# This Is Torrevieja - Torrevieja news and events

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### Socialist Youth Re-Launch in Torrevieja with Focus on Participation and Opportunities

The PSOE of Torrevieja has formally reconstituted Juventudes Socialistas in the city, marking the start of a new phase aimed at boosting youth participation, strengthening civic engagement, and defending long-term opportunities for young people.



The relaunch event, held over the weekend, signals a renewed organisational commitment to youth politics based on proximity, active listening, and practical support. The new local executive will be led by Nuria Martí as president and Julia Manzanares as secretary for organisation, alongside Fabiola Andreu as deputy secretary general and Marisol Belén Maglio as secretary for social life and education.



The event was attended by representatives from the regional PSOE, Juventudes Socialistas del País Valencià, and members of the local socialist group, who gathered to support the new leadership team at the start of this new chapter.



Youth as a Driver of Change



During the event, Bárbara Soler, secretary general of the PSOE in Torrevieja, congratulated the new executive and praised the commitment shown by its members. She highlighted the strategic importance of youth within the socialist project and the need to encourage greater involvement in public life.



Soler underlined the challenge of reconnecting young people with politics, stressing that political engagement should not be seen as distant or inaccessible. She described participation as a vital tool for improving everyday life and argued that when young people become active, society as a whole moves forward.



She also emphasised the importance of creating a city model that allows young residents to build their future locally. According to Soler, true success lies in ensuring that young talent does not feel forced to leave Torrevieja, but instead chooses to live, work, start families, or launch projects within the city.



Responding to a Lack of Opportunities



For their part, Nuria Martí and Julia Manzanares thanked party members for their support and explained that the return of Juventudes Socialistas is a direct response to the limited opportunities currently available to young people in Torrevieja.



They described the city as one of the largest in the Valencian Community, yet warned that for many young residents it has become “a desert of opportunities”. In response, the new organisation plans to combine scrutiny of municipal action with the development of its own political proposals.



Their project is structured around three core principles: proximity, active listening, and usefulness. This will include a strong presence on social media and direct advisory work to help young people understand their rights and access public grants and support schemes.



The new leadership stressed their intention to be practical from the outset, ensuring that no young person in Torrevieja misses out on opportunities due to a lack of information or overly complex administrative processes.



A New Stage for Youth Politics



The organisers also called for the creation of dedicated youth spaces and a stronger commitment to local talent, arguing that youth policy should go beyond cultural events and festivals.



With this reconstitution, Juventudes Socialistas of Torrevieja begins a new phase with the ambition of becoming a strong voice for youth demands and an active participant in shaping the city’s future.

Excerpt: Juventudes Socialistas has been reconstituted in Torrevieja, launching a new phase focused on youth participation, opportunity, and civic engagement. The PSOE says the initiative aims to ensure young people can build their future in the city rather than being forced to leave.

### Sueña Torrevieja Welcomes New Eurotaxi Licences but Criticises Lack of Transparency in the Process

Sueña Torrevieja has welcomed the approval of eight new Eurotaxi licences in the municipality, describing the move as a necessary and positive step to address what it says is a clearly insufficient taxi service for a city of Torrevieja’s size and demand.



Spokesperson Pablo Samper highlighted that the expansion of licences forms part of the budgetary agreements reached for 2026, and acknowledged that fulfilling those commitments represents tangible progress.




“We are pleased to see movement on the granting of new Eurotaxi licences,” Samper said. “It was a budgetary commitment and an obvious necessity for the city. When agreements are honoured, it is only fair to recognise it, and this measure is heading in the right direction.”




However, the local group has expressed concern over what it describes as insufficient publicity and poor dissemination of the licensing process. According to Sueña Torrevieja, several professionals who may have been interested in applying were unaware of the call until it was already closed.



Samper warned that the lack of visibility surrounding such an important procedure risks excluding qualified applicants and undermines confidence in municipal processes.




“What we regret is that a process of this importance was not adequately publicised,” he said. “That may have left out professionals who would otherwise have applied, and who in previous calls had proper access to the information.”




As a result, Sueña Torrevieja has submitted a formal question to the plenary session, requesting a detailed explanation of the timeline and communication strategy used during the procedure. The group says it expects a clear and convincing response from the governing team.



Call for Temporary Licences and Ongoing Improvements



Beyond the current call, Sueña Torrevieja reiterated its demand for the creation of temporary taxi licences, a mechanism permitted under regional regulations and one the group believes is essential given Torrevieja’s continued population growth and seasonal pressure on transport services.



The party stressed that its approach remains constructive and focused on improving municipal management rather than confrontation.




“We believe future calls must strengthen communication channels and guarantee maximum transparency, so that all potential applicants have equal opportunities,” Samper concluded.




Sueña Torrevieja reaffirmed its commitment to accessible mobility, compliance with budget agreements, and a more open, transparent and effective local administration, insisting that both permanent and temporary taxi licences are now indispensable to meet the city’s real transport needs

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja has welcomed the granting of eight new Eurotaxi licences as a necessary step to improve local transport, but has criticised the lack of publicity surrounding the process, warning that poor communication may have excluded potential applicants.

### PSOE Calls for Urgent Action as Torrevieja Spends Over €240,000 a Year on Rent While Municipal Buildings Lie Abandoned

The Socialist Group (PSOE) in Torrevieja has presented a motion to the Town Hall demanding the urgent rehabilitation of municipal property, better protection of the city’s historic buildings, and a gradual end to what it describes as unnecessary rental spending that now exceeds €240,000 per year.



PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler criticised the current management model, stating that the council has been paying more than €20,000 a month to rent private premises for municipal services, while numerous publicly owned buildings remain closed, underused, or abandoned.



According to information provided by the governing team in response to a PSOE question, the Town Hall currently holds five rental contracts totalling around €19,000 per month. However, Soler explained that this figure does not include additional premises, such as a property on Calle Clemente Gosálvez costing almost €2,700 per month, or a newly rented unit on Calle Valencia for more than €1,000 per month. “The real monthly cost already exceeds €20,000 and continues to rise,” she warned.



Municipal Buildings Left Idle



The motion highlights several municipally owned properties that have remained unused for years. Among them is a three-storey building on Calle Clemente Gosálvez, purchased for over €620,000, of which only the ground floor is currently in use. Upper floors remain closed, awaiting an undefined future project.



Also cited is the building on Calle Azorín, acquired in a land swap in 2011 and still unused more than a decade later, despite being protected for its historical value. Another example is the former Parroquia del Salvador, purchased by the Town Hall in 2024 for €251,000 to house municipal services, which remains closed.



Particular concern was raised over the old Town Hall building, which Soler described as being in a “deplorable state”, showing clear signs of deterioration and potential risk. Despite occasional public access due to its use as a storage facility, no rehabilitation work has been undertaken.



The PSOE also pointed to unused areas within the multi-purpose building, formerly promoted as the new Holy Week Museum, which remain closed despite being suitable for administrative use.



Heritage at Risk and Lack of Planning



Soler warned that several of these properties form part of Torrevieja’s limited historical and architectural heritage, and that continued neglect could lead to irreversible damage. “This is not just poor financial management,” she said, “it is a serious failure in the council’s duty to protect public heritage.”



The PSOE was also critical of the recent announcement of a future administrative city, describing it as “smoke and mirrors”. According to the motion, the announcement amounts only to a €50,000 agreement with a university for academic studies, with no executive project, no funding commitment, and any real action deferred to the next term.



“That agreement wasn’t even included in the budgets approved just a week earlier,” Soler noted, “which confirms the absence of planning and any real intention to change the current model.”



PSOE Demands Immediate Measures



Through its motion, the PSOE is calling for an updated inventory of all municipal properties, the immediate rehabilitation of the old Town Hall, the activation of underused buildings, proper conservation of historic assets, and a progressive reduction in rental expenditure.



“Enough of unnecessary rents, enough of empty announcements, and enough of letting Torrevieja’s municipal heritage decay,” Soler concluded.

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has denounced annual rental spending of over €240,000 for municipal premises while publicly owned buildings remain abandoned or underused, calling for urgent rehabilitation and an end to what it describes as wasteful management.

### Sueña Torrevieja Calls for a Local Tax Office to Reflect City’s Size and Status

Sueña Torrevieja has submitted a motion to the municipal plenary session calling on the Spanish Government to establish a local office of the State Tax Agency (AEAT) in Torrevieja, arguing that the city’s population size and regional importance fully justify the move.



According to the local group, Torrevieja has now surpassed 110,000 registered residents, making it the fifth-largest city in the Valencian Community and reinforcing its role as the de facto capital of the Vega Baja. Spokesperson Pablo Samper said the figures leave no room for delay.“Torrevieja is a large city and must be treated as such by all levels of administration,” he stated.



Despite its size, Torrevieja currently has neither a Delegation nor an Administration of the AEAT, forcing residents, self-employed workers and businesses to travel to Orihuela, more than 35 kilometres away, for in-person tax procedures. Samper described the situation as illogical, noting that smaller cities such as Villena, Elda and Orihuela itself already have tax offices.



“This is about basic fairness,” Samper said. “It makes no sense that a city with over 110,000 inhabitants has to leave its own municipality to carry out essential tax procedures.”



Sueña Torrevieja stressed that the proposal is not politically partisan, but a long-standing demand shared by many residents and sectors of the city. The group argues that Torrevieja’s sustained population growth removes any remaining justification for the current lack of services.



The motion forms part of a broader call for equal treatment by the State, with Samper linking the absence of a tax office to other long-running deficiencies.“If we are serious about Torrevieja being the capital of the Vega Baja, we cannot continue without essential State services — whether that’s a properly resourced tax office, policing in line with our population, or a road network that meets modern standards,” he said.



The motion will be debated at the next municipal plenary session, with Sueña Torrevieja seeking the widest possible political consensus before formally forwarding the request to the Spanish Government.

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja has called for the creation of a local State Tax Agency office, arguing that a city of more than 110,000 residents should not be forced to travel outside the municipality for basic tax procedures

### Torrevieja University Hospital promotes rowing sports for patients with breast cancer

Torrevieja University Hospital has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting patients undergoing or recovering from breast cancer, combining physical activity, teamwork and emotional wellbeing through the practice of Dragon Boat rowing.



The programme is being delivered in collaboration with the Royal Yacht Club of Torrevieja, which is offering the activity free of charge to participating patients. Dragon Boat rowing is a team-based discipline that has been widely recommended within oncology rehabilitation programmes, particularly for women who have experienced breast cancer.



Clinical experience and rehabilitation studies have shown that the activity offers a range of physical benefits, including improved upper limb mobility, increased muscle strength, enhanced cardiovascular capacity and support in the prevention of lymphoedema, a common concern following breast cancer treatment.



Beyond the physical gains, the group nature of Dragon Boat rowing plays a key role in emotional recovery. Shared participation helps to reduce stress, strengthen self-esteem and foster a sense of mutual support among patients — an important factor both during treatment and in the recovery phase.



A Holistic Approach to Care



Hospital officials have described the initiative as part of a broader, holistic approach to breast cancer care, which extends beyond clinical treatment to include healthy lifestyle promotion and emotional support.



By working alongside the Royal Yacht Club of Torrevieja, the hospital says it is reinforcing its commitment to patient-centred care and to initiatives that offer practical, lasting benefits in patients’ everyday lives.



The activity is open to interested patients and is completely free. Those wishing to take part or request further information can contact the Royal Yacht Club of Torrevieja directly by telephone on 609 43 45 93 or via email at info@rcnt.com.

### PSOE Condemns PP for Breaking Commitment to Hospital Laboratory Staff After Supreme Court Ruling

The Socialist Group of Torrevieja (PSOE) has strongly criticised the Partido Popular (PP) following a Supreme Court ruling that prevents the reinstatement of more than 30 laboratory workers at Torrevieja University Hospital, leaving the future of dozens of families uncertain.



The PSOE says the situation is the direct result of the deliberate failure of the current Regional Minister for Health, Marciano Gómez, to honour a public commitment made to the affected workers. According to the Socialists, Gómez had assured staff that if the ruling of the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) was favourable, it would not be appealed — a promise that was later broken, opening the door to the unfavourable outcome now confirmed by the Supreme Court Nota de prensa trabajadores hos….



A Missed Opportunity to Defend Workers



In May 2025, PSOE Torrevieja tabled a motion at the municipal plenary session urging the Regional Health Department to comply immediately with the TSJCV ruling, which had declared the collective dismissal of laboratory staff null and void and ordered their reinstatement.



During that debate, PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler reminded councillors of the minister’s public commitment not to appeal. Despite this, the PP group voted against the motion and introduced a counter-amendment that blocked any official institutional support for the workers.



At the same session, Mayor Eduardo Dolón claimed that the PSOE had been unwilling to subrogate the workers and argued that the PP had acted differently in other health departments, citing the case of Manises as an example.



“A False and Misleading Comparison”



The PSOE has rejected that argument as false and misleading. Soler explained that the Manises case was fundamentally different, as both the Regional Minister and the trade union CCOO had publicly acknowledged that the Manises health department contracts included a legal provision allowing laboratory staff to return to the concession at the end of the contract.



“That provision never existed in Torrevieja,” Soler stated. “And it didn’t exist because the tender specifications were originally drafted by the Partido Popular.”



According to the PSOE, the PP knowingly used the Manises example to confuse the public and avoid responsibility.“They were fully aware that the two cases were not comparable, yet they chose manipulation over defending Torrevieja’s workers,” Soler said.



Silence After the Ruling



The Socialists have also criticised the silence of the local PP leadership following the Supreme Court decision. Despite the serious consequences for the affected families, the mayor has made no public statement.



“They were silent when we asked them to intervene to stop the appeal, and they are silent now that the damage is done,” Soler said. “They were never on the side of these workers.”



The PSOE considers it particularly serious that the PP in Torrevieja supported the breach of the minister’s commitment, placing party loyalty and alignment with a same-colour regional government above the defence of local interests — even though the mayor himself sits as a deputy in the Valencian Parliament.



PSOE Reaffirms Its Support



The Socialist Group has reiterated its full support for the laboratory staff and their families, insisting that the outcome could have been avoided had the PP acted responsibly and honoured its word.



“This was not inevitable,” Soler concluded. “It was the result of political decisions, broken promises, and a refusal to stand up for Torrevieja’s workers when it mattered most.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has accused the Partido Popular of breaking a public commitment to hospital laboratory staff after a Supreme Court ruling blocked their reinstatement, leaving more than 30 families facing an uncertain future.

### PSOE Accuses PP of “Fictitious” 2026 Budget Based on Non-Existent €18 Million Housing Income

The Socialist Group of Torrevieja (PSOE) has accused the Partido Popular (PP) of constructing a “fictitious and unworkable” 2026 municipal budget, after confirming that a key operation used to justify €18 million in expected revenue was never legally approved. According to the Socialists, the PP has attempted to present a land sale that does not exist, relying on income that cannot be collected under the current legal agreement.



PSOE councillor David Villanueva explained that the PP is still bound by the decision taken at the Local Government Board meeting of 8 October, which authorised a land swap (permuta) — not a cash sale. Under that agreement, the council would hand over public plots in exchange for 182 future protected homes (VPO), rather than any direct financial payment.“There is no resolution, no report, and no legal basis that converts this into a cash operation worth €18 million. That income simply does not exist,” Villanueva said.



“They attempted to sell public land without legal backing”



PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler said the PP had attempted to present the arrangement publicly as a direct sale of municipal land, even though the governing agreement makes no mention of money.




“They tried to sell public land without following land law, without reports and without procedure. They have backed down only because of political pressure,” she stated.




Soler said that after weeks of scrutiny from the PSOE, the PP has now stopped referring to the supposed €18 million payment and is instead suggesting that the income could come from the future sale of the protected homes themselves.




“This is effectively an admission that they cannot collect a single euro for the land. The signed agreement does not allow it,” she added.




Soler also criticised the PP’s intention to hand the management of the public housing stock to a private company, arguing that the model would result in Torrevieja losing long-term public control of its affordable homes. Under regional legislation approved by the Mazón government, VPO properties can be declassified after 15, 20, or 30 years, eventually entering the open market.“The idea that these homes would remain public is false. They would end up contributing to the same speculation that is already pricing local people out of Torrevieja,” she said.



A budget built on income that cannot be collected



Villanueva stressed that the PP’s entire investment plan for 2026 is pinned on the €18 million that cannot legally be collected, making the budget “unrealistic from the outset”.Among the projects dependent on this income are:




Reorganisation of the port surroundings (€6.7 million)



Green zone for Sector 25 (€2.2 million)



High-technology centre (€1.28 million)



Refurbishment of the La Plasa building (€4 million)



Los Locos promenade enhancements (€1 million)



Park-and-ride car parks (€1 million)



Participatory budgeting projects (€2 million)




However, under the agreement currently in force, the developer has up to 24 months, plus a 12-month extension, simply to begin construction. They must also obtain planning permission and VPO classification before the land swap is formalised.




“Even in the best-case scenario, these homes will not be ready until 2029. Only then could any sale process begin — and only then could income exist. Not in 2026,” Villanueva explained.




Public housing protected — for now



The PSOE says its intervention has prevented the PP from “disposing of” public land that should form part of Torrevieja’s long-term affordable housing stock. The group has pledged to monitor the future VPO project to ensure the homes remain protected, accessible, and genuinely available for residents who need them.




“What is clear,” the PSOE concluded, “is that the PP tried to push through an irregular operation to balance its budget. It has failed — and the numbers now fall apart. The public deserves honesty, not accounting fantasies.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has accused the PP of presenting a “fictitious” 2026 budget based on €18 million in land-sale income that does not legally exist. The Socialists say the governing agreement is a land swap for future protected homes, not a sale, leaving major investment projects without real funding.

### Left-Wing Parties Unite in Vega Baja to Forge a Common Front Against the Far-Right

Representatives of several left-wing political parties in the Vega Baja region gathered this week in Daya Vieja to discuss the future of progressive politics in southern Alicante, emphasising the need for unity and cooperation to counter the growing influence of the right and far right.



The event, titled “A Drop of Pure Courage” (Una gota de pura valentía), brought together members of Compromís, Esquerra Unida del País Valencià (EUPV), Cambiemos Orihuela, and Los Verdes de Torrevieja for an open meeting aimed at building alliances and developing a shared roadmap for future governance.







A Call for Unity and Hopeful Politics



Compromís deputy spokesperson in Les Corts, Aitana Mas, opened the discussion by calling for collaboration and optimism:




“We must govern with people in mind, focus on what unites us, and build a hopeful future,” she said.




Her colleague, Águeda Micó, Compromís deputy in the Spanish Congress, warned of the dangers of political polarisation and hate rhetoric, urging the left to respond with constructive and empathetic solutions.




“It’s vital that the left rises to the occasion and provides what ordinary people really need — practical, hopeful answers, far removed from confrontation and fear,” she said.




The meeting was attended by around one hundred participants at the local youth centre of Daya Vieja — the smallest municipality in Vega Baja and one governed by Compromís with an absolute majority.



Among those present were representatives of EUPV Almoradí, Cambiemos Orihuela, Los Verdes de Torrevieja, and Compromís groups from Baix Vinalopó and Alacantí.







Shared Goals and Common Challenges



Alongside Mas and Micó, other key speakers included Nahuel González, EUPV deputy in the Spanish Congress, and Rosa Pérez, the party’s regional coordinator. The event was moderated by Sara Llobell, a Compromís councillor in Alicante, with contributions from Rafa Mas, Alicante’s Compromís spokesperson, and Esther Díez, councillor from Elche.



In a round-table discussion, participants outlined the challenges facing Vega Baja, the wider Valencian Community, and Spain as a whole. They denounced the influence of Vox-backed conservative governments, accusing them of undermining equality, environmental policy, and women’s rights.



They also highlighted the growing threat of xenophobia and anti-feminism, describing them as “simplistic answers from the right and far right to complex social problems.”



For the parties represented, the political agenda should prioritise:




Affordable housing



Public healthcare



A sustainable and productive economy offering secure and dignified employment




These, they said, must be central to policy-making from local councils up to regional and national administrations.







Vega Baja in Focus



A second discussion panel, focused on local governance, featured José Vicente Fernández (Compromís mayor of Daya Vieja), José Manuel Dolón (former Los Verdes mayor of Torrevieja), Carlos Bernabé (Cambiemos Orihuela), and José Manuel Sanz (EUPV Almoradí).



Speakers contrasted the 2019 DANA flood response led by the former Botànic coalition government with last year’s storm management in Valencia, praising the earlier handling as more efficient and people-centred.



The debate also touched on the region’s dependence on tourism-driven urban development, water resource management, and the urgent need for fair funding for the Vega Baja and the wider province of Alicante.



Participants called for stronger investment in public services, especially healthcare, education, social welfare, and dependency support, arguing that these are the foundation of a fair and cohesive society.




“The future must be built on cooperation, equality, and the defence of public services,” concluded one speaker. “It’s time to stop reacting to the right — and start leading with courage and conviction.”

Excerpt: Left-wing parties including Compromís, Esquerra Unida, Cambiemos Orihuela and Los Verdes de Torrevieja met in Daya Vieja to discuss a united political strategy for the Vega Baja. The gathering called for cooperation, social investment, and a renewed fight against inequality, xenophobia, and the far right’s influence.

### Therapeutic advances usher in a new era in the fight against pancreatic cancer

Early diagnosis, personalised therapies and new targeted drugs are marking a paradigm shift for one of the cancers with the poorest prognosis.



Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most complex tumours to diagnose and treat, but progress in recent years is opening up a more hopeful outlook for patients. This is explained by Dr Enrique de Madaria, a specialist in Digestive Diseases at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital and Quirónsalud Alicante, who emphasises that the combination of new imaging techniques, emerging biomarkers and targeted therapies “is beginning to change a disease that for a long time seemed immovable”.



Pancreatic cancer develops when cells in the pancreas start to grow uncontrollably, generally in the part responsible for producing digestive enzymes. The most common type is pancreatic adenocarcinoma.



One of the greatest challenges is achieving earlier diagnosis. Because the pancreas lies deep within the abdomen, early tumours rarely cause clear symptoms. “When signs such as abdominal pain, weight loss or jaundice appear, the disease is often already advanced,” Dr De Madaria points out. At present, nearly 80% of cases are detected when surgery is no longer possible — despite being the only treatment that can potentially cure the disease.



New tools for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer



Although there is still no effective screening programme for the general population, technological progress is enabling the detection of increasingly small suspicious lesions thanks to tools such as high-resolution MRI scans, endoscopic ultrasound, and advanced image-analysis systems based on artificial intelligence. “This is where we are seeing a qualitative leap: technology is sharpening our ability to identify incipient tumours and, in some cases, to get ahead of symptoms,” the specialist explains.



At the same time, new biomarkers are being investigated that could revolutionise early detection, including fragments of circulating tumour DNA, specific metabolites, and even signals detectable in saliva and stool samples — a line of research still in the experimental phase but especially promising.



A treatment approach that requires a multidisciplinary team



Managing pancreatic cancer calls for close coordination between gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and nutritionists. Specialists review each case in tumour boards to decide on the best therapeutic plan.



Surgery remains the only potentially curative treatment, but only a small proportion of patients are eligible for it at the time of diagnosis. In some cases that are initially inoperable, new chemotherapy regimens can shrink the tumour and make later surgery possible.



Advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer



In recent years, medical treatment for pancreatic cancer has evolved significantly, leading to clear improvements in survival.



However, the most important breakthrough comes from personalised medicine. Some tumours harbour mutations that allow the use of targeted therapies.



“We are witnessing a paradigm shift,” says Dr De Madaria. “For decades, KRAS — the main mutation in pancreatic cancer — seemed untouchable, but drugs are now starting to emerge that can act on specific mutations such as KRAS G12C or G12D. The first trials are promising.”



In addition, therapies capable of acting against several KRAS variants are already in development, which could benefit a far larger proportion of patients. Research is also exploring combinations with immunotherapy and other targeted treatments, with increasingly robust preliminary results.



Although pancreatic cancer remains a major challenge, the pace of progress is faster than ever. “For the first time, we are seeing research deliver not only knowledge but real tools that can transform prognosis,” concludes Dr Enrique de Madaria. “Collaboration between centres and participation in clinical trials have been key to opening new doors for our patients.”

Excerpt: Early diagnosis, personalised therapies and new targeted drugs are marking a paradigm shift for one of the cancers with the poorest prognosis.

### Valencian Health Ministry Recommends Face Masks in Hospitals and Clinics as Precaution Against Respiratory Viruses

The Ministry of Health has issued new recommendations to health departments across the Valencian Community regarding the use of face masks in healthcare settings as a preventative measure against respiratory virus transmission, such as COVID.



Although the region remains at a low epidemic level, with 787.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants recorded last week, authorities are urging vigilance in anticipation of a possible resurgence of respiratory infections during the winter season.



According to the new guidance, surgical masks are recommended in the following situations:




For symptomatic individuals when in shared public or healthcare spaces.



For healthcare professionals attending to symptomatic patients.



For all individuals, including patients, healthcare staff, and companions, in vulnerable environments such as chemotherapy treatment rooms, transplant units, intensive care units (ICUs), and hospital or primary care emergency departments.




Health departments and facility managers are authorised to extend these measures based on their own risk assessments and the advice of Preventive Medicine Services. Local healthcare centres may implement additional internal protocols where patients and families congregate, ensuring each site’s infection-control measures reflect its operational capacity and local circumstances.







Part of the Regional Contingency Plan



The recommendations form part of the Contingency Plan for Increases in the Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), previously distributed to all Valencian health departments. This plan establishes strategies to guarantee continuity of care during seasonal respiratory epidemics, defining specific actions according to the level of viral transmissibility and each centre’s capacity.



The measures outlined include:




Public health recommendations to limit virus spread.



Organisational and operational protocols for both primary care and hospital settings.



Clear guidance on when to escalate or reduce protective measures depending on case numbers.




The primary aim, the Health Ministry said, is to ensure that the Valencian Health System remains “fully operational and resilient” in the face of fluctuating respiratory virus activity.







Vaccination Remains the Main Line of Defence



The plan also reinforces the importance of vaccination as the most effective tool for preventing both influenza and other acute respiratory infections.



Since 3 November, Valencian health centres have been offering free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to the general population, following an initial phase targeting high-risk groups. The Health Department has strengthened the vaccination campaign through:




Extended opening hours in primary care centres.



An online booking system and SMS reminders for priority groups.



Focused vaccination drives in nursing homes, schools, special education centres, and day centres.




Officials emphasised that widespread vaccination, combined with basic preventative measures such as mask use in sensitive environments, remains crucial for protecting both healthcare capacity and vulnerable populations during the winter months.

Excerpt: The Valencian Ministry of Health has recommended the use of face masks in hospitals and clinics as a precaution against respiratory viruses. Although the region remains at a low epidemic level, the guidance forms part of a contingency plan to protect vulnerable patients and maintain healthcare continuity this winter.

### Calls for Accountability After Fatal Palm Tree Collapse in Torrevieja

The death of a 22-year-old man after a palm tree collapsed onto his vehicle on the CV-905 in Torrevieja has prompted widespread outrage and renewed demands for accountability over the management of the city’s green zones and urban trees.



Both PSOE Torrevieja and Sueña Torrevieja have issued statements expressing condolences to the victim’s family and urging urgent reviews of safety, inspection, and maintenance procedures. The tragedy has reignited long-standing criticism of how the municipality manages its public spaces, particularly palm trees, which are vulnerable to pests and structural decay.







PSOE Questions Contract Oversight and Municipal Responsibility



PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler called for a full investigation into whether the obligations of the current green zone maintenance contract, awarded in March 2025, were being properly fulfilled at the time of the incident.



Soler explained that the contract required the awarded company to submit a detailed report on the conservation and phytosanitary condition of all municipal vegetation within the first months of operation, along with an annual maintenance plan and subsequent monthly reports. These documents, she said, should have been filed by June at the latest.



“The mayor’s announcement of new inspections of Torrevieja’s 5,500 palm trees is not a new safety initiative — it is a contractual obligation already being paid for with public money,” Soler said. “This company will receive €113 million from Torrevieja residents, and such inspections form part of what they are contracted to do, not a goodwill gesture.”



She also recalled that another palm tree had fallen on the Paseo Vistalegre in June, though fortunately without injury, and that no general review was ordered at the time. The PSOE argues that this pattern raises doubts about whether contractual safety requirements have been properly monitored.



Soler noted that the party has requested the full contract file to verify whether the required inspections and reports were completed, and to identify where any failures may have occurred. “The saddest part of this story,” she said, “is that this might have been preventable.”



The PSOE has repeatedly warned of declining maintenance standards across the municipality, particularly in the urbanisations, where they say the same company previously failed to meet obligations under the old contract yet continued to receive monthly payments of €260,000.




“We cannot depend on luck,” Soler said. “Torrevieja residents deserve guarantees — not empty reassurances — that safety standards are met and enforced.”








Sueña Torrevieja Calls for Permanent Prevention Plan



Local independent group Sueña Torrevieja also expressed condolences and urged that current emergency measures not remain temporary. Spokesperson Pablo Samper stressed that prevention must become a routine and verifiable process, rather than a reaction to tragedy.



“The reviews and tree removals now taking place are necessary,” Samper said, “but these cannot be isolated actions. They must be the beginning of a permanent, preventive plan to ensure the safety of all residents.”



Samper called for better coordination between the Town Hall, the contracted company, and regional authorities, as well as full public access to technical reports and inspection results. He also proposed:




A permanent and periodic inspection programme for trees in high-traffic areas.



Stronger pest control — particularly against the red palm weevil, which weakens palm structures.



Transparent publication of all maintenance and safety reports.



Technical risk assessments to guide tree management decisions.





“Our aim is not to politicise a tragedy,” Samper said, “but to make sure prevention becomes the norm — not the reaction.”








Shared Responsibility and Public Confidence



Both political groups agree that this incident highlights deeper, systemic failures in urban maintenance and oversight. With the same contractor now responsible for green zones, waste collection, and irrigation networks, critics say the lack of independent monitoring has left safety and accountability in question.



For residents, the tragedy has become a stark reminder of how years of underinvestment and fragmented planning continue to carry human costs. As investigations continue, both the PSOE and Sueña Torrevieja have vowed to pursue transparency, responsibility, and lasting preventive measures — so that such a tragedy “never happens again.”

Excerpt: Following the death of a 22-year-old man struck by a falling palm tree in Torrevieja, the PSOE has demanded an investigation into possible breaches of the city’s green zone maintenance contract, while Sueña Torrevieja calls for a permanent, transparent prevention plan to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.

### Torrevieja Tops List of Spain’s Worst Places to Live – and the Reasons Are Hard to Ignore

The property website Idealista has ranked Torrevieja as one of the worst places to live in Spain in 2025, and for many residents, the result comes as no surprise. Once seen as a thriving seaside town, Torrevieja has become a symbol of overdevelopment, crumbling infrastructure, and political neglect that is eroding both its environment and its quality of life.



While national headlines have treated the survey as sensational, Idealista’s findings are grounded in the very issues that locals have been voicing for years: a town built faster than it can cope, with services, transport, and planning failing to keep pace with expansion.



Overdevelopment and Empty Homes



Despite tens of thousands of empty or unsold properties scattered across its urbanisations, new construction projects continue to rise across the municipality. Large swathes of former greenbelt land are being converted into concrete, while rainwater drainage systems, public transport, and waste collection remain inadequate.



Flooding has become routine after even moderate rainfall, a direct result of insufficient stormwater management and poor planning oversight. Many of the new developments have been approved without the necessary environmental protections in place.



The city’s priorities appear heavily concentrated on beautifying a small area of the town centre, while outlying neighbourhoods — where the majority of Torrevieja’s residents actually live — are left visibly neglected. Pavements crumble, street lighting fails, and access to basic amenities varies drastically from one urbanisation to another.



A Town Built on Decline



The once-strong British community, which helped shape Torrevieja’s international image, has sharply declined over the past decade, reduced by Brexit, rising living costs, and a perception that public services no longer meet even minimum standards.



In their place, a diverse mix of Ukrainians, Poles, Scandinavians, and South Americans has brought new energy — but even they are finding that the town’s infrastructure is buckling under the weight of unplanned growth. Public transport remains grossly outdated, with ageing buses and limited coverage that fails to meet the needs of a population approaching 100,000 in winter and triple that number in summer.



Social and welfare services are underfunded and understaffed, with long waiting times and limited resources for vulnerable families. Meanwhile, coastal and natural areas that once defined the town’s charm are being carved away by urban development and controversial regeneration schemes.



Environmental and Civic Breakdown



The Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja Natural Park, long regarded as an ecological treasure, continues to face pressure from pollution and human encroachment. Experts and residents alike warn that the lagoon ecosystem — already fragile — is nearing irreversible damage.



Flood-prone zones remain largely unprotected, despite millions of euros in regional funding offered for drainage improvements since 2021. Instead, the town has seen a succession of cosmetic projects in high-visibility locations, aimed more at political image than at long-term resilience.



Neglect Hidden Behind a Facade



While the seafront promenade, new paving and public squares may present a polished image to tourists, the reality for many residents beyond the centre is one of decay, isolation, and disconnection. The contrast between glossy central investments and the neglected outskirts has deepened frustration among long-term locals, who see the town sliding further away from sustainable urban living.



For Idealista’s analysts, Torrevieja’s position at the top of Spain’s “worst places to live” list was not arbitrary — it was earned through years of poor governance, inadequate planning, and misplaced priorities.




Torrevieja remains a city of enormous potential, but that potential is being buried under concrete, bureaucracy, and complacency.

Excerpt: Idealista has ranked Torrevieja as Spain’s worst place to live in 2025 — a verdict echoed by residents frustrated by overdevelopment, failing infrastructure, worsening floods, neglected urbanisations, and years of political inaction that have left only the town centre visibly improved.

### N332 for Kids Launches at Expo Torrevieja with Trafford’s Treasure Hunt

The team behind the award-winning N332 road safety project will officially launch N332 for Kids this weekend at Expo Torrevieja, introducing the next stage of their educational work — Trafford and Friends.



The launch features a fun and family-friendly Treasure Hunt, created to engage children while their grown-ups explore the exhibition. Each child can download a Trafford Treasure Map from the Trafford and Friends website and, with help from their grown-up, follow the clues around the Expo to find Trafford’s friends. Once at least five stamps are collected, completed maps can be returned before 12:00 to enter a prize draw for Trafford’s Goodie Bag — a bright yellow N332 backpack filled with a Colour with Trafford colouring book, crayons, and other surprises. Their grown-up will also receive a matching prize, including a Trafford and Friends mug and the first N332 - Driving in Spain Book.



The Treasure Hunt takes place on both Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 and 12:00, with winners announced live on Big Radio Spain just after the 12:00 news each day.



Concept creator Mark Nolan said: “This marks an exciting moment for us. N332 for Kids brings road safety learning to life for young audiences, making it fun, engaging, and accessible for families in Spain.”



More details, downloadable maps, and updates can be found at traffordandfriends.com, and further information about the wider road safety project is available at n332.es.




https://youtu.be/GvFrIphkxyM

### PSOE to Challenge Torrevieja Budget and Applauds Annulment of Transport Contract

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has announced formal challenges against the 2026 municipal budget, accusing the Partido Popular (PP) of serious irregularities in the use of public funds, and has welcomed the recent administrative ruling that annulled the PP’s contract proposal for the city’s urban transport service.



Budget Objections



Socialist spokesperson Bárbara Soler said her group had voted against the 2026 budget “out of coherence,” arguing that it increases municipal debt while failing to address social priorities. “We will present our proposals through motions,” she said, adding that “none of our contributions have ever received PP support, while we have backed proposals from all groups.”



Soler also criticised the PP for inviting Vox to include new spending items after the deadline, presenting them as amendments. “We weren’t called, but if their aim was to make us look isolated, we’re quite comfortable being the only real opposition. We are the alternative,” she stated.



The PSOE will submit a formal legal challenge against the budget for including €18 million in revenue from the sale of land originally allocated for social housing (VPO). Soler warned that this could violate public land regulations, as such transactions require a formal sale process, valuation, and open competition. “This income may be illegal,” she said. “If confirmed, it would mean there’s not enough credit to cover the planned investments.”



The party also criticised the regional government, led by President Carlos Mazón, for approving a new law that allows the early deregulation of protected housing, enabling it to enter the free market much sooner than before. “By 2040, homes meant for young people will be private assets, even though they were built on public land with institutional support. We’ll lose the land, the homes, and the social purpose,” Soler warned.



Urban Transport Contract Annulled



The PSOE welcomed the decision by the Central Administrative Court for Contractual Appeals (TARC), which annulled the PP’s tender documents for the city’s long-delayed urban transport contract. “The court has stopped a process we’ve long considered irregular,” said Soler.



The contract has remained unresolved for six years, leaving the city dependent on outdated “Flintstones-era” buses while paying €260,000 a month to operate without a formal contract. Soler accused the PP of “years of chaos,” noting that the city has already lost €3.5 million in European funds, some of which had to be returned with interest.



Three years ago, the council awarded a €17 million contract for new buses that was never formalised because there was no money to pay for it. The PSOE claims the PP later tried to transfer this cost to the new operator—raising the figure by more than €1 million—without any legal basis. The TARC ruling supports this interpretation, confirming that the proposed increase “had no legal foundation.”




“The PP sells itself as a party of good management, but behind the marketing lies incompetence,” said Soler. “We will continue to scrutinise every step to show residents that what they call progress is really improvisation and opacity.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja will challenge the city’s 2026 budget over alleged irregularities in land sales and welcomes a ruling that annulled the PP’s transport contract, accusing the government of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency.

### PSOE: Torrevieja’s New Budget “Mortgages the City’s Future” and Abandons Social Policy

The Socialist Group (PSOE) has strongly criticised the 2026 municipal budget approved by the ruling Partido Popular (PP) during an extraordinary plenary session of Torrevieja Town Hall, describing it as “unrealistic, unbalanced and antisocial.”



Councillor David Villanueva argued that the new accounts “once again plunge the city into debt while reducing services and abandoning social policies.” According to his statement, Torrevieja’s municipal debt will rise to nearly 50 million euros, representing around 42 per cent of the city’s ordinary income, and creating a financial burden of almost five million euros per year for the next twelve years to repay loans.




“The PP is spending not only Torrevieja’s savings, but also its future. This budget is a mortgage on public services and on the well-being of our citizens,” Villanueva stated.




The socialist councillor also criticised the PP’s decision to withdraw the 182 planned municipal social housing units, calling it a clear sign of the government’s “lack of interest in the right to housing.”




“For the PSOE, housing is a basic right that must be protected. For the PP, it is simply a source of revenue,” he added.




Villanueva further revealed that the Town Hall had returned funds allocated to social services because the necessary staff had not been hired, which he described as proof of “a lack of commitment to those most in need.”



In response to government claims that the PSOE had failed to present amendments, Villanueva explained that rejecting the budget was not a matter of inaction but of principle. The party had carried out a detailed analysis of the budget and preferred to present a full amendment to the budget rather than partial ones that would inevitably be rejected.



As examples of viable alternatives, Villanueva cited:




2 million euros for the full refurbishment of the Polígono Casagrande industrial estate.



3 million euros to pave currently unpaved areas of Las Torretas.



2 million euros to create a fast, paved access road to Torrevieja Hospital parallel to the N-332.





“We wanted the debate to focus on the disastrous budget itself, not on our amendments, which the PP would have dismissed as usual,” he stated.




Politically, the PSOE said the outcome of the vote confirms that it remains the only true opposition to the Partido Popular in Torrevieja.

Excerpt: The PSOE has accused the Partido Popular of mortgaging Torrevieja’s future with a 2026 budget that increases debt to almost 50 million euros while cutting social policies. Councillor David Villanueva criticised the ruling party for abandoning housing and social services, saying the socialists remain the city’s only real opposition.

### Sueña Torrevieja Sees Its Proposals Incorporated into the 2026 Municipal Budget

Sueña Torrevieja has voted in favour of the initial approval of Torrevieja’s 2026 municipal budget, following the inclusion of several of its electoral and policy proposals. The group described its support as “responsible and vigilant”, rather than a “blank cheque”.




“We have ensured that this budget reflects real, achievable proposals from Sueña Torrevieja — ideas designed to improve our city,” said spokesperson Pablo Samper. “We will continue to scrutinise every euro spent.”




Among the key measures included are the comprehensive renovation of the Vicente García Stadium, financial support for families purchasing school materials, and improvements to accessibility, including adapted traffic lights for people with reduced mobility.



Samper explained that the positive vote was a decision made “with common sense and in the general interest”.




“Beyond political colours or party loyalties, what matters most are programme agreements that benefit people. When our proposals are incorporated and help to transform the city, the responsible action is to allow them to go forward,” he said.




The spokesperson stressed that Sueña Torrevieja remains a constructive, results-driven opposition that will “monitor the execution of the budget” and demand transparency and efficiency from the local government.



Main proposals from Sueña Torrevieja included in the 2026 budget:




Comprehensive renovation of the Vicente García Stadium, a key symbol of local sport.



Redevelopment of Parque de la Estación and the Ruta Salinera, creating a major green corridor and sustainable tourism attraction.



Urban beautification and full resurfacing of the town centre.



A study into pedestrianising the central area, to promote local commerce and sustainable mobility.



Aid for the purchase of school materials, supporting Torrevieja’s families.



Accessibility improvements and adapted traffic lights for people with disabilities.



A dedicated budget allocation for the memorial monolith honouring the victims of the 1938 bombing.



Increased subsidies for parent–teacher associations (AMPAs) to strengthen educational participation.




Samper stated that these measures are part of the group’s long-term vision for a “modern, sustainable, accessible and human Torrevieja.”




“Our support does not mean complacency,” he continued. “We will be vigilant throughout the year, monitoring implementation, reviewing the 2025 budget settlement, and ensuring compliance with spending limits. What’s approved must be delivered — not left on paper.”




The Sueña Torrevieja leader also recalled that his group remains the only local and independent political force to have representation in three consecutive legislatures, demonstrating “the public’s appreciation for serious work, coherence and the defence of local interests above partisan politics.”




“Torrevieja needs less confrontation and more serious, practical work. Sueña Torrevieja will always be ready for dialogue when it serves the common good — and will raise its voice when promises are broken or public funds are misused. Our only loyalty is to Torrevieja,” concluded Samper.

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja has confirmed its support for the 2026 municipal budget after securing the inclusion of key proposals from its electoral programme, including the renovation of the Vicente García Stadium, aid for families purchasing school materials, and new accessibility measures. The group has pledged to remain vigilant to ensure that all approved commitments are fulfilled.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital celebrates 25 years of medical excellence, innovation and commitment to health

More than 500 people, including professionals, patients, public officials and representatives from the healthcare, business and social spheres, gathered for an emotional commemorative gala at the Torrevieja International Auditorium.













The Torrevieja International Auditorium was filled with emotion, memories and collective pride during the commemorative gala marking the 25th anniversary of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital – an event that brought together over five hundred guests, among them healthcare professionals, patients, authorities, and prominent figures from Torrevieja’s social and business community.



A hospital that has been, and continues to be, a leading reference in healthcare across the province of Alicante and the Valencian Community – ahead of its time and pioneering in numerous treatments and medical techniques. Over these 25 years, it has consolidated a model of care based on excellence, innovation and humanity.



The gala, hosted by Toni Cabot, director of Diario Información, offered a journey through the history, innovation and values that have made the hospital a benchmark in healthcare, both within and beyond the Valencian Community.



The evening featured performances by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra and the Paya’s Dance School, led by Lucía de España, who brought an artistic and emotional touch to a celebration that showcased local talent and cultural identity.



The ceremony was attended by Francisco Ponce, Territorial Director of Health for the province of Alicante; Agustina Esteve, Delegate of the Consell in Alicante; and Eduardo Dolón, Mayor of Torrevieja, alongside Francisco Fiestras, Territorial Director of Quirónsalud Levante and Canary Islands.Fiestras highlighted that “the true value of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital lies in its people. Every professional, every patient and every story have shaped what we are today: a healthcare benchmark and, above all, a great family.”



During his address, Fiestras also emphasised the hospital’s forward-looking vision, centred on technological innovation, humanised care and sustainability. He announced the upcoming launch of the Citizens and Patients Advisory Council, an initiative designed to give society a voice in the hospital’s strategic decisions and to strengthen the active participation of patients in the continuous improvement of healthcare services.



Recognition and emotion in a gala celebrating 25 years of shared history



The central part of the gala paid tribute to professionals with 25 years of service, retired staff, and those who have left a lasting mark on the hospital.



Awards were also presented to patients and associations that work closely with the centre, including AFECÁNCER, represented by its president Victoria Meneses, and AFA Torrevieja, represented by its technical director Lidia Navarro, in recognition of their work in support, awareness and care for patients and their families.



In addition, the Norwegian Church, represented by Marianne Offernes, and the Swedish Church Costa Blanca, represented by Elisabeth Johansson, were honoured for their dedication, assistance and collaboration in supporting international patients and their families.



A special mention was given to Dr Antonio Brugarolas, head of the Oncology Platform, for his outstanding career and key role in the hospital’s development and in the comprehensive care of oncology patients.



The Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, closed the institutional event by stating that “Torrevieja is proud to have a hospital of reference, committed to excellence and to people. This anniversary is also a recognition of the role Quirónsalud has played in improving the quality of life of our citizens.”



A year of celebrations uniting science, community and solidarity



Throughout 2025, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has celebrated a particularly meaningful year, filled with initiatives that have highlighted its history, its commitment to health and its close connection with the community.



The commemorative programme began on 4 February, World Cancer Day, with the inauguration of the “Bell of Dreams”, a symbol of hope and recovery that now marks the end of treatment for many cancer patients.



In May, the hospital organised the charity run “5K Steps that Count”, a sporting and fundraising event that brought together more than 500 runners in support of AFECÁNCER, strengthening its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting patient associations.



The celebrations continued with the unveiling of the mural “Our History, Your Health”, which highlights the hospital’s main clinical and technological milestones since its opening in 2000, and with the photo exhibition “ALTAS”, a tribute to patients who have overcome illness and to the professionals who have supported them along the way.



The hospital has also reinforced its dedication to science and medical outreach through a series of scientific conferences on general surgery, oncology and gynaecology – the latter focused on the prevention and management of human papillomavirus (HPV).



Each of these initiatives has reaffirmed the hospital’s vocation to unite knowledge, research and social commitment, the three pillars that have sustained its model of care over the past 25 years.



Upcoming milestones: launch of the podcast series and Neuroscience Conference



To conclude the anniversary year, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital will launch the podcast series “Clinical Stories” on Friday, 7 November, featuring real-life accounts from patients and doctors at the hospital. Recorded as part of the 25th-anniversary programme, the series will explore stories of resilience and medical dedication, giving voice to the science and humanity behind every clinical case.



In addition, on 28 November, the hospital will host the 1st Quirónsalud Torrevieja Neuroscience Conference, a multidisciplinary meeting bringing together specialists from different fields to discuss advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neurological diseases – reaffirming the hospital’s ongoing commitment to research and continuous medical education.

Excerpt: The 25th anniversary gala of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital celebrated its legacy in healthcare, attended by over 500 guests. The event highlighted the hospital's pioneering role in healthcare excellence and innovation, honoring dedicated professionals and collaborating associations. Future initiatives include a podcast series and a Neuroscience Conference, furthering community connection and medical outreach.

### Nutrition, a Key Factor in the Prevention of Breast Cancer 

World Breast Cancer Day, commemorated each year on 19 October, shines a light on early detection and support for women facing an oncological diagnosis. However, Dr Pilar Hernández, nutritionist at the Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, reminds us that “there is one aspect that remains largely overlooked, yet can also help us in prevention: nutrition.” 



According to various studies, around 40 per cent of cancer cases could be prevented through healthy lifestyle habits. “It is not about assigning blame, but about becoming aware that what we eat every day influences our hormonal health, the level of inflammation in our body, and our ability to defend ourselves against cellular damage,” Dr Hernández emphasises. 



The specialist warns that the most concerning eating patterns are precisely those that have become normalised — such as excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, the constant presence of added sugars, diets low in fibre and vegetables, and the intake of alcohol, even in small amounts. 



“All of this creates an inflammatory environment that can disrupt hormonal balance and promote the accumulation of abdominal fat — a metabolically active tissue that produces oestrogens associated with certain types of breast cancer,” Dr Hernández underlines. 



The Mediterranean Diet: A Protective Ally Against Cancer 



In contrast to these risks, the specialist points out that the Mediterranean diet remains the eating pattern most strongly supported by scientific evidence. “It is rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts, wholegrains and extra virgin olive oil, and helps to reduce inflammation and maintain stable hormonal balance,” she explains. 



Among the foods she recommends incorporating regularly are berries, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, pulses, citrus fruits, oily fish, green tea and ginger. “There are no miraculous superfoods — only consistent habits that, day by day, protect our cells and strengthen the immune system,” adds Dr Hernández. 



Weight control and regular physical activity are, according to the specialist, two other fundamental pillars. “The body doesn’t need perfection — it needs consistency. Moving every day and performing strength exercises help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation and preserve muscle mass.” 



“Preventing breast cancer does not mean living on a diet; it means eating with purpose — returning to real food, to what is cooked at home. Taking care of yourself is not a trend; it is an act of self-love and a way of living better, inside and out,” concludes Dr Hernández. 

Excerpt: World Breast Cancer Day, commemorated each year on 19 October, shines a light on early detection and support for women facing an oncological diagnosis.

### PSOE Accuses PP of Negligence Over Rainwater Drainage Projects

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has criticised the Partido Popular (PP) for what it calls years of “inaction and neglect” in addressing the city’s long-standing flooding problems.



Socialist spokesperson Bárbara Soler said the effects of the recent DANA storm could have been mitigated if the council had acted earlier to use regional funding made available in 2021 under the Vega Baja Renhace Plan, launched by the former Ximo Puig government after the catastrophic floods of 2019.




“The Botànic allocated more than one million euros to Torrevieja to carry out works, purchase land or execute projects to improve the rainwater drainage system. But the PP left the money untouched for years, only moving the paperwork when the funding was about to expire,” Soler stated.




She explained that at the most recent plenary session, the council finally approved the initial paperwork to contract the project that includes drainage collectors for Avenida Roentgen. “We are not even talking about the works themselves yet—only the project documentation. These improvements could already be completed if they had been initiated on time,” she said.



Soler reminded residents that the Socialist Party had already warned about this issue in 2023, to which the PP government replied that the regional aid was “insufficient” and claimed the council had already invested more than €8.5 million in drainage infrastructure.




“What they failed to say,” Soler countered, “is that the money didn’t come from the Town Hall but from AGAMED. They cannot expect the Generalitat to pay for works they have ignored for years and that are their clear responsibility.”




The PSOE accuses the local government of having been on the verge of losing €1 million in funding “through pure negligence and lack of management.”




“The most absurd thing,” Soler added, “is that while Torrevieja continues to flood, Mr Dolón invites President Mazón to take photos in the rain—complete with safety vests and smiles—congratulating themselves on a management record that simply doesn’t exist.”




Anyone who lives in Torrevieja, or has had to put up with this situation for decades, may question how they managed to keep their shoes and clothing so clean! If they were to turn around, they would also see the Lagoons Village development, part of the building work now bwing added to the flood risk area! 



Soler concluded by saying that the city needs effective planning, not publicity:




“Torrevieja needs real solutions, not photo opportunities.”

Excerpt: The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has criticised the Partido Popular (PP) for what it calls years of “inaction and neglect” in addressing the city’s long-standing flooding problems.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital inaugurates the exhibition “ALTAS”, a tribute to patients and to 25 years of shared trust 

To mark its 25th anniversary, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has inaugurated ALTAS, a photographic exhibition paying tribute to patients who have overcome illness and to the professionals who have accompanied them throughout their recovery process. 



The exhibition, located in the hospital’s main hall and open to the public until 31 December, consists of a series of portraits merging the faces of patients and healthcare professionals, symbolising their shared journey and the bond between science, humanity, and hope. 



Each image is accompanied by a QR code that provides access to the personal story behind each discharge, told in the first person by its protagonists through audiovisual testimonies available on the website: nuestrahistoriatusalud.com/altas 



On the same website, visitors can also explore the hospital’s main healthcare and technological milestones over the past 25 years, presented in a bilingual format (Spanish and English), reflecting the hospital’s development and growth since its opening. 



ALTAS reflects Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital’s commitment to people-centred medicine, combining technological innovation with a warm, humane approach. The exhibition forms part of the hospital’s 25th anniversary commemorative programme, which includes a variety of social, educational, and recognition initiatives highlighting the work and dedication of its professionals. 

Excerpt: To mark its 25th anniversary, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has inaugurated ALTAS, a photographic exhibition paying tribute to patients who have overcome illness and to the professionals who have accompanied them throughout their recovery process. 

### Alzheimer’s Disease Could Double in Incidence over the Coming Decades 

• In Spain, nearly 800,000 people are currently living with this neurological condition, and forecasts suggest that by 2050 the number will exceed two million. 



On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, specialists from the Neurosciences Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante are drawing attention to the rising number of cases of this disease, which already affects 47 million people worldwide and could reach 132 million by 2050. 



According to Dr Erika Torres, coordinator of the Neurosciences Unit at both hospitals, “Alzheimer’s is one of the great silent pandemics of the 21st century. In Spain, nearly 800,000 people suffer from it, and it is estimated that by 2050 the figure will exceed two million, according to the Spanish Society of Neurology.” 



Regarding the causes of this neurological disease, Dr Torres explains that “its origins are multifactorial and, although there are non-modifiable risk factors such as age, sex and genetic predisposition, controlling cardiovascular risk factors can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease.” 



The specialist advises avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, following a Mediterranean diet, taking regular physical exercise and maintaining an active social life to protect brain health. “Engaging in intellectual activities such as reading, learning a new language, playing a musical instrument or doing cognitive stimulation exercises can enhance brain plasticity and build cognitive reserve,” she suggests. 



A Multidisciplinary Approach to Alzheimer’s Treatment 



Treating Alzheimer’s disease requires the coordinated involvement of a team of specialists. At the Neurosciences Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, neurologists, neuropsychologists, radiologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists and nursing staff work together to provide early diagnosis and personalised treatment. 



“Our aim is to maintain the patient’s quality of life for as long as possible. That is why we have developed a comprehensive cognitive impairment programme that includes neurological nursing consultations, neuropsychological care from the moment of diagnosis, cognitive rehabilitation and psychoeducation for family members and carers,” explains Dr Torres. The programme also offers emotional support to the patient’s immediate circle, helping families to cope more effectively with the impact of the disease. 



This unit thus reinforces its commitment to research, prevention and multidisciplinary care, which are all essential to improving patients’ quality of life and slowing the progression of the disease. 

Excerpt: On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, specialists from the Neurosciences Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante are drawing attention to the rising number of cases of this disease, which already affects 47 million people worldwide and could reach 132 million by 2050. 

### PSOE Condemns Lack of Classrooms for Torrevigía Students at Start of School Year

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has denounced the continuing lack of classrooms for Year 11 pupils (4º ESO) at the Torrevigía Secondary School, leaving students without in-person lessons at the very start of this decisive academic year.



Spokesperson Bárbara Soler described the situation as “unacceptable”, stressing that pupils cannot afford to lose teaching time in such an important stage of their education.



Both the Department of Education and the Torrevieja Town Hall have argued that delays are due to the need to share resources with schools affected by the 2019 DANA storm. Soler countered this by pointing out that the Spanish Government has already allocated €16.6 billion for reconstruction, covering municipal and provincial infrastructure. “The Conselleria is only responsible for its own centres, and it should have taken action long ago,” she said.



Soler further criticised the stance of the Partido Popular at both local and regional level:




“On the one hand, they ask Madrid for more money, but on the other, they use their powers of self-government to forgive millions in taxes for energy companies, cut taxes for the wealthiest—which means losing hundreds of millions in revenue—and reject the cancellation of more than €11 billion of debt for the Valencian Community.”




The PSOE spokesperson also rejected claims that the teacher shortage is due to the high cost of renting in Torrevieja. Instead, she said, the real issue is overcrowding and poor working conditions in local schools: “Teachers don’t want to come here because the classrooms are completely overloaded and the conditions are not acceptable.”



Soler concluded that the absence of classrooms for Torrevigía students is the result of poor resource management and a complete lack of planning:




“The Generalitat has the money, but public education is simply not one of its priorities.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has criticised the lack of classrooms for Year 11 pupils at IES Torrevigía, accusing the Generalitat of poor planning and neglect of public education despite having sufficient resources.

### Zenia Boulevard Marks September with Sustainable Fashion, Family Fun and 13th Anniversary Celebrations

Zenia Boulevard, the largest shopping centre in Alicante province, has unveiled a packed September schedule combining creativity, entertainment and community spirit. The highlight will be the centre’s 13th anniversary party on Saturday 27 September, under the theme “An Anniversary Like a Movie.”



Sustainable Fashion for ChildrenAn Anniversary to RememberPromotions and GiveawaysA Landmark for the Costa BlancaLet's Look Back to 2012



Sustainable Fashion for Children



On Saturday 13 September, children will have the chance to become “mini designers” at the Greenwalk Kids workshop. Running from 17:30 to 20:30, the session will teach participants how to create accessories and clothing from recycled materials collected within the centre itself. Each child will leave with a diploma recognising them as a “Sustainable Mini Designer.” The workshop is open exclusively to members of the Zenia Kids Club.



An Anniversary to Remember



Two weeks later, the centre will host a full day of free activities for its 13th anniversary. The programme begins at 10:00 with a special breakfast for Zenia Club members and new sign-ups. At 14:00, visitors can enjoy a slice from a giant pizza of over 500 portions at the Puerta del Mar Menor. Later, at 17:00, the “Cronómetro 13” challenge will test participants’ timing skills, with €150 gift cards for those who stop the clock at exactly the right moment.



The day will close in style at 19:00 with “Grease, The Musical” in the Plaza Mayor, a live show featuring music, big-screen projection and free popcorn for all attendees. Entry is open but subject to capacity.



Promotions and Giveaways



From 13 to 27 September, customers can exchange receipts totalling €50 or more for “scratch and win” cards with the chance to claim exclusive gifts. Limited-edition anniversary mugs will also be available to collect during this period.



The celebrations will include contributions from well-known local and international brands, such as Miramira, Bombon Boss, Geladeria Carte d’Or, Terraza, Café Olé, Maison Açaí, Mi Perfume, Inspiral, La Laguna and Salgado Dental Institute.



A Landmark for the Costa Blanca



Since opening in 2012, Zenia Boulevard has become a landmark shopping and leisure destination, attracting over 15 million visitors in 2024. Its recent €18 million refurbishment included improvements to façades, paving, rest areas, green spaces, restaurant zones and children’s play areas, reaffirming its position as the region’s leading retail hub.



Let's Look Back to 2012



As part of the celebrations, here at ThisIsTorrevieja, we have scanned through our archive and dug out some of the images from those first weeks when Zenia Boulevard opened. Whilst we were there, we also pulled out a few other images from around the area from September 2012. Do you remember any of these? Or can you spot some of the locations around Torrevieja?

Excerpt: Zenia Boulevard will celebrate its 13th anniversary on 27 September with a full day of free family events, from a giant pizza and prize challenges to a live performance of Grease, The Musical. A sustainable fashion workshop for children will also be held on 13 September.

### PSOE Accuses PP of “Political Fiction” Over Proposed New Desalination Plant

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has criticised the Partido Popular (PP) for what it describes as “political fiction” in the ongoing debate surrounding the possible construction of a new desalination plant.



Socialist spokesperson Bárbara Soler reminded the council that the final location for such an installation has not yet been defined. According to the contract, it will be the appointed company—under the technical guidance of the Hydrographic Confederation—that will determine the most suitable site. “We are debating a hypothetical project that has not even been properly outlined, no matter how much the PP insists otherwise,” she said.



Water Security and Climate Challenges



Soler underlined the importance of strengthening water security in Spain, noting that both European institutions and climate experts warn that droughts will become increasingly frequent and severe. She emphasised that desalinated water is not a replacement for water transfers, but rather a complementary source.



“With the PP in government, far less water was transferred than under the current administration, which has guaranteed more supply for southern Alicante than any government before it. Even so, transfers alone are insufficient, as Europe continues to restrict them for environmental and sustainability reasons. Denying that reality is simply closing your eyes,” she argued.



Transparency and Accountability



The PSOE rejected accusations of a lack of transparency, noting that the PP failed to present any objections during the basin plan consultation, when Torrevieja was not listed as a location for a new plant. Soler contrasted this with what she called the PP’s “double standards”, pointing to the approval of multimillion-euro coastal development projects during the height of summer without citizen consultation.



She also addressed concerns over outstanding compensation works from the first desalination plant. While insisting that these works should be completed, she argued they cannot be used as an excuse to undermine water security. Responsibility, she said, lies with the state-owned company Acuamed, which was paralysed following the corruption scandal during the Rajoy government.



Responding to Environmental Concerns



Soler dismissed claims by Vox regarding potential brine contamination, stressing that both Spanish and European law enforce strict environmental controls. She added that modern desalination technology is “far more efficient and sustainable” than it was two decades ago and forms part of national resilience strategies across Mediterranean countries.



A Strategic Investment



The PSOE insists that a desalination plant should not be seen as a punishment but as a strategic investment that generates employment, supports a vital sector, and provides protection against climate uncertainty. In contrast, they accuse the PP of rejecting any feasible alternative “simply because it does not bear their stamp.”



Addressing suggestions that the new facility could affect the planned hospital expansion, Soler said: “We need both the materials and the staff for Torrevieja Hospital, which covers a wide area and faces significant new urban growth under the PP. We can provide new medical facilities at any suitable location within Area 22.” She reminded the public that it was the PP who removed €11 million earmarked for the hospital expansion from President Mazón’s first budget and failed to include it in the second.



Urban Growth and Supply Demands



The PSOE also referenced water supplier reports warning that current resources are insufficient to cover new urban developments promoted by the PP. “Where would that water come from if the first desalination plant—so heavily criticised at the time—had never been built? Or do they intend to urbanise without guaranteeing supply?”



Looking Ahead



For the Socialists, the issue is about planning for the future. “This project, wherever it is finally located, is not a threat but an opportunity to consolidate a model of supply that combines transfers and desalination, aligns with European standards, and protects farmers, families, and businesses.”



“Without water, there is no agriculture. Without agriculture, there is no economy or employment—here or in neighbouring Murcia. This is a matter of general interest, and we must be able to see it as such. Water is too important to be used as a political weapon. Governing is about thinking of the future and of generations to come, not just about the headlines of the day. A desalination plant is not a punishment—it is a lifeline for this land,” the PSOE concluded.

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has accused the PP of “political fiction” over a proposed new desalination plant, stressing it as a strategic investment to secure water, protect agriculture, and meet future climate challenges—not a political battleground.

### Our Story, Your Health: 25 Years of Medical Innovation at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital  

25th Anniversary Commemorative Mural – Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 



To mark its 25th anniversary, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has unveiled a commemorative mural that retraces, year by year, the key milestones that have shaped its history. Since its inauguration in 2000, the hospital has established itself as a benchmark in healthcare, grounded in medical excellence, clinical innovation, and personalised patient care. Under the motto “Our Story, Your Health”, the new mural – a visual timeline – offers patients, professionals, and visitors a look back at the defining moments of its leadership, development, and commitment to advanced, human-centred medicine. 



25 Years Leading Change 



The mural not only gathers together the most significant milestones since 2000, but also stands as a testimony to the pioneering spirit that has characterised Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital since its foundation. Over the past 25 years, the hospital has consistently been ahead of its time, becoming the first in Spain to implement medical techniques and approaches that transformed the way patients were treated. 



