The debate on how to revitalize and prevent the degradation of the Historic Quarter has been present in Fraga since the 80s.
It's understandable that businesses in the area want improvements and have their demands; this isn't an issue exclusive to the older parts of cities—every commercial area has its own list of requests. In this context, where there are no magic solutions, businesses are a fundamental part of a city's life, and for Vero Gómez, owner of the H2O hair salon in Segoñé, the key lies in the people, the neighborhood, and a way of life " like it used to be ."
Vero has lived in the Old Town since 1996, first as an employee and then as a business owner. Almost five years ago, she had to move premises, and she knew right away she wanted to stay in the same area. " I've invested in the Old Town because I believe it has a future, " this woman from Fraga states firmly. Going out on the street, greeting people, getting to know your neighbors... for Vero, this old-fashioned neighborhood life, like when she was little, is what she loves most about this part of the city.
Furthermore, the traditional and rustic aspects add value to the entire town center; it's a unique, attractive area with many possibilities, as this businesswoman from the historic area of Fraga says.
However, it's not all good news for a hair salon in the Segoñé district. Vero is clear about it: "For me, the most important thing that businesses in the Old Town lack is parking." In a business like hers, scheduling is crucial; appointments are made, and every time slot has to be well-planned. Sometimes a client arrives late because they've had trouble finding parking or are looking for a spot. It so happens that the Paseo Barrón de Fraga and its surrounding area are home to a concentration of businesses, shops, bars, a music institute, the Aragonese government office, the town hall, and other services, making it a very busy and popular area.
It is also true, as this businesswoman from Fraga admits, that in Fraga we are very used to going everywhere by car, "Maybe it wouldn't be necessary, but yes, for commerce the car is important, nowadays who is going to shop without a car?"
Despite this situation, Vero Gómez is delighted to be in the Historic Quarter and to have invested in it. She encourages all businesses to come to this part of the city and enjoy this atmosphere, stating emphatically, "I love the Historic Quarter."
In recent years, in the old part of the capital of the Bajo/Baix Cinca, several urban improvements have been made such as the rehabilitation of Plaza España, the restoration of the Ice Well or the creation of a municipal hostel and there are still other projects that are waiting to be carried out such as the restoration of the CEICU or the long awaited work to rehabilitate the old Florida cinema as a Theatre-Auditorium.
The City Council also signed a new street cleaning contract, using specialized machinery for the streets of the Historic Quarter. Furthermore, approximately ten new police officer positions have been created in the last five years to improve public safety. However, due to transfers to other municipalities, temporary assignments, long- or short-term leaves of absence, or retirements, the Fraga police force continues to suffer from staff shortages and requires more officers.
There are no magic solutions, but local and nearby commerce is undoubtedly a fundamental piece for rural areas and neighborhoods like the Historic Quarter of Fraga.
