28.11.08 - 10:07 -
Coín
Following the inclusion of 2,500 properties on the cadastral register, the refuse collection rate is to go down by four per cent. Mayor Gabriel Clavijo explained that the owners of these rural properties would be obliged to pay for the treatment of the refuse, but not the collection service, as they have to take their waste and deposit it in the nearest containers. Meanwhile there is to be a fixed water rate of approximately 5.20 euros and a variable rate which is more expensive for those who use more.
Antequera
The council has announced good news for library users. The new multimedia room at the San Zolio library is to open to the public in January, and card holders will be able to take out DVDs and CDs, on a five-day loan, for free. Five laptop computers with internet access have also been set up, and there is wifi connection to enable users to take in their own computers and surf the Net there.
Fuengirola
Flyposting is prohibited in the town, and the Cleansing Department has warned residents that the offence is punishable by fines of between 150 and 300 euros. Councillor Ana Mata says that the problem tends to be worse in the run-up to Christmas, when people want to advertise parties and events. As from January 1st 2009, the penalty is to be greater with offenders liable to pay fines of up to 9,000 euros.
It looks as though the improvement works, which have been ongoing since October in Calle Moncayo, (often known as “hungry street” because of the large number of eating establishments) will be finished ahead of schedule in mid December. However, after requests from residents two small side streets, Pasaje San Francisco and Calle de la Cruz, will also be included in the improvements in the zone which is a major tourist area.
Estepona
At a council meeting held in Estepona last Friday 19 councillors out of 21 approved a project to enable the Saudi royal family to build 1,400 luxury properties in the town. In exchange, the council will be given a 49,000 square metre plot of land on which to build 413 subsidised houses (VPO), and will receive eight million euros which will be spent on local infrastructure.
The PP (Partido Popular) has asked that business affected by the infrastructure works in the old town be compensated for lost revenue. The works, which have been going on for more than a year, have particularly affected business in Calles Caridad and Malaga where turnover has dropped by up to 40% and some shops have closed. The works, which came to a halt last June after archaeological investigations needed further time and increased the costs by 20%, have left the streets without surfaces and pavements covered in construction materials. Whilst the Town Hall is not unsympathetic to the traders’ plight, at the present time the pressure on the coffers is considerable and it is not clear if monies would be available.
Residents’ concerns about the emissions from mobile telephone masts has led the council to act. Equipment to measure the radioactive output in two areas of the town will be installed so that residents can check the results and compare them with the recommended levels. Last April the Junta de Andalucía carried out a first round of preliminary checks, the results of which indicated that the levels were well below the norm. The Town Hall is keen to improve communication and other technological benefits in the town, but is also concerned for the peace of mind of the residents.
Ronda
The Mayor of Jimera de Líbar, María Teresa Domínguez, has issued a complaint against Telefónica for the continuous cuts in service that have affected the town in the last three years. The latest cut was last Sunday morning and 436 homes were affected. Domínguez says the problem stems from the telephone antenna which does not function properly.
Álora
In the last few weeks there have been a number of incidents in and around the town involving loose or hobbled horses. One horse was found wandering in the Avenida de Cervantes before being reunited with its owner. A woman suffered minor injuries after a meeting with a pony in the El Chorro area and another, in her car, almost collided with a horse on the Pizarra road. Complaints to the Guardia do not seem to have had much effect, but the Town Halls have now promised to take action.
Mijas
Mindful of the increasing problems of unemployment, Mijas Town Hall has announced the formation of 14 workshops aimed at the long term unemployed, young people, women and other socially disadvantaged groups. The courses will offer training in areas such as confectionery and baking, laundry, painting and public work and maintenance. All courses will include 100 hours of practical experience in local businesses. Course places will be allocated in February next year and will start in April.
Central government has allocated 53 million euros of next year’s budget to continue the project for the desalination plant in the area to relieve pressure on water supplies on the coast. There is also a grant of eight million euros to further improve the state of the A-7 were it passes through the zone.
Benalmádena
The planned children’s park between Calle Muérdago and Avenida Los Botijos in Benalmádena Pueblo is moving closer by the day. The initial project has been agreed at a cost of 190,000 euros on a site of 1,500 square metres where more than 300 trees and shrubs will be planted and play equipment installed.
Good news for the residents in Benalmádena Pueblo. The Town Hall has agreed projects to remodel the El Rocío Plaza and improve the Plaza Andalucía whilst retaining their traditional features. The plans will include new paving, fountains and seating areas, larger garden areas, better disabled access and the exclusion of traffic in some areas. Safety will be improved in the children’s areas. Plans are also in hand to create a pedestrianised area in Calle Sacromonte with a small square at the end.
Malaga
The City Hall is working on a plan to provide help to small and medium sized businesses to maintain and open new outlets in the more rundown areas of the city centre. European social funds will be available to these business until 2013, and will be for a maximum of 30,000 euros with the aim of revitalising the areas, providing employment and making the areas more attractive to residents and visitors. Among the areas targeted are Pozos Dulces, Calle Beatas and Dos Aceras.
San Roque
The provincial delegate of the Environment Ministry, Gemma Araujo, formally opened the new ‘Punto Limpio’ (domestic waste and recycling point) in Pinar del Rey at the end of last week. She also visited the newly completed children’s park, football ground, basketball courts, refreshment facility, barbecue sites and enlarged parking areas that have been built in the area. Aruajo said that the complex would allow the public to enjoy even more the recreational facilities at El Pinar del Rey, an area of great natural beauty.
Marbella
The residents of Marbella will no longer wake up one morning to find themselves living in a different street. Under new laws the council must now inform residents of its plans to change street and other names and give them the opportunity to voice their opinions. There will be a period of consultation and residents will be able to put forward suggestions in keeping with the area and its history.
The Town Hall is increasing the number of Christmas lights by a factor of three, but reducing the overall consumption of electricity by half by switching to low energy bulbs. The display will contain 990,328 lights in locations throughout the town.
The Junta de Andalucía is looking for 8,000 square metres of new offices to house the three judicial divisions in Marbella. The property will be rented in anticipation of a new Palacio de Justicia being built in future years. The move is also necessary because of the appointment of a new judge to the courts in 2009. The building needs to be central with all mod cons and completely secure. Currently the existing three courts are housed in separate buildings often causing problems of communication and document transfer and storage.
Torrox
A march was organised on Tuesday to coincide with worldwide protests to draw attention to the problem of domestic violence. This year the town has seen 37 complaints registered about violence against women, 14 of whom are Spanish, 23 of other nationalities.