Among these achievements are: the introduction in 2001 of HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) for peritoneal tumours; in 2004, the use of intraoperative radiotherapy with a mobile accelerator (MOBETRON) – the first hospital in Spain to adopt this technology; the launch in 2007 of the first Genetic Counselling Unit in the Valencian Community; and, in 2008, the arrival of the region’s first Da Vinci surgical robot. In 2009, the hospital carried out Spain’s first series of robotic surgeries for pancreatic cancer, and in 2010 it initiated an ambitious transcriptomics programme for personalised oncology care. More recently, in 2023, the hospital obtained Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and in 2025 began applying artificial intelligence to clinical diagnostics through tools such as the Scribe system, now implemented across all Quirónsalud centres. These are just a few examples of the many milestones that have consolidated the hospital’s reputation as a benchmark in medical innovation, technical excellence, and patient-centred care. 



Each of these milestones reflects a clear commitment to medical excellence, technology at the service of the patient, and a forward-looking approach to health based on anticipation and continuous improvement. 



12 Specialists, 12 Stories that Marked a Turning Point 



The mural features 12 QR codes linking to a series of short videos in which the very professionals who led these milestones explain their impact from a close and human perspective. Among them: 




Dr Antonio Brugarolas, Director of the Oncology Platform and Medical Oncology Specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr José Farré, Specialist in General and Digestive Surgery, Oncological and Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Rosa Mª Cañón, Head of Radiation Oncology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Pedro Bretcha, Head of General and Digestive Surgery, Oncological and Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Ramón González, Specialist in Medical Oncology and Genetic Counselling at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Vanesa Escudero, Specialist in Hospital Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Ismael Manso, International Territorial Director, Quirónsalud Levante and Canary Islands 





Dr Cristian García, Specialist in Neurosurgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Manuel Papí, Head of ENT (Otolaryngology) at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Erika Torres, Head of Neurology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Juan Carlos Ruíz, Head of Hospital Pharmacy at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Juan Costell, Head of Emergency Medicine at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 




Through these videos, visitors can gain first-hand insight into what it meant for each of them to introduce techniques that were little known within Spanish healthcare at the time, and how these decisions contributed to consolidating the hospital’s clinical excellence. 



A Story that Continues: A Present with a Vision for the Future 



The mural concludes with the most recent milestones, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence into patient records, structured clinical pathways, and a bold Master Plan that will transform the hospital over the coming years. This plan includes expanding the ICU, operating theatres, outpatient clinics, and critical care areas, alongside the construction of a new Emergency Department building and a therapeutic procedures unit, among other initiatives. 



In addition, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability through a progressive decarbonisation plan, while also promoting health initiatives such as a healthy eating programme for patients and staff. 



An Anniversary to Celebrate All Year Long 



This mural is part of a wide-ranging programme of commemorative activities marking the hospital’s 25th anniversary, combining scientific outreach, humanisation, the promotion of healthy habits, and meaningful engagement with both patients and professionals. Activities include: 




“Our Story, Your Health” podcast series, featuring interviews with doctors and patients 





The Dreams Campaign, an initiative collecting wishes and messages from oncology patients, their families, and staff 





Charity run in aid of patient associations in Torrevieja 





Discharges Exhibition, showcasing patients as the protagonists 





Meetings with patient associations across the hospital’s area of influence 





3 October – HPV and Gynaecology Seminar 





23 October – 25th Anniversary Institutional Event 





November – Neuroscience Seminar organised by the new comprehensive unit 




Accessing All Content 



Visitors to the hospital can view the timeline on the physical mural, scan the QR codes to watch the videos, and access all extended content on the anniversary website: 




https://nuestrahistoriatusalud.com/en/

### Sueña Torrevieja Calls for Update of Urban Plan After More Than Six Years of Administrative Blockage

Sueña Torrevieja has called for a complete reset of Torrevieja’s stalled urban planning process, demanding the closure of the current file to review the Plan General de Ordenación Urbana (PGOU) and the immediate opening of a new one.



During Tuesday’s plenary session, party spokesperson Pablo Samper highlighted that the procedure began in January 2019 but has suffered continuous delays, negative reports and technical disagreements. According to Samper, no progress has been made since February 2022.



“The bids submitted are no longer valid, and meanwhile Torrevieja continues without an updated planning tool. This creates legal uncertainty and hinders the orderly development of the city,” he explained.



A detailed timeline of the paralysis was set out by Sueña Torrevieja:




24 January 2019: The Local Government Board approved the tendering process for the PGOU review.



February 2019: Seven bids were submitted.



20 February 2020: The Contracting Committee proposed an awardee.



4 February 2021: The General Comptroller issued an unfavourable report.



16 April 2021: Clarifications were requested from the technical team.



12 February 2022: The Contracting Committee withdrew from the process and passed the matter to the Local Government Board — the last recorded action in the file.




Samper insisted that the city cannot continue relying on dozens of piecemeal modifications to solve individual issues. Instead, he urged the launch of a new procedure that resolves past mistakes and produces a PGOU aligned with today’s needs.



“Our municipality needs a General Plan that addresses present and future challenges, that provides certainty to residents and investors, and that commits to a sustainable growth model. Torrevieja cannot remain trapped in urban planning improvisation,” he stressed.



The independent local group considers the matter to go beyond party politics and insists that it must be treated as a priority for the future of the city. They call on the local government to act swiftly and responsibly.

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja has demanded the relaunch of the city’s PGOU, frozen for over six years. The group warns that legal uncertainty and lack of planning are holding Torrevieja back and calls for a sustainable plan that ensures orderly growth.

### Political Dispute Over Delays to IES Las Lagunas Works in Torrevieja

The long-awaited improvement and rehabilitation works at the IES Las Lagunas in Torrevieja, included within the Generalitat Valenciana’s Plan Edificant, have once again become a political battleground. Both Sueña Torrevieja and the local PSOE have criticised the handling of the project, though for different reasons.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, has denounced what he describes as “a clear deception” by the Generalitat. He argues that after more than four years of paperwork, partial updates and broken promises, the regional administration now expects Torrevieja’s council to carry out the works between 2025 and 2027 with a budget based on 2022 prices. Samper believes this makes it impossible to meet the true construction costs, warning that more than 96% of the 9.05 million euro budget depends on allocations in the 2026 and 2027 regional accounts, leaving the financing far from guaranteed.



“Our students, teachers and families do not deserve more delays or excuses. Four years have already been lost, and we cannot allow the Generalitat to continue playing with public education in Torrevieja,” Samper declared, demanding an immediate update of the economic module of the Plan Edificant and written guarantees of full funding.



From a different angle, the PSOE in Torrevieja has also strongly criticised the process, but pointed the finger at both the local and regional Partido Popular. Party spokesperson Bárbara Soler stated that the PSOE has been warning for years about delays caused by what she calls “ineptitude and neglect” at both local and regional level. She pointed to repeated errors in the submission of technical reports since 2021, which she described as a “botched job” by the local government that led to further delays and unnecessary costs.



Soler also highlighted that despite the change in regional leadership in 2023, with the PP taking control of both administrations, the matter was not properly addressed until November 2024. She stressed that it was only last month that the council was formally informed the delegation of powers had been accepted, a decision she believes came after an accident at the school when a tile fell and injured a pupil.



“The PP local government knows how to put on a suit for congresses about reinventing education, but not how to put on a work overall,” Soler remarked, insisting that both administrations have failed the city’s schools and families.



Despite their political differences, both parties agree that the students of IES Las Lagunas have waited too long for the improvements they need, and that further delay is unacceptable.

Excerpt: The long-awaited rehabilitation of IES Las Lagunas in Torrevieja has reignited political clashes. Sueña Torrevieja accuses the Generalitat of underfunding and broken promises, while the PSOE blames errors and delays by the local and regional Partido Popular. Both demand urgent action to deliver long-promised improvements for pupils and teachers.

### Back to School 2025–2026: Key Dates for the Academic Year in Torrevieja

As summer winds down, families across Torrevieja and the wider Valencian Community are preparing for the start of a new academic year. The 2025–2026 school calendar, confirmed by the Conselleria de Educación, sets out the official term dates, holidays, and special observances that will shape the months ahead.



The academic year will begin on 8 September 2025 for pupils in Infant, Primary, Secondary, and Baccalaureate, as well as for most Vocational Training (FP) students. Two exceptions apply: students in basic qualification programmes and those following “second opportunity” vocational pathways, who will start slightly later on 10 September. Classes for adult learners and for pupils enrolled in artistic studies such as music, dance, arts, and design will begin on 15 September, while sports studies commence on 22 September. The last to return will be those registered in official language schools, who will start lessons from 25 September. For all groups, the school year will conclude on 19 June 2026, with the exception of adult and artistic education, which finish on 12 June.



The holiday calendar has also been set. Christmas break will run from 23 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, while Easter holidays are scheduled from 2 to 13 April 2026. In addition, the school year includes a number of key public holidays:




9 October – Day of the Valencian Community



8 December – Constitution Day



19 March – Saint Joseph’s Day



1 May – International Workers’ Day




Individual towns and cities may also establish additional non-school days, which will be confirmed by their respective municipal education councils.



The school calendar is more than just a timetable; it structures family life, local traditions, and the rhythm of the community. For parents, it means planning holidays, childcare, and balancing work schedules. For pupils, it sets milestones of learning and leisure, with summer once again seeming both far away and right around the corner.



As September approaches, the sense of “back to school” is as much about community as it is about classrooms—an annual reminder that education is the shared heartbeat of Torrevieja and the entire Valencian Community.

Excerpt: The new school year in the Valencian Community begins on 8 September 2025, with classes running until 19 June 2026. Key holiday dates include Christmas (23 Dec–6 Jan) and Easter (2–13 Apr), alongside regional and national holidays.

### Diana Morant to Open New Political Season with Focus on Vega Baja

Diana Morant, Secretary General of the PSPV-PSOE and Minister of Science and Universities, will officially open the new political season with a series of events in Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura this September, in what party officials are calling a clear commitment to the Vega Baja region.



The PSPV-PSOE membership will gather on 19 and 20 September for activities in both towns. Alongside Morant, former health minister Leire Pajín and provincial secretary Rubén Alfaro will join local representatives to analyse the current political landscape in the Valencian Community and set out the party’s priorities for the coming months.



On 20 September, Torrevieja will host a debate focused on climate emergency and public services. The date has been deliberately chosen as it coincides with the anniversary of the devastating DANA storm of 2019, when the Vega Baja was heavily impacted. Socialists note that their response at the time demonstrated how effective action could preserve public safety during catastrophic events.



The local socialist group has expressed gratitude for the recognition of southern municipalities in the regional political agenda. Party spokesperson Bárbara Soler commented:




“What Ximo Puig began is now being successfully continued by Diana Morant.”




Soler added that she hopes this renewed focus on the Vega Baja will result in further projects that directly benefit both the comarca and Torrevieja.



She also contrasted Morant’s commitment with remarks recently made by Torrevieja’s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, who in a media interview claimed that “Diana Morant doesn’t know where Torrevieja is.” Soler strongly rejected that view:




“Diana Morant knows perfectly well where our city is—she chose Torrevieja to close her last election campaign, and she continues to highlight its value. She can walk proudly through our municipality, unlike Carlos Mazón, who whenever invited by the mayor, leaves without notice and with his tail between his legs.”

Excerpt: Diana Morant, Secretary General of the PSPV-PSOE and Minister of Science and Universities, will launch the new political season with events in Torrevieja and Guardamar, highlighting a renewed focus on the Vega Baja and contrasting sharply with recent remarks from the mayor.

### PSOE Warns of Health and Safety Risks from Uncontrolled Chickens in Torrevieja

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has raised concerns over the growing number of free-roaming chickens and roosters across the city, describing the situation as a public health and road safety risk that has been allowed to escalate for decades.



Spokesperson Bárbara Soler noted that while many residents view the presence of these birds as an amusing curiosity, their uncontrolled spread poses real dangers. The problem dates back more than 25 years, when the then Partido Popular (PP) local government released several birds into the Parque de las Naciones. “They soon left the park and have since spread to large areas of the municipality, creating issues of cleanliness, safety, and health,” she said.



Soler warned that the lack of veterinary oversight increases the risk of diseases such as salmonella or avian flu, both of which have appeared in other regions of Spain. With an estimated 700 birds now roaming freely, the cost and difficulty of removing them has grown significantly. She stressed that any action should be carried out “with the utmost respect for the animals,” but highlighted the urgent need to rehouse them in a controlled environment.



The PSOE also pointed out that the situation violates Law 8/2003 on animal health, as the birds are not officially registered and no adequate waste management system has been implemented. This has led to unsanitary conditions, particularly near businesses.



According to Soler, the council has now approved a €16,000 contract (plus VAT) for the capture and relocation of the chickens, though so far no company has shown interest in taking on the task. She concluded by blaming the PP for creating and perpetuating the problem:




“This situation was caused by the PP, both through the original release of the birds and 25 years of inaction. At the moment, the chickens are winning 1–0 against the management of the Partido Popular.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has warned that uncontrolled chickens in the city pose serious health and safety risks, accusing the PP of decades of neglect and highlighting the €16,000 relocation plan that still lacks a contractor.

### PSOE Condemns Neglect of Altos de la Bahía Park Despite Multi-Million Euro Maintenance Contract

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has strongly criticised the continued neglect of the city’s green spaces, highlighting the worsening condition of the Altos de la Bahía park as an example of what they call “systematic abandonment” under the current local government.



In a video shared on social media, PSOE councillor Margarita de Francisco recalled that her group had already denounced the poor state of the park during a municipal plenary session in September 2024. Since then, she says, the situation has deteriorated further, with extensive areas of vegetation now lost.



According to de Francisco, the council has consistently paid monthly invoices exceeding €260,000 to the joint venture responsible for the upkeep of parks and gardens, formed by Actúa and Gestión STV. Despite these payments, she argues, the service has been delivered without proper oversight from the governing Partido Popular (PP), resulting in contracts being honoured financially but not in practice.



“The lack of monitoring has allowed the contracted companies to neglect their duties,” de Francisco said. She pointed out that much of the flora has died due to water shortages, even though since April 2022 the council has held a contract—also awarded to Actúa—for the maintenance of the municipal irrigation network, along with smaller agreements for additional repairs.



The PSOE has also questioned whether the new multi-million-euro contract recently awarded to Actúa Servicios y Medio Ambiente SL will change matters. De Francisco warned that reversing the decline will not be quick or easy:




“The deterioration of our parks and the loss of vegetation have reached a critical stage. Years of inaction, tolerated by the local PP government, have left many spaces at a point of no return.”




The opposition group is demanding accountability from the city council, insisting that Torrevieja residents deserve well-maintained public spaces that reflect the scale of the investment already being paid for.

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has denounced the worsening neglect of the Altos de la Bahía park, accusing the PP-led government of failing to monitor million-euro maintenance contracts and allowing the city’s green spaces to reach “a point of no return.”

### A Minimally Invasive Technique Helps Control Resistant Hypertension and Reduce the Use of Medication

Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in drug therapy and the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits, many individuals fail to lower their blood pressure to safe levels. In some cases, this is only achieved through complex combinations of medications, which can increase the risk of side effects.



For these patients, renal denervation is emerging as an effective and long-lasting therapeutic alternative. It is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat resistant hypertension—meaning high blood pressure that does not respond adequately to multiple medications or lifestyle changes.



“Renal denervation allows us to intervene directly in one of the main mechanisms involved in hypertension: the sympathetic nervous system that surrounds the renal arteries,” explains Dr Mohamed Bayoumi, Head of the Haemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology Department at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.“By reducing its activity, we can achieve stable and sustained reductions in blood pressure without the need to add more medication.”



How Renal Denervation Is Performed



Renal denervation targets the sympathetic nervous system that encircles the renal arteries, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. A catheter is inserted through the femoral artery, and small doses of radiofrequency energy are applied to selectively affect the surrounding nerve fibres, thereby reducing their activity.



The procedure takes between 40 and 60 minutes, is performed under conscious sedation and local anaesthesia, and typically requires only one day of hospital admission.



“It’s a safe technique, well tolerated by patients, with long-lasting benefits,” adds Dr Bayoumi.“In many cases, we are also able to reduce the medication burden, which significantly improves patients’ quality of life.”



Benefits for Patients with Hypertension



The benefits observed include a significant and sustained reduction in blood pressure, a gradual decrease in the use of antihypertensive drugs, and an overall improvement in cardiovascular risk.



Moreover, by achieving more effective blood pressure control, the technique helps prevent serious complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, progressive kidney damage, and hypertensive retinopathy.



“Untreated resistant hypertension is a major risk factor for severe cardiovascular events,” warns Dr Bayoumi.“Renal denervation not only reduces this risk, but also opens a new treatment avenue for patients who have no other effective alternatives.”



This technique therefore represents a hopeful option for many patients with difficult-to-control hypertension, offering long-term benefits and an improved cardiovascular prognosis.



You can learn more about this procedure in the video below:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vmEPb9Gm1I&feature=youtu.be

### PSOE Condemns Long-Term Neglect of Park at Torrevieja’s Northern Entrance

Torrevieja’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has criticised the continued state of neglect at the park bordering Calle Rafael Antón Pérez, at the northern entrance to the city, running alongside the CV-905 in the Hoya Hermosa area.



Councillor Margarita de Francisco described it as “unacceptable” that the park has been left without functioning lighting for years and allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that local residents have been forced to purchase and install litter bins at their own expense.



The PSOE previously raised the matter at a full council meeting in September last year, asking whether any action had been taken to repair or replace the park’s streetlights. Many of these had been non-functional for years due to lack of maintenance. At the time, the relevant councillor claimed that a week earlier the public lighting maintenance company had been tasked with reviewing the infrastructure for installing lights “from one end of the park to the other” and promised that not only would the park be restored, but it would be “notably improved” in the near future.



Francisco says the reality is very different: “A year later, the lighting is still in the same state and the condition of the park has worsened.”



Residents have endured long-term neglect, with large sections of the grass left to die due to failed irrigation systems—despite a maintenance contract being in place—leaving barren patches across the park. The area was also made virtually unusable for more than eight months while 37 open holes awaited the replanting of trees relocated from other sites, a situation also criticised by the PSOE at the time.



Most recently, neighbours have taken matters into their own hands, organising the purchase and installation of communal litter bins to encourage responsible waste disposal. Francisco praised the residents’ initiative as “a clear display of civic responsibility and commitment to the park’s environment,” contrasting it with “the ongoing lack of responsibility shown by the Partido Popular towards both these residents and Torrevieja’s public spaces.”

















You might remember the pomp and celebration of the Parks and Gardens department launching a social media channel recently, and indeed the excellent work the team are doing... mostly in the town centre... so this clearly once again shows the oblivious neglect beyond the immediate vicinity of the town hall, much like the image we posted showing the same location 20 years apart, where nothing has ever been done to tidy the area, and although much of it is now covered with a blanket formed by mother nature herself, this latest monitoring and failure can be added to the list of a deeper rooted neglect. 



These videos has been automatically translated into English by AI for convenience




https://youtube.com/shorts/KBNY-mHwLbE?feature=share





https://youtu.be/VSF8zsGSYnI




Here are the original videos




https://youtube.com/shorts/T9jzN5okSvA





https://youtube.com/shorts/1T7ZJLCI5xs?feature=share

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has condemned the continued neglect of the Hoya Hermosa park, highlighting years without lighting, deteriorating maintenance, and the need for residents to fund basic amenities such as litter bins themselves.

### Mohs Surgery Consolidates Its Position as the Most Effective Technique with Minimal Aesthetic Impact for Skin Cancer

• Particularly recommended for tumours located in areas of high aesthetic or functional importance, such as the face, neck, hands, or genitals.



Mohs surgery stands out for its meticulous ability to remove skin cancer by analysing the affected tissue layer by layer during the same procedure, using immediate microscopic control.



“This methodology,” explains Dr Laura Francés, Head of the Dermatology Department at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, “ensures the complete removal of cancerous cells while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue. This makes it especially suitable for lesions in sensitive areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips or ears, where preserving both functionality and appearance is essential.”



In this context, the Oncological Dermatology Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, led by Dr Francés and Dr Carlos Hernández, has become a leading reference centre for Mohs surgery in Alicante. This highly specialised surgical technique allows for the removal of skin tumours with the highest cure rate and the least possible aesthetic impact.



Cure Rates and Indications for Mohs Surgery



Mohs surgery is particularly indicated for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—the most common forms of skin cancer—offering cure rates significantly higher than conventional surgery.



“The procedure is performed in the operating theatre under sedation, and the patient can return home the same day. By analysing the tissue on the spot, we can be confident that all cancerous tissue has been removed on the same day of the intervention,” notes Dr Laura Francés.



Mohs surgery is especially recommended for tumours located in areas of high aesthetic or functional relevance, such as the face, neck, hands, or genitals. It is also advised in cases of recurrent skin cancers, tumours with poorly defined borders, or in aggressive carcinomas with a high risk of recurrence.



To ensure the best medical and cosmetic outcome, Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has a highly specialised unit comprising expert dermatologists, pathologists, and plastic surgeons working in close coordination. “Each intervention requires not only surgical precision but also aesthetic planning. Our goal is not just to cure, but to help the patient recover their appearance and quality of life,” adds Dr Francés.



Types of Skin Cancer and Prevention



The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, accounting for around 80% of non-melanoma skin cancer cases. It develops in the deepest layer of the epidermis and typically appears in sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, or hands. It may manifest as shiny bumps, wounds that do not heal and grow slowly, reddish patches, or non-specific scar-like tissue.



It is followed in frequency by squamous cell carcinoma, also very common, and to a lesser extent, melanoma, which, although less frequent, is the most aggressive due to its ability to metastasise. Melanoma originates in the melanocytes—the melanin-producing cells—and requires early detection for effective treatment.“We could say that basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most frequent types, in that order,” explains Dr Carlos Hernández, dermatologist and skin cancer specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



An ageing population and cumulative sun exposure over the years have significantly increased the incidence of skin cancer. Specialists at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja stress the importance of paying attention to signs such as wounds that do not heal, lumps that change in shape or colour, or areas that bleed easily.“At the first sign of suspicion, it is essential to consult a specialised dermatologist. Early diagnosis remains our most powerful tool for achieving a cure,” concludes Dr Hernández.

### Torrevieja Tops National Deficit List with €16.6 Million Breach of Budget Law

SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has raised the alarm over what it describes as an “unsustainable financial situation” after Torrevieja was officially named the worst-performing municipality in Spain in terms of compliance with the Law on Budgetary Stability and Financial Sustainability.According to official data published on 30 July by the Virtual Office for the Financial Coordination of Local Authorities, Torrevieja posted a deficit of over €16.6 million in 2024—double the figure recorded by second-place Elche (€8.5 million) and well ahead of Albacete (€7.2 million).The city also recorded the highest negative balance in non-financial operations, with €13.8 million in the red, a figure that opposition group SUEÑA TORREVIEJA says is clear evidence of “inefficient and irresponsible management” by the current local government.Speaking on behalf of the group, councillor Pablo Samper expressed serious concern about the figures:> “It is absolutely unsustainable for Torrevieja to lead the national rankings in budgetary non-compliance. This level of financial mismanagement mortgages the future of our city.”The group has formally called for the withdrawal of the current 2025–2026 Economic and Financial Plan, which was presented at the plenary session on 8 April. They argue that the plan violates Articles 1.2, 21.2, and 23.4 of Organic Law 2/2012, which governs financial sustainability for public administrations.SUEÑA TORREVIEJA is demanding that the plan be replaced with a new one that includes firm corrective measures—specifically the adoption of credit unavailability agreements to the value of at least €16.6 million—to ensure the 2025 municipal budget complies with national legislation.The situation is particularly stark given that over 85% of all town halls in the Valencian Community complied with the law in 2024, including the provincial capitals of Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón. Out of 436 municipalities, only 65 breached the law—with Torrevieja leading the list.Samper concluded by warning that the numbers reflect not just technical accounting issues but a deeper lack of political foresight. “This is the result of a failure to plan responsibly. We urge the local government to act immediately, with rigour and within the law.”

Excerpt: Torrevieja has recorded the worst budget deficit in Spain, breaching national stability laws by over €16.6 million. SUEÑA TORREVIEJA is demanding the withdrawal of the current financial plan and urgent corrective action to restore fiscal responsibility.

### The Slow Ticking Clock of Climate Change Action in Torrevieja

Torrevieja Council has launched a €1.8 million public tender to implement a Low-Emission Zone (ZBE) in the municipality—years after the legal deadline set by Spain’s central government. The contract, funded through the European Union’s Next Generation recovery package, will span three years, covering technical analysis, the installation of cameras and air quality sensors, road signage, digital control systems, and ongoing maintenance.



While the move has been welcomed as a long-overdue step toward sustainable urban mobility, critics have noted that the project comes five years later than required. The ZBE framework was first drafted in 2021, approved by Royal Decree in 2022, and mandated for full implementation by 2023 across all Spanish municipalities with over 50,000 residents.



By extending implementation to 2028, Torrevieja not only misses the deadline but also stretches public confidence. Environmental campaigners argue that this delay undermines Spain’s wider obligations. In a recent legal opinion, the United Nations ruled that governments failing to implement climate change protections are in violation of international law.



Torrevieja’s track record on sustainability projects has already raised eyebrows. The city was recently forced to return €1.6 million in EU funding after failing to execute key urban mobility improvements tied to earlier environmental goals.



Adding to the frustration for residents is the sense of double cost. Not only has funding been lost, but municipal waste management fees have risen dramatically in recent years. Torrevieja now holds one of the most expensive collection contracts in the region, yet continues to suffer from limited bin infrastructure in places, a reduction in recycling, and irregular collection in several neighbourhoods, with many residents now taking to their cars to deliver the rubbish to the bins due to the locations, thus also increasing traffic pollution —contradicting the intended spirit of environmental progress.



The national government has been facing the blame for the price increase, because the entire cost of the fulfilment must now be paid by the residents, not subsidised, but the reality is that this legislation was also significantly delayed, ignored by the previous national government, for which the country was also fined, and, as opposition councillors have argued, had the measures been implemented on time, the cost to residents could have been reduced, not increased, as the aim of the legislation was to reduce waste. The original aim of the law was to incentivise sustainable mobility, reduce traffic pollution, and enable long-term savings—outcomes that now appear to be further away than ever.



One of the intended zones earmarked for the low emissions zones has recently, once again, been approved for parking, a situation which is known to increase pollution, with the excuse being given that it is to balance out the lack of parking at the port, with the town hall seemingly forgetting they were present at the opening of a new car park in April, which was also billed as offering the same improvements.



It should also be noted that the central government has agreed an extension on the ZBE implementation on two occasions, the latest extension expiring in December of this year, where it looks like Torrevieja will once again exceed the limitations, and not in a good way, considering the air quality index in the town, as recorded by the regional government, is frequently fair to moderate, the best day recorded in the last 365 days only reaching fair, but the worst day recently being 9 July 2025, when the recorded level sank to extremely poor. Statistically, Saturday is the worst day of the week, a day when schools are closed and many people are not at work.



With the formal tender now published, the city faces pressure to deliver quickly and transparently. Residents, environmental groups, and regional authorities will be watching closely to see whether this delayed promise finally leads to meaningful action—or more missed opportunities.

Excerpt: Torrevieja has opened a €1.8 million tender for its Low-Emission Zone—five years after the legal deadline—amid criticism over past delays, lost EU funds, and rising local waste fees despite ongoing environmental challenges.

### Three Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Central Torrevieja

A man has died following a shooting in the heart of Torrevieja on Sunday evening, in an incident that has left the community shocked and prompted an urgent police investigation.The shooting occurred shortly after 19:00 at the intersection of Calle Pedro Lorca and Rambla Juan Mateo García, a well-known central location. Emergency services were immediately deployed, and paramedics attempted to resuscitate the victim at the scene. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead.According to reports from the Guardia Civil, three men were arrested in connection with the incident just hours later. Authorities have since confirmed that a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting has been recovered. Forensic specialists from the criminal investigations unit were quickly deployed to the scene, where officers cordoned off the area for several hours as part of their enquiries.The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but investigators have not ruled out links to organised criminal activity. The detainees are currently being held while formal charges are prepared, and further details are expected to be released following judicial authorisation.The incident has renewed local concerns about violent crime, although police continue to stress that such events remain rare in the city. Nevertheless, additional patrols are expected in the coming days as a precaution.

Excerpt: A man has died following a central Torrevieja shooting on Sunday evening. Three suspects have been arrested, and Guardia Civil investigators are probing possible criminal links.

### Foreign Driver who Failed to Exchange Licence Amongst Those Caught in Dawn Traffic Check in Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s Local Police carried out a preventive road traffic control operation this morning at 06:15, targeting the junction of Avenida Rosa Mazón Valero and Avenida Delfina Viudes. The checkpoint forms part of an ongoing campaign to improve road safety, reduce traffic-related incidents, and detect offences linked to alcohol and drug consumption.



During the operation, officers registered a number of violations:



Three criminal offences for driving under the influence, with drivers exceeding the legal alcohol limit.



Five administrative fines for driving while affected by alcohol, though below the criminal threshold.



One fine for driving a vehicle with an expired ITV (MOT).



One penalty for failing to exchange a foreign driving licence within the legal deadline.



One report for a violation of Spain’s Citizen Security Law (Ley Orgánica 4/2015) due to a lack of respect shown to police officers during the stop.



The Department for Local Police reminded residents of the importance of following road traffic regulations and cooperating with officers during such operations, which are designed exclusively to protect the safety of all road users.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s Local Police conducted a 06:15 road safety operation today, resulting in three criminal offences for drink driving and several other violations, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce traffic incidents and promote responsible driving.

### PSOE Supports Summer Reinforcement of Guardia Civil and Police Staffing While Warning Against Misleading Talk of a National Police Takeover

Torrevieja’s PSOE councillors have voiced support for strengthening the number of Guardia Civil and National Police officers deployed in the municipality—particularly for administrative duties and seasonal reinforcements—but have also warned against creating false expectations around the potential establishment of a National Police station.



During a recent plenary session, Socialist spokesperson Bárbara Soler reminded the council that under Spanish law, responsibility for public security cannot be shared between two national forces in the same municipality. If Torrevieja were formally assigned to the Policía Nacional, the Guardia Civil would be withdrawn from public order duties, remaining only for specialised roles such as environmental protection (SEPRONA) and traffic enforcement.



Soler accused the local Partido Popular (PP) of “failing to explain this key detail,” stating that “they present the creation of a Policía Nacional station as a win, without acknowledging that it would mean losing our current Guardia Civil presence—many of whom have served here for years and are deeply rooted in our community.”



Recalling the town’s past debates on the issue, Soler noted that up until 2004, the PP supported boosting Guardia Civil staffing, only changing its position following a spike in serious crime and public outcry. A project for a Policía Nacional station was eventually drafted in 2005 but stalled due to deficiencies in the submission and was later shelved during the 2009 economic crisis. Despite governing at the local, regional and national level in subsequent years, the PP never revived the plan.



Soler also highlighted that Torrevieja currently hosts the largest Guardia Civil post in all of Spain, with continued reinforcements. She added that demands from the PP for at least 100 additional agents are politically unrealistic in the short term and serve more as a talking point than a workable proposal.



National staffing levels for both Guardia Civil and Policía Nacional reached a record 156,463 officers in December 2024, according to Interior Ministry data. This follows five consecutive years of above‑100% public sector recruitment rates and the recovery of 14,381 officer positions lost between 2012 and 2017, a period governed by the PP.



The PSOE expressed gratitude to Spain’s law enforcement personnel for their ongoing service and condemned recent violent attacks against them in the strongest terms.



Soler closed her remarks by rejecting attempts from “certain sectors” to link immigration with crime, calling it a harmful and politically motivated narrative. “Most migrants contribute far more to society than they receive,” she said.

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has supported summer staffing reinforcements for police and Guardia Civil, while warning that creating a National Police station would displace the current Guardia Civil presence—a move they say is politically misrepresented.

### PSOE Slams New Social Services Contract for Torrevieja: “€1.2 Million Lost and Services Cut”

Torrevieja’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has sharply criticised the new 2025–2028 Social Services Contract Programme agreed between the Generalitat Valenciana and the City Council, warning it represents a major step backward for local welfare provision.



Socialist councillor Carol Ponce, who had previously tabled a motion urging the Generalitat to approve the contract without cuts, has denounced the final agreement as delayed and damaging. The contract arrives seven months late and contains a reduction of €300,000 per year, amounting to a loss of over €1.2 million over the full term, despite rising social demand.



While funding for staffing—such as the Primary Care Team and the Specialised Childhood and Adolescent Intervention Team (EEIIA)—has increased by €190,000 to reflect salary rises and two new posts, key services have seen drastic cuts or have been removed altogether.



One of the most affected is SASEM, the Mental Health Support and Monitoring Service, which previously received €279,000 annually. “The service was never implemented despite receiving funds for three years. The result? This year, the funding has been slashed to €84,000,” Ponce explained.



Another casualty is the Social Inclusion Pathways Programme, designed to support recipients of minimum income with training and employment access. Torrevieja received €303,000 over the previous three years but failed to implement the programme. The result for 2025: zero euros and complete removal.



Ponce also flagged that despite population growth, funding for other essential services has stagnated—or worse, quietly declined. The Home Help Service for dependent individuals remains frozen at €150,000, yet with over 700 fewer hours of care. The ‘Menjar a casa’ meals programme has seen no increase either.



In terms of equality policy, the new contract includes funding for two new professionals, but all references to gender violence have been erased. “Even the title ‘Gender Violence’ has been replaced with ‘Promotion of Equality Between Men and Women’,” Ponce noted.



To add to the concerns, during the most recent plenary session, the council acknowledged that it must return €74,000 plus interest for unspent EEIIA funds allocated in 2024.



Ponce expressed frustration that when raising these issues publicly, the mayor dismissed them and suggested she should have spoken privately to the relevant councillor. “The mayor insists I direct my questions elsewhere, but then refuses to let others respond in session. These are not doubts—I’m stating facts.”



She concluded by urging the administration to immediately request a formal addendum to rectify the situation for 2026 and minimise the impact on vulnerable residents this year.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s PSOE has criticised the 2025–2028 Social Services Contract for cutting over €1.2 million from local services, including mental health and social inclusion programmes, blaming inaction by the local government for funding losses.

### SUEÑA TORREVIEJA Criticises Poor Execution of PP's Investment Projects: “Only 12% Underway”

The local political group SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has denounced what it describes as a "worryingly low" level of progress in investment projects announced by the Partido Popular (PP) during the current municipal term. According to spokesperson Pablo Samper, only 12% of the €153 million investment budget is currently in execution.



The figures, based on official records from the month of June 2025, reveal that just five of the eight projects classified as "underway" have any approved progress certifications. Of those, the average rate of execution is just 15.5%, far below what had been publicly claimed.



“Once again, reality has overtaken the propaganda,” Samper stated. “While the mayor publicly claimed a 30% execution rate, the actual documentation tells a very different story.”



Among the most concerning examples cited are:




The primary electrification works at the port, which after three certifications are still only 11.16% complete.



The Levante breakwater coordination project, linked to the nearby leisure centre, which stands at a mere 4.06%.



Projects such as the Mínguez dock renovation and the animal shelter remain virtually at a standstill.




Samper also noted with concern that, in June, certifications were approved with a declared value of zero euros for the Hombre del Mar pumping station, indicating that no measurable progress had been made at all.



“This isn’t about a few minor delays—it’s a clear pattern of systemic failure to deliver on promised infrastructure,” he added.



SUEÑA TORREVIEJA is demanding a full and public explanation from the PP-led administration regarding the true status of each project and the verified percentage of works completed to date. “Residents have a right to know how their money is being spent—and why the PP’s headline-grabbing investment plans are turning into empty promises,” Samper concluded.

Excerpt: SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has accused the PP government of failing to deliver on key infrastructure projects, claiming only 12% of the €153 million investment budget is in execution and warning of stalled works, zero-value certifications, and missed targets.

### PSOE Accuses PP of Abandoning Torrevieja with Major Cuts to Plan +Cerca Funding

Torrevieja’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has sharply criticised the Partido Popular (PP) for slashing financial support to the city under the Plan +Cerca programme, administered by the Alicante Provincial Council.



According to the PSOE, funding for Torrevieja in the latest round of allocations has been reduced by more than €292,000 compared to last year. This follows a previous cut of over €211,000 in 2023, meaning the municipality has lost more than half a million euros in just two years under the current PP-led provincial government.



Socialist councillors argue that these continued reductions are becoming the norm, and accuse the PP of deliberately weakening local councils through arbitrary decisions that directly impact residents. The funds in question are typically used to address essential needs and to deliver local development projects.



In a statement, the PSOE called on Mayor Eduardo Dolón to defend Torrevieja’s interests, stating: “It is time for the mayor to stand up to his own party and protect this city from yet another damaging budget cut.”



The party also condemned what it described as a broader economic model from the PP that “suffocates municipalities while favouring the few.” They pointed to a pattern of tax breaks for wealthier individuals and leniency towards large corporations, contrasting this with financial pressure on local councils.



“The people of Torrevieja deserve fair funding that allows our town to move forward, not backwards,” the statement concluded. “We say enough is enough.”

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s PSOE has denounced the PP-led Alicante Provincial Council for cutting Plan +Cerca funding to the city by over €500,000 across two years, warning the move will impact essential services and local development.

### Punta Prima Roundabout to Receive AI-Controlled Traffic Light System in €338,000 Project

A landmark project is set to transform traffic management at one of the most notorious bottlenecks on the southern Costa Blanca. The Spanish Ministry of Transport has confirmed a €338,322 investment for the installation of a cutting-edge, AI-powered traffic light system at the Punta Prima roundabout, which sits on the N‑332 coastal road at the Orihuela Costa–Torrevieja boundary.













The new system will be one of the first of its kind in the region, using artificial intelligence to monitor traffic conditions in real time and adjust the sequencing of lights accordingly. The aim is to ease congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons, when traffic at the roundabout often becomes gridlocked, causing long delays for both local commuters and visitors travelling between Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, and beyond.



The roundabout at kilometre 51.5 of the N‑332 is not only a major intersection for daily traffic but also a key access point to several residential developments, shopping areas, and tourist attractions. The intelligent traffic management system will use sensor networks and predictive algorithms to streamline vehicle movement based on live traffic density and flow, rather than relying on fixed light cycles.



This innovative infrastructure project is being positioned by transport officials as a potential model for other high-traffic areas along the Mediterranean corridor. The system will also collect long-term data to support ongoing optimisation and could incorporate pedestrian and cyclist safety measures as part of future phases.



The decision to move forward with the project comes after years of local pressure and technical studies highlighting the roundabout’s inefficiency and its impact on the surrounding urban environment.



Construction is expected to begin later this year, with implementation completed in stages to minimise disruption to daily traffic.



This development is in addition to the widening of the N-332 through Torrevieja, which is now progressing, after decades of stagnation caused by the original failings of Torrevieja town hall.

Excerpt: The Punta Prima roundabout on the N‑332 is to receive a €338,000 AI-controlled traffic light system designed to reduce congestion and streamline vehicle flow, in what officials call a pioneering move for the region.

### Torrevieja Pride 2025: A Missed Opportunity for Meaningful Representation

Julia Manzanares Ribeiro, Secretary of Equality and LGBTI of the Municipal Group of the PSOE of Torrevieja, has issued comment and opinion on the state of Pride celebrations in Torrevieja, echoing the opinion that this year’s LGTBIQ+ Pride celebrations in Torrevieja, or more to the point the lack of, have left some with a sense of disillusionment, as what was once a bold statement of protest and visibility now seems to be managed as a mere procedural formality.



And, whereas the LGTBIQ+ community are all too aware that the support of the town's mayor, Eduardo Dolon, never stretches beyond empty promises in the run up to the elections, a man not usually shy of the cameras, and who recently attended the literal opening of a handbag, yet is never present in the minimal events that Torrevieja now shows in support of the community, the community is once again seeing the reality of how little Torrevieja council actually think of them. As if last year wasn't clear enough, with the permission of a Vox rally being given, meaning the LGTBIQ+ event being abandoned for fear of the safety of those taking part, faced off by the far-right opposers, this is still seemingly the legacy from the previously homophobic mayor, Pedro Hernández Mateo, whose offensive comments against a popular Spanish singer, Miguel Bosé, resulting in the cancelation of a concert, saw national coverage, remembering that he, now a convicted criminal, was the mentor of the now mayor, Dolon.



Fast forward back to today, and Manzanares Ribeiro points out that the most striking controversy emerged over the official Pride manifesto. The local group Asociación Torrevieja Diversa withdrew from the event after the Town Hall refused to include language calling for increased resources for equality policies—not just from the national government, but also from the Generalitat Valenciana. The disagreement didn’t stop there; the group was also excluded from helping to shape the official programming and the institutional slogan. While Torrevieja Diversa had suggested “Intolerance is not therapy, freedom is,” the final slogan chosen was the more generic “Love has no gender.”



This lack of inclusion reflects a broader trend: that Pride in Torrevieja is being reduced to a token celebration—an event to tick off the municipal calendar—rather than a meaningful platform for advocacy, visibility and change. The event held along the Paseo Vistalegre lacked any visible symbols, banners, information points or speeches. To the casual observer, it may have appeared no different from any other summer party.



Such omissions speak volumes. Pride, born out of resistance and struggle, now risks losing its political and social edge. And this isn't unique to Torrevieja; it’s a shift seen in many places. What was once a powerful demand for rights and recognition is increasingly diluted into a symbolic gesture, stripped of its urgency and intent.



For many in the local LGTBIQ+ community—especially young people who remain politically engaged and expect more from their institutions—this performative approach falls far short. They are not looking for light shows or DJ booths, but for real commitment: safe spaces, inclusive policies, educational initiatives, and cultural programming that reflects the community’s history and diversity.



True Pride is not just about celebration. It is about remembering what has been fought for, acknowledging what remains to be done, and committing to real progress. When institutions simply go through the motions, people notice. But when events are rooted in respect, solidarity and purpose, the difference is unmistakable—and deeply felt.



Aside from the true meaning of Pride, it is also perhaps worth mentioning that these events carry significant financial rewards. For Dolon, who also seems intent on killing off the traditional tourist attractions in Torrevieja, such as the May Fair, the Medieval Markets, and the like, in favour of music fiestas that attract a younger crowd, and always over exaggerating the financial value to the local economy of those events, the so-called Pink Pound is worth in the region of 6 billion pound in the UK alone, in the more recent report, some 350 billion dollars in America. 



Look to the island of Gran Canaria, where some kind of Pride is celebrated almost weekly (that too is an actual exaggeration, but they are frequent), and look at the revenue those events bring in all year round. Actual real revenue on accomodation, food, local businesses, travel, rather than the music festivals where, generally, people bring their own food and drink, sleep on the site or in their cars, and, at best, do the occasional shop at the big (mostly French in this area) supermarkets, not the local economy. 



By maintaining this stance of ticking a box, Torrevieja is missing out on a considerable share of that revenue, something which Benidorm, and even Alicante, both, coincidentally, also led by mayors from the same Partido Popular party as Torrevieja, and even Santa Pola, again with a PP lead, dedicating beach space to Pride, and yet, for Torrevieja, Pride is not in either in the name of love, nor money.

Excerpt: This year’s Pride celebrations in Torrevieja have drawn criticism for lacking meaningful inclusion or political purpose, with local LGTBIQ+ voices sidelined and concerns raised over the event’s growing superficiality.

### 811 New Affordable Homes Next to Lagoons Village Set to Reignite Criticism Over Vacant Stock

Torrevieja is set to welcome 811 new affordable homes under the Generalitat Valenciana's Plan Vive, but the announcement is likely to draw sharp criticism once more, after the local socialist councillors previously raised concerns over the high number of existing vacant properties in the city, and could also ignite complaints from buyers over the juxtaposition of publicly funded social homes alongside luxury developments.



According to local socialists, more than 30,000 homes in Torrevieja currently stand empty, despite efforts to promote affordable housing. The controversy is compounded by the fact that private residences are already under construction in the nearby exclusive Lagoons Village area, with prices starting around €250,000, and some units commanding significantly higher values.



Socialist spokeswoman Bárbara Soler had labelled the government’s approach as “more than a pantomime with which they try to take credit for the construction of social housing”, pointing out that plots in La Hoya were already designated for social housing long before the Plan Vive announcement. She also highlighted that while 600 units were initially promised, the final figure has still fallen short—having decreased from earlier projections.



Further criticism was directed at the regional administration for increasing public housing rental rates to levels close to market prices in some areas, calling the pricing strategy “unacceptable” and questioning its real affordability.



Despite the tension, the Plan Vive contracts have been officially awarded, and construction is expected to begin soon on Council land in Torrevieja. However, PSOE officials could argue that the city would be better served by repurposing some of the thousands of empty private homes already on the market, rather than building new projects that border high-end developments and the natural park which led to the environmental benefits of the area, now potentially becoming another victim of over construction.

Excerpt: While Torrevieja prepares for 811 new social housing units under Plan Vive, local socialists warned the city’s 30,000+ vacant homes should be prioritised.

### Torrevieja Hosts the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition

This Sunday, 20 July, Torrevieja will once again become the focal point of the global choral community as it welcomes the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition—an event recognised as of International Tourist Interest and awarded the Medal for Cultural Merit by the Generalitat Valenciana.



The grand opening gala, set to begin at 22:30 in the Municipal Theatre, will feature renditions of the official hymns of Torrevieja, Valencia, and Spain, performed by the Unión Musical Torrevejense alongside soloists Alberto Ballesta and Conchita Pérez Boj. Spanish singer Sole Giménez, best known for her work with Presuntos Implicados, will headline the evening, bringing her renowned vocal artistry to the prestigious stage.



Over the course of the event, nearly 700 performers, including singers and instrumentalists, will take part. Nine international choirs from Europe, the Americas and Asia will compete, each required to perform the set habanera ‘Torrevieja es así’, composed by Mario Bustillo with lyrics by Mari Paz Andréu. In addition, choirs will present two free-choice habaneras and two polyphonic pieces to showcase their full vocal range and technique.



The jury for this edition includes esteemed figures from the world of choral music: Bernadette Kühne, David Colado, Julia Foruria, Josep Vila, and Javier Corcuera. A total of €49,500 in prize money will be awarded across 11 categories, with the coveted “Ricardo Lafuente” First Prize for Habaneras offering €12,000 and a commemorative trophy.



On Monday, 21 July, the spotlight will turn to Torrevieja’s own choral ensembles, with performances by the Maestro Ricardo Lafuente Choir and Orchestra, the José Hódar choral society, the Manuel Barberá choral group, the Orfeón de Torrevieja, the Maestro Casanovas choir and the Francisco Vallejos choir. Tuesday will feature a special gala led by the Sinfonía Choir from the Municipal Choral School, fresh from their prize-winning appearance at the Cork International Choral Festival, alongside a guest performance by the Madrid Male Voice Choir, celebrating its 30th anniversary.



The competition proper will run from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July, with the final evening on Saturday 26 dedicated to the closing gala and awards ceremony.



All seven nights will be professionally recorded for a special broadcast by Spanish National Television (TVE). In Spain, the programme will air on La2, with additional international broadcasts planned via TVE’s international channel for audiences in Europe, America, and Asia. The event will also stream live on the Patronato’s official website and will be covered locally by Televisión Torrevieja and À Punt, the regional broadcaster.



This year’s presenter will be Ana Belén Roy, a well-known journalist from TVE, who expressed personal excitement about the role, sharing her childhood memories of visiting Torrevieja. “It feels like life has come full circle,” she said. “Presenting this event is an honour I will always treasure.”



Complementing the main programme, the Patronato has organised additional concerts throughout the city, with open-air recitals in pedestrian areas near Calle Concepción, in La Mata, and at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, bringing the spirit of the festival to the wider public.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition begins on Sunday 20 July, with over 700 performers, nine international choirs, and a full week of music, culminating in a prestigious awards gala and nationwide TV coverage.

### Torrevieja PSOE Demands Mayor Address Conviction of Former Deputy Mayor for Prevarication

Torrevieja’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has called on Mayor Eduardo Dolón to take public responsibility and offer a clear explanation following the conviction of his long-time political ally and former deputy mayor for the crime of prevarication.



The former councillor, once considered the mayor’s right hand, has been sentenced to seven years of disqualification from holding public office after the court found she unlawfully awarded contracts worth €232,000 to seven companies without any legal framework in place. The ruling stated that she knowingly bypassed public procurement rules, verbally arranging services and supplies for a council employment workshop without proper procedures or documentation.



During her time in office, she oversaw key departments such as Public Contracting, Parks and Gardens, and Urban Cleaning. One of the largest contracts under her management was the municipal waste service. According to the court’s findings, her actions were deliberate, systematic, and in violation of public contracting principles.



PSOE councillor David Villanueva condemned the mayor’s silence, pointing out what he sees as hypocrisy. “Just days ago, Mayor Dolón criticised national leaders for trusting corrupt officials, yet he refuses to apply those same standards to his own administration,” Villanueva said. He referenced recent remarks made by the mayor where he called for national resignations over corruption, suggesting Dolón now holds himself to a different standard.



Villanueva also criticised the lack of transparency, noting that the former councillor only resigned in December 2022 after it became public that she was facing two separate legal cases, despite previously denying it. She still awaits a verdict in a second case of alleged prevarication, where the anti-corruption prosecutor is requesting an additional 12-year ban.



In a video posted to social media, Villanueva alleged that no trace of the unauthorised works remains, as the area was later redeveloped—specifically, the construction of the new Parque de la Siesta—implying an attempt to cover up the misconduct.



Even more concerning, he said, was testimony from contractors involved in the case. “They weren’t surprised by the irregularities. In fact, they testified that such procedures were standard at Torrevieja Town Hall,” Villanueva stated.



He concluded by urging the mayor to publicly denounce the offences committed by his former deputy, from whom he continued to speak fondly during the recent election campaign. “Mr Dolón must take responsibility, apologise to the public, and demonstrate the same ethical standards he demands of others,” Villanueva said. He also noted that the Town Hall could pursue civil liability against the former councillor to recover public funds used to cover interest on unpaid invoices that eventually led to court proceedings. “But will they?” he asked.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s PSOE has demanded Mayor Eduardo Dolón explain and take responsibility for the prevarication conviction of his former deputy mayor, criticising what they describe as a double standard in ethical accountability and calling for potential recovery of public funds.

### Torrevieja Unveils Ambitious Cultural Programme to Close Out the Year

Torrevieja has announced its official cultural programme for the final quarter of 2025, promising a vibrant and diverse selection of performances from September through December. The schedule features high-profile national acts, acclaimed musicians, theatre productions and family-friendly events, all aimed at closing the year “in grand style.”









The programme includes standout theatrical performances such as Estado de Alarma, starring Lara Dibildos and César Lucendo, as well as the comedy Inmaduros, led by Carlos Sobera. Belinda Washington will bring her new comedy Remátame Otra Vez to the local stage, adding to the season’s strong dramatic lineup.



In terms of music, the internationally renowned violinist Ara Malikian will present Intruso, a multidisciplinary concert that combines classical performance with contemporary flair. Fans of ballet will also enjoy a production of Swan Lake, performed by a professional touring company.



Additional highlights include live magic shows, a special DJ concert by the Royal Concert Orchestra, and tribute acts dedicated to artists such as Joaquín Sabina and Michael Jackson. Family audiences can look forward to Vaiana, El Musical, while rock fans will enjoy homages to The Beatles and other classics. The schedule also reserves space for local artists and music groups, supporting home-grown talent and community participation.



The announcement reinforces Torrevieja’s position as a cultural hub on the Costa Blanca, with events scheduled across major venues including the Municipal Theatre and the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. Tickets will be made available progressively, with updates posted via the Town Hall’s official platforms.



The local Department of Culture encourages early booking and community support to help close out the year with record attendance and a renewed appreciation for the performing arts.

Excerpt: Torrevieja has announced a packed cultural programme for September to December 2025, featuring top national artists, theatre, music, comedy and family shows, closing the year with a celebration of artistic talent across all ages.

### SUEÑA TORREVIEJA Demands Urgent Creation of National Police Station

SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has formally submitted a motion to Torrevieja City Council calling for the immediate establishment of a National Police station in the city. The proposal, presented by councillor Pablo Samper at the plenary session on 13 July, argues that Torrevieja not only meets but exceeds the legal population threshold required for such a facility under national legislation.



Samper criticised the current situation as “an unsustainable paradox,” noting that Torrevieja is the third most populated city in the province of Alicante and the fifth in the Valencian Community, yet remains without its own National Police station. “This is not simply a bureaucratic anomaly—it represents a serious failure of the State in its obligation to protect citizens,” he said.



According to Samper, other cities such as Benidorm, Orihuela and Paterna—each with smaller populations—already have dedicated police facilities and specialist units, while Torrevieja’s residents face delays in police response, overloaded local officers, and growing insecurity in both urban and tourist areas.



In the motion, SUEÑA TORREVIEJA references both the Organic Law 2/1986 and Royal Decree 991/2006, which mandate the creation of a National Police station in municipalities with more than 50,000 registered residents. Torrevieja, Samper noted, now has over 100,000 registered residents and welcomes over 300,000 visitors during the summer months—three times the legal threshold.



The councillor also condemned the local government’s decision to allocate nearly half a million euros to private security contracts instead of lobbying for State resources. “We are not asking for special treatment—we are demanding compliance with the law. A National Police station is not a luxury, it is a right based on population and a critical tool for maintaining public safety,” he stated.



SUEÑA TORREVIEJA proposes the soon-to-be vacated bus station site as a potential location and has urged the municipal government, the provincial sub-delegation, and the Ministry of the Interior to establish a negotiation committee to advance the project without delay.



“Enough of being treated like a village,” Samper concluded, calling for the support of all political groups to approve the motion unanimously and bring an end to what he described as Torrevieja’s “illegal exception” status.

Excerpt: SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has submitted a motion demanding the urgent creation of a National Police station in the city, citing population figures well above legal thresholds and criticising delays, insecurity and lack of state-level policing.

### Traditional Festivities in Honour of Virgen del Carmen Begin in Torrevieja

This weekend marks the start of Torrevieja’s annual homage to the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen, with events extending from Saturday, 12 July, through Wednesday, 16 July. Known for its maritime traditions, the celebration retains its deep-rooted religious spirit even as the usual sea procession is suspended due to ongoing harbour works.



Festivities opened in the morning with activities tailored for families at the Lonja de Pescado, including children’s entertainment and a solidarity luncheon to benefit ALPE and APANEE. That same evening, a solemn mass took place at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, during which floral tributes were laid in memory of lost fishermen. This was followed by a musical tribute led by the local choir and the Unión Musical Torrevejense, culminating at the Monument to the Man of the Sea with the moving Salve Marinera chant.



On Tuesday, 15 July, the scene shifts to conviviality at the paella contest in the Lonja, accompanied by live music from the charanga Los Sulfamidas. Prizes will be awarded to the contest winners, blending culinary tradition with festive camaraderie.



Wednesday, the 16th, will begin with a traditional street diana—a musical wake-up call—led by local bands at 08:00. This will be followed by the exciting maritime challenge of the cucaña on the port: brave participants will attempt to walk a greased pole in pursuit of a flag flapping at its end. The evening ceremony returns to the Church of the Immaculate Conception with a high mass, again accompanied by the José Hódar choir, and culminates in a land-based procession through the city centre, including stops at significant landmarks like Paseo Vista Alegre. The day closes with a fireworks display as the procession returns the image of the Virgen to her church.



While this year’s celebration lacks the customary sea procession, organisers emphasise that safety considerations due to port construction make this necessary. Nevertheless, the event remains a deeply meaningful gathering, honouring the town’s maritime heritage and bringing together residents and visitors in shared devotion.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s traditional Virgen del Carmen festivities began this weekend (12–16 July), featuring masses, paella contests and festive processions, with special maritime games—but no sea procession this year due to harbour works.

### Wednesday is a Holiday in Torrevieja - Virgen del Carmen

Wednesday 16th July is a local holiday in Torrevieja, as well as many other towns around the country where fishermen are key to their history, celebrating the patron saint, Virgen del Carmen.



In Torrevieja, the celebrations start this weekend and run through to the main event.



VIRGEN DEL CARMEN 2025



Saturday, July 12



12:00 p.m. Children's entertainment show.



 2:00 p.m. Lunch for the children of Alpe and Apanee. Location: Fish Market.



8:00 p.m. Mass and floral offering.



Location: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.



MASS in memory of all deceased fishermen, sung by the "José Hódar" Choir. This will be followed by the traditional floral offering, accompanied by the Torrevieja Musical Union, to the Man of the Sea (Paseo Juan Aparicio), where the "SAILOR'S SALVE" will be performed by the José Hódar Choir.



Tuesday, July 15



Paella Competition at the Fish Market



With entertainment by the Los Sulfamidas band and, at the end, the Paella Competition awards ceremony



Wednesday, July 16



8:00 a.m. "Traditional Diana" will liven up the atmosphere with festive melodies through the city streets.



11:30h. "Cucaña Maritima"



Challenge and laughter guaranteed: Dare to conquer it!



Location: Port of Torrevieja



8:00 p.m. Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, sung by the "José Hódar" Choral Mass. At the end of the mass, the procession of the Virgen del Carmen will begin to Paseo Vista Alegre (Tribute to the Musicians).



Fireworks will then be set off and the procession will return to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.



THIS YEAR, DUE TO PORT WORKS, THE TRADITIONAL BOAT AND PROMENADE OF THE VIRGIN DEL CARMEN WILL NOT TAKE PLACE.



As a NEW FEATURE, this year's procession will pass along Paseo Vista Alegre.

### Grand Spectacle Awaits: Guardamar del Segura's Moors and Christians Festivities 2025 Unveiled

Guardamar del Segura is set to once again transform into a vibrant canvas of history and tradition with the official announcement of its Moors and Christians Festivities for 2025. These highly anticipated celebrations, a cornerstone of the town's cultural calendar, promise an unforgettable spectacle of colour, music, and dramatic re-enactments, drawing both locals and tourists to experience a profound sense of heritage.



The festivities are a deep-rooted tradition, commemorating the historical battles and coexistence between the Moorish and Christian communities in Spain. Participants, dressed in meticulously crafted period costumes, will parade through the streets, accompanied by stirring musical ensembles. The highlight of the event will be the grand re-enactment of the landing of the Moors and the subsequent Christian conquest, complete with impressive choreography and pyrotechnic displays.



Throughout the week, the town will host a series of events, including formal parades, ambush re-enactments, and traditional religious ceremonies. Food stalls will offer local delicacies, and the atmosphere will be charged with a sense of camaraderie and celebration. The preparations for this elaborate event are already underway, involving hundreds of residents who dedicate countless hours to perfecting every detail, from the intricate costume designs to the synchronised movements of the parading factions. The cultural significance of these festivities extends beyond mere entertainment; they serve as a powerful reminder of Guardamar del Segura's rich past and its enduring community spirit.



The grand spectacle of the Guardamar del Segura Moors and Christians Festivities is scheduled to run from Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 27th, 2025. While the main events will take place during this period, some preliminary activities, including the popular Street Food market and local band performances, are set to commence a day earlier, on Thursday, July 17th, providing an extended opportunity to immerse yourself in this vibrant cultural celebration.

Excerpt: Guardamar del Segura's spectacular Moors and Christians Festivities for 2025 have been officially announced! Prepare for a week of vibrant parades, historical re-enactments, and traditional celebrations as the town brings its rich past to life. This cultural highlight promises an unforgettable experience for all.

### Children’s “Creative Exploration” Art Exhibition Opens at Virgen del Carmen Centre

Torrevieja’s Municipal School of Painting has opened a new exhibition titled “Creative Exploration”, showcasing imaginative artworks produced by primary-school pupils during the 2024–25 academic year. Held in the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the exhibition explores themes such as emotion, memory and collective creativity, with young artists drawing inspiration from surrealism and classical art techniques.



The collection features a variety of expressive pieces—from abstract colour compositions to narrative scenes—each reflecting the students’ unique perspectives. Coordinated by their painting teacher, the project emphasises experimentation with materials and ideas, encouraging participants to explore their personal artistic voice.



The exhibition will remain on display for two weeks, offering families and the community an opportunity to celebrate the creativity of emerging local talent. Admission is free, and visitors can explore the display during the Centre’s regular hours.

Excerpt: A new exhibition by Torrevieja’s Municipal School of Painting titled “Creative Exploration” has opened at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, featuring imaginative works by primary-school pupils across themes of emotion, memory and creativity.

### Habaneras Shopping Centre Celebrates 20 Years with Weekend Festival

Torrevieja’s Habaneras Shopping Centre is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a vibrant three-day programme of activities running from 11 to 13 July. The festivities are designed to offer a mix of fashion, food, music and community engagement—all taking place within and around the shopping centre complex.



Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive culinary workshop, with local chefs guiding guests through modern cooking techniques and tastings.



Entertainment will continue throughout the weekend with live music from popular acts including The Crooners and Ensemble Live Music. Performance areas will be set up around the centre, creating a festive open-air atmosphere for shoppers and passers-by.



To mark the occasion, Habaneras has also launched a charity initiative: a mural wall where guests can leave written messages. For every message added, the centre will donate €1 to the local family-support charity Lazos de Crianza. Organisers hope to raise significant funds for the cause over the three-day period.



Additional highlights include gift giveaways, games, and themed activities for children. Lollipops will be distributed to visitors as a cheerful gesture throughout the celebration.



Now a staple of Torrevieja’s commercial and social life, Habaneras Shopping Centre continues to serve as a hub for shopping, leisure and local culture. Its anniversary celebrations aim to reinforce the centre’s connection with the community while offering something special for everyone.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s Habaneras Shopping Centre is marking its 20th anniversary with a three-day celebration from 11 to 13 July, featuring fashion, music, food workshops and a charitable mural in support of local families.

### PSOE Calls for Institutional Tribute to Torrevieja Victims of 1938 Bombing

The Socialist Party (PSOE) in Torrevieja has submitted a formal motion calling for official acts to honour the memory of local victims of the 1938 fascist bombing during the Spanish Civil War. The proposal, led by municipal spokesperson Bárbara Soler, will be presented at the next plenary session of the City Council.



On 25 August 1938, Torrevieja was attacked by Italian fascist aircraft allied with General Francisco Franco. The bombing claimed the lives of 19 residents—many of them children and infants—and left dozens more injured. Most victims had been queuing to buy fish at the time of the strike.



Soler highlighted the disparity in how institutions commemorate civilian victims of the war. She pointed to the city of Alicante, where the Italian bombing of the central market resulted in over 300 deaths. There, annual commemorations are held under the leadership of a mayor from the same political party as Torrevieja’s. In contrast, Torrevieja has not seen institutional tributes since the 2015–2019 term, when a progressive coalition was in office.



Since then, remembrance has been limited to events organised by local parties and historical memory associations—without the participation of the municipal government. The PSOE argues that in today’s climate of growing detachment from democratic values, it is more important than ever to recognise events that shaped the city’s modern history and to ensure they are not forgotten.



Soler also acknowledged the consistent work of community groups that have kept the memory alive over the years, despite differing political ideologies, all united in a shared goal: to honour the victims of that tragic day.



The PSOE motion proposes the following actions:




Officially designate 25 August as a municipal remembrance day in honour of the victims of the 1938 bombing.



Hold a public act with full council participation, including the reading of a statement, a five-minute silence, and a floral tribute at a designated site.



Install a commemorative monolith at Torrevieja’s port listing the names of those who lost their lives.



Include the victims’ names in future decisions on naming new streets in the city.




The motion seeks not only to restore historical memory but to ensure that Torrevieja offers institutional recognition to a chapter of its past that remains painfully under-recognised.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s PSOE has submitted a motion urging the council to officially commemorate the victims of the 1938 fascist bombing, proposing an annual remembrance day, a public ceremony, a memorial at the port and the inclusion of victims' names in future street naming.

