STREET dogs to be rounded up, beaches to get extra litter bins, Altinkum  front to be improved and a new unit created to combat illegal or rogue builders are among a host of issues that Didim Council is to tackle in the coming months.

About 100 residents turned up to a meeting today (Wednesday April 30), organised by Voices  Newspaper to listen to and question new Mayor Deniz Atabay.

At literally the last moment, he was called away to an important meeting in Aydin and apologised for not being able to attend, but pledged to front up a new meeting  in late May.

In his place were a panel of five, including the head of the Zabita, head of planning, the head of Didim Town Council and two senior CHP politicians, including Saleh Bankoglu, the president of the Didim Tourism Association of Infrastructure Services (DITAB). Muslume Gunes translated.

New projects

The council has pledged:

to improve Didim’s roads,

provide new car parking areas,

improve the Didim dog shelter by relocating it to a larger area;

improve dolmus routes and increase frequency;

complete the installation of bins with underground storage across Didim;

Improve cleaning operations across the town;

investing in a new beach cleaning machine that picks up cigarette butts from the beaches;

seating on the front to be improved for next season;

new shower facilities and litter bins on Altinkum beach front

to produce a leaflet in English on the projects the council plans to complete;

Beaches/Altinkum front

The council has issued letters to business owners on Altinkum front advising them that illegal builds and extensions will be knocked down, for goods/tables and chairs to be brought back off the front and be strictly controlled.

Peddlars, mobile and illegal traders to be cleared from the front

They also pledged to crack down on hassling and from next year, a new dress code for waiters in restaurants.

Looking to stop cars and motorbikes being used on the front

Next season traffic to be strictly controlled, so deliveries to be made during the early hours

Building work

Building work will stop between May 15 and October 15, but some light building work will continue in less populated areas. Next year, the council plans a blanket ban on all building works between these dates

A newly created unit within the council with officers walking around and taking pictures of illegal builds

Dogs

Street dogs will be rounded in Didim and Akbuk and neutered, and  some will be re-allocated other parts of Turkey.

The council is deciding what to do on the contract for the council vet which ends shortly. No decision on re-employing the present one, or employing a new vet.

Roads

All roads that are 12 metres wide now come under the Aydin Council remit and it will be down to them to repair those roads. Marina Road was raised as one such road but the council and Aydin are still in talks on who should be responsible for its maintenance.

Speed ramps on chosen roads

Residents’ questions and issues

Residents called for the council to look at noise pollution from the Luna Park.

A suggestion that an English speaking member of staff be employed to help tourists at the council (as well as in other government buildings) during the high season.

Improvements to park areas

A follow up meeting in Akbuk for residents there. 

Hisar Mah

Residents there have called for the council to consider the potential relocation of the industrial unit which they overlook.

New meeting

The officials have pledged to hold another meeting for non-Turkish residents at some point late next month, possibly at a larger venue such as the Chamber of Commerce building opposite Kipa.

Voices will be having follow up private meetings with the mayor to keep abreast of key changes at the council.