THE MAYOR of Limassol’s Mesa Yitonia has taken legal action against Super Home Center for non-compliance with the terms of its Town Planning permit, which the mayor says is intensifying the area’s traffic congestion.
“We are not willing to tolerate the non-implementation of the licence terms. Our citizens have been suffering from traffic congestion in the area, which is partly caused by the shop’s operation,” said Mayor Christos Mesis.
The store, located in a residential area off the Limassol motorway, started operations in June 2007. According to the terms of its town planning permit, Super Home Center was responsible for constructing a southward road to ease the traffic congestion caused by the shop’s operation, a second road to allow nearby residents to access their homes and a strip of green to block out the noise.
Following legal action taken by Mesa Yitonia Council, the retailers began constructing the southward road, but have not yet shown willingness to comply with their other obligations. The court hearing has been postponed and the next hearing is scheduled for the end of October.
Despite the erection of the fly-over motorway bridges, local residents complain that the area’s traffic issues have not been addressed. Mayor Mesis assigns part of the responsibility to DIY, but also points out the area’s infrastructure needs.
“One of the reasons is the operation of Super Home Center. In addition, roadworks are taking place and we are calling the government to finish up as soon as possible,” said Mesis.
A meeting between the Transport Minister and the mayor has been arranged for October 19 to discuss the area’s problems. Mesa Yitonia is presently host to £400,000 worth of public works, aiming to improve the area’s traffic congestion. Infrastructure plans include the creation of a four-lane road and traffic lights opposite Mesa Yitonia school, just off the roundabout. The project is scheduled for completion by January 2008.
Mesa Yitonia has also launched a call for tenders for the creation of Vathkia Park, a green area that will span from the centre of Mesa Yitonia up to the Holiday Inn on the seaside Limassol road. Part of Super Home Center’s obligation involves the creation of a green buffer area, which will form part of the Vathkia Park.
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