### Free Summer Digital Camp Announced for Torrevieja Children

Torrevieja’s Department of Education has announced a new summer initiative aimed at introducing local children to the world of digital technology. The free camp, open to children aged 9 to 13, will run from 21 to 25 July and is designed to blend learning with fun through hands-on activities in coding, robotics and digital literacy.



The sessions will be held in a dedicated learning space within the city, with a focus on interactive, game-based learning to keep young participants engaged. Activities will include basic programming, building and operating small robots, and educational games that promote safe and responsible use of technology. Children will also learn key concepts around online safety, digital ethics and the responsible use of social media.



Places on the course are limited, and families are encouraged to register early to secure a spot. The initiative is free of charge for all participants and forms part of the local council’s broader strategy to improve digital competence and technological inclusion among the younger generation.



Organisers emphasise that no prior experience in technology is needed—just curiosity and enthusiasm. The camp is intended to offer a positive and enriching experience during the school holiday period, helping children to build valuable skills while having fun with their peers.

Excerpt: Torrevieja will host a free digital summer camp from 21 to 25 July, offering children aged 9 to 13 a hands-on introduction to coding, robotics and online safety in a fun, interactive setting.

### International Festival of Musical Bands Begins in Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s celebrated International Festival of Musical Bands officially began this weekend, marking the start of a week-long celebration of live music, tradition and cultural exchange. Now in its 23rd edition, the festival brings together bands from across Europe to perform in a series of parades and concerts throughout the city, running from 6 to 12 July.



The opening day featured a lively youth parade, where young musicians marched through the city centre to enthusiastic applause from residents and visitors. The inaugural performances showcased local talent and set the tone for a packed programme of evening concerts, each taking place at the city’s main cultural venues.



This year’s festival includes a diverse lineup of ensembles representing various musical traditions and regions. Performances will include classical works, contemporary compositions and festive marches, offering audiences a rich variety of styles. The programme also includes collaborative events that promote musical education and community involvement.



The event is organised by the Department of Culture and the Union Musical Torrevejense, with support from local authorities. It has become one of the summer’s key attractions for both locals and tourists, adding to Torrevieja’s growing reputation as a regional centre for cultural excellence.



Concerts are free to attend and open to all ages, with the final gala taking place on Friday. The closing performance will include a mass ensemble concert, bringing together participating bands in a symbolic celebration of unity through music.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s International Festival of Musical Bands began this weekend with a vibrant youth parade and evening concerts, launching a full week of music and cultural exchange across the city.

### Camilo and Rels B Confirmed as Headliners for Brilla Torrevieja Festival

Two of the most popular names in Latin and urban pop—Camilo and Rels B—have been confirmed as headline acts for this year’s Brilla Torrevieja Festival. The announcement has generated strong excitement among fans across the Costa Blanca, with tickets already selling quickly for what is expected to be one of the summer’s most memorable music events.



The festival, now in its fourth edition, has grown rapidly since its inception, placing Torrevieja firmly on the map as a major cultural and musical destination. This year’s programme will take place at a series of outdoor venues around the city, with large crowds anticipated for both headline and supporting performances.



Colombian singer-songwriter Camilo, known for his global hits and distinctive romantic style, will bring a mix of ballads and upbeat tracks to the festival stage. Rels B, the Mallorcan artist whose smooth blend of rap, trap and R&B has earned him a devoted following, will also perform in what organisers describe as a major highlight of the summer calendar.



In addition to music, the Brilla Torrevieja Festival offers a broader cultural programme with food trucks, art installations, family-friendly zones and late-night activities, making it a comprehensive celebration of creativity and entertainment.



The city council has welcomed the festival’s return, seeing it as a boost for local tourism, hospitality and business. With hotel bookings already rising ahead of the main events, this year’s edition is expected to break attendance records and attract visitors from across Spain and beyond.

Excerpt: Camilo and Rels B will headline the Brilla Torrevieja Festival later this month, promising standout performances in a summer event that positions the city as a major music and cultural hub.

### Orfeón de Torrevieja to Celebrate 18 Years with Gala Concert

This Sunday, the Orfeón de Torrevieja “Mario Bustillo” will mark its 18th anniversary with a special gala concert at the city’s Municipal Theatre. The concert, beginning at 20:00, promises a varied and emotionally rich repertoire designed to highlight both the ensemble’s musical growth and its ongoing contribution to Torrevieja’s cultural identity.



Founded in 2006, the Orfeón has steadily built a reputation for excellence in vocal performance, both within the Vega Baja and on national stages. The group’s name pays tribute to Mario Bustillo, one of the city’s most celebrated musical figures, known for his dedication to promoting local choral music and preserving the tradition of the habanera.



Sunday’s performance will include a diverse selection of works ranging from operatic arias and classical compositions to beloved zarzuelas and popular hits. Of particular note are several traditional habaneras—songs historically tied to Torrevieja’s seafaring and cultural heritage—which remain a signature of the group’s identity.



The concert is expected to draw a large audience, with strong support from residents and music lovers across the region. It forms part of the city’s ongoing summer programme of arts events and helps set the stage for later festivities, including the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest later this month.



Admission to the performance is free, although limited seating is available. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure entry and enjoy an evening celebrating one of Torrevieja’s most enduring artistic institutions.

Excerpt: The Orfeón de Torrevieja will celebrate its 18th anniversary with a gala concert this Sunday at the Municipal Theatre, featuring opera, zarzuela, and traditional habaneras in a tribute to the city’s musical heritage.

### Continued Heat Advisory in Effect for Torrevieja

Torrevieja remains under a yellow-level weather alert today as high temperatures and persistent humidity continue to affect the region. Daytime highs are expected to reach around 32 °C, but with humidity taken into account, the perceived temperature—also known as the heat index—may climb to 38 °C in the afternoon.



Local authorities are urging residents and visitors to take sensible precautions, especially between midday and early evening, when heat stress is most likely. People are advised to stay indoors or seek shade during the hottest hours, remain well hydrated throughout the day, and wear light, breathable clothing. The advice is particularly important for the elderly, young children, and anyone with existing health conditions.



Although light easterly breezes are forecast to bring slight relief, they are unlikely to reduce the overall intensity of the heat. With overnight temperatures staying around 25 °C, conditions remain uncomfortable for sleeping, prompting health services to remind the public of the importance of ventilation and rest.



No disruptions to public services have been reported, but community groups and health workers have been asked to remain vigilant for signs of heat-related illness, especially among vulnerable members of the population. The advisory is expected to stay in place for the remainder of the weekend, with a further update due if conditions intensify or extend into the week.

### La Mata Prepares for 28th Annual Futsal Tournament

La Mata is gearing up for one of its most anticipated summer sporting events as the 28th Annual Futsal Tournament returns on 7 July. Hosted at the local sports pavilion, the tournament will bring together amateur teams from across Torrevieja and the wider Vega Baja region, continuing a long-standing tradition that blends friendly competition with community celebration.



The tournament is open to various age groups and is expected to draw dozens of teams over the course of the event, which typically spans several days of fast-paced matches played under the five-a-side indoor football format. Local organisers, with support from Torrevieja’s sports department, have once again ensured that registration remains accessible to all, keeping the event inclusive and popular among residents.



Beyond the matches themselves, the tournament is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with families and spectators gathering to cheer from the stands. The event often includes music, refreshments and informal awards to recognise standout performances and sportsmanship.



As the tournament approaches, players are finalising their training and preparations, while the community looks forward to another successful edition of this summer sporting fixture. The La Mata Futsal Tournament continues to serve not only as a platform for local athletic talent, but as a spirited reminder of the town’s strong sporting culture and neighbourly camaraderie.

### Magic and Comedy Festival Opens in San Miguel de Salinas

San Miguel de Salinas has launched its first-ever Magic and Comedy series, offering a vibrant new addition to the town’s summer cultural calendar. The festival began on Saturday evening in Plaza de la Libertad, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of residents and visitors to enjoy the opening performance under the warm July skies.



The series is scheduled to run throughout the month, with performances taking place every Wednesday at 21:30. Each evening will feature a rotating lineup of professional magicians and comedians, promising a varied programme that blends sleight of hand, visual illusions, stand-up comedy and family-friendly entertainment.



Organised by the local council, the festival is part of a wider initiative to expand free, accessible cultural activities in smaller towns within the Vega Baja region. By hosting events in public squares, organisers hope to foster community spirit and encourage participation from all ages. Seating is open-air and free of charge, with no advance booking required.



With a focus on creativity, humour and spectacle, the Magic and Comedy series is expected to become a summer tradition, offering locals and tourists alike a reason to gather, laugh and experience live performance in a relaxed setting.

### Summer Sounds Set to Spark Life Along the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is gearing up for a season of music, with festivals of all sizes lined up to fill coastal towns with rhythm, culture, and celebration throughout July and August. From large-scale concerts to relaxed open-air performances, the region is embracing its role as a summer stage for both international acts and homegrown talent.



One of the biggest draws this season is the FIB festival in Benicàssim, just north of the region, which continues to attract festivalgoers from across Europe. Meanwhile, cities like Alicante and Elche will offer their own dynamic line-ups, with performances ranging from flamenco to indie, staged in gardens, plazas, and seaside venues.



Further along the coast, communities such as Altea, Denia, and Calpe are curating more intimate experiences, hosting live music in scenic spots where residents and tourists alike can enjoy local cuisine and handmade crafts alongside the sounds of summer.



Local councils are viewing the festival season as a key opportunity to support cultural engagement and stimulate the tourism sector. Funding has been directed toward infrastructure, safety, and promotion, with early signs suggesting a strong response from both audiences and the hospitality industry.



With its mix of coastal charm and musical variety, the Costa Blanca looks set to offer more than just sunshine this summer — it’s shaping up to be one of the liveliest cultural destinations in the country.

### Torrevieja Parks and Gardens Launch Social Media Channels

If you live in one of the urbanisations around Torrevieja, rather than the town centre, you might be surprised to hear that such a team exists, but the good news is that The Parks and Gardens Department in Torrevieja, managed by Actúa – Grupo Hozono Global, has debuted its official social media presence under the handle @jardinesdetorrevieja across Facebook, Instagram and X, and though, thanks to digital technology, those living in the outer areas will now be able to see flowers on their computer, so there is no need for them in real life where you live!



This new channel offers citizens a window into daily operations, with updates on activities such as pruning, planting, irrigation, pest control and specialised clean‑ups—even heightened efforts during heatwaves.



Alongside visual content, the profiles will feature educational posts on environmental stewardship, gardening advice, guidelines for respecting public green spaces and timely community announcements. The initiative is designed to foster a more interactive and transparent relationship between the municipality and its residents, encouraging involvement in maintaining Torrevieja’s urban biodiversity.



Under the revamped maintenance contract, the service now employs 113 professionals, up from 59, and operates a fleet of 68 vehicles and machines, replacing the previous 25-unit stock, although there is no mention of the environmental impact the increase in vehicle fleet will pose.



They currently oversee 362 public sites—including parks, plazas, playgrounds and sports areas—covering over 2 million square metres, an increase of 800,000 m² since the previous service model.



By improving both staffing and equipment, and expanding its coverage area, the service is able to deliver more timely interventions and apply modern standards of accessibility, safety and sustainability. Locals are encouraged to engage with and support this initiative by following the new channels and sharing their own experiences of the city’s green spaces, and so it could be an opportunity for those living in the urbanisations to share their pictures of brown and yellow spaces too, along with directions to help the town hall officials find their way beyond the N-332. You can also play a fun game with children, called "spot the tree", as Torrevieja currently seems to have an objection to trees, and the environmental benefits they produce, favouring concrete.



Let us Monitor Progress



Below are 2 images taken exactly TWENTY YEARS apart, in the same location, in December 2004 and 2024, respectively, in one of the urbanisations (yes, we COULD name it, but for now we will give the town hall the challenge, with the clue (now, don't get scared council people), it is over the other side of the N-332, where people live).



In fairness, it was greener in the picture than it is now, as it was December, but yes, the more observant will notice the road signs have never been changed, and whoever wrote their name or "tag" on the electric box might go down in history when future generations see it in the same way we see cave art, but the park area out of site is a mess, as is the one at the other end of the street. 



So, we will leave this picture here, and then, in December 2025, we will return and give an update, to mark the 21st anniversary, and see if anyone has been able to find it and improve it in the same way the town centre is being.

### Regulated Parking Scheme Updated on Calle Ramón Gallud

An updated regulated parking scheme has been launched on calle Ramón Gallud in central Torrevieja. Parking is now controlled from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, with a maximum stay of two hours. The enforcement is being carried out using automated number plate recognition technology operated by the Local Police.



The latest evolution of this scheme has been introduced by the council to improve traffic flow and access to shops and services, aims to increase the turnover of available spaces. It follows recent changes to road layouts and the redevelopment of the port area, where approximately 400 parking spaces were lost. In the press release about this scheme they clearly forgot already that the officials from the town hall, including the mayor, were all present at the opening of the new car park at the port, where 640 parking spaces were launched in April of this year.



By regulating parking on nearby streets, they say, the city hopes to mitigate the impact of these losses, again, forgetting they have already replaced those, although it would have been more realistic to mention that Torrevieja is a town where there were always constant complaints about the lack of parking, where one of the bus stations was closed, and where the bus service is still awaiting improvements, years overdue, not to mention to lack still of the mandatory low emissions zone, which was intended to run on this street in the original, and now also forgotten plans, thus replaced by parking which is proven to be more damaging to the air and the environment, taking a backward step, therefore.



Anyway, back to this week, from Monday, 7 July, parking outside of permitted hours will no longer be allowed, and penalties will be issued for vehicles found in breach of the rules. Signage has been installed to inform drivers of the changes, and officers will begin full enforcement next week.



This measure claims to support local businesses by ensuring a regular flow of short-term parking spaces, while also reducing congestion in one of the town’s busiest zones, by removing a live lane of moving traffic and reducing it to 1 lane, and only allowing parking during the busiest time of day! 



Drivers are advised to check posted signs and adjust their parking habits accordingly, although, in reality, the best advice is just forget it, because normally cars just drive around the blocks several times trying to find a space, eventually giving up. Top tip, just try and use the actual car park instead.

### Zenia Boulevard Unveils Over 50 Free Summer Activities for July and August

Zenia Boulevard, the largest shopping centre in Alicante province, is celebrating summer with a packed calendar of over 50 free events and activities throughout July and August, offering fun for all ages and interests.



Each day of the week will feature a themed programme, ensuring there’s always something new to enjoy:




Mondays – Sports Sessions: Get active with Crosstraining, Zumba, Latin Fit and more.



Tuesdays – Water Slide Fun: Refreshing entertainment especially for children.



Wednesdays – Traditional Games: Family favourites and nostalgic classics.



Thursdays – Creative Workshops: Crafting and educational activities to inspire.



Fridays – World Music: Live themed concerts with rhythms from Spain, Mexico, Cuba and the USA.



Saturdays – Spectacular Shows: Including the energetic dance musical Kebanna, the summer hit show El Chiringuito Mix, and a lively foam party featuring DJs, games and prizes.



Sundays – Family Theatre: Performances and entertainment designed especially for young children.




In addition to the event schedule, Zenia Boulevard is launching a summer rewards promotion: customers who spend €50 or more in participating shops will receive a direct prize. Gifts include beach mats, balls, paddles and other seasonal treats.



The centre also boasts four themed children’s play zones, all with free access – La Medusa, The Zitron, the six-metre-high Flamenco, and an Interactive Fountain, providing hours of entertainment for little ones.



With over 160 shops, including major retailers such as Zara, Primark, H&M, Decathlon, MediaMarkt and Leroy Merlin, plus a wide variety of cafés, restaurants and fashion outlets, Zenia Boulevard remains the Costa Blanca’s go-to destination for summer shopping and entertainment.



Following a recent €18 million refurbishment, the centre now offers a bright, resort-like atmosphere, complete with shaded areas, rest zones, upgraded pavements, and modernised leisure and dining spaces.



Zenia Boulevard also provides over 60 free services for visitors, including baby changing facilities, free drinking water fountains, wheelchairs, child seats, dog feeding stations, a Tourist Info point, and “Find My Car” assistance. For environmentally conscious visitors, there are electric vehicle charging points and dedicated bicycle and scooter parking, as well as Benito – a self-service bicycle maintenance station, unique in the area.



Zenia Boulevard: More Than Just Shopping



First opened in 2012 and drawing more than 15 million visitors in 2024 alone, Zenia Boulevard is located in a prime position in Orihuela Costa. With its enhanced facilities, extensive retail offering, and full summer programme, it continues to offer an unmatched outdoor shopping and leisure experience on the Mediterranean coast.

### Torrevieja in Summer: Your Guide to July and August Fiestas and Celebrations

I. Introduction: Embrace the Summer Spirit in Torrevieja



I. Introduction – Summer Comes Alive on the Costa Blanca



When summer arrives in Torrevieja, it does so with flair. Nestled on the Costa Blanca, this bustling seaside town bursts into life each July and August as it welcomes thousands of visitors with open arms. With golden beaches, endless sunshine, and a palpable energy, the town transforms into a hive of celebration, colour and tradition.



These two months form the peak tourist season, and the local calendar is packed with carefully curated events designed to entertain, inspire, and immerse both residents and tourists in the heart of Spanish culture. From centuries-old maritime processions to cutting-edge music festivals, Torrevieja offers something for everyone – whether you're drawn to the solemn beauty of religious parades or the pulsing rhythm of open-air concerts.







II. July: Tradition, Music, and Community Spirit



Virgen del Carmen (16 July)



A defining moment in Torrevieja’s cultural calendar, the Virgen del Carmen festival pays homage to the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. The highlight is a moving maritime procession in which the statue of the Virgin is carried through the streets and out to sea aboard a decorated boat.



Other traditional elements include a Eucharist, a lateen sailing contest, and a comical greasy pole challenge suspended above the water. The day concludes with fireworks and the emotional “Salve Marinera” hymn, performed by a local choir. This deeply rooted celebration honours Torrevieja’s maritime heritage and continues to unite the community in a shared expression of devotion and pride.



International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest (20–26 July)



One of the most prestigious choral competitions in Spain, the Habaneras and Polyphony Contest draws vocal ensembles from across the globe. Held in the evocative open-air venue of Eras de la Sal, formerly a salt export dock, the competition celebrates the habanera – a genre that forms an essential part of Torrevieja’s cultural identity.



Additional events include junior choir performances, composition awards, and beachside concerts that make the music accessible to all. With international recognition, this contest has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural offering, uniting history and harmony in a stunning coastal setting.



Other July Highlights



Every Friday, the lively Torrevieja Market sets up at Antonio Soria Park, offering everything from fresh produce to local crafts – a perfect slice of everyday life.



The Circus Quiros, running until 18 July, offers family-friendly entertainment under the big top. Meanwhile, the summer schedule includes exhibitions, artist showcases, and even technology talks – illustrating the town’s blend of tradition and innovation.







III. August: Music, Parades, and Local Devotion



Brilla Torrevieja (1–13 August)



A relative newcomer but now firmly established, Brilla Torrevieja is one of the town’s most high-profile summer events. Held in the spacious Parque Antonio Soria, this music festival features top Spanish and international acts across genres including pop, rock, and electronic music. The lineup is often peppered with family-friendly performances, comedy nights and more.



With artists such as Camilo, Melendi, and the Black Eyed Peas having graced its stages in recent years, Brilla attracts a wide audience and adds a contemporary flair to the city’s summer celebrations.



Assumption of the Virgin (15 August)



Though observed nationally, the Assumption of the Virgin is generally marked as a quieter public holiday in Torrevieja, with many using the day for rest, family meals, or beach visits rather than specific local festivities.



Torrevieja Summer Carnival Parade (15 August)



Coinciding with the national holiday, the Summer Carnival Parade brings a touch of winter revelry to the high season. The parade features elaborate floats, flamboyant costumes, and performances from carnival troupes including the reigning Queen and Ladies of Salt. The spectacle typically sets off from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, with vibrant music and dancing continuing into the night.



San Emigdio Festival (Approx. 4–7 August)



Dedicated to one of Torrevieja’s co-patron saints, San Emigdio, this traditional festival honours the protector against earthquakes. Celebrations take place in Parque de las Naciones and include music, food, children’s games and a religious procession. The sense of community is palpable, with residents gathering for live music, socialising, and reflection in a more intimate setting than some of the larger-scale events.



Ongoing August Events



The Friday market continues weekly throughout August, and the town’s cultural programme remains busy. From tribute bands and local concerts to art exhibitions and community gatherings, there is rarely a quiet evening in town.







IV. Visiting Tips: Getting the Most from Summer in Torrevieja



With temperatures regularly topping 30°C, it’s best to plan activities with the heat in mind. Mornings and late evenings are ideal for sightseeing, with the afternoon siesta – typically from 2 pm to 5 pm – providing a welcome opportunity to rest. Restaurants serve dinner later than in many other countries, usually from around 8 or 9 pm, in keeping with the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.



Accommodation and event tickets can be in high demand during this season, so booking in advance is recommended. While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken in the town, particularly in tourist areas.



For up-to-date information, event programmes, and practical advice, visitors should check the Torrevieja Town Hall website or visit one of the town’s Tourist Info Offices, where multilingual staff are on hand to assist.







V. Come to Torrevieja: A Summer of Celebration by the Sea



Torrevieja’s summer season is a heady blend of cultural richness, community pride, and sun-soaked entertainment. From traditional religious processions and sea-bound ceremonies to major music festivals and carnival parades, the town offers something truly special for every kind of visitor.



Whether you come to honour ancient traditions or to dance under the stars at Brilla, a summer in Torrevieja is not just a holiday – it’s a vibrant experience where memories are made, stories are shared, and the Mediterranean spirit comes to life.



Provisional Summer Events in Torrevieja



Event NameDate(s)Key HighlightsVirgen del CarmenJuly 16Maritime procession, "Salve Marinera" performance, fireworks, lateen sailing competitionInternational Habaneras and Polyphony ContestJuly 20-26World-renowned choral competition at "Eras de la Sal," draws international choirsTorrevieja MarketEvery FridayLocal market at Antonio Soria Park for produce and goodsCircus QuirosUntil July 18Family-friendly circus entertainmentBrilla TorreviejaAugust 1-13Major music festival at Parque Antonio Soria, featuring national and international artistsAssumption of the VirginAugust 15National public holiday (no specific Torrevieja celebrations detailed in provided information)Torrevieja Summer Carnival ParadeAugust 15Colorful summer parade with carnival groups, floats, and entertainmentSan Emigdio FestivalApprox. August 4-7Traditional festival honoring co-patron saint, includes 'Barraca Popular,' procession, Eucharist

### Major Investment Boost as Alannia Camping Resorts Acquired by European Camping Group

Spain’s largest premium camping operator, Alannia Resorts, has been officially acquired by the European Camping Group (ECG), a major player in the European outdoor holiday market. The move represents a significant shift in the Costa Blanca’s tourism and leisure infrastructure, as ECG continues its strategic expansion across Southern Europe.



Alannia, known for its large-scale family-friendly resorts in Guardamar del Segura (Alannia Guardamar), Crevillent (Alannia Costa Blanca), and Costa Dorada, is popular with both domestic holidaymakers and international visitors—particularly from Britain, Germany, and France. The resorts offer fully-equipped bungalows, swimming complexes, wellness centres, and organised entertainment programmes that blur the line between traditional camping and resort-style holidays.



The acquisition was backed by PAI Partners and a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund, reflecting growing investor interest in southern Spain’s year-round holiday potential. ECG already owns and operates more than 400 campsites under the Homair and Eurocamp brands across France, Italy, Croatia, and Portugal. The purchase of Alannia solidifies its foothold in Spain, one of Europe’s fastest-growing glamping and resort camping markets.



According to industry analysts, the move could lead to an expansion of services and facilities at existing Costa Blanca sites, with potential new developments under review. Local tourism officials have welcomed the investment, citing job creation, facility upgrades, and international marketing benefits.



However, some community voices are urging caution. “We welcome improvements but want to ensure that the unique environmental footprint of the Vega Baja region is respected,” said one resident near Guardamar.



The acquisition positions the Costa Blanca as a key growth zone in the evolving European camping industry, blending affordable family holidays with high-end resort amenities. Visitors to Alannia resorts this summer are unlikely to see immediate changes, but new branding and service enhancements are expected to roll out by spring 2026.

### Yellow-Level Heat Alert for Torrevieja and the Costa Blanca

A yellow weather warning has been issued for the southern Costa Blanca, including Torrevieja, from 12:00 to 20:00 on Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to climb to around 36 °C, with uncomfortable overnight lows and high humidity likely to persist into the evening. Authorities have advised residents and tourists alike to take appropriate precautions as the heat may pose a risk to health, particularly for vulnerable individuals.



Local health services have released the following guidance:




Stay well hydrated, drinking water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks should be avoided.



Remain indoors or in shaded areas during the hottest part of the day (12:00–17:00), and postpone any strenuous activity until temperatures ease.



Keep a close eye on elderly neighbours, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. Pets should also be given shade and fresh water, and never left in parked vehicles.



Be alert to signs of heat-related illness such as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps or fainting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cooler place, offered water, and monitored. In serious cases, emergency services should be contacted by dialling 112.




Other helpful tips include keeping blinds closed during the day to block out direct sunlight, using fans or taking cool showers, and ventilating rooms during the cooler hours of the evening or early morning. Residents without air conditioning are encouraged to use shaded public spaces or shopping centres to cool down.



Motorists are urged to avoid travel during peak heat hours, ensure their vehicles are well maintained, and take regular breaks on long journeys. Extra care is advised for anyone travelling with children, older adults, or pets.

### Heritage Revival of Torrevieja’s Ice Factory and Eras de la Sal in Motion

Torrevieja's landmark Ice Factory complex—dating from the late 1920s and located within the historic Eras de la Sal salt-loading site—is set to undergo a major transformation under a newly signed renovation contract worth approximately €6.4 million, the project has been awarded to the Orthem‑Abala Torrevieja partnership, set to begin in the next few weeks.



Covering a total area of around 2,436 m², the restoration will preserve key architectural elements such as the original roofline, skylight and timber structure. It comprises two floors of the existing building and extends via a newly constructed annex (ground plus three storeys), connected by a covered corridor. Purpose-built features include a rooftop viewing platform offering panoramic views of the adjacent Sea & Salt Museum and Torrevieja Bay..



Funding is structured over three years: €1.59 million for 2025, €4.78 million for 2026, and around €797,000 in 2027. Part of the finance—some €2 million—is sourced from a municipal public-works loan and supported by contributions from the Generalitat Valenciana (totaling €5 million for the broader Eras de la Sal complex), alongside upcoming funds from the regional government’s building framework.



When complete—after approximately 18 months of construction—the enhanced venue will house Torrevieja’s main Tourist Office, the visitor’s reception area for the Sea & Salt Museum, municipal Tourism Department staff, an Innovation & Tourism Management Centre, and support services such as the International Residents Assistance and Migrant Offices.

### Inaugural details of the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest

The 71st edition of Torrevieja’s famed Habaneras & Polyphony competition will run from 20 to 26 July 2025, staged at the Municipal Theatre, and is expected to bring nearly 700 choral singers from Europe, the Americas and Asia to the stage. 



The event kicks off with the traditional ceremony, featuring the Torrevieja Musical Union singing both the city anthem and the hymn of the Valencian Community, followed by an opening recital by esteemed singer Sole Giménez on 20 July.



Over the course of the first two nights (21–22 July), the spotlight will be on local talent, with gala presentations from renowned groups such as the Choral School’s Symphony Choir, Orfeón Mario Bustillo, and Coro Maestro Casanovas, among others. 



The competition phase intensifies from Wednesday to Friday (23–25 July), when nine international ensembles—including Voskresinnia from Ukraine, Guangzhou Talent Choir from China, Zebtysqua Voces Oscuras and Gioia Da Camera from Colombia, and Agados Singers from South Korea—vie for top honours in both habaneras and polyphony categories.



The event culminates on Saturday 26 July with the Grand Gala and prize-giving. Choirs selected by the jury will perform again before the announcement of winners, followed by the communal singing of the mandatory piece “Torrevieja es así” (a tribute by Mario Bustillo and Mari Paz Andréu), symbolically uniting all participants in a final celebration.



To ensure this week of culture is accessible to all, ticketing options include a full-week pass at €50 (or €25 for pensioners), while single evening tickets are priced at €8 (or €4 for retired residents), all available through the Municipal Theatre box office.

### Prolonged Heatwave Threatens Health Across the Costa Blanca

Torrevieja continues to swelter under the grip of a sustained European heatwave, which has now entered its second week and shows no signs of abating. While coastal breezes have tempered some of the more extreme inland highs, the city has nonetheless recorded daily maximums approaching 39 °C, well above the seasonal average.



Across Spain, the toll is rising. In the first official heatwave of the year, at least 166 deaths were recorded nationally over a four-day period in late June—according to the MoMo monitoring system—most of them elderly individuals. Cumulative estimates for heat-related fatalities in June alone have surpassed 380 deaths.



In Torrevieja, public health officials have issued renewed guidance, urging residents and tourists to stay indoors during peak hours (12:00 to 17:00), to hydrate regularly, and to use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Municipal workers are checking on vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly living alone, while air-conditioned public spaces remain open for general use.



Emergency services are also on high alert. Though no major wildfires have been reported locally, several inland areas of Alicante province remain under “extreme risk” classification, with vegetation bone-dry and winds contributing to a volatile situation. 



Meanwhile, lifeguards at Torrevieja’s beaches have raised yellow flags intermittently due to heat stress and increased numbers of swimmers requiring first aid.



Environmental scientists are warning that summers like this may become the new norm, especially if long-term mitigation measures are not implemented. Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, called the political response to climate warnings “timid and inconsistent,” stressing the need for urgent infrastructure and energy adaptation.

### Arrest at Torrevieja Gym After Secret Shower Recordings

A man in his early thirties has been arrested in Torrevieja following allegations that he secretly filmed women while they showered in a local gym. The Guardia Civil launched an investigation after two women lodged formal complaints—one at the end of May, the other shortly thereafter—expressing serious concerns that their privacy had been violated within the gym’s private facilities.



Upon reviewing internal CCTV footage and obtaining judicial authorisation, officers executed a search warrant and confiscated the man’s mobile phone and a laptop. Early forensic analysis confirmed the existence of unauthorised recordings. The suspect, a Spanish national, was swiftly identified and detained.



He has since been released under precautionary judicial measures, including a restraining order and a ban on accessing gyms or similar public spaces. The case has sent ripples through the local community, prompting calls for enhanced safeguards and stricter supervision within private fitness and wellness centres across the Vega Baja region.



Local authorities and women's advocacy groups have praised the swift action of the Guardia Civil but have reiterated the urgent need for awareness campaigns on consent and digital privacy. The gym in question has promised to upgrade its internal policies and security protocols to restore trust among its members.

### Robotic urological surgery Quirónsalud Torrevieja

In the field of urology, the Da Vinci robot has proven to be highly effective.



Thanks to its sophisticated and innovative technology, the Da Vinci system allows minimally invasive surgeries to be performed with maximum precision and safety.



Some of the most common urological pathologies treated by the Da Vinci robot are:




Prostate cancer (prostatectomy).



Kidney cancer (total/partial nephrectomy).



Bladder cancer (radical cystectomy).



Urinary incontinence and urogenital prolapse.




The Da Vinci robot allows us to deal with highly complex uro-oncological cases with excellent results.



Dr. Sven Petry, head of Urology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, explains the benefits of Da Vinci surgery in Urology and the most frequent pathologies where this technology is applied.




https://www.youtube.com/embed/ciwgRCED-J4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&proxia




Quirónsalud Torrevieja has a highly qualified team in robotic surgery with more than 15 years of experience



Advantages of robotic surgery in urology



- More precise removal of tumour tissue, improving the effectiveness of the treatment.



- Greater capacity to preserve neurovascular structures, favouring optimal recovery of sexual function.



- Significant improvements in the preservation and restoration of urinary continence after prostate cancer surgery.



- Improved control of defecatory function.



- Significant reduction in blood loss and the need for transfusions during surgery.



- Reduced risk of surgical wound complications and infections, ensuring a safer recovery.



- Shorter hospital stays.



- Faster recovery and earlier return to normal daily activities, improving quality of life in the short term.







>> Robotic prostate surgery



I. Robotic prostate surgery: how is it performed?



Laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer, assisted by the Da Vinci robot, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Small incisions are made in the skin (0.5 to 1 cm in length) through which instruments are inserted to carry out the removal of the prostate.



Thanks to the high-definition camera and the high-precision system of the Da Vinci surgical robot, the surgeon can direct the instruments from the outside, thus achieving an optimal level of precision.



Some of the advantages of the Da Vinci robot prostatectomy are:



- Recovery of urinary continence with one-year continence rates of 95% for the da Vinci system and 80% for open surgery.



- Recovery of Erectile Function: Better recovery of erectile function is recorded with robotic prostatectomy, with one-year sexual potency rates of 97% for the da Vinci system and 88% for open surgery.







II. Postoperative period after robotic prostate surgery



No specific care is required after the operation. Recovery is faster than with traditional open surgery. After being discharged from hospital, the patient can return to his or her daily life, always avoiding exertion during the first 4 weeks.



III. How much does robotic prostate surgery cost?



The cost of the procedure will depend on several factors. Each case must be analysed individually.



Robotic surgery urology Torrevieja



Do you have any doubts? Contact us and we will answer you as soon as possible.

### Pain Management Unit: Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital

At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, we have a team of leading specialists in pain management, offering personalised and effective solutions.



Our Pain Management Unit (PMU) is composed of a multidisciplinary team including anaesthesiologists, surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, neurologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists… who, together with the most advanced techniques, achieve a high success rate in pain reduction.



Understanding Different Types of Pain



It is essential to distinguish between acute and chronic pain.




Acute pain: Sudden onset. It is usually caused by a specific factor (surgery, burns, fractures, falls, etc.). It lasts less than six months. Once the cause resolves, the patient can return to normal life without lasting effects.



Chronic or persistent pain: Ongoing pain that varies in intensity. It may include flare-ups that become unmanageable with usual medication. Chronic pain is not just a symptom but a disease in itself, affecting not only the physical health of the patient but also their psychological and social wellbeing.




Each type of pain requires a different treatment approach.



Treatments Offered by the Pain Management Unit



The main objective of the PMU is to improve the patient’s quality of life, allowing them to return to daily activities. In most cases, this requires a combination of different treatments:




Non-interventional: Pharmacological treatments.





Interventional: Applied when there is insufficient response to medication or intolerable side effects. These methods are often used alongside pharmacological therapy.




Pulsed vs. Thermal Radiofrequency: When to Use Each Technique?



Our team will determine the most appropriate approach based on each patient's condition, ensuring the right technique is applied for maximum benefit.



Innovative and Effective Treatments



At the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Pain Management Unit, we offer the most innovative treatments combined with minimally invasive techniques to provide a personalised and effective solution.







Techniques We Perform



A wide range of procedures are available, either independently or in conjunction with medication, to manage chronic pain more effectively, including:




Epidural blocks



Selective nerve root blocks



Peripheral nerve blocks



Catheter placement for central or continuous peripheral nerve blocks



Radiofrequency ablation of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar facet joints



Intra-articular and intradiscal radiofrequency



Pulsed radiofrequency of dorsal root ganglion, peripheral nerve, and epidural space



Epidural and subcutaneous electrode implantation for peripheral nerve stimulation



Intrathecal pump implantation for drug infusion in pain and spasticity treatment




Your First Visit to the Pain Management Unit




Initial consultation: Patients are seen in the outpatient clinic, where their case is reviewed to determine the most appropriate technique. It is recommended to bring all previous test results and medical reports.



Subsequent appointments: The specialist may order further tests or perform diagnostic procedures, followed by monitoring the treatment or interventions provided.



Administration of medications and other necessary healthcare products.



Discharge planning: Patients receive comprehensive instructions to ensure proper follow-up and continuity of care and safety.




When Should You Visit the Pain Management Unit?




Pain lasts longer than three months and interferes with daily activities.



Medication is no longer effective.



Pain has been investigated and treated but the origin remains unclear.



You are not a candidate for surgery or prefer alternative treatments.



You experience pain following surgery or an accident.








Conditions Treated at the Torrevieja Pain Management Unit



The most common conditions include:




Lower back pain: Spinal canal stenosis, degenerative spondyloarthrosis, post-surgical pain syndrome, failed back surgery, dorsolumbalgia, lumbosciatica, cervicobrachialgia, and other spinal conditions.



Joint osteoarthritis: Shoulder, knee, and hip pain not responding to medication or persisting after surgery.



Neuralgias: Pudendal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia (shingles), trigeminal neuralgia, entrapment neuropathies, chronic headaches, facial pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), among others.



Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Type I and II)



Chronic ischaemic pain



Ischaemic pain in the lower limbs



Peripheral and post-surgical neuropathies (especially after thoracotomies, hernia repairs, vascular surgery)



Refractory headaches and migraines



Pain requiring opioid adjustment, rotation, or showing poor response



Joint and rheumatic pain



Chronic myofascial pain. Fibromyalgia



Piriformis syndrome



Complex regional pain syndrome / algodystrophy



Urogenital and perianal pain



Visceral pain



Oncological pain



Trochanteric bursitis



Pelvic pain




Cost of the Pain Management Service: Quirónsalud Torrevieja



The specialist will assess each individual case to determine the appropriate treatment and its associated cost.



How Can We Help?



If you have any questions about our services, please get in touch with us using the contact form. We will respond as soon as possible.

### Phantom of the Opera in Torrevieja Dominates the Weekend Schedule of Things to Do

This weekend in Torrevieja promises a delightful mix of cultural performances, sporting events, and seaside relaxation. The spotlight shines on the Municipal Theatre with its staging of The Phantom of the Opera, while nearby towns host vibrant festivals and concerts. Whether you're a fan of musicals, sports, or simply soaking up the sun, there's something for everyone to enjoy.



Friday, 6 June 2025



Kick off the weekend with the enchanting melodies of The Phantom of the Opera at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja. This classic musical runs from 6 to 8 June, offering a captivating experience for theatre enthusiasts.



Saturday, 7 June 2025



The musical magic continues with additional performances of The Phantom of the Opera at the Municipal Theatre. Showtimes are at 17:00 and 21:00, providing flexibility for attendees. culturatorrevieja.com+3torrevieja.com+3torrevieja.com+3



Sunday, 8 June 2025



Conclude the weekend with the final showing of The Phantom of the Opera at 18:00 in the Municipal Theatre. Alternatively, explore the Museo del Mar y de la Sal to delve into Torrevieja's rich maritime heritage. es.wikipedia.org



Monday, 9 June 2025



While Monday is a regular working day in Torrevieja, it's an excellent opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade. Take advantage of the quieter atmosphere to explore the town's shops and cafes.



Weather Outlook



Expect sunny and warm conditions throughout the weekend, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 28°C. Ideal weather for beach outings and outdoor activities.

Excerpt: This weekend in Torrevieja offers a blend of cultural performances and seaside relaxation. Enjoy The Phantom of the Opera at the Municipal Theatre, explore maritime history at the Museo del Mar y de la Sal, and bask in the sunny weather perfect for beach activities

### Things to do This Weekend - 31 May

Torrevieja, it's shaping up to be a lovely sunny day with a high of 28°C, perfect for enjoying a mix of cultural tunes and unique workshops, such as the fascinating "Concert in homage to the copla and the pasodoble."



Saturday, 31st May 2025



Torrevieja has a varied programme for Saturday. At 7:00 PM, the International Music Auditorium will host a delightful "Concert in homage to the copla and the pasodoble" by the City of Torrevieja Musical Society "Los Saleros." This promises a wonderful evening of traditional Spanish music, a definite highlight for those interested in local culture. Earlier in the day, between 9:30 AM and continuing throughout, the 11th Provincial Meeting of COCEMFE Alicante Associations is taking place, with activities including a guided tour of the historic centre and a boat ride around the bay, which might be of interest to those wanting to explore the city's landmarks. For the younger audience, the Torrevieja Naval Modelling Association is organising a free introductory workshop to naval modelling for children (ages 8-14), a unique hands-on activity. Additionally, the World Walking Football World Nations Cup Draw is taking place at Habaneras shopping centre from 7:00 PM, a sporting event that might attract British football fans. For a lively evening, The Galaxy's “Life is live” will be performing at El Paso from 10:00 PM.



Beyond Torrevieja, other towns on the Costa Blanca also have events. In Alicante, the Spring Festival 2025 continues at Multiespacio Rabasa with a line-up of indie, pop, and electronic music. Benidorm hosts the conclusion of the III Benidorm Theatre Showcase and live music by Bai Bang + Esbarzer at Rockstar. La Nucia offers a Saturday Night Disco at the Auditori de La Nucia and various sporting events like the Autonomous Skate Championship. In Calpe, singer Abril will perform a free concert. Elche has a zarzuela performance, "Gigantes y Cabezudos," at the Gran Teatro de Elche. Santa Pola features a "Steak pie & Chicken pie Special" and the Motodesafio de Sol a Sol 2025. In Guardamar del Segura, you can find an "Ecstatic Dance" event.



Major cities across Spain also offer significant cultural and musical events. In Madrid, the Tomavistas 2025 festival continues at Caja Mágica, showcasing alternative music, and the Maudes Festival 2025 at Enrique Tierno Galván Park features electronic music. Barcelona is hosting the MEDITERRANEAN GLUTEN FREE FORUM 2025 and FESesDESIGN 2025. Meanwhile, Vejer de la Frontera in Andalucia will be celebrating its magical Candle Night 2025, with streets illuminated by thousands of candles and a concert, offering a truly unique cultural experience. In Murcia, various artists are performing, such as Shoda Monkas at Sala Rem.



Happening Soon



Looking ahead. In Valencia, Myke Towers is set to perform at Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències on Tuesday, 3rd June, followed by the Festival de les Arts 2025 on June 6th and 7th. Back on the Costa Blanca, Bryan Adams will be performing in Alicante at Multiespacio Rabasa on June 4th, and Dark City Fest 2025 is coming to Penélope Benidorm on June 7th. The Fiesta of Benejuzar 2025 kicks off on June 6th and runs until June 22nd. Circo Quirós Torrevieja is also scheduled to begin performances on June 6th and continue throughout the month.

### Robotic Surgery, Immunotherapy and Comprehensive Care Take Centre Stage at Pancreatic Cancer Conference at Quirónsalud Torrevieja

Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital hosted over 100 medical experts from across the Valencian Community to explore the latest advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.



Last Thursday, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital held the scientific event titled “Update on the Management and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer”, attended by more than one hundred healthcare professionals from various locations throughout the Valencian Community.



The event served as a key platform for updating clinical knowledge and exchanging experiences regarding one of the most complex oncological diseases, with the aim of enhancing the multidisciplinary approach to pancreatic cancer.



The conference was structured into three themed sessions followed by a round table featuring interactive clinical case discussions. It brought together top-tier specialists in fields such as surgery, medical and radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, gastroenterology, nutrition, anaesthesiology, and mental health, representing renowned centres such as the Valencian Institute of Oncology, Dr Balmis General Hospital in Alicante, Clínico Universitario Hospital of Valencia, Quirónsalud Valencia, and Quirónsalud Torrevieja itself.



The opening address was delivered by Dr Carlos Yago, Medical Director of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, who highlighted “the importance of creating spaces for professional exchange, where updated knowledge can be shared, clinical coordination can be strengthened, and innovative care approaches for highly complex diseases such as pancreatic cancer can be consolidated.”



Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer



The first session focused on diagnosis and surgical treatment, with contributions from leading specialists including Dr Guzmán Lopardo (radiologist, Quirónsalud Torrevieja), Dr Fernando Martínez (gastroenterologist, Quirónsalud Valencia), Darío García Calderón (CEO, Cella), Dr José Manuel Ramia (surgeon, Dr Balmis General Hospital, Alicante), and Dr Pedro Bretcha, Head of Surgical Oncology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, who also chaired the session.



Discussions centred on cutting-edge advances in surgical practice, particularly robotic surgery and the use of 3D virtual models that enable more precise and individualised surgical planning.



Speakers emphasised the importance of high-resolution CT imaging to assess surgical eligibility with curative intent, as well as the role of endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy for genetic tumour profiling. The benefits of using 3D models to tailor surgical strategies to each patient were also examined.



From a surgical standpoint, the panel stressed the need to apply radical oncological resection criteria to improve outcomes in curative surgery.



“Pancreatic surgery is undergoing a technological transformation. Robotic approaches not only enhance precision but also allow us to perform more complex resections with greater patient safety,” said Dr Bretcha.



The future of robotic surgery was explored as it continues to position itself as a key ally in the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer.



Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment



The second session focused on neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments, chaired by Dr Antonio Brugarolas, Head of the Oncology Platform at Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The panel included experts such as Dr Enrique de Madaria (gastroenterologist), Dr Ramón González Manzano, Dr Pascual Rebollo, Dr Manuel Sureda (oncologists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja), and Dr Rosa Cañón, Head of Radiation Oncology at the same centre.



All panellists agreed that precision oncology, together with the gradual incorporation of emerging therapies such as immunotherapy, is shaping a more personalised, molecularly guided approach to pancreatic cancer.



Key topics included risk factors, the management of premalignant lesions, and updates on molecular biology, genomics, and transcriptomics. The session also reviewed the indications for radiotherapy at various tumour stages, including metastatic disease, and discussed the immunological basis for ongoing immunotherapy trials.



In the area of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the latest protocols aimed at enhancing tumour response prior to surgery were presented.



“The current challenge in treating pancreatic cancer is precisely selecting the most effective therapies for each patient. Thanks to precision medicine and the development of new biomarkers, we are now closer than ever to achieving personalised treatments that significantly improve outcomes,” stated Dr Rosa Cañón.



Clinical Management of Real-World Patient Challenges



The third session addressed the clinical management of the real-life challenges faced by pancreatic cancer patients. Moderated by Dr Enrique de Madaria, the panel featured key professionals including Dr Pablo Pabón (anaesthetist, Quirónsalud Torrevieja), Dr Vicente Sanchiz (gastroenterologist, Quirónsalud Valencia), Dr Guzmán Lopardo (radiologist, Quirónsalud Torrevieja), Dr Pilar Hernández (nutritionist), and Dr Nuria Javaloyes (psychologist), all from Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



The panel collectively emphasised the need for comprehensive care that goes beyond oncological treatment and includes pain management, nutritional support, cutting-edge endoscopic and radiological interventions, and emotional and psychological support.



Minimally invasive endoscopic and radiological techniques now allow for more effective and less traumatic management of complications related to pancreatic cancer. The session also reinforced the value of a truly multidisciplinary approach, uniting diverse expertise to improve patients’ quality of life.



“Pancreatic cancer not only demands complex medical treatments but also a humane and holistic perspective on the patient. Integrating nutrition, pain relief, and emotional support into the care plan is just as important as chemotherapy or surgery,” said Dr de Madaria.



Interactive Clinical Case Review and Closing Remarks



The conference concluded with a live, interactive roundtable featuring two real clinical cases. Using a digital platform, attendees actively participated in the decision-making process, enriching the clinical discussion and strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration.



Dr Ana Segura, Vice President of the Official College of Physicians of Alicante, delivered the closing address, congratulating Quirónsalud Torrevieja on the scientific excellence and organisational quality of the event.



The conference was part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital and was organised by the centre itself, with scientific endorsement from the Official College of Physicians of Alicante and support from the Spanish Society of Surgical Oncology (SEOQ).

### Robotic Surgery Against Ovarian Cancer: Greater Precision, Less Pain and Faster Recovery

Dr Rodolfo Martín Díaz, Head of the Gynaecology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, outlines the most common symptoms, risk factors, and the keys to early diagnosis.



Each year, around 3,300 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Spain, making it the sixth most common gynaecological tumour. Although its incidence is lower than that of breast or cervical cancer, its mortality rate is significantly higher.



“The main challenge with ovarian cancer is that it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, which makes treatment more complex and worsens the prognosis,” explains Dr Rodolfo Martín Díaz, Head of Gynaecology and expert in robotic gynaecological surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



Unlike other gynaecological tumours, this cancer tends to present silently. Its early symptoms are vague and unspecific: abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, and digestive or urinary changes.



“Many women mistake it for digestive discomfort or hormonal issues. This ambiguity delays diagnosis,” warns Dr Díaz.



How is it Diagnosed?



Diagnosis typically begins with a transvaginal ultrasound and tumour marker analysis, such as CA-125. If there is reasonable suspicion, more advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans are employed. However, definitive confirmation can only be obtained through histological analysis following surgery.



Key Risk Factors



The specialist is clear:



“Age is a major factor—risk increases after the age of 50. Other factors include a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, nulliparity, endometriosis, and prolonged hormonal therapies. Genetics plays a crucial role, especially in hereditary cases,” adds the Quirónsalud specialist.



Robotic Surgery: Technology Enhancing Precision



In recent years, robotic surgery has become essential in the surgical management of early-stage ovarian cancer. Dr Díaz leads one of the pioneering teams in Spain using the Da Vinci robotic system, a device that has transformed the way complex surgical procedures are performed.



“Robotic surgery is an evolution of laparoscopy. It provides a 3D view, a broader range of motion, and millimetre-level precision in real time,” he explains.



Unlike traditional surgery, the robotic approach allows the surgeon to operate with improved ergonomics, reducing fatigue and enhancing accuracy in delicate procedures.



This technique is particularly effective in patients with stage I or II localised tumours, or those who may benefit from primary or interval cytoreductive surgery.



“Preoperative imaging assessment is crucial to select the right candidates,” notes Dr Díaz.



Patient Benefits



The benefits of this technology are numerous: reduced blood loss, fewer postoperative complications, smaller incisions, and a quicker recovery.



“In many cases, patients are discharged within two to three days and can return to their usual activities in less than a week,” the doctor confirms.



For younger women, minimally invasive surgery offers an added advantage:



“It is less aggressive on the reproductive organs, which may be crucial for patients wishing to preserve fertility,” he adds.



The impact on quality of life is also significant. Reduced postoperative pain, improved mobility, and less aesthetic damage help patients cope better with both the recovery process and the emotional aftermath.



“Less pain, better body image, and a lower risk of long-term complications such as adhesions—everything contributes to the patient's wellbeing,” says Díaz.



Surgical Planning: A Team Effort



However, this technique requires multidisciplinary planning.



“Each robotic procedure demands meticulous preparation. It’s a collaborative effort involving radiologists, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, and instrument technicians with specific training,” the gynaecologist stresses.



Before each operation, a preoperative assessment is carried out, including CT scans, tumour marker analysis, and an overall evaluation of the patient's functional status. Specific protocols are followed depending on the type of surgery and tumour location.



Looking ahead, the goal is clear: increasingly personalised, less invasive surgeries with better oncological and functional outcomes.

### A Silent Disease: The Early Signs of Parkinson’s You Shouldn’t Ignore

Currently, over 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement control. This condition, in which 10% of cases involve individuals under 50, is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain’s “substantia nigra,” leading to motor symptoms such as resting tremor, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability. But Parkinson’s is more than a movement disorder—it also brings lesser-known symptoms like depression, sleep disturbances, and even cognitive decline.



We spoke with Dr. Erika Torres, head of the Neurosciences Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, to better understand the symptoms and the most effective treatments available for this condition.



Causes and Diagnosis



Although a single cause of Parkinson’s has not been identified, experts agree that it arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genetic mutations are associated with the disease, but most cases are idiopathic or “sporadic.” Environmental risk factors may include exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and, in some cases, viral infections.



“Unlike other neurological disorders, Parkinson’s combines both motor and non-motor symptoms that greatly affect patients’ quality of life,” explains Dr. Torres. “It’s a multifactorial disease involving both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.”



Diagnosing Parkinson’s is relatively straightforward for movement disorder specialists. Most diagnoses are clinical and based on a thorough patient history and neurological examination. “Early symptoms can be subtle and are often mistaken for normal aging,” Dr. Torres points out. “Parkinson’s is usually diagnosed between ages 55 and 65, but early signs may appear sooner. These include loss of smell, persistent constipation, sleep disturbances, and slight motor asymmetry.” Such signs can precede more noticeable motor symptoms by several years.



Medication as Treatment



While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, various treatments can help patients maintain a good quality of life for many years. Drug therapy is the cornerstone of Parkinson’s management and includes medications that restore dopamine levels or enhance its effect and bioavailability:




Levodopa and carbidopa: This is the foundational and most effective treatment. Levodopa converts to dopamine in the brain, while carbidopa prevents its breakdown outside the brain.



Dopamine agonists: Such as pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine, which stimulate dopamine receptors and enhance its effect in the brain.



MAO-B inhibitors: These prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the brain.



COMT inhibitors: These extend the effectiveness of levodopa by prolonging dopamine activity.



Amantadine: Useful for controlling dyskinesias—uncontrolled movements caused by levodopa.




As the disease progresses and both motor and non-motor fluctuations occur, medication regimens often need to be adjusted and combined. During “off” periods—when medication effects wear off—rescue therapies (subcutaneous, sublingual, or inhaled) may be used.



When standard medications no longer provide sufficient symptom control due to complications, second-line therapies may be considered, tailored to the patient’s age and limiting symptoms. These include:




Continuous infusion pumps, either subcutaneous (dopamine agonists and levodopa) or intraduodenal via PEG (levodopa gel)



Deep brain stimulation (DBS): Surgical implantation of electrodes for neural modulation



HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): Non-invasive ultrasound that targets specific brain regions to relieve symptoms




“It’s crucial for neurologists to time these therapies appropriately,” says Dr. Torres. “Poor timing can lead to premature severe complications or an inadequate therapeutic response.”



Surgical Therapy



When medications become less effective or cause severe fluctuations, surgical options may be considered for advanced cases. One such treatment is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), where electrodes are implanted in targeted brain areas to modulate neural activity with electrical impulses, helping control motor symptoms.



“DBS can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the need for medication,” affirms Dr. Torres.



Beyond Surgery and Medication: Physiotherapy and Psychological Support



Parkinson’s treatment doesn’t end with drugs or surgery. A comprehensive approach including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support is equally important to enhance patients’ day-to-day life.



“Physical therapy and regular exercise improve mobility, balance, and strength, while occupational therapy helps patients manage daily activities more efficiently,” says Dr. Torres. Speech therapy is also essential to manage voice and swallowing issues, especially in later stages. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, fibre, and carefully managed protein intake can further support physical well-being.



According to Dr. Torres, psychological and social support are also vital: “Depression and anxiety are very common in Parkinson’s and may even precede motor symptoms. Psychological care improves both mood and treatment adherence.” Support for caregivers and families is also crucial, as the disease affects the entire social environment.



The Future of Parkinson’s in the Hands of Science



Although there is no cure yet, research is advancing rapidly to develop treatments that not only alleviate symptoms but modify the course of the disease. “We are closer to developing disease-modifying therapies. Several clinical trials are in advanced stages and could transform treatment in the coming years,” notes Dr. Torres.



Promising avenues include:




Gene therapy: Introducing genes to increase dopamine production in the brain



Stem cell therapy: Implanting dopamine-producing neurons derived from stem cells



New drugs: Vaccines targeting alpha-synuclein, a toxic protein that accumulates in Parkinson’s, are under trial




Quirónsalud: A Benchmark in Parkinson’s Care



Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja is one of Spain’s leading medical centres, offering an innovative roadmap for treating neurological diseases like Parkinson’s. Their comprehensive, person-cantered approach combines state-of-the-art therapies and equipment with excellence in patient care provided by a top-tier professional team.



At Quirónsalud, you are in good hands. Their healthcare model ensures patients receive rapid, personalized, and effective care with all doubts addressed—focused on improving each patient's quality of life.

### Torrevieja unveils the charity race “5K Steps That Matter by Quirónsalud” in aid of AFECÁNCER

Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital today presented the charity race “5K Steps That Matter” at Torrevieja Town Hall, as part of the hospital’s 25th anniversary celebrations. All proceeds from the event will be donated in full to AFECÁNCER, a local association supporting cancer patients and their families.



The race will take place on Sunday 25th May at 9:00 am in the Parque de las Naciones in Torrevieja. The event offers various categories suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including a 5K run, Nordic walking, children’s races, and a range of family-friendly activities.



This community event is held in collaboration with the Torrevieja Town Council, through its departments of Sports and Health, as well as the Torrevieja Athletics Club and the Brotons Group.



The event’s race packs will be prepared with the support of ADIEM Torrevieja, an organisation that promotes the social and professional inclusion of individuals with mental health conditions. Their participation adds further depth to the event’s inclusive and charitable nature, highlighting the power of community and cooperation for a common cause.



Click here to get your race number



A family-friendly sporting event



Beyond the athletic competition, the day promises to be a true celebration of solidarity, with a full schedule of complementary activities:




Zumba session with Javi Jodani, a well-known local instructor, bringing energy and movement to the morning.



Live music by Instinto Primate, performing from the heart of the park to create a festive atmosphere.



Children’s workshops and activities throughout the morning, providing a safe and engaging environment for the youngest attendees.



Café area with seating, offering refreshments and a space to relax.



“Dorsal 0” (virtual race bib) available via the registration page for those unable to attend in person but who wish to support the cause.




Race and event Schedule




09:00 – Collection of adult race numbers: Participants should collect their bibs at the designated area. Early arrival is advised to avoid queues.



10:00 – Start of the 5K race: The main event begins, with a 5-kilometre route monitored by the Torrevieja Athletics Club to ensure runners’ safety.



11:00 – Nordic walking event begins: A walking alternative open to all, promoting inclusive participation.



11:00 to 12:00 – Live performance by Instinto Primate: Enjoy music in the park during the festivities.



11:15 – Prize-giving ceremony for the 5K race winners.



11:30 – Collection of children's race numbers: Children participating in the races should collect their bibs from the designated area.



12:00 – Children’s races begin (within the park):

SUB4 (Mixed, up to age 3) – 50m



SUB6 (Mixed, ages 4–5) – 50m



SUB8 (Boys & Girls, ages 6–7) – 100m



SUB10 (Boys & Girls, ages 8–9) – 600m



SUB12 (Boys & Girls, ages 10–11) – 600m



SUB14 (Boys & Girls, ages 12–13) – 1,200mRaces are adapted by age to encourage children’s participation, held in a secure, supervised area of the park.





12:30 – Prize-giving ceremony for children’s races.



10:30 to 12:30 – Children’s activities: Fun and educational workshops and games for young attendees.



12:30 to 13:00 – Final Zumba session: A fun and energetic way to end the day, open to all participants.




A day to remember as part of Quirónsalud Torrevieja’s 25th anniversary



This charity race forms part of the activities commemorating the 25th anniversary of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital – a milestone that celebrates the hospital’s strong ties with the local community and its ongoing commitment to health, solidarity, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Throughout the year, the hospital will be organising a series of initiatives including exhibitions, podcasts, commemorative mosaics, and a grand closing event in October.

### Magnetic Endoscopic Capsule: A Revolution in Digestive Diagnosis

Magnetic Endoscopic Capsule: A New Digestive Diagnosis Without Sedation



The magnetic endoscopic capsule enables the exploration of the digestive tract without invasive procedures. Discover its advantages, functionality, and diagnostic accuracy.



A Technological Innovation in Digestive Endoscopy



The magnetic endoscopic capsule is a cutting-edge technological innovation in digestive endoscopy, exclusively available at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital. This pill-sized device is swallowed by the patient and captures high-resolution images of the stomach and small intestine without the need for inserting a tube through the mouth or rectum.



According to Dr Gerardo Blanco, a digestive system specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, “this technology allows for a targeted examination thanks to external magnetic control, which enhances the quality and accuracy of the diagnosis.”



Differences from Conventional Endoscopy and Traditional Capsule Endoscopy



Compared to conventional endoscopy, the magnetic endoscopic capsule offers a far less invasive experience, as it does not require sedation or the insertion of an endoscope.



Unlike traditional capsule endoscopy, which moves passively through the intestine with natural peristalsis, the magnetic version can be guided externally, allowing for a more precise and detailed examination of areas of interest.



Diseases That Can Be Diagnosed with This Technology



This device is essential for detecting conditions such as:



● Gastric ulcer● Gastritis● Oesophagitis● Gastric and intestinal polyps● Inflammatory bowel disease● Gastric and small intestine tumours● Digestive bleeding



According to Dr Blanco, this technology is particularly beneficial for patients at risk of digestive bleeding or those who cannot or do not wish to undergo traditional endoscopy.



Precision of the Images Obtained



The images captured by the magnetic endoscopic capsule are comparable to those of conventional endoscopy. However, the ability to control the capsule’s direction in real-time allows for a more thorough examination of specific areas, optimising the diagnosis.



Technological Advantages Over Other Methods



The main benefits of the magnetic endoscopic capsule include:



● Non-invasive exploration, ensuring patient comfort.● No need for sedation, reducing risks associated with anaesthesia.● Greater convenience, allowing patients to resume their daily routine immediately after ingestion.● Fewer complications compared to traditional endoscopy.



Dr Blanco emphasises that “this is an ideal alternative for high-risk patients or those who cannot or do not wish to undergo invasive procedures.”



Patient Process: Before, During, and After the Procedure



Before the procedure, fasting for 6 to 8 hours is required to improve the visibility of digestive structures. In some cases, medication may be administered to reduce gastric secretions.



During the procedure, the patient swallows the capsule with a glass of water. An external magnetic system allows the doctor to guide the capsule inside the stomach and capture real-time images. The patient then carries a portable recorder to store images while going about their daily activities.



After the procedure, the capsule is naturally excreted through the stool within 24 to 48 hours of ingestion.



Ideal Candidates for This Method



The magnetic endoscopic capsule is particularly suitable for:



● Individuals at high risk for invasive procedures.● Patients with contraindications for sedation.● Those who do not wish to undergo a conventional gastroscopy.● Preventive diagnosis of conditions such as tumours or polyps.



The magnetic endoscopic capsule represents a revolution in digestive diagnosis, offering a safer, more comfortable, and highly accurate option for detecting a range of gastrointestinal diseases.



Thanks to its advanced technology and non-invasive nature, it stands out as an ideal alternative for patients seeking a diagnostic solution without the discomfort of traditional endoscopy.



Find out more about the magnetic endoscopic capsule.

### Nine out of ten cases of blindness caused by glaucoma could be prevented through annual check-ups

This condition, which affects 6% of the population, is associated with other visual disorders such as high-degree myopia and hyperopia.



Those most at risk of developing the disease include individuals over 60, people with a family history of glaucoma, and individuals of Black or Asian descent.




Glaucoma is a silent disease that leads to blindness. However, 90% of blindness cases caused by glaucoma could be prevented with regular check-ups. According to Dr Alfredo Marchena, a glaucoma specialist at the Ophthalmology Unit at Quirónsalud Elche and Gran Alacant, “From the age of 40, regular eye examinations are crucial to slowing the progression of the disease, as it presents no symptoms. If there is a family history of glaucoma, early screenings become essential.”



Despite medical advances, many people remain unaware that they have glaucoma. “In most cases,” explains Dr Marchena, “patients are unaware of the disease until they have already lost a significant portion of their visual field. Furthermore, this loss of vision is irreversible, which is why early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma are vital.”



This condition, which affects 6% of the population, is linked to other visual disorders such as high-degree myopia and hyperopia. “It is also associated with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes,” adds the specialist.



People at the highest risk of developing the disease include those over 60, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, and people of Black or Asian descent. Additionally, those with high myopia or a history of other eye diseases are also at increased risk.



How to prevent glaucoma



From the age of 40, it is important to undergo a comprehensive eye examination every one to two years. If eye pressure is reduced in the early stages of glaucoma, the progression of the disease can be halted, helping to preserve vision.



