CEMETERY
The plans for development of a section of the cemetery have now been agreed and the work has gone out to tender.
The area will be secured and once the work is completed the plots will be available for use. Pre-purchase will be possible once the work has been done.
SAPA & MAINS SEWERAGE
I regret to advise that despite agreement reached at a meeting before Christmas, and a letter from the Minister of the Interior instructing SAPA that Tala are excluded from the mains sewerage for 5 years and that any monies collected for transfer of title should be refunded, SAPA are refusing to accept the decision of the Minister.
SAPA had a representative at the meeting before Christmas in Nicosia and whilst that representative claimed it would be difficult to refund people, they were told that if they had managed to collect money then they must be able to refund it.
SAPA have now proposed that as they have out of pocket expenses for the Peyia and Tala proposed sewerage system [including costs for an alleged feasibility study] in the sum of €169,992, they require payment from Peyia of €129,194 and €40,798 from Tala to reimburse them. In addition, they also propose to continue issuing invoices for the sewerage charge to residents in both areas, even if they are not paid. As a council, we feel it is unfair that only those requiring title transfer have had to bear the sewerage charge and are agreeable to paying SAPA a reasonable amount to reimburse them for their costs if this means that the cost is shared across the community [not just by a few individuals] and that those who have been forced into paying are reimbursed. However, as the original agreement was that the system for Tala would receive 80% Government funding, we have proposed that Tala will pay €8159.60 and that SAPA must obtain the balance from the Government. To date SAPA have rejected this proposal and are adamant that Tala must pay the full €40,798 and that Tala must recover the Government share direct from the Government.
As a Council, if SAPA will provide us with a written undertaking that we are excluded from the mains sewerage, then we will try and negotiate the fee they require. If we can obtain the necessary undertaking then it is anticipated that an additional levy of €10 or €15 per household will be necessary on the rates – however, this may be the best and cheapest solution to avoid the mains sewerage. Payment of any fee would then result in SAPA refunding those who have been forced into paying the tax to allow transfer of title or sale of their property.
For the time being, therefore, until we can resolve this, anyone wanting their title deeds or wishing to transfer title has no choice but to pay the sewerage fee that SAPA demands and SAPA refuse to make any refunds.
TALA SQUARE
The new toilets are now under construction behind the old church in the Square. Work was delayed for a very short period as human remains were found when excavating. Thankfully, these were not ancient remains [although they had been underground for a considerable period] and work has been able to proceed.
PLANTING IN GARDENS
The Council has received a large number of calls asking for assistance in spraying the Scottish Pine trees which are the favoured nesting ground of the Procession Caterpillars. If anyone is planting a garden, could they please take note of the toxicity of these caterpillars and desist from planting Scottish pine trees. If anyone is unaware, the caterpillars emerge from whispy nests in these trees, often moving in crocodiles. They are highly poisonous to animals causing severe decay to live tissue and will also cause injury to humans.
AMPHITHEATRE
I am pleased to advise that we are finally building changing rooms and toilet facilities for performers and the disabled at the amphitheatre. Work is underway and should be completed before the start of the season.
TALA WATER METERS
There has been a long outstanding problem of accessing some water meters in Tala. Those of you who have problem meters will shortly be receiving a letter asking you to relocate your meter to a more accessible position. The Council can move the meter for you, but a charge will be made for this service. Please speak to the Secretary in the Council Office if you require assistance regarding this.
MEAL SERVICE
With immediate effect, a hot meal delivery service is available which will be delivered direct to your door. This will be ideal not only for anyone who is housebound, but for those recovering from an operation, temporarily on their own, unable to leave the house for any reason, on holiday or wanting to entertain and save themselves the hassle of cooking – or avoid the heat in the kitchen over the summer months! If needed, additional meals can be provided suitable for freezing or keeping in the fridge but in the initial stages the hot meal delivery will be restricted to Sunday and Wednesday.
Working under the auspices of SKE [Welfare Centre], Marie and Emma will initially be providing a lunch on Sunday and Wednesday. This will consist of a main course and a dessert. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if needed. The meal on a Sunday will be a traditional Sunday lunch.
The cost of the lunch will be €7.50 per person with free delivery to residents of Tala. Anyone outside of the Tala area will be charged €1 for delivery.
For further information or to order lunch, please contact Marie and Emma on 97 725903 or email: emmaguy52@hotmail.com.
SKE [WELFARE CENTRE]
If anyone is having a spring clean, we can always use old pillows or duvets [stuffing materials for knitted dolls, etc], material, ribbon, buttons and wool. Nothing goes to waste. Please leave anything you have at SKE or the Council office.
WHAT’S ON
April
24 Neil Diamond tribute from the UK – tickets now available at the Kiosk in Tala. Tala Church Hall
28 British High Commission presentation at the Kamares Club – open to all
30 Wine Tasting and a meal – Kamares Club
May
5-9 The 39 Steps at Stage One
15 George Michael tribute from the UK at Vatouthkia – tickets now available at the Kiosk in Tala
16 Purrzaar 2 at Café at Ayios Neofytos Monastery 1030-3pm. To raise money for Tala Monastery Cats
16 Harmony in Colour at Kamares Club
23 Kamares Festival at the Kamares Club
23 Two One Act Plays at Stage One
27 Orphean Singers/Cinematic [Pafos 2017] at Amphitheatre *
29 Starlight Dance Party*
* Further information available shortly
June
6 Welcome to Summer Ball – Kamares Club
7 Vox Beatles from the UK at the Amphitheatre
9 Vox Beatles from the UK at the Amphitheatre
19 Hollies tribute from the UK – at the Amphitheatre
21 Hollies tribute from the UK – at the Amphitheatre
July
16 The All New Jersey Boys from the UK – at the Amphitheatre
18 The All New Jersey Boys from the UK – at the Amphitheatre – tickets now at kiosk
Sept
11 Fleetwood Mac tribute from the UK – at the Amphitheatre
13 Fleetwood Mac tribute from the UK – at the Amphitheatre
25 Bee Gees tribute from the UK – at the Amphitheatre
27 Bee Gees tribute from the UK – at the Amphitheatre
Tickets for Tala Church Hall, Tala Amphitheatre and some of the Vatouthkia events are available at the Visteria [formerly SoEasy] Kiosk in Tala. Tickets can also be purchased at Vatouthkia for events there. For most shows, tickets can be reserved on www.talanews.blogspot.com. Any events at the Kamares Club must be booked direct with the Club. Any performance at Stage One must be booked direct with Stage One.
Please also see www.talanews.blogspot.comregarding other events in the Paphos and Tala area which may be of interest.
Next issue 20 June
Areti Pieridou