El Tarter Steps Finally Repaired After Years of Decay and Complaints

Residents in El Tarter have spotted the start of repair work on a set of steps closed since 9 April last year, after years of repeated damage and unanswered complaints to local authorities.

The steps, built with a mix of cement and stone, have deteriorated repeatedly in cold weather, causing constant cracks and hazards for pedestrians. "It was extremely dangerous—you'd step and a chunk of stone and cement would break off," locals told *El Periòdic*, speaking ironically about the long-delayed fixes. They hope this intervention ends five years of inadequate repairs.

Work began without prior notice to neighbours about timelines or expected duration. Previous communications from the Canillo commune had dismissed the need for the steps, citing an alternative pavement route. In practice, however, that path has been unusable due to poor cleaning. "Regulations require each building to clear its section, but in reality no one does anything here," residents said.

The issue worsened during recent heavy snowfalls, when uncleared snow blocked pavements and forced people onto icy roads amid passing vehicles. Neither the commune nor building owners carried out required snow removal, and a lack of proper weather alerts hampered preemptive clearing efforts by services, leaving major build-ups on paths.

Beyond the steps, El Tarter residents continue to highlight a shortage of basic facilities, renewing calls for a public dog toilet—an request pending for years. "It's basic equipment these days," they argued, noting available spaces like blue zones or nearby car parks. They expressed frustration over unequal treatment within the parish, insisting they pay the same taxes yet see cleaner streets in Canillo proper compared to their area. "We're asking for very basic things: proper snow clearing," they said, demanding fairer management.