The week in review

To start on a positive note in this week’s review of the news in Corfu – we’re sure that everyone was delighted that Dr. Lee Durrell, widow of Gerald Durrell, was made an honorary citizen of Corfu in a ceremony at the Old Town Hall. Lee Durrell has expressed her love of the island and also her concern – in a recent interview in the Sunday Times she expressed this concern in relation to possible developments in Erimitis in the north-east. The Durrells, of course, is an extremely popular TV series in the UK at the moment and it was announced this week that filming for the fourth series will be taking place in Corfu in September and October.

However, to get back to what is on everyone’s mind (unfortunately) – the rubbish. Following the court verdict against the Mayor, the national government has pressed for things to move quickly and for the Lefkimmi landfill to be used to store the waste bales that are overflowing at the Temploni facility. The Mayor gave a press conference at which he stated clearly that there was no alternative.

Lefkimmi residents disagree and held a protest concert to make their opposition clear. However, an amendment to the existing environmental regulations regarding Lefkimmi was fast-tracked through and the Municipality can now legally store the waste bales at the facility there – temporarily, at least.

Our newspaper, Enimerosi, put forward a proposal for the three sides to sit down together - Municipality, Temploni and Lefkimmi. The Mayor has agreed and we await the response of the other two. Already the baler at Temploni has been repaired and refuse collection has begun again, with the rubbish being taken to the facility there.

The piling up of waste has, however, created problems. Fire broke out at the rubbish tip in Paxos which is still smouldering several days later. There have also been several fires throughout Corfu in rubbish bins where huge piles have collected.

And finally, regarding the refuse, a Temploni resident was given a suspended 16-month sentence following the unfortunate incident at the facility when the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were also arrested.

The upcoming Brindisi-Corfu Regatta seems to be going from strength to strength with a large number of participants expected. Local tourism also got a boost with the announcement of the Bill to open 4 new departments at the Ionian University – including one for Tourism, which will be based in Corfu. There was a symposium on Oceanography and Fisheries in Corfu this week and members of the public had the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of an oceanography vessel which was berthed at the port. Tourism related, but not such good news, was the incident at the Ikos Hotel which led to the Hotel Employees Union pressing charges against the management.

The dead body of a 75-year-old man was recovered from the sea near Gouvia and a young motorcyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries following a road accident. Not so serious, but upsetting nonetheless, was the case of the American woman who went missing for several hours near Loutses but was found safe and sound – she had lost her way.

The couple who are facing trial for lewd behaviour with a 13-year-old were remanded in custody this week.

And finally, come the next ferry strike, why not follow the example of these two brothers who rowed from Igoumenitsa to Corfu!