UP to 100 expats and second home owners took the opportunity to quiz Didim’s Mayor Deniz Atabay on a range of issues yesterday (Mon) – from Christian meetings to dogs and rubbish to beaches.
The wide ranging public meeting was the first that Mr Atabay had attended since his election last year and again apologized for missing last year’s meeting with the foreign community due to an urgent issue that required his attention in Aydin.
Nevertheless, the Mayor attempted to answer most questions relating to local services, and vowed – where he legally could – to sort out other issues that had been raised.
Dogs
Issues of streets was raised, along with barking dogs causing tourists and residents to lose sleep without any particular action from the council
The Mayor said: “I understand the problems but we can only deal with these problems within the laws.” He said the present dog shelter wasn’t sufficient and the council was trying to make it bigger to accommodate more dogs.
He reiterated that the municipality could only round the dogs up, neuter and release them after a week.
He pointed out that not “all the dogs are under our control” citing the Turkish and foreign holidaymakers who take a pup into their homes for the season and then dump them outside bars and restaurants once the summer is over.
A number of residents questioned the health issues surrounding animals being taken in by restaurants as a way of coaxing tourists in. He said that where the council was made aware of this, they would act and fine the establishment.
Beach toilets
He reassured that toilets on Main Beach will be reinstalled within the next 10 days.
Town cleanliness
While he appreciated there was issues over general cleanliness of the town, the council was doing the best it could, but he added that “cleanliness should not necessarily be down to us (the council), but the people should try to help as well”.
Christian hall
Rev Maurice Ryan raised a point about using the Christian chapel close to the Apollo Temple for Sunday services as well as other holy events such as Christmas.
Mr Atabay said Ankara would have to give permission due to the chapel being a historical building , but he was still aware of the topic, adding: “I’m not sure but I don’t think it would be a problem to use it for a few times a year, such as Christmas. “
He also added that plans were in place for regular services but once in place he would invite the Rev round to discuss the matter.
Apollon Holiday Village
Some residents from Apollon Holiday Village who are in legal dispute with the owners, asked the Mayor’s help in trying to reach out to the owners for the title deeds and certificate of habitation. He said that his municipality would attempt to reach out and speak with the builder on a one to one basis.
Derelict buildings on the beach front
The building site which stands at the half way point on the beach front is subject to a long running court case. But the mayor said that negotiations with all parties involved were ongoing and attempts were being made to come to an amicable compromise.
Car salvage site
The question of the eyesore of the car salvage site at the top of Hunters Valley was raised. The mayor said that the land was rented legally from central government. However, Mr Atabay had been in discussions with the Didim Governor to attempt to find an alternative site for the business, but couldn’t give any timescales on the matter
Luna Park
Noise issues relating to the Luna Park were raised, and the Mayor said it was noted and they were aware. He added that any noise pollution from any business, including bars and restaurants, would result in a fine.
Akbuk sewer/roads
The Mayor said that a sewer system was still being installed in Akbuk and that it would be finished come the Autumn. A date of May 25 was mentioned – but this may well be in relation to the roads being resurfaced in the light of the sewer installation.
Complex maintenance
An issue was raised about residents on complexes stood in relation to demanding to know what money from the communal funds had been spent by the managers of the complex. The council’s legal officer, Ali Aktimur said that residents had a legal right to know where money was being sent on a three-monthly basis.
Third Beach privatization
The Mayor was unequivocal about this when asked whether Third Beach could be privatized over fears that there are government plans for a major refurb of the area simply said: “No, no way.”
Other questions raised relating to visas, residence permits and other government information fell outside the Mayor’s remit.
Following a conversation after the meeting, it was tentatively suggested the next meeting, which would include the Mayor, the Didim Governor, police chief and a representative from the British Consul, in Izmir, would be arranged for mid-October.