Playa Flamenca project occupies 11,000 m2 near Cañada de la Mosca despite EU flood-risk warnings
A new tourist housing development in Playa Flamenca has taken over 11,000 square metres of land in the natural valley of the Cañada de la Mosca and Toro ravines, dramatically reducing the drainage capacity of one of Orihuela Costa’s most fragile waterways.
Although the project holds all the required municipal and regional permits, it narrowly skirts the geomorphological risk zones established in 2015 by the Territorial Action Plan against Flood Risk (Patricova).
The plans, based on the outdated 1990 General Urban Development Plan, have allowed construction to proceed despite growing evidence of climate vulnerability on the Mediterranean coast.
A Funnel for Floodwaters
Urban planners and environmental experts warn that by raising the ground level with massive earth fills and narrowing the natural valley, the development creates a dangerous funnel effect.
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Construction
adds to Risk of Floods
While the new homes themselves are unlikely to flood, the water that once spread through a broad ravine will now be forced downstream into narrower sections, heightening the risk of flash floods in Playa Flamenca and at La Mosca beach. That beach has already shown signs of fragility: last July, after just 40 litres per square metre of rainfall, stormwaters damaged restrooms and lifeguard huts, forcing a two-day closure.
FROM NATURAL RAVINE TO CONCRETE EMBANKMENTS
To make room for the two residential blocks, developers built an artificial slope several metres high to level the terrain with the street, essentially walling off part of the ravine.
A large acoustic barrier has also been erected along the N-332 highway, though already vandalized, leaving residents facing a concrete wall instead of the natural landscape.
The ravine itself runs for just over two kilometres to the sea, but decades of unplanned development have already eroded its natural function. In the 1990s, housing projects near Los Dolses consumed large sections of the valley. Now, with this new project, yet another section of Orihuela’s coastline loses its natural drainage and ecological buffer.
A large acoustic barrier has also been erected, though already vandalized, leaving residents facing a concrete wall
Monday 25th August - Sunday 1st September 2025
RECURRING PATTERN OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEGLECT
This is not an isolated case. In La Cuerda, another residential project has filled the slopes of the Cañada de la Posposa ravine, destabilizing its outlet at Cala Bosque (La Zenia beach). Across Orihuela Costa, similar practices—occupying ravine slopes without officially invading public land—have repeatedly narrowed natural waterways.
The consequences are already visible in silted channels, recurring storm damage, and chronic sewage overflows from pumping stations unable to cope with summer demand.
Despite repeated problems, none of the ravines along Orihuela Costa—from the Rio Nacimiento in Campoamor to the Cañada Hermosa—have been properly demarcated by the Segura River Hydrographic Confederation. This absence of clear protection has allowed thousands of homes to be built in sensitive zones, undermining both public safety and environmental resilience.
SHORT-TERM PROFITS, LONG-TERM RISKS
While Orihuela City Council insists the Playa Flamenca project is legal and respects planning rules, critics argue that relying on outdated planning tools while ignoring flood-risk warnings is reckless in the face of climate change.
Each new development may bring immediate economic gains, but cumulatively they erode natural defenses, turning ravines into urbanized choke points that can no longer absorb or channel stormwater.
For Orihuela’s coastline—already plagued by sewage spills, beach closures, and storm damage—the latest project is yet another step in prioritizing concrete over climate resilience.
The development has dramatically reduced the drainage capacity in the area
"Make A Stand"
(A look at UKpoliticians)
The politician waffles on
His words make little sense
But we're not fools
We know his plans
Won't be at his expense
He blames the other party
For a debt they've all created
We stand and watch each government
Become more constipated
They don't live in the real world
They haven't got a clue
Ask them what a loaf costs
They'd look blank at me and you
They promise this they promise that We vote them in for what?
Their 'U' turns and their lack of trust
Don't mean an awful lot
They squander money left and right
They send it over seas
Whilst people in their own back yard
Are struggling on their knees
They don't regard the nation
Or it's poverty and need
Their families don't suffer
They've no open mouths to feed
Their wealth and offshore assets
Keep them comfortably alive
Whilst men sleep rough and homeless
Trying hard just to survive
Maybe when voting time comes round
We'll have to make a stand
As we'd make a better job of things
And not be underhand!
by David Whitney c2025
TABARCA SWAMPED! ISLAND
PARADISE DROWNED BY TOURISTS
CEvery day in August, hundreds of tourists arrive on the tiny island of Tabarca, transforming its sandy beaches, narrow streets, and rocky coves into a hive of activity.
Boats packed to the brim shuttle back and forth from Santa Pola, restaurants run at full capacity, and locals do their best to maintain their daily routines amid the bustle.
“It never stops,” says Vicente, captain of one of the ferries known as tabarqueras, which carry visitors to the island throughout the summer. With just over 50 permanent residents, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute, Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community—and one of its busiest destinations in August.
ARRIVALS AT DAWN
By 8:30 in the morning, when the first ferries depart Santa Pola, the excitement is already palpable. Visitors, often loaded down with coolers, umbrellas, and beach chairs, rush to board. Crew members sometimes have to intervene, asking for calm when impatient tourists block the gangway.
The crossing takes only 25 minutes, enough time for children like eight-year-old Iker—making his first boat trip with his mother, Esther Gonzalvez—to feel a sense of adventure. “We already booked a restaurant. Everyone says the food in Tabarca is amazing—maybe it’s the setting, or maybe after swimming all day, you’re just really hungry,” Esther laughs.
BEACHES PACKED, RESTAURANTS OVERFLOWING
By midday, the main beach is completely full. “Not a single spot left,” sighs Dulce Maria Castrillon, who comes every year with her family, prepared with chairs, a cooler, and even a portable speaker.
RESTAURANTS ALSO REACH BREAKING POINT.
“It’s packed. July was calmer, but in August every boat arrives full,” says Jessica Sanchez, working her first summer as a waitress on the island. Reservations are essential, especially on weekends. “We’re doing three seatings and serving tables until five in the afternoon,” adds fellow waiter Carlos Peral. According to another server, David G?mez, there’s been “a
LIFE AMID THE CROWDS
Inside the village, narrow streets lined with bars and shops overflow with visitors browsing crafts, sandals, and last-minute beach gear.
The coves and waters around the island are equally lively: families snorkelling, children splashing, card games in the shade, and boats anchored offshore completing the summer scene.
For residents, life continues—though not always peacefully. “Yesterday I tried to read, but a nearby house had the music blasting,” complains Rafaela, a local. Another neighbour with the same name agrees: “We like visitors, but some act as if anything goes. The noise can be unbearable.”
CALLS FOR REGULATION
Some locals also worry about the environmental impact. “People leave bottles and cigarette butts everywhere—they forget this is a marine reserve,” says Fina, another island resident. While talk of limiting access surfaces each year, no concrete measures have been put forward, and the Alicante City Council has yet to announce any plans for regulation.
A PARADISE UNDER PRESSURE
Tabarca remains a Mediterranean gem, famous for its beauty, cuisine, and crystal-clear waters. Yet its popularity is also its challenge: balancing tourism with the fragile ecosystem and the quality of life of its residents.
For now, the ferries keep arriving, the restaurants keep serving, and the locals keep adapting to a summer that, as islanders say, truly “never stops.”
rowds of visitors flood the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community, filling its beaches, coves, and streets
noticeable increase in French and Italian tourists this year.”
A COUNCIL THAT FAILS IT’S PEOPLE FORFEITS IT’S RIGHT TO GOVERN
Government is not a privilege granted to politicians. It is a solemn responsibility to serve the people. Its duties are clear and non-negotiable: protect citizens, manage resources fairly, and treat every resident with equality. When it fails in these obligations, it loses legitimacy.
In Orihuela, this failure is no longer a risk—it is a reality. We are living under a government that hides behind the mask of authority while abandoning the very people it claims to represent.
A CITY WITHOUT PROTECTION
The most fundamental test of any administration is public safety. Yet Orihuela has become a municipality where police presence is thin, overstretched, and in many communities, non-existent. From the coast to the pedanias to the historic centre, residents are left vulnerable.
This is not mere negligence. It is a betrayal. A government that cannot guarantee security has failed in its most basic duty. No citizen should ever be left wondering whether help will arrive when needed.
