Punta Prima beach doesn’t need Elevator access!

Los Verdes of Orihuela do not consider that the installation of an elevator within the Punta Prima playa is the most cost effective way of giving access to the beach to those visitors that have mobility problems.

Sra Monica Lorente, the PP Mayor of Orihuela, announced during a press conference on the 30^th May 2008 that the lift is to be installed as part of the investment considered necessary to meet the conditions for obtaining a ‘Blue Flag’ for the beach.

There are other shortcomings and deficiencies within this beach area which makes it difficult to meet the criteria for the sought after ‘Blue Flag’, and Los Verdes consider that the proposed expenditure of 115,000 € is a disproportionate amount to spend on this project considering the needs for expenditure on public services in other areas of Orihuela Costa.

Taking into consideration the proposed location of the elevator, directly in front of the terrace of the Punta Prima restaurant; it is wondered whether or not this installation is considered necessary purely for those visitors who have physical disabilities which give rise to mobility problems, or if commercial criteria for the benefit of the restaurant is also behind this.

Is the lift going to be used predominantly by visitors who are laden with parasols, deck chairs, cool boxes, folding tables, games, and the many other items of paraphernalia that are taken to the beach, rather than the use of the stairs and ramp currently available, and suitable for people who do not have mobility problems?

The objective of giving easy access to the beach area to visitors who have genuine mobility problems is a scheme which Los Verdes wholeheartedly support and one which should receive attention at the earliest opportunity, but the installation of an elevator is not necessary. There is currently access available to the beach area and to the sea, below the level of the promenade known as Paseo Marítimo, via a ramp at the north end of the beach from Calle Crucero. At the present time the quality of access is not satisfactory for easy wheeled access, but with an investment far less than that of the cost of an elevator excellent access could be provided for, by upgrading the surface and angle of slope of the current ramp.

There are many additional questions which need to be considered about this installation, and we hope that the Alcadesa and her team have thought about them, such as;

As the lift is to grant access to the level of the beach itself what precautions are being taken to ensure the lift is not flooded by the sea during storms?

What are the budgeted annual maintenance costs of the lift?

What hours of the day will it be operational or will it operate 24 hours a day?

What precautions are to be taken to protect the lift from vandalism including graffiti?

Will there be any restrictions or limitations on who can use the lift?

What precautions or safeguards will there be to stop anti-social people practicing their anti-social habits inside the cabin of the lift?

What is the cleaning regime going to be to ensure the lift is fit to use as a lift and does not become a rubbish bin and a health hazard to members of the public that use it?

Providing access to public amenities for people with mobility problems is paramount, but the installation of an expensive elevator at this location is a PP publicity folly!

The waste of money proposed for this scheme (the elevator) could be used to provide better easier access at more locations within Orihuela Costa to improve the quality of life for more people!