POP culture enthusiasts across the Axarquia region can prepare for a massively upscaled second edition of the San Diego Comic-Con festival at Malaga Palace of Exhibitions and Congresses (FYCMA). The major event runs from Thursday, October 1, to Sunday, October 4.
Organisers confirmed the exhibition surface will practically double, growing from 10,800 to 19,600 square metres by incorporating a large outdoor pavilion. This expansion provides twice the number of commercial stands for visitors to explore.
A brand-new 400-capacity Auditorium 3 joins the venue layout this autumn to accommodate exclusive guest interviews and panel discussions. Renowned BBC Radio 1 film critic Ali Plumb
Bigger and better Comic-Con Hearts, beats & bites
will moderate these Q&A sessions, providing a familiar British voice for coastal attendees. Main stage activities and primary panels will simultaneously take over Hall M, which retains its capacity of 3,000 spectators.
Interactive entertainment
receives a huge upgrade, with the Gaming Plaza expanding to over 2,000 square metres inside an independent indoor zone. Tabletop gaming fans will find a larger Ludic Plaza stretching across two distinct pavilions, whilst the Meet the
Artist zone jumps from four booths to 21.
Visitors will welcome a highly anticipated policy change allowing outside food and drink into the venue this year. Standard ticket prices have adjusted from €50 up to €84.
TORROX COSTA is preparing to bring neighbours and holidaymakers together for the annual Food Truck Experience on Avenida del Faro. Running from Thursday, July 9, to Sunday, July 12, the popular summer event focuses on community celebration and family entertainment. The festival features nine mobile kitchens serving international cuisine, including Mexican, Argentine, and Asian dishes. Guests can also enjoy eight live music concerts starting nightly at 7.30pm. A special giant screen will broadcast the
football match between Spain and Belgium on Friday, and
England vs Norway on July 11, bringing sports fans together in the communal area.
Mayor Óscar Medina described the gathering as a beloved event that promotes local coexistence across all generations. Organised by Baobab Eventos and the local council, the four day celebration offers free entry and includes an area for younger children.
Residents are encouraged to gather and enjoy this shared music, food, and international culture during the festive summer weekend.
Drone patrol
Boosting Costa swimmer safety
POLICE in Almuñecar are getting tough with daily drone patrols to tackle illegal jet ski use and protect swimmers on the Costa Tropical. The aerial surveillance targets unauthorised mooring, high-speed travel through channels, hazardous manoeuvres and the crossing of swimming boundaries. All in all, the measures will make the coast safer for everyone.
Operating from 1pm until 7pm, the drones capture photographs, video and precise GPS locations. Local Police pass this evidence to the harbour master to issue fines. The system also allows officers to alert lifeguards immediately during emergencies.
Patrols focus on Velilla Beach and La Herradura, covering a one-kilometre range. Additional buoys now mark swimming zones 200 metres from the shoreline, while signposted channels guide boats safely. Authorities are also monitoring the delicate Maro-Cerro Gordo marine reserve.
To improve safety, jet skis must remain at least 300 metres from the shore and one nautical mile from nature reserves. Operators must use marked waterways, stay 50 metres away from other vessels and travel under three knots inside marked zones. Riders must wear approved life jackets as well. The maximum capacity is two people, and minors require adult supervision.
Axarquia I No. 2140 I 9 - 15 July 2026 I FREE Newspape r
Comic-Con 2025.
SEVERAL U3A Axarquia groups will remain active throughout the hottest part of the summer, while others have scheduled a short seasonal break. Table Games will continue every Tuesday at Mena Golf, starting at 1.30pm, with arrivals from 1pm. The Mahjong Group will also carry on, meeting every Thursday at Mena Golf from 10.30am.
The Book Club and Reading Group has
Summer groups continue
meetings planned for July 29 and August 26 at Bar Chiki in Algarrobo. Members will discuss Black Narcissus by Rumer Godden in July and Life Impossible by Matt Haig in August. The Discussion Group is due to meet again on August 14 at Media Caña, while the Meditation Group will continue following its
usual timetable. An MMD gathering is planned for August 12 at Ferrara Beach. Monthly Coffee Mornings will also continue at Mena Golf on July 30 and August 27 from 11am, with at least one committee member attending.
Several activities will return after the sum-
mer. The Art Group and Lecture/Presentation Group resume in September, History Group meets again on September 28 at El Pozuelo, Petanca restarts in September, and the Writers Workshop date will be announced after the summer break.
For further details, members should contact u3axmail@gmail.com or visit the U3A Axarquia webpage.
Celebrated lifesavers
BEACHGOERS in Torrox can feel a wave of comfort when they spot Nancy on duty. The highly-dedicated chocolate-brown Labrador forms part of Spain’s pioneering canine rescue team, ready to spring into action during busy summer months. Tragic figures from last month show 92 drownings across Spain, yet local teams are staying vigilant with extra support from four-legged allies. Miguel Sanchez serves as both lifeguard and trainer for these remarkable dogs. Crowds often gather around Nancy and her companions, asking questions and snapping photos. Nonetheless, it is all because people express deep affection for the animals. Many voice how much calmer they feel knowing help waits nearby in any emergency.
Action scenes with these dogs leave observers amazed. Handlers describe their performance as superior in many ways to human efforts alone. Slightly webbed toes help propel them smoothly through waves while they swim in a level position. Powerful tails act as natural rudders for precise steering. Mr Sanchez explains that teams can swim faster toward someone in trouble because the dogs tow them back safely. These animals move with impressive power and grace. Mr Sanchez calls them biological speedboats.
Brown, a skilled Labrador retriever, and Nilo, a standard poodle, join Nancy in patrols. This professional setup allows free movement along shores to assist swimmers, carry equipment, and tow vessels.
Lifesavers Nancy, handler Miguel and Milo the poodle.
Support under review
CHILD CARE BENEFIT REFORM PLANNED
PARENTS in Spain caring for seriously ill children could receive wider financial protection under a government plan to update the Social Security benefit for the care of minors affected by cancer or another serious illness.
The benefit, known in Spain as CUME, supports working parents, adoptive parents, or foster carers who reduce their working hours and salary because a child needs direct, continuous and permanent care.
The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration says the reform will adapt the rules to new medical and family realities, including cases where children need intensive care at home rather than long hospital stays.
The government says the benefit currently supports around 19,000 beneficiaries, with €355 million dedicated to it. In 2018, it reached fewer than 6,000 families.
The proposed changes include updating the list of covered illnes -
ses, allowing doctors to certify new care situations, extending renewal periods, and improving extensions.
However, the Federación Española de Diabetes (Spanish Diabetes Federation, FEDE) has warned that some parts of the draft could still restrict access for families if care is judged too narrowly.
The reform is still a proposal, not final law, so families should check the approved wording before relying on any change.
Inbox, not letterbox
BENEFITS GO DIGITAL
THOUSANDS of people receiving Social Security benefits in Spain will stop receiving official letters by post from September 1, as the government moves to electronic notifications. Under new rules in Spain’s Official State Gazette, many workers on sick leave, maternity or paternity leave, and those receiving certain disability-related payments will instead need to check their online Social Security account.