BUDGETS THAT EXPLOIT, NOT SERVE
Fair governance requires equitable investment across the whole municipality. But Orihuela’s budgets expose a different reality: some districts are systematically neglected while others are favoured.
The coast—home to tens of thousands of residents and a major contributor of revenue through property taxes—has been treated as little more than a source of income. Infrastructure lags, essential services remain inadequate, and residents are told to wait while their money funds projects elsewhere.
This is not financial management. This is exploitation. A government that drains one part of its municipality to benefit another is not serving its citizens—it is dividing them.
EQUALITY REPLACED BY FAVOURITISM
Every resident of Orihuela— Spanish or foreign-born, coastal or inland, farmer or shopkeeper— deserves dignity, representation, and respect. Yet equality here has been eroded by political favouritism.
Some voices are amplified, while others are ignored. Whole communities feel abandoned by the very institutions that should unite them. Once equality is abandoned, the moral foundation of government collapses with it.
WHEN GOVERNMENT LOSES ITS RIGHT TO GOVERN
A government that cannot guarantee safety, distribute resources fairly, or uphold equality has lost its purpose. What remains is not leadership but a hollow structure clinging to power. Authority without service is not governance—it is domination in disguise.
The people of Orihuela must refuse to accept this decay as inevitable. We must demand accountability, fairness, and leadership that recognizes every resident as an equal. If today’s leaders will not fulfil their duty, then they forfeit the right to govern.
A CALL TO ACTION
The future of Orihuela will not be determined by the failures of its politicians but by the resolve of its citizens. Change begins when people stand together and say: enough. We will no longer be ignored. We will no longer be divided. We will no longer accept a government that fails to protect, serve, and unite us.
A government that abandons its people surrenders its right to rule. Orihuela deserves better—and the time to demand it is now.
Secure Your Spot at Expo Torrevieja 2025 SPACE IS
SELLING FAST! EXPO TORREVIEJA
After a five-year hiatus, Expo Torrevieja makes a powerful comeback in 2025. Mark your calendars for November 15–16, when the International Auditorium in Torrevieja (next to Hospital Quir?n) will transform into the Costa Blanca’s largest International Lifestyle Show—a showcase that attracts thousands of engaged visitors, including residents, expats, and international property owners
If you’re looking to amplify your business’s presence, this is an unparalleled opportunity. From indoor and outdoor exhibition zones to specialized areas for lifestyle, tech, health, legal, wellness, financial, and home services, this year’s layout is even bigger and better. A standout feature?
A dedicated Arts & Crafts zone paired with a festive Christmas Fayre, designed to lure diverse audiences—including families and boutique crafters
Expo Torrevieja isn’t just about foot traffic—it’s a full-scale marketing platform. Exhibitors benefit from free inclusion in all promotional campaigns, both digital and print, giving your brand amplified visibility before, during, and after the event
In addition to the vibrant exhibition hall, this year introduces a valuable B2B Cocktail Evening on the Friday before the expo opens—an intimate networking event tailored for meaningful professional connections ahead of the main show
Here’s why smart businesses are booking fast:
HIGH-IMPACT AUDIENCE: Thousands of motivated attendees from local and international markets, ready to explore and engage
COMPREHENSIVE EXPOSURE: Your brand featured across promotional materials, boosting pre-show awareness.
STRATEGIC SHOWCASE ZONES: Tailored spaces ensure your offering shines in the right context—whether that’s tech, health, arts, or services PRIME NETWORKING: Leverage the B2B Cocktail Evening to make early-stage business connections.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD: Previous editions have consistently drawn crowds—between 8,000 and 9,000 daily visitors across past events
15 & 16 NOVEMBER
Don’t delay—exhibitor bookings opened in July, and spaces are filling at a rapid pace. If your business aims to:
Launch a new product or service
Boost brand awareness in the Costa Blanca region
Reach expats, residents, and international property owners
Connect with other businesses on a B2B level
…then Expo Torrevieja 2025 should be at the top of your event calendar.
Ready to reserve your stand? Contact the team now to get in before your ideal spot is gone:
Phone: (0034) 637 227 385 or Email: office@ExpoTorrevieja.info
Let’s make this November not just an event—but your biggest marketing moment of 2025.
Hundreds Protest in Guardamar Against Demolition of Historic Babilonia Beach Houses
Hundreds of residents of Playa Babilonia in Guardamar del Segura took to the streets this week to protest against the planned demolition of 65 historic beachfront homes, scheduled to begin on September 15.
Marching from the beach to the town hall, demonstrators carried banners with slogans such as “What if it were your house? We are part of this town too,” demanding a halt to the demolitions that they argue would erase not just family homes, but also an important part of the town’s cultural and historical heritage.
The low-rise houses, built over a century ago by engineer Francisco Mira—the same figure behind Guardamar’s iconic pine forest—were for decades used by the municipality in tourism campaigns. Residents say their unique design forms part of the area’s ethnological heritage and way of life, and have pushed for recognition under the new Valencian coastal law.
However, jurisdiction over Spain’s maritime domain lies with the central government, which has refused to renew the concessions.
According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, supported by State Attorney arguments in court, the row of homes contributes to beach erosion and leaves
properties vulnerable to storm damage. Authorities argue that demolition will reconnect the dunes with the pine forest and restore more than 600 meters of public beach.
Residents, who have fought the case in Spain’s National Court since 2018, reject this reasoning. They claim the real cause of erosion lies in a poorly designed jetty built in the 1990s at the mouth of the Segura River, which disrupted the natural flow of sediments that once replenished Babilonia beach.
They also argue that many other coastal concessions with greater environmental impact have been extended.
Tensions rose briefly during the protest when some younger demonstrators entered the town hall vestibule, though others urged them to leave.
Local police and the Guardia Civil monitored the situation, which ended peacefully with a symbolic collective swim at the site of a recently demolished beach bar.
Mayor Jose Luis Saez (PSOE) has repeatedly stated that the demolitions follow binding court rulings. He also noted the apparent contradiction that residents are both protesting and submitting their own demolition projects to minimize fines and costs.
Orihuela Mayor Under Fire Over “Incomplete Studies”
Pepe Vegara, mayor of Orihuela, is facing a storm over his official profile claiming he studied Economics at the University of Alicante and Philosophy at UNED— degrees he never completed.
While Spanish law doesn’t require a university degree to hold office, critics slam the wording as misleading and question his transparency.
Vegara’s profile uses the vague term “studies,” leaving voters guessing how long he actually attended.
A wealthy businessman in the vehicle inspection sector, Vegara serves as mayor without a salary, drawing allowances up to e1,500 a month.
But controversy doesn’t stop there—he also faces a pending legal battle for alleged document falsification and tax fraud from 2005, with trial set for November. Despite the scandals, Vegara touts his work as a writer and former president of a local cultural association.
Babilonia protesters in front of the town hall - Img SOMOS Mediterrania
HIGHWAY HERO OR LAWBREAKER? ALICANTE EMT FINED FOR SAVING A LIFE
Miguel Guillen, an emergency medical technician (ambulance driver) with SAMU, rushed to save a patient who was in cardiac arrest—only to end up with a e100 speeding fine.
Driving an ambulance on the A77 between Alicante and San Vicente del Raspeig, he was clocked at 88 km/h in a 70 km/h zone. His mission: reaching a lifeor-death emergency. His punishment: being treated like an ordinary speeder.
The shock came when photos of the ambulance “caught” by radar arrived in his mailbox.
A SAMUambulance responding to an emergency in Torrevieja
What followed was a bureaucratic nightmare.
The fine passed from the vehicle’s
rental company, to the Regional Ministry of Health, and finally to Guillen himself, who now has to appeal it personally.
TORREVIEJA REGISTERS OFFSHORE QUAKE OF 2.1
MAGNITUDE REMINDING OF REGION’S SEISMIC PAST
On Friday night at 9:23 p.m., Torrevieja experienced a minor offshore earthquake measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale, Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN) confirmed.
The tremor struck at a shallow depth of 4 kilometers, with its epicenter located just off the town’s urban seafront. Local platform Proyecto Mastral shared the news on X, inviting residents to report if they had felt it. Most replies suggested it passed unnoticed.
Though small, the quake highlights the region’s long history of seismic activity. Torrevieja and the wider Vega Baja area lie near geological fault lines where minor tremors are common.
