“Risk of floods with the Renara torrent blocked by artificial pools and plastic that stops the flow of water”. This is stated in a complaint by some residents, now exasperated by the Wild West that looms over Guadine. The complaint states: “The permanent occupation of large sections of the banks of the stream, the non-temporary installation of fences or tents, tables, deck chairs, umbrellas, barbecues, in addition to being identifiable as a violation of the rules on the use of state-owned lands, in fact entails very serious risks at the level of: health and hygiene for organic waste; pollution or glues, resins used for the consolidation and maintenance of illegal structures; alteration of the river ecosystem with deforestation, destruction of the aquatic habitat of numerous native animal and plant species; use of the paths and territories of the buffer area of the Apuan Alps regional park. We underline how high the risk is, in the event of torrential rains, the water level of the Renara stream increases significantly in a very short time. This leads to the risk of occlusion of the river basin with the consequent possibility of flooding and permanent hydrogeological risks. We are strongly in favor of tourists being able to enjoy our beauties, provided that they can access the banks of the stream without abuses or dangers caused by uncivilized people. The recent establishment of the Limited Traffic Zone is an important and adequate step forward for the protection of residents, but we believe that it is not a sufficient deterrent to prevent certain people from continuing their stubborn occupation of state-owned spaces”.
The measure to close the road on summer weekends is causing controversy, so much so that some people disagree with the residents and are asking the Municipality to retrace its steps. “The road must be reopened – say the residents of the Canali villages -. Put the police to fine cars parked in an illegal manner, put forest rangers to control the stream and fine those who create abuses but leave everyone the freedom to enjoy the stream, as always, and the freedom to reach the villages. It is true that sometimes the ambulance has been delayed due to traffic but tell us where it has never happened. Even in the city center, at certain times, we have a traffic jam of cars and the emergency vehicle, if it arrives, gets trapped: so, do we close the center or do we look for alternative solutions? Unfortunately the mountain, from a resource, always becomes a problem. And we really don’t agree”.
Alternatives? “We have a square full of brambles a few meters above the hamlet of Guadine, before Gronda – the residents protest -. That could be an answer. If cleaned of brambles and landfill it could accommodate over a hundred cars and the problem would be solved Some have even denounced the fact that people do their business in the river, without considering that in Guadine and its surroundings there is no sewerage system: so what? Without considering that in the Guadine there are public toilets that have been abandoned for years: about these points we must fight, to improve, enhance, strengthen services and make a change in the mountains, not wash our hands of it, close and isolate villages in this way”.
“They think that this whole regime was dictated by the residents of Guadine – they add – but that’s not the case. We have a lot to lose now – and the manager of the refreshment point comes into play: “What do we do? During the week, no one comes and it’s on Saturday and Sunday that we work a little. This way we won’t have people and our activity will be reduced. The police brought me three passes, so, three people?”.
