IN A further twist, the Mayor of Paphos yesterday overruled a council decision to open the seafront road to traffic.
Savvas Vergas had attended a protest on Poseidonos Avenue late on Thursday afternoon, which was being held by those opposed to allowing vehicle access to the road.
The saga took a surprising direction, as the protestors reported that the mayor had agreed the metal posts which were being cemented into the newly laid cobblestones were, “not good for the eye”.
Work on Poseidonos Avenue will be completed in a few days, and it was supposed to be open to one-way traffic from yesterday.
Two opposing groups have emerged from the mêlée. Namely those in favour of opening the road to traffic, and those who wish it to remain as a pedestrianised zone.
Mayor of Paphos Savvas Vergas has come under increasing pressure from both sides.
Many people now believe the area should be a car free zone, with pedestrians able to stroll along the seafront and enjoy the experience, without the threat of rumbling traffic.
Thursdays’ demonstrators believe the area would cause safety concerns for pedestrians, if traffic were allowed, as there are no kerbs to separate the two. The metal posts were being put in place to separate the traffic flow from passers by.
But work ground to a halt on Thursday evening, and the metal posts which were installed, stretch only a short distance from the public swimming area of ‘bania’ to McDonalds. This means that, at present, cars will only be able to travel a short distance, with the rest of the promenade being left as a pedestrian zone.
The Mayor took this unprecedented decision, announcing the road would remain as it is, until a Paphos council meeting next Thursday, where the status quo could again be changed.
Demonstrators placed wreaths around nearly every post, as a symbolic gesture.
“I think the situation is ridiculous,” said one Paphos resident. “The Municipality should make a decision and stick to it, instead of all this to-ing and fro-ing. You can’t please all the people all the time.”
She added: “Personally I think this is a good compromise. One part is open to one-way traffic, and the rest for people who want to walk around.”
“I agree,” said Stephos Stephanou, who has lived in Paphos for the last fifty years.
“There are now nice benches to sit on, the children are able to play, and everyone can walk around enjoying our beautiful town. Some of the shop and restaurant owners just aren’t thinking straight. What would be gained from letting through traffic? In my opinion there’s nothing to gain, except wear and tear on the new paving stones, pollution, and stupid parking.”
A Dutch tourist chipped in, “it’s so nice to have this area here. You can see all the way to the beautiful castle, and it feels open and free. I hope cars are not allowed to drive here.
“Where I am from,” he added, “we have many places like this and everyone enjoys then very much.”
Petros Ioannou said businesses were being greedy and not looking at the bigger picture. “This area should be for everyone, and a place where families can enjoy being together. Passing cars aren’t going help their trade. They will drive straight past, whereas they’re more likely to find custom from those of us walking by. Like everything in Cyprus, it will take time for everyone to get used to the change, but for me, I like it,” he shrugged.