Introduced through Order ISM/541/2026, the change expands digital notifications for benefits linked to birth, childcare, pregnancy risk, temporary incapacity, permanent disability and non-disabling permanent injuries. Rather than sending paper letters, Social Security will notify recipients electronically when a new document
is available. Users will receive an alert directing them to the Social Security Electronic Headquarters. Authorities urge people to update their contact details to avoid missing important decisions.
The government notes that most recipients are already familiar with online administration or have access to digital devices.
However, paper notifications will not disappear completely; traditional mail may be used for urgent action or if electronic contact details are unavailable. Anyone needing help can visit a Social Security Information and Assistance Centre. Part of a wider digitalisation of public administration, this reform places greater responsibility on benefit recipients to monitor their online accounts regularly.
Power tax cuts
Bills may change
SPAIN’S government has approved the gradual removal of the 7 per cent electricity generation tax, a change ministers say could eventually reduce some electricity bills.
The tax, officially called the Impuesto sobre el Valor de la Producción de Energía Eléctrica (IVPEE), is paid by electricity producers rather than directly by households. However, because it affects costs inside the wider electricity system, the government says its removal should help consumers. The tax will be reduced during 2026, cut to 3.5 per cent in 2027 and removed completely in 2028. Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, said the effect on bills would vary by consumer, but could reach up to 6 per cent. Residents should not assume every bill will fall immediately. The final amount paid depends on the contract, consumption, supplier terms, regulated or free-market tariff, VAT and other electricity charges.
The measure is also aimed at helping industry and encouraging electrification, with the government estimating higher industrial production and around 3,700 jobs. Households are advised to keep checking contract type, renewal dates and price per kilowatt hour before assuming savings will be automatic.
euroweeklynews.com
Spain’s Social Security will stop sending paper letters to many workers from September.
Taxpayers in Spain could save €315 million in 2026 with 7 per cent power tax cuts.
For some families, care does not end when the hospital visits do.
New cancer charity centre
THE Almuñecar branch of the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC) has opened a new headquarters at Avenida de Andalucía number 3. This facility ensures cancer patients and their families receive personalised care locally, eliminating the need for long journeys to Granada.
While psychological care was already available, the expanded programme now includes physiotherapy and social work assistance for both patients and relatives. Organisers also plan to introduce multiple training courses, workshops, and cancer prevention talks in the coming months.
At the inauguration, local AECC president Concepcion Garcia praised the months of dedication that brought the project to life. She expressed pride in the unity shown by residents across Almuñecar and La Herradura. This initiative aims to provide smaller communities with the same high standard of individual support found in major cities.
Around 40 active volunteers play a central role in delivering these services. During the opening event, speakers stressed the
critical need for increased investment in cancer research. The global scientific community targets a substantial rise in survival rates by 2030.
Backed by local businesses and
residents, the new premises function as a centre of hope and practical aid. Anyone seeking information about available support can contact the AECC directly at the new address.
Printed at Recoprint: Polígono Industrial La Palmera, Parcela 3, Av. de la Palmera, 41, 41703 Dos Hermanas, Sevilla
New AECC centre in Almuñecar.
New health centre
A NEW health centre will be built in the Poniente zone of Torre del Mar following an agreement between the regional government and Velez-Malaga Council. The project is part of a wider plan to modernise primary care infrastructure across Andalucia to meet the demands of a growing population.
The Andalucian Health Service is fully funding the €12.7 million project, covering all building costs, technical direction, and equipment. The local council will provide the land parcel next to Centro Vals and prepare the initial and detailed designs. Construction is scheduled to run from 2027 until 2029, with the health service managing the build and launching operations.
Torre del Mar currently has more than 23,900 permanent residents, a figure that grows to over 100,000 during the summer months. The wider Velez-Malaga area has a population of 86,048. Although the region already has three health centres and several clinics, extra capacity is vital. The new facility aims to reduce waiting times, ease pressure on existing services, and bring modern environments closer to expanding residential areas.
A joint monitoring group with members from both administrations will oversee the project to ensure all commitments are met. Local authorities state that this partnership is essential for improving medical service quality for both patients and healthcare staff.
LOS40 Summer Live
ONE of the southern coast’s biggest free music events is set to return this summer as LOS40 Summer Live 2026 arrives in Torre del Mar on Wednesday, July 15.
Staged on the town’s seafront promenade beside the Club Nautico de Torre del Mar, the openair concert promises a lively night of pop music by the Mediterranean. Part of a nationwide tour visiting 22 locations across 13 Spanish regions, LOS40 Summer Live drew more than 200,000 people in total during last year’s electric edition.
This year’s line-up features a mix of established names and rising stars, including Leire Martinez, Chiara Oliver, DePol, Daniela Blasco, Carlos Marco, Chema Rivas, Lola Tuduri, La Beba and Pikete. The evening will be hosted by LOS40 DJ and presenter Oscar
Martinez. Local officials say the event has become a summer fixture, helping to boost tourism, restaurants and businesses while reinforcing Torre del Mar’s reputation as one of southern Spain’s leading seaside music destinations.
With a beachfront setting, free admission and a strong line-up of established names and rising stars, this year’s event promises a lively evening of music and summer atmosphere for residents and holidaymakers alike.
Growing Torre del Mar.
LOS40 Summer Live returns to Torre del Mar.
Credit: LOS40 Malaga
TORROX has launched an extensive parking scheme for the peak tourist season to welcome thousands of expected beachgoers. Council authorities have rolled out more than 4,000 free parking spaces across popular coastal areas, including El Morche, Torrox Costa, El Penoncillo and Calaceite. The council has also activated a free blue zone on the coast from Wednesday, July 1, to Monday, August 31, to manage the high vehicle influx.
Free parking
Mayor Oscar Medina presented the measures, stressing that residents and holidaymakers can enjoy easier access to seafront promenades and beaches. Torrox has nine kilometres of coastline packed with hospitality venues, which increases parking pressure in summer. The local government continues to expand public parking options, while planners work on fresh sites to add further capacity.
and must display a free parking clock on the dashboard to verify their arrival time. Exceeding the limit or tampering with the clock attracts a €50 fine, and authorities may tow vehicles in serious cases.
The summer blue zone operates Monday to Friday from 10am to 10pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Drivers may park for a maximum of two hours
Residents can collect the clocks at no charge from the town hall and tourist offices. Mayor Medina described the parking measures as essential for orderly mobility and local businesses.
41 Club Nerja all at sea
THE 41 Club Nerja with 20 members and guests, went sailing for its July ‘Munch Bunch’ on the Catamaran Zostera from La Caleta. On a beautiful sunny day, they enjoyed a fabulous lunch and a few drinks, and saw loads of dolphins.
The 41 Club Nerja is an international hub with members from 10 different countries, for ex-members of Round Table and other like-minded men. They meet twice a month, sometimes with partners, to visit local restaurants and and enjoy fun group activities.
Each year they also donate to local charities. For more details, contact secretary Brian Karet on 643 510 605.
July trip on the catamaran.
Criminal croc
GUARDIA CIVIL officers have seen their fair share of crazy while protecting and serving, but even the most seasoned officers were surprised to find an alligator in a private residence during a recent raid in Sevilla.
