567 million euros for Almeria in next years Budget

567 million euros has been earmarked for Almeria in next years General Budget. Last year it was only 457,6 million. Included in these budgets is 190million for the AVE, 241,2 million for water (another two desalination plants, general water network improvements, and sewage plants), 17,9 million for the expansion of the airport, 22,2 million for new motorway access, 34,3 million for improvements of agriculture, and a few euros left over for the coffees.

Torre del Pirulico to be restored

The Junta de Andalucia has announced that it is to spend 162 thousand euros restoring the ancient Torre de Pirulico, the famous ruined watchtower that stands guard over Macenas beach, and is inviting tenders for the contract. The tower is believed to have been constructed by the Moors between the 12th and 14th centuries and it was an important part of coastal defenses during the 15th and 16th centures as part of the network that Continue reading Torre del Pirulico to be restored

Futbol Vaca

Now, I know that there isn’t much to do in Valladolid, but this takes the biscuit. A local restaurant owner has taken things a bit further in his attempt to get stag parties and corporate dos in: he’s built a football field cum bullring. So the teams play football while bulls run around trying to gore them. Half the teams are bullfighting, half the team playing football. Until you see it on TV you won’t Continue reading Futbol Vaca

Two decisions taken today in Almeria…

Today, the Diputacion de Almeria decided to freeze all public salaries for next year and approved a “plan of austerity” for the public sector to save money in the current economic downturn. Later that day, the Ayuntamiento de Almeria decided to spend 2 million euros expropiating two fincas to extend the Paseo Maritimo, a project that is currently on hold and may never be carried out. A further point against expropiating these fincas is that Continue reading Two decisions taken today in Almeria…

Costa del Sol Action Group Magazine

An interesting magazine arrives, called the “Costa del Sol Action Group”. Not sure why it’s in Costa Almeria, but, hey. It’s the magazine for a group of ripped off investors from the Marbella region who have organised themselves into an effective fighting force against the scammers. And if it’s on the level, then about time too. Lots of interesting information about unregistered financial companies in the area. PIck up a copy or look at their Continue reading Costa del Sol Action Group Magazine

Junta starts to realise there may be more illegal houses than thought

(Opinion piece) There is an interesting piece in Wednesdays La Voz de Almeria (remember, I’ve been away for a few days so I spent Sunday catching up) about how in the Seville meeting between the Junta and some of the town halls, Lubrin admitted to having found over a thousand houses built on rustic land, and Oria another 900. This makes 2 out of every 3 houses in Oria illegal! The Junta has spent some Continue reading Junta starts to realise there may be more illegal houses than thought

Hollywood to make a film out of the bombing of Palomares

The infamous event that took place over Palomares the 17th of January, 1966, when an American B52 nuclear bomber dropped it’s 4 nuclear bombs after crashing into the refuelling tanker resuppling it, is to be made into a film according to the “Hollywood Reporter”. You will remember that 3 of the bombs were quickly recovered, although one split open upon landing; the fourth was the subject of an intense search by US special forces and Continue reading Hollywood to make a film out of the bombing of Palomares

Boulanger in Roquetas del Mar

I popped into Boulanger in Grand Plaza commercial centre, Roquetas del Mar last week, looking for a present for a birthday. Wandering around, I decided to buy the Nintendo Wii. So, popped up to the second floor where there was a display stand of around 11 of them for sale. I picked one up, only to discover it was sopping wet. The a/c unit in the roof above was pouring water onto the stand, and Continue reading Boulanger in Roquetas del Mar

Brussels investigates 250 urbanizaciones for lack of water

Brussels has announced that it has launched an investigation into the construction of some 250 urbanizaciones across the south of Spain, as it fears that they will be built and sold without sufficient or guaranteed water supplies. There are three projects in Almeria being investigated, although nobody seems sure which 3. In Cuevas del Almanzora, an urbanizacion that is going up in sector PE-2. In Velez Rubio, the mayor “thinks” its a golf course with Continue reading Brussels investigates 250 urbanizaciones for lack of water