Tala
Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 7:13 pm
Tala fury over hillside eyesore
AUTHORITIES in Tala village in Paphos have stopped development works on a hillside above the village, which they say is illegal and a blight on the landscape. It is also right next to the popular open air amphitheatre.
Work, which includes gauging out a large section of the hillside, burying large containers and creating an access track, has now been suspended following a court injunction.
The disfigurement can be clearly seen from as far away as the Paphos coastline in Kissonerga,
The owner of the land is Paphos lawyer, George Prodromou, the Russian Federation’s honorary consul in Cyprus.
Deputy mukhtar of Tala, Daniel Andreou, told the Sunday Mail the work on the land was illegal and no permission had been secured.
“It appears that the intention was to proceed with developing the area. Although it is on a steep hillside, it does come within the building zone,” said Andreou.
However, Andreou said that none of the necessary permits had been applied for and even if building permission was requested, this did not automatically ensure a green light.
“I presume he wanted to build villas, but we have stopped the construction, and now the owner says that he is only erecting a fence around his land which is his legal right, but this has not yet been done,” he said.
A strongly worded statement from Tala council has highlighted the level of dismay at the destruction.
“We are appalled by the destruction and damage caused to a prominent hillside in the village. The damage can be seen from the coastline and will, regrettably, be permanent,” the statement said.
According to a Tala councillor, who did not wish to be named, work started on the steep hillside plot about two weeks ago when an excavator dug out a large rectangular hole. Natural vegetation was also cleared away.
“The hillside has been destroyed and although Tala council managed to obtain an injunction, by the time it came through, the damage had been done,” she said.
The delay in issuing the injunction has angered the secretary of the Paphos Green party, Andreas Evlavis, who said it took the community leader days to get the work stopped.
“The order to cease should be given in one hour in such cases, not days, as the damage is now already done. The police should be able to stop such work immediately,” he said.
There are also concerns over why the containers have been buried and what they contain.
Three containers have been buried and joined lengthways while a site office has been created using the other two containers. A number of jumbled items including bookcases have also appeared at the site. The councillor said that she has no knowledge of what may be stored inside any of them.
“In addition to the destruction of the hillside, and possible problems further down the hillside in the event of heavy rainfall, there is also the possible contamination eventually from rusting containers,” she said.
A resident, who wished to remain unnamed, said that there were real concerns that during heavy rain, soil and stones will wash away, dragging the containers, their contents and other rubble onto the homes below.
“Also, this eyesore is right next to Tala amphitheatre which is being used for several Pafos2017 events, it should be removed and the hillside restored,” he said.
“No one is above the law, no matter who they are, and Tala needs to protect its countryside, nature and landscapes.”
A gate has been installed and, according to officials, has been positioned so that it is partly on someone else’s land, and partly obstructing a public road.
Tala council has appealed to the district office to take action.
“At the very least we trust that the relevant authorities will ensure that the dumped rubbish and containers are removed and the site put back, as far as it is possible, to its original state,” the statement from the council said.
The Sunday Mail was unable to reach George Prodromou for comment.
source:- http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/06/11/tala- ... e-eyesore/
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Tala hopes to attract more visitors after revamp
AN overhaul of a popular village centre in Paphos is encouraging new businesses to open in the area, while local authorities hope the upgrade will increase visitor numbers.
In recent days, revamped restaurants and bars around the square have re-opened, helping to create a fantastic atmosphere. This is all topped off by a central, colourfully lit water fountain which turns shades of blue, purple, pink and yellow.
A Dutch expat couple living in the area, artist Joep Klinkenbijl and jewellery maker Johanna Bey are opening their new business, an art gallery, studio and gift shop, on the square within days. They said the position is an obvious choice.
“As soon as I saw the plans for the rebuilding, I wanted to open a gallery at Tala Square, as somewhere to display my paintings and also for Johanna to have a base for her jewellery. There is no longer a gallery in Tala and I think it’s important to have one,” the artist told the Sunday Mail.