Until that point, the search was nothing to note, a reported routine drug bust in the Los Pajaritos neighbourhood. It was the discovery of the exotic reptile that makes this case so unique.
Upon discovery, the reptile was immediately taken into custody by the Nature Protection Service, Seprona. Measuring half-a-metre long, the alligator
was initially misidentified as a crocodile but experts have since clarified it is a young spectacled caiman, a species capable of growing up to 2.5 metres long.
It is yet unknown how the Los Pajaritos residents came into possession of the alligator, or how long it had been in their care.
The alligator has since been relocated to Mundo Park in Guillena, an authorised zoo with trained staff and suitable habitats for this type of reptile. There the alligator will start anew, away from the life of crime it had previously led in Sevilla.
Boiling on a plane
PASSENGERS on a flight from Vigo to Madrid faced an uncomfortable and frustrating ordeal after an apparent air-conditioning failure left them trapped inside a grounded aircraft in soaring temperatures.
Travellers said the cabin became unbearably hot while engineers attempted to repair the fault before departure. Several passengers claimed temperatures approached 50°C, with families, children and pregnant women among those forced to remain on board for more than an hour before the flight was eventually cancelled.
The problems continued after passengers returned to the terminal. Many criticised the lack of information and were left scrambling to find alternative ways to reach Madrid. Some hired cars at their own expense for the six-hour journey, while others waited for replacement flights, arriving in the capital several hours later than planned.
Aircraft rely on onboard or ground-based cooling systems while parked before take-off. If those systems fail during periods of extreme heat, cabin tem-
peratures can rise rapidly, particularly once passengers have boarded and the aircraft doors are closed.
Although incidents like this remain uncommon, the disruption highlights the challenges airlines face during summer heatwaves and raises fresh questions about passenger welfare when technical faults occur before departure. For those caught up in the delay, what should have been a routine domestic flight became an exhausting day of uncertainty before they finally reached their destination.
Brit medal for mayor
A PASSENGER plane travelling from Manchester to Barcelona struck the forested slopes of the Montseny mountains near Arbucies village on Friday, July 3, 1970. The disaster claimed 112 British lives and stands as the greatest sin-
gle loss of British nationals on the Iberian Peninsula. Pere Garriga Solà, now the Mayor of Arbucies, has coordinated memorial services every year since the tragedy, ensuring the victims’ final resting place receives ongoing care and attention. To recognise his decades of commitment to preserving the memory of the British victims, British Consul General Lloyd Milen awarded Garriga the British Empire Medal on Friday, July 3. During the presentation, Milen praise Garriga’s outstanding leadership and personal commitment, noting that he has helped preserve the memory of those lost and the spirit of compassion with which they are honoured. Garriga expressed deep emotion upon receiving the distinction, calling it a tribute to the entire community of Arbucies. He stated that for more than 50 years, the village has kept the memory of the victims alive and strengthened ties with their families. He added that the award encourages them to continue working with respect and humanity.
This recognition reinforces connections between British families and the Spanish village that still honours the legacy of the 1970 crash.
Young alligator found during police raid.
Many criticised the lack of information.
Photo credit: Margus Vilbas/Shutterstock
Credit: Vladislav T. Jirousek/ Shutterstock
The party is over
A RECENT illegal villa rager in Ibiza has made waves in the local community after police raids stopped the event, highlighting a new reality for residents and holidaymakers in Spanish party hotspots.
The Guardia Civil and the Local Police descended on the massive villa party along the Camí Vell de Sant Mateu, which reportedly had 1,000 guests, with many wearing commercial wristbands. The party had lasted for two days, a full-scale, commercial operation disguised as a private gathering.
The massive, blowout party featured a purpose-built mini-festival ground, including dining areas, fully stocked bars, private security teams, black shuttle vans transporting guests from covert meetup points, an on-site ambulance and private medical staff, and an amusement carousel.
Despite the complexity of the operation, the festival lac-
ked a single legal permit, and the local Sant Antoni Town Hall launched sanction proceedings against the organisers, who now face up to €300,000 in fines for severe violations. The incident has highlighted a growing friction between the luxury party industry of Ibiza, and the local communities caught in the middle. For Britons living in rural hubs on the Balearic Islands and other partying
hotspots, the raid signals a boiling point.
Illegal villa parties are not uncommon on the Balearic Islands. Planners increasingly use private messaging channels to organise massive events. These parties cause severe disruptions for locals who are disturbed by loud music, have roads blocked by illegal taxis, or experience mountains of rubbish left in their neighbourhoods.
Cheaper bus fares
PASSENGERS across Spain could soon see long-distance bus fares fall by an average of 22 per cent under a major national transport overhaul. The reform aims to make coach travel more affordable, improve regional connections and encourage greater use of public transport. It forms part of the biggest redesign of Spain’s long-distance bus network in decades, affecting more than 30 million annual passengers.
Key routes linking Madrid, Valencia, Murcia, Alicante, Andalucia and northern cities will be streamlined to reduce travel time and improve efficiency. Despite the changes, almost 2,300 stops will remain in place to ensure continued access for smaller towns and rural communities. For regular passengers, even small fare re-
ductions could lead to meaningful savings over time, especially for commuters and students. The government says the new system will maintain connectivity while improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary detours on long-distance routes.
Passengers will not see immediate changes, as the new contracts and timetable adjustments will be introduced gradually. The redesign is intended to balance affordability with access, ensuring transport remains available to communities that rely on it. It reflects an effort across Spain to make public transport a more attractive alternative to private car use. Ultimately, the aim is to ease household transport costs at a time when everyday expenses continue to rise.
Police raid massive unpermitted Ibiza villa party, sparking resident fury.
Photo Credit: David Loong / Wikimedia Commons
Passengers will not see immediate changes.
Photo credit: Miguel Perfectti/shutterstock
FIRE ENGINE & FALCONRY
SO, there I sat. In the middle of a Saudi Arabian desert, stuck in a fire engine with the mid-day sun practically bubbling the paint - and no petrol. For those who have no idea what on earth I’m talking about, my position had arisen because I was endeavouring - re last week’s column - to deliver a modernistic fire engine to a new airport being built adjoining the desert town of Al Wajh, which lay some 600 kilometres north from my Jeddah starting point.
My tank and the two spare 10 gallon drums had finally given up all they had to offer, and I was definitely in trouble. Ensconced in a pool of sweat I gazed around the shimmering landscape. A few camels caught my eye but not much else. Just a minute, what was that? In the not too far distance, I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be some kind of tent. Through the hazy heat I
realised that’s exactly what it was; a fairly colourful Bedouin tent right there in the middle of nowhere. With only a passing thought of any safety issues I decided at least this could be a chance of some kind of assistance.
Climbing down from the cab I began the trudge toward the distant bivouac which thankfully turned out to be a lot closer than it had originally appeared. I approached the now quite large abode with not a little trepidation.
As I got closer, I realised it was in fact quite luxurious, with expensive looking decorations and tasselled exterior; and standing at the entrance were two very large and fully Arabian costumed men both with an outstretched arm, bearing of all things large hooded birds of prey, which turned out to be hunting birds used for the highly prized sport of Falconry. And they both spoke perfect English. It turned out they were Members of the Saudi royal household out for the hunt and were absolutely charming. They couldn’t quite believe I was
miles from anywhere in a modernistic fire engine in the middle of the desert, but after inviting me in for cups of sweet tea told me they did indeed have a gigantic tank full of petrol and I could freely help myself to whatever I needed. The whole experience was positively surreal and after a couple of laden trips (they were far too highly placed to help of course!)
