Summer on Lake Como brings thousands of visitors every year, but in Mandello del Lario the increase in attendance has also brought to light problems of public order and management of common spaces. For this reason, the municipal administration led by mayor Riccardo Fasoli has decided to introduce a new ordinance intended to change the methods of access to some of the busiest areas of the town.
As stated by the mayor himself in an interview with Openthe declared objective is to guarantee safety, decorum and liveability for both residents and tourists, after numerous episodes which fueled the discontent of citizens and led to the collection of around 1,700 signatures in support of more severe interventions.
The incidents that triggered the measure
The decision is based on several facts that have occurred in recent weeks. Among these, a fight near the train station which caused the interruption of the Milan-Lecco-Sondrio line for a few hours, with serious repercussions on traffic.
Furthermore, there have been episodes of occupation of the beaches, loud music, accumulations of waste left in public areas and unauthorized entry into docks and private properties, often used as points from which to dive into the lake. According to what the mayor explained, these behaviors would have created inconvenience for both citizens and visitors, limiting the normal use of municipal parks and beaches.
How the new ordinance will work
The provision introduces a series of restrictive measures. Access to the lido will only be permitted upon registration with your personal data and the presentation of a valid identification document.
One of the most significant innovations concerns minors not resident in the municipalities of Mandello del Lario, Abbadia Lariana and Lierna, who will only be able to enter if accompanied by an adult, who will be held responsible for their behavior during their stay in the area.
The pier in Piazza Garibaldi will also be subject to limitations: it will be closed with a gate and can only be used by holders of berths, with the aim of avoiding improper access and dangerous dives.
More controls and collaboration with private individuals
Alongside the new rules, the Municipality has prepared an enhanced surveillance plan. From Wednesday to Sunday, two stewards will be present in the public gardens overlooking the lake, while the Local Police, supported by external staff, will intensify checks on the area.
An important role will also be played by the Falck dock. Thanks to the collaboration with the property, the area will be entrusted to the kiosk manager, who will be able to use it for the administration of food and drinks but will at the same time have to ensure its surveillance. Furthermore, the Falck family will provide a security guard during public holidays. At the same time, cleaning services will also be strengthened, with more frequent emptying of bins and the evaluation of further evening interventions.
The mayor’s appeal: “More checks on trains and law enforcement are needed”
For Mayor Fasoli, however, the problem cannot be solved only with a municipal ordinance. The administration intends to ask for continuous support from the police, involving the Prefecture and competent institutions.
According to the mayor, it would be necessary to increase checks at railway stations and on convoys heading towards the lake, verifying possession of the travel document and combating irregular behavior even before arriving in the area.
The new ordinance – which will come into force within about ten days – therefore represents an attempt to combine hospitality and protection of public spaces, trying to preserve one of the busiest locations on Lake Como during the summer season without penalizing those who wish to live there in compliance with the rules.
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