The deadliest event occurred on March 21, 1829, when a quake estimated at magnitude 6.6 devastated towns across Vega Baja, killing nearly 400 people and forcing major reconstruction, including Torrevieja’s urban redesign.
“It’s absurd. I had to use my free time to fight this. No other emergency service goes through this,” he complained.
However, the law seems to be on his side. Article 67 of Spain’s Traffic Regulations allows emergency vehicles to exceed speed limits during urgent missions, provided they act with extreme caution.
Yet Guillen says the administration has failed to apply common sense.
The bigger question lingers: shoulda medic racing to save a life be punished for doing his job?
Violent gang arrested in Los Alcazares
has dismantled a violent criminal gang responsible for robberies, thefts, and assaults in the town.
Operation Cofilaton resulted in four arrests, with charges including burglary, violent robbery, unlawful detention, illegal weapons possession, and membership in a criminal organization.
The case began after two violent incidents: an caravan robbery in Los Narejos and a beach assault where a driver was pistol-whipped and robbed.
Investigators traced evidence to a local suspect linked to three others. Internal disputes later erupted, leaving the alleged ringleader stabbed and injured before his arrest.
Authorities say the gang also committed burglaries, bike thefts, and intimidation. Their dismantling restores security to Los Alcazares.
Murcia’s Guardia Civil, working with Los Alcazares Local Police,
I‘Getting rid of the Belly......’
am sporting (if that be the correct word) a ‘bit of a belly’ these days. In fact, it is a bit more than a bit. As you meet and greet me on the street (that could be a song title?) you may notice the shirt outside the trousers.
The reason I am baring this blemish here and now is lest any of the Lads ... or God forbid, one of the Gorls, might think I am cutting at them when I write about ‘getting rid of the belly.’
The Lads often speak of ‘trying to get rid of this belly’, whilst the Gorls may politely refer to ‘tummy toning’ or some such words.
For our unaffected readers, this is one and the same thing. Hold on ... one more thing for you unaffected before you leave us. I can do no better than give you Frankie Byrnes’s advice from the Radio Eireann Jacob’s programme of the long ago; ‘This may not be your problem today, but it could be some day!’
For the rest of us sporting that ‘bit of a belly’, I have two pieces of consolation – if not outright good news.
The first soothing certainty is that today’s obsession with thinness is a relatively recent phenomenon. Historically, society perceived plumpness and even a layer of-you-know-what (I am afraid to use the three letter word due to the abuse I got for writing a YCBS on it one time. The first letter is ‘F’ and it rhymes with cat)
If you look at old photos and paintings you will notice plumpness exposed in all its beauty. It was of course also the trademark of the upper classes and the well to do.
The second consolation of the bulging belly is an important one to remember. However, we shall leave this one until the end in the hope you may stay with
us through the middle bit ... Middle age spread is a fact of life for most of us. I know, Lads; I reached middle age a long time ago ... but like a lot of other things, it came to me late in life. Anyway, we are all in this thing together and may I suggest we stop fighting the big belly.
As the man said; if something or other
is inevitable, just lie back and enjoy it.
I would prefer not to be using America as an example of anything, but they too are human beings with big bellies. The average young US adult gains 30 pounds by the time they are fifty. This weight gain happens despite the fact that the people in question tend to eat less during this period.
We are not discussing obesity here ... a somewhat different animal. This spotlight is on your average man and woman in the street who are trying to beat the battle of the bulge. One of the reasons for our ‘condition’ is that we lose muscle mass as we age.
Muscles are the great calorie-burning machine. A more sedentary lifestyle naturally reduces the burning of these said same calories.
It is stating the obvious to announce here that more exercise and less food is the answer. Of course this combination will help, but that tummy-tyre and value-added arse becomes increasingly difficult shrink. I suggest we just accept it; instead of being miserable fighting a battle we cannot win? Now, here is the second line of good news ...
It is not your fault about the bit of a belly and it could be nature’s way of protecting you? Animals build up a fatty (we’ll chance it!) layer to see them through tough times ahead.
The polar bear, for example, gets fat when food is plentiful and then lives off that fat during the summer when the ice melts and there is very little to eat.
Maybe nature is applying the same formula to humans – not because of lack of food, but possible illness?
Past middle age the risk of becoming ill multiplies. If you are ill you won’t eat, so this is where the bit of a belly comes to the rescue.
Don’t forget the exercise ... it works. Proof of this is the fact that since I had to cease farming eighteen months ago, you can see it on the scales. I enjoy walking and am in good shape ... but I have a message here.
We have to stop beating ourselves up over the belly. I love my walking, but I also love my food. There are several spare holes left in my belt and I know that a new, bigger shirt would look great on me. I have given up enough and I have given up all that I’m going to give up!
DON’T FORGET
Somebody has set up a fake email address using my name; and it appears there is nothing we can do about it. It has been used to endorse dodgy products, to promote opinions, comments and photos far removed from my way of thinking – and God knows what else that I don’t know about.
My friends don’t open them and should you receive anything dodgy that doesn’t have the email address at the top of this page, please don’t open it either.
Go raibh mait agat.
ORIHUELA ACTS AGAINST WILD BOAR FOLLOWING AGRICULTURAL LOSSES
The Orihuela Department of Environment has announced controlled capture and culling operations to address the rising presence of wild boars in agricultural areas. Farmers have reported severe crop damage and destruction of irrigation systems, leading to major economic losses. The growing proximity of wild boars to residential zones has also raised public safety concerns.
SAT ANIMAL RESCUE
Brujita is around 18 months and weighs around 13.5 kilos. She is very affectionate and submissive with people but can be bossy with other dogs. She is fully vaccinated with passport, microchipped, sterilized with blood tests and is treated for fleas and ticks, dewormed and heartworm prevented. For more information or for an appointment (appointments only) contact the kennels directly.
Authorizations for these interventions are granted under regional legislation, which permits wildlife control in exceptional cases of damage or risk.
Each request must include a technical report justifying the need for action and specifying suitable methods such as stakeouts, baiting, drives, or stalking.
Grao stressed that agricultural protection and environmental care remain joint priorities. All measures are guided by technical oversight, carried out under controlled conditions, and followed by evaluation
The Department of Environment will continue collaborating with farmers, hunting associations, and the Conselleria de Medio Ambiente to manage the situation. Authorizations are processed year-round under Law 13/2004 on Hunting and Order 22/2021 regulating wild boar control. Applicants must file both initial and results reports to ensure proper monitoring.
END OF SUMMER FAMILY SPLASH AT ORIHUELA WATER PALACE
Orihuela will mark the end of summer with a family-friendly aquatic party at the Water Palace.
For the second consecutive year, the outdoor pool will host the event on Friday, August 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., offering a lively morning of water-based fun.
Carmen Portugal, Councilor for Family Affairs, explained that the initiative aims to “give families an opportunity to enjoy time together before the school year begins.”
The event will feature music, water games, slides, and inflatables, both in the pool and on land for younger children.
Trained monitors will supervise the activities to guarantee safety, while admission covers entry to the pool and all entertainment arranged by the Family Council.
The celebration promises a festive, splash-filled farewell to summer.
ELCHE COURTS BLOCK PSOE’S BID TO ADVANCE CENSURE MOTION AGAINST PP IN SAN FULGENCIO
The Administrative Court No. 1 of Elche has rejected the PSOE’s attempt to impose precautionary measures that would allow its motion of censure against the ruling Partido Popular (PP) in San Fulgencio to proceed.
The dispute arose after the mesa de edad—the temporary presiding body of the plenary session, formed by the youngest and oldest councillors, both from the PP—suspended two sessions before a vote could be held. They ruled that the PSOE’s motion did not meet legal requirements.
While the Socialists argued these suspensions were irregular, the court stressed that under Spanish law the mesa de edad is empowered to determine compliance at the time of the session.
San Fulgencio, a municipality of about 10,000 residents (70% foreigners), is governed by five PP councillors led by Mayor Jose Maria Ballester, along with one councillor from the International Party for Nationalities (PIPN).
Together they hold six seats, a minority compared to the seven opposition councillors—six PSOE plus one independent. This arithmetic led the PSOE to push for a censure motion to take control of the town hall.
In its resolution dated August 20, the court ruled the PSOE failed to show an “effective risk” of irreparable harm.
Judges emphasized that precautionary measu-
res cannot pre-empt judicial rulings and that the legality of the mesa de edad’s actions will be resolved once proceedings conclude.