With their Arabic farewells ringing in my ears and with full tanks I set off once again for the remainder of my fire engine delivery experience.
You really couldn’t make it all up. I won’t bore you with the rest of my trip. Safe to say I finally made it, but after missing the plane back (a small prop job which did the trip once a fortnight), I travelled back by motor bike, another unforgettable experience, much too long to put in Leapy’s column but available in Leapy’s book three on Amazon. If you can stand it!
Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail .com
Where’s our painting?
A VALUABLE painting by Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla has been recovered after an unusual chain of events saw it travel from a pavement in Sevilla to a home in Murcia before being returned to its owners.
The artwork was briefly placed outside a family home in Sevilla while luggage was being loaded into a car ahead of a holiday. Forgotten during the rush to leave, it was spotted by a passerby named Andrés, who believed it had been discarded and took it away, attracted mainly by its decorative frame. Only after returning home to Murcia did Andrés begin searching online to identify the painting. Comparing images and artists, he realised it could be a work by Sorolla and contacted police after seeing reports that a painting matching its description had gone missing.
SPAIN’S labour market has reached a major milestone, with unemployment falling below 2.3 million for the first time in more than 17 years as businesses continue hiring ahead of the busy summer tourism season.
New figures released by Spain’s Ministry of Labour show the number of registered unemployed fell by almost 49,000 during June, leaving around 2.28 million people out of work.
At the same time, Social Security registrations increased by more than 76,000, pushing total employment to a record high of over 21.9 million workers. The services sector led the improvement, driven largely by tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses recruiting for the summer.
Hotels, restaurants, bars and travel companies across destinations including Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol have all
Jobs boom
Officers travelled from Sevilla to Murcia to verify the artwork, while the family was informed it had likely been found. Before its recovery, relatives had distributed posters across Sevilla in Spanish and English, describing the painting as having great sentimental value and offering a reward for its return.
Police treated the incident as theft by loss rather than robbery because there was no force or criminal intent. The case ended with the artwork safely returned.
‘The eraser’ of crude drawings
Record unemployment figures.
been taking on extra staff as millions of visitors arrive for the holiday season.
Youth unemployment also fell to its lowest level on record, while female unemployment dropped to its lowest level since 2008, highlighting broader improvements across the labour market.
Although Spain still has one of the highest
Credit: Shutterstock/JoseGuilas
unemployment rates in the European Union, the latest figures suggest the country’s jobs market remains resilient despite wider economic uncertainty. Economists warn that many summer jobs are seasonal, but the latest data offers another positive sign that Spain’s economy continues to strengthen as the peak tourist season gets underway.
AS the Tour de France launched from Barcelona on Saturday, July 4, one behind-the-scenes team had a job few viewers ever considered. Before cyclists and television cameras arrived, a small crew scoured the route for obscene road graffiti and painted over it. Patrick Dancoisne, a 65-year-old retired undertaker from north-eastern France, had spent 15 years in the role. He worked for Doublet, the French company that handled signage and barriers for the Tour, as part of an 80-person logistical team.
Each morning, Patrick and a colleague drove the stage route in a van, looking for anatomical drawings, political slogans and unauthorised marketing messages. Rather than scrubbing the paint, he used quick-drying white paint to transform the images
If you see any woodland creatures painted on the road, you’ll know the erasure team was there.
into owls, butterflies and rabbits. The team used around 350 litres of paint across the race.
The work mattered because the Tour was broadcast in more than 190 countries.
Helicopter and motorbike cameras filmed from above, meaning anything on the road
could appear on screen. The issue drew attention in 2016 when genitalia painted on the tarmac was visible during the broadcast.
Anyone watching the 2026 Tour de France launch on television would see clean roads, and perhaps the occasional unexplained owl.
Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
The artwork was briefly placed outside a home in Sevilla.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Prices lift off
A NEW study by Transport & Environment has discovered that the increased arrival of tourists by air is intrinsically linked to rising rent prices. In Spain, the 12.8 per cent increase in tourists has pushed house purchasing prices up by €3,800 and rental prices by €236. Should tourist rates inflate any higher, rental prices could rise by another €217 by 2031.
Amazon in Spain
IN Spain, Amazon made €9 billion in gross revenue in 2025, pocketing a pre-tax profit of €290 million. Spurred on by this 12.5 per cent revenue increase, Amazon reinvested €6.5 billion into the country last year. Amazon is now working to establish a network of 40 logistic centres and numerous corporate offices in Spain, with the total investment reaching €25 billion in the next 15 years.
Spaniards abroad
ACCORDING to the PERE, more than 3 million Spaniards were registered as living abroad in 2025, 5 per cent more than in 2024. While Spain is paradise for tourists, quality of life is not so great for citizens. The average European salary varies, but of the five largest economies, Germans earn the most (€66,700), and Spaniards the least (€32,700). Experts attribute growing emigration to a lack of job opportunities and a high cost of living.
Livestock decline
THE EU’s livestock industry has entered another year of decline. The latest Eurostat figures reveal the population of pigs has decreased 8.9 per cent to 121.5 million, bovine animals 9.7 per cent to 71.6 million, sheep 12.2 per cent to 55.3 million, and goats 17.5 per cent to 10.2 million.
The climate crisis has reduced grazing land, increased costs, and placed stress on livestock.
STAT OF WEEK 48.2%
Between 2015 and 2025, the cost of building new residential buildings has increased by 48.2 per cent across the EU, according to Eurostat.
Paramount deal in peril
PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORP
is set to take over Warner Bros Discover in a $110 billion (€96.5 billion) deal. Several major international powers, including the US and China, have signed off on the deal, but the UK has some reservations that could put it at risk.
Should it go ahead, the takeover would make Paramount a verified media powerhouse. The combined corporation would control multiple Hollywood franchises, two streaming services, prominent news and sports channels, and even the UK’s own Channel 5.
As such, the UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy, has requested that Ofcom and the CMA investigate the proposed deal to determine if the takeover would create a competition imbalance that would threaten the UK’s public interest. Nandy is particularly concerned about the effect the deal could have on children’s television. Para-
mount and Warner are the second and third biggest children’s TV providers in the UK. Nandy worries a consolidation could “lead to a loss of a significant presence in an already limited market for children’s linear content.”
In order to intervene, Nandy would potentially need to update legislation as when the Enterprise Act 2002 was drafted, streaming
did not exist as it does today.
While the investigation may be in the UK’s best interest it could put the merger at risk. Confident the merger would be approved, Paramount offered Warner Bros shareholders a fee of 25 cents a share for every quarter the deal doesn’t close beyond September 30 - equivalent to $650 million (€570 million) each quarter.
Wealth gap widens
WHILE the working-class struggle to make ends meet, the world’s richest only got richer. According to the 2025 World Inequality Report, 0.001 per cent of the world’s population control three times as much wealth as the bottom half of humanity. The recent AI boom isn’t helping matters. New AI systems are fuelling global equity markets and widening the gap between the world’s richest and poorest.
