For 17 years, the inhabitants of Santacrucero neighbourhood in Salamanca have been grappling with a concrete wall issue on Zurita bridge. The wall, built on private property, encroaches upon the sidewalk, making pedestrian passage difficult and forcing them to step onto the road. Despite years of advocacy by the La Arboleda neighbourhood association, there seems to be no resolution in sight as they continue to push against the local council to address this architectural barrier and restore the sidewalk’s width.
This problematic wall stands across from the tram stop on Islas Canarias Avenue, posing risks to pedestrians due to the narrow space it leaves for traffic – complicating the movement of vehicles and trams. Residents claim that the wall, erected for a private project that was halted, has now become a hazard obstructing the safe passage of people with mobility issues, using walking aids, or pushing strollers or shopping carts.
This long-forgotten wall, now adorned with graffiti, has been encroaching on public property for years, rendering the sidewalk nearly impassable. Residents have voiced concerns about the danger it poses and have engaged in dialogue with the city council, suggesting that relocating the wall by a metre and a half to an adjacent abandoned lot could widen the pavement and alleviate the issue.
The neighbourhood association has sought clarification from the Grafcan viewer, under the Ministry of Environment and Territorial Planning of the Canary Islands, to confirm the public ownership of the sidewalk. They argue that a cadastral error has resulted in the wall encroaching on public property.
Jesús Triana, the secretary of La Arboleda, emphasises the urgency of the situation, citing the high traffic on the bridge with cars and trams sharing the same space – posing a significant risk to pedestrians. “We have been awaiting a resolution for 17 years and it is imperative to engage in negotiations with the lot owner to find a solution,” he states.
