The mayor of Sant Cugat del Vallès, Josep Maria Vallès, has again urged the Catalan government to create designated "safe spaces" in Collserola Natural Park, allowing residents limited access despite ongoing restrictions linked to African swine fever (ASF).
Vallès made the request in a formal letter to Òscar Ordeig, the Minister of Agriculture, following Ordeig’s announcement that total access restrictions in Collserola will remain in place for at least three more months.
"Citizens of Sant Cugat have run out of patience," Vallès stated in his letter. He warned that prolonged restrictions are affecting residents who regularly use the park for walking, running, and outdoor exercise, and called for solutions that balance public health measures with community needs.
Enough is enough, let's find solutions: we cannot keep postponing, postponing, and postponing.
The mayor highlighted growing frustration, noting that many people are already entering restricted areas. "In November, these restrictions will have been in place for a year," he said, adding that he believes there is a lack of empathy from the Generalitat towards towns surrounding Collserola.
Vallès also criticised the government’s communication, stating that the public has received insufficient information about the measures and their rationale. He reiterated a previous request to allow access to the urban forest park of Volpelleres, which remains blocked under current rules.
Restrictions Still in Force
Under the Generalitat’s current measures, access to natural parks including Collserola, wooded areas, riverbeds, meadows, and non-urban paths is prohibited during nighttime hours (10pm to 6am), and group activities of more than 10 people are restricted during the day.
These rules apply in high-risk municipalities, including Sant Cugat del Vallès, as defined in the Generalitat’s official notice on African swine fever control. While daytime access for private leisure is allowed under certain conditions, organised events such as mountain races and group sports remain banned.
The restrictions were implemented to prevent the spread of ASF, which has affected wild boar populations in the area. The Generalitat maintains that decisions on access rest solely with the executive, not local councils.
Demand for Clarity and Flexibility
Although Ordeig recently acknowledged the possibility of reviewing measures in autumn, no timeline for easing restrictions has been set. Vallès insists that the status quo is no longer acceptable.
"The responsibility for Collserola's closure is theirs, and they are not informing the public at all," he said, accusing the government of misinforming citizens despite its public communications on other issues.
The mayor continues to press for a gradual reopening of park areas through clearly defined, safe access zones that comply with biosecurity protocols while restoring some public use.
Primary sources: eb.gencat.cat, cugat.cat. Reported by elperiodico.com, El Periódico, elpais.com, lavanguardia.com, catalannews.com, barcelonapress.com, agronews.com, en.ara.cat, El Periódico Barcelona.