In the last fiscal year, 43,000 people in the UK became millionaires, and in the US 440,000. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. By the end of the fiscal year in April, the total number of billionaires in the world grew to 3,302, 156 of which are based in the UK.
What’s more, a billionaire’s personal wealth grew by around 25 per cent compared to the 10.8 per cent
Football fatigue
AN algorithm has predicted the early elimination of European nations from the World Cup will lead to a tourism boom. With Germany and the Netherlands, two of Spain’s most important tourism markets, eliminated, eBooking.com believes fans will lose interest in the tournament and instead double up on their holidays.
average
experienced.
Pub profits
THE 2026 World Cup is bringing much needed business to British pubs. Landlords and bar staff report selling 5.5 million more pints of beer and cider than usual, and that’s just from the group stages.
Pint sales have grown rapidly with each England match. Sales were up 55.5 per cent during the Croatia game and 77 per cent when England faced Ghana. England’s game against Panama saw the biggest day of trading, with more than eight million pints served.
Venues are expecting higher sales to continue during England’s games.
Gold falls
GOLD has lost its shine. The traditionally reliable asset has fallen by around 7 per cent since January 1 and is down 13 per cent in the last quarter, its worst performance since 2013 after 10 consecutive quarters of gain. Gold prices now hover around $4,000 per-ounce (€3,508).
DECATHLON, Spain’s biggest sports store, closed the fiscal year with a net profit of €84 million. Spain is one of Decathlon’s strongest markets, contributing 11.2 per cent of global sales. To sustain growth, Decathlon committed to investing €40 million to modernise its network and strengthen brand identity in Spain.
Halifax scrapped
AFTER 173 years, Halifax is set to disappear from the high-street. Lloyds Banking Group has scrapped the banking brand and will eventually transition all customer accounts to Lloyds. The decision is said to be due to a desire to simplify the group’s portfolio and focus on the more recognisable brand.
Price of popularity Spain’s debtors
MADRID has established itself as one of the most important cities in Europe. Seven million people reside in Spain’s capital, making it the second largest EU city behind Paris. But it’s only in the last three years its population really swelled, with 100,000 inhabitants arriving annually since 2023. Additionally, Madrid welcomed 9.1 million international tourists in 2025.
But it’s becoming clear that Madrid cannot accommodate so many people. City maintenance can’t keep up with the crowds, and property prices have soared 62 per cent to €5.98 per square metre.
SPAIN’S Tax Agency recently released a list of its largest debtors. Approximately 5,853 taxpayers owe debts exceeding €600,000, a 2.4 per cent decrease to 2025. They owe a combined €15 billion to the Treasury, an amount that is also down 4.4 per cent from last year.
personal wealth increase the rest of the world
Wealth gap widens.
Warner Bros takeover at risk.
3I Group 2.585,00 2.601,00 2.562,00 263,55K
Admiral Group 3.652,0 3.678,0 3.644,0 63,47K
Airtel Africa 338,40 339,60 334,60 190,36K
Anglo American 3.771,0 3.805,0 3.760,0 287,41K
Antofagasta 3.861,00 3.951,00 3.845,00 76,88K
Associated British Foods 1.935,5 1.935,5 1.919,5 75,08K
AstraZeneca 14.396,0 14.566,0 14.346,0 284K
Auto Trader Group Plc 507,40 512,60 505,60 287,87K
Aviva 665,20 671,60 662,80 1,94M
B M European Value Retail 190,30 194,10 188,10 751,4K
BAE Systems 1.975,61 2.001,00 1.959,17 556,62K
Barclays 520,50 526,54 519,50 3,56M
Barratt Redrow 279,75 284,69 278,30 1,46M
Beazley 1.288,00 1.288,50 1.287,50 518,11K
Berkeley 3.398,0 3.434,0 3.382,0 32,17K
BP 464,35 467,95 463,05 2,93M
British American Tobacco 4.586,0 4.647,0 4.581,0 241,23K
PREVIOUSLY, anyone selling their second-hand clothes online was obligated to report annual sales should they exceed €2,000. However, the European Commission has now raised the minimum reporting threshold to €3,000 in a measure that will benefit the seller, the online platform and tax authorities.
Adverts banned
MULTIPLE major fashion brands have had their advertisement campaigns banned in the UK due to false sustainability claims. The Advertising Standards Authority found retailers advertised their clothing collections as being “recycled” but failed to provide evidence to the claim.
Summer shoplifting
AS bars and restaurants prepare for every seat to be filled, supermarkets are also getting ready for products to go flying off the shelves. Although not in the way they’d like.
Summer is the worst time for shoplifting in Spain. Criminals take advantage of the swelling numbers of tourists to steal without detection, blending in with the crowds. For this reason, tourist hot spots are especially vulnerable.
SpaceX stocks crash
AFTER an unprecedented debut, SpaceX’s stocks plummeted, falling in three consecutive sessions. Following its first IPO, shares fell 23 per cent below peak price. Consequently, Elon Musk’s SpaceX experienced the second largest single-day loss in history, losing €350 billion from the company’s valuation.
SpaceX’s valuation now sits at $2 trillion (€1.74 trillion), the seventh most
valuable company in the world. But analysts note that SpaceX remains unprofitable, having accumulated €3.77 billion in losses in the first quarter of 2026, with Starlink being its only profitable division. They argue SpaceX’s high stock price is driven by expectations of future gains, rather than a confidence in the company’s fundamentals.
According to data published by Checkpoint Systems, around 27 per cent of Spain’s total shoplifting occurs during the summer months. In 2025, 169,000 cases of shoplifting were reported during this time, and authorities are expecting similar figures in 2026. Experts anticipate the accumulated cost of summer thefts to reach €760.5 million.
There has been a significant rise in shoplifting in recent years, with 65 per cent of companies experiencing an increase in external shifts. Worse yet, 74 per cent noted thefts are becoming more aggressive.
In summer, the most commonly stolen items are typically sun cream, alcoholic beverages and traditional Iberian foods, although this year retailers are expecting thefts of World Cup merchandise and other collectibles.
StubHub fined
TICKET re-sale site StubHub has been hit with a €1.72 million fine by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). They have been fined for a lack of transparency, adding commission fees in the final stages of purchasing. CMA considered this to be equivalent to hidden fees, an illegal practice in the UK.
Digital Euro
EUROPE’S Digital Euro, an electronic wallet accepted across the eurozone, is expected to launch in 2029. The European Central Bank recently secured parliamentary backing, giving the project a clearer timeline.
The hope is the Digital Euro will make Europe less reliant on US banks and take away the dominance of the US dollar.
Summer shoplifting on the rise.
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol Banderas backs charity gala
ANTONIO BANDERAS attended Fundacion Sierra Blanca’s charity gala at La Cabane Marbella, marking his third consecutive year as special guest.
Chef Dani Garcia catered the dinner, continuing a tradition dating back to the gala’s launch in 2024. Lidia Torrent presented the evening, while journalist Ingrid Betancor ran the charity auction.
Guests included business leaders, local officials, and figures from sport and entertainment.