The test to detect glaucoma is called tonometry, which measures intraocular pressure. “It is a quick, simple, and painless test that helps identify individuals at risk of glaucomatous damage, as elevated intraocular pressure is the most significant risk factor for developing this disease, which can lead to blindness if not treated in time,” explains the specialist at Quirónsalud Elche and Gran Alacant.



Advanced Ophthalmology Service



The Ophthalmology Service at Quirónsalud Elche and Quirónsalud Gran Alacant aims to provide the most effective and advanced medical care and surgical treatments for visual health. Equipped with the latest technology for diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions, the service offers cutting-edge innovations such as multifocal and extended-range intraocular lens implants for cataract surgery, laser therapy for glaucoma, micropulse laser treatment for retinal conditions, state-of-the-art laser surgery for myopia and astigmatism, and visual therapy for both children and adults.

### St Patrick's Day in Torevieja

Although many people will no doubt attend the Orihuela Costa St Patrick's Day celebrations at the weekend, in Torevieja a more traditional recognition of the day will take place on Monday.



The day will start with a bilingual mass at 10:00, after which the celebration will continue in the main square with traditional music and Irish dancing.



Everyone is welcome to be Irish for the day in Torevieja on 17 March.

### Law to Protect Minors from Alcohol Reaches Major Milestone

The Council of Ministers approved this Tuesday the draft Law on Underage Drinking, a legislative initiative that seeks to create a comprehensive framework to protect the health of young people and promote responsible alcohol consumption in society. This text, which was previously presented to the Council of Ministers on July 30 and submitted for public hearing and information in August, establishes obligations for public administrations in the areas of education, health, culture, sports, research, road safety, and the workplace and family.



At the press conference held after the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Health, Mónica García, welcomed this new step in the passage of the Law on Alcohol and Minors, which must now begin its parliamentary process in order to achieve the political consensus necessary for its approval. "We have given the green light to a bill that is as urgent as it is necessary. Furthermore, it is groundbreaking legislation, as for the first time we have national legislation to comprehensively address the prevention of underage alcohol consumption."



"We need to banish from our imagination the deeply rooted idea that moderate consumption may have some health benefits, as there is a wealth of research that confirms this is not true."



García emphasised that the initiative stems from the concern generated by this area and is "a social demand from citizens." In this sense, the Ministry of Health bases the urgency of rethinking the current regulatory framework on scientific certainty and worrying data such as that revealed by the State Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education in Spain (ESTUDES), which indicates that in 2023, 75.9% of school students reported having consumed alcohol at some point in their lives; 73.6% in the last year; and 56.6% in the last month. "Many of them claim to have almost unrestricted access to alcohol, despite the current restrictions," she noted.



The health official noted that this law was supported by the Health Commission of the Congress of Deputies, held in 2018, where, "with the unanimous support of all parties," an expert report was approved that served as the basis for this legislative project. "Its objectives are clear: to prevent underage alcohol consumption and protect them from its effects, create safe and healthy environments for children and adolescents, and provide effective tools for sectors that work with minors to promote healthy habits," she emphasised.



"We know that alcohol consumption affects young people's brain development and performance in school, and it also increases the risk of addiction in adulthood."



Likewise, García stated that "the scientific evidence is clear: there is no safe amount of alcohol that doesn't have a negative impact on health." "We must banish from our imagination the deeply rooted idea that moderate consumption may have some health benefits, as there is a wealth of research that confirms this is not true," the minister insisted, citing recent reports from the Carlos III Health Institute and the WHO.



Furthermore, the ministerial official emphasised, "we know that alcohol consumption affects young people's brain development and their performance in education, and it also creates a greater risk of addiction in adulthood." Along these lines, García asserted that this law has a "comprehensive, public health approach and is a commitment to families, teachers, healthcare workers, and young people themselves," she concluded.



MAIN RESTRICTIONS



The Bill prohibits the consumption of alcohol for all persons in preschool, primary, compulsory secondary, high school, vocational training, and special education centres; in child protection centres and student residences that admit minors; in other centres for minors or those intended for their use; and in sports centres, leisure centres, or spaces dedicated to public performances when there are sessions specifically designed for minors.



It regulates the sale of alcohol to protect minors, prohibiting street and unlicenced sales on public roads and in other places and circumstances established by another state or regional law or municipal ordinance. The automatic dispensing of alcoholic beverages will require vending machines to incorporate effective technical mechanisms, with direct supervision and custody, that prevent their acquisition by minors. Furthermore, they may not be installed on public roads or in places where the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.



Advertising or commercial communications may not use the image or voice of persons under 21 years of age or of legal age when they appear in the character or disguise of minors.



Limit the display and access to alcoholic beverages in self-service establishments. This must be limited to a specific space within the establishment itself, separate from spaces with products specifically intended for minors. In establishments primarily dedicated to the sale of products for minors, alcoholic beverages and other imitation products may not be sold, nor may they be displayed in shop windows or inside, even if they are empty.



It limits advertising and commercial communications, prohibiting any direct, indirect, or covert form of advertising for alcoholic beverages or products that simulate being alcoholic beverages, including the trade name, company name, symbols, or trademarks of the individuals or companies producing said beverages, directed at minors. Furthermore, the image or voice of the following may not be used in advertising or commercial communications: persons under 21 years of age; persons of legal age when presented in the character or disguise of minors; persons or characters, real or fictional, whose public relevance or popularity is linked to the minor population; pregnant women, even if they have given their consent; or the image of a foetus.



The Ministry has announced the penalties stipulated in the draft of the future law, which range from economic sanctions of 60 to 600,000 euro, administrative sanctions for companies, or closure of offending businesses.



Likewise, regarding advertising language, arguments, styles, typography, or designs associated with the culture of minors may not be used, nor may alcoholic beverages be linked to the improvement of physical performance, social, or sexual success. Misleading or ambiguous terms that could easily confuse minors may not be used. Likewise, advertising may not be placed on public roads or in places visible from them. Advertising, limited to the trade name, corporate name, and identifying brands or symbols of the producing companies, may be permitted within a perimeter 200 linear metres from access to areas frequented by minors.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Kicks Off Its 25th Anniversary with the Inauguration of the Bell of Dreams

Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has officially launched the commemorative activities for its 25th anniversary with an emotional and meaningful event: the inauguration of the Bell of Dreams, a symbol of hope for oncology patients. This ceremony, held in the hospital’s oncology ward, serves as a prelude to World Cancer Day, observed on 4th February, and was attended by healthcare professionals, representatives of patient associations, and families.



Dr Carlos Yago, Medical Director of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, was present at the event and emphasised the importance of these symbolic gestures in "reminding patients that it is possible to overcome the disease. The Bell of Dreams represents the strength, hope and resilience that define oncology patients."



Alongside him, Nuria Armengol, Director of Nursing, highlighted the fundamental role of the nursing team in providing emotional support throughout the oncology process. Also speaking at the event were Victoria Meneses, President of Afecáncer, and Manoli Flores, President of the Alicante Association for the Fight Against Cancer, both of whom agreed on the importance of initiatives such as this in raising awareness and providing community support for patients.



Dr Joseba Rebollo, a specialist in Medical Oncology, also underscored the significance of this moment, stating, "More and more patients are able to ring the Bell of Dreams because treatments are becoming increasingly effective, and science is advancing at a promising pace." The ceremony concluded with words from Dr Rosa Cañón, Head of Radiation Oncology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, who reminded everyone that "cancer treatment is a collective effort involving patients, families, healthcare professionals and society as a whole. Together, we are stronger in the fight against this disease."



The most emotional moment of the day was the first ringing of the bell, led by Esther, a six-year-old girl who has overcome cancer. Her gesture filled everyone with hope and emotion, symbolising victory over the disease and sending a powerful message of strength to those still undergoing treatment.



The event was attended by members of both patient associations, professionals from the hospital’s oncology platform, and representatives of the medical teams. It marked the beginning of a year full of commemorative activities to celebrate 25 years of commitment to health and life at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.







Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Celebrates 25 Years of Commitment to Health



This year, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital celebrates its 25th anniversary, consolidating its position as a leading healthcare provider in the region. To mark the occasion, the hospital has designed a year-long programme of activities, which commenced today with the inauguration of the Bell of Dreams.



Throughout the year, the hospital will launch various initiatives to highlight its history and strong connection with the community. These will include the installation of a commemorative mosaic, showcasing the hospital’s key milestones, and a photographic exhibition dedicated to patients who have overcome cancer, sharing their stories and recognising the vital role of healthcare professionals in their recovery.



Medical education and the promotion of healthy habits will also play a key role in the anniversary celebrations. As part of this effort, the hospital will launch a podcast, featuring its specialists, who will share valuable health insights with the public in a clear and accessible manner. Additionally, the hospital will host a charity run, where participants will contribute steps for a worthwhile cause.



The anniversary programme will culminate in October with a special commemorative event, bringing together patients, families, professionals and partners to celebrate this significant milestone.

### N-332 Widening Project in Torrevieja Advances to Next Stage

The PSOE in Torrevieja has advised that the national Government is progressing with the project of widening the N-332, after decades of failures by previous administrations.



The Government of Spain has announced that it has obtained a favourable environmental assessment report and that this means the possibility of continuing with the project.



In this regard, Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the PSOE, has indicated that it is a report that studies possible effects that this work may have on human health, the atmosphere, the soil, geodiversity, flora and fauna, cultural heritage, the landscape, etc. “This procedure is obligatory and, now that it has been completed, we can continue with the project that is responsible for fitting the route into the few metres available” the spokesperson has stated.



In addition, the socialist has assured that these are procedures that, due to their technical complexity, can be extended over time and that for this reason the project has been developed in parallel to the environmental assessment “to accelerate the widening as much as possible”.



The Torrevieja Socialist Party began its campaign by maintaining that the widening was an absolute priority and the spokesperson has stated on numerous occasions that she has had several communications with personnel from the Ministry of Transport since the beginning of the mandate, to whom she has reiterated her gratitude for the attention received “despite their insistence”.



The Spanish Government is expected to invest 55 million euro to widen 4.47 km of the more than 7 that remain unwidened. “The rest will probably present an environmental impact due to the area through which the road runs but, fortunately, they are the ones with the least congestion” said Soler, who did not hesitate to conclude that the widening will become a reality “despite the PP, which is the only and exclusive culprit for the road being wedged between houses and businesses. And it will be carried out by a PSOE government”.



The socialist spokesperson has also given an answer to why it is the only stretch that has not yet been widened, something that she openly blames on the management that the PP has carried out in Torrevieja since the road was built in the 80s. “The PP chose to break the law to favour, for whatever reasons, the interests of the promoters and owners instead of those of the citizens. The PP's commitment has always been to build at the expense of everything else” says Soler.



According to the socialist, “up to 100 metres of land measured horizontally from the outside of the road should have been left unoccupied, but in Torrevieja the construction of houses was allowed just 25 metres away, despite the repeated warnings from the General Directorate of Roads, and that decision has been suffered by the citizens who are forced to drive on a single lane on a road with an enormous traffic density and very little road safety”.



Likewise, Soler has not missed the opportunity to link this news with the statements made by several PP mayors of Vega Baja last year in relation to the temporary free toll announced by the Ministry of Transport for the AP-7 toll on the Alicante ring road section. The leaders considered that it meant marginalisation and disregard for Vega Baja that the sector between Montesinos and Zenia was not included. The secretary general of the Torrevieja socialists has explained that the responsibility lies with the Partido Popular itself “which was the one who established that this and other roads were toll roads”.



The spokesperson states in her publication that the motorway concessionaire company obtained the award in 1998 for a period of 50 years “with Aznar governing in Madrid and Zaplana in Valencia” and that other tolls have already finished their concessions, so it has been possible to declare them free. However, this toll, which is one of the most expensive in Spain despite its mere 13 km, was built at the height of the real estate boom and will have a concession in force until 2048. “The company itself took legal action against socialist projects that were betting on free roads such as the widening of the N-332 between Guardamar and Torrevieja and Torrevieja Pilar de la Horadada” said the socialist.



For all this, Soler describes as “ridiculous” that the PP, “in the face of the citizens”, incessantly demands that the Spanish Government widen the national highway and declare the motorway free of charge, “when these are problems that they have caused by choosing to favour private interests”.



However, the spokesperson concluded that “while the PP is dedicated to trying to confuse the citizens, from the PSOE we will continue working for the public interest”.

### Marine Surveillance Service inspects 50,000 hectares of coastline to protect posidonia seaweed

The Valencia region´s Marine Surveillance Service is inspecting 50,000 hectares of coastline to establish a network to monitor marine species, habitats and protected areas with the aim of preserving the posidonia meadows of the Valencian Community.



This service, which depends on the General Directorate of Natural and Animal Environment, has expanded the surveillance network in 2024, so the presence of work at sea has been 810 days and the vessels have travelled more than 37,000 kilometres of the Valencian coastline, which are the best records to date.



In this regard, the Director General of Natural and Animal Environment, Luis Gomis, has highlighted that the surveillance device “is made up of a team of 19 marine professionals and eight vessels managed by the Ministry, which represents the largest deployment since the start of this program in 2022”.



Thus, the eight base ports from which the vessels depart for the work are El Perelló, Dénia, Alcossebre, Oropesa del Mar, Xàbia, Calp, El Campello and Torrevieja.



In addition, the current surveillance network will also have two new vessels since 2024 that carry out surveillance and control work on the coast of L'Albufera and in Dénia. "This network for monitoring marine species, habitats and protected areas allows us to collect all the information of interest on nautical activity and to report on the ecological and regulatory importance associated with posidonia oceanica," added Luis Gomis.



The Marine Surveillance Service has managed to reduce the number of anchors on posidonia meadows during the three years it has been active. In addition, from September 2024, environmental agents have begun to board the service's boats to report these violations.



This year, for the first time, a process of disseminating the regulations associated with seagrass meadows has been carried out in five different nautical clubs: Club Náutico Oropesa del Mar, Marina El Portet in Dénia, Club Náutico in Moraira and El Campello, as well as the Real Club Náutico in Torrevieja.



Monitoring plan



The Department of Environment, Infrastructure and Territory has brought together experts from all over Spain to analyse the status of this species in the Valencian Community, within the framework of the presentation day of the Posidonia monitoring plan, which was held in Alicante.



As the Director General of Natural and Animal Environment has pointed out, posidonia acts against “deterioration in water quality, loss of biodiversity and even the regression of our beaches”. He added that this species “provides oxygen, provides shelter and is a breeding ground for species of interest, as well as acting as a barrier against erosion”.



Posidonia is very sensitive to contamination by wastewater and hydrocarbons, as well as by coastal construction. In addition, the practice of water sports can increase direct attacks due to indiscriminate anchoring.



Protection of grasslands



Through decree 64/2022, the Consell regulates the conservation of seagrass meadows in the Valencian Community, including also Cymodocea nodosa meadows. This decree contemplates the need to implement a monitoring plan, as well as specifies that surveillance, inspection and control are the responsibility of the Generalitat.



In this sense, the monitoring plan launched in 2024, which was analysed at this conference, addresses research into the state of conservation of the meadows of the Valencian Community, and establishes a protocol of sampling points by depth ranges, from the shore to depths exceeding 25 metres.



This is a project that, together with the work of coastguards and environmental agents, has made it possible to create a network for monitoring the marine coastline and studying the nautical uses of each space in the Natura 2000 marine network, providing logistical support and technical advice to researchers, law enforcement agents and Maritime Rescue.



During this session, Gomis explained that our seagrass meadows “are currently in a good state of conservation, however, there is a wide margin for improvement in their recovery in those areas where they have been reduced or disappeared.” Therefore, “it is our duty and our responsibility to redouble our efforts and work side by side towards this common goal,” he concluded.

### Winter and Christmas: A Challenge for Emergency Services

Prevention is key to avoiding issues arising from low temperatures or dietary changes associated with Christmas celebrations.



With the arrival of winter and the festive season, emergency services experience a significant surge in medical demand. Low temperatures, combined with celebrations and shifts in daily habits, create a perfect storm for various health issues.



From respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive illnesses to domestic accidents, this season truly tests our resilience. Specialists at the Emergency Department of Quirónsalud Torrevieja highlight the importance of "preparing adequately to minimise risks and ensure efficient care during such a demanding period."



Increase in Respiratory Diseases



Winter cold contributes to the spread of respiratory infections. Common colds, flu, and bronchitis are among the most frequent conditions treated in emergency departments. These illnesses are often more severe in older adults, young children, and people with chronic conditions. Additionally, exacerbations of illnesses like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increase during this season, partly due to sudden temperature changes and exposure to cold air.



The impact of these conditions can be mitigated with preventive strategies. According to experts, "vaccines against flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcus are key tools to protect the most vulnerable groups." They also emphasise the importance of maintaining proper hand hygiene and dressing warmly, covering the mouth and nose when outdoors.



The festive environment may pose additional challenges for individuals with respiratory allergies. Christmas decorations stored for months accumulate dust and mites, triggering allergic reactions. Artificial snow sprays and festive fragrances can also irritate airways. Cleaning decorations thoroughly and keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated are strongly recommended.



Cardiovascular Impact of Cold



The cardiovascular system is another major area affected during winter. Low temperatures can cause vasoconstriction, increasing blood pressure and the strain on the heart. This raises the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as hypertensive emergencies, angina, or heart attacks.



Dietary changes and the emotional stress associated with family gatherings during the holidays may also contribute to complications. According to Quirónsalud Torrevieja specialists, "excessive consumption of fatty and salty foods, combined with alcohol, poses a significant risk, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions."



A specific type of arrhythmia, exacerbated by alcohol consumption, can affect both those with and without a history of heart disease. Although it may seem minor, it can lead to serious complications if not properly managed.



To prevent such issues, experts recommend striking a balance between enjoyment and moderation. A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption are essential measures for cardiovascular health during winter.



Domestic Accidents



The increased use of heaters, stoves, and fireplaces in winter raises the risk of domestic accidents. Burns, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning are common issues treated in emergency departments. "Many incidents could be avoided with basic safety measures, such as checking the condition of heating devices, keeping flammable materials (like textiles) away from heat sources, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and ensuring proper ventilation," experts advise.



Moreover, slippery surfaces caused by rain or frost heighten the risk of falls, particularly for older adults. These falls can result in fractures, head injuries, and other serious conditions requiring immediate attention. It is crucial to wear appropriate footwear and avoid going out in adverse weather unless absolutely necessary.



Dietary Excesses



Christmas celebrations are often marked by prolonged and lavish meals, frequently leading to digestive emergencies. Indigestion, acid reflux, food poisoning, and acute pancreatitis are common issues during this period. Planning balanced menus, moderating portion sizes, and avoiding high-fat or overly spicy foods can help prevent these problems.



Food poisoning cases, caused by undercooked or improperly stored food, also tend to rise. Ensuring food is stored in optimal conditions and adhering to expiry and use-by dates are essential precautions to avoid complications.



Traffic Accidents



Alcohol consumption during festive celebrations is a major factor in traffic accidents at this time of year. These incidents not only affect those directly involved but also their families and the emergency services that manage the aftermath.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has a specialised Traffic Unit designed to care for individuals involved in road accidents. This multidisciplinary service includes trauma specialists, physiotherapists, neurologists, and rehabilitation experts who work together to ensure comprehensive recovery. Additionally, no health insurance is required to access this service, making it available to all patients in need.



The Role of Prevention



While emergency services are prepared to handle any eventuality, specialists at Quirónsalud stress the importance of prevention as the first line of defence. Awareness campaigns on vaccination, dietary habits, and home safety are valuable tools to reduce the number of emergencies during winter and Christmas.



Fostering a responsible and considerate attitude among the population is also vital. This includes avoiding unnecessary excesses and proactively addressing evident risks. "Taking care of ourselves also means caring for those around us, especially during such a special time of year," conclude the experts.

### La Mata Market Moved to Tuesday

Because Christmas and New Year are on a Wednesday this year, the usual Wednesday market in La Mata has been moved a day early to Tuesday.



So, if you want your fresh fruit and veg for the big celebrations, you can visit La Mata market on Tuesday 24 December and Tuesday 31 December instead.



Not forgetting the Friday market in Torrevieja which is normal at the moment.

### Non-Resident Taxes in Spain: Your Deadlines and How IberianTax Can Help

For non-resident property owners in Spain, staying on top of your tax obligations is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with Spanish tax laws. Non-resident taxes are an unavoidable part of owning property in Spain, and with upcoming deadlines fast approaching, you need to take action now to get your taxes sorted in time. Here’s everything you need to know.



What Taxes Do Non-Residents Have to Pay?



If you’re a non-resident who owns property in Spain, there are a few key taxes you’ll need to be aware of:



1. Imputed Income Tax



Even if your property isn’t rented out and is only used for personal use (or remains empty), you’re still required to pay Imputed Income Tax. This tax is calculated based on the cadastral value of your property (a value assigned by the Spanish government for tax purposes). It’s essentially a tax on the potential income the property could generate.




Deadline: For the 2023 tax year, you’ll need to file yours by 31st December 2024.




2. Rental Income Tax



If you rent out your property, either for short-term holiday lets or long-term rentals, you’re required to pay Rental Income Tax on the income earned. The rate is 24% for non-EU/EEA residents and 19% for EU/EEA residents. You can also deduct allowable expenses, such as maintenance costs or property management fees if you qualify.




Deadline: The filing window for 2024 rental income tax is from 1st to 20th January 2025.




3. Capital Gains Tax



If you’ve sold your property in Spain, or if you’re about to sell, you’ll need to pay Capital Gains Tax if you’ve made a profit from the sale. The tax rate for Capital Gains Tax is set at 19%, regardless of your residency status (EU or non-EU). You’ll need to ensure that this is paid within 4 months of the sale date.







Upcoming Deadlines for Non-Resident Taxes



With two major deadlines looming, it’s important to act quickly to avoid penalties:




20th December 2024: Deadline for setting up a direct debit with IberianTax to pay your Imputed Income Tax.



31st December 2024: Final deadline for filing and paying your Imputed Income Tax for 2023.



1st - 20th January 2025: Filing window for Rental Income Tax for income earned in 2024.




Why Choose IberianTax?



Managing your non-resident taxes doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. At IberianTax, we specialise in making tax filing simple, secure, and affordable for non-resident property owners.




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With IberianTax, you’ll save time, money, and avoid the hassle of dealing with complex tax forms. Whether you need to file your Imputed Income Tax, Rental Income Tax or even Capital Gains Tax, our system is built to make the process as smooth as possible.







Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late



Filing your non-resident taxes might feel like a daunting task, but with IberianTax, it’s never been easier. Whether you need help calculating your taxes, understanding allowable deductions, or simply need to ask for advice, we’ve got you covered.



Take action today:




Visit IberianTax’s website to create your free account.



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Access our Help Desk if you have any questions or need support.




With upcoming deadlines just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get started. Avoid penalties, save money, and enjoy peace of mind with IberianTax. Click here to file your taxes today! Top of FormBottom of Form

### Sciatica: symptoms and treatments

Sciatica, also known as lumbosciatalgia, is the name by which we commonly refer to a sharp or subacute pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg.



Associated with age and very common in pregnant women, sciatica can appear at any point of the nerve pathway, from the spine to the foot, and often follows its path from the lumbar region through the buttocks and the back of the thighs to the calves.



Why does sciatica occur?



The sciatic nerve originates in the spinal cord, from the spinal nerve roots L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3, which emerge from the spine in the lumbar and sacral region and combine to form the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region.



When these nerve roots become irritated or compressed, the clinical symptoms of sciatica or lumbosciatalgia are triggered, causing pain in the lower back and in one or both legs.



Technically, sciatica is "a medical condition that involves radiculopathy caused by an injury to the lumbar nerve roots, with the most frequently affected being L5 and S1," explains Dr. Juan Fernando Henares, head of the Pain Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante.



What are its causes? Are there risk factors associated with its appearance?



One of the main causes of sciatica is herniated disc, "which occurs when an intervertebral disc herniates or ruptures, putting pressure on the nerve roots."



Age is another common cause of this type of pain.



"As we age," Dr. Henares adds, "it is possible for the spine to experience a narrowing of the spinal canal, known as stenosis. This compression can affect the origin of the sciatic nerve.  Some age-associated degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis also contribute to the development of low back sciatica."



Likewise, injuries to the spine from trauma or tumours can damage the spine and compress the sciatic nerve.



The same goes for Piriformis Syndrome: the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve if it becomes inflamed or too tight, producing what is called pseudosciatica (deep gluteal syndrome).



In this sense, the Quirónsalud Alicante specialist  adds that being overweight and lack of physical activity increase the risk of developing lumbosciatalgia, "by exerting additional pressure on the spine".



What are the symptoms of sciatica?



Although the symptoms of sciatica are different in each person, the most common are:




Stabbing, burning, or constant pain that radiates from the lower back into the leg, and is usually made worse by sitting for long periods of time.



Paresthesias. In other words, abnormal sensations in the affected leg, such as tingling, numbness or muscle weakness.



Loss of muscle strength that makes it hard to move the leg or lift heavy objects.




On the other hand, and although sciatica always affects the lower limbs (legs), there is a similar injury in the upper limbs called cervicobrachialgia. 



"This condition involves the neck and arms, being a cervical radiculopathy. Treatments usually require greater specialization due to the complexity of the cervical spine," concludes Dr. Henares.



What treatment options are available for sciatica?



The head of the Pain Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante explains that the approach to sciatica can be carried out from three different perspectives:




Conservative management. "It is recommended for most people with herniated discs, as up to 90% will be spontaneously 'reabsorbed'. It includes rest, medication for pain and inflammation, and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility."





Minimally invasive management. "Percutaneous treatments for herniated disc are minimally invasive medical procedures designed to relieve the pain and symptoms caused by a herniated disc without requiring open surgery. The procedure is performed through small incisions in the skin and generally has fewer complications and shorter recovery times than traditional surgeries."





Surgical techniques. "Among them, discectomy or laminectomy, with or without instrumentation. Although effective, they carry greater surgical and anaesthetic risk".




Regarding the techniques used in the Pain Unit of Quirónsalud Alicante to treat sciatica, the specialist lists:




Epidural injections. Medication is injected directly into the epidural space, usually corticosteroids with local anaesthetic and ozone or Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). The treatment helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain, is symptomatic and effective, and facilitates the patient's rehabilitation.





Infiltration of the nerve root or Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG). This procedure locates the nerve root causing sciatica, usually compressed by a herniated disc, and then a corticosteroid, local anaesthetic, or PRP is injected into the area. The technique is associated with neuromodulator therapies, such as pulsed radiofrequency.





Nucleoplasty. Also known as percutaneous disc decompression. It is a minimally invasive technique and indicated in patients with disc protrusions and lumbar or radicular pain. Once the needle is precisely placed on the intervertebral disc, a lesion is made with different types of energy (such as radiofrequency) to reduce pressure and relieve the patient's pain. The aim is to modify the collagen of the annulous fibrosus and ablation of the pain receptors in the area.





Intradiscal regenerative medicine. It consists of injecting stem cells (MSCs) or enriched plasma to relieve pain of disc origin. This type of therapy has been shown to improve the water content at the level of the disc and increase cell proliferation thanks to growth factors and cytokines such as PDGF, IGF-1, TGF-β and VEGF.





Intradiscal Ozone Therapy. It involves injecting a mixture of oxygen and ozone directly into the herniated disc. Ozone is thought to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue regeneration, which can relieve pain and improve function.





Percutaneous Laser Therapy. A laser with different wavelengths (usually 980nm or 1470nm) is used to vaporize or decompress the herniated disc tissue. The procedure is performed through a small incision and has a very fast recovery time compared to surgery.




Is there a definitive treatment? What is the success rate of these interventions?



The Pain Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante focuses on minimally invasive treatments, mainly in regenerative medicine.



Some of its advantages are its anti-inflammatory power, its minimal adverse reactions or the preservation of the structure of the disc and, with it, the biomechanical stability of this anatomical segment.



"These treatments have similar success rates to open surgery (80-90%), but with fewer potential complications," explains Dr. Juan Fernando Henares.



"The literature supports the effectiveness of these techniques, which offer considerable relief and improve patients' quality of life through outpatient procedures. Each case is evaluated individually, and these approaches are prioritized before considering open surgery, which carries a higher risk and longer recovery time."



Request more information at the Quirónsalud Alicante Pain Unit

###  The Socialist Party of Torrevieja organises a day against gender violence for 25N

On Saturday 23, the local PSOE organised a day with a large influx of people against gender violence on the occasion of 25N, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.



The event was introduced by the socialist councillor, Carolina Ponce, who explained the historic advances that have been made in our country to end sexist violence. She condemned that "We are in 2024 and this year 40 women have already been murdered by their partners or ex-partners and 8 boys and girls, at the hands of those partners" and stated that "in the face of these chilling data, indifference and silence are not an option, violence against women does exist, it is increasing in recent years,  that not everything is visible or easy to identify, and that shame is about time for it to change sides."



In the first part of the day, the psychologist Raquel Lafuente, a worker at the Women's Centre of Torrevieja, gave a presentation on how centres like the one she works in help women who are victims of gender violence.



Next, Ane Rodríguez and Héctor Forés, directed by Antonio Ballester, starred in two theatre scenes that showed examples of sexist violence that are more common in the lives of adolescents than they should.



After the theatrical performance, a discussion table moderated by Carolina Ponce took place on "Social networks and gender violence". Impact on youth" with Ahlam Chtouki, Carlos Escolano, Adriana Manzanares, Alejandro Rebollo and Álvaro Tormo. The participants reflected on various topics such as whether gender violence is more common on networks than in real life, if there is a model of man and woman that is promoted on the internet, the possible age limits to create a profile on networks or the digital communities that are emerging to report crimes. Afterwards, some people from the audience gave their opinion on the topics discussed.



Finally, mona con chocolate was distributed among the attendees and donations were collected in favour of the association "Alanna, professional women against sexist violence (Valencia)" that serves "VioGén" women in areas affected by the DANA.

### Physical Exercise and a Balanced Diet Help COPD Patients Improve Their Quality of Life

COPD significantly impacts cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and arrhythmias.



The prevalence of COPD has decreased due to reduced smoking rates, yet its incidence remains high due to an ageing population.




To mark World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, Dr Líder Espinoza Cordero, a specialist in the Pulmonology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, advises COPD patients to not only avoid tobacco use but also engage in regular physical activity appropriate to their condition and maintain a balanced diet to enjoy a better quality of life.







Another crucial element is pulmonary rehabilitation, which helps alleviate symptoms. “It’s important to bear in mind,” explains Dr Espinoza, “that this therapy is indicated for any patient with chronic respiratory disease who continues to experience symptoms despite receiving appropriate pharmacological treatment.”



“COPD patients,” highlights Dr Espinoza Cordero, “often face an exacerbation of other respiratory conditions as their disease progresses, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Moreover, cardiovascular diseases, including arrhythmias and heart failure, also have a significant impact on their health and require specialist monitoring.”



COPD affects approximately 10–15% of the adult population. While its prevalence has decreased due to the decline in smoking rates, its incidence remains high, driven by the ageing population, notes the specialist from Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



Treatment for COPD



The primary treatment for COPD is smoking cessation, followed by inhalation therapy, which mainly involves the use of bronchodilators. In specific cases, inhaled corticosteroids are added to reduce inflammation.



“In advanced stages of the disease with severe oxygen deprivation,” explains Dr Espinoza Cordero, “home oxygen therapy becomes necessary.”



Dr Espinoza also emphasises the importance of vaccination for COPD patients to prevent influenza and SARS-CoV infections, and, most importantly, pneumonia through pneumococcal vaccination.

### Mobile Vaccination Unit to Visit Torrevieja on 15 December

With a primary focus initially on the flood-hit areas around Valencia, the Department of Health´s mobile vaccination unit it touring the Costa Blanca offering Covid-19 and flu jabs without the need for an appointment.



This is the first time the Department has launched a mobile vaccination unit without an appointment, now visiting various points in the Valencian Community with a large influx of people. To get vaccinated, only the SIP card is required, without the need to request an appointment.



So far, 2,187 people have been vaccinated in the mobile unit. The itinerant tour began on November 9 in Alicante and Elche, and last weekend it moved to Castellón and Vila-real.



The mobile unit is scheduled to be installed this weekend in Gandia, in Plaza del Tirant s/n at the end of Passeig de Les Germanies, on Saturday 23 November and on Sunday 24 November it will be installed on the esplanade of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de València.



Subsequently, it is planned to move on November 8 to Alcoy in Plaza Pintor Gisbert, on December 14 to Plaza SS.MM Los Reyes de España in Benidorm, and on December 15, it will move to Torrevieja and will be located at Avda. Dr. Gregorio Marañón number 7.



Finally, it is important to remember the importance of keeping the vaccination schedule up to date and continuing with the seasonal vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19, as pointed out by the Public Health response coordination group, made up of experts from the Department of Health and the Ministry of Health, among others.



In addition, specialists insist on the need to administer systematic vaccination, that is, the vaccination schedule, especially in the child population under 2 years of age who have not yet been immunized.

### Meniscus Injuries or Ligament Tears? Forget About Knee Pain

With arthroscopic surgery, most patients can leave hospital on the same day as their procedure and experience rapid recovery.



Over the years, joints accumulate impacts, and wear and tear can lead to pain. In fact, for some individuals over the age of 30, knee pain is part of daily life. The same applies to younger people who have suffered injuries such as ligament tears or meniscus damage. These traumas, often associated with physical activity, can be treated with simple, minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopic surgery.



From Quirónsalud Alicante, Dr. Néstor Zurita, head of the Advanced Traumatology Unit, states that the progressive advancement in arthroscopic instruments and knowledge has been one of the milestones in the history of this specialty. It has redefined anatomy, enhanced the understanding of known pathologies, and defined new types of injuries, as well as enabled the treatment of processes that previously lacked options.



What is Arthroscopy?



Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used in Orthopaedics and Traumatology to diagnose and treat various problems and diseases located within a joint. This intervention allows, through a minimal incision that leaves little to no scarring, a complete view of the joint via the arthroscope—a small, elongated tube-like instrument measuring 4.5 mm in diameter, which captures high-quality images of internal structures through optics connected to a television camera.



In addition to obtaining images, during arthroscopy, the patient is treated, allowing for the surgical procedure to be carried out with equal or greater efficacy than if the joint had to be fully opened. “As a very minimally invasive method,” notes Dr. Zurita, “it reduces hospital stay times, enabling patient discharge even on the same day as the procedure in most cases, and ensures early recovery.”



In What Cases is It Recommended?



As Dr. Fernando Jordá, head of the Knee Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, points out, any injury affecting the interior of the joint that does not require large implants is generally suitable for arthroscopy. Specifically, the knee is the joint where this technique is most frequently performed.



Meniscus injuries are one of the most common pathologies in the knee, and their treatment is almost always arthroscopic. The meniscus is a cartilage that provides cushioning in the knee, and its injury often causes pain, especially during movements such as bending. “Thanks to arthroscopy, which allows for visualisation and intervention on the tissue, we have been able to define numerous patterns of rupture. The treatment for tears at the inner edge of the meniscus involves trimming it, as it has no healing capacity, but progress has led to attempts to heal and preserve as much of the meniscus as possible, with ongoing and unstoppable development of techniques to repair its various forms of rupture,” explains Dr. Jordá.



In the case of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, these tears are well-known in sports circles, typically occurring from trauma that angles the knee inward while flexed and supported, often accompanied by a body twist. Once ruptured, this ligament, except in very particular cases, cannot be repaired; instead, it is replaced with another ligament taken from the patient’s own knee, which is positioned in place of the torn ACL to perform the same stabilising function.



Other situations that require arthroscopy for diagnosis or treatment include:




Wear or degeneration of articular cartilage.



Fragments or loose bodies of bone or cartilage within the joint.



Inflammation of the synovial lining.



Malalignment or tendency to dislocate.



Rupture or degeneration of tendons.




Care After Arthroscopy



As the scar generated from this surgery is minimal, post-operative care is simpler. To achieve rapid and effective healing, it is necessary to care for the dressings, avoid dirty and dusty environments, and keep the surrounding area dry. To prevent swelling or oedema, it is advisable to sit or lie down with the foot elevated as much as possible and avoid having the operated leg in a downward position. It is also common to require the use of crutches to limit weight-bearing on the operated leg.



Rehabilitation: A Crucial Role in Recovery



Rehabilitation plays a vital role in returning to daily activities. After arthroscopy, it is essential to generate appropriate and consistent stimuli on the treated joint to restore its full capabilities. In this case, physiotherapists are responsible for overseeing this recovery process, so the greater the communication and interaction between these professionals and the surgeons, the better the final results.



The time that typically elapses from the performance of arthroscopy until the patient can resume their usual routines varies depending on the pathology being treated. For meniscal injuries, the usual recovery period is about 4 to 6 weeks, while ligament injuries may take 6 to 9 months.



The Benefits of Arthroscopy



Compared to open surgery, arthroscopy offers numerous benefits:




It minimises damage during the surgical process to access the area being treated.



It allows for visualisation of the entire joint, unlike open surgery, which is limited to the view from the incision. With arthroscopy, the rear part of the joint can be seen.



The tissues are magnified, similar to using a magnifying glass, by about 3-4 times. This, along with the high-definition images, allows for a much better assessment of the tissues, delineating injuries with far greater precision.



The risk of infection is significantly reduced, as there are no exposed fields to the environment, and the procedure is usually conducted with a constant flow of saline solution that continuously washes the surgical area.



All of this leads to a reduction in hospital stay duration, pain, complications, and an improvement in recovery speed.




Request More Information About Knee Surgery at Quirónsalud Alicante



Request More Information About Knee Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja

### More than 120,000 patients treated: Quirónsalud Torrevieja, a benchmark in oncology and breast cancer treatment

With more than 20 years of experience and more than 120,000 patients treated, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform has established itself as a national and international benchmark in the fight against cancer, especially in the treatment of breast cancer



The Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja has established a standard of excellence and avant-garde in the treatment of cancer in Spain. Over these two decades, they have developed innovative approaches, such as personalized oncology, genetic testing, and state-of-the-art therapies, that place this platform at the pinnacle of cancer healthcare.



Innovation in personalised oncology and gene therapies



Quirónsalud Torrevieja is distinguished by its focus on personalised oncology, which is supported by genetic analysis and immunotherapy. Through state-of-the-art genetic sequencing, the medical team can study not only mutations in specific genes, but also the expression of the more than 20,000 genes that code for proteins in the human body. This allows a much more detailed diagnosis of each tumor and, therefore, the design of more effective and less toxic therapies.



The use of genetics to classify tumors and select the most appropriate treatment represents a paradigm shift in cancer care. The platform offers therapeutic options even for those patients with tumors that have shown resistance to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. Thanks to this approach, Quirónsalud Torrevieja has managed to improve the therapeutic success rate in 70% of the cases treated, compared to the 25% achieved with traditional diagnostic tools.



Immunotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer



One of the emerging treatments in the fight against breast cancer is immunotherapy, a powerful tool that uses the patient's immune system to attack cancer cells. According to Dr. Manuel Sureda, a specialist  at the Oncology Platform at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, this type of therapy has shown promising results, particularly in cases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive variant that is usually resistant to other treatments such as chemotherapy.



How Immunotherapy Works in Breast Cancer Treatment



The basic principle of immunotherapy is to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy tumour cells. Many times, cancer cells develop mechanisms that allow them to evade attack by the immune system, but immunotherapeutic treatments block these strategies, allowing the immune system to act more effectively.



There are different types of immunotherapies for breast cancer, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have been shown to be especially helpful in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. In addition, monoclonal antibodies, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), target specific proteins on cancer cells, making them easier to kill.



Benefits of immunotherapy in breast cancer



Immunotherapy offers a more personalised and less toxic option than traditional chemotherapy, as it is designed to specifically target cancer cells without harming healthy cells as much. However, this treatment is not suitable for all types of breast cancer. Its use depends on the specific characteristics of the tumour and the patient's response to previous therapies.







The most advanced technology in radiotherapy at Quirósalud Torrevieja



Radiotherapy is another pillar in the oncological treatment of patients with breast cancer, and the Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja has the most advanced technology. Dr. Rosa Cañón, head of the Radiation Oncology Service, highlights the advantages of the new linear accelerators, such as the Varian TrueBeam 2.7 from Quirónsalud Torrevieja, which allows tumours to be treated with millimetric precision, improving the effectiveness of the treatment, minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues and therefore reducing side effects.



Dr. S. S. adds that radiotherapy is used to treat tumours in the breast and lymph node regions (armpit) as well as in advanced cases to treat metastases in other organs, often with curative intent.



Intraoperative radiotherapy



One of the most innovative techniques available at the Oncology Platform is intraoperative radiotherapy, as it has a linear accelerator inside the operating room, with which a dose of radiation is administered during surgery. This technique is performed in patients with early breast cancer, after the resection of the tumour and sentinel lymph node, a dose of radiotherapy is administered in the operating room itself, which avoids postoperative radiotherapy sessions.



Oncological Surgery: State-of-the-Art Approaches



The multidisciplinary approach of the Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja also includes advanced techniques in oncological surgery. Dr. Pedro Bretcha, head of the Surgical Oncology Service, stresses that more than 95% of breast cancer cases require surgical intervention. Surgery is used for both curative and palliative purposes, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the tumour.



Breast preservation techniques



In recent years, an effort has been made to reduce the need for radical mastectomies, preferring conservative surgeries that preserve as much breast tissue as possible. In some cases, the administration of chemotherapy or immunotherapy before surgery can reduce the size of the tumor, facilitating a less invasive intervention and, therefore, improving the patient's quality of life.



When should breast cancer surgery be used?



Surgical treatment is part of breast cancer treatment in more than 95% of cases. It generally has a curative purpose. In fewer cases it has a palliative purpose, that is, to avoid complications or unwanted effects due to tumour growth, such as bleeding, over-infections or pain in widely disseminated tumours and in which the possibility of cure is minimal, but surgery can contribute to improving the quality of life of patients. In a small number of cases we do not perform surgery, such as when the tumour has a good prognosis, in elderly women, or with associated pathology where the risk of surgery is greater than the benefit of it in the treatment of breast cancer.



Precision Medicine: A Promising Future in Cancer Treatments



Quirónsalud Torrevieja's Oncology Platform not only focuses on the current treatment of cancer, but also looks to the future with its focus on precision medicine. This concept, as defined by Dr. Manuel Sureda, involves adapting treatments to the individual genetic characteristics of each patient, creating a "tailor-made suit" for each cancer case.



Transcriptome: A New Horizon in Cancer Treatment



The analysis of the transcriptome, which studies the expression of RNA in tumour cells, has allowed the doctors at Quirónsalud Torrevieja to offer more personalised and effective therapies. In up to 70% of the cases studied, this analysis has provided valuable information on the resistance or sensitivity of tumours to certain drugs, which has allowed treatments to be adjusted in real time.



Transcriptome Analysis Increases Clinical Benefit of Breast Tumours by 70%



The transcriptome study provides personalized information on aspects relevant to the treatment of tumours, such as resistance or sensitivity to chemotherapy or other types of antitumor drugs



This approach not only improves treatment efficacy, but also offers a higher chance of tumour control and increases the patient's quality of life. The Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been a pioneer in the use of the transcriptome in Spain and continues to advance in this area to improve clinical outcomes in patients with breast cancer.

### Pulmonary nodules smaller than two centimetres can be cured if detected early

Thanks to the minimally invasive approach assisted by Da Vinci robotic surgery, lung cancer procedures can now be performed in a nearly outpatient manner.



Smokers over the age of fifty are advised to have a lung CT scan every two years.



Immunotherapy has significantly improved survival rates in lung cancer patients, even in cases of advanced disease.




As part of European Lung Cancer Week, Dr Joseba Rebollo, an oncology specialist at Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, reminds us that lung nodules smaller than two centimetres are often curable with surgery if detected early. Therefore, he recommends that smokers over the age of fifty undergo a lung CT scan every two years in order to detect these mostly asymptomatic pulmonary nodules at an early stage.



Types of lung cancer and their treatment



Lung cancer is classified into two main types: small cell and non-small cell. Small cell lung cancer, which accounts for 30% of cases, is highly related to smoking and tends to spread quickly. “It can be treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, achieving cure rates of around 20% in cases of limited disease, which is when the disease can be contained within a radiotherapy field,” states Dr Manuel Sureda, an oncologist at Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja and an expert in oncological immunology.



On the other hand, non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type, and its treatments greatly benefit from genetic tumour studies. “Approximately 50% of these tumours have specific genetic alterations that allow the use of targeted therapies for that specific alteration. Moreover, immunotherapy, which has revolutionised the treatment of this type of lung cancer, has significantly improved survival rates in patients eligible for it, even in cases of advanced disease,” Dr Sureda adds.



Early lung cancer recovery thanks to Da Vinci



Thanks to the minimally invasive approach assisted by Da Vinci robotic surgery, interventions that once required open surgery and long hospital stays for lung cancer patients can now be performed in a nearly outpatient manner, with shorter hospital stays in any case.



“In addition,” notes Dr José Belda, head of the Thoracic Surgery Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and specialist in robotic surgery, “the great precision of Da Vinci surgeries allows us to address both benign and malignant lung conditions, including lobectomies and sublobar resections, all without compromising oncological thoroughness.” Other advantages noted by the specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja include less blood loss and a reduced risk of postoperative infections.



For more information about robotic lung cancer surgery, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ0EPpsaUE0&t=1s

### Torrevieja Mayor´s Dictatorial Delusions Highlighted

Sueña Torrevieja is warning that the mayor of Torrevieja intends to cut the political rights of the councillors and the municipal groups by modifying the municipal organic regulations.



Spokesperson Pablo Samper assures that the proposal to modify the Municipal Organic Regulations presented by the PP government is one of the “greatest democratic attacks in the history of Torrevieja”.



The reduction of the time for interventions in the plenary sessions to only 3 minutes and the limitation of the questions to the government team seeks to “silence the opposition and establish the doctrine of the party and single thought”.



Samper, spokesman for Sueña Torrevieja, has publicly expressed “his astonishment and disappointment” upon learning of the changes that the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, intends to introduce in the municipal plenary sessions “to silence the opposition political parties and avoid as much as possible the debate and the control”.



Samper says that “it is regrettable that a mayor who boasts of his great support and his character, intends to reduce the interventions in the councillors' plenary sessions to only 3 minutes, with the transcendental issues that remain ahead for the future of Torrevieja in the coming years”.



Furthermore, he criticises the limitation of the questions to the plenary session to a total of 3 questions, and 2 requests, adding that “it is evident that the mayor is annoyed by the battery of questions that we present plenary session after plenary session to audit the increasingly uncertain management based on large projects, works and infrastructures that are neither here nor expected”.



Samper concludes by stating that “the residents of Torrevieja do not deserve this. Despite the different ways of thinking and ideas, the people of Torrevieja want politicians to debate and earn the salary for which we are paid.



This is an attack on pluralism and freedom of expression, the heart of our democracy, but at Sueña Torrevieja we will continue to work, even more firmly and responsibly, not ruling out resorting to legal action if we believe that our fundamental rights are being violated, and above all we will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by dictatorial delusions”.



This is of course the latest in a wave of moves that could be more acceptable in a dictatorial society, rather than wone of coexistence and respect. We have seen such moves as threats to fine victims of crime, those who purchase goods of the so-called “lookie lookie men”, without any attempt to fine or deal with the perpetrators of those crimes, the sellers and suppliers.



We have seen threats to fine residents who want to deposit rubbish into the dustbins, if they don´t do so within a very short timeframe, without any notion of dealing with the fact that the contract to provide the service is woefully inadequate, and there is no notion of fining those responsible, just, once again, the victims of contractual incompetence.



And, we must not forget the blatant ignoring of laws and rules by the town hall when they don´t suit their own ideas of urban planning, but now, none of these matters, and many more besides, can be brought to account by the attempts to silence those who question their actions, which, incidentally, includes journalists accused of being “bought out” by opposition parties if they too dare to question their motives, whilst they themselves offer “advertising” incentives for towing the party line.

### Proposal to End Cronyism and Boost Local Business in Torrevieja

The Torrevieja Socialist Municipal Group is presenting a motion so that, if approved, any interested party can compete for minor contracts to supply works and services to Torrevieja and put an end to cronyism in contracting whilst also boosting the local businesses, and save money, all at the same time.



The motion presented to the plenary session of the council has the objective of giving maximum publicity and information to the processing of minor contracts, so that through free competition any physical or legal person can offer their services and thus reduce the prices paid in said contracts.



Minor contracts are the way in which works with an estimated value of less than 40,000 euro and supply or service contracts with an estimated value of less than 15,000 euro can be contracted.



The main problem that exists in the contracting of the Torrevieja Council, according to the socialist group, is that minor contracts are abused. In fact, the Director of the Legal Department of the Council issued a report in 2023 warning that in Torrevieja minor contracts were carried out routinely, which could lead to “unwanted legal consequences”.



According to the reports, in practice, there are multiple cases bordering on fraud. Companies with the same administrator or from distant places that show no interest in the contract are invited, and very often, people or companies in which people linked at some point to the ruling PP members.



Companies are also contracted to perform functions that should be carried out by the Council's own staff. In this last case, the appraisal of the Los Romeros property fits in, where €18,000 was paid for an appraisal whose average market price does not exceed €2,000. Right here, the very high prices paid using this type of contract also stand out, too often, close to the legal limits even though the market prices are much lower.



In short, the way the PP manages minor contracts encourages waste and cronyism, sometimes commissioning unnecessary work such as the study of solutions to the C-2 Punta la Víbora Agreement, which was practically copied by the successful bidder of internet articles.



For all these reasons and fundamentally to guarantee transparency, equal opportunities and efficient management, the Socialist Municipal Group proposes that maximum publicity and information be given to the awarding of minor contracts, by putting into operation on the municipal website of the Council a municipal register of companies and self-employed persons of Torrevieja in which all companies and self-employed persons interested in contracting with the Council can register by sector.



In many cases, one or two of the three invited to submit a bid for the contract ends up not submitting, so with this register that we now propose we would be going to physical or legal persons who are already showing interest in contracting with the Council.



Furthermore, when a contract is to be fulfilled by means of a minor contract, apart from communicating through the electronic headquarters of the Council to the registered companies and self-employed persons of the existence of the work, supply or service to be contracted, this must be advertised at the same time on the Torrevieja Council website, so that other companies and self-employed persons, although not registered, can also compete.



This way of managing minor contracts more transparently is common in other city councils and was also a formula used by the government team prior to the PP in the period 2015-2019, so it cannot be argued against this proposal that it may delay contracting. But this would not be a problem as long as there is adequate planning, being precisely what should be expected when the Council's Ethics Compliance Office is launched, whose creation, incidentally, was awarded to a former senator and former deputy of the PP.

### Protest Against Animal Abuse to Take Place in Rojales

The residents of Rojales are calling for support for a protest which will take place on Sunday 29 September, to show support to stop animal abuse.



The local animal protection group, Adda Guardales, collaborates with Rojales Council in the application of the CES/CER strategy, an ethical and effective method to control the number of cats on the street, and keep them healthy, which, other than being morally and ethically correct, are legal requirements under the Animal Welfare Law.



To this end, the council has recently installed containers adapted to feeding stations for cats. Despite the containers being legally required and having the intention of both caring for and controlling the cat colonies, they have been vandalised, broken, they have thrown dirt inside, dust, and liquid, and other waste products.



Another container has had to be moved because some aggressive neighbours shouted that they do not want it and that all the cats must be killed, those same neighbours who insult, threaten, and verbally and physically attack the volunteers.



Several cats have been poisoned in recent months in different colonies.



Therefore, a peaceful protest has been called for Sunday 29 September, starting just after 11:00, at the Plaza Malecón del Soto de Rojales, where everyone is invited and urged to attend to show support for both the animals, and those who care for them.



Wherever you live, we hope you will lend your support in Rojales.

### From the age of 60, four out of ten men develop some condition related to prostate cancer

Experts recommend regular tests such as PSA analysis and digital rectal exams, especially in men over the age of 45.



The Da Vinci robotic surgery offers the best outcomes for patients requiring radical prostatectomy.




On the occasion of Prostate Health Day, celebrated across Europe every 15th of September, Dr Sven Petry, Head of the Urology Department and expert in Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja, warns that from the age of 50, the likelihood of developing prostate disorders increases significantly. By the age of 60, 40% of men show some focus related to prostate cancer.



The most common prostate disorders



According to Dr Sven Petry, the three most common prostate conditions are prostatitis, which is an infection of the prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer.Although these conditions are unrelated, they share certain symptoms. "Hyperplasia and sometimes prostate cancer can cause difficulty in urination due to the pressure the enlarged prostate exerts on the urethra," explains Dr Petry. "In the case of prostatitis, the symptoms are different, such as high fever, pain when urinating, and pain during ejaculation due to acute inflammation of the gland."



The importance of prevention and early detection



Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly, allowing many patients to be diagnosed at early stages. "When detected early, the likelihood of a cure is extremely high," says Dr Petry. For this reason, experts recommend regular tests such as PSA analysis and digital rectal exams, particularly for men over 45.



While there are no specific preventive measures for prostate cancer, urology specialists agree that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. "A balanced diet, rich in Mediterranean foods and low in fat, along with physical exercise, an active sex life, avoiding smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption, are universal recommendations for reducing the overall risk of cancer," advises Dr Petry.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja pioneers in robotic surgery



Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja has extensive experience in robotic surgery, having been one of the pioneering hospitals at the national level to implement and train its surgeons in the use of this technology fifteen years ago.



As Dr Sven Petry explains, thanks to the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, “Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital offers the best treatment with the best outcomes for prostate cancer patients who require radical prostatectomy.”



Regarding the many advantages, the specialist highlights improved recovery of urinary continence as well as the full restoration of erectile function, with higher success rates compared to traditional surgery.“Another advantage is the quick recovery of the patient, who can return to a completely normal life within four weeks after being discharged,” concludes the urological robotic surgery specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



For more information about urological robotic surgery, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQro4nE21Ok&t=1s

### Councillor Tries to Calm Cut School Bus Anger

According to a press release from the regional Ministry of Education, Culture, Universities and Employment, 99% of the centres that have a school transport service in the Valencian Community have functioned normally and have not reported any incidents in the first week of the school year.



The General Directorate of Teaching Centres has explained that only 5 of the 506 centres that have this service have reported incidents related to school transport to the Ministry since the beginning of the school year, a week ago, which represents 0.9% of all centres that have this service.



In total, 506 educational centres have transport in the Valencian Community (190 of which in Valencia, 204 in Alicante and 112 in Castellón), which amounts to around 1,112 daily expeditions.



Without stating where those reported problems are, the situation is causing increasing anger in Torrevieja, and is even leading to some children breaking the law in order to get to school, as some families turn to electric scooters for transport, which cannot be used by those under 16 in the town.



The PP government in Torrevieja are trying to calm the anger of the parents of hundreds of children who have been left without school transport from the now also PP-run Generalitat Valenciana at the start of the school year, who are also busy trying to blame the previous regional government for failings.



The Councillor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, announced on Monday that the service will be subsidised, but will not be covered by the regional administration. It will be provided at the expense of the municipal budget.



The town council is planning to pay for the service and users will have to justify it afterwards, according to the councillor for the area. The local government, which initially played down the issue of the cancellation of the lines at the start of the school year, was quick to meet last Wednesday with the parents' associations of affected schools in order to find solutions that would avoid having to demand the restoration of the service from their political partners at a regional level.



Amongst the many cuts that the regional Ministry of Education has implemented, in Torrevieja, six bus lines have been eliminated, four at the IES Torrevigía and two at the Instituto Libertas. The small number of beneficiaries of the service, students whose home is more than three kilometres from the centres, has allowed the regional administration to cut the number of school buses by cutting the lines that ran daily. To optimise the use of the buses that have now been eliminated, they were completed with demanding students who had initially been excluded from the aid, but who had access to transport as authorised persons. With the Ministry's cuts, one bus is filled only with beneficiaries.



In typical fashion where there is a blatant lack of realisation that municipalities cover areas beyond the urban centres, the regulations of the Generalitat do not take into account that all the secondary schools are located on the outskirts of Torrevieja. There are many students who do not meet the requirement of being more than 3 kilometres away to obtain a scholarship, but their family home is more than 2.5 km away.



The mayor and regional deputy for the PP, Eduardo Dolón, who denounced as “inexplicable” very similar decisions to eliminate buses by that previous PSOE-led regional government, demanding that the buses were restored, is happy for the same cuts to be applied by his own political partners, justifying the cuts in this academic year for economic reasons.

### 2025 Red Days and Sunday Opening Schedule for Shops Approved

The Valencian Trade Observatory, El Observatorio del Comercio Valenciano, has approved the 11 public holidays and Sundays on which commercial establishments will be allowed to open during 2025, as established by regional legislation.



At the meeting, chaired by the Regional Minister of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, Nuria Montes, who was accompanied by the Director General of Trade, Crafts and Consumption, Maribel Sáez, the Observatory has approved by majority to propose to the Regional Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism the following 11 Sundays and public holidays where shops can open on a Sunday in 2025:




January 5, 2025 – Sunday. Accumulation of holidays and Kings' Day campaign.



January 12, 2025 – Sunday. Winter sales.



April 18, 2025 - Good Friday. Highest tourist influx.



April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday. Highest tourist influx.



July 6, 2025 – Sunday. Summer sales.



November 1, 2025. Saturday. All Saints' Day. Accumulation of holidays.



November 30, 2025 – Sunday. Christmas campaign.



December 6, 2025 – Saturday. Constitution Day. Christmas campaign.



December 8, 2025 – Monday. Immaculate Conception. Christmas campaign



December 14, 2025 – Sunday. Christmas campaign.



December 21, 2025 – Sunday. Christmas campaign.




The Valencian Trade Observatory, attached to the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism headed by Nuria Montes, is a collegiate, consultative and advisory body on trade matters.



Its functions include proposing, without binding force, the 11 Sundays and holidays whose opening is authorised annually by the Ministry. It is also the body responsible for receiving information on regulatory projects, declarations of areas of high tourist influx and those projects that the Ministry considers to be of interest.



The Valencian Trade Observatory is made up of representatives of business organisations in the commercial distribution sector, including SMEs; chambers of commerce; organisations that act in defence of consumers; municipal markets; trade unions; the Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FVMP) and various bodies of the Generalitat.

### Two Companies in the Running for Torrevieja Green Area Maintenance Contract

Torrevieja town hall is set to award the new macro-contract for the maintenance of green areas in Torrevieja, in yet another long-term contract, this time for 15 years, at a cost of around 114 million euro.



As is seemingly the norm for Torrevieja management, the previous contract expired in June 2022 after 10 years and another two years of extension. Until now, the invoices of both companies have been paid without a contract.



According to the State Contracting Portal, two companies have submitted bids for the tender: Actúa and OHL.



The first of them is the current service provider in a joint venture with companies in its group Hozono Global, amongst which are firms that have had the most contracts with the Council in recent years.



The Madrid-based construction company OHL, for its part, is participating in this tender in a joint venture with Explanaciones del Mediterráneo SL. The company was one of those that administratively challenged the award of the current waste collection contract to Acciona in 2022, and have now apparently become gardeners.



The governing team hopes that, if there are no setbacks, the new contractor will begin operating at the beginning of 2025.

### Torrevieja International Resident Councillor Launches Autumn Schedule

The Councillor for International Residents in Torrevieja, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has presented the programme of activities for the last quarter of 2024, as well as a new information brochure for foreign residents, published in Spanish and English, on how to register in Torrevieja, the digital signature, the SIP card, residency in Spain, as well as how citizens of the European Union can participate in municipal elections and in the European Parliament.



PROGRAMMED ACTIVITIESSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember



PROGRAMMED ACTIVITIES



The councillor has indicated that the intention of her department is to publicise the facilities and services offered by the municipality of Torrevieja so that citizens can enjoy the wide and varied sporting, cultural, festive and tourist offer that we have.



At the scheduled events there will be staff who speak English, French, German and Scandinavian and, in case information is needed in other languages, there will be people who can help with translation. For participants who do not speak Spanish, it is also an opportunity to learn Spanish phrases that help them manage their daily life in Torrevieja. It is also an opportunity to meet more people of various nationalities and nationals as well, which can be of great help in teaching foreigners about customs in Spain.



Activities in the process of being specified include: Visit to Alicante city, visit to Torrevieja and La Mata Natural Park, visit to the AGAMED wastewater treatment plant and visits to museums and cultural facilities.



The programme will be available at  www.torrevieja.es  and on Facebook: Torrevieja International Residents. To sign up or ask about the activities, you can send an email to  eu@torrevieja.eu .



September



-16/9. 11:00h guided tour at the Sports Palace



-23/9. 11:00h Bus card. Tour of the centre. Meeting point: Plaza de la Constitución



-30/9. 11:00h. Digital signature. Meeting point: La Mata peripheral town hall in Plaza Gaspar Perelló.



October



-14/10. 11:00h. Information about census and residence permit. Meeting point: Local Police office on Calle Paganini in La Siesta.



-21/10. 11:00h. Tour of the Swedish Church. Meeting point: Urbanización Jardín del Mar III, 1A.



-28/10. 11:00h. Visit to Agamed purification plant.



November



-11/11. 11:00h "Remembrance Day" or "Poppy Day". Mass at the La Inmaculada church in Plaza de la Constitución. Afterwards, ceremony in the Plaza and later in the La Siesta church.



December



-1/12. 18:00h Lighting of the Christmas tree in Plaza de la Constitución.



-13/12. 18:00h. "Carols in the Square" Carols in the Square. International Christmas activities.

### Torrevieja Police to Launch Scooter Clampdown Campaign

Coinciding with “back to school” on Monday, Torrevieja Local Police are launching an extensive campaign of awareness and sanctioning for electric scooters in the town.



It is worth remembering in relation to the school run that in Torrevieja, the minimum age for using one of these scooters is 16.



General laws also apply, such as the vehicles being for single use, not carrying passengers, can not be capable of going over 25 kilometres an hour, the use of headphones and mobile phones is prohibited, and ALL other traffic rules apply.



Although not mandatory in Torrevieja, the wearing of a helmet is always advisable.



The police have once again taken to social media to warn users of these vehicles of their intention, and shared the informative leaflet which also details some of the fines faced for illegal use.

### Torrevieja House Raffle Goes Squarely Against Problem Solving Expert Report

Following the revelation that Torrevieja town hall is spending the best part of three quarters of a million euro on a house raffle on a TV show, the PSOE of Torrevieja has questioned the strategy of the PP government, as it goes squarely against the expert report commissioned by the town hall to solve the problems in the town.



The socialists identify the actions of the government team with the attempt to comply with the Torrevieja Tourism Development Strategy carried out by experts from the University of Alicante in 2020, but warn that advertising without having previously solved the deficits that this strategy identifies can become counterproductive.



The spokeswoman for the socialist municipal group, Bárbara Soler, has stated in a video uploaded to social networks that the main objective pursued by the actions set out in this Strategy by tourism experts is to disassociate the Torrevieja brand from the association with urban speculation and second homes "and we do it by raffling houses, a very novel strategy."



As if that were not enough, "in addition to the 20,000 people who are expected to live in the area of La Hoya, the local PP is trying to negotiate the licence to allow the construction of up to 18 skyscrapers on the first line: the Baraka Towers".



Soler has taken the opportunity to firmly question these intentions "in a city that the Tourism Development Strategy identifies with the hyperdevelopment of the real estate sector and the deficit of services for the citizens who already inhabit the city today. We are doing the opposite of what has been planned in the only spaces left to build, destroying the horizontal configuration of the city and causing a screen effect."



Likewise, the spokeswoman has joked about the fact that the houses are raffled in cinemas that are not even close to Torrevieja, so they will not be able to serve, in the words of Soler, so that Torrevieja residents affected by the null housing policy of the PP of Mazón in the Generalitat and the local PP can access housing.