He said he was enthusiastic about the renovations which he hopes will encourage other new businesses to open in the area.
The painter, who is also a well-known DJ, said that other professional artists will also be invited to exhibit at the new space in the future.
“This is a great village and since the revamped eateries have just reopened, the atmosphere here in the evenings is superb,” he said.
According to local councillor, Cathi Delaney, the upgrading works in Tala village come with a 1.5 million euro price tag and are being carried out in two phases. The project has been 70 per cent funded by the government, with the Tala community board paying for the remaining 30 per cent.
Phase 1 of the square was completed before Easter and finished ahead of schedule, taking just eight months instead of 12 months due to a mild winter.
“The aim was to pedestrianise the square and also to modernise and create an attractive focal centre for the village,” she said.
In recent days, revamped restaurants and bars around the square have re-opened, helping to create a fantastic atmosphere. This is all topped off by a central, colourfully lit water fountain which turns shades of blue, purple, pink and yellow.
A Dutch expat couple living in the area, artist Joep Klinkenbijl and jewellery maker Johanna Bey are opening their new business, an art gallery, studio and gift shop, on the square within days. They said the position is an obvious choice.
“As soon as I saw the plans for the rebuilding, I wanted to open a gallery at Tala Square, as somewhere to display my paintings and also for Johanna to have a base for her jewellery. There is no longer a gallery in Tala and I think it’s important to have one,” the artist told the Sunday Mail.
He said he was enthusiastic about the renovations which he hopes will encourage other new businesses to open in the area.
The painter, who is also a well-known DJ, said that other professional artists will also be invited to exhibit at the new space in the future.
“This is a great village and since the revamped eateries have just reopened, the atmosphere here in the evenings is superb,” he said.
According to local councillor, Cathi Delaney, the upgrading works in Tala village come with a 1.5 million euro price tag and are being carried out in two phases. The project has been 70 per cent funded by the government, with the Tala community board paying for the remaining 30 per cent.
Phase 1 of the square was completed before Easter and finished ahead of schedule, taking just eight months instead of 12 months due to a mild winter.
“The aim was to pedestrianise the square and also to modernise and create an attractive focal centre for the village,” she said.
The first phase saw water pipes under the square replaced, drainage improved and electricity cables being placed underground. The square has also been paved and pedestrianised, new lighting installed and a fountain created. Flower beds have been planted and uniform pergolas added for businesses found around the square.
“A small kiosk unit has also been created which is available for rent and suitable to operate a Gelateria. Anyone interested should contact Tala council,” she added.
Phase 2 is due to get underway in October and will last for around six months. The road network around the square will be widened where possible, roads will be resurfaced, some roads will be designated as one-way, and additional car parking, including disabled parking, will be created.
“Phase 2 will go out to tender shortly with an anticipated contract period of around six months depending on the weather over the winter period,” said the councillor.
Set in the hills above Paphos town, much of Tala has stunning and commanding views of the Paphos coastline and Mediterranean Sea.
“We would like many more people to visit our village and the attractions, as well as spending time at the local restaurants, bars and other businesses. We don’t have a hotel, but there is self-catering accommodation available,” Delaney said.
The village welcomes at least one coachload of tourists per day, mostly Russians, she added, mainly visiting the icon shop which is found underneath the Church of the Birth of Christ at one end of the square.
Tala is the birthplace of Archbishop Chrysostomos, and the church is also the home to the ‘Archbishop’s museum’ containing mementos of his travels, religious robes, photographs and his book collection.
The amphitheatre, a few minutes’ drive from the centre shows a mixed programme of events including plays and concerts during the summer months. Other places of interest include the Tala Cat Park, now home to around 700 stray and unwanted cats, which are available for rehoming, and the historic Ayios Neophytos monastery,
“Exact tourist numbers can’t be given as we have no way of measuring this, but we welcome thousands of visitors every year,” said Delaney.
source:- http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/06/11/tala- ... rs-revamp/
AUTHORITIES in Tala village in Paphos have stopped development works on a hillside above the village, which they say is illegal and a blight on the landscape. It is also right next to the popular open air amphitheatre.