Money raised supports seven partner charities, including Caritas Marbella, Ciudad de los Niños, Despertar Sin Violencia, Fundacion Gasol, Fundacion Cesare Scariolo, Fundacion Jose Luis Martin Lopez, and Banderas’ own charity, Fundacion Lagrimas y Favores. Sponsors included Bentley Marbella, Banco Santander, Sacyr, and Hospital Recoletas Salud Marbella.
Previous galas raised significant sums, including more than €500,000 in 2025, though a total figure for 2026 has not yet been released.
Costa Blanca North Summer fiesta
THOUSANDS of people packed the streets of Denia as the town officially kicked off its annual Festa Major. Crowds filled the Glorieta del País Valencià for the traditional opening ceremony, with groups dressed in colourful shirts as they celebrated the start of several days of music, culture and tradition.
The festivities began on Saturday morning with a parade led by the Quintà 2008 group and the Fiesta Commission. By midday, thousands gathered in the town centre for the opening event, officially launched with the traditional rocket.
Local entertainer Sergio Dénia boosted the atmosphere, which continued into the afternoon. Later, many attended the Mediterrània music session featuring Lol i Pop, while others watched the Bous a la Mar events. The festivities actually started a day earlier with a children’s programme, featuring water games and entertainment launched by Denia’s Fallera Mayor Infantil.
Mallorca Night to remember
FATBOY SLIM had Mallorca dancing from start to finish as the legendary DJ delivered an unforgettable headline performance at Es Jardi in Calvia.
The British dance music icon, whose real name is Norman Cook, took to the decks to a huge reception before launching into a set packed with career-defining hits. Classics including The Rockafeller Skank and Praise You had the crowd singing and dancing throughout the night, while creative remixes, including an Elton John mashup, were accompanied by spectacular visuals and dazzling lighting. It was a celebration of dance music at its finest, as Mallorca turned out in force to praise the iconic DJ.
Fatboy Slim became one of the biggest names in electronic music during the 1990s, helping popularise the big beat genre with chart-topping albums and festival performances around the world. More than 40 years into his career, he remains one of dance music’s most enduring performers.
Costa Blanca South Charity open water race
MORE than 1,400 swimmers took to the Mediterranean as the 29th Tabarca to Santa Pola sea crossing combined sport and fundraising for charity on July 5. A total of 1,405 competitors completed the 5.9km swim, with every entry supporting the Cruz Roja.
The annual event is one of Spain’s best-known open water swimming competitions and attracts competitors from across the country and overseas. Swimmers travelled from throughout the Valencian Community, Madrid, Leon, Guadalajara and Albacete, while participants also came from Italy, Argentina and the Netherlands.
Demand for places continues to increase, with more than 2,700 people applying to take part. For safety reasons, the field was limited to 1,405 swimmers. Although prizes were awarded to the fastest competitors, many participants said their main aim was simply to complete one of Spain’s most famous open water swims.
Almeria Sunset symphony
THERE’S something truly special about watching the sun set after a long summer’s day, the sky painted in different shades of orange and yellow like a living portrait. Vera Town Hall understands just how precious this can be, and are celebrating accordingly with the Enchanting Sunsets series.
Throughout the summer, the sunset will become the backdrop for several intimate outdoor concerts. Every Tuesday at the Puerto Rey Lagoon, and every Thursday at the Salar de los Canos from 9pm, music will meet the magic of mother nature to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Now in its third year, the opening Enchanting Sunsets concert took place on Thursday, July 2 and was a huge success. Seats filled quickly, leaving many to stand and sway along to the music. The acoustic set attracted a large crowd of friends and families, and even grabbed the attention of passers-by who couldn’t help but stop and watch.
Costa Calida
Iron Maiden madness
THE fifth edition of the Rock Imperium Festival in Cartagena has experienced resounding success, with more than 50,000 attendees brought together from 40 countries. The music festival, dedicated to the spirit of rock, saw more than 15 million generated in economic impact, and has re-established the city as one of the premier locations for major events in Spain.
One of the major highlights was the Iron Maiden concert, which drew an incredible 20,000 attendees in the Cuesta del Batel and consolidated the festival as one of the biggest of the summer for the Region of Murcia. The legendary British heavy metal band made history in the city, as their concert created one of the most crowded musical events held to date in Cartagena.
Attendees also enjoyed the delicious The Rock Imperium Tapas Route. This was a gastronomic offering in which some 20 establishments in the historic centre participated, offering low-cost tapas and drinks to festivalgoers.
TOPTrending
Elle
AFTER 25 years, the iconic Elle Woods returns to our screens, this time as a teenager in Prime Video’s prequel series, simply titled Elle. Before she finds herself at Harvard, 16-year-old Elle must contend with the traumatising ordeal of moving to Seattle. Reese Witherspoon’s mini-me, Lexi Minetree, perfectly captures the cha-
racter’s charisma, humour and naivete, but the project itself falls flat compared to the original film, or even its lacklustre sequel.
Ready or Not: Here I come
IF you reached the end of Ready or Not thinking Grace was finally safe, then think again. Mere moments after surviving a deadly game of Hide and Seek, Grace is forced into a nightmarish chase, hunted by four rival families. With almost all of the original characters dead by Grace’s hands, Ready or Not 2 brings in an even more stacked cast, including the iconic scream queen Sarah Michelle Geller. The transition from one film to the next feels as
easy as flipping the page to the next chapter. It certainly didn’t disappoint.
Spanish sun, stories & civilisations!
NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS
THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.
FLOATING between 50 and 190 miles off Spain’s east coast, the Balearic Islands are less a cluster and more a well-rehearsed ensemble.
This archipelago divides neatly into two troupes: the Balearics proper - Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera - and the Pitiusas, starring Ibiza and Formentera.
Palma, the capital of the autonomous community since 1983, conducts proceedings with Mediterranean flair. The islands became a Spanish province in 1833, though a parade of earlier visitors had already left their calling cards.
Hills, plateaus and lowlands provide the scenery, while tourism delivers the applause - and most of the income. His-
tory here is not so much taught as performed. The prehistoric Talayotic civilisation erected stout stone towers, the talayots, which still look as if they might audition for a fortress role.
Successive rulers - the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Moors and, finally, the Spanish - added their own lines to the script, creating a notably eclectic heritage.
There are curious set pieces, too: the naveta, a collective tomb shaped like an upturned boat and Menorca’s taula, a hefty T-shaped monument. In Mahon, a splendid natural harbour hints at strategic ambition, while Palma offers a Gothic cathedral and the round, watchful Bellver Castle.
Altogether, it is history with sunshine, served generously and best enjoyed slowly. So, looking for a rewarding place to visit this summer? Head to the Balearic Islands!
Finally, many thanks for your continued emails to my website below. Delighted you enjoy my column - and novels!
Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson. net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
A WILD shelduck has made a miraculous recovery after surviving a high-speed collision and spending half an hour trapped inside a car’s front grille near Den Helder, Netherlands.
The incident occurred near the Amstelmeer, a wetland lake anked by busy roads where local waterfowl frequently y low across the tarmac. During a mid- ight crossing, the shelduck collided directly with a passing car. The bird pushed through the exible plastic slats of the front bumper, which snapped back into place and locked the animal inside.