The PSOE has accused the PP of obstructing democracy and hinted at criminal complaints, while the PP and its PIPN ally welcomed the decision, anticipating further attempts at censure before 2027.
PSOE leader in San Fulgencio, José Sampere
CONCERNS RAISED OVER PLAYGROUND MAINTENANCE IN ORIHUELA COSTA
The municipal company ILDO, tasked with the upkeep of children’s play areas across Orihuela, is facing criticism after residents claim maintenance work has not been carried out as agreed.
According to the contract, ILDO is responsible for keeping playgrounds “in optimum condition,” ensuring both safety and appearance.
This includes weekly visual inspections, fortnightly functional checks, and annual safety and quality reviews, alongside regular maintenance such as cleaning, painting, lubrication, adjustments, and repairs with original parts. However, the contract does not specify an inventory of the approximately 70 play-
grounds under its care, leaving uncertainty over the true extent of ILDO’s obligations.
Since taking over responsibility in February, residents report that the company has failed to carry out inspections, controls, or repairs on playgrounds along the coast.
One resident, Monica from Los Dolses, highlighted the issue by sending photographs of her local playground, which she described as “completely unusable.”
She personally contacted Councillor for the Coast, Manuel Mestre, who visited the site in June, but later admitted that the area would not be covered by ILDO’s services.
This has raised wider concerns that ILDO’s
Shhh! Torrevieja Community President declares ‘Nap Time Law’.
In Torrevieja, a residents’ association president has tried to protect Spain’s beloved siesta with a handwritten “nap time law.” The note, taped to a wall and posted on social media, ordered silence between 4:00 and 6:00 PM—in both Spanish and English, so tourists couldn’t claim ignorance.
The problem? It has no legal force. Spanish law only enforces noise limits through municipal rules, which in Torrevieja apply at night (10:00 PM–8:00 AM). Daytime noise levels can reach 35–45 decibels, while nighttime drops to 30–35.
So if your neighbour vacuums or practices flamenco mid-afternoon, you can only ask politely, raise the issue with the residents’ association, or call police if the noise breaches limits.
Ultimately, the siesta remains optional: a cherished custom, not a legal right. Sometimes, the best solution is still a pair of earplugs.
workforce and resources are not sufficient to meet the real needs of Orihuela Costa.
As a result, some playgrounds and green zones appear to be excluded from the company’s scope, leaving facilities in disrepair.
For example, the zip line at Aguamarina park has remained broken for over a year, depriving children of its use.
Residents are still waiting for clarification on whether the coastal area’s parks and playgrounds will receive the maintenance they urgently require.
The local group Unidos por la Costa has formally raised the issue with councillors for Infrastructure and the Coast, more than three months ago, but claim no response has yet been given.
The zip line at Aguamarina park has remained broken for over a year
AGUAMARINA - CABO ROIG COASTAL PASEO REOPENS AFTER TWO-DECADE DISPUTE
After more than two decades of legal wrangling, political debate, and grassroots campaigning, the Aguamarina – Cabo Roig coastal walkway was officially reopened on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The ceremony, attended by the mayor, councillors, and dozens of residents, marked the end of one of Orihuela Costa’s longest-running disputes over public access to the shoreline.
The contested section of promenade measures barely 30 metres, yet its closure had forced walkers and holidaymakers into a two-kilometre detour since the early 2000s. At the height of summer, the walkway serves more than 2,000 people each day, linking residential zones to beaches and leisure areas.
A BATTLE OVER ACCESS
The conflict began when residents of the Bellavista I Urbanisation installed gates at both ends of the walkway and, in 2013, constructed a wall to secure the disputed strip.
The move cut off public passage and ignited a campaign led by CLARO, a local party led by Bob Houliston, who accused Orihuela Town Hall of failing to uphold coastal rights.
Efforts to reopen the path faltered repeatedly. In 2015, councillor Antonio Zapata briefly authorised access, only for the courts to side with Bellavista residents the following year. Despite a ruling from the Coastal Authority confirm-
ing the area was a “zone of easement of transit,” bureaucratic inertia meant the promenade remained closed.
YEARS OF LEGAL DISPUTE
Formal expropriation proceedings began in 2019, spearheaded by deputy mayor Rafael Almagro. Negotiations stalled as property owners demanded e3 million in compensation, while the council initially valued the land at e69,113. The Provincial Expropriation Jury eventually fixed compensation at e26,180 in April this year, clearing the way for the council to secure ownership.
Complicating matters further, a gota fria storm in 2019 damaged the retaining wall, raising safety concerns and prompting alternative proposals for a cliffside path, an idea rejected by the Coastal Service. Court rulings in 2021 again affirmed the land as private, prolonging the deadlock.
CAMPAIGNERS AND COMMUNITY PRESSURE
Throughout the dispute, pressure groups and local media played a decisive role. CLARO’s early activism was later taken up by FAOC, the Federacion de Asociaciones de Vecinos de Orihuela Costa, and more recently Unidos Por la Costa. The Leader newspaper also ensured that the issue never slipped from public view, documenting each legal twist and political delay.
Campaigners framed the struggle as more than a matter of convenience.
For them, the right to walk the coastline represented a principle of civic identity and public entitlement. As FAOC noted in one of its appeals, “access to the sea cannot be surrendered to private interests.”
A FESTIVE REOPENING
When council staff finally demolished the wall last week, the mood was jubilant.
Applause broke out as families, walkers, and tourists streamed through the reopened path, reclaiming the seafront as their own.
For many residents, it was the culmination of years of frustration and persistence. Bellavista homeowners, who had argued the walkway compromised their privacy by funnelling pedestrians past their gardens, continue to oppose the decision. Yet their resistance was outweighed by the collective determination of community groups and municipal authorities.
A VICTORY FOR THE PUBLIC
Speaking at the opening, the mayor described the outcome as “the restoration of a space of enormous symbolic and social value.” Campaigners went further, calling it a “victory of
the people,” emblematic of the principle that contested public spaces can be recovered. Beyond its practical function, the walkway represents something larger: a reaffirmation that Orihuela Costa’s seafront is a shared space, integral to community life. With the dispute finally resolved, the promenade is once again a place where people walk, meet, and enjoy the sea—an amenity reclaimed after twenty long years.
Mayor Pepe Vegara and his deputy Manuel Mestre were both instrumental in achieving reopening of the paseo
TRIVIA QUIZ
1. Columbus first discovered the 'New World' in 1492. What is the land called?
2. The title of which monster film was the US military code for New York City during the cold war?
3. The original meaning of the word sinister, derived from the Latin sinestra, was not evil. What did sinister mean?
4. What was the full official title of Queen Elizabeth II in Britain between the 20th November 1947 and the 6th February 1952?
5. Complete each of the following song titles with something to eat: (one word only needed).
a. Life is a, b. Rock, c. 30,000, d. Savoy, e. When you come to the end of your
6. Liz Tyler didn't learn the true identity of her biological father until age nine, until when she was told she was the daughter of which rock star.
7. Which Oscar winning actress, famous for her film line "Divine decadence darling", was Freddy Mercury's stage role model?
8. What did all of the following have in common? Claudius Ceasar, Dudley Moore, Mother Theresa, Josef Goebbels and Lord Byron
9. Which retired, youthful looking player has scored the most goals (7) while coming on as a substitute in Champions League football?
10. With 90+ million foreign tourists, which country is ranked as the first tourist destination in the world?
11. "Samhain", literally means "end of summer" and is a Gaelic language word. What is it's direct English equivalent?
12. Who's managerial career took off when he became the manager of AS Monaco, winning the league, the national cup three years after that and signed high-calibre players such as Glenn Hoddle, George Weah and Jurgen Klinsmann?
13. Churchill called it the "largest capitulation" in British history after 80,000 British led troops surrendered to the enemy. In which tiny country did this take place?
14. Trick-or-treating, also known as guising, is an activity for children on Halloween in which they proceed from house to house in costumes, asking for treats such as candy with the question, "Trick or treat?". In which country did it originate?
15. Which Hollywood 'golden boy', who won a best actor Oscar for his role as a POW, was best man at Ronald and Nancy Reagan's wedding?
