Sant Antoni Comerç, the local merchants' association, has renewed its urgent call for a comprehensive plan to restore safety and coexistence in the Sant Antoni neighbourhood. This demand follows serious incidents over the weekend, including one death resulting from an attempted robbery. The association states that insecurity in the area has worsened significantly in recent months, despite being a long-standing issue.
Calls for Increased Police Presence
Jordi Arias, president of Sant Antoni Comerç, stated in an interview with Infobarris that the association demands 24-hour fixed patrols on Ronda de Sant Pau. This street is one of the most problematic spots in the neighbourhood. They also request a stronger police presence on Aldana, Marquès de Campo Sagrado, and Parlament streets, specifically the section between Ronda de Sant Pau and Carrer del Comte Borrell. Additionally, the association insists on effective coordination between the Eixample and Ciutat Vella districts, which both border the affected area.
Mr Arias expressed frustration with the current situation. He said, "When the Guàrdia Urbana patrol is there, no criminal acts occur, but once they leave, it becomes uncontrollable." This highlights a key concern for residents and businesses. The problems concentrate in lower Sant Antoni and around Ronda de Sant Pau. Here, residents face insecurity, irregular street vending, incivility, a lack of cleanliness, homelessness, and public space degradation.
Impact on Local Businesses and Residents
These issues directly affect the daily lives of businesses, workers, residents, and visitors to the neighbourhood. Sant Antoni Comerç represents 261 associated establishments. The association reports receiving incident alerts almost daily. The perception of insecurity is particularly high after 20:00.
Jordi Arias warned, "The situation is not new, but it has become chronic and has worsened in recent months." He explained that some businesses between Carrer del Comte Borrell and Ronda de Sant Pau are considering closing or relocating. They feel they cannot continue operating under current conditions. Mr Arias added, "Many restaurateurs have stopped opening at night because they do not feel safe." The merchants confirm a growing sense of insecurity, especially at night. They describe Sant Antoni as a daytime neighbourhood with homelessness issues, similar to other parts of Barcelona, but note that "at night it is worse."
City Council's Existing Efforts
Barcelona City Council has implemented measures to address these concerns. Since August 2025, the Guàrdia Urbana has deployed the Sant Antoni Shock Plan. This plan includes monthly meetings with neighbourhood entities to identify and monitor security problems, alongside issues related to mobility, cleanliness, and public space. City Council data shows that since the plan's inception, officials have collected 31 requests concerning people living on the streets. These requests were referred to Social Services and, in many cases, to mental health teams.
Additionally, the City Council has increased police patrolling and improved coordination with other municipal services. Regarding irregular street vending, the Ajuntament activated a joint operation between Ciutat Vella and Eixample districts in late 2025. This operation focuses primarily on Sant Pau, Cera, and Parlament streets. It has resulted in nearly 1,000 complaints and the seizure of large quantities of material. The City Council has also reinforced cleaning services and public space maintenance. Urban planning actions, such as removing street furniture and reorganising some sections, aim to improve coexistence and reduce conflict in the neighbourhood.
A Holistic Approach for Future Safety
Sant Antoni Comerç stresses that the problem is not solely a police matter. The association also calls for stronger social services and more resources for homeless and vulnerable people. They believe it is critical to address the underlying social causes. However, they insist this must happen while ensuring coexistence, public health, resident rest, and the continuity of commercial activity in the neighbourhood. The association seeks a long-term strategy that combines security measures with social support to create a safer environment for everyone.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
