RESIDENTS of Panama’s  famed  Casco Viejo have been included in future planning  for the Unesco recognized area.

The Panama City Mayor's Office  has invited them, including  many  expats,  to join in consultations and workshops in San Felipe to agree on a strategy for the implementation of a plan of urban mobility for the historic site and major tourist attraction,  with the aim of improving parking, sidewalks and pedestrian access, among other issues that have remained unresolved for generations.

In total, there will be five workshops held over a period of six months.

Xenia Quintana, secretary of the Association of Residents of San Felipe, said the proposal is positive and the group is asking to be included in the planning.

In April, the Municipal Council amended the regulations on sidewalks, parks, squares and public spaces in San Felipe that will allow the program to move forward.

Earlier moves pushed  men and children guiding motorists to illegal parking spots, off the streets, tightened up regulations for sidewalk  catering and introduced car-free Sundays.