The dirt road which gives access to the main part of Famara beach was closed to cars this week by “Costas” – the government department responsible for coastal areas of Spain.
The road in question has always been used by people heading to the quieter parts of the beach, by kitesurfers, hang gliders and people planning to walk the cliff path.
Bizarrely, it would appear that Teguise Ayuntamiento had no notice that this closure was taking place. The council met yesterday to discuss the situation and Mayor Oswaldo Betancort issued a statement condemning Costas for taking the action without consulting the ayuntamiento, and asking in the strongest possible terms for this decision to be reversed by central government. He pointed out that the ayuntamiento are extremely protective of the local environment, but that access to this area fits perfectly with Lanzarote’s stated aim to become one of Europe’s premier sporting destinations.
Locals of all nationalities have reacted against the closure – a protest was held today at the entrance to the town, and several more are planned. The topic is trending on social media with the hashtag #famaranosecierra and with support from a Facebook page Famara NO se cierra, which reached over 700 members in the last 36 hours.