Travelling at motorway speeds of up to 100 km/h, the motorist drove for 30 minutes before discovering the trapped bird upon parking in Van Ewijcksluis. Local animal rescue service Dierenambulance Den Helder was alerted immediately. Rescuers Marco and Teun arrived quickly to nd the bird tightly jammed but
Stuck shelduck
Credit:Dierenambulance Den Helder
alive. The team carefully freed the shelduck in under 10 minutes. Against incredible odds, the bird survived the impact, high wind resistance, and engine heat with only minor scratches. De Helderse Vallei wildlife sanctuary took
custody of the survivor overnight, administering pain medication. Following a brief period of observation, sta declared the resilient bird healthy and released it back into the wild, proving this tough duck was far from quacking under pressure.
Lidl air-con heatwave fist-fights
SHOPPERS in France recently came to blows battling for fans and air conditioning units after Lidl put around 200,000 cooling products on sale ahead of a fresh heatwave. Portable units were promoted at €179 - far below the €1,200 typical elsewhere - and crowds began queuing before dawn.
When doors opened, shelves were stripped within minutes, and footage showed shoppers pushing, shoving and fighting over the last units at stores, including one in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Police were called to intervene at several locations near Paris. One shopper described the scenes as “ridiculous,” saying “people have gone completely mad.”
The chaos came as Spain’s AEMET warned of a fresh spell of extreme heat, with temperatures potentially reaching 42C to 44C in the south-east. June was Spain’s
second-hottest on record, linked to 1,029 excess deaths.
Reuters reports air conditioning sales are already climbing across Spain, France, Britain and Germany.
Whether Spanish shops
could see a similar rush remains to be seen - no stock shortages have been confirmed at Lidl, Carrefour, MediaMarkt or Leroy Merlin in Spain, but demand may intensify if the forecast heat arrives.
The duck became trapped inside the vehicle.
PETS
Feline bonding
Fancy pet-sitting
for Dylan the Corgi?
GETTING a cat to like you is no small feat. Becoming a cat’s favourite person in the house is a major achievement. The process is slow, shaped by comfort and routine, but incredibly rewarding. Cats tend to gravitate towards the calmest person in the room. Relaxed body language and tentative movements help them become comfortable, especially in new environments. The person who respects their space and doesn’t force interaction will become the most trusted over time. Daily routine matters a lot too. Of course, the person who feeds them, keeps their litterbox clean and provides treats will form a strong bond. More than that, cats notice who cares to their social needs, playing with them or talking with them in a way they enjoy.
It’s also common for cats to show situational favourites. One person might be the food provider, another the play partner, and another the nap companion. Their preference can shift depending on context and mood. In short, cats usually choose their favourite person based on a mix of trust, consistency, and how well that person respects their communication style, rather than loyalty in a human sense.
SOME pets are better staying at home
If, like Dylan, your pet loves being at home, but likes receiving and meeting new people, then house-sitting might work best for them.
We find a lot of the pets we care for prefer staying at home when their owners are away, and they can do this with a little help from our friendly, checked house-sitters. It means Dylan can play his cheeky tricks on new and unsuspecting visitors. Note to would-be house-sitters - he loves to hide and chew a leather sandal. It doesn’t matter what colour, but it must be leather - he’s particular that way.
At HouseSitMatch.com we connect homeowners with trustworthy house-sitters. Homeowners get peace of mind knowing their animals and property are safe while they travel, avoiding eye-watering kennel fees. In return, house-sitters get free accommodation and the ultimate insider experience. It’s
affordable travel with a heartbeatallowing you to live like a local, one house-sit at a time.
How it works: your next step to adventure
Joining our network is simple, secure, and collaborative: 1. Register at HouseSitMatch.
2. Create your profile with photos highlighting your experience and love for pets.
3. Match and explore with your perfect house-sitting partner and start planning your next trip!
For a small annual registration fee (and zero ‘per-sit’ fees), you access a secure, vibrant community.
Pets get to stay at home, routines intact, properties remain secure, and you get a budget-friendly way to travel.
“This site is definitely the best... Lamia and her team provide such a personal approach and will talk you through any problems.” - Kay Lattimore
Claim your exclusive reader discount
Ready to start your next chapter? We would love to welcome you to our community.
Register today at HouseSit Match.com and use code WEL COME25 to receive 25 per cent off your first year.
Playful instincts
HAVE you ever wondered why your dog proudly parades around the house with a favourite toy? While it may look amusing, this common behaviour is rooted in instinct and comfort.
For many dogs, carrying a toy satisfies natural instincts inherited from their wild ancestors. Retrieving and transporting objects mimics behaviours once used for hunting and caring for their young. Certain breeds, especially retrievers, are particularly inclined to carry items because they were bred for this purpose.
Toys also provide emotional comfort. Much like a child with a treasured blanket, a dog may carry a favourite toy when feeling excited, relaxed or even slightly anxious. Familiar scents and textures can help them feel secure in different situations.
Sometimes, a dog is simply inviting you to play. Bringing a toy to your feet or proudly showing it off is often their way of saying they are ready for a game or hoping for your attention. Even dogs that
wander around with a toy without wanting to share it are expressing normal, healthy behaviour. As long as the toy is safe and your dog is not becoming posses-
sive or destructive, there is little reason for concern. In fact, carrying toys is often a sign of a happy, confi dent dog enjoying one of life’s simple pleasures.
Cats form special bonds.
Every dog has a favourite toy.
AIR
CONDITIONING
QUALITY Air
Conditioning Installations. Economical operation costs, silent to use. Envirocare, for 30 years, installing Air-Conditioning in Spain Free Quotations. 952 663 141/670 409 759 info@ envirocarespain.com www. envirocarespain.com (350828)
BUILDING SERVICES
APG Renovations, Tiling, Kitchen & Bathrooms. Windows & Doors. Electrical, Plastering, Painting, Carpentry. For FREE quotation. WhatsApp 656 615 434 or visit www. apgrenovations.com (350823)
CHARITY
NEW LIFE CHURCH Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards.
Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780 Email: info@ nlcnerja.com Website: www. nlcnerja.com Facebook:www. facebook.com/nlcnerja
CHARITY Shop Pocapecunia we need things for the house/ kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc. Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja (294373)
CHURCH SERVICES
THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC service - please contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail: cofenerja@gmail. com
ST BARNABAS IERE Church, meets at Lux Mundi Centre, Avd Moscatel, Torre del Mar, every Sunday from 11am. More info call Jon 447738 148 306 (300065)
GLASS CURTAINS repairs, specialist in replacement of discoloured plastic strips that act as a seal between the glass panels. Call Julian 655 825 931 (313513)
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
VINYL WRAP
VINYL SOLUTIONS WHY REPLACE WHEN YOU CAN RENOVATE? Modern adhesive vinyl coverings in hundreds of styles and designs can renovate a tired kitchen, bathroom, wall panels, bedroom wardrobes, fridge doors. Turn a tired looking wood designed kitchen into a modern solid colour or metallic look without painting or replacing. Work carried out on site with 10 year warranties.
