Three Tourists Fined

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

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Three tourists were identified today by the Forest Police Corps as they walked along a closed section of the PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro, which connects Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, confirmed the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN).

According to a statement, visitors ignored the no entrance signs and climbed over the security gate. They were intercepted in the Pico do Areeiro area.

Each voluntarily paid the fine of 250 euros, for a total of 750 euros, as provided for in Regional Legislative Decree No. 24/2022/M, of December 19, which establishes the legal regime of pedestrian routes in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

According to information from the IFCN, the situation was immediately communicated to the Forest Police after the alert given by tour guides who were on site.

The President of the IFCN, Manuel Filipe, underlined the seriousness of the occurrence: “Classified walking routes are natural and cultural heritage of the Region, but also spaces of risk when they are not in a condition to be frequented. Failure to comply with the rules of access not only endangers the lives of visitors, but also compromises the work carried out by those who safeguard the territory. The application of this fine demonstrates the firmness of the inspection and the importance of everyone to obey signs and route alternations. “

He also recalls that “the no entrance signs and security gates exist to protect people and the environment,” and therefore appeals to everyone to respect the law of the land.

“We want those who visit us to live unique and safe experiences. Our duty is to preserve the tracks, but the duty of each one is to respect the rules. Safety and conservation always come first,” he argues.

Through these fines, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, through the IFCN, reinforces the message that the safety of visitors and the protection of natural heritage are at the heart of the strategy to enhance the network of pedestrian routes in the Region.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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