
addresses.
EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
For those with
an election in the European elections, a list of the candidates standing for
Cyprus can be found on http://europedecides.eu/candidates/election-lists/cy/
Cyprus will have
6 MEPs.
GRAFFITI, VANDALISM, ETC
I am sorry to
report that we have had more graffiti on the walls around the
amphitheatre. As a result security
cameras have been installed and photographic evidence of the offenders will be
handed over to the Police.
There has also
been a report of vandals throwing lemons, water bombs and some stones at
motorists passing the school. Despite
efforts, we have been unable to trace the offenders.
We have also had
a report of vandalism to cars parked overnight at the car park behind the
square, and theft of wing mirrors from a vehicle parked on a house
driveway.
We are
investigating additional security measures
for various locations around the village, but I ask that everyone remain
vigilant and if they see anything suspicious, to please take a description of
the offenders and advise the Police.
DOGS
The Council
receives a lot of complaints about dogs – whether it be regarding the noise
that they make, fouling or wandering the streets. As the Police appear not to be interested,
a decision has been made by the Council
to write to all owners about whom complaints have been received. If there is no improvement after the warning
letter, legal action will be taken against the owners.
If you are
affected by problems, please either write into the council or email Cathi on toffee@primehome.com. Please state the nature of the complaint and
the full address of the offending owner.
COLLAPSING HOUSES AT THE ENTRANCE TO KAMARES
Following on
from my last update, the Electricity Board have been asked to tie back the
poles again as they are leaning away from the concrete structure. I appreciate that everyone still has
concerns about these buildings, but the District Office is monitoring the
situation on a regular basis.
NATURE PATH
The Council has
approved the building of a nature path which will go either from the back of
the old car park, or from the bend adjacent to the collapsing houses. The path will lead up to the monastery. EU funding is being applied for for this
project.
NEW CEMETERY
Progress in
respect of the above is very slow. To
give you some background, the new church was built on land belonging to the
Education Ministry. An agreement was
reached with the previous council and the Church, that the Education Ministry
would be given a plot of land of 6.5 donums, this land abutting church land of
the same size. The Church have offered
to lease this 6.5 donum piece of land to the Council to build a cemetery,
however, whilst the lease is for 99 years, there is a clause that if the
cemetery is not built within 5 years, the Church will take the land back.
We have a long
way to go before the necessary permissions and permits are obtained and,
unfortunately, work cannot proceed until all these are in place.
THE SQUARE.
I am pleased to
advise that the preliminary permit for reformation of the square has been
obtained. We now, therefore, have what
is called a ‘mature project’ and we will be applying for European funding.
GARDEN WASTE SITE
Some of you will
be aware that we had another fire at the site and this has led to further
complaints from those living in the area.
As a result, anyone who has garden waste to dispose of should please
phone the council or call into the council office, and arrangements will be
made to open up the site for them.
COMPUTER SYSTEM AT THE COUNCIL OFFICE
Slow progress is
being made in respect of the new system.
We are, therefore, considering bringing in unemployed university
graduates who are available under a new Government incentive to help young
qualified people gain experience in the workplace. Under this incentive, the Government pays
their salary for a 6 month period and it is felt that their input will ensure
that the project is completed as they gain valuable work experience.
COUNCIL WEBSITE & BLOGSPOT
Following the
launch of the new website [www.thevillagexpress.com – click on Union Jack and
type in Tala for the relevant information] we realised that the site did not
suit all the requirements of Tala given
the diversity of events and information we provide.
So, in addition
to the website, we now have a blog site – talanews.blogspot.com. On this site you will find details of all the
events, past and present, and the newsletters. In addition, you can now subscribe if you
wish to be notified of events and when the newsletter is available. Simply log onto the blog and at the right
hand side of the screen you will see ‘Follow by email’. Simply type in your email address and press
submit and you will be notified when anything new is added to the blog.
It is hoped that
by providing both sites, all our needs in the foreseeable future can be
handled.
We are also
investigating whether we can simplify ticket booking for events at the
amphitheatre. If this can be done via
the blog site, you will be advised, but in the meantime, please notify Cathi if
you wish to reserve tickets for collection on the door.
WATER BILLS FOR THOSE ON TALA WATER
Just a reminder
for those on Tala water that meter readings were carried out at the end of
March and you can now call into the office to pay your latest bill. Paper bills will not be issued until after
the June readings.