Contact Ian 644 546 176 for design brochure and samples. (350824)
MOTORING FOR SALE
WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)
REMOVALS
ROY TREVOR REMOVALS, Professional worldwide movers. Weekly Services between UK Spain & Portugal. Tel: 951 311 118 Email info@ roy-trevor-removals. com www. moving-matters-sl.com (350822)
WINDOW TINTING
MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal. Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts. Stop fading, heat & glare. 644 546 176 ian@ solarshadetinting.com (350824)
Toyota Urban Cruiser – ticking the boxes
By Mark Slack ROAD TEST
TOYOTA has been a byword for reliability over many decades and with good reason. When the Japanese marques first arrived here in the UK it was, amongst other things, reliability that chimed with the buying public. The same holds true today with Toyota, and their premium brand Lexus, regularly featuring in top ten surveys from Which? to What Car?.
The latest Toyota Urban Cruiser might be a new car but the name isn’t new as since 2008 Toyota and Suzuki have had a partnership that has resulted in various Urban Cruiser models, and the latest Urban Cruiser and e-Vitara are largely the same vehicle.
Priced from €38,170/£32,960, there are three trim levels - Icon, Design and Excel - with a 49kwh or 61kwh battery, 142 bhp and 172 bhp respectively, and either a 106kw or 128kw electric motor driving the front wheels.
Standard fare on the Urban Cruiser is generous with auto lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, auto-retracting door mirrors, automatic air conditioning, high beam assist, rear privacy glass, auto dim-
ming rear view mirror, smart entry and start, Bluetooth with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus, good news for an EV, a heat pump.
In terms of range, the smaller 49 kwh battery will take you 342km/213 miles, and the larger 61 kwh 424km/264 miles. Real world range, depending on your driving style and where you’re driving, is more likely to be circa 354km/220 miles with the larger 61kwh battery.
The smaller 49kwh model, based on the real-world range is probably best as a city or urban car.
Licence delays grow
Learner drivers facing months-long waits.
THOUSANDS of learner drivers across Spain are facing months-long waits to obtain a driving licence, with driving schools warning that a shortage of examiners is creating growing backlogs for practical tests.
The National Confederation of Driving Schools (CNAE) says the main issue is a lack of practical driving examiners employed by the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT). The organisation argues that retirements have outpaced recruitment, leaving learners waiting several months in some parts
of the country before they can take their practical test.
The delays are also affecting the transport industry. Spain is estimated to be short of around 30,000 freight drivers and 6,000 passenger transport drivers, with driving schools warning that long waits for licences are slowing recruitment into these essential jobs.
Backlogs vary depending on where learners live. Driving schools in Valencia estimate around 30,000 people are currently waiting to obtain a licence, although the DGT disputes some of
the industry’s figures.
The DGT says it has increased examination capacity through a reinforcement plan and argues that many people included in waiting list estimates are not yet ready to sit their practical test. Online, learners have shared their frustrations. One Reddit user said the process took “about five months” and another claimed practical exam waiting times can “exceed three months easily.”
Driving schools are now urging the government to recruit more examiners.
Inside the Urban Cruiser there’s a decent layout, but it’s all quite sombre with little or no highlights to liven things up. It’s of a good quality with comfortable seating and a very decent specification, but having potentially paid circa €40,000/£35,000 (excluding any discounts) for the top-of-the-range Excel version I’d feel a little underwhelmed. That doesn’t detract from the Urban Cruiser’s practicality, and realistically buyers for the Urban Cruiser aren’t going to be your automotive TikTockers. If you aren’t a car person, need good family
Facts at a Glance
• Model: Toyota Urban Cruiser Excel
• Engine: 128kw electric motor, 61kwh battery
• Gears: Automatic
• Price: €40,773/£34,925 excluding any discounts
• Performance: 0-100kph/62mph
8.7 seconds, Maximum speed 149kph/93mph
• Range: 424km/264miles depending on driving style and driving environment
• Emissions: 0 g/km
Model tested was UKspecification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets
transport for the commute, the school run or the supermarket run, with the occasional longer run in between, then the Urban Cruiser ticks a lot of boxes.
Reliability, refinement and smoothness plus a 10-year warranty if you have your car serviced at a Toyota dealer. It’s hard to argue against it!
New biking rules
THOUSANDS of motorcyclists in Spain will have to alter everyday riding habits when new traffic laws take effect in October this year. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is introducing strict updates to reduce serious injuries among vulnerable road users. Riders who choose to ignore the new regulations face fixed penalties of €200.
Under the updated rulebook, riding with open footwear like sandals or flipflops becomes completely illegal on all roads. Motorcyclists must wear closed shoes that provide full coverage around the foot and ankle area, even during hot summer weather. Previously this was enforced at a local level, but now it will be across the country.
Furthermore, approved protective gloves will become compulsory for both drivers and passengers on out-of-town roads. The DGT intends to publish specific legal codes for government-approved gloves, directly linking proper hand coverage to fewer crash injuries.
The laws also introduce a practical option for congested routes. Motorbikes can legally use the right-hand hard shoulder during traffic jams. However, riders must remain at or below 30 kilometres per hour. This exception only applies where traffic signs explicitly permit it, and riders must give priority to other vulnerable road users like cyclists. General lane splitting between moving vehicles remains restricted.
Guardia Civil officers will actively monitor roads to enforce these safety measures. Motorcyclists still have a few months to update their gear and adapt their behaviour before the strict penalties apply.
New rules for bikers in Spain.
Billingual camp returns
THE bilingual sports camp in Torrox is already in full swing this summer, marking its 10th year. The programme, which runs throughout July, has once again brought together children from across the area for a mix of sport, language learning and outdoor activity.
Around 200 young participants are taking part in this edition, continuing a tradition that has steadily grown since it first began a decade ago.
Each day offers a varied timetable that combines football, basketball, swimming, climbing, tennis and table tennis, alongside beach games and recreational sessions. Sessions are led by qualified monitors who guide participants in both sport and English, helping
Credit: Oscar Medina España / Facebook
them develop skills in a natural, active environment.
Beyond sport, the camp promotes teamwork, respect and effort, values that run through all activities. The bilingual approach encourages children to use English in everyday situations, making learning feel practical rather than
classroom-based.
Local organisers say the initiative continues to play an important role for families during the summer holidays, offering structured activity in a safe and supportive environment. Its long-standing presence has made it a familiar and valued part of the summer calendar in the town.
Hyrcross hybrid fitness
A BRAND-NEW sporting event is arriving in Axarquia, with Hyrcross Game making its debut in Malaga province as part of the newly launched Hybrid League of Axarquia.
Hyrcross is a hybrid fitness competition that combines endurance running with demanding functional workout stations, creating a challenge that tests strength, stamina and determination in equal measure.
The course covers six kilometres, with competitors alternating between running sections and six workout zones. Along the way, athletes will tackle rowing, sandbag lunges, SkiErg, farmer’s carry, burpee broad jumps and wall balls, requiring both physical power and smart pacing to complete the circuit successfully.
The league will take place across several municipalities in Axarquia during the final four
months of the year, bringing together competitors, spectators and local communities.
Whether competitors are chasing a podium finish or simply looking to test their limits, Hyrcross Game promises an exciting atmosphere, demanding courses and plenty of community spirit.
As the countdown begins, Axarquia is preparing to embrace a dynamic new sporting tradition that could become a fixture on the region’s annual events calendar.