16. Why does the Hogget Decanter have a knob on its round base?
17. In which year was the Suez Canal first opened to shipping?
18. How did the Montgolfiere brothers rise to fame in the late 18th century?
19. Which organisation was created by Justin Berkmann under the concept "100% sound system first, lights second, design third (in that order); the reverse of everyone else's idea"?
20. Puff Daddy, Mozart, Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal and film character Raymond Babbit have all had or claim to have which ability?
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
QUICKIE CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
1.Cantankerous (5-7)
7.Brush (5)
8.Double (5)
9.Wrath (3)
10.Strict (9)
11.Bury (6)
12.Fiddle (6)
15.Subordinate (9)
17.Fire residue (3)
18.Find out (5)
19.Evade (5)
21.Endless (12)
DOWN DOWN
1.Importantly (12)
2.Bishopric (3)
3.Bulletin (6)
4.Strength (9)
5.Banish (5)
6.Place of worship (7-5)
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
ACROSS ACROSS
1.The craft required by one employed on the river! (12)
7.The point at which energy is available (5)
8.Don't interfere with holiday period (5)
9.In a month I threatened to strike (3)
10.Would such a railway system be futile? (9)
11.Newspaper article about wine (6)
12.It's cut down before it's cut up (6)
15.He's debauched enough to involve the tribe in a row (9)
17.Avessel used for carrying loads (3)
18.Before the end of the display, who's dreadfully ostentatious? (5)
19.Is old, maybe, but not infirm (5)
21.The genuine place for a second share-out (12) DOWN DOWN
1.Does this reflect the elements? (75)
2.Go by boat and fall out (3)
3.Scared by a loud onslaught (6) 4.Agem of a game (9)
WORDSEARCH
SELMA RALPH
CLETUS
7.Perspire (5)
10.Likeness (9)
13.Depart (5)
14.Haphazard (6)
16.Shackle (5)
20.Row (3)
5.Cross I put a value on (5)
6.With which one eats sweets (12)
7.Tolerate what election candidates do (3,2)
10.Picture showing a shaft of light in the doorway (9)
13.The directors sound disinterested ... (5)
14.... as if the company could be a complete failure (6)
16.Shows disapproval, we hear, of strong drink (5)
20.Almost bound to be agricultural land (3)
THE SIMPSONS CHARACTERS
MR
SMITHERS
WILLIE
Find answers and solutions on page 21
YOUR HOROSCOPE
25 Aug - 1 Sept
Cosmic Tip: With Virgo season in full swing, the stars push us toward health, balance, and detail. Small steps now create big progress later.
Aries (21 Mar – 19 Apr)
You’re fired up this week, Aries, but the universe says: slow down. A clash midweek could spark tempers if you push too hard. Channel your energy into finishing what you’ve already started and let patience be your secret weapon.
Taurus (20 Apr – 20 May)
Routine feels safe, but breaking it brings surprising rewards. A money matter may need careful thought—steady decisions now pay off later. Loved ones crave reassurance; show your softer side and you’ll be rewarded with harmony.
Gemini (21 May – 20 Jun)
Opportunities pop up in conversations, so keep your ears open. A chance meeting could spark a new connection or idea. Focus on one project instead of scattering your energy. The weekend brings a personal realisation you’ve been waiting for.
Cancer (21 Jun – 22 Jul)
Home and family tug at your heartstrings. Emotions swell, but don’t cling too tightly to the past—let change guide you forward. By week’s end, you’ll find balance between your own needs and those of others.
Leo (23 Jul – 22 Aug)
Spotlight’s still on you, Leo, but it’s time to listen as well as roar. Work may feel demanding, but your creativity shines brightest in teamwork. Expect a small but satisfying victory midweek.
Virgo (23 Aug – 22 Sep)
With the Sun in your sign, you’re in your element. It’s the perfect time to set fresh goals and prioritise health. Recognition comes your way near the weekend—proof that your hard work pays off.
Libra (23 Sep – 22 Oct)
You’re torn between peacekeeping and speaking out. Don’t bottle things up—an honest talk midweek clears the air. Inspiration strikes on Sunday, giving you a creative boost to solve lingering problems.
Scorpio (23 Oct – 21 Nov)
Friends and networks play a starring role. Someone in your circle could be the ally you need—if you let them in. Avoid suspicion and trust the process. A long-held grudge fades by week’s end.
Sagittarius (22 Nov – 21 Dec)
Ambition runs high, but so do responsibilities. Break tasks into smaller steps to avoid overwhelm. Praise from a mentor or boss could give you the lift you need. At home, laughter restores balance.
Capricorn (22 Dec – 19 Jan)
Adventure calls! Whether travel, study, or new ideas, expansion is in the air. Finances may demand caution—don’t rush decisions. Over the weekend, reconnect with someone or something meaningful.
Aquarius (20 Jan – 18 Feb)
This week is deep, Aquarius. Money, intimacy, or emotions come under the microscope. Face what’s real and let go of what isn’t. By Sunday, freedom returns and you feel lighter.
Pisces (19 Feb – 20 Mar)
Relationships take the spotlight. Someone close may need extra patience, but make sure your needs are heard too. The weekend brings creative sparks—ideal for art, music, or quiet reflection.
ALICANTE SURGEON ARRESTED AFTER FATAL KITCHEN SURGERY
He was transferred to Alicante General Hospital, where he died days later.
A55-year-old cardiovascular surgeon in Alicante has been arrested after his 94-year-old father died from sepsis following a home amputation.
The incident occurred during the August holiday weekend while the elderly man, who normally lived in a nursing home, was staying at his son’s house.
When he returned to the residence, staff noticed several toes were missing and that his wounds had been badly treated.
He was rushed to Sant Joan Hospital, then transferred to Alicante General Hospital, where he died days later.
Investigators found that the father suffered from circulatory problems and early gangrene. Instead of seeking medical care, the surgeon amputated three toes on one foot and two on the other in his kitchen, in front of his teenage children.
ARREST FOLLOWING ALMORADI SHOOTING
A 45-year-old man has been arrested in Almoradi on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly shooting a nightclub bouncer on July 1.
The victim, who had removed the suspect from the venue earlier that evening, was later confronted when the man returned and was again denied entry.
At that moment, the suspect reportedly pulled out a firearm, shot the doorman at close range in the abdomen, and fled by car.
The bouncer was rushed to hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for lifethreatening injuries.
The Civil Guard launched an investigation led by the Judicial Police Unit of Alicante and the Almoradi team.
Officers identified the suspect after tracing the getaway car to a family member.
Raids in Murcia revealed the man had
Authorities believe the lack of sterile conditions caused a severe infection that progressed to fatal sepsis, aggravated by the victim’s advanced age.
Suspicion grew when a relative initially refused to explain the injuries. Hospital staff alerted authorities, and the National Police took over the investigation. Following the death, homicide officers arrested the surgeon.
Given his medical expertise, police consider the case could constitute intentional homicide rather than negligence, since he would have been fully aware of the dangers of such a procedure outside hospital conditions.
Judicial authorities are now investigating why the doctor decided to carry out the risky operation at home— a choice that directly led to his father’s death.
The arrest took place at the gunman’s home that same night
already fled his believed hideout, but the search continued.
On July 30, nearly a month after the shooting, he was finally located and detained in Almoradi.
The suspect, who has a history of prior convictions, appeared before Orihuela’s Court of Instruction No. 1, on Wednesday which ordered his immediate imprisonment.
CHURCH SERVICES
Church of JESUS CHRIST of LATTER-DAY SAINTS
We meet at 10am each
Sunday in the chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. Torrevieja
Phone or whatsapp 659 016 733
THE SALT CHURCH
Sundays at 10.30 am. A friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Coffee morning every Wednesday 1030 to noon
Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, Polígono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. www.Saltchurchspain. Facebook SaltChurchSpain
Int Christian Assembly Evangelical Church Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja
Pilar Christian Community Pentecostal/Evangelical Church
Sunday Service 11.30am C/Canalejas 3, Pilar de la Horadada
Join us for a multitude of activities, coffee mornings, excercise, bereavement group pastor@pilarchurch.com
HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
English speaking interdenominational church in La Marina welcoming individuals of all nationalities and church backgrounds.
Sunday Worship 11am with Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.
Calle Justo Antonio Quesada 19A. +34 966 184 728
CARS FOR SALE
AUTOMOVILES CRESPO
The Car of the Month is a 2017 FORD Sportbreak Petrol - 11,900€ Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars. For a small selection of our latest offers see ad on page 5. We can assure you of the biggest and best choice of new and used cars for price, choice and quality.
