Another front is opened against the controversial decision to coincide large infrastructure works that involve the closure to road traffic during the summer months of two of the main arteries of Alicante. The Federation of Associations of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities of the province of Alicante, COCEMFE Alicante, has made public its discontent at the alleged breach of the regulations that indicate that alternative pedestrian itineraries must be available, without urban barriers and fully accessible. .
The works, which are carried out on the Canalejas-Marvá axis, the coastline parallel to the Explanada and the Canalejas park along the Paseo de los Mártires de la Libertad, affect the usual itineraries of road traffic and pedestrians, and As a consequence, they increase the risk of accidents, especially for those whose mobility is affected by age or some type of disability. The area where the works are carried out is precisely the one that brings together a higher percentage of elderly residents in Alicante.
The measures taken by the council are “scarce or non-existent in some cases”, according to Cristina Esclapés, president of the Federation: “alternative pedestrian itineraries have been set up in its vicinity to the usual ones, which in several cases do not comply with the regulations of accessibility”. “In these alternative itineraries, there are architectural barriers that prevent transit through these roads, and imply a dangerous situation for people with reduced mobility, having to continue the journey through roads not enabled for this purpose.”
Ramps with excessive slope, itineraries that require crossing a curb, paths that are too narrow, metal plates that are not well fastened and that are easy to trip over, and very uneven floors are some of the problems that La Vanguardia has been able to verify first-hand. .
COCEMFE Alicante, as a movement that ensures accessibility and the elimination of architectural, urban and transport barriers, “reveals a situation of inequality and vulnerability for people with disabilities. This situation ignores the rights and needs of the collective, by carrying out works on urban roads without having planning”. From the Alicante organization, the consistory and the construction companies are urged to “ensure the accessibility of the urban environment and the elimination or reduction of the risks derived from the works”.
Meanwhile, the City Council announced yesterday that it will provide subsidies to 16 Commerce and Hospitality entities and associations aimed at actions to promote campaigns, projects and initiatives that favor their reactivation, promotion and revitalization.
The lines of aid aimed at the commercial and hospitality sector distribute a total of 152,975 euros among the entities that meet the requirements and finance the expenses of summer campaigns, holding conferences, creating new web pages, campaigns on social networks, the press , radio and communication, organization of events, promotional videos, tourist tour projects, tastings, among other initiatives.
In a meeting held last week, Mayor Barcala explained to hoteliers and merchants that some direct aid proposals were also being studied, such as “continuing with the issuance of trade and gastronomy bonds, which have given very good results and may be particularly beneficial at this time.