Bárbara Soler has opined that those 700,000 euro of propaganda only result in self-promotion for the PP: "the roadmap is to achieve a friendlier city, with more green areas, bike lanes, accessibility and cleanliness, many areas in which to invest before advertising".



For Soler, the true deseasonalisation of tourism involves investing in improving the quality of life of Torrevieja residents and, consequently, "offering tourists who visit us a rewarding experience so that they not only come once because Pablo Motos has told them so, but also enjoy our city and decide to return". To do this, she says, "we need to do some prior work to position us as a quality tourist destination, not a million-dollar advertising campaign in which we once again involve urban planning. It's 1, 2, 3 expensive. But expensive for the city."

### Torrevieja Spending More Than Half a Million Euro of Public Money in Property Development Promotion

Despite the ignored complaints by the residents over poor infrastructure, a disastrous and expensive waste management contract, buses as old as the hills, all of those criticisms will be ignored as Torrevieja is back in the spotlight nationally, giving away a 300,000 euro home.



The El Hormiguero TV show, which has a huge following nationally, is giving away "the biggest prize in its history", according to the presenter, Pablo Motos, in the first programme of the 19th season.



The presenter announced the prize of a house in Torrevieja valued at 300,000 euro, as the programme's production company, 7yacción, has teamed up with the developer MPC Group, which has given one of the houses in the Nature Views Torrevieja development so that Pablo Motos can give it away as a prize to those who go to a cinema.



The development is near to the Los Balcones area, bordering Orihuela and close to the motorway connection, known as “La Coronelita”, where approval for up to 205 homes was granted earlier this year, giving the green light to the project initially presented by the company Amay Gestión Inmobiliaria SL. These are two plots with a surface area of ​​6,156.55 m² and 12,213.00 m², respectively, which gives a total buildable surface area of ​​3,548.04 and 6,890.00 m² (t), establishing the maximum number of homes at 85 and 120 units. These are homes arranged in a free grouping with a maximum of two floors. These two blocks are among the few that remain to be built in this sector, located next to the CV-95, the road that connects Torrevieja and Orihuela, next to the lagoons.



The draw, as indicated in the program on Monday, will take place next week, after the cinema verifies that the ticket is authentic, and the one used to access the screening.



"The semi-detached villas stand out at first sight for the perfect balance conveyed by the combination of straight, pure and minimalist lines, together with other more wavy and organic parts, which give the whole an elegant appearance. On its terrace you can enjoy your evenings with your family, sunbathing, or cooling off in the 10 m2 pool included," they explain on the developer's website.



The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, explained the project to boost the image of Torrevieja, even though there is little reference to Torrevieja, explaining more about the virtues of the property and the fact it is close to the motorway.



Dolón has not given exact information about the location of the object of the draw, but he has explained that the last details are still missing to finish it completely.



The advertising campaign promoting a business operation of new homes is costing the council 580,000 euro plus IVA, of public money that could have otherwise been used to improve the infrastructure and services frustrating the current residents.



It is worth pointing out that 700,000 could buy two modern electric buses, around 14 waste disposal trucks (second-hand but decent), or employed 40 local people for a year on a full-time salary.



So, if you own one of the 30,000 vacant properties already in Torrevieja (according to the Institute of National Statistics), or just want to sell up and move elsewhere, it might be worth you contacting the mayor’s office to financially assist you with your advertising costs.

### Torrevieja Mayor Wants Meetings to Discuss Planned N-332 Widening

Not fazed by historic facts like his own party, the PP, were in power nationally for the best part of a decade from 2011 and did nothing, not the fact that it is his own town hall who were originally responsible for the situation we find ourselves in, the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has asked the current Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of the Pedro Sanchez Government, who has actually started the action to fix the problem, to speed up the administrative procedures so that, once and for all, the works to widen the N-332 through Torrevieja can be put out to tender as soon as possible.



Somewhat out of character that Dolón is aware of a problem outside the town centre, he says that the current situation of this road is totally unsustainable and becomes even more so during the summer.



The mayor does acknowledge that the PSOE-led government has announced plans to fix the problem, when in November 2023 the General Subdirectorate of Environmental Assessment, dependent on the Ministry of Ecological Transition, informed the Council that the public consultation of the environmental assessment procedure for the Project to Duplicate the N-332 Variant as it passes through Torrevieja had been initiated.



Much like procedures outstanding in Torrevieja itself, such as the implementation of the mandatory low emissions zone, nothing has been heard of the progress made to unblock this situation, which is dragging on for ever.



Eduardo Dolón states that there have been several official requests made by the Torrevieja Council to hold a meeting with the heads of the State Secretariat for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, in which the Minister of Infrastructure of the Generalitat Valenciana would also be present together with the Autonomous Secretary of this Ministry, to jointly address (Ministry and Generalitat) the intersection with the CV-905, dependent on the Ministry of Infrastructure, to double the entrance section from the existing service station and the roundabout at the entrance to the city.



Finally, the mayor also reminds us that there is no actual further delay as he recalls that in May of this year he met in Alicante with the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, who announced that the works to widen the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja would be put out to tender next year in 2025.



The current complaint from Dolón actually apparently being that his requests for meetings have been ignored, rather than a delay in the process which, as he himself admits, is still, finally, on schedule thanks to his political opponents being in government.

### Detailed Drone Flight over Jose Carreras Road in Torrevieja

Here is a longer version video showing the renovations to the Jose Carreras road, located between Jardin del Mar and La Hoya, as part of the Lagoons Village development. 



Shortcuts 



Drone Video of Jose Carreras Road and Lagoons Village, TorreviejaContinue ReadingPlaylist of Previous Videos of Lagoons Village, Torrevieja



Most of this footage was recorded on 31 August 2024, the day the road closure notice was set to expire (following the unannounced extension). The previous 2 minute preview is tagged on the end. 



Drone Video of Jose Carreras Road and Lagoons Village, Torrevieja




https://youtu.be/0GB-j5OD0cI




Continue Reading



In this extended drone video, you can now clearly see how the residents of Jardin Del Mar will no longer be able to access or egress the urbanisation as before, only being able to turn right, then having to double back at a roundabout, and unable to turn left into the estate from the auditorium direction. 



You can also see the road laid out in preparation for parking outside the commercial centres, including the new DIY store, near the Hiberber end. You can also play a game and ask yourself “why on earth is that like that” over some elements, like the seemingly unnecessary double roundabout at the commercial centre plot, and why traffic will be directed onto the road for a very short run, a road which ,as anyone who uses it regularly will testify, gets so buy at times it will be near impossible to exit by that route.



There are also other features you might spot, but we will not spoil it for you, you can just sit back and marvel at the development. You could also wonder where the houses are, or perhaps that´s just us. 



Anyway, as roads go, it looks nice, just not as practical as we might think, but what do we know? We are not road designers or urban developers, so they must know better, and we accept that.



Playlist of Previous Videos of Lagoons Village, Torrevieja




https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs9him80uxQXQZUCjEtEvS15kD-g7-MYg

### The Jose Carreras Road Revealed!

Today, we take you on a journey along the new Calle Jose Carreras road, which has been closed for months and *might* open soon.



Jump Ahead to the Good Stuff



About Jose Carreras RoadDrone Flight Over Calle Jose Carreras in TorreviejaMap of the LocationPrevious Videos



About Jose Carreras Road



Situated between the Jardin del Mar and new Lagoons Village development, sometimes previously called the "wibbly wobbly" road, the "wibbly wobbly" bit has been taken away. Sadly, as you will notice from the video, so has most of the access and egress to Jardin Del Mar permanently.



Basically, from Jardin Del Mar you will only be able to turn RIGHT. So you will have to drive to one of the roundabouts and double back if you want to go to the CV-905.



Similarly, coming from the auditorium, you will not be allowed to turn left into Jardin Del Mar, and so will have to go to the roundabout and double back.



Obviously, somebody, somewhere thought this was a good idea to keep more vehicles on the roads for longer. Similarly, the bus route will have to be adapted.



Drone Flight Over Calle Jose Carreras in Torrevieja




https://youtu.be/LIe-2SuDDbs
Drone Video Recorded 28 August 2024



Map of the Location







Previous Videos



You can also see some of our previous videos on the YouTube playlist below.




https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs9him80uxQXQZUCjEtEvS15kD-g7-MYg

### Autumn Events in Torrevieja from September to December 2024

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the Culture Coordinator of the Council, Manuel Esteban Moreno, presented the Cultural Programme for September-December 2024, which has a wide and varied offer with concerts, impressive musical shows, theatre, dance, children's, comedy and much more.



Great productions such as “ABBA: The New Experience”, “Sleeping Beauty”, the “Royal Film Concert Orchestra” and “The Nutcracker”; together with the comedies of Faemino y Cansado and Ángel Martín, the long-awaited concert by Pastora Soler and other varied shows with local talent, make up the programme for the September-December 2024 season of Cultura Torrevieja.



Events in Torrevieja - September 2024Events in Torrevieja - October 2024Events in Torrevieja - November 2024Events in Torrevieja - December 2024Tickets Sales for Torrevieja Events



Events in Torrevieja - September 2024



The cultural programme for the next four months begins with the ninth edition of the “Torrevieja Audiovisual” Film Festival. The show for the whole family “Sleeping Beauty” will also be premiered, giving a twist to the classic story, focusing on memory, recollections and cultural heritage. Later, the 36th “Ciudad de Torrevieja” International Choral Meeting will be presented, which promises to be a highlight in the musical scene, organised by the Francisco Vallejos Choir.



Later that month, there will be the highly anticipated comedy “El Sentido del Humor: Dos Tontos y Yo”, starring Florentino Fernández, José Mota and Santiago Segura, who will get up on stage together to make people laugh for 90 minutes; not to mention that a couple of hours before this show, “La Previa Gourmet” will be presented as a prelude, an exclusive dinner-cocktail with wine pairing organized by Qtal Gourmet, which together with the show will make the night an unforgettable memory.



To end September, the 17th anniversary of the Orfeón de Torrevieja will be celebrated, with a tribute concert to its great director, Mario Bustillo.



Events in Torrevieja - October 2024



It will be a month full of events, starting with the International Day of Older Persons Gala, followed a few days later by the comedy “Mujeres: La Dramedia”, a fun theatre show that promises to be a macro pyjama party with the spirit of a television program.



That same weekend, the acclaimed Pastora Soler will perform to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her artistic career, and the first session of the XXI Musical Exchange Concert Campaign will also take place with performances by the Musical Society “La Paz” and the Torrevieja Musical Union.



The following weekend, Ismael Lemais and La Kiskillosa will be back with their new show “Madre Mía”, where they will talk about their new role as parents. That same night, we will have the show “ABBA: The New Experience” in the Torrevieja International Auditorium, one of the best international tributes to the legendary Swedish band; and the next day we will have the first concert of the season by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, with music from films, TV, and video games.



Later that month, the renowned vocal group Sette Voci will announce their first album at a concert; the following evening, the play “Animales de Companion” will be presented, which will question the value of friendship and sincerity; and also around that time, we will have the impressive operas “Maria Callas: Sfogato” and the international hit “Tosca, by Puccini”.



October will conclude with the long-awaited comedy show by Faemino and Cansado, the concert by Shani Ormiston, and, to celebrate Halloween night at the Torrevieja Teatro Municipal, the children's musical “Juan Sin Miedo & la Casa Encantada”, which is about a young man who has never felt fear.



Events in Torrevieja - November 2024



The penultimate month of the year begins with the 18th Flamenco Meeting organised by the Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”; it continues with the concert for the 20th Anniversary of the Manuel Barberá Choral Group and, also, we will have a concert by the Youth Band of the Torrevieja Musical Union.



On the 16th there will be the Coronation of the Queen of Salt 2024-2025 and in the following days, to celebrate the patron saint of Santa Cecilia, we will have the different concerts of Los Salerosos, the Torrevejense Musical Union and the Francisco Casanovas Professional Conservatory.



The month will conclude with a new concert by the Royal Film Concert Orchestra and music from 100 years of cinema, also with Diana Navarro's opera “De la Piquer a la Navarro” and finally, with the show for the whole family “Lily: A Tale of Torrevieja”.



Events in Torrevieja - December 2024



The last month of the season, and of the year, will start off strong with Ángel Martín's comedy monologue dealing with mental health; a few days later, the Comic-Musical Magazine La Sal de Torrevieja will be presented and, in a special event, the Diego Ramírez Pastor Award will also be presented.



Ars Creatio will present the entertaining comedy “Eloísa está bajo un almendro” and the Culture Gala will also take place. A few days later, a new children’s show by the successful band Pica Pica is expected, as well as a Christmas concert by the Banda Juvenil de Los Salerosos.



Later, there will be a Christmas concert by the UMT Youth Band and also the wonderful show “The Nutcracker”, performed by the Barcelona Ballet.



The programme will reach its final shows with “Navidad Rociera”, organised by the Andalusian Cultural Association; followed by the theatre play “Los Amigos de Ellos Dos” – which reflects on how we perceive the place we occupy in this society – and, finally, the UMT's “Broadway” Christmas concert will be presented.



Tickets Sales for Torrevieja Events



With a variety of shows that promise to captivate all audiences, Cultura Torrevieja continues to help maintain the city as a cultural destination, not only in summer but throughout the rest of the year. Tickets for all these events will go on sale next Friday, August 23, on the website www.culturatorrevieja.com .

### Torrevieja Once Again Remembers Bombing Victims

There is a division within some politically leaning sectors of society that history should either never be, or should be, forgotten, but for those choosing to remember and recognise the victims of an historic event, Sunday marks the anniversary of the fascist bombings of Torrevieja.



It was on 25 August 1938, that Italian fascist bombers, by order of Franco, bombarded the civilian population of Torrevieja, causing 19 deaths and numerous injuries.



It was a time during the Spanish Civil war, when the planes dropped 60 bombs onto the city, ripping through 25 homes and causing serious damage to buildings in the town centre and the port area, leaving 19 people dead and 45 injured, 25 of whom were civilians and 20 military.



Although shrouded in secrecy throughout history, like much of the Franco era, these days the horrific incident is remembered annually by those who attend to reflect on a past time and remember those involved.



On Sunday evening, at 7 p.m., a memorial gathering will take place at the Hombre del Mar monument, to mark the 86th anniversary, where information on what happened will be displayed, along with relatives of those who were killed remembering their loved ones.



As is usual, the right-leaning political groups, namely the PP and VOX, are not expected to attend.




“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905.

### What are the most effective therapies for the rehabilitation of brain damage after a traffic accident?

Dr. Mirko Alavena, coordinator of the neurorehabilitation service at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja explains the details of this injury and how necessary neurorehabilitation is.



Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any injury to the brain that occurs after birth, in contrast to congenital brain injuries, which are present from birth.



Dr. Mirko Alavena, coordinator of the neurorehabilitation service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, warns that "ACBD can affect people of any age and can have a significant impact on an individual's physical, cognitive and emotional functioning".



This type of injury can be caused by a variety of factors including:



-Cranioencephalic trauma (CTE), which is caused by impacts to the head, which can result from traffic accidents, falls, assaults, among others.



-Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA): better known as strokes, they can be ischaemic (caused by blockage of blood vessels) or haemorrhagic (caused by rupture of blood vessels).



-Infections: Such as encephalitis or meningitis, which affect brain tissue.



-Brain anoxia or hypoxia: Lack of oxygen to the brain due to situations such as drowning, suffocation or cardiac arrest.



-Brain tumours: which can damage surrounding brain tissue.



-Degenerative diseases: such as Alzheimer's disease, although this is a particular case given its inevitably progressive nature.



-Toxins and substances: Intoxication by drugs, alcohol or chemicals.



-In road traffic accidents, injuries that can cause brain damage include brain contusions, which are direct blows to the brain that cause bruising or bruising of the brain. There are also concussions, which are "less severe injuries but can have cumulative effects, especially if they occur repeatedly," says Alavena.



Neurorehabilitation in Torrevieja



Neurorehabilitation is a therapeutic process aimed at helping people who have suffered brain damage to recover their functions and improve their quality of life. This process includes the assessment, treatment and monitoring of the patient to maximise their physical, cognitive and emotional recovery.



It involves professionals from different areas such as neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology; and other specialists may participate depending on the particular needs of the patient.



This procedure is "necessary after a traffic accident when the individual has suffered some kind of brain damage that affects their physical, cognitive or emotional abilities," says Dr Alavena. This may include loss of mobility or sensation in some part of the body, difficulties in speech or communication, or cognitive problems such as memory loss.



Other symptoms may include difficulty concentrating or problems with decision-making, emotional changes such as depression, anxiety or personality changes. All of these can lead to loss of functional skills needed for daily activities. All this boils down to the fact that "if these symptoms are detected in the medical evaluation after the accident, they should be assessed and, if possible, neurorehabilitation should be started as soon as possible," says Alavena.



The duration of neurorehabilitation treatment varies widely depending on the severity of the brain damage.



Neurorehabilitation techniques



The main neurorehabilitation techniques include:



Physiotherapy: To improve mobility, balance, strength and coordination.



Occupational therapy: To help regain skills needed for daily and work activities.



Speech therapy: To address speech and swallowing problems.



Neuropsychology: To address cognitive and emotional problems.



Cognitive stimulation: Through exercises and activities that improve memory, attention and other cognitive functions.



Technology-assisted therapies: such as virtual reality, robotics or neurofeedback.



Pharmacological therapy: When necessary to manage specific symptoms.



The duration of a neurorehabilitation treatment varies widely depending on the severity of the brain damage, the patient's response to treatment and their individual goals. It can last from a few months to several years.



In some cases, as the doctor clarifies, "rehabilitation can be a continuous process with intensive treatment phases followed by long-term maintenance and support". Regular assessment of the patient's progress is crucial to adjust the treatment plan as needed.



Multidisciplinary and personalised treatment for road traffic accident patients



The most effective therapies for the rehabilitation of brain damage after a traffic accident are based on multidisciplinary work, i.e. a team of several professionals working towards a common goal of recovery: from the rehabilitation doctor, the neurologist, neurological physiotherapists, and neuropsychologists, as well as requesting assistance from other professionals according to the particular needs of the patient.



"Each patient," explains the neurorehabilitator, "must have an intensive and individualised daily plan of an average duration of forty-five minutes each, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis, with the aim of recovering the damaged functions, strengthening those that are reserved and adapting the limitations that may derive from the brain damage".



This type of therapy is of long duration with an inpatient stay while the patient is dependent on medical care and continuing with outpatient rehabilitation. "The important thing is that families know that in the face of a brain injury there are alternatives for recovering autonomy, we have cases with 100% recovery and others in which they have managed to return to daily life with a great deal of independence. In addition, it is important to turn to patient associations and hospital centres such as Quirónsalud Torrevieja where the patient can count on support and advice without obligation," says Dr. Alavena.



Free care for traffic injuries



Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante have a Traffic Unit made up of rehabilitation experts, traumatologists, neurologists and therapists. The aim of this unit is to offer a personalised service to all victims of traffic accidents, guaranteeing their safety and peace of mind. We offer totally free assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, uninterruptedly in the emergency department of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital.



The services of this Unit include first emergency visit, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, consultations with the different experts, rehabilitation doctor and rehabilitation treatment, intensive care unit and, if necessary, urgent surgery. In addition, professionals have rapid access to support services (magnetic resonance imaging, CT, ultrasound, laboratory and operating theatre) to make an accurate diagnosis.



One of the keys to this Traffic Unit is the multidisciplinary approach to patients, as most musculoskeletal and spinal injuries require the coordination of different specialties for both healing and stabilisation of the injuries. The specialist from the Torrevieja Neurorehabilitation service adds that the recovery time after these injuries varies greatly from patient to patient, although the average is between one and three months.



Request information about the neurorehabilitation service at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

### Derelict Torrevieja Cigar Spa Future May Soon Be Resolved

After almost 20 years standing derelict, blocked as the town hall allowed the construction without the authorisation or concession of the Coastal Authority in the mid-2000s, a lesson they still seemingly haven’t learnt, the future of the infamous Torrevieja Cigar by the salt lakes on the Torretas urbanisation, may soon be resolved.



Most of the land on which it was built was land located in the maritime-terrestrial public domain and transit easement, affected by the Coastal Law.



Now, Torrevieja Council and the Provincial Coast Service have initiated contacts to resolve its controversial administrative situation, although at this time we do not know to what end.



Sources from the Provincial Coastal Service indicated to the Spanish press recently that they are currently awaiting regularisation of the administrative situation of this unfinished resort.



Furthermore, Costas confirmed that Torrevieja Council has made “some informal contacts with the Provincial Coastal Service in order to regularise the administrative situation, although a formal proposal has not yet been made in this regard”.



The construction of the building was halted by Costas following a complaint that the AHSA environmental protection group filed with this administration on 26 September 2003.



In its complaint, AHSA made an express request for the immediate halt of the works and the restoration of the affected land and vegetation to their original state. Costas halted the works, but neither Costas, nor the Generalitat nor the Council dismantled what was illegally built even to this day.



Renowned architect Toyo Ito was commissioned in 2000 to design the building, known as the “caracola”, though often referred to as the “cigar”, which was set to be the largest relaxation park in the country, with the intention to try and steer Torrevieja away from the cheap-beach tourism it was becoming known for.




Torrevieja Relaxation Park



Torrevieja Relaxation Park



Torrevieja Relaxation Park

### Bauhaus DIY Store Coming to Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall has approved the construction licence of an 18,000 square metre buildable area of a 40,000 square metre plot of the La Hoya development for the construction of a DIY store for the German Bauhaus brand.



The company has 250 stores in twenty countries, almost all of them in the European Union, as well as Turkey and Iceland, with a total workforce of 17,000 people. Of these, 12 centres are in Spain, but the Torrevieja store will be the first in the Alicante province.



For comparison, the Zenia Boulevard store of the French chain Leroy Merlin occupies 7,700 square metres of commercial space.



The plot is located next to the CV-905 and what will be José Carreras Avenue – alongside the stormwater drainage project.



According to the Bauhaus requirements to establish a new store in a location in Spain, there must be “Real estate in the vicinity of cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants”, which makes Torrevieja currently borderline based on town hall figures, and once the long-term residential figures are published by the INE, removing those who should not be on the padrón, and those given temporary residency, the figure might tell a different story pending the sale of the new properties in Lagoons Village.



Although not yet available, those looking for a job can keep an eye on the vacancies on the dedicated portal here.

### Valencia Approves 2025 Regional Holiday Calendar

The Valencia regional government has approved the 2025 Regional Holiday Calendar, where workers are given an extra paid day off.



This decree includes the 2025 working holidays that will be paid and non-refundable and will be as follows: January 1 and 6, March 19, April 18 and 21, May 1, August 15, October 9, November 1 and December 6, 8, and 25.



To this schedule we must also add the National Holidays (Red Days) for 2025, and the local holidays, as municipalities also have an extra two days to take at a time of their choosing, which will be revealed later in the year.



Schools also have extra days holidays which will also affect those in education.

### Airport Security Staff Continue Strikes Through August

Staff working for the private security firm that operates at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport are continuing their strikes throughout August, having recommenced the industrial action this week.



The CCOO, USO, CSIF and UGT trade unions called on the more than 290 workers to a mobilisation with partial strikes planned which started on Wednesday, and will continue on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 30th and 31st of August, due to the lack of agreement with the company that is the concessionaire of the airport security service.



Therefore, those who plan to travel by plane during these holidays should arrive at the airport with extra time to pass the control in time.



The planned hours of strikes will be one hour in the morning (from 08:30 to 09:30) and one hour in the afternoon (from 18:00 to 19:00).

### Plans to Send Torrevieja Wildlife to Bird Prison

It is a common occurrence to see unusual birds wandering through the streets of Torrevieja, namely the likes of hens, and after previously threatening to take action to eradicate them, the local government is now making plans to gather them all up and send them to bird prison, or, more truthfully, to a school farm.



This was announced during the last plenary session by the Councillor for Animal Protection, Concha Sala, after being asked about the matter by the PSOE spokesperson, Bárbara Soler.



Many of the birds originate from the Parque de las Naciones, where numerous collections of wildlife previously lived, including the likes of iguanas, but were removed amid criticism of their neglect under the care of the town hall, whom, amongst other complaints, were accused of starving the animals.



Some of the birds who remained have been known to wander onto the surrounding roads, including the N-332, sometimes with fatal consequences, but others have just taken it upon themselves to wander freely through the town, relocating in areas as far as the Aldi supermarket near the hospital, and also the Acequión health centre, amongst other places.



Sala revealed in the plenary session that the animals in the Parque de las Naciones are fed first thing in the morning and coinciding with the opening of the premises by municipal workers. These, she explained, give them specific feed for birds. A diet that, in addition and according to the councillor, is complemented by the stale bread that the workers receive in bags from the hands of neighbours. A practice that, nutritionally, is questioned by some biologists and pointed out as not very suitable for the health of these birds.



In order to stop their proliferation, Sala pointed out that, for the sake of the lives of these animals which normally do continue to live freely, the council is processing an order so that, with external means contracted by the council, they can be transferred in safe conditions to a school farm, where they can be given the proper care, although the location is yet to be revealed as there have been difficulties finding a location which can accommodate them, where, given the numbers, they would no doubt be caged, assuming of course they could all be rounded up.



For his part, the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, criticised the human residents who, in good faith, feed the birds in places other than the Parque de las Naciones. A behaviour, the mayor stressed, that helps these birds to disperse and end up in central areas of the city.



Clearly expressing his dislike of anything natural in the town, Dolón also had to point out that if he wanted to, he could cull all of these specimens through an emergency contract. He did then go on to say that killing them all is ruled out, perhaps making bird prison a better option for them.



Both killing and imprisoning the birds are in stark contrast to how they are treated in neighbouring Guardamar, where one of the main attractions in the town is a park awash with wildlife able to roam freely.

### Torrevieja Street Cleaners Not Ruling Out Strikes

Street cleaners in Torrevieja gathered in the town hall square this week, to protest the continual abuses of the multi-million-euro contractor ACCIONA.



Antonio Escamilla, representative of the UGT union, led the complaints about the company and in particular the service in Torrevieja, for the “serious breaches”, the “lack of communication”, along with the “lack of personnel and resources that they have suffered from the beginning” of this now more expensive contract that is providing a worse service to the residents than ever before.



Despite attempts to rectify the situation, there has been no progress so far, and so, on Monday, workers gathered in the Plaza de la Constitución to raise awareness of their plight, and they do not rule out strikes if the situation does not change.



ACCIONA closed the first half of 2024 with a net profit of 116 million euro.

### Torrevieja Hospital Road Widening to be Tendered

After Torrevieja town hall failed to ensure that the builder who constructed Torrevieja Hospital widened the CV-95 road which was part of the original contract demand, this bottleneck has contributed to the traffic mayhem linking to the N-332 for years, but may now soon become a reality.



The president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, announced that the work will be put to tender whilst he was in Torrevieja presenting the Plan Vive social housing strategy.



According to the head of the Consell, the project will cost €167,585 and will consist of widening the section of the CV-95 as it passes by the Torrevieja hospital. The bill should have originally been paid by the hospital builder, rather than public funds.



He explained the aim is to achieve a double positive effect: on the one hand, to relieve congestion at the main access to the salt city and, on the other hand, to provide a preferential route for patients and other users of the Torrevieja hospital, who often suffer from traffic jams and other incidents on their way to the medical centre.



Carlos Mazón has announced that studies on the project will soon begin to determine the appropriate way to develop it.



The head of the regional executive has stressed, this fact demonstrates, once again, the commitment of the current regional government team to improve the infrastructure of the Vega Baja after years, in his opinion, of neglect by the previous Consell del Botànic. Conveniently forgetting to mention that it was the local members of his own party who, just like for the widening of the N-332, failed to ensure the work was carried out in the first place.

### Affordable Homes Plan Boasts Questioned

In a week where the President of the Government, Pedro Sanchez of the PSOE, announced more social housing and that he would give the funds and functions to the autonomous communities, the regional president, Carlos Mazón, met with his colleague from the PP, mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, to lavish praise on their plans to build social housing in the region, which, in turn, has promoted the PSOE of Torrevieja to claim that the latter pair are lying when they talk about the Plan Vive.



Sánchez chaired an event in which the Minister of Housing and Urban Agenda, Isabel Rodríguez, and the Minister of Economy, Business and Trade, Carlos Cuerpo, signed agreements by which 6 billion euro are mobilised through the Official Credit Institute (ICO) for the construction of affordable rental housing.



Meanwhile, during the regional launch event in Torrevieja, Mazón said, “The Plan Vive will develop 600 homes in Torrevieja that will benefit more than 1,600 people”.



He highlighted that the Torrevieja Council “was the first in the province of Alicante to join this initiative and will be a pioneer in moving forward with new housing, especially for young people and vulnerable groups”, then underlining the commitment of the government of change with the “housing legislation, a constitutional right that has been forgotten for years”.



However, Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the local socialist municipal group, maintains that the plots in La Hoya were always intended and conditioned to be social housing, so “it is not the result of the management of Eduardo Dolón or Mazón, but rather they were going to be built with or without the Plan Vive”, as local residents around La Hoya, currently being developed as the Lagoons Village (typical prices between 200,000 and 500,000 euro), have known for many years.



And as for the rest of the housing units promised throughout the Valencian Community within the framework of the said plan, Soler affirms that 3,000 correspond to the management of the Botànic, the previous regional government, with European funds and help from the Ministry of Housing.



The socialist has shown herself to be in favour of social housing being built in La Mata, but has focused on the fact that fewer and fewer are being announced: “at first there were going to be around 750 in La Hoya alone and now there are 600 in total, they are being lost along the way and they are still boasting about it”.



In addition, the spokesperson states, “the most important thing when building VPO is that the price is affordable, and unfortunately the Mazón government has in some places raised the rental prices of public housing by up to 40% more”. In some cities, this price is only 2 euro per square metre difference to the free market price, which Soler describes as “intolerable” and anticipates that, foreseeably, the prices of the housing built in Torrevieja will not be better.



She also criticised Mazón for not applying the measures of the State Housing Law to declare areas under pressure and prevent some prices from remaining similar to the levels of the real estate bubble, “if he cares so much about young people being able to become independent and families being able to access affordable housing, he should go to the root of the problem and stop selling smoke”.



The general secretary of the local PSOE also took the opportunity to recall some of the measures that the regional regulations would allow to be adopted and that she considers applicable to municipalities such as Torrevieja: “there is a Decree-Law that allows the acquisition of housing by exercising the rights of first refusal and withdrawal under certain conditions and, in cities such as ours, with a huge stock of empty housing, it would be a perfect solution to not have to continue building”. Among the advantages of applying these measures, Soler points out, “we would avoid the ghettos that arise when all social housing is concentrated in a single point and we would avoid that housing being acquired for speculative purposes, as is happening, because the Generalitat would have the right to acquire it preferentially.”



According to the Cadastral register, there are around 120,000 residential properties in Torrevieja. The Institute for National Statistics (INE) estimates that there are 30,000 vacant properties in Torrevieja. The town hall recently boasted of 100,000 registered residents, from which we can also deduce the number of vacant homes.



Finally, Soler stressed that “the Partido Popular does not stop complaining about the inheritance it has received, but it is from this inheritance, from these projects and these plans, even if they change their name, that they have been living for more than a year.”

### Torrevieja Friday Market Cancelled Again

Once again, this week, the local traders, residents, and visitors to Torrevieja will have to lose out as the Friday market has been cancelled to allow for the construction of the stage for the weekend’s mini RBF music event.



This is the same situation as last year, when traders in particular were forced to miss out on what would be the busiest weekend of the year, to allow the event worth hundreds of thousands to the organisers to take place.



No doubt, also like last year, figures which are at best questionable, and at worst downright lies, will circulate after the event claiming of the success, but not for the pockets of those locals trying to earn their small living.

### Five Injured in Early Morning Car Crash

At around 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, a serious collision occurred in the centre of Torrevieja.



The incident took place at the junction of calle Joaquín Chapaprieta and calle Vicente Blasco Ibáñez.



According to eyewitnesses, one of the vehicles failed to stop at the stop sign and collided sideways with a vehicle, which was driving correctly through the junction.



As a result of the impact, several parked cars were damaged. Several local police patrols, a team of firefighters from the Vega Sur Park in Torrevieja and three ambulances attended the scene.



Five people had to be treated in the incident, two of them seriously injured and had to be released by the firefighters, and three others with minor injuries, all of whom were transferred to the Torrevieja University Hospital, where they were admitted.

### Levante Dam Work to be Further Delayed by Torrevieja Government "Negligence"

Sueña Torrevieja warns that the invention of the framework agreements and the negligence of the PP government team will cause a new delay in the start of the works of the Levante Dam due to the lack of management of the works.



Sueña Torrevieja requested access to the file of the management of the works of the Levante dam, finding the hidden reports that demonstrate the negligence of the government team of the PP.



The PP government has not detected that the successful bidder had already been awarded two contracts and that a third would breach the law and paralyze the procedure.



Pablo Samper, spokesman for Sueña Torrevieja, explains that "the only company invited to the procedure had been awarded by agreement of the Governing Board of September 15, 2023 the contract for the management of the works of the sports pavilion of La Mata, and had also been awarded the contract for the drafting of the rehabilitation project of the La Plasa building.



Sueña Torrevieja has been able to verify on the Contracting Platform that the Governing Board of May 3, 2024, has awarded the same company the contract for the drafting of the project for the completion of the Levante Dam.



The first negligence of the government team was to initiate in November 2022 a management of such an important work, whose tender price is 235,105 euro, and which affects a work tendered for more than 8.4 million euro, through the invention of the Framework Agreement with only 2 selected companies, according to Samper "ignoring the observations of two national authorised,  the director of the legal advice and the general auditor in their respective reports".



The second negligence was to continue with the procedure after approving in July 2023 to terminate the contract with the company Vielca Ingenieros SL, which was not invited to the procedure.



The third negligence was to invite the only company left in the procedure on December 6, 2023.



The fourth negligence has been the paralysis of the file for more than 7 months, from December 22, 2024, the date on which the committee of experts assessed the objective criteria, to date.



The fifth negligence has been not to include in the file a report warning that the company had, as of May 3, 2024, three contracts awarded and in execution.



The sixth negligence has been not to leave the file void on May 3, 2024, and to initiate a new file as a matter of urgency, through an open procedure.



Pablo Samper concludes by stating that "the real reality is that the Torrevieja City Council when it awards the comprehensive repair works of the Levante Dam, it will not be able to start them because it does not have a construction manager".

### Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja: pioneers in gynaecological robotic surgery in Alicante

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has the first Advanced Robotic Surgery Unit of private healthcare in the province of Alicante.



The Da Vinci Surgical Robotic System is designed to offer the highest level of minimally invasive surgery in the approach to complex pathologies in the area of specialties such as urology, general surgery, oncological surgery and gynaecology.



What is gynaecological robotic surgery?



Robotic gynaecological surgery or robotic-assisted laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique, where surgical instruments are fixed to mechanical arms.



This system consists of a console that the surgeon uses to control the surgical instruments, a vision tower with high-definition cameras that provide a three-dimensional view of the surgical area, and a series of robotic arms that manipulate the surgical instruments with precision.



Which gynaecological pathologies benefit from this technique?



Gynaecological robotic surgery is an advanced technique that offers numerous advantages for the treatment of various gynaecological pathologies. At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, we put the technology of the Da Vinci Robot at the service of the most experienced and qualified professionals.



As stated by Dr. Rodolfo Martín Díaz, head of the Gynaecology Service at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, "gynaecological robotic surgery is especially useful for treating pathologies such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, gynaecological cancer, pelvic organ prolapse and ovarian cysts, offering significant benefits such as less invasiveness, faster recovery, and improved functional and aesthetic outcomes."




Uterine Fibroids (Fibroids)




They are benign tumours that develop in the uterus.




Benefits of robotic surgery: It allows for myomectomy (removal of fibroids) with greater precision, less blood loss, and faster recovery times compared to open surgery.





Endometriosis




It is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and fertility problems.




Benefits of robotic surgery: It offers better visualisation of the affected areas and a more complete removal of endometriotic tissue, reducing the risk of recurrence and relieving pain.





Gynaecologic Cancer




It includes cancers such as ovarian, endometrial (uterine), cervix, and vaginal cancers.




Benefits of robotic surgery: It allows complex surgeries to be performed with greater precision, better preservation of surrounding tissues, and lower complication rates. This is especially important in cancer surgeries where precision is crucial.





Pelvic Organ Prolapse




It is the descent of the pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, rectum) due to weakness of the muscle and ligamentous support.




Benefits of robotic surgery: It facilitates the performance of pelvic reconstruction procedures with less invasiveness, less postoperative pain, and a faster recovery.





Hysterectomy




It is the removal of the uterus, indicated for several reasons such as cancer, fibroids, severe endometriosis, and abnormal uterine bleeding.




Benefits of robotic surgery: Robotic hysterectomy allows for greater precision and control, reducing the risk of complications and improving aesthetic and functional outcomes.




For procedures such as hysterectomy or myomectomy, robotic surgery may be preferable due to the ability to perform precise movements in delicate and narrow areas.



In addition, other advantages of gynaecological robotic surgery are:




Better preservation of pelvic structures (pelvic floor).



Less sexual dysfunction.



Increased recovery of urinary continence, regaining bladder control.



Better toilet training.




"Robotic surgery is recommended when seeking precision, less invasion and faster recovery, however, the decision to opt for robotic surgery should always be evaluated, considering individual needs and available treatment options," says Dr. Diaz.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja has a team of highly qualified professionals in robotic surgery. Thanks to the Da Vinci Robot's technology, patients can benefit from less invasive interventions and shorter recovery times. This advance represents a commitment to medical excellence and optimal patient care at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



Request more information about gynaecologic robotic surgery

### Fire Fighters Extinguish Torrevieja Boat Fire

A fire on a leisure boat moored in Torrevieja harbour sparked alarm on Wednesday, when thick black smoke could be seen for miles billowing from the craft.



Fire fighters were quick to the scene and doused the boat with foam, preventing the spread, subsequently reporting only material damage.



This is the second such incident recently in the area.

### Elderly Care in Summer: Key Tips to Protect Their Health

With the arrival of summer and rising temperatures, the care of the elderly becomes crucial. The effects of heat on the body can be devastating, especially for those with a lower capacity to adapt, such as the elderly. Experts from Quirónsalud Torrevieja offer professional insights into how heat can affect our seniors and the best practices to protect their health during the summer season.



The Effects of Heat on the Body



Extreme heat poses a significant health threat due to its impact on an individual's hydration status and haemodynamic situation. According to specialists from the Emergency Department of Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "extreme heat can pose a significant health threat due to its effect on the individual's hydration status and haemodynamic situation, which can lead to vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness and death in extreme cases of heat stroke."



Vasodilation and reduced blood pressure are physiological responses to heat, but in elderly individuals, these reactions can trigger severe complications. Although the effects are usually mild and manageable, it is crucial to recognise particularly threatening situations to prevent serious consequences.



Vulnerability of the Elderly to Heat



The elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat due to several factors. A reduced ability to thermoregulate, diminished sensation of thirst, and consequently lower hydration levels, along with chronic illnesses and the use of multiple medications, increase the risk of heatstroke in older adults.



The reduced capacity for thermoregulation means that the elderly cannot cool their bodies as effectively as younger individuals. This, combined with a diminished sense of thirst, can lead to rapid and dangerous dehydration. Additionally, chronic illnesses such as neurodegenerative diseases and certain medications, especially those affecting blood pressure, further increase the risk.



Risk Temperatures



There is no specific temperature at which the risk increases, but clearly, the higher the temperature, the greater the danger. "It could be said that there is no specific temperature at which the risk increases, but evidently, the higher the temperature, the greater the risk," say the specialists.



Diseases Most Affected by Heat



Heat can affect the progression of any chronic illness, especially if it is severe. "Any chronic condition can be affected in its progression when exposed to the effects of heat, especially if it is severe," note the experts. Beyond the effect of heat on certain diseases, it is essential to pay attention to how some diseases predispose individuals to reduced adaptation.



Neurodegenerative diseases and medications with hypotensive or diuretic effects are particularly concerning. These factors can further hinder the body's ability to manage thermal stress, increasing the risk of severe complications.



Warning Symptoms



It is crucial to be alert to any changes or general symptoms in the elderly. Extreme signs of heatstroke include hyperthermia, but symptoms such as changes in consciousness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and headaches should also be monitored.



Tips for Caring for the Elderly in Summer



Caring for the elderly during the summer is not substantially different from caring for the general population, but it requires greater rigour in application. Key recommendations include:



- Adequate Hydration: It is essential to maintain a good fluid intake, considering that the elderly have a lower sensation of thirst. "It is crucial to have a good fluid intake, even more so considering that the elderly have a lower physiological sensation of thirst."



- Light Meals: Meals should be light to facilitate digestion and avoid overheating the body.



- Avoiding Sun Exposure during Peak Hours**: It is crucial to avoid sun exposure during peak intensity hours, generally between 12:00 and 17:00.



- Protection from Heat: Using hats and lightweight clothing that covers most of the body can help protect from the heat. "Protecting the head with hats" is a simple yet effective measure.



- Avoiding Intense Physical Exercise: During the hottest hours of the day, intense physical exercise should be avoided.



- Cool Environments: Keep indoor spaces cool with fans, air conditioning, or by keeping windows and blinds closed during the day.



Caring for the elderly during the summer requires special attention due to their vulnerability to heat. By following the recommendations of the specialists from Quirónsalud Torrevieja, we can prevent severe complications and ensure our seniors enjoy a safe and healthy summer. The key lies in prevention, adequate hydration, and protection against extreme heat—measures that can make the difference between a pleasant summer and a medical emergency.



And remember, this summer, if any problems arise, our emergency service will take care of you.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Emergency Service: https://www.quironsalud.com/torrevieja/en/services/accident-emergency



Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGzZR2Xz6b554bgM8

### Torrevieja Budget Corrections and Modifications Approved Amid Controversy

In another extraordinary and urgent plenary session, the modification of credits worth 15.2 million euro was finally approved by Torrevieja government, after the correction of a material error in the sum of the items to be incorporated.



Specifically, the Councillor for Economy and Finance has reported that these almost 5 million euros will serve, firstly, to reinforce the staff of the Department of Social Welfare (4 social workers, 2 social educators, 2 psychologists, 1 equality promoter and 1 legal advisor). For the Department of Animal Protection, 1 veterinarian will be hired, and for Economic Development, 1 budget management body.



In addition to the financial allocation for the reclassification of the 50 administrative assistants to administrative staff, in compliance with the commitment made to the Staff Committee. In total, 1,058,924 euro. Likewise, 350,000 euro will be invested for the future IES nº6, and 3,500,000 euro for the works in the port of Torrevieja.



The modification of credits number 2/2024 to the Budget of the Torrevieja City Council, which amounts to 15.2 million euro, has also been definitively approved, with the votes in favour of the Municipal Group of the Popular Party and VOX and the votes against of the PSOE and Sueña Torrevieja.



Correction of material error in the sum of the items to be incorporated



It should be noted that at this point of the Agenda a material error was detected in the sum of the items that were to be incorporated, so it was left on the table and was taken to urgent approval on this same day; first, to avoid an additional cost to the municipal coffers, since it was the correction of a piece of data, and second, because this modification involved items of an urgent nature such as:



The provision of the essential basic services section of the Social Services Program for individualised financial aid and for foster care that are exhausted, and that require urgent provision to meet the large number of pending applications, as well as to continue with the works of the municipal animal shelter and, finally, to comply with judgment 172/2023 on the ordinary procedure.



Following the resumption of the plenary session, the Councillor for Economy and Finance, Domingo Paredes, has defended the errors and has announced that with this modification of credits, budget items are incorporated, among others, for:



-Electricity supply, which goes from 3,210,818 euro to 5,047,731 euro, thus increasing the budget by 1,836,912 euro.



-Lifeguard huts, with their budget increasing from 315,000 euro to 1,021,955 euro, which represents an increase of 706,955 euro.



- Animal shelter, which goes from 1,317,661 euro to 1,483,761 euro, increasing by 166,100 euro.



- Aid, creation, innovation and business development programmes, increasing from 160,256 euro to 500,000 euro, which represents a budget increase of 339,743 euro.



-Individualized financial aid and foster care program, goes from 141,297 euro to 341,297 euro, increasing the allocation by 200,000 euro.



-Agreement with the University of Alicante, which goes from 150,000 euro to 180,000 euro, increasing by 30,000 euro.



-General expenses in Social Services, which go from 10,000 to 76,805 euro, which represents an increase of 50,000 euro.



Furthermore, among the items created and constituting extraordinary credits, the following stand out:



Subsidy to productive sectors (200,000 euro), investments in buildings (778,003 euro), extraordinary repair of buildings and other constructions (1,055,000 euro), new investment in infrastructure and assets (960,000 euro), investments in land (5,000,000 euro), machinery, installations and tools (400,000 euro) or subsidy to families and non-profit institutions (100,000 euro).



Finally, the Councillor for Economy and Finance stated “surprise” of the change in the vote of the Socialist Municipal Group in the Plenary Session, with the budget item having the same origin of treasury surpluses and the budget modification having the same social and investment character.



Therefore, the Socialist Party of Torrevieja responded to the manifestations of the PP that claims to have been “surprised” with the meaning of its vote against the modification of credits in the Extraordinary Plenary Session.



They state that two credit modifications were brought to the plenary session: the second and the third since the budgets were approved at the beginning of the year. The socialists voted in favour of the third in the plenary session held at 8 in the morning and voted against the second, which was debated in a subsequent plenary session held at 1:00 p.m. due to an error in a summary that forced another plenary session to be called. The PP claimed to “not understand” the change in criteria.



Councillor David Villanueva explained in the plenary session itself that they voted in favour of the third modification using the “responsible vote” as they were necessary items and that they had been demanding from the municipal group itself, such as an increase in personnel for social services, items for educational centres or to complete the port work, a commitment by President Ximo Puig and which will constitute a key work for Torrevieja.



Likewise, the spokesperson for the municipal group, Bárbara Soler, has explained the reasons for the vote against the second modification in a video broadcast on her social networks in which she assures that in said modification "the PP has included an increase of 600,000 euro for the payment of interest that has been generated by not complying with payments that were pending.” In relation to the enormous increase in the amount for the payment of interest, Soler has described as “curious” that the PP decides to call the second plenary session on the same day “to save citizens from having to pay another plenary session.” In her opinion, it is totally contradictory to the fact that they try to justify the urgency of the plenary session by alleging as justification that it is the third payment request that he has received from a court for the payment of interest and that therefore he must comply without delay. “The people of Torrevieja would have paid much less if they had paid the first request because the interest continues to multiply until it is paid, which demonstrates once again the inaction and lack of foresight and management of the government team” she adds. "If they want to save citizens the payment of extraordinary plenary sessions, they should propose that they not be paid and the PSOE will support them."



The socialist has also highlighted the 5,000,000 euro in investments to acquire land for sports and social infrastructure - “which ones? We don't know," says the spokesperson, "as well as the almost 800,000 euro in investments to acquire real estate due, according to the PP, to the increase in the services they must provide to citizens. “Do citizens know how many empty properties the City Council has? Do you know that we pay brutal rents to locate municipal offices in properties that are not ours?”, criticized the spokesperson. “If this investment were to stop paying rent, at least we would end that expense, but no, it is to provide new services. Which is it? It is not known. Why aren't empty properties used? It is not known. Where are these properties that are going to be acquired located? Who are you going to buy them from? We do not know".



For the socialists, it is essential that the inventory of municipally owned property be updated to optimise their occupation and that the properties be dedicated to municipal offices without the need to acquire new ones. As an example, "the old Town Hall building that remains unoccupied and whose lack of maintenance will cause it to be lost like almost all of Torrevieja's heritage at the hands of the PP."



According to the socialists, to give a “facelift” to the presentation of the credit modification, the PP included an item for the ADIEM foundation, which does much-needed work in terms of social integration of people with mental health problems, another item is the Unión Musical Torrevejense and social emergency aid. “That is, the PP takes it in a pack.” Soler affirms that “in this way, if we vote against, what they are trying to convey is that we are against associations and NGOs when, in reality, these items are much smaller and what we cannot approve is the enormous unjustified spending on investments. and interests that they try to mask behind good intentions and that is proof of their lack of management and inaction.”



The spokesperson stated that the PSOE would vote in favour if it were a modification of credits for exclusive social purposes and as long as the budgetary stability of the City Council was not in danger "but they mix legitimate causes with indefensible causes."



However, as Soler has expressed, the PSOE vote does not condition the vote, since the modification went ahead with the absolute majority of the PP. “If it were up to us, these entities would receive the money they need for the stated purposes but not necessarily in charge of the remainder.”



The socialists agree that there is no contradiction in their vote, but rather a malicious interpretation of the PP.

### Torrevieja Socialists Launch City Publicity Campaign Aimed at Brits

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja comes out in defence of the city to respond to the smear campaign by various British media, in the face of the passivity of the Partido Popular government team.



Since last May, several British newspapers such as the Mirror, the Daily Star and the Express have been echoing a series of devastating comments from tourists who had visited Torrevieja and who described our city as “the most horrible place” in which they had been or claimed that it was not “a true reflection of Spain.”



The socialist municipal group has responded with the edition of a propaganda video from Torrevieja that its spokesperson, Bárbara Soler, has published on social networks and has been promoted in the United Kingdom after being translated into English.



The spokesperson stated that these smear campaigns have been common since Brexit and have the objective of preventing British people from traveling abroad during the summer season and has emphasised that they must be taken seriously, as they affect not only tourism but also to the community of British residents who live in our city and who are tempted to sell their homes. "It is a domino effect, we have been witnessing for some time the gradual decline of British people living in Torrevieja and we must take care of it because it is one of the communities that has contributed the most to our growth and development."



Soler also assures that many of the homes sold by the British are being acquired for speculative purposes and the price of housing in our city has reached unaffordable limits. For this reason, she indicates, “interested and malicious comments that are not properly counteracted can even end up contributing to our young people not being able to become independent, since the government team refuses to take measures regarding housing.”



Likewise, the socialist has pointed out that she does not share the city model defended by the Partido Popular and that she is aware of the problems that Torrevieja presents, but that they are issues that can be "redirected and solved" and that this does not prevent them from coming out in defence of the city in the face of the passivity of the government team.



In the words of Soler "the initiative of the propaganda video is absolutely necessary when it comes to press that thousands of Britons read in the middle of the tourism campaign and it should have started from the tourism department, since it does us damage that we cannot afford" and she has announced that they will present a motion in this regard. "We do not have the means or the enormous bank of images available to the Torrevieja City Council, so we have had to ask favours from people who have not hesitated to participate by contributing their images to help defend our city."



Using images provided from the archives of Todo Torrevieja and Joaquín Carrión, as well as from individuals, the socialists praise the benefits and potential of Torrevieja, highlighting the quality gastronomy, the enviable temperature all year round, the deep-rooted traditions and popular festivals, the culture and the nature of the salt city.



In short, the local PSOE launches an invitation to discover “the real Torrevieja”, a unique and wonderful city “to live and visit”.

### Lagoons Village Torrevieja - July 2024

We have taken flight over the La Hoya area of Torrevieja again, to check on the progress of the new Lagoons Village development.




https://youtu.be/11fWWPAS24E




As you can see from the footage, the progress is not fast, but then they have said it will take 25 years to complete.



The roads are taking shape though, and there is deeper digging in the water drainage, presumably after the rains recently filled the channels again, even before the properties have been built.



To see the previous flights and driving through the “wibbly wobbly” road before it closed to traffic, check out the YouTube Playlist below.




https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs9him80uxQXQZUCjEtEvS15kD-g7-MYg

### Next Tuesday is a Local Holiday - Virgin of Carmen

Tuesday 16 July is one of the most popular local holiday celebrated in many towns around the area, the feast of the Virgen del Carmen.



Amongst the towns in the province of Alicante that are celebrating this event are El Campello, Algorfa, Cox, Santa Pola, and Torrevieja. Amongst the groups who recognise the Virgen del Carmen as a patron are those who take to the sea in the hunt for fish, and of the Spanish navy, hence the day being celebrated by coastal towns where seaborne processions are commonplace.



This is not the only local holiday of significance in the area this month, as we move to Orihuela foe the following day, 17 July, for its Reconquista festivities.



For its part, Guardamar de Segura will celebrate the feast of Santiago Apóstol on the 25th, as will La Vila Joiosa with Sant Jaume.



This saint will also be commemorated in Albatera, and Benijófar on July 25.



The Vega Baja will also be celebrating a holiday on July 30 with the commemoration of the anniversary of the Segregation in the municipalities of Pilar de la Horadada and Los Montesinos.

### Torrevieja Hopes for Green Flag

Torrevieja City Council and 168 local hospitality establishments will compete this summer to obtain the Ecovidrio Green Flag for sustainability. The non-profit organisation in charge of managing the recycling of glass packaging waste in Spain is celebrating the fifth edition of #MovimientoBanderasVerdes, its renowned summer campaign that aims to highlight and recognise the commitment of local hospitality and city councils to recycling glass packaging, protecting the environment and moving towards sustainable development.



Thus, Torrevieja will compete with up to 40 Valencian municipalities with the aim of winning the Ecovidrio “Green Flag of Sustainability”, which was already achieved by l'Alfas del Pi and Finestrat during the last edition of this initiative.



This year, Ecovidrio will also recognise the two most responsible and sustainable hospitality establishments in the Valencian Community, evaluating their initiatives to improve waste recycling management, their energy and water consumption or their commitment to sustainable purchasing, among other variables. The Casa Montaña restaurant (Valencia) and the Hydra restaurant (Calpe, Alicante) were the hospitality establishments awarded in the last edition. Also, and as a novelty this year, apart from this recognition, Ecovidrio will invite two people from each winning establishment to enjoy a Master Class and a tasting of several dishes offered by a renowned chef with a Michelin Green Star.



The Green Flags Movement is a campaign in which Ecovidrio joins forces with municipalities and hoteliers every summer to respond to the high levels of glass container consumption recorded in coastal areas of our country during the summer. During the summer months, a third of the glass containers put into circulation are consumed and nearly 50% of the single-use glass container waste put on the market is generated by the hotel sector. Aware of the need to support the hotel industry, Ecovidrio will set up a team of environmental educators to provide the HORECA sector on the Spanish coast with resources, information and incentives.

### New Speed Camera on the CV-905 in Torrevieja

A new speed camera was installed on the CV-905 in Torrevieja this week, in an area notorious for speeding vehicles.



The location of the new camera is on the CV-905 which runs from Torrevieja towards Los Montesinos and Quesada, specifically near a bend approaching the Mercadona supermarket at La Siesta.



Although the camera is situated in the Quesada direction, this type of camera is capable of monitoring traffic in BOTH directions, across multiple lanes.



In addition, as well as speed, the camera is capable of monitoring seat belt and mobile phone use, according to the specification published by the N332 group.



The speed limit on the stretch of road is 50 kilometres per hour, which was reduced some time ago from 80 as the road is in a residential area. That said, there are still many drivers who ignore the limit and some even driving faster than the maximum previously set.



Being clocked at 51 kilometres per hour is a 100 euro fine, whereas being caught at 81 kilometres per hour in a 50 zone will result in a 400 euro fine and the loss of 4 points.



The site of the camera is also the location of a fatal motorcycle crash, in which inappropriate speed was considered a factor some years ago. 




https://youtu.be/OvPa8PWTT0o?si=imhHVVZc_50rqU9C

### La Hoya Roundabout Land Expropriation Approved

The covered road signs have been in place for weeks, but now Torrevieja town hall has given the go ahead for the expropriation of land in order for a new roundabout to be constructed on the CV-905 road that links Torrevieja with Quesada, to serve the new Lagoons Village urbanisation.  



The group of companies involved in the construction on the La Hoya land must pay the municipality the cost at which the expropriation has been valued. The fair price, in this sense, amounts to 28,953 euro, to which 5% must be added as an affection premium, making a total of 30,400 euro, as reported by the secretary of the Governing Board, Federico Alarcón.



The land to be expropriated occupies a small part of the total space that the roundabout will occupy. Only the southwest corner of the roundabout is on land outside the sector and public domain of the autonomously owned road. According to the project, those few metres are property of the commercial companies Salinas del Mar and Promar Vega, SL.



The expropriation project had to first go through a public exhibition period, which was published last February.

### Symptoms of a Heart Attack and How to Act

A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually due to a build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries.



This blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart muscle, causing damage or death to the tissues.



Why Does a Heart Attack Occur? Symptoms of a Heart Attack



"The primary cause of myocardial infarctions and strokes is cholesterol plaques in our arteries," confirms Dr. Silvia Silva from the Cardiology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



"If we don't control these plaques," the specialist continues, "they grow, soften, and can rupture, causing cholesterol to come into contact with the blood. This triggers a large clot that blocks the arteries and prevents blood from reaching the heart tissues. Therefore, cholesterol is not just a risk factor but one of the main causes of myocardial infarction."



Another major trigger of heart attacks is lipoprotein A, a type of bad cholesterol that is not typically included in routine blood tests.



"The problem with lipoprotein A is that it does not respond to diet or exercise and must be controlled with medication. Moreover, it increases the likelihood of myocardial infarctions at an early age, as it is a hereditary type of cholesterol."



Are There Symptoms Days Before a Heart Attack?



There are some symptoms days before a heart attack that can alert us, such as chest discomfort or numbness in the left arm.



Regarding the symptoms of an imminent heart attack, Dr. Silvia Silva highlights:



- Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom and can manifest as a sensation of pressure, tightness, burning, or pain that can last for minutes or come and go intermittently. It can also feel like a tight band around the chest, similar to severe indigestion.



- Radiating pain: In an acute myocardial infarction, the pain can extend from the chest to the left arm, jaw, back, or neck.



- Shortness of breath: During a massive heart attack, some people feel short of breath, "as if they are out of breath" even without physical exertion.



- Profuse sweating: Another symptom of a heart attack is excessive sweating. We should be alert if it is "cold and clammy" and accompanies other symptoms.



- Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or dizziness: Some people may feel nauseous, gag, or vomit, or experience "stomach discomfort similar to indigestion" before having a heart attack.



Additionally, Dr. Silvia Silva from Quirónsalud Torrevieja reminds us that heart attack symptoms in men are not the same as those in women or the elderly.



 How to React in an Acute Myocardial Infarction: Heart Attack Code and the Importance of Hospital Care



If we believe someone nearby is having a heart attack, we should:



- Call emergency services immediately.



- Have them sit or lie down in a comfortable position where they can rest.



- If we know they have heart attack medication, administer it.



- Try to keep their airway open and clear.



- If they stop breathing or have no pulse, perform CPR (only if we are trained to do so).



- Do not offer food or drinks.



- Keep them warm.



- Provide emotional support, talk to them calmly, and try to convey safety and tranquillity.



The medical team's reaction will depend on the type of heart attack and the organs affected, as having a myocardial infarction is different from having a stroke.



In this context, Dr. Silvia Silva from the Cardiology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja talks about the "Heart Attack Code," an emergency protocol at this hospital to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms.



Can Acute Myocardial Infarction Be Prevented?



Dr. Alejandro Pascual, a specialist from the Cardiology Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante, explains that to prevent heart attacks, it is necessary to:



- Identify and control risk factors.



- Regularly check that cardiovascular health is in good condition.



Cardiovascular risk factors and heart attacks can be modifiable or non-modifiable.



"In the first group, we include lifestyle-related issues such as being overweight, smoking, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, or stress; in the second group, we highlight age (the risk increases after 45 years in men and 55 in women), gender (men are more prone to heart attacks and strokes, although the percentage is similar in women after menopause), family history, or race."



Regarding tests to monitor cardiovascular health, "they can be requested by the specialist and depend on how we are at any given moment," although some routine medical checks can alert us to a potential heart attack risk, such as "abnormal heart sounds, high blood pressure, or concerning blood test results."



Regarding the tests we should request from the cardiologist, the specialist from Quirónsalud Alicante lists:



- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).



- Echocardiogram.



- Stress tests.



- Holter or ambulatory monitoring.



- Laboratory tests.



- Coronary angiography.



Consequences of a Heart Attack and Post-Attack Care



After suffering a cardiac arrest, the heart muscle does not recover 100%, as some cells and tissues may "die" or lose their ability to contract.



Therefore, the risk of having another heart attack is high.



According to Dr. Silvia Silva, after rapid hospital treatment, the patient is "transferred to the UCIC for continuous monitoring and additional treatment. Normally, 48 hours after the heart attack, the patient undergoes a programme designed to improve their recovery with supervised exercise, education on lifestyle changes, and risk factor management."



Regarding post-attack care, Dr. Alejandro Pascual emphasizes the importance of care, being essential:



- Adopting a healthy diet: It is advised to limit saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.



- Engaging in regular exercise: It is recommended to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly.



- Maintaining a healthy weight.



- Quitting smoking.



- Keeping blood pressure within healthy levels (generally below 120/80 mmHg).



- Controlling "bad" cholesterol (generally below 100 mg/dL) with diet, regular exercise, or medication.



- Monitoring blood glucose levels.



- Limiting alcohol consumption.



- Scheduling regular medical check-ups to assess the risk of heart disease in a personalized way.



- Measuring lipoprotein A in routine blood tests.

### Smoke-Free Beach in Torrevieja

The mayor of the town, Eduardo Dolón, has reported that the first Smoke-Free Beaches flag will be raised on the beach of Cabo Cervera in Torrevieja.



The Smoke-Free Beaches flag is an initiative of the General Directorate of Public Health, in which the City Council participates through its Departments of Beaches and Public Health.



Dolón received the flag from the person in charge of the Public Health Centre of the Orihuela Area, José Antonio García Navarro, with the assistance of the Councillor for Public Health, Rosa Cañón, and the Councillor for Beaches and Environment, Antonio Vidal.



Dolón reported that the first Smoke-Free Beaches flag will be raised on the beach of Cabo Cervera, and another will also be raised at the Ciudad Deportiva's outdoor pool, despite the fact that smoking is prohibited in this pool. In addition, information signs will be installed at the entrances to this beach so that they can be seen by all bathers. The Council's intention is for this pilot project to be expanded to other sandy areas in Torrevieja soon.



This is an initiative that aims to raise awareness among citizens so that beaches are clean, safe, and welcoming spaces for everyone. Therefore, there will be no sanctions but all people will be informed that with the implementation of this flag the aim is to offer all users of the beaches of Torrevieja a smoke-free environment where they can enjoy fresh and clean air, play in sand, swim in the sea and participate in outdoor activities without the worry of tobacco smoke.



Furthermore, this initiative is an important message for children and young people that we are committed to their well-being and the promotion of healthy habits.



The idea of healthy habit awareness was not so prominent in a video promoting the Torrevieja Weekend event recently though, where smoking was seen as a perfectly normal and acceptable act to those watching the video, including young people. Nor was it a priority for the new regional government who withdrew the ban on smoking on terraces introduced by the previous government as a public health measure.



Cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of litter on our beaches, and their removal will not only improve the aesthetics of the shoreline but will also protect marine life from the harmful effects of this litter.

### Improve Your Quality of Life: Discover How Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer Works and Its Benefits

Robotic surgery for prostate cancer is generally less invasive, with faster recovery and a lower risk of complications.



In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms. However, when more advanced, it can cause various symptoms such as urinary problems, decreased force in the urine stream, blood in the urine or semen, bone pain, unintentional weight loss, and erectile dysfunction. After detecting prostate cancer, there are various treatment options, and if surgery is required, one of the best choices is robotic surgery due to its numerous advantages.



Robotic surgery offers several benefits compared to traditional open surgery and standard laparoscopy. Thanks to robotic technology, more precise and controlled movements are achieved through smaller incisions, resulting in less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and a quicker and more comfortable recovery.



Reduced Invasiveness and Advanced Precision: The Da Vinci Robotic Surgery in Prostate Cancer Treatment



With less blood loss, robotic surgery for prostate cancer is generally less invasive, with faster recovery and a lower risk of complications due to the precision of robotic movements, which can reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and nerves, crucial for erectile function and urinary continence.



