By: DAISY SAMPSON
daisy.sampson@the-resident.com
AN ASSOCIATION has been formed to promote Praia da Rocha in an attempt to create a clean and safe resort accessible to everyone throughout the year.
The Fonte de motivação associação de defesa, promoção e desenvolvimento da Praia da Rocha is a non-profit organisation formed by local residents, business owners and those with a vested interest in the area.
The president of the association, Manuel Filipe, told The Resident: “Praia da Rocha is a resort for the whole year and we want to let people know that we are working together to provide the best destination for people to come to. Improvements to the area include making this a cleaner environment and obviously
 Manuel Filipe, president of the association. |
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increasing security and policing.”
CCTV
Pressure from the association has been instrumental in pushing authorities towards installing CCTV along the main street, Avenida Tomás Cabreira.
CCTV in public areas in Portugal is against the data protection act but the association has been using its resources to put together a case to explain that this specific area is a special case.
“People in Praia da Rocha do not feel that CCTV will invade their privacy and a survey revealed that 99 per cent of those interviewed welcomed the programme to increase security here,” said Manuel Filipe.
“We have been granted permission by the government of Portimão Câmara to install eight cameras in car parks in the area but we are waiting to hear how our appeal to have the CCTV along the main avenue goes before the cameras are set up to cut installation costs. We are confident that the government will be able to see that this is a fun area and not residential thus making this a special case for CCTV.”
The association not only focuses on the bigger issues such as advertising events and applying for entertainment licences but also sees the importance of issues on a micro level.
“One restaurant asked us if we could help change the time rubbish was collected from near their business to improve conditions for customers. We spoke to the refuse collectors and now the rubbish is picked up two hours later and everyone is happy.”
Communication
To help improve the safety of tourists in the area, the association will be producing a factsheet for visitors with useful numbers, advice for safety and general information about the area.
“We want people to understand they need to be aware of what is around them to keep themselves safe,” said Manuel Filipe.
Communication is the key to the success of the association and anyone who would like advice on the area, has a suggestion on how amenities can be improved or would like to talk with someone about any aspect of Praia da Rocha can call 969 260 695 or email praiarocha@gmail.com (service available in English, Portuguese and German).
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