Algeciras

The events and aftermath of the Feria Real has left the residents of La Colina less than happy. Closest to the main event, the district suffered an excess of noise, drinking parties and vandalism throughout the week. In particular steps leading to the fair ground were the scene of several “botellones” with residents saying that people were using gardens, garages and any convenient corner to urinate and vomit. They complained that the cleaning services were inadequate and that the area was left in a hazardous state and that parks and gardens were covered in bottles, glasses and plastic bags. If this was not bad enough residents were serenaded by drunken singers beneath their balconies at five in the morning and struggled to find parking despite increased police control on the vehicles entering the district. Vehicle vandalism also increased. The biggest complaint, however was the lack of control over noise levels with some residents leaving their home to stay with family during feria week.

Nerja

Beach patrols are being increased to prevent the establishment of “hippie” encampments on the Maro and Burriana beaches which damage the image of the area for tourists

Fuengirola

A report from the European Parliament suggests that any development in the Torrreblanca area should be stringently controlled and eco friendly. The report’s author, Magrete Auken of the Green Party, studied the environmental impact of urbanisation throughout Spain, looking in particular at Fuengirola, an area which has been continually expanding since the 60s. The impetus for this came as a result of a letter of petition to the European Parliament from the Torreblanca residents’ association, who have now been asked to comment on the findings. The PSOE commented on the deplorable development excesses that have taken place in Torreblanca with adverse effects, not only environmentally, but socially and economically, and the failure of the council to deal with the problem.

Álora

The Town Hall is trying to prevent the demolition of six properties to make way for two new railway crossings. The work would actually affect some 70 properties, the majority rustic. The Mayor, José Sánchez Moreno, has recently met with the rail company Adif, who he says do not want to have to demolish the properties, to suggest alternative solutions and the owners of affected properties have employed the services of lawyers specialising in this type of action. The current plan envisages the complete demolition of one property in Pizarra and the partial demolition of five others in the Barriada de la Estación.

Marbella

The Town Hall has suspended the action against the Greenlife Golf Club, which was built illegally 16 years ago on municipal land, whilst they study the consequences of a forced closure. Representatives of the business owner Maximo Filippa, who is implicated in the “Malaya” scandal, said that the closure of the facility would mean the loss of more than 30 jobs and affect the local economy. The closure notice was issued in March, as in 1986 the land was classified as destined for cultural or religious use, but in 1993, during the Gil era, Filippa built the golf course.

Coín

The fountain in the Plaza Escamilla was the target for vandals over the weekend. Police said that between 15 and 20 youngsters gathered and caused considerable damage to the fountain and surrounding paving. The repair cost is estimated at 12,000 euros. The Town Hall is determined to identify the vandals and recover the repair costs from their families. This is not the first attack on the town’s fountains. Some years ago the head of an angel on the La Alameda fountain was wrenched off, and the Plaza Santa María fountain was partly destroyed. Attacks have also been made on the Mirador on the Mijas road.

Malaga

A brisk stroll along the seafront at the Poniente beach will now last an extra 420 metres with the lengthening of the Paseo Marítimo. The new stretch was opened last Friday and will gain another 130 metres in the near future. The promenade is 27 metres wide and bordered by parks and has a bicycle lane.

Antequera

The Town Hall has announced that they have reduced traffic in the old town by 25 to 30 per cent and increased the use of public transport and through routes. They are now investigating if the information campaign mounted was the main cause of the lessened traffic. To spread the news of the new service, six information points were set up at the main junctions, 15,000 leaflets were distributed and 400 road signals used to highlight the new routes. The Mayor thanked all those who participated including taxi drivers and municipal employees, whose input was a great help in formulating the plan.

Benalmádena

The officers who provide security for the town’s beaches are definitely moving with the times. As from last week they will be patrolling along the Paseo Maritimo on “Segways” a two wheeled scooter-like vehicle that runs on electricity and responds to the body movements of the rider. They have a top speed of 20 kilometres per hour and have been used in Torremolinos with great effect since 2005.

Cártama

The Town Hall is to ask central Government for a loan of 1.5 million to help it meet its debts to suppliers and contractors. The money would go to pay outstanding invoices and balance the books. The Town Hall also has the paperwork for those businesses who wish to take advantage of the finance offered by the ICO (Official Credit Institute).

Sierra de Yeguas

In the latest of a series of accusations the current Mayor, Raphael Sánchez Lavado, has denounced his predecessor, Salvador Ortiz, for planning irregularities. The complaint, which was made to the authorities in Malaga a few weeks ago, suggests that Ortiz granted licences to promoters to build developments on land designated for public use. The complaint is currently thought to be under investigation, although Ortiz says he has heard nothing.