NEW CHURCH – HALL, MUSEUM & LIBRARY
A number of
people have spoken to me to ask if the hall, museum and library are to be named
as it is felt that ‘the hall underneath the new church’ does not convey the
correct image, even if it does make clear where the venue is! As the premises are the property of the
Archbishop, I have raised this issue with him and await his advices.
NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY HELP REQUIRED
The National
Crime Agency continue to pursue criminals thought to be on the island of
Cyprus. The current list of wanted
offenders is shown on http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/356-second-operation-zygos-campaign-hunts-criminals-in-cyprus and there is an appeal for everyone to keep a
look out and notify the agency if they see any of those listed.
EASTER EVENTS
These are being finalized and a list will appear on the website and blogsite shortly.
EVENTS
25 April - Tony
Lee as Roy Orbison, including the greatest hits of the 60’s by Gene Pitney and
others at Vatouthkia – [Kendall & Morrelli]. Only a
few tickets remain for this event.
10 May - A
ShowDance featuring Melissa Williams, Davey Woodford and host Bob Clarkson at
Vatouthkia
15 May - Tom
Jones tribute at Vatouthkia – [Kendall & Morrelli]
24 May - State
of Quo [music of Status Quo] – at the Amphitheatre – tickets will be available
shortly.
25 May – Kamares
Festival – 10am to 5pm at Kamares Club
6 & 8 June -
Mercury & May – the Ultimate Queen tribute – at the Amphitheatre. Tickets available shortly.
14 June – Ian G
With Strings Attached – octet playing popular music – at the Amphitheatre. Tickets available shortly.
18 June – Barrie
Rowe – from Glen Miller to Motown – at the Amphitheatre. Tickets available shortly.
20 & 22 June
– Rod Stewart tribute – back at the Amphitheatre by popular demand. Tickets available shortly.
25 June – Music
school exhibition – classical Greek music.
Tickets available shortly.
Coming up:
Bee Gees tribute
– [11th and 14th July at the Amphitheatre]
Greek theatre
[18 July at the Amphitheatre]
Roxy Music/Bryan
Ferry tribute direct from the UK,
together with Karen Kendall Covers [26 July at the Amphitheatre]
Greek music and
dance by Aenaon – [3 August at the Amphitheatre]
Simon &
Garfunkel tribute [8th August at the Amphitheatre]
Papageorghiou
String Quartet putting a classical spin on modern music [29th August
at the Amphitheatre]
Artemis – Greek
music [31 August at the Amphitheatre]
Sister Act and
Supremes Motown Magic direct from the UK [7th September at the
Amphitheatre]
Jersey Boys –
back at the amphitheatre by popular demand [19th, 24th
and 27th September]
Engelbert
Humperdinck at Vatouthkia – 24th October [Kendall & Morrelli]
The Rat Pack
makes a return – Vatouthkia - 28th
November [Kendall & Morrelli]
Vatouthkia
events – booking direct with Vatouthkia [99 459163, or 99 751007], or via Derek
on derekincyprus@gmail.com
Kendall &
Morrelli shows – tickets, including international buffet, available from
Vatouthkia, SoEasy Kiosk in Tala, via Cathi on toffee@primehome.com, or on 96818066
Amphitheatre
shows – tickets can be pre-booked with Cathi on toffee@primehome.com
ART EXHIBITION
For art lovers,
Maria Etheridge, a Tala resident, is holding an inaugural exhibition from
Thursday 8th May [starting at 7pm] until the 22nd
May. This will be held at Zante Restaurant
just 8 kilometres outside Limassol on the Troodos road. To make the first exhibition something
special and different, it will be entitled “Wish
you were here” and will feature only postcard art – each piece of art
conforming to a specific size. However, such an apparent limitation will not
hamstring the artists as they can use any medium they want and let their
imagination run riot. It will be fascinating to see what will be on
display.
If you wish
to join this merry band of creators, please contact Maria Etheridge by email on
saxons@cytanet.com.cy and she will
supply you with the necessary information – visit the website at www.art-en-route-cyprus.com
– and read all about it on the blog at www.sasonsblog.wordpress.com
Next newsletter
15 June
Areti Pieridou