The Da Vinci robot allows for handling highly complex uro-oncological cases with excellent results. One of the main benefits of surgery with the Da Vinci robot is the detailed visualisation, as the high-definition 3D camera provides a better view of the surgical area, helping to identify and preserve important structures.



In the field of urology, the Da Vinci robot has proven to be highly effective, enabling minimally invasive surgeries with maximum precision and safety, thanks to its sophisticated and innovative technology. Some of the most commonly treated urological conditions by the Da Vinci robot are:



- Prostate cancer (prostatectomy).



- Kidney cancer (total/partial nephrectomy).



- Bladder cancer (radical cystectomy).



- Urinary incontinence and urogenital prolapse.



What is a Prostatectomy?



It is the most advanced surgery for the treatment of prostate cancer (robotic radical prostatectomy) and involves removing the prostate and seminal vesicles to eliminate all tumour tissue, facilitating the individualisation of the surgical needs of each patient depending on the type of cancer they have.



What Are the Postoperative Advantages of Prostatectomy with the Da Vinci Robot?



One advantage is the recovery of urinary continence, with continence rates at one year being 95% for the Da Vinci system and 80% for open surgery. Another advantage is the recovery of erectile function, with better erectile function recovery rates with robotic prostatectomy, with one-year potency rates of 97% for the Da Vinci system and 88% for open surgery.



After the intervention, no specific care is required, and the recovery is faster than with traditional open surgery. After being discharged from the hospital, the patient can resume their daily life, avoiding exertion during the first four weeks.



“For its performance, only small skin incisions of 0.5 to 1 cm in length are necessary, through which we can perform, guided by the high-definition camera, the complete removal of the prostate with an optimal level of precision."



- Dr Sven Petry, Head of the Urology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, the first to perform a robotic cystectomy in the Valencian Community.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has extensive experience in robotic surgery, as it was one of the pioneering hospitals nationwide to implement and train its surgeons in the use of this technology 15 years ago.



Advantages of Robotic Surgery in Urology



Thanks to the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital provides the best treatment and outcomes for prostate cancer patients needing radical prostatectomy. Some of the advantages of robotic surgery in urology are:



- More precise tumour tissue removal, improving the effectiveness of the treatment.



- Greater capacity to preserve neurovascular structures, favouring optimal recovery of sexual function.



- Significant improvements in the preservation and restoration of urinary continence after prostate cancer surgeries.



- Improved control of defecatory function.



- Notable reduction in blood loss and the need for transfusions during surgery.



- Lower risk of complications and infections in the surgical wound, ensuring safer recovery.



- Shorter hospital stays.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the first private hospital in Alicante to have an Advanced Robotic Surgery Unit.

### Flu vaccinations increase but not Covid

A total of 1,162,033 people were vaccinated against flu in the 2023-2024 season, according to the regional Ministry of Health, the highest number in the history of flu vaccination in the Valencian Community.



The Minister of Health, Marciano Gómez, stated that "getting sick is a failure for the health system and it is about avoiding it, both with healthy habits and health promotion."



Unfortunately, the attention to dealing with Covid has not been quite so high, even though hospitalisations have risen for seven weeks in a row and in the latest data beat that of 2021, the second year of the pandemic.



In hospitals, the percentage of positivity is 0.8% for flu (compared to 1% the previous week), 33.2% for SARS-CoV-2 (compared to 25.1% the previous week).



In total across Valencia, 863,796 people were vaccinated against Covid, of which 689,799 were 60 years old or older.



In care homes, residents have been vaccinated against flu with coverage of 92.79%, whereas for Covid, again, the figure is lower at 82.44%.

### Torrevieja Government Accused of Dragging Feet in Contract Execution

Earlier this week, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, took to social media to praise his successes in the first year of this current administrative period, and although he acknowledged there is still much work to be done, according to the Sueña Torrevieja group, the PP government has only awarded 25% of the investments that the mayor is attributed to in the first year of his mandate.



In the Contracting Platform it is observed that in the first year of mandate the government team has only awarded 13 investments with a total amount of 11.32 million euro, 25% of the investments attributed to the mayor.



Pablo Samper assures that "the mayor has summarised the investments in execution and/or completed in more than 45 million euro, with an execution percentage as of June 17, 2024, of 45%, that is, more than 20.2 million euro, without providing any justification".



If we add the three works awarded in the month of May 2023, which belong to the previous mandate, we reach 21.2 million euro, 47% of the investments attributed to the mayor.



A detailed list was provided by Sueña Torrevieja, which can be checked on the platform anyway, and according to the settlement of the 2023 budget, they say, in the whole of 2023, with an investment budget of almost 53 million euro, only 11.2 million have been executed, just over 21%, leaving almost 42 million euro unexecuted.   



Samper concludes by stating that "the lack of execution of the PP government in investments is tremendous, since, according to the Torrevieja City Council Contracting Plan approved in February 2023 for an amount of almost 88.5 million euro, considering only the eight largest contracts planned, not even the contracting files of more than 61 million euro have been approved, which account for almost 70%".

### One Plus One Equals Seventeen… Probably… How Torrevieja Officials Seemingly Do Maths!

Here we go again… It has started earlier this year, but it looks like some political figures in Torrevieja are still lacking in basic numeracy, and some of them could well benefit from going back to school, assuming there are still schools and teachers.



According to the PP Torrevieja’s Twitter (X) feed, “more than 10,000 people were able to enjoy the fashion show on Paseo Vista Alegre with Eduardo Navarrete”.



Torrevieja Weekend 3Más de 10000 personas pudieron disfrutar del desfile de moda en el Paseo Vista Alegre con Eduardo NavarreteModelos profesionales, personajes de la sociedad torrevejense, etc¡Una fiesta del comercio y la moda! #TorreviejaWeekend3#PoryParaTorrevieja pic.twitter.com/hizLRPqwWY— Populares Torrevieja (@PPTorrevieja) June 16, 2024 



At 230 metres long by 23 metres wide, tapering off at one end, the Paseo Vista Alegre covers approximately 5,000 square metres, on which there is a fountain, garden, statues, and benches.



The internal measurements inside the benched area, and within the boundaries of the fountain and statues, are 162 metres long by 12 metres wide, thus covering 1,944 square metres, approximately.  



Depending on what space calculator for events you use, which is then determined by the type of event, the amount of space to fit 10,000 people would of course vary, such as to hold a cocktail party with people standing would require 5,500 square metres of space. To hold a concert would be in the region of 4,000 square metres of space.



To reverse the calculation, in a theatre style setup of 2,000 square metres, we could seat just under 2,500 people. Often considered a safe figure for standing crowds is 2 people per square metre, so for our (let’s round it up) 2,000 square metres of space, we can fit 4,000 people standing.



On the Paseo Vista Alegre there was a catwalk, stage, and additional seating which also reduced the space of course.



So, either the town hall has allowed a gross and dangerous overcapacity event to take place, or the figures are just made up to try to justify a costly event that would only benefit a small number of businesses rather than the majority in the municipality who pay taxes and never see any of the benefits.



Incidentally, amongst the summer events last year, the town hall was praising the RBF music festival that prevented local traders from earning money as the market had to be closed, because it was set to attract 40,000 people who would all bring their wealth to Torrevieja. Even though, generally, festival goers don’t spend locally!



The reported economic value would be more than a larger concert held in Murcia city. Plus, the event organisers were selling two-day tickets. So, the reality was only 20,000 people at best. That didn’t stop the town hall reporting that 36,000 people attended the event, even though for this year the festival organisers said that they hoped to beat their 18,000 ticket sales!



It’s a good thing these people aren’t left in charge of other important numbers like money and budgets…



So, as we start this early in the season with the questionable statistics, we can expect much of the same throughout the summer, when no doubt representative of the town hall will tell everyone that the world is perfect and expect you to continue to believe what they tell you rather than what is in front of your eyes.



“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command”. George Orwell, 1984.

### A Brief Tale of Environmental Hypocrisy from Torrevieja’s Mayor

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, reportedly took advantage of his intervention in the Cortes of the Generalitat Valenciana to convey to the Valencians and Spaniards the concern of our land about the deforestation of more than 200 hectares of orange and lemon trees.



This is the same mayor who has presided over the worst environmental waste disposal contract in the country, where residents are prevented from effectively recycling and many now drive to deposit their rubbish, has destroyed one of the largest natural areas near the natural park by allowing over construction of homes, the same natural park where he wanted to build a major DIY store some years ago on one of the protected areas, he approved the destruction of an urban park for the building of illegal tower blocks that also impede on the coastal zone, sees an investigation into environmental crimes at the town’s eco park, runs some of the oldest and most polluting busses in the country, buses which were once free for some residents but they now have to pay for, removed trees from the Park of Nations and other areas, allowed animals in that same park to go starve, faces criticism from cat carers for failing to adhere to the Animal Protection Law, fails to maintain cycle paths or have an effective green transport system, and in a town where streets are overflowing with vehicles has still failed to progress the mandatory Low Emissions Zone, amongst other environmentally unfriendly policies which he is responsible for, and we haven't even mentioned flooding!



The European Union is creating laws to prevent so-called greenwashing by companies, but for politicians it has perhaps not yet been considered.

### Eight out of ten melanomas are curable if detected early

Patients who already have melanoma are more sensitive to suffering a second one, as well as the immediate relatives of these patients, who must follow strict control





Thanks to Teledermatology, Quirónsalud specialists offer a diagnosis in less than forty-eight hours




According to the Spanish Association Against Cancer, skin cancer already accounts for 8% of the total number of tumours diagnosed, a figure that is increasing and whose registration has increased by 40% in the last 4 years.



The  most common  type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This type of cancer accounts for about 80% of all non-melanoma skin cancers. It develops in the basal cells, which are the cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It usually appears as a small, shiny bump on the skin, often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and hands. It can also present as a non-healing sore, a red patch, or a scar. However, we can find up to more than 100 types of skin cancer. "We could say that basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most frequent, in this order," explains  Dr. Lisset Sardá, head of the Dermatology Service at Quirónsalud Alicante.



Melanoma originates in melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin responsible for skin colour. Although it is less common than other types of skin cancer, it is much more dangerous due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body, that is, to metastasize, although as Dr. Sardá points out, "more than 80% of this type of cancer is curable as long as it is detected in time".



Symptoms of melanoma, the most dangerous skin tumour



Among the main symptoms of melanoma are changes in the size, shape or colour of a mole, the appearance of new growth on the skin, the sensation of itching, pain or bleeding of a mole. "These symptoms should alert us and bring them to the attention of a specialist as soon as possible," advises Dr. Sardá.



Risk factors for skin cancer



In relation to the behaviours that increase the probability of developing melanoma, the head of the Dermatology Service at Quirónsalud Alicante points out that sunburns during childhood and adolescence are the most linked to melanoma. In addition, people who use ultraviolet tanning booths have a 20 times higher risk of developing this type of cancer over the course of their lifetime. "We know that the lighter the colour of the skin, hair and eyes of patients, the less ability they have to defend themselves from ultraviolet radiation and develop melanoma more easily, with red-haired individuals being the most at risk. On the other hand, patients who already have melanoma are more sensitive to suffering a second one, as well as the direct relatives of these patients, who must follow strict control," says Dr. Sardá.



To detect it, Quirónsalud specialists advise following the rules of the ABCDE, an acronym that refers to the asymmetry of this type of lesion, irregular borders, heterogeneous colour and a diameter greater than six millimetres, although the most important is E, its evolution: any change in a mole must be assessed by a dermatologist.



Early diagnosis of skin cancer in Alicante and Torrevieja thanks to Teledermatology



The main advantage offered  by the Teledermatology services of Hospital  Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante is the short period of time that elapses between the consultation and the diagnosis of the specialist, which allows it to be addressed as soon as possible in the event of suspected malignancy and to apply the necessary treatment to guarantee a higher cure rate.



The patient is seen in an initial consultation with health personnel trained in dermoscopic techniques which includes a report on the skin lesions and their evolution, as well as important data such as history, risk factors, etc. After this consultation, the specialist will take images using dermoscopic technology that are sent to the dermatologist, who will issue his diagnosis in less than forty-eight hours.



In case of doubt or suspicion of malignancy, the patient will be contacted as a priority and will be offered a face-to-face appointment in less than two days, in which the specialist will explain their case and the procedure to be followed.

### Are the Shops Open on Sunday? YES THEY ARE

Great news for the working population who find little time during the week to shop… Not so great news for those working in the retail sector who benefit from a weekend day off… SUNDAY SHOPPING STARTS AGAIN THIS WEEK.



In the Valencia region, shops can once again open on a Sunday from 16 June and open every Sunday until next year (just after the Christmas period). Of course, they may CHOOSE to close, but probably won’t.



There are one or two days between now and then when they will close for holidays, but not many to be honest, and we will tell you nearer the time, but again, as of this week, you can shop until you drop every Sunday.



Other regions, such as neighbouring Murcia, permit Sunday shopping throughout the year, but in Valencia there are restrictions.

### Torrevieja Desalination Plant Extension Gets Court Go Ahead

The Central Administrative Court has lifted the suspension of the award procedure for the expansion of the Torrevieja desalination plant thus allowing the winning bidder, Ferrovial-Sacyr, to continue with the 89.4-million-euro project.



An appeal had been launched by Acciona, the company who built the plant in the first place, after their bid was rejected for being “abnormally low”, despite the argument they made that they are best placed to provide a real quote due to their intimate knowledge of the construction.



In the resolution published by Aguamed, it points out that "on May 30, 2024, the Central Administrative Court of Contractual Resources has agreed to dismiss the appeal filed by ACCIONA AGUA SAU, against the agreement of the contracting body, dated March 21, 2024 , by which the exclusion of said bidder is agreed, in the tender called by the Board of Directors of the Company Aguas de las Cuencas Mediterráneas, SME, SA (ACUAMED), for the contracting of the execution of the expansion and service works operation and maintenance of the Torrevieja desalination plant.



The other appeal filed by the company is also rejected, in this case "against the agreement of the contracting body, dated March 21, 2024, by which the award of the contract is agreed" to the Ferrovial-Sacyr UTE.



The expansion will allow water production to double by 50%, going from the 80 hectometres of desalinated water it currently produces to 120  in 2027, when the works are expected to be completed, although it is already a few months late due to the suspension. 

### Both Main Political Parties Increase Vote Share but Lose Votes in Torrevieja

In the European elections held this weekend, both the main political parties in Torrevieja, the PP and PSOE, increased their share of the vote, although both parties suffered a reduction overall.



In the 2024 European elections, in Torrevieja, the PP secured a 41% share, with 6,935 votes, whereas the PSOE secured a 30.15% share with 5,099 votes.



In the 2019 elections, the PP had a 33.73% share of the vote, and therefore increased this time by more than 7 percentage points, but the actual vote count was 7,394, therefore losing 459 votes.



For their part, in 2019, the PSOE secured 29.88% of the share, and so this year increased slightly, and received 6,551, and therefore, this time, they lost 1,452 votes.



As for the neighbouring municipalities, in Orihuela, the PP secured a 46.69% share with 10,319 votes, whereas the PSOE had a 25,21% share with 5,573 votes, compared to the PP having 30,53% share and 8,369 votes in 2019, the PSOE having a 28,39% share with 7,783 votes.



In Guardamar del Segura, the PP obtained a 41,58% share with 2,017 votes, the PSOE obtained 32,28% with 1,566, a reversal of power from 2019 when the PSOE secured 42,56% with 2,608 votes, and the PP had 24,61% with 1,508.



Participation in the elections reached just 39.27%, showing a decrease of 10 percentage points compared to 2019 (50.49%).



It is worth noting that these European elections are the first where British nationals have not been allowed to vote for their representatives following Brexit, apart from those able to retain their EU affiliated status.



Across the country, the PP has been the leading force in 4,815 municipalities in these elections, while the PSOE has been the most voted in 2,239.

### Papa Johns the Latest Addition to Torrevieja’s Gastronomical Scene

The Papa Johns pizzeria brand continues its expansion process by opening a new location in Torrevieja, becoming the 93rd restaurant in Spain, and the 5th in the Valencian Community.



The new establishment has 200 square metres of room, both in store and for take-out or home delivery, and has a children's area so that the little ones can enjoy their visit to the pizzeria with their families.



This new Papa Johns becomes the chain's second opening this year, after a new location in Tres Cantos in Madrid in February. “We are prioritizing the expansion of the brand, to reach 110 stores in the Iberian Peninsula before the end of the year,” explains Nacho González Barrajón, general director of Papa Johns Iberia.



The company will prioritise expansion in the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Andalusia and northern Spain.



The Papa John's restaurant was founded in 1984 when "Papa" John Schnatter installed an oven inside a broom closet in the back of his father's tavern, Mick's Lounge, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. It is now the fourth largest pizza delivery restaurant chain in the United States



Papa Johns Torrevieja is located on Calle Apolo, 26.

### Torrevieja Contract Spotlight Could Reveal Crimes

Having finally been given access to the mandatory information, the Socialist Party of Torrevieja has been inspecting several contracts promoted by the majority PP local government, and on Friday, an extraordinary inspection session was held in which several files were analysed in which irregularities were revealed, some of which could constitute crimes, according to the PSOE.



Levante Dam File



This file records the withdrawal of the procedure by the Council due to having made an error in the processing that has meant the need to start again, with the damages that this entails for the completion of the remodelling works of the port area and, In addition, it has involved the payment of compensation to the companies that participated in the tender, amounting to a total of almost 30,000 euro.



The socialist spokesperson, Bárbara Soler, requested responsibilities given that general directors were present throughout the entire procedure, politically appointed positions that earn around 100,000 euro per year and that would have demonstrated a total lack of diligence. Soler assured that the mayor stated in the previous plenary session that he would assume the responsibilities, but that he only says it in words, "let him start by putting in the 30,000 euro."



Appraisal File for Rural Land



Another of the audited contracts is an appraisal of rural land that “has cost more than 16,000 euro for all Torrevieja residents.”



To verify how excessive the price is, the socialist municipal group showed three updated budgets whose amounts ranged between 600 and 1,200 euro. “We have paid 15 times above the market price, and, in addition, the appraisal does not present all the documentation that the contract requires as minimum content; There is no planimetry nor are the annexes filled out”.



The socialists insisted that, in addition, they are tasks that could be carried out by the Council's own technicians for free, rejecting the decision of the General Director of Urban Planning to put out to tender the execution of this contract, alleging that the Council did not have sufficient human resources to do a valuation of a rural land, when the truth is that processing the valuation file takes much more time for town hall officials than having to carry out a valuation of land.



Likewise, Bárbara Soler analysed what is happening with the framework agreements, which although they were initially designed to speed up contracting and be more favourable for the Council, the truth is that in Torrevieja "they must be poorly made" because they are always slower and more burdensome, "they do not contain market prices as established by law and they leave the majority of companies in Torrevieja out of the possibility of bidding". Finally, the spokesperson indicated that “it is a shame” that we have paid “€540 per page, and I am counting up to the cover, the index and the photo at the end.”



Punta La Víbora Project Files



Finally, two closely linked files were also audited. A contract whose objective was to present a study with different solutions to carry out the redevelopment in the Punta la Víbora area, of which one would have to be chosen and then carry out another contract for drafting said project.



Soler indicated that it was striking that the minor contract was classified as urgent and a two-month execution period was established to present the study, when it was finally presented to the Council a year and two months later. Furthermore, she was very critical of the fact that the solutions report “consists of 10 pages, 5 of background which is data provided by the Council and an internet article copied word for word, down to the photo. 17,000 euro.”



However, "the most serious thing," according to the spokesperson, is that all the documentation presented includes the name of the General Director of Urban Planning appointed by the mayor, who is also the one who approved the contract despite the fact that it was presented one year after the end of the term.



“Who prepared the documents? “ It is a very serious fact. ”As if that were not enough, the drafting contract for the project that was to develop the alternative chosen in the study contract was awarded and delivered before the study documentation entered the Council, so "the previous study contract would have left without cause and we could be talking about fraud, contract simulation, misappropriation of public funds and directly corruption, all with the knowledge and consent of the mayor, who is also the urban planning councillor."



It is a very curious fact that, although the first extraordinary plenary session was broadcast as usual on the Facebook platform, the second was not broadcast. "The mayor does not like criticism and even less so with all the documentation that supports the analysis of the files carried out by the socialist municipal group." Finally, Soler has questioned the fact that the mayor did not respond to practically any of the issues raised "and what he did respond to, he did so with lies."

### Regional President to Visit Torrevieja

Just a little over a year after the elections, the President of the Valencia Region, Carlos Mazón, will finally visit Torrevieja this week.



However, the visit in in connection with the European elections, rather than sorting out the problems with healthcare, schools, education, services, etc.



The president will be available with perhaps the most photographed politician in the country, Eduardo Dolón, the Torrevieja head of the PP, who was earmarked for a regional job but never made it.



The visit is scheduled for Wednesday 5 June, at 8:30 p.m., where he will attend a local business for the meeting, the Real Club Nautico, rather than one of the municipal buildings.

### The Bonfires of Alicante Schedule

June is an important month for celebrations across the Valencia region, and many of the key towns and cities hold mini versions, but second to Valencia, this month we will once again experience the “Bonfires of Alicante”, or “Hogueras de Alicante” to give the event its current name, which starts this weekend and runs until San Juan, where we also get another Monday off work.  



Alicante Bonfires 2024 ScheduleSaturday 1 June 2024Sunday 2 June 2024Friday 7 June 2024Saturday 8 June 2024Saturday 15 June 2024Sunday 16 June 2024Monday 17 June 2024Friday 21 June 2024Saturday 22 June 2024.Sunday 23 June 2024Monday 24 June 2024



Alicante Bonfires 2024 Schedule



Saturday 1 June 2024



Launch and Mascletà. ADDA Auditorium Car Park. 6:00 p.m.



Tribute to the deceased Foguerers and Barraquers. Plaza de España. 7:30 p.m.



Proclamation parade. 8:00 p.m.



Proclamation Festival. Town Hall Square. 9:30 p.m.



Proclamation Festival. Volvo zone. 11:00 p.m.



Sunday 2 June 2024



Glorieta de la Solidaritat, PAU 1. 2:00 p.m.



Friday 7 June 2024



Nocturnal mascletà. C/ Francisco Muñoz Llorens. 11.30 p.m.



Saturday 8 June 2024



Entry of bands and commissions. 6:30 p.m.



Saturday 15 June 2024



Mascletà. Avenida Pintor Xavier Soler at the roundabout of the Gran Vía shopping centre. 2:00 p.m.



Parade of the Ninot. 7:00 p.m.



Sunday 16 June 2024



Ninot Exhibition Closing. Old Fish Market. 5:00 p.m.



Monday 17 June 2024



Arrival of Foc. Facade of El Corte Inglés. 11:30 p.m.



Friday 21 June 2024



Offering of flowers to the patron saint, the Virgen del Remedio.6:00 p.m.



Saturday 22 June 2024.



Fogueres y Barraques award ceremony. 11.00 a.m.



Offering of flowers to the patron saint, the Virgen del Remedio. 6:30 p.m.



Sunday 23 June 2024



International folk parade. 8:00 p.m.



Monday 24 June 2024



Day off work to recover (Valencia regional holiday)

### Events around Torrevieja for the first Weekend in June

If you fancy a poke around an exhibition or two, in Torrevieja Manu Sanz is displaying work, “La Evanescencia de lo sólido de Manu Sanz” at the Vistalegre exhibition hall until 19 June, described as a “metaphysical exploration of the volatility of reality” it´s basically objects from a different perspective, using mirrors and shapes to present everyday objects in a different way.



There´s also the Exposición Olof Melkorka on until 7 June at the Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja on Paseo Vista Alegre.



The Alter Ego Trio perform in Torrevieja on Saturday, and we also have the crowning of the Queen of the Sacred Heart at the Virgen del Carmen.



This weekend, Guardamar del Segura is home to a yoga conference, YOGAMAR.



In Almoradi, an exhibition about the history of videogames is taking place until 19 July in the town hall exhibition room.



The Cuevas del Rodeo de Rojales will host a “handpan” music event this weekend, the provincial music meeting ' Handpanearte' on May 31, June 1 and 2.



Although somewhat outside our normal coverage area, so you would have to be quick to plane the weekend, big name music fans can enjoy Calvin Harris on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the island of Ibiza, and you can rock out in Seville with AC/DC on Saturday.



Also a little out of our area, airshow fans could visit DIFAS 2024, taking place in Oviedo on Saturday. Even further afield it´s the Midlands Air Festival, the Duxford Summer Air Show, and Kehler Flugtage in Germany. There are actually lots of air shows taking place this weekend.

### Oesophageal cancer is thirty times more common in patients with Barrett's oesophagus

 Oesophageal cancer is thirty times more common in patients with Barrett's Oesophagus, as warned by Dr. Pedro Bretcha, head of the Digestive System Surgery and Surgical Oncology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



Barrett's oesophagus is a little-known but potentially dangerous digestive disorder that affects the lining of the oesophagus caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux. 



The fundamental symptom of Barrett's oesophagus is heartburn, which is colloquially known as burning. "The burning," explains Dr. Juan Antonio Casellas, head of the Digestive System and Advanced Endoscopy Service at Quirónsalud Alicante, "consists of an unpleasant, sometimes painful, burning sensation that rises and falls from the pit of the stomach to the neck behind the sternum. It is often accompanied by regurgitation of gastric contents into the mouth."



How Barrett's Oesophagus Is Diagnosed



To confirm the diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is necessary. "This test," Dr. Casellas describes, "consists of inserting a small tube through the mouth, progressing into the oesophagus and analysing if there is a change in the cells of the distal oesophagus, right at the junction with the stomach. Usually, the appearance of the oesophagus can suggest the existence of a Barrett's oesophagus during endoscopy. However, the diagnosis can only be confirmed with small tissue samples obtained through the endoscope and sent to the pathology laboratory." The test is performed under sedation and does not require any special preparation, just fasting.



If it is positive, the specialist in the Digestive System at Quirónsalud Alicante recommends repeating it regularly in order to detect possible cancer at an early and potentially curable stage.



Anti-reflux surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital



 Laparoscopic surgery is highly effective for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and definitively eliminating the use of medications that, in the long run, cause side effects. Nine out of ten patients treated with anti-reflux surgery manage to relieve their symptoms and only 15% have a recurrence after five years.



As Dr. Bretcha explains, "The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and consists of constructing a complete or partial cuff with the stomach around the oesophagus, placing it under the diaphragm. To do this, small incisions of just a few millimetres are made to access the abdomen through the laparoscope, which is connected to a small video camera to obtain a complete view of the abdominal cavity." Among the advantages of the laparoscopic approach are the reduction of postoperative pain, brief hospital stay, minimal scarring and rapid return to work.

### Jose Carreras Road to Remain Closed for Summer

Last week we posted how a new diversion had been put in place for the Jose Carreras road in Torrevieja, the wibbly, wobbly road as it is commonly called, which now reopens the connection from the CV-905 to the schools and auditorium area in both directions.



This work is between Jardin del Mar and La Hoya, in connection with the Lagoons Village development.



So, that´s the good news! The bad news is that we went to look at the progress of the road this weekend, bearing in mind there was just a week left before it should reopen, and it is clear from the pictures it is nowhere near ready.





































Checking the latest road closure notices from Torrevieja town hall, we now see that the closure notice has been extended until 31 August. So, the road will remain closed throughout the summer, including during the music festivals.







To get from the auditorium end to the CV-905 is quite simple, just follow the signs and you will find your way through. Going from the CV-905 is a little more complicated, with the route taking you from the Carrefour roundabout, weaving through the Doña Inés urbanisation, and (please take extra care) over a junction so renowned for collisions it is especially signposted as such.

























In our opinion, it is probably easier for you to turn left at the Habaneras roundabout and go over the bridge over the N-332 towards the water park to be honest, but please allow extra time and be extra vigilant whichever way you go, and reduce your speed through the diversion routes.



In other road closure news, the road in front of the Park of Nations has also partially reopened, in the direction going northbound.

### How is Life in Torrevieja?

Torrevieja has had a bit of bad press in the UK recently, and although there are problems, the comments in the mainstream media were a little unfair, but we thought we would ask you.



What do you think about Torrevieja? What do you like? What do you not like? And what would you say to those who could actually change things for the better?



Although you can say anything, the last question is particularly important, because as a result of the media interest, we have partnered up with The Leader newspaper, who spoke with Barbara Soler, the head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, and currently opposition councillor, and she would like to know. Moreover, if your question warrants it, she would like to raise your concerns with the local government, and not only get answers, but also work towards finding solutions to any real problems that do exist.



So, it’s over to you. Send your questions, comments, criticisms, or praise, to office@theleader.info, and they will compile them over the next couple of weeks, and present them to Barbara in a conversation you will also be able to listen to as a podcast, and read about in The Leader.

### Fancy a Glass of Wine by the Lake? Things to do This Weekend in Torrevieja

If you’re looking for things to do in Torrevieja this weekend, we’ve got you covered. There’s music, water sports, magic, art, paella, and wine, so pretty much something for everyone. There are also a few events you might be interested in near Torrevieja, if you fancy venturing a little bit out of the town.



Plus, you can fill your diary with a roundup of things to do throughout the summer, with future events, or at least our choice selection.



What’s On This WeekendFuture EventsTheatre, Culture and MusicBig Name MusicAirshowsSport and FitnessOther EventsCheck with your Local Tourist Information Office



What’s On This Weekend



Friday night brings a magic and illusion show to the Torrevieja Municipal Theare in the form of Jorge Blass.



The Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja is holding a special event on Saturday, with free paella, live music, Zumba, dancing, and more. You do need the Habaneras Club app to register though.



The Film Symphony Orchestra are performing on Saturday night in the International Auditorium in Torrevieja, playing music from films in a symphonic, orchestral sort of way.



A wine-based theatrical tour around the vineyards of La Mata is taking place on Saturday and Sunday evening, though booking is essential, and they tend to fill up very quickly, so you´re probably too late to be honest. In that case, you can always buy a bottle of vino and go and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables overlooking the lake (pictured below), under the shade of the protected trees. Just take your rubbish home and don´t drink and drive. Definitely do that though, it’s really pleasant and offers a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life!







You might bump into the odd twitcher on Sunday (odd as in occasional, not strange!) as an ornithological event is taking place in the La Mata natural park on Sunday.



If you fancy a poke around an exhibition or two, in Torrevieja Manu Sanz is displaying work, “La Evanescencia de lo sólido de Manu Sanz” at the Vistalegre exhibition hall until 19 June, described as a “metaphysical exploration of the volatility of reality” it´s basically objects from a different perspective, using mirrors and shapes to present everyday objects in a different way.



There´s also the Exposición Olof Melkorka on until 7 June at the Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja on Paseo Vista Alegre.



An Optimist windsurf competition is taking place in the waters of Torrevieja on Saturday, and a fishing competition on Sunday.



Saturday 25 May sees Game Party Rojales taking place, where you can enjoy the likes of Fortnite and Rocket League, amongst others. If you don´t know what that means, it means it´s not for you!



If you do know what it means then you might also be interested in a trip to Almoradi, where an exhibition about the history of videogames is taking place from this weekend until 19 July in the town hall exhibition room.



The Cuevas del Rodeo de Rojales will host a “handpan” music event next weekend, the provincial music meeting ' Handpanearte' on May 31, June 1 and 2.



Swifties need to prepare for 29 and 30 May when their icon Taylor Swift will be in Madrid. Before that, on 25 May, another American favourite, Jonas Brothers, will be in Barcelona.



Future Events



Theatre, Culture and Music



Guardamar del Segura will celebrate World Environment Day on June 5, with a guided route to the San Antonio Mill, information tents from different associations in the Town Hall square, children's activities and talks in the library, are some of the events planned to celebrate and raise awareness among the population of the importance of preserving the environment.



On 15 June in the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja, the increasingly popular Candlelight concert will take place, with a tribute to Abba in the auditorium surrounded by candlelight.



Big Name Music




Calvin Harris – 31 May and 9 and 14 June on Ibiza.



AC/DC – 1 June in Seville.



Olivia Rodrigo – 18 June in Barcelona, 20 June in Madrid.



Tom Jones – 23 June in Valencia, 23 July in Marbella, Alicante on 25 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 28 July, Almeria on 4 August.



Alice Cooper – 28 June in Barcelona.



Pearl Jam – 6 and 8 July in Barcelona.



Garbage – 9 July in Barcelona.



Metallica – 12 and 14 July in Madrid.



James Blunt – Barcelona on 17 July, Alicante on 19 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 20 July



Simple Minds – 26 July in Granada.




Airshows



The DIFAS 2024, taking place in Oviedo on 1 June, and on 15th June, the 50º Aniversario del ALA 14, in Albacete, where a competition is open to design a Eurofighter livery.



The Gijon Airshow is on 27 and 28 July.



Sport and Fitness



From 31 May to 2 June, the YOGAMAR conference takes place in Guardamar del Segura.



From 22 June to 14 July the Torrevieja International Cup will take place bringing together a variety of international competitors in various disciplines, including football and rugby.



Other Events



Torrevieja Habaneras – 70 Anniversary Event – 21 to 27 July.



RBF Torrevieja 2024 - Reggaeton Beach Festival – 3 and 4 August.



Brilla Torrevieja – 27 July to 12 August.



Check with your Local Tourist Information Office



As you might expect, this is not a complete list of events, as there are far too many to put in brief, but they are a hand-picked selection of the most popular or interesting.



For more events in your area, check with your local tourist information office.




https://youtu.be/zzgMjrLlUiU?si=Qci-V--SqcDDiyLg

### Jason Derulo Joins Brilla Torrevieja 2024 Lineup

The American artist Jason Derulo has joined the lineup at the Brilla Torrevieja festival and will present 'Nu King', his latest album, on Friday 2 August 2024, in a concert in which he will also sing some of his greatest hits, amongst which are the likes of Wiggle, Talk Dirty, and In My Head.







The Brilla Torrevieja festival, which will take place from 27 July to 11 August, will offer an exciting musical, gastronomic and leisure event, and has closed the line-up of its fourth edition with the confirmation of Jason Derulo, following the Black Eyed Peas headlining in 2023.



The North American star began writing songs for other artists, until a record label gave him the opportunity to make a living from his own music. In 2009, he released his first single, which he called 'Whatcha Say', which was a great success, resulting in a significant number of digital downloads, more than 2 million copies sold in the United States, and reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and other countries. Since then, the singer has had success with other singles such as 'In My Head', 'Mamacita', 'Want To Want Me' and 'Talk Dirty'.



Derulo completes the Brilla Torrevieja line-up, which will also feature other national and international artists, such as Hombres G (27 July), Camela (28 July), Ana Mena (10 August) and El Barrio (11 August).



In Brilla Torrevieja there will also be a place for humour, with monologues by Martita de Graná (30 July) and Comandante Lara (6 August).



The little ones will be able to enjoy two great performances: Cantajuego (1 August) and Luli Pampín (8 August).



Brilla Torrevieja 2024 will take place once again at the Parque Antonio Soria.




https://youtu.be/pBI3lc18k8Q?si=_QjD21k3fzo1DLQk

### Popeyes Opens in Torrevieja

The popular and trendy fast-food chain Popeyes, specialising in chicken and operated in Spain by Restaurant Brands Iberia, has expanded its presence with the opening of its first restaurant in Torrevieja.



This opening is a significant step in the company's growth strategy, reinforcing its positioning in the Valencian Community.



Since its arrival in Spain at the end of 2019, Popeyes has extended its offering of Louisiana-style crispy chicken throughout the country, now adding 129 establishments.



With the recent opening in Torrevieja, the chain operates its ninth restaurant in the Alicante province and its 20th in the Valencian Community, consolidating it as a key region for its operations, only surpassed by the Community of Madrid in number of locations.



The new opening has generated 30 new jobs in Torrevieja, contributing to local economic growth and raising the number of jobs created by the chain throughout the autonomous community to more than 600. No statement has been issued explaining what happened to the workers who used to operate in the premises which Popeyes has taken over.



The new Popeyes is located in the Torrevieja Commercial Centre (Carrefour to you and me), has modern facilities such as a drink refill system, self-ordering, free Wi-Fi, takeaway service, the option to pick up orders from the car and a home delivery service managed by the company itself to ensure quality and complete control of the process, from the kitchen to delivery to the customer.



Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has more than 50 years of experience in the sector and operates more than 4,300 restaurants worldwide. The chain is highly valued in the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector and is a benchmark in chicken specialisation in the US.

### Regional and Local Governments Meet to Discuss More House Building in Torrevieja

The Regional Secretary of Housing, Sebastián Fernández, has met with the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, to address issues they consider of particular importance for the town in terms of housing, among which the launch of the Plan Viu Valencian Community.



During the meeting, the two administrations discussed the next actions concerning the municipality of Torrevieja within the framework of the Plan Viu.



Sebastián Fernández presented the guidelines and lines of action that are part of the Viu-CV Plan with which the Council plans to promote the construction of more than 10,000 sheltered homes through public-private collaboration throughout the legislature.



According to the Institute of National Statistics, Torrevieja currently has some 30,000 vacant homes, around a quarter of all residential properties. More than any other town in the area. The new Lagoons Village complex will add 7,000 homes, to which the developments within the town would be added, such as the controversial tower blocks. The general consensus of many of the current residents being that the infrastructure cannot cope with the number of residents now, even considering the depopulation felt in recent years.

### Jose Carreras/ Wibbly Wobbly Road Update ...

As of today, Tuesday, the road is now partially open in the direction FROM the Auditorium and schools area to Hiperber, but a new road has been built to connect a diversion route on the other side of Jardin del Mar to the CV-905.



However, the route FROM Hiperber is now closed off. 



You can go the new diversion route from Jardin del Mar, but getting to that part is trickier in that direction, so it might be better to go over the Habaneras road bridge. 



The road is set to reopen completely in about 2 weeks. We will see!!! 

### Prepare for More Sonic Booms over Torrevieja - Plus Flight Delay Warnings

Industrial action by Air Traffic Controllers could have an impact on flights to and from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport all of this week, although minimum service requirements dictate that disruption should be minimal, unless something else causes additional impacts.







Alicante airport also has overnight runway closures scheduled, but the activity should not affect flights unless there are delays.



A military operation is set to take place in the south of France and includes missile firing over the Bay of Biscay.



Military operation DURANDAL 2024 will take place between now and the 14 June, but commercial flight impact is set to effect three days during the period.



Information on the first date for the live firing exercise has now been published, and it is scheduled for Wednesday 22 May 2024.



Information on the remaining two dates have not yet been published, other than they will be on weekdays.



Flights between the UK and Spain may be affected by areas over the Bay of Biscay, with some facing diversion over land, where capacity is already high, but additional flow measures may be implemented.



It is anticipated that there will be considerable delays on Tuesday on a number of flight routes, particularly in the south and towards the east of Europe.



Air Traffic Control equipment calibration on Gran Canaria may result in morning delays.  



The DIFAS Military Exercise resumes in Spain from 21 to 25th of May 2024. You might remember, in previous exercises, it has resulted in sonic booms being heard and scaring some people, so be prepared once again for the same. The exercise is not expected to affect commercial traffic but be aware if you look to the sky that you might see more activity than usual.



By the way, if you want more traffic and travel updates, or daily and weekly news before it happens, you can follow Mark Nolan's Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or on the website, marknolanspodcast.com

### Flights Between the UK and Spain Could Suffer Delays This Week

Industrial action by Air Traffic Controllers could have an impact on flights to and from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport all of this week, although minimum service requirements dictate that disruption should be minimal, unless something else causes additional impacts.




https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YXKQB0qDZiZCsQGPubjwN?si=ZqL9ZChtRNqiUKzjJpLZiQ




Alicante airport also has overnight runway closures scheduled, but the activity should not affect flights unless there are delays.



A military operation is set to take place in the south of France and includes missile firing over the Bay of Biscay.



Military operation DURANDAL 2024 will take place between now and the 14 June, but commercial flight impact is set to effect three days during the period, dates which have not yet been published, other than they will be on weekdays.



A separate military exercise, operation KRYPTON 2024, is also scheduled to take place over the Bay of Biscay.



The Russian Navy are also carrying out exercises and there are also military activities scheduled for Italy and Finland.

### Pressure Mounting to Move the Torrevieja May Fair to a Suitable Location

Having this year celebrated the Torrevieja May Fair with the smallest number of booths ever, the socialist municipal group of Torrevieja will present a motion urging the PP to move the Sevillanas fair to a more suitable location, as was called for from the start of this relocation period, namely the Antonio Soria Park.



The socialists have echoed the complaints of neighbours and some of the participants, who do not consider the current location, the Parque de la Estación, as the ideal one for the event, relocated due to the ongoing work at the harbour in the town.



Residents harshly criticise the noise until late on weekdays. For their part, the participants complain about the lack of space and that there are the same facilities in the Parque de la Estación as in the Antonio Soria.



In the Motion, the socialists state that what was conceived as a temporary location solution, which is why it was baptised "Tribute to the Sevillanas", has already been in existence for two editions and no solutions have been proposed for the coming year.



There have been complaints such as the small dimensions, no space for "tablaos", or that the stage is installed at ground level, which has prevented the public from enjoying what has been performed. It has always been one of the strong points of the May Fair; the performances of the dance academies. For their part, numerous neighbours have addressed the municipal group through social networks to express their discomfort with the location of the Sevillanas venue and the music until the early hours of the morning.



In the words of the spokesperson, Bárbara Soler, “these complaints must be taken very seriously to recover the greatness of the Sevillanas fair festival and the solution that everyone seems to agree with is the transfer to the Antonio Soria Park. Otherwise, our May Fair will end up disappearing. Let's hope this is not the intention."



The socialist municipal group rejects the arguments put forward by the government team to reject this location, such as that there are no adequate connections for the supply of water and electricity, since the current location in Parque de la Estación has less infrastructure and, In any case, the same logistics services used in this park can be put into operation in the Antonio Soria Park.



It should also be noted that no other event which has taken place at the Antonio Soria Park has had the same problems, from small paella tasting events, to large concerts and gatherings, everything has been set up without incident for all events, ridiculing the claims for the May Fair.



Precisely, the Antonio Soria Park was conceived with that purpose, thus being the ideal place for all citizens to show off and enjoy the Sevillanas fair. Not so the Station Park, which, in addition, requires adaptation to host this event that means it will be closed for several weeks.



To repeat this festival one more year in a location that does not suit its real needs would be to belittle the will and work of all the people who have made it possible for the May Fair to remain alive despite the obstacles.



For all these reasons, the socialist municipal group raises its motion to the plenary session urging that the files and actions that are necessary to provide the infrastructure due to Antonio Soria Park be initiated now, with the aim of the next Fair being held in appropriate place.

### Cat Carers Denounce Torrevieja Town Hall for Illegally Attempting to Irradicate Protected Cat Colonies

The Asociación Somos La Voz de los Gatos has denounced Torrevieja town hall for acting, they believe, illegally in attempting to irradicate feline colonies in the town, which are protected under the new Animal Welfare Law.



According to the association, the order was given to dismantle the booth, feeder and waterer of a feline colony that is within the CER (Capture, Sterilisation and Return) program of the Torrevieja City Council. No explanations or solutions have been offered, except threats of fines to the feeder of said colony.



Last year, numerous cats from the aforementioned colony were captured and sterilised thanks to the fact that it is the point where they come to eat, since it is a very large area, and it is extremely complex to locate and capture them anywhere else. Sterilisation is the only way to keep the colonies under control and is also an obligation for the council, which must protect the feline colonies located in its territory based on the provisions of the Animal Welfare Law.



Making this point disappear will lead to the failure of the CER program and more cats will begin to appear in larger areas, many of which will become ill due to poor nutrition.



This is without prejudice to the fact that the desire to eliminate feline colonies is not protected by any law. Quite the contrary, colonies must be protected. For this reason, the Association urge the Department of Animal Protection to do its job and replace this feeding point that is key for the colony or provide alternative solutions that are viable and respectful of the legally established procedures.

### Brit Arrested in Torrevieja Cannabis Club Shutdown

The Guardia Civil has shut down a cannabis club in Torrevieja, as part of the nationwide campaign to combat cannabis cultivation and trafficking.



During the investigations, two searches have been made at the premises of the association, and in addition, three individuals of English and Colombian nationalities have been arrested.



Investigations began in February, when the Guardia Civil received various complaints pointing to sales of drugs to foreign tourists by a cannabis association in Torrevieja, which motivated the start of Operation Primatum by the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja.



During the course of investigations, the officers carried out various actions that confirmed their suspicions about the true nature of the association.



The entity was found to operate under the guise of a nonprofit association but was actually involved in drug trafficking. Multiple administrative violations were committed against foreign tourists for having hashish and marijuana on the public roadway when leaving the establishment, indicating that consumption was not limited to the premises.



In addition, the documentation of the association did not accurately reflect the users who accessed or the quantities of substances that should be distributed among their partners.



Amongst many of the rules surrounding cannabis clubs, the individual user must bring their own drugs to the premises, and consume it before leaving, they are not allowed to take drugs away. In addition, strict membership records must be kept.

### Free Hot Weather Alerts from the Ministry of Health

Starting on Thursday, May 16, the Ministry of Health has once again activated the National Preventive Action Plan for the Effects of Excess Temperatures on health. The objective of the National Plan is to prevent and mitigate the negative effects that excessive heat can have on the health of citizens, especially in risk or more vulnerable groups, such as older people, pregnant women, minors, and people with chronic diseases, as well as in those groups that carry out their work or make efforts outdoors.



As part of the protocol, you can receive official alerts for your area by email and SMS, for free, by signing up on the official website (link below).



You have to give your name, email address and mobile number, the province you want to receive the alerts for (Alicante in the case of Torrevieja) and choose the dates you want to receive the alerts, from now until the end of September.



Once you submit your data you will receive an email with a link to activate the service, but DO NOT CLICK the link, until you have received an activation code by SMS, which they say could take a few hours. Once you have the code by SMS, then click the link, submit the code, and you are good to go.



Remember to only add your information to the official website linked below, and also remember that the service is completely free, so if any websites attempt to charge, do not submit your information.



Here is the link to subscribe to the free and official alerts:



https://www.sanidad.gob.es/excesoTemperaturas2024/suscripcion.do



One of the priority actions of the Plan is to alert health authorities and citizens sufficiently in advance of possible risk situations. To this end, the Ministry of Health will provide the Autonomous Communities with daily predictions of maximum temperatures prepared by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) as well as the health risk levels due to high temperatures. This information will also be available to citizens on the Ministry's website.



The Plan defines for each territorial area a temperature threshold of health impact from which a significant statistical relationship between mortality and heat has been observed.



Each day, the Ministry of Health establishes a daily risk level for each territorial area based on the difference between the temperatures predicted by AEMET for that day and the following two days and the temperature threshold for health impact. There are four risk levels (level 0 (green), no risk, level 1 (yellow), low risk, level 2 (orange), medium risk and level 3 (red), high risk.



Outdoor workers are not allowed to carry out their activities if certain alert levels are activated, but the level and threshold differs from area to area, so it is important to check where you are.



You can view the heat warning weather map here:



https://www.sanidad.gob.es/excesoTemperaturas2024/provincias.do



The main novelty of the Plan in 2024 is the introduction of the Meteoalert Zone used by AEMET as a territorial level for extreme heat warnings, which complements the provincial level used in previous plans. The calculation of the new thresholds per weather alert zone has been carried out by the Climate Change Health and Urban Environment Research Group, of the Carlos III Health Institute. Extreme heat warnings at the Meteoalert zone level will be available starting June 3.



This information is updated daily on the Ministry of Health website (www.sanidad.gob.es).



Remember also to always follow the advice of health professionals, such as avoiding the hottest part of the day, walking in the shade, wearing light clothing, avoiding alcohol, but drinking plenty of water, amongst other important measures.

### Torrevieja Among the Five Spanish Cities with the "Lowest Well-Being" in the Country

Historically famed for the microclimate that brought health benefits due to the location in a natural park area, with an ecosystem supported by the lagoons, and shadow-protected by the surrounding mountains, not to mention the benefits of the Mediterranean Sea, the benefits brought by the natural environment are now being overshadowed by the reality of human intervention, as Torrevieja has been named among the five Spanish cities with the "lowest well-being" in the country.



The Valencian Community is one of the three autonomies - along with Andalusia and the Canary Islands - where the majority of localities have well-being values ​​below average, and Torrevieja is one of those that presents "lower well-being" along with La Línea de la Concepción (Cádiz), Ceuta, Melilla, and Algeciras (Cádiz).



These are some of the conclusions of the latest Report on Inequality in Spain, which the Fundación Alternativas has prepared for the sixth year to try to analyse on this occasion the effect of the demographic, climate, and digital transitions on poverty and, more directly, on inequality.



Regarding global warming and associated climate change, the report indicates that Alicante, due to its tendency to increase water stress, is among the cities at risk of desertification and in which its potential and opportunities will significantly worsen.



At the national level, economic and social inequality is concentrated on the one hand in large cities compared, above all, to the rural world and on the other, territorially, it presents levels significantly higher than the average in Madrid, the Mediterranean coast, and the islands.



The report argues that this trend can only be corrected with political will and private collaboration, acting in the areas of access to housing and digitalisation, the improvement and extension of public services and the rationalisation of production and consumption, all of this. in a more balanced way than at present and with attention to regional and local peculiarities and competencies.



Going into detail, from the multiple data available, the study says, "clearly" emerges a notable correlation between the size of the municipality and the average net income per household in 2021 and, at the same time, greater income inequality as the number of households increases. population.



The percentage of the immigrant population, which is concentrated in large cities, also has a significant relationship with inequality, since they tend to occupy jobs with below-average qualifications and therefore raise the inequality figures of the municipalities where they are more present.



It warns that the two main threats to equality in the city of the future are the transformation of the labour market due to technological advances, and the housing problem.



The first could accentuate the socioeconomic polarisation of urban society as a consequence of the successive adjustments planned in the labour market (with the inherent risk of increased unemployment) and the increase in the segment of low-paid labour.



Regarding housing, the report maintains that, if the current tendency to put its economic dimension before its social dimension as a basic necessity continues, the aforementioned polarisation will worsen, aggravating the dynamics of urban segregation, as well as affordability problems, substandard housing and homelessness. It should be noted that according to the Institute of National Statistics, around 30,000 properties are currently vacant in Torrevieja, around a quarter of the stock, and yet there seems to be an obsession to build more and destroy the natural landscape in doing so.



Regarding global warming and associated climate change, the report points out that they generate territorial inequalities from a double perspective, both because they harm the most disadvantaged to a greater extent due to their lesser capacity to adapt and because they unequally modify opportunities for the general population of the territories most affected, forcing them in extreme cases to emigrate.



It focuses mainly on the risk of desertification and predicts that the potential and opportunities of the autonomous city of Melilla and the provinces of Granada, Almería, Ciudad Real, Seville, Badajoz, Córdoba, Huelva, Jaén, Cádiz and Málaga will significantly worsen, to which are added Murcia, Albacete, and Alicante due to their tendency to increase water stress.

### Torrevieja PP Meet for Election Strategy Plan

This week, the local PP political group met to announce and approve the appointments of the Executive Committee and the Campaign Director of ahead of the European Elections on June 9, 2024.



To the people previously named as vice-secretaries: Lola Sánchez, Federico Alarcón, José Rubio, Domingo Paredes, Mamen Mateo and Ricardo Recuero, it is worth highlighting the expansion of area secretaries and executive secretaries, increasing their number by more than 150 people. These work teams will be in charge of analysing, collecting opinions, and proposing improving Torrevieja, something they should be doing as part of the majority government team anyway of course.



The Committee approved and announced the person who will direct the electoral campaign, which will be José Rubio, as well as the calendar of events planned by the local PP for the next European Parliament Elections.



The mayor of Torrevieja and president of the local PP, Eduardo Dolón, has highlighted the continuous renewal that the party is carrying out and thanked the firm commitment of all the people who have joined the PP of Torrevieja.



Finally, Eduardo Dolón assured that this new and exciting stage that is beginning aims to promote and reactivate all the party's work teams in view of these next elections, much in the same way he did before the last local elections, although some people are questioning when the promises he made then will be realised.

### Torrevieja Socialists Remind the PP Government They Contributed to the N-332 Widening Delay

The PSOE of Torrevieja has thanked the Ministry of Transport and the Government of Spain for the announcement of the widening of much of the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja.



Last Friday, Minister Óscar Puente finally announced the start of the procedures for the unfolding of a 4.21 km stretch of the 8 km route of the N-332, a project has appeared for years as one of the most important problems for the citizens of Torrevieja and even other municipalities.



For years, political representatives of all stripes have been demanding the unfolding of this stretch of highway, whose daily collapse in both directions causes discomfort and inconvenience among citizens.



However, the PSOE point out that the delay has been used as a weapon by the PP of Torrevieja during the years of socialist government in the nation, increasing in recent months, when the truth is that the delay has been mainly due to technical problems and even environmental impact, and the town hall themselves played a big part in that original delay.



Whereas the local PP group are critical of the PSOE in central Government, they also neglect to point out that no action was taken whilst their own party was in power in the country prior to the current administration.



Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the PSOE of Torrevieja, has complained about the attitude of the local PP government team, “I consider that all public representatives, of any party, must be firm in our commitment and go hand in hand in these types of demands”.  Above all, says Soler, “I regret these attitudes because the technical problems derive above all from the fact that, at the time, the highway easements were not fully respected. That is to say, the Council, governed by the PP, allowed the space on the sides of the road through which the widening should now run to be occupied beyond what was due. The search for functional and viable solutions has meant a great delay in the project, together with the significant delay that occurred in the transfer of the land by the City Council."



Incorrectly and illegally encouraging building on land which does not have the necessary permissions is still apparently a lesson not learnt by the local government team.



The socialist spokesperson did clarify that “we understand that the PP government team also” wants to convey her gratitude to Minister Óscar Puente and the Government of Spain. “Several months ago, the socialists began to collect information about the status of the project and to transmit our concern to many people who have collected it and made it their own. “Everyone has worked to make this possible.” In fact, Soler has indicated that they still have a meeting pending to discuss the status of the remaining 3.2 km that must be submitted to environmental impact consultation.



In this sense, Soler wanted to express his personal gratitude to Pere Rostoll, Director of Communication at the Ministry of Transport, "for indicating the channel to address the people responsible for this matter", and to Senator Ana Martínez Zaragoza and the national deputy Alejandro Soler "for facilitating communication with the team of Marta Serrano Balbuena, General Secretary of Land Transportation."



Bárbara Soler has concluded that the PSOE will continue working for the interests of Torrevieja and all Torrevieja residents.

### Alicante Airport Long Stay Parking Must Now be Prebooked

Spanish airport operator AENA has issued a notice advising that from this week, access to the Long Stay Parking at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport will only be possible with prior reservation.



The change is active from 15 May 2024, and in the event of a booking not having been made, only the general parking facility will be available, and this costs more for a longer period of time.



You can download the AENA app, or parking.aena.es, sign up and book your parking at the airport direct, just do so in advance if you want to take advantage of the cheaper long stay facility.

### Being European Celebrated in Style in Torrevieja

Being part of the European Union was celebrated with a series of events this week, including the "Europe Day" Pétanque tournament, and various celebrations around the Eurovision Song Contest, but the highlight for many was the bringing together of all of these elements in a gala in the International Auditorium.



The free gala to commemorate Europe Day in Torrevieja, was held on May 9, and the star of the show was David Civera, who participated in Eurovision in 2001 with the song “Dile que la quiero” (Tell her that I love her), achieving a creditable 6th position.



Many of the attendees donned the traditional attire of their country, but many just went along to enjoy being part of the union that benefits everyone, this time in the company of music, song, and the occasional dance.

### Court Blocks Torrevieja Skyscraper Project

The Supreme Court has blocked the construction of a skyscraper project in Torrevieja, that would have seen the construction of a 26-storey, 80 metres high residential block on the beachfront designed by Baraka and Metrovacesa by considering "binding and mandatory" the reports from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition against the project.



Thus, the construction, where there is another project promoted by Metrovacesa, will not be allowed to go ahead after the Ministry report, on which the Supreme Court's ruling is based, points out that the towers "limit the visual field, adding an unwanted effect of verticality that bursts into the landscape".



There are two rulings against the projects, that of the Supreme Court and another issued by the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community. Both point out that article 30 of the Coastal Law, which states that "the formation of architectural screens or accumulation of volumes must be avoided" is applicable to this project since it is an unconsolidated urban land. In the opinion of the courts, the construction of these towers would represent a visual screen and an architectural barrier in an area where there are no buildings of this type.



Thus, in the case of the Baraka Towers, the Valencian court annuls the resolution of the municipal plenary session issued in 2021 in which the detailed study was approved, while the Supreme Court does the same with the Metrovacesa Towers project, based to those binding Ministry reports.



According to the official figures from the Institute of National Statistics, around a quarter of the existing properties in Torrevieja are already vacant.

### N-332 Part-Widening Project to be Tendered in 2025

Now that most of the political fighting has died down, almost a year after the elections, the Spanish Government are able to get on with their work, and one project that is set to be a reality soon is the widening of the N-332 road as it passes through Torrevieja.



According to the Minister for Transport, Óscar Puente, the initial project will be put to tender in 2025, and will require various reports to be produced, in a timely manner, which was one of the causes of failure when the rest of the road surrounding Torrevieja was widened originally.



At this time, according to Puente, his area is simultaneously processing the drafting of the project and the environmental impact declaration. In this sense, he explained that, according to what he was told by Carreteras, the road management authority, it will be made public "shortly." "The intention is that the project is definitively approved this year and we put it out to tender in 2025. That is the commitment and, since I am going to fulfil what I say, count on it."



The minister elaborated further and even stated that, from Carreteras, "there are no problems with the declaration and that the project looks good." The last news that was available about this historical claim of the people of Torrevieja was that the Ministry for the Ecological Transition had initiated procedures to obtain this environmental impact declaration.



The area under study, however, does not include the entire part pending widening, the complete 8 kilometre stretch, but only that between the link of N-332 with the CV-95 at the hospital (also set for a widening project) and the link again of the national highway with the CV-905 near the Park of Nations, although this is the worst part of the stretch of the notorious road.



Thus, the section between the shopping centre area and Alto de la Casilla, both towards La Mata and Guardamar in the north (passing Quironsalud Hospital), and the brief south section from the hospital turnoff towards the Orihuela Costa, would still be a single lane in each direction.

### Drone Flight over Lagoons Village in Torrevieja

Having obtained the necessary permissions from both the civil and military authorities, our drone pilot took flight this week over the new Lagoons Village development in Torrevieja to track the progress.



With now less than a month before the road is scheduled to reopen, you can see how the “wibbly, wobbly road” is taking shape, and how the new roundabouts will provide access and egress to the new urbanisation.



Towards the end, you can even see how the runways are now mapped out for the new Torrevieja Airport… Okay, that bit isn´t real, but it does actually look like it!



The new Lagoons Village is between the Jardin del Mar urbanisations and La Siesta, in an area known as La Hoya, and is adjacent to the CV-905 road which runs from Torrevieja to Quesada.




https://youtu.be/HFOs3GgWhSY




If you would also like to take a trip at road level along the wibbly, wobbly road just before it closed down for the work, you can also do that on the video below, and see how things have changed so far.




https://youtu.be/4ltq22tW-GI




And finally, the video we posted warning of the road closure is here too.




https://youtu.be/8MBC20op7h0

### Children Injured in E-scooter Crash

Whilst Torrevieja Local Police commenced their awareness and enforcement campaign on e-scooters in the town only a couple of weeks ago, the message had not yet reached two children who were seriously injured in a collision in the town centre on Tuesday.



The emergency services received an alert that two occupants of one scooter had been involved in a crash on Avenida de Paris, and immediately sent medical assistance to the scene.



The two children, aged 13 and 15, were injured, the youngest had multiple trauma due to head injury and was stabilised by the paramedics who performed advanced life support manoeuvres on the victim before going to hospital.



The oldest child was treated for a possible broken collarbone.



Torrevieja has mandated that the minimum age to ride an e-scooter is 16, and national laws dictate that only one rider is permitted on each vehicle. In addition, Torrevieja town hall has made the decision not to make helmets mandatory, a life saving device that considerably reduces the risk to life. Other municipalities do enforce mandatory helmets, and others require compulsory insurance.



Torrevieja Local Police are continuing their awareness and enforcement campaign to try to reduce the risks to riders and other road users.

### Tribute to Torrevieja May Fair 2024 – Schedule of Events

The Torrevieja May Fair will once again be considerably smaller than previous years, and relocated into the rather small Railways Station Park, and, just like last year, will once again be billed as a Tribute to the May Fair, rather than the lavish extravaganza which attracted tourists from around the country.



Torrevieja May Fair 2024 Schedule of EventsThursday May 9Friday 10th MaySaturday May 11



The Councillor for Festivals of the Torrevieja City Council, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, reported that everything is already prepared for the Tribute to the Torrevieja May Fair, which will be held from May 9 to 12, in the Parque de la Estación, which is now closed to the public whilst the fixtures are installed.



The councillor highlights that, like last year, the Parque de la Estación will have a regulated capacity with the maximum legal capacity, and so it is possible you might get turned away, which critics of the location point out would not be the case if the event was held in a more suitable location like the Antonio Soria Park.



The station park will be conditioned to house a stage for dance schools to hold their exhibitions and 6 booths will be installed. The councillor did not point out that this too is a further reduction as last year there were 7 booths, which was already a considerable reduction on the 20 normally provided in the harbour area.



The park and the booths will have the same musical background with the performance of DJs.



The Department of Public Lighting will illuminate the tribute with traditional luminous arches, which is a bonus because on of the town hall’s arguments for not locating the venue at the Antonio Soria Park is the lack of electricity (despite the fact this has not affected a single one of the other events which have taken place there).



The venue will open on Thursday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m., with the inauguration of the Tribute to the May Fair. The venue will close its doors on Sunday, May 12, in the afternoon.



The Station Park site will have security guards, as well as volunteers from Civil Protection and Local Police. Two ambulances will also be permanently located, a drinking water point will be installed for the use of the booths and in the area of ​​cleaning, both waste collection and recycling, as well as work inside the park, will be reinforced.



Finally, it should be noted that the Local Police have planned traffic cuts and parking restrictions around the Parque de la Estación on Avenida de la Estación (between Avda. Diego Ramírez and C/Greco) and Calle Greco (between Avda. Estación and C /Portalicos) (if only there was a more suitable location with more parking (like Antonio Soria Park)!!!)



Torrevieja May Fair 2024 Schedule of Events



Thursday May 9



7:00 p.m.: Opening of doors and Inauguration of the Tribute to the May Fair



8:00 p.m.: “QK” Dance Academy and “Paya's” Dance School



9:30 p.m.: Fireworks



Friday 10th May



8:00 p.m.: “Arantxa Blanco” Dance Centre and the Municipal Dance School with its teacher, Nuria Girona.



Saturday May 11



8:30 p.m.: “Mery Dance Academy” and “Soul Dance”

### What's on in Torrevieja This Weekend - From 3 May 2024

On Saturday, a kickboxing tournament takes place in Torrevieja.



Here is the roundup of our pick of the best what's on in Torrevieja events, and the surrounding area, this weekend, and in the future, from music and culture to sports and spectacles.



If you have read this roundup previously, the newly added events are in bold.



What's On This WeekendFuture EventsTheatre, Culture and MusicBig Name MusicSpecial EventsAirshowsSport and FitnessOther EventsCheck with your Local Tourist Information Office



What's On This Weekend



Saturday is Star Wars Day and a special event will take place in the centre of Torrevieja, “May the Fourth be With You!”



The San Javier Airshow takes place from Friday to Sunday – Festival Aéreo San Javier – over the playas de Santiago de la Ribera, San Javier, Murcia.



