Filenews 2 July 2021 - by Dora Christodoulou
Unregulated conversion of the traditional city centre into a nightclub for the weekend, is now taking place, after the large-scale redevelopment of the shopping centre, shopkeepers and local residents complain.
A statement issued by them points out that it is with sadness and anguish that the residents of the city centre, shopkeepers and many visitors, see that the unregulated development of recent years is tragically degrading the quality of life and experience.
"The lack of the slightest planning for harmonious development, the strengthening and licensing of premises operating only evening hours on purely commercial roads has undermined every day activity," the protesters say. "The attempt by a portion of the Municipal Council and the Mayor of Paphos to legalize illegal evening operations is a foreign and troubling concern to us".
With many kilometres of empty pedestrian street, it is inconceivable now to insist on the abolition of parking spaces in Paphos Chrysanthos or elsewhere to put more table seats, emphasize the residents and professionals of the area. They are calling on city councillors to help develop a master plan for the area, rather than, as they say, leaving the shopping centre in the grip of petty political purposes.
"Residents leave, businesses go out and the grocery store is dead," they conclude in their announcement. "Dirt, nuisance, no toilets. Shame, this is not the city we dream of."