Work, which includes gauging out a large section of the hillside, burying large containers and creating an access track, has now been suspended following a court injunction.
The disfigurement can be clearly seen from as far away as the Paphos coastline in Kissonerga,
The owner of the land is Paphos lawyer, George Prodromou, the Russian Federation’s honorary consul in Cyprus.
Deputy mukhtar of Tala, Daniel Andreou, told the Sunday Mail the work on the land was illegal and no permission had been secured.
“It appears that the intention was to proceed with developing the area. Although it is on a steep hillside, it does come within the building zone,” said Andreou.
However, Andreou said that none of the necessary permits had been applied for and even if building permission was requested, this did not automatically ensure a green light.
“I presume he wanted to build villas, but we have stopped the construction, and now the owner says that he is only erecting a fence around his land which is his legal right, but this has not yet been done,” he said.
A strongly worded statement from Tala council has highlighted the level of dismay at the destruction.
“We are appalled by the destruction and damage caused to a prominent hillside in the village. The damage can be seen from the coastline and will, regrettably, be permanent,” the statement said.
According to a Tala councillor, who did not wish to be named, work started on the steep hillside plot about two weeks ago when an excavator dug out a large rectangular hole. Natural vegetation was also cleared away.
“The hillside has been destroyed and although Tala council managed to obtain an injunction, by the time it came through, the damage had been done,” she said.
The delay in issuing the injunction has angered the secretary of the Paphos Green party, Andreas Evlavis, who said it took the community leader days to get the work stopped.
“The order to cease should be given in one hour in such cases, not days, as the damage is now already done. The police should be able to stop such work immediately,” he said.
There are also concerns over why the containers have been buried and what they contain.
Three containers have been buried and joined lengthways while a site office has been created using the other two containers. A number of jumbled items including bookcases have also appeared at the site. The councillor said that she has no knowledge of what may be stored inside any of them.
“In addition to the destruction of the hillside, and possible problems further down the hillside in the event of heavy rainfall, there is also the possible contamination eventually from rusting containers,” she said.
A resident, who wished to remain unnamed, said that there were real concerns that during heavy rain, soil and stones will wash away, dragging the containers, their contents and other rubble onto the homes below.
“Also, this eyesore is right next to Tala amphitheatre which is being used for several Pafos2017 events, it should be removed and the hillside restored,” he said.
“No one is above the law, no matter who they are, and Tala needs to protect its countryside, nature and landscapes.”
A gate has been installed and, according to officials, has been positioned so that it is partly on someone else’s land, and partly obstructing a public road.
Tala council has appealed to the district office to take action.
“At the very least we trust that the relevant authorities will ensure that the dumped rubbish and containers are removed and the site put back, as far as it is possible, to its original state,” the statement from the council said.
The Sunday Mail was unable to reach George Prodromou for comment.
source:- http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/06/11/tala- ... e-eyesore/
.................................................................................................................
Tala hopes to attract more visitors after revamp
AN overhaul of a popular village centre in Paphos is encouraging new businesses to open in the area, while local authorities hope the upgrade will increase visitor numbers.
In recent days, revamped restaurants and bars around the square have re-opened, helping to create a fantastic atmosphere. This is all topped off by a central, colourfully lit water fountain which turns shades of blue, purple, pink and yellow.
A Dutch expat couple living in the area, artist Joep Klinkenbijl and jewellery maker Johanna Bey are opening their new business, an art gallery, studio and gift shop, on the square within days. They said the position is an obvious choice.
“As soon as I saw the plans for the rebuilding, I wanted to open a gallery at Tala Square, as somewhere to display my paintings and also for Johanna to have a base for her jewellery. There is no longer a gallery in Tala and I think it’s important to have one,” the artist told the Sunday Mail.