The ninth edition 'Elx Street Food Market' will offer national and international food, a market with twenty craft and jewellery stalls, and six concerts, taking place in Elche from Friday to Sunday.



Cartagena will celebrate its “Cruzes de Mayo” from Friday to Sunday, with a program that includes concerts, the installation of more than 40 bars in the centre and activities in more than 20 neighbourhoods and councils.



Sunday is Mother’s Day in Spain, so there will be events themed around that. Guardamar del Segura has a shopping initiative taking place right now.



On Sunday, Totally Tina takes place in Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, a tribute to Tina Turner from the 2008 winner of TV’s Stars in Their Eyes.



From Monday a new swimming class course starts in the Torrevieja municipal swimming pool.



Future Events



Theatre, Culture and Music



Between the 10 and 12 May, Torrevieja will go back to the 80’s and 90’s with a musical spectacle at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.



A fantastic Europe Day concert will take place in Torrevieja soon with free tickets available shortly.



Big Name Music




Jonas Brothers – 25 May in Barcelona.



Taylor Swift – 29 and 30 May in Madrid.



Calvin Harris – 31 May and 9 and 14 June on Ibiza.



AC/DC – 1 June in Seville.



Olivia Rodrigo – 18 June in Barcelona, 20 June in Madrid.



Tom Jones – 23 June in Valencia, 23 July in Marbella, Alicante on 25 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 28 July, Almeria on 4 August.



Alice Cooper – 28 June in Barcelona.



Pearl Jam – 6 and 8 July in Barcelona.



Garbage – 9 July in Barcelona.



Metallica – 12 and 14 July in Madrid.



James Blunt – Barcelona on 17 July, Alicante on 19 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 20 July



Simple Minds – 26 July in Granada.




Special Events



Torrevieja May Fair will take place from 9 to 12 May 2024, once again at the Station Park (full details next week).



Airshows



The DIFAS 2024, taking place in Oviedo on 1 June, and on 15th June, the 50º Aniversario del ALA 14, in Albacete, where a competition is open to design a Eurofighter livery.



The Gijon Airshow is on 27 and 28 July.



Sport and Fitness



On 18 May both a 10k run and walk is taking place between San Miguel de Salinas and Los Montesinos, with a focus on raising funds for charity.



On 19 May, a race will take place in the streets of Formentera de Segura.



From 31 May to 2 June, the YOGAMAR conference takes place in Guardamar del Segura.



From 22 June to 14 July the Torrevieja International Cup will take place bringing together a variety of international competitors in various disciplines, including football and rugby.



Other Events



RBF Torrevieja 2024 - Reggaeton Beach Festival – 3 and 4 August.



Brilla Torrevieja – 27 July to 12 August.



Check with your Local Tourist Information Office



As you might expect, this is not a complete list of events, as there are far too many to put in brief, but they are a hand-picked selection of the most popular or interesting.



For more events in your area, check with your local tourist information office.

### Fake Torrevieja Gas Man Thief Arrested in Madrid

The National Police arrested a man in Madrid for allegedly stealing jewellery from homes located in different parts of Spain, including Torrevieja, Getafe (Madrid), Cuenca and Valladolid, whilst posing as a technician for the home care service for elderly people, or a gas inspector, in order to gain entry.



The investigation began last October by relating several complaints about robberies in which the same procedure had been used, which led the agents to suspect that it could be the same person.



First, he contacted his potential victims by telephone - always elderly - and made an appointment with them to check for alleged technical anomalies in the operation of the home assistance service or the gas supply.



He gained their trust until they allowed him to enter their home and he conducted a survey about the operation of the assistance devices.



Then he told them that metal objects, such as jewellery and cash, caused interference in the devices, so he asked them to hand them over to him for various tests.



At times, he required them to remain still in the living room with their feet on some newspapers and to remove all jewellery to avoid interruptions in the service.



Meanwhile, as investigators have determined, he searched the home and seized any valuables he found.



As the investigations advanced, the agents carried out a device to identify and locate the suspect, who changed his address frequently.



It was at the beginning of April when he was arrested in Madrid as the alleged perpetrator of five crimes of theft and one of robbery with violence.



In addition, the man, 28 years old and of Spanish nationality, has ten legal claims for similar acts committed in different parts of the country.

### Torrevieja Court has NOT Reopened Carnival Parade Proceedings

The Court of Instruction number 2 of Torrevieja has not reopened previous proceedings in relation to a complaint from the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers for a parade of minors in the carnival parade, contrary to what has been reported in recent days.



As clarified by the Valencian TSJ, this court does not currently have any case related to these events nor has it therefore summoned complainants, investigators or witnesses to testify between the 28th and 30th of this month of May, as reports indicate.



The complaint of that organisation for the parade of minors of a carnival troupe held in Torrevieja on February 5 fell at the time to another judicial body: the Court of Instruction number 1 of the city.



That Court ordered the archiving of the proceedings in an order dated March 1, understanding that the perpetration of the reported crimes had not been duly justified.



This is why any decision that is related to the same reported facts, such as a hypothetical reopening of the case, can only be adopted by the Investigative Court 1 of Torrevieja, as the judicial body with jurisdiction over the matter explain.



For their part, the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers explained this they had become confused in the procedure and reopened proceedings in relation to a girls' parade, because, in reality, the case which had been reopened was in fact in relation to a robbery in a chapel, and nothing to do with Torrevieja carnival. These are two cases that also correspond to different courts.

### Calls to Implement Mandatory Low Emissions Zone in Torrevieja

The Compromís Los Verdes collaborative group in Torrevieja demand that the council immediately apply the low emissions zone (ZBE) in the municipality to comply with European regulations and undertake the obligation that Europe dictated more than a year ago.



The Los Verdes have considered that the low emissions zone (ZBE) should have been operating in Torrevieja for many months as it is one of the Spanish cities where its application is mandatory due to its population size and the high levels of pollution they suffer in certain areas of the municipality and communication routes that support a high density of traffic on a daily basis, to which we must also add the considerable aging of the public and private vehicle fleet.



The greens explained that the Climate Change Law approved in 2021 establishes that this regulation is mandatory throughout Spanish territory for all towns and cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants from January 2023. Torrevieja announced last month of October that was drafting an ordinance to regulate the ZBE, to delimit certain streets and walks with the aim of reducing traffic to unsuitable vehicles and protecting some areas of the urban centre from pollution.



Some measures that Los Verdes consider insufficient, as stated by the former mayor of Los Verdes, José Manuel Dolón, who has warned that "we are waiting to be able to appear in the administrative file and present, where appropriate, the considerations and/or allegations that "We deem appropriate to improve the proposed text."



For José Manuel Dolón, “the haste and enthusiasm with which the PP processed the acquisition of privately owned land and buildings have nothing to do with the tranquillity with which the application of measures against global warming is approached, which are not a priority for the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, nor for his government team, just as is happening throughout Spain with the climate change denialist right.”



“In addition to the special particularities that traffic mobility as a whole has in the municipality of Torrevieja given the presence of the two lagoons that make up the Las Salinas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park that runs through a narrow corridor, with a massive presence of urbanisations and buildings, which greatly hinders mobility generated by the silting and even the collapse of traffic in various parts of the municipality, as well as on the most important and strategic roads,” the former mayor detailed.



As José Manuel Dolón explained, “all of this can be seen with special singularity on the national highway CN-332 and the autonomous highways CV-90 and CV-95, the three most important communication routes between Torrevieja and the municipalities of the region of the Vega Baja del Segura, in the province of Alicante and the rest of Spain. Arteries that cause part of the traffic to move to other interior streets of the municipality, thus increasing the density and frequency of traffic in neighbourhoods and urbanisations of Torrevieja that were not designed for this, but for the use and communication of its residents”.



For Los Verdes, “the consequence of the entire policy of speculation and overexploitation of land suffered in Torrevieja during the 33 years of municipal governments of the PP has caused a considerable increase in road insecurity and atmospheric and noise pollution that seriously damages health. and the tranquillity of its residents and visitors. And all this is added to the constant refusal of the PP to renew the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU) in order to continue with the development of an à la carte urban planning in which favours for its cronies and hooliganism like those of freedom prevail. typology, hotel use or liberalisation for the implementation of large shops and stores.”



According to José Manuel Dolón, “in this context it is essential that traffic in certain areas of Torrevieja is regulated and has some limitation measure, such as the application of the ZBE, which at Los Verdes Compromís we demand be applied without further delay and that it includes in its design all the residential areas that currently suffer from the undesirable increase in traffic and pollution.”

### More Delays Reported for Levante Dam Upgrade

Sueña Torrevieja alert that the works on the Levante Dam are delayed again.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for the group, describes as a “joke” this new delay of a promised investment by the mayor of Torrevieja who has been announcing the start of the works for nearly two years, having also spent an entire legislature without moving a single stone.



The urgent Local Government Board of March 28, 2024, approves the withdrawal of the award procedure for the repair works of the dique de Levante, Levante Dam, initiating a new contracting file by decree of the same date, and it is already the third.



On July 14, 2022, almost 22 months ago, on the occasion of the visit of the Minister of Territorial Policy and Public Works, to the works of the Customs building and the fish market, the mayor stated that the municipal works of the dam were scheduled to begin in October 2022.



The mayor said, “in all likelihood we will begin works at the municipal level sooner on the Levante dam than on the external redevelopment; In fact, it is the first thing we have to finish because it has to be perfectly connected to the (private) building.”



On February 17, 2023, more than 14 months ago, on TVT Torrevieja, the mayor stated that, “with the Framework Agreement, in 20 days we will have a successful bidder and that, throughout this summer, works will begin throughout the Levante dam”.



On September 14, 2023, more than 7 months ago, on the occasion of the visit of the General Director of Ports, the mayor promised the imminent works on the Levante dam, as follows:



“In a month, a month and a half we will have an award through the Framework Agreement", but more than 3 and a half months have passed, and not only have the works not been awarded, but on March 28, 2024, initiated a new tender file.



“The objective that we have initially established is that before the end of the year we will be in the comprehensive reform of the Levante dam”, and not only have the works not started, but they have not yet been put out to tender again.



On December 22, 2023, the Governing Board approves a second tender, changing the title of the head of works to that proposed by the company, losing more than a month in the procedure, the deadline for submitting offers has ended on February 1, 2024.



On March 28, 2024, a third contracting file was started, with the file not appearing on the contracting portal to date.

### Tickets Soon to be Released for a Fantastic Free European Celebration Gala

Tickets will soon be released for a fantastic, and free, celebration gala to commemorate Europe Day in Torrevieja, which will be held at the Torrevieja International Auditorium, on May 9.



The Department of the Presidency together with the Department of International Residents of the Torrevieja Council have organised the event in commemoration of Europe Day 2024, and this special gala will feature a performance by David Civera, who participated in Eurovision in 2001 with the song “Dile que la quiero” (Tell her that I love her), achieving a creditable 6th position.



The gala, which will be held on May 9 at 7:30 p.m., will feature several performances by local artists that will make the audience vibrate prior to David Civera's concert.



Tickets are free with invitation and can be reserved and downloaded from the culturatorrevieja.com portal starting May 3.



The Torrevieja Council will also provide a free bus service from calle Faleria to the International Auditorium, with the first departure at 6:00 p.m. and the last at 6:30 p.m.




https://youtu.be/lSodq_se5BU?si=OuTQyilPgwJmfmGW




Plus, on May 11, the "Europe Day" Pétanque tournament will take place, from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on the courts of the Rocajuna urbanisation, with the participation of several European teams, made up of settled players in Torrevieja and who will represent the following countries: Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Belgium, and the Rest of Europe.



Spain, winner of the Tournament in the last edition of 2023, will of course try to retain the title.

### Torrevieja Police Continue E-scooters Clampdown

The Local Police of Torrevieja continues with its informative, training and prevention work regarding personal mobility vehicles, such as the so-called e-scooters.In recent weeks, several interventions have been carried out through controls in different locations, in which it has been detected that many young people who are not of the legal age are driving this type of vehicle, for which they have been sanctioned, since the regulations indicate that they cannot drive them until they are 16 years old.Furthermore, among the sanctions imposed, a scooter was detected that exceeded 25 km/h, which is the limit established, and a scooter was sanctioned whose licence plate, which should be correctly marked, was tampered with and illegible.In the future, the Local Police will continue to establish controls to continue working for citizen coexistence between Personal Mobility Vehicles, automobiles and, above all, pedestrians, in order to raise awareness among everyone that coexistence prevails in everyone's mobility.




E-scooters are not permitted on pedestrian areas



The maximum permitted speed is 25 kmph



Tampered plate

### Torrevieja Socialists Raise Concerns Over Several “Questionable” Contracts

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja questions the management of the PP by revealing the content of several minor contracts that they call “questionable”.



Minor contracts, those that can be awarded “by hand” for amounts of up to 15,000 euro plus IVA in the case of supplies and services and 40,000 plus IVA in the case of works, have reached a record number of 671 in Torrevieja since the PP agreed to the mayor's office in 2019, according to data provided by Bárbara Soler at a press conference. A huge number of these contracts outsource functions that can be carried out by the Torrevieja Council's own civil servants.



The Director of the Council's legal advice already issued a report in 2023 warning that minor hiring must be exceptional and punctual, which in Torrevieja was carried out routinely, which could give rise to “unintended legal consequences.”



The spokesperson for the socialist municipal group of Torrevieja has questioned the management of the PP group by revealing the number and content of several minor contracts awarded by the Torrevieja Council. Among the examples, the creation - mandatory based on state and European regulations - of an ethical compliance office to prevent fraud in public procurement awarded by hand to a former senator and former deputy of the PP. “We are making a good start in this ethical contracting, the joke tells itself”, said Soler, who recalled that the Torrevieja Council has a legal team and a Director of the legal department who could have carried out this task.



Another aspect that draws attention, in addition to their number, is the purpose of these contracts. Sometimes, minor contracts are awarded on matters that are not the responsibility of the Council, and in others, tasks that could be carried out by municipal civil servants are outsourced. “In the category of the latter we have, for example, preparing the census of cemeteries. Here two companies from the same administrator are invited openly and both present an offer with a difference of 50 euro. So this thing that the municipal staff could do perfectly well ends up costing us 17,908 euro. With the previous government, minor contracts were published so that anyone who wanted could submit their offer, but now a budget is requested directly from the lucky ones,” Soler lamented.



The contract to initiate the necessary procedures to protect the Tintero beachside restaurant as an asset of local relevance also falls into the same category of companies that carry out functions that would be done more cheaply, efficiently and quickly by Council staff. “A task that, if carried out by municipal staff, would have arrived in time to allow us to fight for its survival, but that when outsourced meant throwing away almost 11,000 euro from the citizens of Torrevieja for reports that never arrived, since that the Tintero was demolished before the company completed its assignment," says Soler.



Another of the contracts cited by the spokesperson has been the appraisal of a rural land that the City Council is interested in acquiring “for some reason” and “since the Council has numerous architects who could carry out this appraisal, we are going to an external company”. What is striking, in Soler's words, is that “for an appraisal of a land worth 130,000 euro we have paid 18,000. Let citizens review how much the appraisal of their properties cost them because this has no explanation.”



Likewise, the spokesperson has stated that there is a minor contract for the study of solutions to be implemented in Agreement C-2 “Punta la Víbora” for the redevelopment of said area, the purpose of which is to propose solutions that will subsequently allow, after selecting the one considers more appropriate, the development of the corresponding project. “It is curious that the documentation containing these solutions, which is called memory, was delivered several months after the project that had to choose one of them was put out to tender, which turns this minor contract into smoke” and, furthermore, “the first time it was presented it was done with the name of our General Director of Services and Urban Planning on the cover, which was corrected the second time the same document was presented but already headed with the name of the successful bidder. We understand that this was a mistake, without further ado, because it could not be that this documentation was prepared in whole or in part by our General Director and was collected by a third person, that would be a scandal. It would be unthinkable, surely there is another reason.”



Above all, Bárbara Soler continues, because “this report consists of 9 pages, several of them with background information and photographs and one of them copied word for word from an internet article, including the photo of our illustrious photographer Joaquín Carrión. A document for which we in Torrevieja have paid 17,545 euro.”



The spokesperson has harshly criticised the management of the PP of Torrevieja and has expressed the desire of the Socialist Party that the ethical compliance office that is going to be created will lead to the termination of minor contracts awarded by hand to related companies and that an end to the shameful waste of public money on useless or outsourced tasks without reason. “In this Council there is no place for transparency or equal opportunities, much less efficient management.”

### Things to do in Torrevieja this Weekend - From 26 April 2024

If you´re looking for things to do in Torrevieja this weekend, we have our pick of the best, as well as a few events taking place in the surrounding areas, not too far away. Just a reminder that next weekend sees the San Javier air show taking place, so you might want to clear time in your hectic diary for that. Also, next week we have another red day, 1 May, Labour Day. Also, mums look away now... Next weekend is Mother´s Day!



Lets get back to this weekend events for now though...



On Friday there is a film music tribute concert taking place in the International Auditorium in Torrevieja, specifically a tribute to the music of Morricone, Williams, and Zimmer, three of the greatest film score composers of modern times, arguably.



Also in Torrevieja on the same day, a dance festival will celebrate International Dance Day.



El Clot de Galvany, the nature reserve situated at the foot of the Gran Alacant hill, has organised a thematic visit with the name “Butterflies in El Clot” taking place on Sunday.



There will be fireworks in Alicante this weekend, Saturday night will be illuminated with a nocturnal mascletà in Florida-Portazgo and on Sunday it will be the turn of the fifth wind-suspended launch of the 'Pólvora tot l'any' cycle.



In Catral on Saturday a magic show, Vega Magica, takes place, then moving to Rojales the next day.



From Thursday and through the weekend, in the Murcia regional exhibition centre in Torre Pacheco, the Equimur horse show takes place.



And, talking of animals, although it’s a little far but in Tarifa in Cadiz, on Sunday, an emergency services dog show is taking place to celebrate those four-legged friends who dedicate their lives to helping humans stay safer in celebration of World Canine Rescuers Day.



Not without controversy we won´t mention at this stage, the picture is from the top of that hill in Gran Alacant, where many people have taken to the sky for a better view of the Mediterranean, although on a clear day, the view from the hill is pretty special anyway.

### Road Closures in the Centre of Torrevieja

For the next two weeks, traffic flow will be disrupted due to road closures in the centre of Torrevieja in connection with the port redevelopment work.



On this occasion, traffic diversions will be in place due to the construction of the Paseo de la Libertad roundabout.







This is the first phase of the works and will result in disruption and diversions, but not affecting the traffic flow in both directions as much as possible to minimise the disruption.



That said, unless you need to, it is probably best to avoid the area to do your bit to also minimising disruption during this phase.



We have also included the latest list of road closures in Torrevieja for your convenience.

### 35 People Arrested in Drugs Operation

Two organisations dedicated to the sale of drugs that operated in the provinces of Alicante, Murcia, and Valencia have been dismantled by the Guardia Civil.



Searches were carried out in properties in Torrevieja, Bigastro, Callosa de Segura, Orihuela, San Miguel de Salinas, and Beniel, resulting in 35 people having been arrested.



The operation, called “Primoto”, began at the end of 2022, when officers from the Torrevieja Guardia Civil witnessed a retail sale on the streets of the town.



As the investigations progressed, a complex network was discovered dedicated to the sale of different types of drugs from homes, on public roads and even through the "telecoca" modality.



To improve sales, they used groups or channels on instant messaging applications. In addition, to attract more customers, they used marketing strategies such as the "Happy Hour" offer, during which they offered the drug at a lower price or gave away additional doses for larger purchases.



They guaranteed a service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They changed addresses quarterly to avoid police action and possible drug dumps.



The gang, led by its boss from a luxurious urbanisation in Moncada (Valencia), expanded its operations to Bigastro and Callosa de Segura. The leader, known for his ostentatious lifestyle, did not hesitate to boast of his high standard of economic living, even acquiring a luxury vehicle valued at approximately 250,000 euro.



Torrevieja was not long ago highlighted by the United Nations as having a particularly problematic drugs issue.

### Torrevieja´s International Residents Councillor Visits the British Embassy

Torrevieja´s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has visited the British Embassy in Madrid, representing the local council in a visit organised in collaboration with the Consul in Madrid, Bernadette Gallagher, who presented the different departments of the embassy.



In Torrevieja there are approximately 4,900 British residents registered, and whereas this is considerably fewer than say a decade or so ago, during 2023 there was an increase of 2.4% in the registered British population.

























For Torrevieja Council, it was an opportunity to thank the Embassy for the good service. On a day-to-day basis, it is contact with the consulate in Alicante that is incredibly important for the municipality to provide a proper service to British residents and tourists. From the consulate in Alicante, activities are regularly carried out to strengthen coordination between town councils, associations and consular services.



Recent years have presented particular challenges in relation to Brexit. With the support of the different authorities, Torrevieja town hall, and in particular the departments led by the councillor, have tried to reduce the obstacles in this transition. Britons who were already residents before Brexit should not have many problems. Your previous ID (the EU Green ID) is still valid, but both the British and Spanish authorities strongly recommend switching to a TIE (residence card for non-EU citizens). This is to avoid administrative difficulties.



In addition to being the general embassy for all of Spain, consular services are managed not only for Madrid but for all non-coastal areas of Spain and northern Spain. Many embassies and consulates have the issuance of passports as one of their main services. However, for the UK, passports are applied for online and delivered by post, so issuing passports is not part of the work of consulates, but rather issuing emergency travel documents. If people are traveling and have suddenly lost or had their passports stolen. And from Madrid they have a branch that receives these emergency calls, not only from Spain, but they cover opening hours throughout the entire time zone. A similar service exists in Shanghai and Canada to cover all time zones in the world so that there is always an open office.



It is a very wide range of services that are managed by consular services. It is one thing when people want to get married in Spain and need documentation to get married and then register as married. British churches do not have a licence to consecrate people in Spain. Something that, for example, the Swedish and Norwegian churches have and therefore Swedish and Norwegian citizens in Torrevieja can get married in their national church, but not many nationalities have this opportunity.



Another important area for the British authorities in Spanish territory is the service to British travellers on cruise ships leaving Spanish ports. If someone becomes seriously ill or dies, possible diversion and transport to Britain must be arranged.



An area common to the consulates of all countries is visiting prisoners in the territory's prisons. This is based on international conventions.



At the end of the visit there was an interesting meeting with the welfare department. Health insurance for international residents and tourists was discussed here. And in this field, it applies not only to the British, but here there are general measures relating to international inhabitants. And from the embassy and Torrevieja Town Hall, you can agree to ensure you have adequate health insurance before traveling to Spain. Here it is very individual. If you are a tourist, it may be a good idea to take out travel insurance and make sure you read the fine print. If you are a pensioner and move to Spain, you can transfer your health insurance to Spain through an S1 form. When it comes to health, there are still agreements that give similar rights to Britons from when they were EU citizens.

Excerpt: Gitte Lund Thomsen from Torrevieja's local council visited the British Embassy in Madrid to discuss services for the 4,900 British residents. The visit highlighted the consulate's role in aiding residents and tourists, especially post-Brexit. Topics included the TIE card recommendation, consular services' range, and health insurance requirements for visitors and expatriates.

### Torrevieja Socialists Affirm PP's Social Housing Announcement is Just “Pantomime”

The PP President of the Valencia Region, Carlos Mazón, announced a few weeks ago the VIVE Plan with which he intends to build 10,000 social housing units (VPO). The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced that he would participate in said plan by giving up land in the La Hoya sector so that the Generalitat could build 600 social homes.



Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the PSOE, for her part, has stated that the Partial Plan of La Hoya has always included the projection of said homes and was definitively approved in 2021, after several years of processing, so the announcement by Mazón and Dolón “is more than a pantomime with which they try to take credit for the construction of social housing." The socialist spokesperson recalled that the area where these homes will be located is already being urbanised and will be built soon, as planned, "with and without Plan VIVE" and has stated that "if all the homes that Mazón plans to build start from the "Same point as those in Torrevieja, you won't have to make much effort because they are already a reality."



Soler has taken the opportunity to remind the President of the Generalitat that there is abundant legal regulation, both regional and state, that allows “the implementation of packages of measures regarding housing that are essential so that families can have access to affordable housing and that young people can become independent.” This is particularly important in Torrevieja, in the words of the spokesperson, where the price of purchasing and renting housing has multiplied in recent years and continues to increase.



It is a reality that, in some municipalities, construction has been done “above what is advisable.” For Soler, “the supply of social housing is a necessity and we must build it where it is needed, but the priority of the Generalitat should be to manage to inhabit the enormous number of empty homes that municipalities like Torrevieja have, and even more so taking into account that there is a Decree-Law that allows the regional administration to purchase empty housing to use it for social purposes, promoting sustainable development and without having to continue building and always favouring them.”

### Another Torrevieja Park Left Abandoned

The Los Verdes–Compromís group have denounced the state of abandonment of the ILO ILO park in Torrevieja in the Los Balcones urbanisation and have asked the council to act with a shock plan in this public park, to carry out the removal of garbage and weeds, in addition to clarifying the current thick vegetation barrier to facilitate access for neighbours.



“This is a park that borders the protected area of the Salinas de Torrevieja and should have regular cleaning to prevent situations like the one reported here from occurring.” According to Los Verdes, “the PP governments have not stopped boasting in recent years about this space, which is in a deplorable state, given that almost all of the palm trees that populated it have disappeared. And it has a state of the hedges on which they were located without any type of trees or vegetation, which blurs the image of the park and leaves a good part of it without shade areas."



As the former mayor of Los Verdes, José Manuel Dolón, has denounced, “only two of the thirty-one original palm trees that populated this public park of Los Balcones remain for decades, which for many years were pruned and arranged by the residents of the area due to the negligence of the municipal authorities, but during the first years of the last decade of the last century were affected by the plague of the red weevil that almost exterminated them.



“The project for the ILO ILO park works was made public by the former PP mayor Hernández Mateo at the end of his last municipal mandate and the works were awarded by the current mayor Eduardo Dolón with an offer that in 2011 was qualified by municipal technicians as a reckless loss of 293,000 euro when its technical valuation was 420,000 euro,” recalled the former mayor of Los Verdes.



Likewise, he clarified that "the works were inaugurated in 2012, at which time the mayor assured that they were completely finished and in order, but on the contrary, two and a half years later the city council invested another 83,000 euro in improvement works with which he terminated the project.”



For the former mayor, "as is usual in the management of the PP in the Torrevieja City Council, after investments comes abandonment and good proof of this is the state of decay that this public park in the Los Balcones urbanisation suffers without the slightest attention is paid to it. At most, the council is limited to cleaning the paved part of it, the playground, the pet area and the three pine forest areas, leaving the rest full of mimosas and other bushes, as well as dirt and garbage that the municipal cleaning services and parks and gardens do not clean or remove.”



José Manuel Dolón has regretted that "the parks and gardens in the urbanisations and on the outskirts of Torrevieja, with rare exceptions, do not have the attention and care they require" and has reminded the current mayor, Eduardo Dolón, that "the neighbours of these areas of the municipality have the right to enjoy these public facilities under the same conditions as the residents of the city centre.”



"If we take into account the proportions and amounts of the new garbage collection and street cleaning contracts, we do not understand how we have so many recreation areas in this situation of abandonment given that public services could be provided sufficiently, efficiently and without any type of restriction to put an end to the decline of so many green areas in the municipality,” the former mayor concluded.

Excerpt: The Los Verdes–Compromís group criticised the neglect of the ILO ILO park, calling for urgent cleanup and clarification of thick vegetation. With only two out of thirty-one palm trees left, amid claims of mismanagement by PP governments, they demand attention to Torrevieja's green spaces, citing past misallocations of funds and current abandonment.

### Things to Do This Weekend in Torrevieja - From Friday 19 April 2024

Although there are many more things taking place, here is our pick of things to do this weekend in Torrevieja, and the surrounding area, plus a couple a little further afield, but still, hopefully, of interest.



29º Certamen Internacional Juvenil Habaneras takes place in Torrevieja on Saturday, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.



Fans of the music of Queen might want to take a trip down to Cartagena on Saturday, where the concert, Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen, A Kind of Magic, will be taking place.



Twenty One Pilots are performing in Madrid on Sunday. You can get a direct bus from Torrevieja to Madrid, and at a very reasonable price. You can also get the high-speed train from Alicante to Madrid, or fly, but the bus leaves Torrevieja bus station and takes you straight to the city.



In Catral, the Sevillanas fiesta takes place from Friday to Sunday, commonly referred to as a May Fair, or April Fair.



On Saturday, a special March Against Cancer takes place in Guardamar del Segura, specifically for the children.



A Mental Health conference is taking place in Torrevieja on Friday and Saturday, specifically focusing on children and adolescents.



The Los Montesinos tapas trail takes place from Friday to Sunday.



On Saturday in the IFA exhibition hall in Alicante, the main enxhibition centre of the province located near Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport, you can delve into the Japanese world of Manga, and if you are in Guardamar del Segura a special bus has been arranged to take fans to the event.



The Todo Tren 2024 tapas event is now on in Torrevieja, taking place until Sunday.




https://youtu.be/UprcpdwuwCg?si=0cIXPyQ8nTLBEdN8

Excerpt: This weekend in Torrevieja offers the 29º Certamen Internacional Juvenil Habaneras and a variety of local events. Enjoy the Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen in Cartagena, the Twenty One Pilots concert in Madrid, accessible by direct bus, and the Sevillanas fiesta in Catral. Participate in the Guardamar del Segura March Against Cancer, delve into Manga in Alicante, and sample tapas at Los Montesinos and the Todo Tren 2024 event.

### Torrevieja Socialist Party shows its support for the Official Language Schools after the drastic cuts suffered for the next academic year

The department of Education of the Valencian Government governed by right-wing PP-VOX alliance justifies the disappearance of 244 groups, 8,450 job positions and 61 teachers by stating that there are classes with a minimal student presence. However, one of the most severe cuts occurs in “Spanish for foreigners”, a language that in Torrevieja has a waiting list of 2,000 people.



Bárbara Soler, head of the area of Foreign Residents of the PSPV Executive, has supported the concentrations of teachers and students of the EOI (Official Language School). “Rovira hides behind the lack of students for the severe cuts he proposes, while the truth is that Spanish for foreigners is one of the most in-demand services. In Torrevieja, with a very large foreign population and an EOI that has been requesting more and more places in this specialty for years, the groups will go from 29 to 12. And it is not the only city where the waiting lists to learn Spanish far exceed to those who finally manage to enroll. Alicante or Valencia are not left far behind.”



The spokesperson for the socialist municipal group assures that there is a significant number of citizens who need to learn Spanish to be able to access their residence permits or even to work in the Valencian Community. “This may precisely be the problem,” says Soler, “it is evident to socialists that these cuts have an ideological background: the Spanish language since it is aimed at migrants. For their part, Arabic, Valencian or Basque have been severely affected by the cuts because they are minority languages or are considered “suspicious” languages by the centre-right Partido Popular (PP/EPP) and the far-right VOX party (ECR) ruling together in the Valencia region.



Bárbara Soler has announced that several members of the Socialist Party of Torrevieja will volunteer next year to offer language exchange and Spanish language classes to residents and migrants. “The department of Education should provide this public service to citizens who need it. We know that our volunteering is far from being sufficient for the existing demand but we are not going to allow people who need to learn the language to be left even further behind. “To the extent possible, we will find the means and the help.” The spokesperson clarified that this is not an ideological issue but “one of justice and necessity” and has encouraged citizens to join these activities, both to teach and to learn the Spanish language.

### Quirónsalud Elche and Quirónsalud Gran Alacant strengthen their services with the incorporation of a new team specialised in advanced ophthalmology

The new unit will be led by Dr. Cristian Fernández, a leader in cataract treatment with premium lens implants



Quironsalud Elche and Quirónsalud Gran Alacant strengthen their Ophthalmology service with the incorporation of a new team of ophthalmologists led by Dr. Cristian Fernández, in their commitment to offer comprehensive, quality and cutting-edge care for the visual health care of their patients.



Dr. Cristian Fernández, a leader in the province of Alicante in the treatment of ocular pathologies, has more than sixteen years of experience during which he has participated in fifteen medical research projects and is the author of more than 25 publications in books and scientific journals. Dr. Fernández is highly specialised in the surgical approach to cataracts with premium lens implantation and astigmatism, in addition to having extensive experience in the medical and surgical treatment of retinal and vitreous diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, epiretinal membrane or retinal detachment.  among others.



 Dr. Itziar Coloma, a leader in ocular plastic surgery and tear ducts; Dr. Alfredo Marchena, an expert in the medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma; and Dr. Ainhoa Fernández, a specialist in paediatric ophthalmology, strabismus, and treatment of amblyopia (lazy eye), complete the new team with which they intend to continue improving the quality of care provided to all their patients.



Technology and experience in the treatment of eye pathology



The Ophthalmology service of Quirónsalud Elche and Quirónsalud Gran Alacant aims to provide all the most effective and advanced medical care and surgical treatments for visual health care. Equipped with the latest technology for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple eye pathologies, it incorporates important innovations such as the implantation of multifocal and extended-range lenses in cataract surgery, laser therapy for glaucoma, micropulsed laser treatment for the retina, state-of-the-art laser surgery for myopia and astigmatism,  and novel vision therapy for children and adults.



Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia



Quirónsalud has ten centres in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia, forming a network at the forefront of private medicine where people are the epicentre.



Quirónsalud is at the forefront of private healthcare in the Valencian Community and Murcia in terms of technological endowment, as well as comfort and benefits for both the patient and the professionals who provide their services in its centres.

### More than 700 Language School Places Eliminated

Sueña Torrevieja has raised concerns this week that the PP and VOX government will eliminate 19 groups, totalling 729 places, in the Official Language School of Torrevieja.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for the group, states that 17 Spanish groups will disappear, one of German and another of Valencian, which puts at risk the continuity for the 2024/2025 academic year of a large number of students who are already currently studying.



Sueña Torrevieja will ask for the support of the mayor of Torrevieja and all municipal groups through a full motion to request the regional PP and Vox government to reverse its decision.



For their part, VOX are famously against any form of immigration, and against the use of the Valencian language, but as a counter argument could be that the learning of languages aids integration, the position of the PP is unclear.



Pablo Samper expresses his utmost recognition and support to the students, teachers, and staff of the Official Language School of Torrevieja in the face of this serious decision.



Pablo Samper assures that “Torrevieja, as the fifth city in the Valencian Community, once again suffers the contempt of the PP and Vox government with the elimination of up to 729 places for students studying at the Official School of Languages of our municipality.”



According to Samper, these are “historic cuts in public education that are going to increase throughout the legislature and are going to endanger the public education of our municipality and the Community.”



The information available to Sueña Torrevieja details that 729 places will disappear out of a total of 8,550 in the entire community, the Spanish groups go from 29 to 12, a German group and another Valencian group disappear.



Samper points out that “we are also extremely concerned about the situation in which a large part of the students who are already studying this year will be left and who may possibly see them cancelled next year, with the great harm that will be caused to them and with a clear violation of the fundamental right to access to public education.”



“Torrevieja, as a tourist municipality that welcomes thousands of citizens from all over the world, with a foreign population that represents more than 50% of the census, cannot be deprived of 17 Spanish groups that will disappear if no one reverses this decision, as well as another group of German and Valencian.”



Samper concludes by expressing his utmost recognition and support to the students, teachers, and staff of the Official Language School of Torrevieja.



A protest against the cuts to education has been organised for Wednesday outside the school.

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja argues that the cancellation of 729 language course spots by the PP and VOX government at Torrevieja's Official Language School endangers the educational continuity of many students. Pablo Samper calls for reversal of the decision that eliminates 17 Spanish, one German, and one Valencian group, emphasising the city's diverse population's needs and appealing for local support against these "historic cuts in public education." A protest is planned outside the school.

### Torrevieja Local Police Commence E-Scooter Clampdown

Following on from the start of their awareness campaign about the use of e-scooters, Torrevieja Local Police have started an enforcement campaign to clampdown on their dangerous misuse.



On Monday, several units of the Torrevieja Local Police carried out several checks on e-scooters, Personal Mobility Vehicles by classification, in different avenues and streets of the town.



This initiative is carried out to verify that these vehicles were circulating correctly, and their technical conditions have not been altered.



Likewise, drivers were informed of the recently approved regulations in Torrevieja that regulate the use of this type of vehicle.

### When is Torrevieja May Fair this Year?

The dates have changed persistently over recent years, as has the venue more recently, but if you want to know the answer to the burning question, when is Torrevieja May Fair this year? Then the answer is from 9 to 12 May 2024.



The location of Torrevieja May Fair will once again be the Railway Station Park, El parque de la Estación, the same as last year, due to the ongoing work in the harbour area in the town.



El parque de la Estación



The choice of the Station Park was criticised last year by countless people, and by some of the opposition to the government team, however the local executive justified the choice of this location in the refusal of the dance groups to have to partially cover the travel expenses out of their own pockets to the other available option, the Antonio Soria park, used for similar and much larger events throughout the year.



The other problem with the Antonio Soria Park, according to the Council, was that it required a series of expensive light installations for groups that have little income, a similar problem quoted by the fun fair move, although that was resolved, without any problems since, and, similarly, none of the other events, large or small, have experienced the same issues.



However, the Station Park will host the May Fair for the second year from the 9th and 12th of May, with a contract put to tended with a base bidding budget without taxes of 48,766.55 euro, which includes the installation of an electrical supply!



The number of booths planned for this edition corresponds to the same ones that were installed last year, just 7 as opposed to 20 or so in the traditional event, and as a result of the considerable downsizing of the traditional event, the town hall took the decision to resolve the problem by renaming the event a 'Tribute to the May Fair'.

Excerpt: The Torrevieja May Fair is scheduled from May 9 to 12, 2024, at El parque de la Estación, the same venue as last year, due to harbour construction. Despite criticisms of the location with better alternative sites available, the fair will feature seven booths like the previous year.

### Multi-million-euro Waste Disposal Contractor being Given “Favourable” Treatment

The PSOE of Torrevieja has accused the ruling PP of favourably treating the company Acciona, which is contracted to provide the majority of waste disposal services in the municipality, and yet, as many people would testify through experience, are considerably deficient in doing so.



The mayor announced in the plenary session as requested by the PSOE in 2023 that Acciona was going to be fined 319,000 euro for its breaches of contract during the month of July and that the bill for that month alone was going to be reduced by 580,000 euro, and from then on whatever was appropriate. However, the city council technicians have confirmed to the Socialist Party spokesperson, Bárbara Soler, that the sanctions are reduced to 135,000 euro and that the reduction in invoices for the entire year 2023 will be between 200,000 and 300,000 euro.



Furthermore, the company would be making exclusive use of vehicles that became municipal property at the end of the previous contract without there being, according to the technicians, documentation that formalises the regime in which said elements are available, some of which are discharged by Decree of 2020.



The Decree, signed by the then councillor responsible for the department, Gómez Candel, contemplates the need to decommission a series of vehicles and machinery at the end of their useful life, no longer being valid to provide the service. In the same document, the rental of other vehicles and machines is agreed to replace the previous ones, which represented a cost to the municipal coffers of around 100,000 euro per month.



Once Acciona is awarded the service in mid-2022, it was obliged to provide the service with machinery and vehicles with very specific characteristics. However, the company already announced in the first month of the contract that it would not be able to fulfil this contractual requirement because it could not find the necessary elements on the market to buy or rent. Thus, the Torrevieja Council authorised Acciona to use different elements for as long as they could not access the stipulated ones. However, Acciona has not only been using vehicles other than those contemplated in the contract but has also used and continues to use several municipally owned vehicles without this having led to a reduction in its invoices and without there being documentation that provide coverage for this use, according to what the technicians themselves have answered to Bárbara Soler.



Furthermore, the councillor has assured that she has photographs and videos that corroborate that there are municipally owned vehicles providing the service but that it is not a controversial fact, since this is recognised in various reports and Decrees, which even include the lists. Although not complete, there are other vehicles that we can see on our streets working, that belong to the Council and that do not appear on the lists found in the reports.



More serious is the circumstance that some of those vehicles that continue to provide service today should have been decommissioned in 2020 according to the Decree shown by Bárbara Soler. These are vehicles that are 20 years old and have more than one and a half million kilometres on the clock, double the kilometres that appeared in the reports when the end of their useful life was agreed in 2020. As an example, collection vehicles no. 2245 with registration 4770DCK and #2279 with registration 4885-DDS.



Soler has ended up asking the PP to assume political responsibilities and give explanations about the use of municipal vehicles for private purposes even outside the municipality "by a company that continues to seriously breach the contract, with the only one affected being the city of “Torrevieja”. Likewise, she has demanded that vehicles that should have been deregistered four years ago and that “are neither suitable to provide the service nor safe for the workers who are forced to use them” be removed from circulation.



It should be noted that this contract costs a quarter of the entire municipal budget, and yet it is the users, already paying for the “service”, who are threatened with fines for failing to use the dustbins correctly, despite the fact that in many places the appropriate bins don´t even exist.

### Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja expands space dedicated to Health Premium Card patients with an exclusive heated terrace

The Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital expands the space of its Premium Lounge with the aim of offering a more personalised, preferential, and exclusive treatment to international patients of its Health Premium Card.



The new Premium Terrace is a large and bright glazed space with all the maximum amenities and comfort to enjoy a quiet environment while patients are in the hospital. This new space, fully air-conditioned to preserve its temperature in winter and summer, has an area for coffee, drinks, and healthy snacks, as well as a rest area designed for relaxation and rest during waits. This space also has a coworking area equipped with Wi-Fi, plugs and furniture for work and enjoyment with electronic devices in comfort.



Advantages of the Health Premium Card



Users of the Health Premium Card have a personal health advisor, priority access for medical appointments, a plan adapted to achieve personalised health goals that includes a check-up to know the initial condition of the patient, as well as an exclusive Premium Lounge within the hospital where they can carry out all the procedures related to their health.



In addition, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital provides you with a team of free interpretation and translation of English, German, French, Dutch, Flemish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Russian, among other languages, trained in the medical terminology and cultural approaches of international patients.



Among the benefits of Health Premium Card users are:




An initial check-up.



Priority access to appointments.



Three free-choice consultations with specialists.



Six ambulance transfers.



Fourteen nursing cures at home.



Free dental cleaning.



Tests for the detection of major diseases.



10% discount on private treatments.




Quirónsalud Torrevieja, an international reference hospital on the Costa Blanca



Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja is an international hospital of excellence, with a team of highly qualified professionals and state-of-the-art technology. It offers a multitude of medical specialties, making it a prestigious multidisciplinary centre both in the field of oncology and in the rest of the medical and surgical specialties. It is the private hospital with the most cutting-edge technology in the Valencian Community. In its more than twenty years of experience, more than 400 people work daily to care for its patients. Due to its location, located in the city of Torrevieja, it is a benchmark for health tourism and for foreign citizens looking for their new residence on the Costa Blanca.



International Admission



The hospital has its own international admissions department, whose sole task is to process authorisations with national and international companies. All authorisation formalities are carried out on a daily basis with national and international insurance companies directly and immediately. The patient does not have to worry about these procedures, this department is exclusively in charge.



International Inpatient Ward



The hospital has an international inpatient ward created to ensure the maximum convenience, comfort, and well-being of the international patient. The patient feels at home throughout the stay and does not perceive the cultural differences that may arise with their idiosyncrasies. All rooms are single and spacious to ensure the comfort of the patient and companion.  The healthcare staff is fluent in multiple languages and attends to the international patient as fluently as possible.



Do you want to know more about this space? Watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8HTljgfP74




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8HTljgfP74




More information about the Health Premium Card Service  through its website: www.healthpremiumcard.com

### Monday is a Local Holiday – San Vicente de Ferrer

On the second Monday after Easter Sunday, many towns across Valencia, including the regional capital itself, celebrate the festival of San Vicente Ferrer, a martyr who was canonised by Calixtus III and whose festival, in 2024, celebrates his big day on Monday April 8th.



San Vicente Ferrer, one of the patron saints of the city of Valencia, has his feast day on April 5 of each year, although his solemnity and popular festival is always celebrated on the Monday following the second Sunday of Easter.



During the 2024 San Vicente Ferrer Festivities in Valencia, as happens every year, it is customary to visit one of the most beloved Vincentian places: the Birthplace of San Vicente Ferrer, the chapel where “El Pouet de Sant Vicent” is located. In this place, by tradition, children are given a drink “so that they speak quickly, do not suffer from sore throat, do not swear falsely or be blasphemous.”



Vicente Ferrer OP (born in Valencia, Spain, on January 23, 1350 and died in Vannes, France, on April 5, 1419), was a Valencian Dominican whose preaching trips earned him the appreciation of the population of different regions of Europe. Considered by many the most universal Valencian who has ever existed, he is recognised as the greatest source of miracles in the Church and one of the most influential theologians, intellectuals, politicians and philosophers of his time.



For the city of Valencia, San Vicente Ferrer is part of its history and, in addition, he is one of the patron saints of the capital. This is why worship, homage and devotion are paid to him every year by those who follow the stories, highlighting that he is also the main patron saint of the Valencian Community and the ancient Kingdom of Valencia.



Among the most notable events of the 2024 San Vicente Ferrer Festival are the mascletá, the processions or the so-called "milacres", performances that take place in the different altars that are erected in the different neighbourhoods of the city of Valencia, and some towns, always being presided over by his iconography.



In 2024, Monday 8 April, dia de San Vicente de Ferrer, is a local holiday in Torrevieja, as well as, locally, Albatera, Algorfa, Benijofar, Bigastro, Daya Vieja, and Elche, amongst others.

Excerpt: Valencia celebrates San Vicente Ferrer on April 8th, 2024, particularly in the regional capital, where his birthplace and a chapel are revered. A Valencian Dominican, Ferrer's preaching trips made him a beloved figure. His festival features traditional events such as mascletá, processions, and "milacres" performances, recognising him as a patron saint and historical figure.

### The Environmental Importance of Bees at Zenia Boulevard

Located just 20 minutes away from the centre of Torrevieja, the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre on the Orihuela Costa, managed by Nhood and owned by Ceetrus and CBRE Investment Management, dedicates its April programming to bees and the important work they do for the environment.



Bees are the main pollinating agents in the world and without this process there would be no agriculture or food and, therefore, living beings would have no way to survive. "That is why at Zenia Boulevard we want to raise awareness among adults and children of the need to protect this insect in danger of extinction by launching different awareness actions such as children's workshops, exhibitions, promotions and campaigns on social networks with related topics on how to protect bees and thus take care of the environment. All of this in collaboration with the Alicante Ecocolmena association, which is responsible for restoring and creating favourable habitats for bees and wild pollinators, strengthening biodiversity,” says Cristina Ros, Director of the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre.



Among the concrete actions that the shopping centre will launch within the framework of this initiative is the storyteller “Zimbo, Peludo y la bee Zumbona”. The Zenia Boulevard mascots will meet a bee who will teach the boys and girls who come to the shopping centre on Sunday the 7th at 6:00 p.m. about the vital role they play on planet earth. As part of this celebration, the little ones will be given a new story, with the aim of raising awareness about the crucial importance of bees in the ecosystem.



On Saturday the 13th at 5:00 p.m. the Workshop “Plant your rosemary pot” will take place in which the children will paint a small pot and plant rosemary branches. A week later, on Saturday the 20th at 5:00 p.m., the hobby workshop on the importance of bees will be held in which children will learn by playing, colouring and painting.



In this new promotion, all prizes have a positive impact on bees. From growing kits with lavender or rosemary seeds to attract these insects to natural cosmetics made with propolis, each prize contributes to your well-being. In addition, for each participation in the promotion, Zenia Boulevard will donate €0.50 to the Ecocolmena association.



Divertilandia, Women on stage, April Fair and Dance Day



The Zenia Boulevard activities program during the month of April is complemented by the celebration of different activities related to music and dance, women, and the little ones of the house.



On Saturday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m., a musical will take place starring the friends Gominola, Nube, Piruleta and Caramelo who share their home in "Divertilandia", a world full of fun, colour, fantasy, and music. This place is designed so that families can enjoy unforgettable moments together.



On Saturday, April 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., all those who visit Zenia Boulevard will be able to learn about the work of different associations in the area led by women: Pink Ladies Association, Mamá Elefanta, APANEE, ASOS Ucrania, Lazos de Crianza, and Donaciones Torrevieja. Throughout the event you will be able to learn about their incredible work and attend different performances by Energizer Dance, Music Harmony, Dance Like, and Musik Home.



On Saturday, April 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a flamenco dancer show will transport visitors to the vibrant and colourful atmosphere of the Feria de Abril. After enjoying the dance, the program will continue at night with a flamenco concert.



On Saturday, April 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on the occasion of International Dance Day, there will be performances by prominent dance schools in an event full of talent and emotion.







Zenia Boulevard, opened in 2012, is the largest shopping centre in the province of Alicante, registering an increase in traffic of 8.6% in 2023 with 15 million visitors. Located in Orihuela Costa, in a strategic position in the surroundings of Orihuela, it has more than 150 commercial premises. In March of this year, the renovation of the shopping centre facilities is scheduled to be completed to improve the facades, the pavement, the rest areas, the green areas and the restaurant areas, as well as the children's leisure areas, and in the that 18 million euro have been invested.

Excerpt: Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre in Orihuela Costa, with its April initiatives, focuses on bee conservation, offering educational activities like children's workshops and promoting awareness through social media in partnership with Ecocolmena. Complementing these are various activities such as plays, dance, and music events, and women's association showcases. The largest centre in Alicante, boasting a recent renovation, aims to enhance visitor experience and environmental responsibility.

### Torrevieja Mayor Accused of Consciously Lying to Citizens

The PSOE in Torrevieja has publicly accused the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, of “consciously lying” to the public, “regularly”, but that since the opposition does not have the right to respond in plenary sessions, they resort to creating videos that they have uploaded to their social networks and those of the party.



In this case, it was the socialist councillor Carolina Ponce who was in charge of denying, documentation in hand, all the false information offered by Eduardo Dolón in the plenary session held on March 25 in response to an intervention that she herself carried out.



The councillor highlighted the serious situation that Torrevieja schools are experiencing with a ratio of students much higher than what they should have according to the regulations. Furthermore, the PP and Vox government has recently voted in Les Corts against the lowering of these ratios, a fact that the socialist councillor has disfigured the government team.



To this fact, the mayor responded that the ratios were raised because of Ximo Puig's government and that the socialists should apologise. However, according to the PSOE, the reality is that Wert, minister of the PP, raised the ratios in 2012 to 30 students in primary and 36 in secondary and it was Ximo Puig, who lowered the ratios to 25 in primary and 30 in secondary.



The councillor, in her video, cites the two regulations and shows documentation requested and sent in writing by the education councillor himself, Mr. Recuero, although the mayor states that his interventions are due to the fact that "he does not ask councillors or technicians". Likewise, Ponce assures that the real culprit of this situation is the local PP, which has not had foresight and does not offer the corresponding services to a city that does not stop increasing its inhabitants and that is going to have it more complicated by having cut the budget which will affect the Torrevieja school fabric.



On the other hand, in her intervention, the councillor revealed that the Municipal Absenteeism Plan is not being carried out as it should, due to the scarcity and temporality of human resources. Given the local government's intention to outsource the school truancy prevention service, the socialists expressed their disagreement, as they believe that the solution is to provide more staff and stability to this service, and comply with the Municipal Absenteeism Plan.



The councillor added regarding the “bullying prevention program,” that they support the initiative and that, however, they will be careful to ensure that it does not end in “two talks and a promotional video.” Dolón answered that the “Labor” association is in charge of carrying out these programs and offered data as current, when the truth is that the “Labor” association ended its contract in 2022 and since then, there have been no harassment prevention or absenteeism programs in educational centres, by the Department of Education.



The councillor has also responded to Dolón that the team specialised in childhood and adolescence (EEIIA) has never consisted of 10 technicians, as the mayor assured in the plenary session itself, but has been made up of 4 workers. In fact, the Ministry has been financing the Council so that the hiring of this team was 5 people, for which the amount corresponding to the salary of one person has been returned, since all of these are subsidised actions.



Finally, Ponce wanted to respond to the statement that the mayor made in the December 2023 plenary session when the socialist councillor herself requested that he increase the social welfare personnel, which is far below what the law establishes and therefore does not provide, even remotely, all the social services it should provide.



At that time, Dolón literally said that since he has been governing “the number of officials in that department had doubled.” With the data obtained from the personnel department, the socialist councillor has done the maths since 2011, the year in which the mayor began his first term, until 2024, resulting in that we have 14 technicians, 5 administrative staff and 1 person in legal assistance when, based on to the population of the city, we should have 33 technical personnel, 20 from administration and 5 people in legal assistance, this without counting the EEIIA team, in which there should be 5 and we currently have 1.



The PP only created two positions before 2024 and on an interim basis. Already in 2024, after the insistence of the PSOE of Torrevieja, four positions have also been created on an interim basis. That is, in 9 years as mayor, Dolón has created SIX PLACES, despite the fact that Law 3/2019, on Social Services, establishes that we still lack 38 to provide the service required by a population that exceeds 100,000 inhabitants.

### Ombudsman Agrees with Torrevieja PSOE over Government Transparency Complaint

The Sindic de Greuges, ombudsman of the Valencia community, has issued a resolution that agrees with the PSOE in Torrevieja over the complaint regarding the delay in receiving files from Torrevieja’s PP government team.



Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the PSOE Municipal Socialist Group, announced the RESOLUTION OF CONSIDERATIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF 03/14/2024 through which the SINDIC DE GREUGES DE LA COMUNITAT VALENCIANA has completely agreed with the PSOE in its complaint because the delivery of the administrative files requested from Torrevieja council to supervise the action of the PP Government, with Mayor Eduardo Dolón at the head, took longer than reasonable, reaching, sometimes, more than two months.



In extract, the operative part of the Sindic Resolution ends by ordering the Torrevieja City Council to:



- that all organisational measures are adopted so that requests for access to public information presented by councillors are resolved within a maximum period of 5 calendar days, and so that said information is effectively delivered within a maximum period of ten days.



- that the author of the complaint be allowed direct access, through the municipal computer platform, to the information contained in the record books, minutes books and resolutions of the Mayor's Office and



- that the opposition councillors be allowed to access the information contained in the computer platform in the same way as the councillors of the government team, since, without prejudice to their duty of confidentiality, all of them are members of the same Local Corporation and that access is necessary to exercise the functions of the public office for which they have been democratically elected.



The Sindic gives the Torrevieja Council a period of no more than one month from receipt of the resolution to respond, for which they request, unequivocally, the position regarding the above.



With this decision, it is also clearly confirmed that the veracity and justice of the complaint made by Bárbara Soler, in her Press Conference on January 4, 2024, where she put on the table the institutional blockade that the PSOE had been suffering, in which the receipt of administrative files with a long delay by the socialist councillors was part of that blockade.



In fact, along with the documentation sent to the Sindic de Greuges were the files mentioned in that press conference, that is, a file from the Valencian Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Agency and another on the Cultural Management Service of the Theatre, Auditorium and International Conservatory awarded to the company ESATUR.



The importance of the Sindic Resolution is crucial for the PSOE and the rest of the opposition parties, since it opens the way for elected officials who are not part of the PP team to have access to the information required to carry out its oversight of government action.



Furthermore, with this decision they are rejecting the illegal practice used by the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, who, knowingly, has been skipping the Laws of the Government of the Nation and the Valencian Community on transparency, access to public information and good national government, where any citizen is recognised the right of access to public information free of charge and electronically, within a maximum period of ten days, and yet, the Mayor submitted the delivery of administrative files to the opposition councillors within a maximum period of 30 business days, based on article 36 of the Municipal Organic Regulations (ROM), which is a legal norm of lower rank than the national and community laws indicated and, therefore, clearly contrary.



In short, the Sindic disgraces the Mayor of Torrevieja, that any ordinary citizen could receive the requested administrative information in a shorter period of time than the PSOE councillors, who as elected officials have among their fundamental rights that of participation and control.

### Spanish Navy Patrol Boat Open to Visitors

The Spanish Navy Surveillance Patrol Boat 'Formentor', based at the Cartagena Arsenal, plans to carry out a patrol along the Alicante coast between April 2 and 5, and commander TN Carlos Paula Diago invites you to welcome her during the tasks and take a look around.



The Formentor patrol boatThis is the Formentor patrol boat:MARCART



During this navigation, she will call at the ports of El Campello, Calpe and Torrevieja. Thus, it is planned that on the 3rd it will dock at the Real Club Náutico de Calpe, where it will hold an open day to be visited from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. At sunset, there will be a traditional solemn lowering of the National Flag, where civil and military authorities will be present. This event can also be witnessed from the pontoon of the Nautical Club.



The ship is carrying out surveillance and security tasks in the maritime spaces of sovereignty, as well as naval presence tasks along the coastline. Its tasks include the surveillance and control of maritime traffic, environmental protection, fishing surveillance and the protection of underwater archaeological heritage, as well as carrying out collaborations with other state organisations with jurisdiction in the maritime field.



During its operations, it is common to enter different national ports on the Mediterranean coast and bridge a gap between the Navy and the civilian population.



The Formentor patrol boat



The patrol boat 'Formentor', belonging to the 'TORALLA' class, was built at the Viudes Shipyards (Barcelona) and delivered to the Navy in 1989. This unit is integrated into the Command of the Maritime Action Force Units in Cartagena (MARCART), under the direct dependence of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART).



This is the Formentor patrol boat:




LENGTH - 28.5 metres



DRAFT - 1.88 metres



PROPULSION - 2 MTU 8V 2,100 HP diesel engines



MAXIMUM SPEED - 20 knots



RANGE - 1,000 miles at 12 knots



ARMAMENT - 1 BROWNING 12.7 mm single machine gun



RADARS - 2 KODEN navigation radars



CREW - 12 people (1 officer, 2 non-commissioned officers, 2 first corporals and 7 corporals and sailors).




MARCART



MARCART ensures the effectiveness, preparation and readiness level of the currently assigned units. This command has its historical origin in the first torpedo boat flotilla, which was based in Cartagena and was created by the Squadron Law of 1887. Associated with this command is the Cartagena Naval Command, responsible, among other tasks, for supporting the national and foreign warships and the Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Maritime Transportation (NCAGS).

### Torrevieja Natural Park Digital Twin Asking for Your Help

Protected Natural Spaces are ecosystems with great ecological and socioeconomic value, but they are also especially vulnerable to climatic and anthropogenic pressures. Vulnerability and complexity forces the development of sustainable tourism models. To this end, the Chan-Twin project is being developed, the digital twin of the natural park of the Torrevieja and La Mata lagoons.



The project, financed with European funds, has been led by the University of Alicante and the Polytechnic University of Valencia in collaboration with Torrevieja Council and the managers of the natural park.



This digital twin allows the monitoring, analysis and sustainable management of this environment and is already giving the first results in its first year of execution.



Once finished, the application will allow you to view the sustainable tourism indicators collected thanks to a network of sensors deployed in the natural park.



This digital twin is available for viewing at the Vista Alegre Tourist Office and at the Visitor Reception Centre of the Natural Park.



The researchers responsible for the development of the project are now asking for everyone´s help by firstly visiting the digital twin viewing sites, and then participating in the project assessment surveys.

### Torrevieja Town Hall Finally Launches e-Scooter Awareness Campaign

The Councillor for Security and Emergencies in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, and the of the Local Police, Óscar Cartón, have presented plans for an awareness campaign of the traffic rules that apply to personal mobility vehicles (VMP), the most common of which is the e-scooter, around 5 years after they started to appear on the streets of the country.



Table of ContentsMunicipal Regulations for Electric ScootersSanctions and Fines for e-ScootersGeneral Traffic Rules for e-ScootersInformation Leaflet for e-Scooter Users



To raise awareness among citizens, as well as the users of these vehicles, talks are being held in secondary education centres, which the teachers have been calling for for months, so that the young people know the rules that apply. Aside from the many rules they are unaware of, there are many riders under the age of 16, which is not permitted. To this end, some informational brochures have been prepared that list the infractions that are punishable, as well as recommendations and traffic rules.



Municipal Regulations for Electric Scooters



The Torrevieja municipal regulation of the VMP, highlights the rules that users of electric scooters must comply with. Among them are the following:




Do not use headphones, mobile phones or manual use systems



Do not ride on pavements, pedestrian areas or parks



Helmet and insurance are highly recommended (mandatory in other municipalities)



It is prohibited to be towed by other vehicles



Only one occupant




In addition, it is prohibited to circulate with alcohol levels higher than those established or under the influence of drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances, the alcohol level for under 18’s is zero. It is mandatory to undergo tests to detect these substances. You should not drive negligently or recklessly. You must always be in perfect condition to control the vehicle. 



At night or in low visibility conditions, you must have front lights and red rear lights, front and rear reflectors and rear brake light.



As reported by the councillor of the Local Police, specific traffic controls for scooters will be carried out, first of all, to inform about the regulations and control the VPM since, all those that have been acquired from the January 22, 2024 must be certified and comply with the DGT Technical Characteristics Manual (1/21/2022). These must have a factory marking on the back with the maximum speed, serial number, certificate number, year of construction, make and model. Those that are prior to this rule will not be able to circulate from 2027 if they do not have the identification plate. The objective of the controls is to reduce the infractions committed by users; it is a training task. If the violation continues, the sanction will be imposed.



Sanctions and Fines for e-Scooters



These personal mobility vehicles (VMP) must follow the same traffic code of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) as motor vehicles or bicycles. That is why the sanctions that can be applied are:




Circulating through pedestrian zone: €80



Driving without lights at night or in conditions of low or reduced visibility: €200



Circulating with more than one occupant: €90



Driving towed by another vehicle: €90



Circulate if you are under 16 years old: €80



Driving with drugs in the body: €1,000



Driving with an alcohol level higher than the regulation: €500



Refusing to take breathalyser tests: €1,000



Refusing drug tests: €1,000



Failure to respect pedestrian priority: €200



Not respecting the priority of another vehicle: €90



Parking on pavements, walks and pedestrian or cyclist crossing areas: €80



Failure to obey mandatory signs (STOP, Give Way, etc.): €80



Failure to obey prohibition signs (direction prohibited, parking prohibited, etc.): €80



Failure to respect the agents' signals: €200



Failure to respect the red light of a traffic light: €200




General Traffic Rules for e-Scooters



All traffic rules apply to vehicles equally, although some are more restrictive depending on the vehicle or circumstances, but the rules to avoid some of the most common violations of traffic laws include:




Drive on the hard shoulder. If there is not one, closest to the right side and according to the direction of travel.



Bike lanes can be used as long as the VMP does not exceed 20 km/h.



You should not drive in the opposite direction, you must respect the STOP signs, give way, prohibited direction and pedestrian crossings.



Speed ​​rules, priority of passage and other traffic regulations must be respected.



Drive with the necessary diligence and caution to avoid risks and damage to yourself or others, avoiding endangering other users.



In no case will it be possible to circulate on interurban roads (such as the N-332 for example).




It should be noted that traffic rules apply to all vehicles and the requirements for riding a VMP applies whether you own or rent the vehicle.



Information Leaflet for e-Scooter Users

### Torrevieja to Lose Big Brand Store Resulting in Job Losses

The Swedish fashion clothing chain H&M has now announced that it will be closing the store located in the Habaneras Shopping Centre in Torrevieja, as part of the “organisational, productive and economic” restructuring plan it announced at the start of the year.



Collectively, the restructuring plan will affect some 588 collective layoffs and the closure of 28 brands, which in the Alicante province also includes the stores in the L'Aljub shopping centre in Elche, and the Ociopía in Orihuela, with 50 people being laid off.



