Political parties have clashed in Majorca over a proposal to ban games and nudists on beaches. The Socialist Party in the western town of Soller slammed the town council’s plans as “nonsensical restrictions” that would target residents, rather than mitigate the impact of tourism.

The centre-right Partido Popular council had proposed banning games, exercises, or recreational activities, including nudism, “that may disturb” other users during the high season. Games would only be allowed in specifically designated areas, or in spaces where they do not cause disturbance, reports Diario De Mallorca.

However, a statement by the Socialist Party of the Balearic Islands (PSIB) slammed these measures as “reminiscent of a bygone era” and they wanted to redirect “many of the nonsensical restrictions”.

Spokesperson Jaume Mateu said they would welcome measures to “promote coexistence and allow everyone to enjoy the beaches, both tourists and residents”.

However, he slammed the PP proposals, dubbing them “very harsh”, which “go against freedom and do not take into account the reality of young children and families in the town”.

He pointed to issues they felt needed keener attention, such as “tourist saturation”, adding: “As we enter the third summer without any measures to combat tourist saturation and congestion on our roads, the PP is proposing restrictions for residents and families in Soller, who will not be able to play on the sand of our beaches.”

Pointing to the transport, congestion and heavy workloads of the local police, he questioned how the pricey fines would be enforced, and called for the regulations to be reviewed.

Instead, the Socialist Party proposed timetables to take dogs on the beach and smoking regulations. A campaign to raise awareness of expected behaviour on beaches would also promote coexistence in the town, according to the party.

The party also called on Soller’s mayor, Miquel Nadal, to focus on the issues facing the local community, such as the difficulty of accessing housing and mobility issues, reports the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

The Partido Popular council had drafted the plans with the aim of improving coexistence and protecting the natural environment, with other regulations such as prohibiting the use of glass for safety reasons.