14.04.09 - 10:34 -
GOLDEN HILLS. Some of the squatters. / FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ
Since Sunday 150 members of gypsy families have been squatting in an empty, unfinished housing development which had been repossessed by the banks in Mijas. "The flats are abandoned and in a poor condition; and meanwhile we're on the street," was the defence given by the squatters for moving in.
The development is called Golden Hills and it has 34 apartments. It is owned by the banks since construction stopped when the builder got into financial problems two years ago.
Golden Hills has penthouse apartments, large terraces, a car park and enclosed gardens. It is located a few kilometres from Molino de Viento - the neighbourhood where the squatters come from.
The families have said that they have moved into the empty apartments because of the deterioration and condition of their homes in Molino de Viento. They are willing to take on the electricity bills, the water bills and "everything that is necessary."
Meanwhile the Local Police and Civil Guards, who have been regularly patrolling the area since Sunday, are expecting the courts to issue an eviction order.
Meanwhile the Local Police and Civil Guards, who have been regularly patrolling the area since Sunday, are expecting the courts to issue an eviction order.