ENGLISH SPOKEN
Tel 96 666 22 60.
CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
AGE CONCERN COSTA BLANCA SUR
We are here to help with well being forthe over50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre in La Siesta, ring 966 786 887 or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es
TRANSLATIONS/ EFFICIENT RATES
ROYAL BRITISH LEGIO N
DOCTORS,HOSPITALS, EMPADRON'S.
Documents / medical reports translated.
Rapid dates for TIE cards ( Aug/Sept ).Residencia Renewals.Driving licence exchange also available.
Contact : Jason Paul: Mobile 603 86 87 56 / WhatsApp
AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement?
Come along and chat to other people in the same situation. Every Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. Tel: 96 678 6887.
ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION, TORREVIEJA BRANCH
Afriendly and engaging group of people who embrace their ethos of Comradeship, Loyalty, Patriotism & Unity while enjoying a variety of social events, meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 1700 hrs at Silverstoneís 2023 (Bar/Restaurant). Av. Romero, 03176 Montebello, Alicante Contact: Membership Secretary, Carl Louden; email: carllouden@msn.com or Phone +34 678 518 202
FRIENDSHIP
Quiet,respectable,slim, active,loving,caring, Villamartin widower,aged 81. Solvent,own home. Short,not rich or handsome. Would like to meet a nice lady for friendship, companionship and happy times together. If interested please phone/message on 641 536 969 or Email gtbainspain2025@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you.
ERECTILE DISFUNCTION
DO YOU HAVE ED PROBLEMS ?
We have the solution! Jells, cialis, sidenafil. Over 7 products for both men and for ladies! Mixed trial packs. Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol, or via post to all the other costas
WhatsApp or call 603117394.
HELP MAR MENOR
Coffee & Company events on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, at Bar Restaurante Las Claras del Mar Menor, C/ Helena, Los Alcazares 11.00 am until 12.30
Open to all nationalities who may be feeling isolated, lonely or simply hoping to meet new friends.
Our volunteers will be on hand on the day.HELP is a non profit organisation, we raise money from donations to give to local charities within Murcia.
ALMORADI
SCRABBLE CLUB
Why not give SCRABBLE a try. We are a new club that meets on the first Wednesday of every month at Cafe Almoradi, opposite the health centre. From 3:00 - 5:30
For further info, contact Christine on 694 437 698
COMMUNITY CARE ASSOCIATION (CCA)
Open to residents of Orihuela Costa who are over 60 years of age. Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar.
Open twice a week for a programme of English speaking activities and Spanish lessons. Activities include Games & Quiz on Mondays. Art sessions and Easy Conversation on Wednesdays. Information and advice regards living in Spain. Anyone wanting to join CCA social activities can pop along between 1-2pm Mondays and Wednesdays for more info from Eva or Norah in the Cafe area. Email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com
Mandatory Insurance for E-Scooters
A New Era of Responsibility on Spanish Roads
Electric scooters, or Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), have rapidly become a ubiquitous sight in towns and cities across Spain, revolutionising urban travel. However, with their growing popularity comes an increased need for regulation and accountability. From 2 January 2026, a significant new obligation will come into force across Spain: all PMVs will be required to have a valid civil liability insurance policy. This change aligns Spanish regulations with European Directive 2021/2118, aiming to enhance road safety and ensure proper compensation for accident victims.
The introduction of mandatory insurance marks a pivotal shift. It is estimated that currently, a very small percentage of privately owned e-scooters are insured. While precise national figures are difficult to ascertain due to the lack of a comprehensive central registry until now, local estimates suggest compliance could be as low as under 5% in some areas. This stark figure highlights a considerable gap in protection, given the rising number of incidents involving these vehicles.
THE RISING TIDE OF PMV ACCIDENTS
The surge in e-scooter usage has unfortunately been mirrored by a corresponding increase in accidents. Across Spain, cities have reported a significant uptick in incidents involving PMVs. For instance, in one major city, accidents involving PMVs nearly doubled from 62 in 2023 to 107 in 2024. This trend isn't new; historical data from as far back as 2018 shows a dramatic rise from single-digit accident figures. While e-scooters offer an agile and environmentally friendly transport solution, their increasing presence means a higher statistical probability of col-
lisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
Accidents involving e-scooters can range from minor material damage to severe personal injuries. Injuries to users often include fractures of the limbs and head injuries, with some studies indicating that a third of patients suffer traumatic brain injury in e-scooter accidents. Pedestrians can also sustain serious injuries if struck, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, with tibia fractures being a common outcome. These incidents underscore the critical need for robust insurance coverage.
WHAT THE NEW OBLIGATION MEANS FOR ESCOOTER USERS
The upcoming legislation makes civil liability insurance compulsory for most e-scooters and other light personal vehicles. This means that if you, as an e-scooter user, cause damage or injury to a third party (another person or their property), your insurance policy will cover the associated costs.
KEY ASPECTS OF THE NEW REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
Public Registry: Throughout 2025, a public registry of light personal vehicles will be created, requiring electric scooters to be registered. This will provide authorities with better oversight and facilitate enforcement of the new insurance rules.
Affordable Cost: Industry experts suggest the cost of a basic civil liability policy for an e-scooter will be relatively affordable, typically ranging from 30 to 50 euro per year. The premium can vary based on factors such as the coverage level chosen, the weight of the e-scooter, and its maximum speed.
Protection Against High Costs: While the annual cost is low, the benefits are substantial. Without insurance, a user responsible for an accident could face enormous financial burdens.
COMPENSATION CAN VARY GREATLY:
For minor material damage, such as a torn garment or a damaged mobile phone, the
compensation will be lower.
For personal injuries, including medical expenses, rehabilitation, disability, or long-term after-effects, compensation can be considerably higher.
In the most severe cases, such as fatalities, compensation can reach figures of up to e400,000.
Damage to vehicles, road infrastructure, or street furniture can also result in significant costs.
ADDRESSING MISCONCEPTIONS: HOME INSU RANCE EXCLUSIONS
A common misconception among e-scooter owners is that their home insurance policy might already cover such incidents. However, many home insurance policies specifically exclude damage caused by motor vehicles, which often includes e-scooters. It is crucial for users to review their existing policies carefully and, if in doubt, consult an insurance broker to ensure they have adequate cover. For minors, policies must be taken out by an adult, with the minor added as an insured party.
VIEW FROM THE URB
By John McGregor
It ain’t half hot Mum… In my twenty-five years here in paradise I really can’t remember a blistering summer like this one.
Nothing has changed holiday-wise though, we’re still inundated with half of northern Europe, and deep joy, in August all the big city dwellers in Spain are forsaking their offices and factories and heading for the coast as fast as possible.
At one time they used to publish the awful accident statistics of ‘Operation Salida’ as the Guardia called it, it made for frightening reading – perhaps they don’t tell us now –or more likely I don’t read it.
Talking of driving, what fun we are not having on our Urb. The powers that be have recently re-inforced the 30km per hour speed limits and there are signs everwhere, even on the tarmac you drive on.
Coupled with a million foot crossings in white-hot August it’s like being on a slowed down version of the dodgems.
On the few ‘straight’ roads (there aren’t any) it is virtually impossible to drive at or less than 30 kmh without dropping down gears.
I drive an automatic and the engine can’t understand trundling along at that speed.
I’m also on one of those Urb gossip facebook pages which is fun if you’re bored, having a pop at anything that annoys or interests you.
I was amazed last week to see people complaining about getting speeding fines from a couple of months ago in the region of 150
euros for speeding on the main road that runs down one side of the Urb.
‘It’s a scam!’ protested a few keyboard warriors.
‘Oh no it’s not!’ replied those convicted, some with two points deducted (or is it added to?) on their licence. So… it’s real, Grande Hermano is taking over - you have been warned…!
Slightly straying from being out and about, inside your hot casa and trying to keep cool, do you watch the Sun/Sales/ Selling/Sex programs on the TV every afternoon? OK I made up the last one but you get the gist. The programs must be very popular as they’ve spread across the different channels, but the theme is usually the same.
Take two would-be seekers for a new lifewho come over from a very different country to Spain or similar, a number of properties are presented to them by a smart arse know-all expert of the area, and away we go showing them houses they can buy in their all-revealing budget.
