Filenews 1 September 2022 - by Nicoletta Kouroushi
The once popular and beloved beach of the Limassolians, the "Lady's Mile" or "Aploustra" for the older ones, in which generations of families grew up, began to change character in recent years, after the renovation of the restaurants in the area.
Discomfort, however, has been caused to local patrons by the over-charging for the use of sunbeds by the owners of the beach bars, despite the current legislation, which provides for the imposition of a cap of €2.50 per item and the fact that in Cyprus, by law, there are no private beaches. However, the Municipality of Ypsonas and the Community Council of Asomatos are trying to put a brake on the unaccountability that seems to prevail in the area, through the Management Plan of the beach, which is expected to be implemented in the spring -summer of 2023.
It is worth noting that after our on-site visit to the area, we found that the prices of the sunbeds differ depending on the premises, the type of sunbed and the location they are placed, with the cost reaching, and in some cases exceeding, the amount of €20 for a set of 2 sunbeds with an umbrella. As we were also informed, some restaurants – beach bars incorporate in the price for the use of the sunbed as mandatory the provision of additional services.
British Bases: They are paralyzing legislation
In order to obtain clarifications on the issue and specifically whether different legislative provisions apply regarding the charges on the beach, if the specific area is under the jurisdiction of the British Bases, we contacted the spokesperson of the British Bases, Korina Orfanidi.
Mrs. Orfanides confirmed to philenews that on this particular beach the ceiling of €2.50 per piece is in force, which also exists on the rest of the beaches of Cyprus. As Mrs. Orphanides also mentioned, bathers have made complaints to the Authorities of the British Bases, who supervise the area and from time to time have proceeded to impose fines on offenders, but illegalities continue to exist. The Spokesperson of the Bases also noted that although the UK is outside the EU, it nevertheless respects and adopts European legislation concerning the natural environment and coasts.
Change... "the game" of Ypsonas and Asomas
The Mayor of Ypsonas, Pantelis Georgiou, also spoke to philenews about the issue, who said that regarding the issue of charges on the beach, the British Bases have adopted the relevant provision of the law "on beaches", which concerns the imposition of a ceiling of €2.50 per piece. He noted that "the placement of beds before 4 meters from the beach is prohibited", while he argued that "the owners of the premises do not reserve the right to charge additional services to the price of the sunbed".
"The scene, however, is expected to change drastically next year, with the implementation of the local beach management plan", Mr. Georgiou stressed afterwards. The aim of this plan, which includes, among other things, the installation of hundreds of sunbeds on the beach of Lady's Mile, with a cap on the price, is to upgrade the quality of services, the safety of bathers and the accessibility of people with disabilities.
Specifically, in the context of the reform of the Local Government and the unification of services, the Municipality of Ypsonas and the Community Council of Asomatos, which will be under the regional Municipality of Kourion, have reached an agreement regarding the management of the beach, in which the third, fourth, fifth and sixth centres are located, which will bring about changes in the area.
Based on the prepared plan, two additional lifeguard towers will be created, as well as two more ramps for people with disabilities next to the lifeguard towers, for greater safety of bathers and the accessibility of people with disabilities. According to Mr. Georgiou, one ramp has already been installed, while it is planned to install another ramp for disabled people next year.
In addition, Mr. Georgiou stressed that based on this plan, 1000 beds will be placed in 11 different parts of the beach, with a ceiling on the price, which will not exceed €2.50 and their management will be carried out by the Ypsonas - Asomatos partnership. He also noted that permanent "Beach Inspectors" will be appointed, who will also be approved by the British Bases and will have general supervision for the decorum of the beach.
Asked in conclusion about the issue of the redevelopment of the road, the mayor of Ypsonas said that the issue of consultations with the Limassol Municipality on the issue is urgent, since 60% of the beach will administratively belong to the Municipality of Kourion and the remaining 40% to the Limassol Municipality.
