Abandoned caravans, furniture and unauthorised structures remain at the Platania camping site, despite its closure on 3 June, delaying plans to upgrade the popular destination.
An inspection by Sigma TV’s Protoselido programme revealed sofas, refrigerators, toilets, tents and other items scattered throughout the site. While some campers removed their caravans, they left behind belongings and makeshift structures they no longer wanted.
Some installations include fences, steps, planted areas and other constructions built by campers during their stays.
Three notices and two meetings fail to clear site
Despite repeated efforts by the Department of Forests to clear the site, the situation has changed little.
According to information provided to Protoselido by the department, letters have been sent to caravan owners for around a year, asking them to remove their property.
Three notices have been issued and two meetings have taken place with the camping site association. However, the efforts have not resulted in the complete removal of the abandoned items and structures.
Although several owners complied and took away their caravans, others left unwanted belongings behind. A significant number of caravans also remain on site.
Owners given one more month before action
The Department of Forests has granted owners a further month to remove their belongings and installations.
If they fail to comply, the Law Office is expected to become involved so that procedures can be initiated to remove the remaining items and structures.
The entrance to the Platania camping site remains closed to vehicles. Access is permitted only by prior arrangement with the Department of Forests, allowing owners to collect their personal belongings.
Unauthorised occupation raised concerns
The inspection also highlighted concerns about campers occupying additional areas without authorisation.
One case reported to the programme involved a family that had a caravan at the site and expanded into an adjacent area to accommodate its children. The family later sought further space for its grandchildren.
The case illustrates one of the issues the Department of Forests is seeking to address, ensuring camping areas remain accessible to all members of the public rather than being occupied by specific individuals for extended periods.
Upgrade plans remain on hold
The continued presence of caravans and abandoned structures is preventing work from starting on the site’s planned upgrade.
The closure is intended to allow the facilities to be redesigned and transformed into a modern, organised camping site capable of accommodating more visitors.
However, work cannot begin until the necessary space is cleared of abandoned belongings and unauthorised constructions.
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