Almighty row in Puerto de la Cruz as protesters seek to save “historic” San Telmo sea wall

[Janet]

An almighty row is brewing in Puerto de la Cruz. There was already some bad feeling arising from the Ayuntamiento's upmarket push, with new bylaws to outlaw plastic terrace furniture in restaurants, hotels and bars, and to enforce colour branding in the town. Further irritation was caused by the council's attempt to enforce street cleanliness, with fines up to €3,000 for anythig from spitting to shaking carpets: there were even restrictions on watering plants on the outside of buildings.

Now, however, the council itself is being accused of vandalism, and of forcing through change for the sake of change. The San Telmo sea wall is quite a feature of the town's frontage, but the municipal planners want to alter the feel of the promenade and replace the wall with a glass and steel barrier. The plans have given rise to protest marches and leaflet drops, and there is even a Facebook page (link) dedicated to protesting against plans that are seen as mindless destruction of an historic part of the town's infrastructure.

The council, for its own part, denies that the wall has any heritage value, and says that the new barrier is needed to protect the town from the sea. Some might wonder if the wall hadn't done that quite effectively throughout its existence ... JA

[Guanche]

I think for once I am on the councils side. Parts of Puerto are quite grotty to say the least and this wall is a typical example. As for spitting, litter  and shaking carpets I quite agree. Only yesterday the wife and I, and quite a few others,  had to dodge a deluge of water in Santa Cruz from some idiot watering their plants on a balcony at 11.30 am!!
I can see the sense in color coding and a ban on tacky plastic seats. I think some people have to realize that tourism is the live blood of the island, its either make things look better or starve........but thinking about it some of the residents I know would choose starving!!

[NAH]

....and there is even a Facebook page (link) dedicated....

Missing link 

[Janet]

 

There now 

[Janet]

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Despite protests and petitions, the wall has started to come down. The above photo shows the bulldozers in place and part of the wall already in rubble. The plan for its replacement is not clear, but is likely to be the glass and steel model discussed last year. JA

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[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

Anything has to be an improvement on that.

[Janet]

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The protesters lost, and the wall went. And now, the new San Telmo promenade is finished and open. And looking good, as the above photos show. JA

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