There is usually a quick background check of the buyers and here you can size up the wannabees – likelihood of buying v obvious time-wasters? Perhaps just wanting to get their fizzogs on the box?
Here you can play the regional game using your background knowledge eg. areas of the UK known-for-their tight-qualities, or those with bags-of.money-but-no-common-sense.
It amazes me how grandchildren and dogs are often brought into the equation, as if they make the decisions. The communal swimming pools or apartments visited are always spotless and completely empty instead of heaving with noisy kids and halfdrunk revellers.
You soon get to weigh up who’s the real decision maker of the duo, and who really wields the wallet or controls the purse strings. Then as the hour ticks by and the properties are viewed a judgement must be made – will they or won’t they – actually like one property enough to put in an offer?
Now we move into another final part of the operation – cut to an outdoor scenic table with some drinks on, and a short summary ending with an action plan. Grudging no thanks all round and move on, or stop press – putting in an offer.
Here a table tennis match of phone calls starts from the sublime, like offering the asking price (rare) to an obscenely stupid price so far from reality it hurts everyone.
NB maybe you don’t know how desperate the seller is (been there once myself), and it comes off. And hey ho, it's another day tomorrow.
That’s entertaining TV today, often from your own sweaty doorstep here on the Costasvery popular the programs are and they pass many a sticky afternoon away from the scorchio patio.
Swimming pools – as I grew into adult life and had foreign holidays I dreamed that one day I would have a pool of my own.
I stayed with a lovely couple on the Algarve in Portugal once and part of the male owner’s morning ritual was cleaning his pool.
How I envied him, what a cool way to start the day, I thought. Now, about forty years on I have my own swimming pool and guess what – it’s a bloody chore… Yes, I still enjoy a swim most days but in this heat and with plenty of dust about its not easy and convenient to keep it topped up and clean with ‘backwashing’ and tablets.
Now, to end up on a very big, serious prob-
lem today: global warning.
My wife Anne and I were lucky enough to go to New Zealand twice eleven years apart, the last time in 2018 - and we noticed something significant.
In a lovely little town on the South Island called Franz Josef in 2007 we had seen and stood on a massive glacier with the same name coming down from the Southern Alps and Mount Cook.
But over a decade later in its place there was now lots of rocks and shingle in place of the glacier, which had receded considerably up the mountain.
I would say it had gone back about half a mile – or a kilometre if you want to be European. It was all a bit sadder this second time as lots of the area was now fenced off with dire warnings of trespassing.
Of course, if you know your geography (passed ‘O’ level at the 2nd attempt) the next stop south from New Zealand is Antartica, very cold, man.
So that is my take on global warning - it didn’t keep me awake at night but it is strange when you see it for yourself..
SPANISH JOURNALIST SLAMS CONDUCT OF SAN FULGENCIO MAYOR
Local journalist Diego Nevado Martinez has strongly criticized the Partido Popular (PP) government of San Fulgencio in the digital newspaper Siglo XXI, accusing it of undemocratic behavior and abusing its institutional power to remain in office.
According to Nevado, both the PP and their allies in the Independent Party for Nationalities (PIPN) should have already been removed following the PSOE’s legitimate motions of no confidence, supported by a former PIPN councillor who abandoned the party over the mayor’s authoritarian style.
In less than two months, two motions of no
confidence against PP mayor Jose Maria Ballester have been blocked. The latest session was suspended by Paulino Herrero, president of the mesa de edad, who claimed that two motions cannot be filed in the same legislature—an argument dismissed by the town clerk as false. On both occasions, opposition voices, including former mayor Jose Sampere, were silenced, while only government councillors were allowed to speak.
The PSOE, with six of the 13 council seats, remains the most-voted party, while the PP governs with only five and tenuous support from the PIPN. With one PIPN councillor now backing the PSOE, Nevado argues the democratic majority clearly lies outside the current governing bloc, rendering the administration illegitimate.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL STARS BRING ‘HARRY ON ICE’ TO TORREVIEJA
On November 23 at 7:00 PM, the International Auditorium of Torrevieja will host a spectacular show combining circus artistry, figure skating, and magic.
Audiences will be taken on an immersive journey through J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe, brought to life with dazzling acrobatics, stunning visual effects, and music for all ages.
Torrevieja is set for a magical night on ice as the International Auditorium will be transformed into a fantasy stage for HARRY ON ICE, an unprecedented performance that blends circus acts, comedy, figure skating, and the enchantment of Harry Potter’s world.
Starring top-level performers, including acclaimed Cirque du
Soleil artists, the show will transport audiences into a realm where physical theatre and breathtaking visuals unfold on a custom-built ice rink.
From the moment spectators step through Platform the adventure begins: walking the halls of Hogwarts, witnessing a quidditch match, confronting the Dark Lord, and ending at a grand, elegant ball.
The production features spectacular costumes, intricate sets, and immersive visual effects that recreate the wizarding universe like never before.
Performers will amaze with gravity-defying acrobatics and graceful skating, enhanced by interactive effects, precision
CROSSWORD ANSWERS Monday 25 August (Week 1090)
lighting, and an original soundtrack that wraps the entire experience in excitement and wonder.
HARRY ON ICE is a magical story that invites audiences to dream with open eyes and dive into a world of imagination. Suitable for all ages, this large-scale production offers a unique opportunity for families and friends to enjoy an unforgettable evening that will leave lasting memories.
Tickets are now on sale at the Municipal Theatre box office and online at www.culturatorrevieja.com.
1. Bahamas, 2. Cloverfield, 3. Left, 4. Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh (before then she was 'Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth' and obviously afterwards 'Her Majesty The Queen'. In Jersey and Guernsey she is also the 'Duke of Normandy'). 5. a. minestrone (10cc), b. lobster (B-52s), c. bananas (Harry Chapin), d. truffle (Beatles), e. lollipop (Max Bygraves). 6. Todd Rundgren. 7. Liza Minelli (from the film Cabaret). 8. A club foot. 9. Ole Gunnar Solskjar (The baby-faced assassin). 10. France (second was Spain with 58.5 million and the United States with 51.1 million, coming a close third). 11. November. 12. Ars?ne Wenger
(most successful manager in the history of Arsenal in terms of trophies and is also the club's longest-serving manager in terms of matches played). 13. Singapore (Feb 1942) 80,000 British, Indian and Australian troops surrendered to the Japanese. 14. The United Kingdom, surprisingly, even mentioned in Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 15. William Holden. 16. It can't be put down therefore no one can hog it, hence the name. It has to be passed around the table. The Hogget decanter was traditionally used for 'passing the port'. 17. 1869. 18. Hot air ballons. They are credited with inventing the hot air balloon.19. Ministry of Sound (London nightclub and now a record label). 20. A photographic memory. (eidetic memory)
SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION
SUMMER 2025: Murphy’s Law wreaks Havoc on Orihuela Costa
By Tomas Moreno & Eliseo Sastre
As we all know, Murphy’s Law famously states that if something can go wrong, it will go wrong.
That principle applies perfectly to Orihuela Costa this summer — halfway through the current government’s term (PP and VOX) — because instead of improving, when compared to previous years, the situation has deteriorated noticeably.
At the height of the summer season, with more than 100,000 residents in Orihuela Costa, not a single one of the basic municipal services meets the minimum standards of quality.
Critical services such as street cleaning, waste collection, road paving and signage, public lighting, maintenance of green spaces and playgrounds, and even the beaches, are failing spectacularly.
The facts speak for themselves: dirty, foulsmelling streets with asphalt soaked in leachate and no street washing; too few waste containers, most of them old and replaced slowly and haphazardly; trash piling up due to overflowing bins; uncontrolled dumping of furniture and garden waste; neighbourhoods left in darkness for weeks; dry riverbeds left uncleared, creating serious risks of fires and flooding; dangerously poor road signage, affecting traffic safety; weeds taking over sidewalks and roads; neglected beaches with deteriorating facilities; abandoned parks and playgrounds; and more than 31 road accidents reported to local police, caused by potholes in public roads.
Meanwhile, residents’ complaints on social media grow louder every day.
