Concerns about Vidos Island raised by ‘Friends of Vidos’ Association
CORFU. It’s now late March, and the municipal boat still hasn’t been taken out of the sea; it remains abandoned at Spilia and is close to sinking.
(From the Association statement) The recent statements by the Mayor regarding the situation on Vidos and its operation this summer reinforce our association’s concerns that, once again this year, Vidos will remain a deserted and isolated island for both Corfu residents and tourists.
It is now late March, and the municipal boat has still not been taken out of the sea; it remains abandoned and almost on the verge of sinking at Spilia. The municipal shuttle boat has not been put out to tender, even though we know there are interested parties. No steps have been taken to tender the municipal restaurant and café either.
Everything indicates that the summer camps, which are a major part of Vidos' life and protection, will once again not operate this year, due to “damages,” “difficulty in finding staff,” “difficulty in securing supplies,” and many other excuses we have been hearing for years. No maintenance work has been carried out on the beach toilets. The completion of the fire protection network has become like the “Bridge of Arta” (a project endlessly delayed), and no municipal crews have gone up to Vidos to begin cleaning and maintenance work.
As the Association for the Protection and Promotion of Vidos, “The Friends of Vidos,” we once again stress that Vidos is a beautiful alternative option for swimming and relaxation for town residents and visitors, and it absolutely must operate. For this reason:
- The Municipality must ensure uninterrupted hourly transport from morning until late at night. Funding for the shuttle operation is a social service and an obligation of the Municipality to citizens and visitors—not an expense. We propose the immediate repair of the boat and its tendering under terms that will allow a skipper to be found.
- The restaurant and café must be tendered immediately so they can operate for everyone, with prices comparable to those in the town.
- Permanent municipal crews must be sent to Vidos immediately for cleaning beaches and paths, repairing damages, and improving infrastructure.
- Measures must be taken to ensure that children’s summer camps operate, and that scout camps are supported in every way. Campers are the island’s immediate guardians and its future users.
- All necessary maintenance work must be carried out on the pier and the platform directly in front of the restaurant.
Our Association has raised the issue with the Corfu Inter-Association Committee of Environmental and Cultural Organisations, which unanimously agrees on the need for Vidos to operate. Together, we are planning actions to OPEN VIDOs for everyone—actions about which further updates will be provided soon.
Finally, through a formal letter, we are requesting a meeting with the Mayor and all relevant municipal officials.
ELENI KORONAKI
Photo: Central Corfu Municipality
