Polgyros Municipality beach equipment removal

The Municipality of Polgyros has initiated operations in the Chalkidiki region to remove permanent equipment from public beaches to ensure coastal accessibility.

On August 18, municipal employees cleared approximately 100 umbrellas and sunbeds from Gerakini beach. These items had been bolted and locked to the shoreline. Deputy Mayor Vasilis Fardogiannis stated the intervention was necessary to protect public space after owners failed to comply with previous removal notices. The Land Service classified the removed items as waste and sent them to a recycling facility.

Following this, the municipality expanded its efforts to Kalyves. On August 25, municipal crews utilized trucks, 4x4 vehicles, and a JCB machine to clear the coastline of umbrellas, sunbeds, and other equipment. This operation aimed to prevent the permanent occupation of public spaces, specifically targeting items that had been secured with chains and padlocks to maintain their position.

Authorities reported that some equipment had been permanently fixed into the sand using cement or iron rods. Deputy Mayor Fardogiannis highlighted a trend where owners of short-term rental apartments allegedly provide guests with keys to specific beach umbrellas or locked sunbeds, which effectively privatizes public space. The municipality emphasized that beaches are common areas and should not be reserved for the privileged.

Parallel actions were also taken by the Municipality of Kassandra in Pefkohori and Nea Lefkanda. Authorities stated that removed items will be treated as waste and sent to recycling centers rather than being returned to owners. These interventions follow reports made to the police and the Greek Ministry of Tourism.