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Vera Playa has been declared free of the toxic algae that has plagued the beaches in recent days, and with no new medical cases over the weekend the Junta’s health ministry has removed bathing restrictions. However, the algae is still present in Villaricos and Palomares, so the restrictions continue in place there. 8 people were treated on Sunday for exposure to the toxic stuff.
Cantoria Residents Association has closed its doors after many years of service to the ex pat community helping new residents settle into the area, make new friends and appreciate the local culture. The association, which organised one of the first protest marches in 2008 to highlight the plight of those who had purchased illegal houses in the area, has elected to transfer its remaining funds to the campaign group, AUAN. ‘Cantoria Residents Association Continue reading Cantoria Residents Association closes and hands over to the AUAN
As happens every year, sea turtles have been spotted on the beaches of Villaricos laying their eggs. The actual locations of these nests are secret and heavily guarded by local volunteers (and protected by law), so don’t ask me about them, but I was sent some photos of the recent arrival of the big girls. I understand the bloke holding one of the sea turtles is a sea volunteer checking on the health of the Continue reading Sea turtles return to Villaricos
The townhall of Turre is holding a tortoise amnesty on Monday ahead of a new law that makes owning a local tortoise a criminal act. If you have one of these loveable little tykes kicking around in your back garden, as from the 1st of July you could be sent down for between 6 and 24 months in the local clink, as well as a hefty fine. It’s all been illegal to own one of Continue reading Turre tortoise amnesty
Although the Junta de Andalucia and its health ministry have limited themselves to vague comments about “some sort of micro algae dinoflagellate” (something the Ecologists find suspicious and are claiming there may be a cover up) Vera townhall has let slip that the specific genus is Ostreopsis. We still don’t know what type of Ostreopsis we’re dealing with. It’s similar to the Junta saying we’re affected by primates; Vera townhall have now come forwards and Continue reading Vera townhall identifies what type of micro algae has closed our beaches
Ecologistas en Accion suspect that there is a cover up by the Junta de Andalucia over the toxic algae that has closed beaches, and is demanding to know if the massive pharmacological company Deretil has suffered any escape of algae or toxic products from their tanks in recent weeks. They say that Dr Ignacio Flores, a marine biologist, has cast doubts on the official explanation issued by the regional Ministry of Health and said that Continue reading Is the Junta covering up an industrial accident on our toxic beaches?
Sanidad, the Andalusian health ministry, say that a total of 65 people have required medical attention since the 22nd after coming into contact with the toxic beach algae that has closed three beaches in Vera and Cuevas. 15 of these people have come into contact with the algae after they ignored warnings and went into the danger zones. Alfredo Valdivia, our “man from the ministry” says the situation is under control and that medics in Continue reading 65 people affected by toxic beach algae
The closure of beaches in Vera & Cuevas “have no time limit” according to the town halls, who issued a joint statement last night. The Andalusian Ministry of Health recommended the closure of the beaches after a dangerous microalgae which can causes rashes and respiratory difficulties was detected in the water on Tuesday. Dozens of bathers have needed medical attention after coming into contact with the algae. The algae also gets washed up onto the Continue reading Beach closures are “indefinite” warns townhalls as they issue an update
Some 100 people came from Cantabria, Almería, Málaga and Valencia to the Senate on June 24th to call for justice, as a compromise text presented by the Partido Popular to an amendment proposed by the Socialist Group was agreed. When this initiative becomes law, the houses of innocent families cannot be demolished without prior compensation when planning permission is revoked, as happened to the Priors for whom this change, sadly, comes too late. Representatives Continue reading Joy for families affected by demolition orders as change in compensation law voted through
A 55 year old Frenchman living in San José, Nijar decided to rob a bank. Trouble was, he chose the bank where he has an account. So when he marched in with a sawn off shotgun and shouted money in the sack, or whatever the protocol is in these situations, the cashier gave him an incredulous look before asking “is that you, P.S.?” To which P.S. admitted that yes, it was, lowered his shotgun, claimed Continue reading Chap tries to rob his local bank but quickly gets recognised…. then said it was “all a joke”