Wine village leaders seek more police officers and changes to district coverage

Limassol, Cyprus. Community leaders in the wine villages called for more police officers and changes to how their communities are divided between police districts during a meeting with Justice Minister Costas Fitiris on Wednesday. The minister also visited Pachna police station and fire service infrastructure being developed in the area.

Police coverage

Pachna community leader Andreas Savvas, who chairs the wine villages cluster, told the Cyprus Mail he had requested the meeting to improve coordination between the communities and the authorities.

Savvas said Souni-Zanatzia falls under Episkopi police station while Lofou is covered by another station. He proposed placing all communities in the cluster under Pachna police station. He also raised concerns about staffing there, saying only one officer is on duty after 7pm.

According to the justice ministry, community leaders called for an adequate police presence and more effective coverage across the area. They also raised concerns about fire prevention and emergency response.

The ministry said the wine villages span a large area, with considerable distances between communities. Their agricultural and viticultural character creates particular operational demands, especially in summer.

Fire service infrastructure

Fire service infrastructure was also discussed during the visit. Savvas said the new Pachna fire station, housed in a former slaughterhouse, is expected to be handed over by the end of the year and will accommodate three fire engines.