Sopela Town Council Advances in Drafting New Coexistence Ordinance

With citizen and sector participation, a regulation addressing issues like damaged street furniture and dirtiness is being developed.

Generic image representing the Sopela coexistence ordinance process.
IA

Generic image representing the Sopela coexistence ordinance process.

Sopela Town Council is drafting a new coexistence ordinance with citizen and sector participation, addressing issues such as damaged street furniture and dirtiness.

The process has been carried out in two phases: initially, citizens had an open channel to submit proposals, and subsequently, participation sessions were held with representatives from commerce and hospitality, associations, and residents to contrast and deepen the concerns received.
Among the main problems identified in this dynamic are the deterioration of street furniture, dirtiness in public spaces, proliferation of graffiti and posters, conflicts arising from noise and mobility, and the inappropriate use of facilities and natural spaces during festive events. Additionally, difficulties related to coexistence with animals and respect for green areas and equipment have been highlighted.
In the contributions received, associations and citizens have prioritized education, awareness, and pedagogy, emphasizing the need to understand the roots of behaviors that harm coexistence. From the commerce and hospitality sector, they have highlighted the importance of reinforcing cleaning, improving security, and increasing surveillance, particularly during night hours.
Overall, there is broad consensus that sanctions should be a last resort; instead, awareness campaigns, mediation, and restorative measures are preferred, including formulas such as the perpetrator repairing the damage. However, the participatory process has revealed an ongoing debate about the role of the ordinance itself: while some deem strengthening awareness sufficient, others see a need for regulation that combines clear rules with a pedagogical approach.
The Town Council has positively assessed the level of participation and emphasized that the contributions received will be valuable for drafting a text that reflects real needs. In the next phase, this text will be presented for validation with institutions and contrast with the public; currently, work is underway to write the draft. More information and details about the process are available on the municipal website.