The Junta's idea of putting a top on visitors to Río Chíllar and charging admission has not gone down very well, it seems, because it will be in the hands of a private company.
The idea is finding opposition to it despite demands during many years for more control on access to this natural area within the Parque Natural de Las Sierras Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama.
One entity totally against it is the ecologist movement, Gabinete de Estudios de la Naturaleza (GENA-Ecologistas en Acción), who have joined members of the public manifesting their rejection of the idea via a social-media platform for the collections of signatures (Change.org).
The petition was put up on the 5th of March by Aiden Rodríguez. So far, however, only 30 people have put their names to it.
Another manifestation of discontent is graffiti upon the walls of the Tercera Fábrica de La Luz, which is where the private companies, Hermanos Campano, Sando and Viajes Verano Azul have proposed that the entrance to the area will be. These old installations belong to Sevillana-Endesa as it used to be a hydro-electric plant.
Whilst some are against paying to enter, just about everybody considers that something must be done about the unmanageable number of visitors during the summer.
The person against having to pay to enter, Sr. Rodríguez, considers, “There is a lot more at stake than simply paying five or twelve euros to enter because we will lose the inclusive and shared essence of the river.” In other words, it belongs to everybody and is a public space and not a commodity to be sold by a private company.
(News/Noticias: Nerja, Axarquia, Costa del Sol, Malaga, Andalucia – Photo: E. Cabezas)
Sharing the same bus would prove interesting. If ever I lose a few stone. I’d be game.!
Parking is the main issue. Would it be possible to set up a park & ride service, like done down to Cantarrijan nudist beach. This would remove much of the pressure and raise some money at the same time.
Whatever next! A couple of weeks ago, I read the that they were wanting to charge people to go on to the Plaza de España in Seville. Isn’t it enough that tourists bring money into these areas? I know things need maintaining, but this is really a step too far. The council should start charging all the travellers, who don’t travel, that might help.
Since 05/03 30 people have objected with signatures. That could be a whole extended family.
Sadly blurb from private companies, in hand with those in power. Often is just that. Profit is god to those types. The amount I paid to wander around Salobrena castle . I think is a tad excessive.
But numbers of people in the summer months, do bring dinero to local businesses and town-hall coffers. Parking issues are a part of tourism everywhere.
Finding an ethical solution and company to run it, charging high season; that is more difficult.