Chaos in Las Maretas: Residents complain about caravans and disorder on the beach
The AST group demands that the city council take measures regarding the chaos on Las Maretas beach caused by violations of the rules and uncontrolled parking of caravans.
The local group "Arico - That's All of Us" (AST) has submitted a pile of complaints to the city council from people about what is happening on Las Maretas beach. The rules are constantly being violated there, which prevents everyone from relaxing and enjoying nature normally.
AST deputies say that people are most concerned about two things: it is uncomfortable to swim there due to the chaos, and the coast is full of caravan cars. These "mobile homes" stand for a long time on the main streets, take up parking spaces, complicate traffic and create road safety problems.
"Because they park for a long time on the roads, near the beach and in recreation areas (such as near the playground or football field), it is difficult to drive and get somewhere," explained Deputy José Luis Hervella.
As for Las Maretas beach itself, despite the signs, people do whatever they want: they put up barbecues, tables, and have picnics. This is unhygienic, dangerous and interferes with those who want to relax normally.
AST believes that the city council is to blame for all this, as it blocked other places on the coast with large stones, but did not offer an alternative. "They didn't solve the problem, they just moved it to another place where nothing is adapted for it," said a group representative.
Residents living near Las Maretas also complain that some people from the caravans wash dishes in public showers. This clogs the water and leaves dirty waste.
AST demands that the city council urgently do something to restore order both on the beach and with caravan parking. In particular, they propose to equip special places for them outside the city, install more signs, strengthen police control, fine violators and conduct outreach work.
AST also accuses the local authorities (PSOE-PP) of doing nothing. "During all our work, they have not proposed a single new rule for approval," Hervella said.
Back in November 2023, AST proposed to check all local rules to understand which ones need to be updated and to draw up an action plan. But the ruling group rejected this proposal.
"More than two and a half years have passed, and nothing has been done. It is impossible for the city not to have rules that meet the needs of the people," Hervella concluded, speaking about the situation on Las Maretas.