Le Grand Cahors is requesting an exemption for the large transit area for travelers in Fontanes, which does not comply with the current standards.

IN BRIEF Problem: The large transit area at Fontanes does not comply with the standard area of 4 hectares. Exemption: Grand Cahors requests an exemption from the prefect. Acceptance: Jean-Luc Marc, president of Grand Cahors, hopes for a positive response to this request. Concerns: Elected officials express fears regarding the intervention of the law enforcement. Time limit: The exemption, if accepted, will only be valid until 2029. Local tensions: Interconnections with other local projects spark debates among elected officials.

In Fontanes, the question of the large transit area for travelers raises significant concerns. Indeed, Grand Cahors is compelled to request an exemption, especially since the area’s surface does not meet legal requirements for reception. This need for flexibility in standards is at the heart of the debates held during the last community council meeting. Tensions rise as elected officials question the future of this area and its implications for the community.

À lire Plunge in Expedia’s stock following a disappointing travel request in the United States leading to lost earnings

A decree modifying reception conditions #

The departmental reception and habitat scheme, accepted by Grand Cahors in February 2024, has recently been affected by a legislative change. A new decree stipulates that large transit areas must extend over a minimum of 4 hectares. However, the Fontanes area covers only 2.6 hectares, placing the community in a delicate situation, leaving it with no choice but to request an exemption in order to continue hosting large groups of travelers.

A lack of alternative solutions #

The mayor of Cahors, Jean-Luc Marc, has expressed the need for an exemption, stating that there are no immediate alternative solutions. The lack of available land and the inability to expand the Fontanes area complicate the situation even further. As the mayor emphasizes: “We must act in the interest of all, and this involves accepting this request.” The prefect must make a decision soon, and local officials are hopeful for a positive outcome.

Concerns of local officials #

The situation prompts varied reactions within the community council, particularly from the mayor of Fontanes, Roselyne Valette. She is worried about the repercussions of such an exemption, questioning whether it will allow law enforcement to intervene effectively. Elected officials fear that accepting such a long exemption could lead to future problems. Valette questions: “Will we look for a surface of 4 hectares?” A sentiment shared by several other officials who feel a need for a sustainable solution.

A tense situation with divergent proposals #

The debate surrounding the Fontanes area contrasts with other controversies observed in the Cauvaldor community. Parallel projects, such as the establishment of a new area in Biars-sur-Cère, provoke tensions and disagreements among elected officials. This climate of friction highlights the urgency of reaching a consensus regarding the reception of travelers in structures that meet standards.

À lire exploration of the breathtaking landscapes of Conflent in the Eastern Pyrenees

Long-term issues #

While the request for an exemption is widely accepted by elected officials, it does not resolve the structural problems related to welcoming travelers. The Fontanes area, under exemption until 2029, raises critical questions about the feasibility of a sustainable response to the needs of itinerant populations. Ongoing discussions also reveal a growing awareness of integration and standard compliance issues, requiring a long-term action plan to prevent the situation from worsening.