Several common factors explain the poor state of these services:
a) A Department of Coast and Beaches whose councillor, Mr. Mestre, fails to fulfil his responsibilities. Beyond complaining to the mayor about lacking tasks, he has not even managed to keep the beaches in decent condition — they are worse than ever.
b) A lack of political will to allocate more staff, equipment, and resources to the coast, despite the fact that it generates e15 million more than it receives.
c) An under-resourced police force, unable to cope with rising crime and antisocial behaviour.
d) Scarce investment and painfully slow budget execution — for example, the much-
needed repair of the railings at Playa Flamenca won’t be completed until mid-September at the earliest.
e) The absence of administrative decentralization, meaning no decision-making centres are located on the coast to manage, plan, and oversee the execution of basic services.
The government’s inability to deliver improvements in services or investments contrasts sharply with its hyperactivity in managing certain services through municipal companies (wasn’t this supposed to be the left’s approach?) and hiring coordinators and advisers, swelling the municipal payroll with loyal
Dangerous subsidence along the coastal walkway and overflowing bins.
Just 2 of the coast’s many problems
appointees.
The only “green shoots” we can point to in this government’s management are the weeds — some over half a meter tall — sprouting on every sidewalk and street, turning our town into a jungle fit for a science fiction set.
It is worth recalling that the current mayor, before taking office, publicly said he could not understand how something as “simple” as weed clearing wasn’t being done.
The worst thing a politician can do is break their word and deceive voters.
Residents of Orihuela Costa are tired of waiting, year after year,
for improvements to basic services and infrastructure — improvements that have not arrived, even more than two years into the current government’s term. Instead, we suffer the constant frustration of politicians who repeatedly fail to deliver on their promises to the coast.
Orihuela Costa needs a civic alternative, free from personal agendas and dogma — one focused solely on the interests of residents and on reversing the decline we are living through.
Tomas Moreno and Eliseo Sastre are president and vice president, respectively, of the neighborhood association Unidos por la Costa.
70% of Valencian Fire Units Understaffed!
Valencia may have dodged major wildfires this summer, but its firefighting system is burning out. Seven out of ten forest fire units are short-staffed, leaving crews exhausted, exposed, and under constant risk. On Monday—amid peak fire danger—only 19 of 62 units across Valencia, Castellon, and Alicante were fully manned. Two units in Valencia couldn’t even operate.
Each crew should have six members, but many deploy with four, making them weaker and more vulnerable. “We’re sold out,” admitted one firefighter, describing 12-hour shifts in brutal heat with minimal rest. The Generalitat even withheld support for Leon’s fire crisis to cover local gaps. Unions are demanding urgent action, warning that these shortages are a ticking time bomb for the region.
Illegal Octopus fishing puts Alicante Marine Ecosystem at risk
Beneath Alicante’s tourist-friendly coast, a surge in illegal octopus fishing is endangering marine ecosystems and local livelihoods. Rising demand and soaring prices have fueled practices like off-season fishing, banned gear, and capturing juveniles under the legal one-kilo limit.
Santa Pola has become a hotspot, with recent Civil Guard seizures of 140 kilos of immature octopus and unmarked traps. Even restaurants have been caught storing undersized, untraceable seafood.
Authorities warn these practices threaten biodiversity and the region’s fishing heritage. Fines range from e601 to e60,000. Officials stress tougher enforcement and public awareness are vital: “Every illegal catch threatens tomorrow’s seas.”
Cool Heads and Hot Shots in the San Miguel Bogey Shield
“Roda, Roda, Roda” (think Ruby, Ruby, Ruby by the Kaiser Chiefs). Yes, we love the Spanish sun and heat but boy were we grateful the temperature dropped from the preceding days from 40+ degrees! Bogey Shield today at Roda, some forgot the format so a few more “bogeys” were recorded than should have been! 32 signed up including 3 guests and no cancellations which overall meant a good turnout for August. The terrace at Roda provides some great shelter and is a good space for the presentation and drinks after the round. The whole team at Roda were welcoming, efficient and friendly – thank you.
2025 Vuelta underway, escorted by 132 Guardia Officers
The 80th Vuelta Ciclista a España got underway on Saturday, covering 3,151 kilometers across 21 stages in Spain, Italy, France, and Andorra.
In providing sercurity to the race a total of 132 Guardia Civil Police officers will be deployed, supported by 59 motorcycles, 28 all-terrain vehicles, and a helicopter.
The team includes 85 Traffic Group officers escorting the peloton, 39 Reserve and Security members for key areas, an anti-drone unit, six Air Service officers for aerial surveillance, and technical support staff.
Cooperation with Italian, French, and Andorran police will ensure seamless cross-border security. Beyond race protection, the Guardia Civil will also host a “Parque Vuelta” fan zone at each stage.
Alongside our normal weekly competition was the culmination of this year’s Pairs Knockout competition between Peter Turbefield, Greame Millington and Dad and Son duo of Darren and Samuel Hancock. A tough match but in the end won by the Hancocks – congratulations to them both and commiserations to Peter and Greame.
Ken Flaherty left the field early, having felt faint and we are glad to say he is fine having spoken to him. Scoring today wasn’t bad, and the course itself wasn’t too bad either, some large areas of GUR but that can only mean improvements in the offing. The groundsmen were working hard everywhere
else though, so credit to them for presenting the course in generally very good shape.
The scores on the doors, as follows: Gold: Mick Cook (Net 72), Silver: Barry “BTB” Roehrig (Net 71), Bronze: Lee Eastman (Net 72)
Six Twos this week which meant slim pickings on the shared pot but dosh is dosh for Darren Hancock, Mike Stott, Steve Webb, Paul Lambert, Lee Eastman and Derek Braid. The Nearest the Pins were Steve Webb (2nd), Tommy McGinn (7th), Drew Niblock (11th) and Steve Webb again (! 13th). Well done all. Tony Smale decided he hadn’t had the McBride Bottle and also wanted a legitimate reason to be in the photo this week and Guy Wade Palmer chose the winning team of Ipswich on the football card netting a nice little earner. We also had Paul Knight as our best guest with a cracking Net score of 66.
The Society learned this week of a local young man, Marco, who had an horrific car accident very recently which has left him with life-changing injuries. We have donated this month’s Blob Tin proceeds to his family to assist in their time of need. Keep up to date with SMGS on our website www.smgs.org. **SPONSORSHIP AVAILABILIT Y** If you are interested in sponsoring one of our games – please contact smgs91info@gmail.com to discuss further. We are proud to be supported by Michaela Schmidt at www.golf-hotspots.com for all your golf travel requirements.
We are back at Vistabella for the culmination of the Eclectic next week.
Our winners photographed this week left to right: Mick Cook (Gold), Paul Knight (Best Guest), Barry “BTB” Roehrig (Silver), Lee Eastman (Bronze & Captain), Samuel Hancock (2025 Pairs Knockout winner), Ton Smale (legitimately in the photo with the McBride Bottle) and Darren Hancock (2025 Pairs Knockout winner) – congratulations to all of you.
In Betweeners Saxton Claims Vega Fibra Trophy in Blustery Battle
This week, the Inbetweeners Golf Society enjoyed another fantastic outing—this time at the stunning Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, with the day generously sponsored by Vega Fibra.
After weeks of intense heat, the slightly overcast skies and cooler temperatures were a welcome change. The award-winning course, renowned for its immaculate fairways and smooth, true-rolling greens, was in excellent condition as always.
A strong breeze picked up in the afternoon, adding an extra layer of challenge for many players. With water hazards in play and some fairway shots drifting off course, the day tested
everyone's skill and patience. Despite the wind, spirits remained high, and the competition was fierce but friendly.
After the final putt dropped, the members gathered in the clubhouse to relax, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the day's highlights. Congratulations to all the winners who walked away with well-earned prizes and, more importantly, bragging rights—at least until the next outing!
Top Performers of the Day: 1st Place – Paul Saxton (34 points) and winner of the Vega Fibra Trophy, 2nd Place – Hans Mikaelsson (33 points), 3rd Place – Eugenio
Jimenez (31 points)
Nearest the Pin Winners: Hole 5 – Lesley Cullen, Hole 7 – Colin Taylor, Hole 14 – Joel Mortier.
Another great day of golf, camaraderie, and a bit of friendly competition!
Thinking of joining a golf society where fun is just as important as the fairway?
Visit www.inbetweenersgolfsociety.com to see upcoming events and learn how to become a member.
All skill levels and nationalities are welcome— because at the Inbetweeners, everyone’s part of the game.
