The new square

[sanreen]

Thank you Barry for posting updated pictures of the square. Picture No 47 which you posted today, the sign post shows traffic straight ahead and turning left. I gather straight ahead is for taxis as previously mentioned. Could confuse tourists who do not know the village.

[Barry]

Thanks Sanreen, the only reason for the photo was to show that traffic will be allowed to go straight ahead from Farol, not just taxis. The only benefit I can think of is if you come down Farol and then want to go back up again. I hoped to get a photo of the additional plant tubs in place but it didn't happen today. Steen has one last pic and that is it for now from me. We are back to UK tomorrow, but not to home, but Durham for or son's graduation. Looking forward to being back "home" in Carvoeiro in September.

[EMM]

Mix 1 very large coach trying to get through the square, plus the train and then add a car parked outside of the CVO sol and what do you get?
Much entertainment for we onlookers and a lot of frustrated motorists.

[sanreen]

Just looked at the webcam for the square. Looks like there are wooden benches between the orange trees.

[Peter Liewes]

That's right, since a vew days there are maybe 8 benches. It was a suggestion from a lot of people her at the Forum.

[blue]

So you can now sit in what is effectively a traffic island & watch the cars go round. Lovely!

[Ellie]

So you can now sit in what is effectively a traffic island & watch the cars go round. Lovely!

Don't think Im gonna like it Blue....and probably end up sitting on the sea wall..much rather look at the ocean

[Barry]

With you on that one Ellie. Who wants to sit on a traffic island? Still think the new square was a great opportunity wasted, because someone started to make it up as they went along. If the intention was to allow traffic to cross the square, it should have been planned for, and designed in. Unfortunately, it looks like we are now stuck with what we have.

[Phil]

Oh dear - you'll never please everyone

[EMM]

Agree 200% obviously some prefer the traffic chaos, cars parked on narrow pavements etc.

Of course its not perfect and an obvious mistake was made in the design but I know which I prefer, the square is only part of the much improved village centre and lets hope that they extend the wider pavements as far as the market turn.

[laserblazer]

This time next year most will have forgotten what it was like before the refurb.

[Phil]

I'll be out there in 4 weeks time to see it first hand. My brother has just come back and he thinks it improves things no end.

[blue]

This time next year most will have forgotten what it was like before the refurb.

Then they must have very short memories or drink an awful lot. Which is maybe the answer . Unfortunately even if I drink enough to forget what the old square was like doesn't mean I'll like the new 'improved' one any better, not enough alcohol in the world for that.

But seeing as Hemmi's is our local I'm very pleased with the improvements on the out road, apart from the change of direction on the cut which just takes more traffic down to the traffic island square, it's very pleasant sitting there especially on music nights when the street is really lively.

[TomUK]

The square definitely looks better, but I agree that the traffic provision could have been better thought out.

With hindsight, when they removed the parking area they could have refurbished the square from that point leaving the tarmac area in front of the Matabixo for traffic to cross instead of creating that 'traffic island'.

However, the upgrade to the toilets, the canopies in front of the restaurants and the rebuilt tourist Info centre are all good points.

There in two weeks, so will be able to see things at first hand. Hope the car hire situation has eased by then!

[Ma-Ja's]

We have heard that they are going to be reviewing the traffic flow around the village in October. They are seeing how it goes over the summer and then maybe changing it again. So who knows what will happen in the future!