He said he was enthusiastic about the renovations which he hopes will encourage other new businesses to open in the area.
The painter, who is also a well-known DJ, said that other professional artists will also be invited to exhibit at the new space in the future.
“This is a great village and since the revamped eateries have just reopened, the atmosphere here in the evenings is superb,” he said.
According to local councillor, Cathi Delaney, the upgrading works in Tala village come with a 1.5 million euro price tag and are being carried out in two phases. The project has been 70 per cent funded by the government, with the Tala community board paying for the remaining 30 per cent.
Phase 1 of the square was completed before Easter and finished ahead of schedule, taking just eight months instead of 12 months due to a mild winter.
“The aim was to pedestrianise the square and also to modernise and create an attractive focal centre for the village,” she said.
In recent days, revamped restaurants and bars around the square have re-opened, helping to create a fantastic atmosphere. This is all topped off by a central, colourfully lit water fountain which turns shades of blue, purple, pink and yellow.
A Dutch expat couple living in the area, artist Joep Klinkenbijl and jewellery maker Johanna Bey are opening their new business, an art gallery, studio and gift shop, on the square within days. They said the position is an obvious choice.
“As soon as I saw the plans for the rebuilding, I wanted to open a gallery at Tala Square, as somewhere to display my paintings and also for Johanna to have a base for her jewellery. There is no longer a gallery in Tala and I think it’s important to have one,” the artist told the Sunday Mail.
He said he was enthusiastic about the renovations which he hopes will encourage other new businesses to open in the area.
The painter, who is also a well-known DJ, said that other professional artists will also be invited to exhibit at the new space in the future.
“This is a great village and since the revamped eateries have just reopened, the atmosphere here in the evenings is superb,” he said.
According to local councillor, Cathi Delaney, the upgrading works in Tala village come with a 1.5 million euro price tag and are being carried out in two phases. The project has been 70 per cent funded by the government, with the Tala community board paying for the remaining 30 per cent.
Phase 1 of the square was completed before Easter and finished ahead of schedule, taking just eight months instead of 12 months due to a mild winter.
“The aim was to pedestrianise the square and also to modernise and create an attractive focal centre for the village,” she said.
The first phase saw water pipes under the square replaced, drainage improved and electricity cables being placed underground. The square has also been paved and pedestrianised, new lighting installed and a fountain created. Flower beds have been planted and uniform pergolas added for businesses found around the square.
“A small kiosk unit has also been created which is available for rent and suitable to operate a Gelateria. Anyone interested should contact Tala council,” she added.
Phase 2 is due to get underway in October and will last for around six months. The road network around the square will be widened where possible, roads will be resurfaced, some roads will be designated as one-way, and additional car parking, including disabled parking, will be created.
“Phase 2 will go out to tender shortly with an anticipated contract period of around six months depending on the weather over the winter period,” said the councillor.
Set in the hills above Paphos town, much of Tala has stunning and commanding views of the Paphos coastline and Mediterranean Sea.
“We would like many more people to visit our village and the attractions, as well as spending time at the local restaurants, bars and other businesses. We don’t have a hotel, but there is self-catering accommodation available,” Delaney said.
The village welcomes at least one coachload of tourists per day, mostly Russians, she added, mainly visiting the icon shop which is found underneath the Church of the Birth of Christ at one end of the square.
Tala is the birthplace of Archbishop Chrysostomos, and the church is also the home to the ‘Archbishop’s museum’ containing mementos of his travels, religious robes, photographs and his book collection.
The amphitheatre, a few minutes’ drive from the centre shows a mixed programme of events including plays and concerts during the summer months. Other places of interest include the Tala Cat Park, now home to around 700 stray and unwanted cats, which are available for rehoming, and the historic Ayios Neophytos monastery,
“Exact tourist numbers can’t be given as we have no way of measuring this, but we welcome thousands of visitors every year,” said Delaney.
source:- http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/06/11/tala- ... rs-revamp/