Socialists Demand Improved Beach Access in Porto Santo
Madeira GuideThe Socialist Party in Porto Santo is calling for urgent improvements to access routes to the island's beaches, citing safety and accessibility concerns as the summer season approaches.
The Socialist Party (PS) in the Municipal Assembly of Porto Santo has raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of several beach access routes on the island. In a recent press release, the PS highlighted that the current state of these paths is hindering free movement for both locals and tourists who wish to enjoy the natural beauty of Porto Santo's beaches.
The issue is becoming increasingly pressing as the summer season approaches, a time when the number of visitors to Porto Santo surges. The PS specifically pointed out the area between Ribeiro Salgado and Cabeço, where hotel construction has exacerbated accessibility issues.
Particularly problematic is the pedestrian path near the restaurant ‘Tia Maria,’ which has become nearly impassable due to overgrown vegetation and uneven surfaces. The socialists argue that immediate intervention is needed to ensure the path is accessible before the summer and the reopening of nearby hotels.
The PS also recalled a 2017 agreement with the Pestana Group, in which the hotel group was responsible for ensuring pedestrian access as part of the hotel licensing process. They lament that the opportunity was not used to widen the paths to accommodate emergency services, a lesson they urge should be learned for future developments.
The beach is the main attraction for visitors to Porto Santo, and it is unacceptable that, with the summer season approaching, the paths do not meet the necessary conditions to allow access for both visitors and residents.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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