It is expected that the stores will close this year, according to the general secretary of the Federation of CCOO Services in Alicante, Patricia Carrillo Sevilla, "the first of the closures will occur in the Habaneras Shopping Centre, not because of the ERE, but because they get rid of the rent." In this way, as Carrillo assures, on May 17 the blinds of this store facing the public will be lowered and on May 24 the rental contract ends so as not to reopen. The people who work in this establishment, however, have the option of being transferred to other nearby stores that are still open.



However, as stated by CCOO Services in Alicante, "the people who work in Habaneras are hesitating whether to accept the change because if they are taken for the moment to other stores affected by the ERE it will be a double agony " -in reference to some of those nearby stores which are those of Ociopía and L'Aljub. The store in Zenia Boulevard is not currently in the line of fire. The premature closure in Torrevieja has been communicated to the staff only this week, on Wednesday.



The Overall Status



Thus, the ERE may be official as of September with this collective dismissal due to the closure of almost thirty establishments in the country. Unions and companies are at a negotiating table that the multinational announced - with a margin of more than six months before making the cut measures effective. Although talks are underway to ensure that the damage is as little as possible and "with the best conditions for workers", the general secretary of CCOO Services in Alicante maintains that "they will not assume relocations of the people laid off in all stores."



The H&M group has nearly 4,000 employees in the country and more than a hundred stores. Despite the proposed ERE, H&M globally obtained an attributable net profit of 8,7 billion Swedish crowns (775 million euro) at the end of its last fiscal year, which ended in November 2023, which represents an increase of 145% regarding the result of 3,5 billion crowns (316 million euro) recorded in 2022. Furthermore, by region, the firm's sales grew by 11% in Western Europe, up to 7 billion euro, and by 9% in Southern Europe.



The reason for this decision, according to the Scandinavian company, is that they need to "adapt and perfect" the establishments in a "changing" shopping environment with respect to their customers. Furthermore, the data that the company made public months ago when it presented its 2023 financial year, showed that Spain would concentrate 17% of the brand's closures worldwide.

### Habaneras at Your Door

The fact that the Eras de la Sal outdoor concert auditorium lies derelict and neglected, it will not prevent choristers from performing, as they will now be embarking on a mini tour, thus allowing them to use the facilities in other municipalities, to bring their music to your door, almost.







The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, together with Jesús García and Francisco Moreno, members of the Asociación Voces Líricas del Mediterráneo, presented the project called “Habaneras en tu puerta” that will be developed by the Municipal Habaneras Board of Trustees through this association.



This recently created choir, made up of a total of 17 choristers, singing professionals, will carry out a series of habaneras and polyphony concerts to be held in different locations in the provinces of Alicante and Murcia. Two concerts are already scheduled for this weekend to be held in the neighbouring towns of Rojales and Los Montesinos.



The concerts will be offered with a prior presentation helping to promote the habanera genre, the musical quality and importance of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest and, of course, our cultural heritage, in addition to its obvious important tourist projection.



The Board of Trustees of Municipal de Habaneras wants, through different channels and dissemination and distribution projects, to promote not only the dissemination of the habanera, as a popular song that must be maintained, and promoted, but also the Contest itself, which this year celebrates its 70th anniversary. In this way and with these initiatives, the Board of Trustees is confident that they will serve to take care of the future of the Contest and the singing of the habanera, whether the concert ground is left to ruin or not.

### Torrevieja Book Fair Starts Saturday

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the manager of the Municipal Institute of Culture “Joaquín Chapaprieta”, Miguel Fernández, presented the XXVI edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, which will be held in the Paseo Vista Alegre from Saturday, March 23 to Monday, April 1.







Although the book fair will be considerably smaller than many of the previous events, there will be a total of 8 booths with the participation of 9 bookstores (Librería Buendía, Asociación de Escritores Alas de Papel, Librería Bukmeran, Papelería Torrevieja, Librería Trini, Librería Santos Ochoa, Librería Copy Centro, Editorial Knowmadas y Librería Rivendel) installed on the Paseo Vista Alegre, as well as a tent in which the activities scheduled for the Book Fair will take place. All those who make purchases at the fair will have a 10% discount and will be entered into a raffle for a batch of books.



Torrevieja Book Fair in 2011



In this twenty-sixth edition of the fair, the book signing on Saturday, April 1, at 12:30 p.m., by the Spanish journalist and writer Máximo Huerta stands out. Throughout the Book Fair, up to a total of 30 authors will sign works.







TORREVIEJA BOOK FAIR PROGRAM 2024



Saturday 23 March 2024



12:30 p.m. Inauguration of the XXVI Torrevieja Book Fair in the institutional tent. As host we will have the book signing carried out by Máximo Huerta, Spanish journalist and writer.



Máximo Huerta, former Minister of Culture and Sports, was winner of the 2014 Spring Prize with his fourth novel, La noche soñada, and presents us with his latest work “París despertaba tarde”, in which he tells us a love story set in the Paris in 1924, the city is preparing for the Olympic Games and where the greatest artistic talents of the time converge, such as Picasso, Stravinsky, Hemingway, Le Corbusier...



12:00 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Andrea Nusán and her novel “Encerrada en la memoria de ella”.



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store booth. The Torrevieja neighbour Francisco Soribella with “Añoranzas del Yesterday” is a tribute to Torrevieja and its people, but above all it is dedicated to all those people who are no longer among us.”



12:00 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa bookstore booth. Signing of the books by Javier Marín, “Desafío 59, Tablero Mortal, Descenso al abismo y Enigmas para un rey”.



Sunday 24 March 2024



12:00 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Andrea Nusán and her novel “Encerrada en la memoria de ella”.



12:30 p.m. In institutional tent – ​​The magic is in the books.



Magician Iván will perform a participatory family magic show that with his illusion tricks will make young and old enjoy.



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store booth. The Torrevieja resident Francisco Soribella with “Añoranzas del ayer” is a tribute to Torrevieja and its people, but above all it is dedicated to all those people who are no longer among us.”



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa bookstore booth. Signing of Javier Marín's books. “Desafío 59, Tablero Mortal, Descenso al abismo y Enigmas para un rey”



7:00 p.m. In institutional tent. Emotional workshop and book signing “Estás loca”, by Anaís Santos



Monday 25 March 2024



12:00 p.m. In institutional tent. Mar Carrillo book signing.



6:30 p.m. In institutional tent. Presentation of the work of Mar Carrillo, with a discussion by Victor Morata, Kress Watson and Mar Carrillo about her work: poetry and historical novel.



Tuesday 26 March 2024



5:30 p.m. In the Santos Ochoa booth. Roberto Hurtado book signing. “La última canción del verano, Días que gané y perdí, El mar que respiras”.



7:00 p.m. In institutional tent. Emotional workshop and book signing “Estás loca”, by Anaís Santos



Wednesday 27 March 2024



6:00 p.m. At Pulsar Store booth. Sandra Moniño Nutritionist specialised in inflammation accompanies us with her new book "Adiós a la inflamación". A manual to reduce inflammation, improve digestive problems, treat diseases and lose weight.



6:30 p.m. In institutional tent. Presentation of the work of Víctor Morata, with a discussion by Víctor Morata, Kress Watson and Mar Carrillo about his work: detective and fantasy novels.



5:30 p.m. In the Santos Ochoa booth. Roberto Hurtado book signing. “La última canción del verano, Días que gané y perdí, El mar que respiras”.



Thursday 28 March 2024



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store booth. Roberto Hurtado with his new book “La última canción del verano”. New novel from the author of El mar que respiras, which enriches and expands his world with the same style that has captivated thousands of readers.



5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing by Javier Marín and his novel “Desafío 59”.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing “Napias planas”, by Eduardo Antonaya.



7:30 p.m. Institutional tent. Flamenco Poetry. Reading of poetry related to flamenco singing by the members of the Ars Creatio association.



Friday 29 March 2024



10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing “Umayyads, and the Visigoth”, by Luís Barberá.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Cristina Selva and her novel “El ensueño de la sirena” and Javier Marín with “Desafío 59”.



12:00 p.m. Institutional tent. Dramatized reading from the Raúl Ferrández Municipal Theatre School.



6:30 p.m. In institutional tent. Presentation of the work of Kress Watson, with a discussion by Victor Morata, Kress Watson and Mar Carrillo about his work: romantic novel and thriller.



Saturday 30 March 2024



12:00 p.m. Institutional tent. – Bicipinta reading edition.



We will fill the ride with colour and originality with our artistic constructions that with a built-in table that rotates to the rhythm of pedalling, participants will be able to make original and most colourful artistic productions.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Alba Cayuelas and her novel “Hija de la Muerte” and Javier Marín with “Desafío 59”.



4:00 p.m. Institutional tent. Learn to role play. The La Esquina Amarilla association teaches you the basics so that you can have a fantastic time getting started in role-playing games.



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store Booth. Estela Naïa accompanies us with her first novel “Monstruos Criminales”, she discovers the most terrifying and brutal real cases in the history of true crime.



6:00 p.m. Institutional tent. – Keychains with pompoms.



There will be a pompom workshop with which each participant will create a keychain that they can take with them and will accompany them on every adventure in their daily lives.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing by Fran González Amorós, with the saga of “El reino de las calabazas, Un niño en la luna y Donde habitan las sombras”.



Sunday 31 March 2024



12:00 p.m. Institutional tent. Games studio + face painting.



12 handmade wooden games that work on strategy, skill and ingenuity. Intended especially for youth and adult audiences and which can be played in a group, as a couple or individually. In addition, it will be accompanied by a professional face painting workshop.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Cristina Selva and her novel “El ensueño de la sirena” and Javier Marín with “Desafío 59”.



5:00 p.m. Institutional tent. Learn to role play. The La Esquina Amarilla association teaches you the basics so that you can have a fantastic time getting started in role-playing games.



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store Booth. Do you dare to discover the Magical Plain? Meet Marta Ruiz, author of “La Vega Mágica” A book full of mysteries and popular magic, illustrations, maps, videos and even secrets that you will have to discover yourself if you decide to visit the places of the legends of our Vega Baja.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing by Fran González Amorós.



Monday 1 April 2024



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing “¿Y la abuela? Y Rosa, la bruja desastrosa”, by Luís García.



Book Sales



Despite the perception of printed books no longer being relevant due to technological advances such as the Kindle, the figures show the opposite and printed books are for the most part stable in their demand, but actually growing in some areas.



According to a report by wordsrelated.com, in 2022, over 788.7 million copies of printed books were sold in the United States, which was the second-highest sales mark for printed books in the 21st century, trailing only a record-setting 2021 with 843 million copies sold.



Overall, print book sales have grown by almost 100 million copies compared to the pre-pandemic period. 2020 and 2021 were the biggest years for print book sales this decade when the unit sales jumped by 11.24% and 9.26% over the previous years, respectively.



Statistics platform Statista also reports 2023 revealed that the printed book market remains healthy: a total of 767.36 million units were sold that year among outlets which reported to the source. Whilst this marked a small drop from the previous year, the figure still remains higher than in the years prior to 2021.



As for the UK, Svizzeria Today reports the number of print books sold in the United Kingdom amounted to 209.1 million in 2022, down from 212 in the previous year. The 2021 figure marked the highest on record since 2012, whereas the number recorded in 2020 was the first time since 2012 that book sales in the UK surpassed 200 million.



For their part, Amazon, the biggest player in the ebook field and creator of Kindle, are selling 487 million books per year, and so despite those perceptions of replacement, both platforms are maintaining strength and neither one actually detrimental to the other.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the first private hospital in Alicante to have an Advanced Robotic Surgery Unit

The goal is to offer your patients more precise surgeries, with less postoperative pain and a much faster recovery than the rest of the surgical techniques



The Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has launched the first Advanced Robotic Surgery Unit in the private health sector in the province of Alicante, incorporating the most advanced model of Da Vinci robot. The hospital has extensive experience in robotic surgery, since 15 years ago it was one of the pioneering hospitals in Spain in implementing and training its surgeons in the use of this technology.



The Da Vinci robotic surgical system is designed to offer minimally invasive surgery of the highest level in the approach of complex pathologies in the area of specialties such as Urology, General and Digestive System Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Oncological Surgery and Gynaecological Surgery.



The robotic surgical system has a camera arm and 3 mechanical arms, and surgical instruments mounted on them that are controlled by the surgeon while sitting in front of a computer console within the operating room itself.



The system also has a vision tower that processes the image, providing a real, magnified and 3D view of the surgical field that allows the surgeon to perform more complex procedures with greater precision, flexibility and control compared to conventional techniques.



As Dr. Rosa Mª Cañón, medical director of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, points out, "the incorporation of the Da Vinci robotic system represents a great qualitative advance in the hospital's surgical services, thanks to which we can offer the best quality of care and experience to our patients, who will benefit from less invasive surgeries with less risk of side effects such as infection, minimal scarring and shorter admissions".



Urological Robotic Surgery in Alicante



Thanks to the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital offers the best treatment and results for patients with prostate cancer who require a radical prostatectomy. "To perform it," explains Dr. Sven Petry, head of the Urology Service at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, "only small incisions in the skin of 0.5 to 1 cm in length are necessary through which we can perform, guided by the high-definition camera, the complete removal of the prostate with an optimal level of precision."



Regarding the many advantages offered by robotic urological surgery, Dr. Sven Petry highlights a greater recovery of urinary continence, whose success rates thanks to the robot reach 97% compared to 88%, as well as a complete recovery from erectile dysfunction of traditional surgery. Another benefit is the rapid recovery of the patient who, after discharge, can lead a completely normal life, four weeks after the intervention.



The specialist in urological robotic surgery at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja also recommends this technique for the treatment of bladder cancer, kidney cancer or genital prolapse due to its excellent results and postoperative advantages.



Learn more about urologic robotic surgery in this video:




https://youtu.be/ciwgRCED-J4?si=l5kjKHFMkPR17duI




Advanced Robotic Surgery for Malignant and Benign Pathologies



The Da Vinci robotic surgery system has proven to be the best instrument for the multidisciplinary treatment of benign or malignant pathologies. These surgeries include hepatobiliary surgery, oesophageal-gastric surgery, colorectal surgery, metabolic surgery for obesity and abdominal wall surgery.



Within this section of robotic surgery, Dr. Pedro Bretcha, head of the General Surgery and Digestive System Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, highlights the results achieved by this technique in the treatment of colorectal cancer. As Dr. Bretcha explains, "thanks to robotic surgery in the treatment of colorectal cancer,  we can perform a much more precise resection of the tumour while maintaining the principles of proper cancer surgery and preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. In addition to achieving less blood loss, a lower risk of infections due to the small size of the incisions made, as well as less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay and a quick return to daily activities."



Learn more about robotic oncology surgery in this video:




https://youtu.be/evHfegz0CmI?si=VwnFHetbv47j_c_c




Better preservation of pelvic structures thanks to robotic surgery



Another area in which robotic surgery has proven to be the best ally is in the surgical treatment of gynaecological pathologies such as hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometriosis or genital prolapse, in which it stands out "for facilitating more precious movements in narrow and delicate areas such as those that make up the female sexual and reproductive system".  says Dr. Rodolfo Martín Díaz, head of the Gynaecology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital. The benefits of gynaecologic robotic surgery include, but are not limited to, better preservation of pelvic structures, a very significant improvement in urinary incontinence and bowel and bladder control, as well as a much earlier return to daily activities.



Learn more about gynaecologic robotic surgery in this video:




https://youtu.be/fVsoZt1IakM?si=x8qYAFTEiCbTC9CV




Thoracic surgeries with less hospitalisation thanks to the Da Vinci



Thanks to the minimally invasive approach assisted with Da Vinci robotic surgery, interventions that previously required long hospitalisations for patients with pulmonary pathology can be performed on an almost outpatient basis, with hospital discharge in just 48 hours. "In addition," says Dr. José Belda, head of the Thoracic Surgery Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "the great precision of the Da Vinci's interventions allows the treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary pathologies such as lung cancer, including lobectomies and sublobar resections, all without any detriment to oncological radicality". Other advantages pointed out by the Quirónsalud Torrevieja specialist are less blood loss and a lower risk of postoperative infections.

### One Million Euro Pest Control Contract Approved for Torrevieja

The councillor-secretary of the Local Government Board in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, has reported that the contracting file for the Comprehensive Pest Control, Deratization, and Disinfection Service of the municipality of Torrevieja was approved.



The estimated value of the contract amounts to 1,158,457 euro (IVA included), being constituted by the annual amount for the three years initially planned, plus the two-year extensions, for a total of five years of contract.



The objective of this contract is the provision of urban pest prevention and control services (deratization and disinfection) in Torrevieja, contemplating the performance of the following works:



Deratization, which includes the control and elimination of rodents, particularly rats and mice, considered harmful to public health.



Disinfestation, which includes the control and elimination of harmful or disease-spreading insects in general, and in particular, Diptera (including mosquitoes) and their larvae; It also includes population control of the pine processionary caterpillars (without explaining the realisation that the elimination of caterpillars means no butterflies, which are necessary for the propagation of plants), blatodeos (different species of cockroaches) and any insect with a possible impact on public health.



Disinfection, which includes immediate or delayed elimination, the latter through removal of infected waste, of germs harmful to health.



The councillor responsible for pest control, Diana Box Alonso, has given a very positive assessment of this new contract, which will serve to respond to possible pests that may occur over the next five years.



Among the execution of the works that will be carried out, mosquito control stands out (weekly checks and special events due to rain), deratization, and disinfection in public centres (teaching centres and markets, sports centres and other municipal offices), control processionary (teaching centres and parks and gardens) and exterior surfaces (exterior surfaces, parks and gardens and attention to notices).

### La Siesta Park Now Open Featuring Torrevieja Pump Track

It's been a long time coming, but the La Siesta park and pump track has finally opened, following the inauguration on Saturday.




https://youtu.be/fHN7Oc78Knk




Galleries




Opening Event



General Gallery



Sports and Leisure Features



Canine Agility Park



Torrevieja Pump Track



Drone Pictures of La Siesta Park



Videos of La Siesta Park




The park has many different facilities for different sports modalities, and there's seating around the entire area. There are not many trees and green areas however, and hardly any shade so summer is going to be difficult.



The park is built on a 44,000 m2 space made up of recreation and rest areas, sports court areas and pétanque courts, and the largest paved pump track area in the world.



The Pump Track is for skateboards, scooters, and BMX bicycles, which, according to the town hall, the younger people have been demanding, so no doubt a welcome addition to the skate park in the railway station grounds. The new pump track has three well-differentiated areas, Advanced Pump Track, Medium Level Pump Track and Children's Pump Track, which are colour coordinated.



The mayor of Torrevieja, and the councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, were accompanied by many of their town hall councillors and colleagues at the inauguration in an urbanisation popular with foreign residents, with hundreds accompanying them through the gates for the first time.



The town hall had invited many different local groups to use the facilities during the opening, both to show how they can use the facilities, and showcase what can take place in the park, with something pretty much for everyone on show including basketball, hockey, football, Zumba, canine agility, pétanque, and more, with plenty of children enjoying the play facilities, including a rock climbing wall, and many adults trying out the keep fit equipment, whilst those of all ages were active on the pump track.



After several years of inactivity, the work started at the beginning of last year, with an anticipated completion of 20 months, a deadline which has been brought forward to now.



As well as the sports facilities, there is space for enjoying walks for people and families, with picnic areas for recreation and rest. However, as mentioned, there is very little in the way of shade or covered areas, there are some, but not many, and even in this early spring day of March the sun was blistering, and so it will not be a particularly pleasurable experience during the hot summer season.



La Siesta Park also has an agility area for large dogs and another for small dogs, a large central area that divides the park with two circular squares, skating circuits, children's games, bio-healthy areas, mini auditorium, skating rink, hockey rink, soccer, pétanque courts, calisthenics area, bike path, as well as three paddle tennis courts, so this park will become the first in Torrevieja that will have courts to enjoy this fashionable sport, which normally takes place in the Sports City facility.



La Siesta Park Opening Event




Crowds gather for the opening of La Siesta Park and Pump Track in Torrevieja



Crowds gather for the opening of La Siesta Park and Pump Track in Torrevieja



Crowds gather for the opening of La Siesta Park and Pump Track in Torrevieja



The Mayor of Torrevieja officially opens the park



The mayor arrives at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Crowds gather, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Busy opening day at La Siesta Park Torrevieja




La Siesta Park Gallery




Zumba at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Zumba at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Children's play area, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Wild green area at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Central water fountain at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Space to stroll at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Green area, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Sports features and walkways, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Central space, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Central space, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Places to sit, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Exercise and rest area, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Rock climbing wall, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Central play fountain, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Keep fit equipment at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Walking around La Siesta Park Torrevieja



These new exclusive electric bikes are now available in Torrevieja call Yvonne on 687 66 62 62



These new exclusive electric bikes are now available in Torrevieja call Yvonne on 687 66 62 62



These new exclusive electric bikes are now available in Torrevieja call Yvonne on 687 66 62 62



La Siesta Park Torrevieja




Sports and Leisure Features at La Siesta Park




Zumba at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Zumba at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Football at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Exercise area at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Basketball court at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Playing hockey at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Playing hockey, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Handball at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Handball, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Handball at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Playing football at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Petanque, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Petanque court, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Exercise and rest area, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Keep fit equipment at La Siesta Park Torrevieja




Canine Agility Park at La Siesta Torrevieja




Canine agility course at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Dog taining at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Dog Training at La Siesta Park Torrevieja




Torrevieja Pump Track at La Siesta Park




Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja




Drone Pictures of La Siesta Park




La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track




Videos of La Siesta Park




https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs9him80uxQXNasIH2HfKF_k9rVhK01S0&si=O1NK1Bz5WEisHs1o

### Area to Remember 1829 Torrevieja Earthquake

As every year passes, we are creeping close to the 200th anniversary of the Torrevieja earthquake, which occurred on 21 March, 1829, and although the devastation is confined to the history books, it is not beyond the possibility that it could happen again, as seismologists constantly affirm, and so the lessons and memories of those who perished must never be forgotten.



It wasn’t only Torrevieja that was devasted by the 1829 earthquake, many of the surrounding towns also suffered considerable material and human losses, including Guardamar, and Almoradí, where the memory lives on in a mini museum of tribute.



Those towns affected will hold their own memorials as is customary, including Torrevieja, where those of a religious persuasion will also pray to San Emigdio, for whom the small church in the Park of Nations in Torrevieja is dedicated, the patron saint of earthquakes.



The Torrevieja earthquake was also not unique to the area, or Spain, as records collated by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) show that 3 of the 27 major earthquakes that have occurred in the country have occurred in the province of Alicante.



Prior to the 1829 disaster, we need to go back to 1048, when the Orihuela mosque was destroyed. The second was on 19 June 1644 and had its epicentre in Muro de Alcoy, where several houses were destroyed. Both are listed as "intensity VIII", which was the old measure (before the 20th century) to assess the importance of earthquakes, although what it really reflected was the amount of destruction caused.



The registered intensity IX or X was the highest. In fact, the IGN has only documented two other earthquakes with this level in Spain: on 1 November 1755 in Cabo San Vicente, which produced a tsunami almost 15 metres high, and on 25 December 1885 in Arenas del Rey (Granada), with 4,400 buildings destroyed and more than 13,000 damaged.



The third earthquake is the one that is best documented. It happened on 21 March 1829 in the Torrevieja area, and affected three other municipalities, Almoradí, Benejúzar and Guardamar, that had to be completely rebuilt. That tragedy left 389 dead and 377 injured.



According to the chronicles, the decade between 1820 and 1830 was one of those with the greatest seismic activity in the province of Alicante. The intensity increased until, between 13 September 1828 and 21 March 1829, some 200 tremors occurred.



The last one was recorded around 6:15 p.m., with an estimated magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale, with the epicentre in the towns of Benejúzar, Rojales and Torrevieja. The catastrophe left hundreds dead and injured, in addition to 2,965 homes completely destroyed and 2,396 damaged. The bridges that crossed the Segura River in Almoradí, Benejúzar, Dolores and Guardamar also collapsed.



In addition to the municipalities located at its epicentre (which had to be almost completely rebuilt), the earthquake also affected the towns of Almoradí, Algorfa, Rafal, Torrelamata, Daya Vieja, Guardamar, Dolores, Redován, San Fulgencio and San Miguel de Salinas.



In fact, half of the deceased were from Almoradí, due to the narrowness of its streets. In this municipality, every year its inhabitants take San Emigdio, who is the patron saint of earthquakes, out into the streets and pray in memory of all the victims, a routine also celebrated in other towns, including Torrevieja.



Could something like this happen again? Well, in principle yes, because two areas of the province of Alicante, l'Alacantí and the southern regions, are susceptible to having earthquakes of intensity 6 on the Richter scale.



The observation was made by the professor of the Department of Seismic Engineering and Geodesy of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Paco García, who stressed that, of the three geological domains of the Valencian Community, "the most prone and most active" is the so-called Bético, in the south of Valencia and Alicante.



"We expect earthquakes of large magnitudes, from 6 up on the Richter scale. If the previous ones have been of great destructive quantity, why couldn't they be repeated if they are the same faults," he said. "Active quaternary faults are the ones that are of concern."



Thus, García indicated that, despite the fact that in general "seismicity in the Valencian Community is moderate or low" and the territory is "fully monitored with seismographs and accelerographs", earthquake prediction is "in its infancy" because "we do not know where they will occur, in the areas where there is more probability, yes, but not when, the day and time".



He also defended "that seismic risk studies and plans be carried out" and valued that the construction of buildings, bridges or any infrastructure "has been governed for some time now by the seismic resistance standard."



What he completely ruled out is that the Valencian coast could suffer a tsunami, because "the magnitude of that earthquake will not reach a 6 or 7 and we have a highly developed continental shelf and the depth is very small, 200 or 300 metres", unlike what occurs in the Gulf of Cádiz or the coast of Malaga, Ceuta, Melilla and the Moroccan and Algerian coast.

### Torrevieja Funfair Reopens for Easter Season

Torrevieja Funfair opens this weekend and will remain open throughout the Easter period.



The Torrevieja fair relocated last year and is no longer near the harbour in the town centre, but is situated in the Parque Antonio Soria grounds, near the water park and Friday market, a little further down the road from Habaneras Shopping Centre.



To celebrate the reopening of Torrevieja fairground, vouchers have been distributed throughout the town offering 2 for 1 tickets, and discounts.



Torrevieja fair is open from Saturday 16 March at 5:00 p.m.



You can check out our Torrevieja Events Calendar for more things to do in Torrevieja.

### World Cup Football Comes to Torrevieja

This week, the II "Ciudad de Torrevieja" Football World Cup, under the motto Integration through Sports, will be held in the Torrevieja Sports City facilities.



Following the group draw last weekend, the action will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17.



Teams made up of players from a total of 10 countries will participate in this edition: Spain, Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Cape Verde, Romania, Ukraine, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay



The qualifying matches will be held on Saturday, March 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 17, the finals will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and, later, the presentation of trophies.



The tournament will also feature a Mundialito, played in the 7-a-side football format, and the presence of several “folclóricos” folk groups from these countries, who will perform during breaks, as well as the presence of several local associations that will support their teams at all times.

### La Siesta Park to Open This Week

It's been a long time coming, but the La Siesta park and pump track in Torrevieja is due to open this week with the inauguration set for Saturday 16 March at 11:00 a.m.



The park not has many different facilities for different sports modalities, and there's seating around the entire area. There are not many trees and green areas however, and hardly any shade so summer is going to be difficult.




La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024




The park is built on a 44,000 m2 space made up of recreation and rest areas, sports court areas and pétanque courts, and the largest paved pump track area in the world.




https://youtu.be/1P2g1dE7giE

### What We Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Rodolfo Martín Díaz, head of the Gynaecology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante, summarises the origin of this pathology and what surgery consists of to address it.



One of the malignant diseases that occupies the first places among female tumours is ovarian cancer. Its incidence in women is around 1.2% of the general female population, but if we take into account its age of onset, it will represent 5% of female tumours and the fourth most frequent.



In Spain, around 3,300 new cases are diagnosed annually, an incidence relatively higher than that of the world population (4%).



Despite its low incidence, it is still the leading cause of cancer death in women, with around 2,000 deaths per year. 



Rodolfo Martín Díaz, head of the Gynaecology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja y Alicante, explains in greater detail what this disease consists of and how it can be treated. In addition, he specifies the average age of patients who suffer from it and when studies should begin for early detection of the disease.



 



 



Ovarian cancer and the patient's age



Ovarian cancer is a disease more common in postmenopausal women, with the highest incidence between the ages of 50 and 75. In this sense, the average is around 63 years old. These purely statistical data only reflect the importance of regular check-ups after menopause.



Survival of ovarian cancer depends purely and exclusively on the stage or degree of progression that is diagnosed. The Quirónsalud professional explains that in stage I, the cure can reach 95%, while in stage II, it is 70% and in stage III, it is 30%. However, "unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed in stage III or IV.  This is mainly due to the fact that it is a silent disease, which when it manifests it does so with symptoms that are mistaken between banal anomalies of the digestive tract, urological and gynaecological problems. Added to this, the lack of an accurate diagnostic imaging method leads to the vast majority of times being discovered in advanced stages.



Faced with this scenario, specific gynaecological check-ups from the age of 40 are very important, in which a gynaecological ultrasound will be performed to detect any abnormality in the ovaries. If there is a family history of ovarian cancer, screening should begin earlier.



Regarding the causes of ovarian cancer, a specific one is currently unknown, but there are a number of factors that reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer. These include pregnancy and the use of birth control pills.



More well-known, but rare, are hereditary syndromes that predispose to ovarian cancer due to mutations in some specific genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, linked to breast and ovarian cancer and other tumours (prostate, pancreas, melanoma).



More recently, other genes are also linked to ovarian cancer such as PTEN (PTEN tumour hamartoma syndrome), STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome), MUTYH (MUTYH-associated polyposis), and many genes that can cause hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MLH3, MSH2, MSH6, TGFBR2, PMS1, and PMS2).



Treatments for Ovarian Cancer



The professional Díaz, from Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante, says that ovarian cancer surgery differs in the early and advanced stages, but in all cases the objective is the same: to leave the patient without tumour remains.



In early stages I and II, minimally invasive surgery plays a fundamental role.



Minimally invasive surgery allows surgical procedures to be performed through minimal incisions in the skin, avoiding the opening of the abdomen. This is why post-surgical recovery is faster, less painful and associated with a lower risk of infection, allowing patients earlier mobility, incorporating into family, social and work life in a much shorter time than in the case of patients operated on by laparotomy.



Therefore, recovery after ovarian cancer surgery can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the extent of the surgery, the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health. If the surgical approach is minimally invasive, recovery is much faster and less painful.



For advanced stages, in which treatment of the genital tract is required, but also digestive, urinary or peritoneal, the recommended route is the open route, sometimes intraperitoneal chemotherapy with hyperthermia may be added (HIPEC).



In these cases, the exposure of the abdomen is maximum so that both the upper and lower abdomen can be addressed and thus completely eliminate all visible tumour disease. Here, there is a higher incidence of post-surgical pain, surgical wound infections, bleeding, and limitation of early mobility. In the first case, the hospital stay is usually 2 days on average, while in the second it is approximately 7 days.



Finally, the professional maintains that: When ovarian cancer is suspected or diagnosed, patients should be referred to centres with experience and capacity. To have multidisciplinary teams and the appropriate technology, because the surgical treatment of ovarian cancer has only one surgical opportunity and the survival of our patients depends on it, which in the advanced stages can range from 72 months to 30 months, depending on the type of surgery we are able to perform.



You can request more information at Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital about this disease or any other pathology.

### Proposal to Bridge the Digital Divide in Torrevieja

Sueña Torrevieja proposes a motion to carry out courses on the management of the electronic office and reduce the digital gap in Torrevieja.



Pablo Samper assures that what this proposal seeks is to promote courses on the management of the electronic office among older residents, with less computer knowledge or who have reduced mobility and to make it easier for them to carry out different procedures.



Samper also proposes to the council that explanatory tutorial videos be created, in Spanish and several languages with the necessary instructions and the steps to follow in a procedure from start to finish.



Torrevieja is growing again, it is undergoing a transformation and modernisation, they say, and this is demonstrated by the latest census data with more than 100,000 registered inhabitants, but at the same time as the population increases, the digital divide also increases.



In Torrevieja, the age range between 60 and 100 years old is almost 29,000 inhabitants, 29% of the population, and this can generate problems due to the impact of information and communication technologies on access, processing, and in the use of the same by neighbours due to age.



Another example, the different nationalities, 49,944 inhabitants, 49.74% of the population, are of international origin from 122 countries that can generate the same problems due to the language.



They would also mainly take into account people with low knowledge of computer resources and with reduced mobility who find it more difficult to approach the organisations to carry out in-person procedures.



Sueña Torrevieja proposes to the Torrevieja council to make residents aware of the instrument of the electronic headquarters to be able to make requests and queries, in addition to informing about the type of requests that they can manage by this means in the different categories.



The main objective would be to teach citizens how to use the platform, from the beginning of searching for the procedure, instructions for the procedure, how to download, fill out the forms and how to attach the requested documentation and also how to track a file already presented and by what means they will receive the resolution.



Plus, inform about the meaning of the electronic signature instrument and digital certificate, how to request it, how to install it and how to use it. Something which the Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has herself, singlehandedly been trying to achieve.



The way to do this would be by teaching face-to-face courses with practical examples of the most requested procedures such as registration, certificate of responsible declaration of second occupancy, construction licences, opening licences, direct debit of taxes, etc. or through “Online” instruction videos with some procedures carried out from start to finish.



This initiative will bring the platform closer to users, decongest physical assistance to agencies and speed up the tasks of officials by receiving correctly submitted applications, concludes Samper.

### La Mata Sports Pavilion to be Completed This Year

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, accompanied by the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, the construction director of ORTHEM, Ramón Guijalba, and residents of the area, visited the works of the municipal sports pavilion of La Mata, located just off the N-332.



During his visit, the mayor announced that the works are at a very good pace, so it is expected that before the end of this year, 2024, this sports infrastructure will be completed, and the established deadline will be brought forward, which It is 18 months of execution.



The construction director, Ramón Guijalba, has reported that the La Mata pavilion, which has an execution budget of nearly 6 million euro, is going to change the format of its main façade to a more attractive one that will allow it to protect the building from the entry of sunlight.



Among the novelties that the pavilion will have, its ground floor may have a gym of more than 100 m2, in addition to two multipurpose rooms of 95 m2 each, which could be unified, and that will allow hosting meetings and social and cultural activities, which will meet the growing demand in this Torrevieja district, as well as the changing rooms for teams and refereeing, toilets, outdoor lobby, cafeteria, access control and cloakroom.



Likewise, various facilities will be located in the basement that has been built in the pavilion and will also serve as a warehouse, so the ground floor can have more services for its users.



The La Mata pavilion will have a 44 x 23 metre sports court, enabled for the practice of sports such as indoor soccer, volleyball, handball, basketball or badminton, in accordance with the specific regulations of the Higher Sports Council (CSD). In addition, the building allows a transversal layout to combine several simultaneous events and will have capacity for 400 people with a seating area of ​​almost 200 seats.

### March is Theatre Month in Torrevieja

March has already begun and in Torrevieja the month is being recognised as Theatre Month, with two very important dates, the first on March 20, World Children's Theatre Day and the second on March 27, World Theatre Day.



As part of the celebrations leading up to those key dates, the month begins with "IV Theatre for everyone", where at least once a month children and adults can enjoy shows loaded with messages and values ​​such as: environmentalism, friendship, respect, love, art, culture and fun.



This coming Sunday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m., at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, a magnificent circus show, Circo Alas, will be performed. The recommended ages are 5/6 years and older and the price of tickets is €5.



Petite and Susane arrive at an old circus and discover a ring eager to feel the magic of the circus again. In a hurry and without knowing how to do anything in particular, they decide to start the show and become artists. The artists of Circo Alas intend to put on the best performance of your life! A story where no dreamer is small and no dream is too big.



Finally, it is worth remembering that the girls and boys of the paediatric ward of the Torrevieja Hospital will be able to watch the shows streamed thanks to the effort and support of Televisión Torrevieja (TVT), Torrevieja University Hospital, Department of Health and the Municipal Institute of Culture “Joaquín Chapaprieta Torregrosa”.

### Regional Police Get New Vehicles Local Police New People

The Valencia regional police have taken delivery of a new fleet of vehicles to replace their existing pool. The cars were shown off at the City of Arts and Science in Valencia.



The regional police vehicles are identifiable by their lighter blue colourings.





















Meanwhile, the human resources of policing in the Alicante province has been given a boost this week, as the Valencian Institute of Public Security and Emergencies (IVASPE) has started this a new basic level course for local police in Elche, which will enable 231 agents to carry out their work once they are stationed around the province.



During the inauguration, the regional secretary of Security and Emergencies, Javier Montero, addressed the new agents to inform them that “this training is designed to prepare them as proximity agents, those who are destined to be the first contact with the population, meeting the needs of a society that has evolved and presents new challenges.”



The agents who pass the training will be integrated into 48 municipalities in the province of Alicante, reinforcing police staff, a demand from the municipalities that has been attended to by the Department of Justice and Interior.



Sixteen of the new police officers will be based in Torrevieja.



The training itinerary of this course consists of 700 hours of training to which eight weeks of internships are added. The agents are trained in disciplines such as police tactics, law, criminology, personal defence, and drug detection, areas that respond to the new challenges that are being presented in society, such as crimes associated with new technologies or illegal immigration.



Upon completing the course, the new agents will be trained for the daily operations of the local police of any municipality. In addition, the course mobilises more than a hundred teachers and instructors, prestigious professionals in their various areas of specialisation.



In this regard, Javier Montero highlighted that “in this new stage at IVASPE we have put our efforts into improving the academy. So that it can once again be a training reference, a source of pride and a place of excellence.”

### Torrevieja Flamingos Seen in Zenia Boulevard

The Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre on the Orihuela Costa, managed by Nhood and owned by Ceetrus and CBRE Investment Management, continues to advance in the renovation of its facilities, and in doing so, paying tribute to the local environment.



In the latest phase of the development, the Pink Lagoon of Torrevieja and the flamingos that live there have served as inspiration for the remodelling of the leisure areas. A large flamingo will delight the little ones so they can have fun, in an area where symbols of the aquatic environment also reside.



The Lappset company, dedicated to the implementation of recreational game areas and urban furniture, has been responsible for recreating this spectacular 6.5 metre high pink bird figure located on the upper floor of the shopping centre and which will undoubtedly arouse the interest of all visitors.



Likewise, the Pink Lagoon of Torrevieja has served as inspiration for the “salineros” toilets in the Plaza Mayor, highlighting its special characteristic colour (white and pink). Likewise, the Plaza de la Lonja will have a rest area and playground set in the area's citrus trees, which has been developed by the Cabana company.



In the Plaza Mayor there will be an allusion to the sea, as mentioned, with a giant jellyfish with three slides that will connect with an interactive fountain that is being improved and that has always been highly valued by visitors to the shopping centre. The Galopín company has been in charge of creating this play area in the Plaza Mayor.



In the words of Cristina Ros, director of the shopping centre, “Zenia Boulevard is being the protagonist of a spectacular change that will not leave anyone indifferent. With the remodelling that we are carrying out in all areas of the shopping centre, reflecting the identity of Orihuela, its area of ​​influence and its people, we hope that all people who come to Zenia Boulevard enjoy a unique experience. “We are very satisfied with the progress of the project and we hope that the leisure areas will be operational by Easter.”

### IMPORTANT ROAD CLOSURE IN TORREVIEJA

A road closure notice has been issued for the road named Jose Carreras in Torrevieja, which you are more likely to know as the road behind Jardin Del Mar that goes from the CV-905 at the Hiperber roundabout towards the auditorium and schools.



This is a very busy road for traffic, including buses, to the schools, the adult college, Sports City, and market.



The closure will mean diversions and significant disruption to traffic, so allow extra time for your journey.



The road closure notice is active from 4 March to 2 June, so 3 months, and is in connection with the Lagoons Village development. Access to their sales office will be maintained from the auditorium end of the road.



Please, as we say, allow extra time for your journey and spread the word as it will likely be chaotic initially.




https://youtu.be/8MBC20op7h0?si=R0WtZRLUvgfaWSf_





Jose Carreras behind Jardin del Mar



The Hiperber roundabout on the CV-905, Jose Carreras going off to the right



Jose Carreras, the CV-905 to the left









https://youtu.be/OAwMkBaCY3s





Sign warns of the closure



Overview of the roundabout at the school end



Barriers ready



View towards the N-332 bridge



Sneaky look



One of the schools



Barrier ready



Prepared for closure

### Do You Know Thomas Anthony Gill, also known as Tony?

Thomas Anthony Gill, also known as Tony Gill, passed away earlier this year and is believed to have been a resident of Torrevieja, perhaps in the La Siesta area.



Tony, who was 84 years old, was formerly of Kenilworth Road, Coventry, was married to Chris, now deceased.



Members of his family outside of Spain are trying to ascertain details of Tony, and respective funeral or repatriation arrangements.



If you know any information regarding Thomas Anthony Gill, also known as Tony Gill, can you please contact us at info@thisistorrevieja.com so we can forward information to his family.



Thank you.

### Welcome to Torrevieja

This week, we caught up once again with Torrevieja´s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, who was holding one of the drop-in sessions in the La Siesta urbanisation.



Gitte and her team hold regular sessions in the outlying urbanisations like La Siesta, and La Mata, and also in the town hall itself. That said, they much prefer it if you book an appointment or make contact, as they are also more than happy to visit you, which often helps them understand the situation better, as was the case where Gitte herself was set to visit a resident that afternoon so they could explain, in detail, the problems they are experiencing.



The La Siesta, El Chapparal office is inside the building that looks like a Local Police station, which it is, and is also shared, through a generous donation from the town hall, with Age Concern.



One of the functions that can be carried out at the office, incidentally, is the application for a Vado, a licence which prohibits vehicles from parking in front of your driveway, or building (including your own vehicle incidentally), to allow egress and access to your property by a vehicle. This prohibition can only be done with the official vado and is assessed on an individual basis. Again though, the police officers who work from the La Siesta office are happy to advise you.



In terms of the International Residents Department, run by Gitte, they are on hand to assist you in many different languages, and can guide you through a whole range of administrative processes, often believed daunting, especially to foreigners, such as registration and deregistration on the padrón, residencia, obtaining medical cover and a SIP card, digital signatures, and your right to vote, amongst others. They also have a handy leaflet, entitled Welcome to Torrevieja, which you can take away to read that gives brief details of each of those functions, and, importantly, what you need for each.



Anyone living or hoping to live in Torrevieja is welcome to contact the department, which you can do by email to eu@torrevieja.es, you can also telephone them on 600 34 14 31, or 965 71 02 50, and you can book an appointment via the torrevieja.es website, looking for Cita Previa, and Residentes Internacionales, where you can choose the location as well as time.



Finally, if you are on Facebook, you can follow both the International Residents Department, and Gitte direct, on these pages:



https://www.facebook.com/TorreviejaResidentesInternacionales



https://www.facebook.com/gittelt

### Iconic Torrevieja Ice Factory Left to Ruin

After taking aim at the local government for the lack of maintenance at the historic Eras de la Sal site in Torrevieja, lay derelict and abandoned, despite the fact the area was promoted in the FITUR tourism fair as part of the Habaneras polyphonic competition, and the subsequent site of a fire, for which the condition may well have played a part, the POSE in Torrevieja are now highlighting the neglect of another historical building, purchased with public money by the town hall, and now left in a deteriorating state, the former iconic ice factory building.



According to the PSOE in Torrevieja, led by their representative, Barbara Soler, “The PP is not at all interested in preserving our scarce heritage. The ice factory is an industrial-style building with more than a century of history. The final report of the archaeological study indicates that the state of conservation of the floors and roof of the building is very poor and both in the rooms and in the lantern, the reference space of the building on its upper floor, there are collapses of roof materials throughout the floor surface. The Torrevieja City Council acquired the property at the end of 2021 for almost one million euro”.



Meanwhile, the building protected in the General Plan of Torrevieja as an element of architectural interest urban development was deteriorating without the City Council acting to avoid it. And they still don't. "The PSOE warns that two years have passed since the reports were made and that, as has happened with the Eras de la Sal, "no measure" have been adopted for the conservation of the ice factory (...) For the PSOE, when the time comes to begin rehabilitation, "it will be bad and late and everything will have been definitively ruined."



This is not a new phenomenon however, a previously “protected” cinema in the town was simply demolished to make way for a new building, which itself had a chequered development of illegality and failure of building and safety regulations, the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.  



Of course, then, "as they did with Pascual Flores or intend to do with the old building of the Carmelite Sisters (the Nuns), a new building will be built in imitation of the existing one. "In the PP they still don't know that original and copy are not the same."

### Torrevieja La Hoya Urbanisation Development to be Awash with Roundabouts

Torrevieja Council has put on public display the expropriation project for the land affected by the access roundabout to the S-20 "La Hoya" sector of the town, where the new Lagoons Village residential area is being built, where roundabouts will be aplenty, including a new major roundabout on the CV-905 between the Hiperber supermarket and La Siesta.



The urbanisation project includes the connection of the sector with the CV-905, through two circular access roundabouts, one of which, called "Noroeste", is the one that motivates the expropriation project presented this week, limited to the lands external to the so-called Sector S. -20, which are no longer included in the public domain of the aforementioned road, on which said access roundabout is superimposed.



In order to build this roundabout, the expropriation of a plot with an area of ​​377.31 m2 is proposed. This is land owned by the commercial companies Salinas del Mar and Promar Vega, SL, according to the project that has been put on public display.



The price to pay for these lands reaches 30,400 euro. The project indicates that the fair price of the property is 28,953.16 euro, to which is added 5% as a condition premium, 1,447.66 euro, up to 30,400.82 euro in total.



The S-20 La Hoya sector is one of the largest urban projects, in terms of extension, that Torrevieja has underway. This is 1.8 million square metres, most of which will be developed by the Torrevieja group TM.



Regarding the number of homes planned, although it will depend on their size, the construction of more than 7,000 is estimated. Among the changes included in the modification of the sector is the reorganization of the teaching equipment plots. In response to the requirement of the Council and the Department of Education, the plot for the school centre, measuring 12,866 m2, initially located east of the N-332, would move to a more central location within the sector. The construction of a secondary education centre with capacity for 511 students and an investment of 6.5 million is contemplated.



The internal plans presented in the brochure provided by the developer also show roundabouts throughout the urbanisation, and along the road which connects the Hiperber roundabout with the same near the International Auditorium, where work is also anticipated throughout the month of March, according to the town hall’s road closure notices. The same plans indicate two roundabouts connecting the Jardin del Mar urbanisation.



Regarding the distribution of surfaces, the urban project includes a total of 583,407 m2 of buildable area for private use. Of them, 134,195 m2 would correspond to Official Protection Housing (VPO). The mayor and councillor of Urban Planning, Eduardo Dolón, points out that in this way his commitment to providing the city with this type of housing would be achieved, in addition, as highlighted by the 500 requests he has made to the Department to expand the living place. 

### Spring Events Planner for Things to Do

This week, Andalusia Day, Dia de Andalucia, is celebrated on Wednesday, 28 February. A special concert is taking place in Torrevieja.



International Flamenco Day is celebrated in Torrevieja with a concert on 2 March. You can then take a Trip to Oz, with the kids, on 15 March, assuming you survive Peter and the Wolf on 10 March. There is also the Magical world of Disney concert on 16.



For runners, on 10 March, Elche has both as 7.2k and half marathon, Crevillente on 6 April has a 6 k race, and the Dama de Guardamar half marathon, which takes the form of both a 10k and 21k variant (10.5 and 21.1 kilometres, respectively, to be pedantic), and will take place in Guardamar del Segura on 14 April 2024.



Aircraft fans can look forward to RACEFEST, Madrid, taking place on 16 March, where the Patrulla Aguila aerobatic team from San Javier will be taking part, before showcasing their skills locally in the San Javier Airshow, taking place from 3rd-5th May – Festival Aéreo San Javier – over the playas de Santiago de la Ribera, San Javier, Murcia. They are also at the DIFAS 2024, taking place in Oviedo on 1 June, and on 15th June, the 50º Aniversario del ALA 14, in Albacete, where a competition is open to design a Eurofighter livery.



If your love of the sky means watching people jumping out of planes, then there´s good news for you too, as on 19th March – Fiestas Patronales de Puerto de Mazarrón 2024, in Murcia, sees the Patrulla Acrobática de Paracaidismo del Ejército del Aire (PAPEA) parachutists perform, and on 31st March they are at the Conmemoración de “El Encuentro” de Alcantarilla, also in Murcia, before the team head overseas in April to attend the 5th FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championship, in Macau, China.



Musically, James Blunt is back in Alicante on 19 July, as is Tom Jones on 25. Other popular groups coming to Spain in the near future include AC/DC, Depeche Mode, and Simple Minds.



A Black Music Festival is taking place in Salt until 9 March, and the Jerez Festival of Flamenco and art is on in Jerez de la Frontera also until 9 March.



Down south, the Malaga Film Festival takes place from 1 to 10 March, followed by the Granada Tango Festival from 12 to 17 March.



Fallas season is about to start, culminating in the celebrations around the middle of March, not forgetting of course we have San Jose, Spanish Father’s Day, a big event in the Spanish cultural calendar. The main fallas event is around Valencia, where this year the calendar is from 25 February to 19 March.



We must also remember that Easter is earlier this year, and one of the big draws is Elche, and in particular Palm Sunday, on account of the history of the city in relation to palm trees. A huge Palm Sunday procession takes place in the city each year.



One of the most unusual festivals takes place in the town of Mula, with the Night of the Drums, or Noche de los Tambores, where drumming begins at midnight on Holy Tuesday until 4 in the afternoon on Wednesday. Similar drum festivals take place in a few other towns too, but Mula is known as one of the best.



Another unusual celebration takes place in Jerte, usually at the end of March and beginning of April, but it depends on the weather, and therefore could be earlier this year, but it is the Cherry Trees in Blossom festival, which beholds a beauty of colour and aroma that is definitely a feast for the senses.

### Wednesday is Andalusia Day – Free Concert in Torrevieja

Every year, on 28 February, the people of Andalusia in the south of Spain celebrate their special commemorative day. However, as the people, cultures and customs of that area have spread throughout much of the country, so do the celebrations.



This year, Andalusia Day falls on Wednesday and commemorates the referendum that gave rise to the autonomous process of the province.



It is almost unfathomable to think that so much of what is now considered historical change happened quite recently, as is the case here, as it was in 1980 that Andalusia became part of one of the 17 autonomous communities in the Spanish territory.



Like any autonomous community, it has its own parliament and management bodies. Founded in 1992, the Andalusian Parliament building houses the presidential office, the government council, the members of the parliament and the community councils.



The name Andalusia comes from the name that the Muslims gave to the region during their occupation, al-Andalus.



Although there are many “Spanish” cultures that originated in Andalusia, arguably one of the most popular and distinctive is flamenco, a fusion artform that brings music, dance, colour and costumes together in celebration, and so, on this special day, it might come as no surprise that flamenco plays a large part in the celebrations.



In Torrevieja, a concert will be held in the Palacio de la Musica, Día de Andalucía: Pasodobles de España, starting at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, a concert organised by the Andalusian association of Torrevieja for the celebration of Andalusia Day. This time with the Spanish pasodoble as the main theme.



There is more good news because admission to the event is free, but as there are only 235 seats available in the venue, you might be disappointed if you don´t get there early enough.



Otherwise, feel free to dress accordingly, in the traditional attire that makes the area so vibrant and colourful, take your castanets if you have them, and enjoy a little piece of the south of Spain spreading through the rest of the country.

### Nine out of ten patients with the most common tumours can be cured with an early diagnosis

Specialists at Quirónsalud point out that nine out of ten patients with the most common tumours can be cured if detected in their early stages, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancer.



Breast cancer is the most common tumour among the female population, accounting for almost 30% of all cancers diagnosed in women and also the most diagnosed tumour worldwide. For this reason, Dr. Marta Huertas, radiologist at the Diagnostic Imaging Service of the Quirónsalud Murcia Hospital, stresses the importance of performing a mammogram.



Dr. Huertas points to tomosynthesis mammography as the great evolution in this diagnostic field, since it allows a more advanced study by reducing the overlapping of structures and allowing the identification of lesions that could remain hidden. "Thanks to the tomosynthesis mammography we are able to diagnose lesions in earlier stages, reduce the performance of complementary tests or repetitions compared to conventional mammography, as well as improv the assessment of dense breasts," says the radiology specialist at Quirónsalud Murcia.



In the case of men, prostate cancer is, without a doubt, the most common tumour, which forces us to emphasise the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of this tumour to preserve health in men. As for its early diagnosis, Dr. Javier Pérez, urologist at the Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital, recommends "the performance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing from the age of fifty and, if elevated, digital rectal examination (DRE) as the most important tools to identify possible cases of prostate cancer in early stages."



Another technique in case of suspicion will be fusion biopsy, which is considered the best diagnostic test, especially in the case of areas suspected of harbouring prostate cancer cells in an MRI. "It is especially recommended in lesions that are difficult to access, when lesions are observed in the MRI and the clinical suspicion of prostate cancer persists after a negative biopsy for a tumour, and to consider surveillance of low-risk tumours or focal therapies," says the urology specialist at Quirónsalud Valencia.



If we talk about both sexes, the most prevalent type of tumour would be colon cancer,  a tumour whose incidence, says Dr. Pedro Bretcha, head of Surgical Oncology at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, has increased by 22% in the last decade.



Regarding the early detection of colon cancer, there is consensus that a study should be carried out from the age of fifty to all those people without risk factors, such as the annual faecal occult blood test, which has proven to be as effective as other diagnostic tests. "As for people at increased risk," says Dr. Bretcha, "they should enter a study program at a younger age and more frequently. In the case of people with a first-degree relative under the age of 60 with colon cancer or two first-degree relatives at any age, they should have a colonoscopy starting at age 40 or 10 years before the relative's diagnosis, and from that point on, repeat every five years."

### LGTBIQ+ Group Denounce Hatred After Torrevieja Carnival Fiasco

The TORREVIEJA DIVERSA association, representative of the LGTBIQ+ community in the town, has issued a statement expressing its firmest rejection of the attacks on social networks directed towards the group following the Carnival parade, in which, they say, “we did not even participate, nor did TORREVIEJA DIVERSA as an association, nor any other group representing the LGTBIQ+ collective”.



“These hate messages were intended to link the group with paedophilia and corruption of minors, in an argumentative ramble without any rigor, with the simple intention to misinform, harm and to criminalise LGTBIQ+ people”.



“The rainbow flag is our symbol, which represents us, but it is not our property, therefore which, with respect, everyone can use it. In fact, the LGTBI flag It has that meaning of inclusion, that all colours fit, and that everyone is welcome, no matter who we are”.



Secondly, in the statement, they wish to defend freedom of expression, artistic representation, criticism and satire, “necessary in a democracy and in a rule of law, and which must be present at the Carnival, and without which this festival would have no meaning”.



Finally, the group wants to express their support for the organisation of the Torrevieja Carnival and the Comparsa Osadía, who have received these and other attacks for the choice of a costume, framed in satire and artistic expression, and that twisted minds have wanted to see something dirty in what is nothing more than a Carnival parade.



It should perhaps be noted that Torrevieja has a history of homophobia which culminated in a n incident when a previous PP mayor, Pedro Hernandez Mateo, now a convicted criminal, made homophobic references so singer Miguel Bose, resulting in the cancellation of a concert planned in the town.



Similarly, it should be noted that the current mayor, Eduardo Dolon, who was mentored by Hernandez Mateo and would easily been seen photographed at the opening of an envelope, is notably absent in events organised by the LGTBIQ+ community (apart from the pre-election campaign), and even the town hall only last year agreed for a far-right VOX event to take place in the same location as a previously agreed outreach facility, resulting in the latter having to be cancelled for fear of the safety of those representative of the LGTBIQ+ community who would have come face to face with members of VOX, known for their condemnation and hatred of the community, so much that they even banned the representation of that all-inclusive rainbow flag in a manner derived from pure fascism.



It is therefore inevitable that the facilitating of these far-right and hate-filled policies result in such abuse, when those trying to deny freedom of expression, such as VOX, are facilitated by the likes of the PP, of which both mayors of Torrevieja mentioned are part.



VOX, meanwhile, now want to have full control of the representations made in Torrevieja Carnival and reserve the right to prevent anything they don´t agree with appearing, which, by any means, is straight from the fascist manual.

### Bárbara Soler New General Secretary of the PSOE of Torrevieja

The PSOE of Torrevieja held an extraordinary assembly on Saturday to elect the new Municipal Executive Commission and thus return normality to the group.



The voting day was characterised by a high participation compared to previous occasions, reaching 60% of those called to vote. The only candidacy presented, led by Bárbara Soler, achieved unanimity in the votes cast. The chosen candidacy was presented by Soler in the middle of this week along with the project that she proposed for the socialist group.



Representatives of the party were present at both the regional and provincial levels, as well as part of the militancy.



The regional general secretary, Joaquín Hernández, congratulated the newly elected general secretary and the rest of the executive. For his part, the national deputy, Alejandro Soler, highlighted the relevance of Torrevieja at the regional level and the importance of "achieving a result in the next municipal elections that allows us to govern by applying the future project that we socialists have for Torrevieja."



Likewise, the spokesperson for the municipal group and recently elected general secretary confirmed that "it is necessary for the socialist party to be attractive to the young people of the city" and that work will be done to establish the Socialist Youth of Torrevieja again, since "the youth with left-wing political concerns must be able to defend their interests first-hand.” Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of “having a cohesive party, open to all citizens and that provides solutions to the problems of our city in the face of the improvisation of the Partido Popular.”

### Things to do in March around Torrevieja

Now that Carnival is officially over things are a little quiet again events wise until Easter, but there are one or two interesting things to do around the area.



There’s a speedpainting workshop in Torrevieja on 27 February, at the Los Angeles bar, First Aid for Dogs (for performing on dogs, not dogs doing first aid, at Jessie’s Bar on 29.



Cinderella is in Torrevieja on Sunday 25 February, and International Flamenco Day is celebrated with a concert on 2 March. You can then take a Trip to Oz, with the kids, on 15 March, assuming you survive Peter and the Wolf on 10 March. There is also the Magical world of Disney concert on 16.



For sports fans, there are a couple of endurance events this weekend, including in the municipality of Elche, where Transilicitana will take place, a staggering 100-kilometre race, with slopes and flats, starting on Saturday with 24 hours to complete the race.



Then, on Sunday 25 February, we have the Torrevieja 21k half marathon, and a 5k race, starting at 9:30 a.m. Both of those events of course will lead to road closures, so check the traffic situation before you travel.



Looking ahead, James Blunt is back in Alicante on 19 July, as is Tom Jones on 25. Other popular groups coming to Spain in the near future include AC/DC, Depeche Mode, and Simple Minds.



A Black Music Festival is taking place in Salt until 9 March, and the Jerez Festival of Flamenco and art is on in Jerez de la Frontera also until 9 March.



Down south, the Malaga Film Festival takes place from 1 to 10 March, followed by the Granada Tango Festival from 12 to 17 March.



Fallas season is about to start, culminating in the celebrations around the middle of March, not forgetting of course we have San Jose, Spanish Father’s Day, a big event in the Spanish cultural calendar. The main fallas event is around Valencia, where this year the calendar is from 25 February to 19 March.



We must also remember that Easter is earlier this year, and one of the big draws is Elche, and in particular Palm Sunday, on account of the history of the city in relation to palm trees. A huge Palm Sunday procession takes place in the city each year.



One of the most unusual festivals takes place in the town of Mula, with the Night of the Drums, or Noche de los Tambores, where drumming begins at midnight on Holy Tuesday until 4 in the afternoon on Wednesday. Similar drum festivals take place in a few other towns too, but Mula is known as one of the best.



Another unusual celebration takes place in Jerte, usually at the end of March and beginning of April, but it depends on the weather, and therefore could be earlier this year, but it is the Cherry Trees in Blossom festival, which beholds a beauty of colour and aroma that is definitely a feast for the senses.

### Torrevieja Carnival Makes Hate-Filled Headlines

Although the recent wave of both anti-gay and anti-feminine hatred had started to die down, fuelled by the far-right VOX political group immediately after the elections last year, that bias and hatred has reared its ugly head once more, with children´s costumes in Torrevieja Carnival making the headlines amid accusations of exploitation and even paedophilia, whilst the children were simply parading through the streets spreading their childish joy.



The target of the hatred has been towards the Osadía troupe of the Torrevieja Carnival, sparking outrage by political and social ideologies related to feminism and LGTBI groups, based on the costumes the children were wearing, which could easily have been from musicals such as cabaret, or the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the videos of which sparked outrage from far-right groups, and in particular a Christian Lawyers group who immediately threatened legal action.



After the weather postponed the parade until Monday, the social networks of the Torrevieja Carnival Association were filled with accusations of paedophilia. They responded on their Instagram account, saying, “The Torrevieja Carnival Cultural Association will always support all the troupes and participants of our carnivals. And we will always defend freedom in our carnivals,” they write, along with the hashtag #hoysomososadia.



Somewhat ironically, some people even branded the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, as a “queer fanatic”, “sick paedophile” and others, without realising that even within the gay community in the town, Dolon is criticised for promising to support the local community before the elections, but having regained power, is consistently strangely absent from any of their community events.



Dolón, representing the Council, issued a statement in which he supports “the great Carnival family and the board of directors” of the carnival association. “Carnival is criticism, satire, provocation, fun,” he continues, “and taking out of context and dimensioning an event like the one being criticised is totally out of place.” “I am sure,” says the mayor, “that the intention of the fathers and mothers of these children was not, at all, to hypersexualise their children with their costumes,” but rather to pour out “a criticism of the political and social situation in Spain, nothing else". Dolón is blunt in his response: “The Torrevieja City Council does not and will not come in to censor or monitor the costumes that the troupe creates each year.” In his opinion, Osadía “has complete freedom to decide what they want to represent.”



Later, in statements to the media after Pedro Sánchez's visit to the Torrevieja desalination plant, Dolón confirmed that the Council is not going to enter into the controversy. “It would be returning to the Inquisition,” he argues. “Or are we considering that we are going to go to the chirigotas at the Falla Theatre in Cádiz to say what can be done and what cannot be done?” asks the mayor of Torrevieja, who defends his city's Carnival as “ one of the most important festivals”, attended by “many people, more than 20,000 people saw it in the streets, who were not alarmed” after seeing the proposal of the Osadía troupe. “You have to be calm,” says Dolón, for whom the opinions expressed on networks “are out of place.”



Dolón is the PP mayor of Torrevieja and it was through the agreement between the PP and VOX that much of the hatred now manifesting was facilitated, including the banning of rainbow flags, painting over of benches, and a total rejection of the LGTBI community, which still continues in the areas where it was a requirement for coalitions to govern. The town hall in Torrevieja even allowed a far-right VOX rally to take place in the same place as a previously organised LGTBI outreach event, resulting in the latter being cancelled for fear of the safety of those involved.



Pablo Samper, councillor for the Sueña Torrevieja party has also received insults, after he too defended the costumes, resulting in his Twitter account being hijacked with insults and expletives.



“Almost all of them come from anonymous bot accounts,” emphasises Samper, to whom the explosion of the networks seems like a “quite serious” matter. “Osadía is a very groundbreaking troupe that always tries to use costumes that move away from the classic, from the traditional,” he explains. He maintains that the online harassment that the organisers and participants in the parade are suffering is terrible. “We must defend the freedom, transgression, satire and sarcasm that characterise all carnivals,” he says. The Osadía costumes were not the only ones that appealed to the exhibition among the thirty troupes, with more than 2,000 participants, that paraded during the festivities.



Furthermore, he adds that "the meaning of the costume and the criticism behind it have been taken completely out of context, precisely of the parties and ideologies themselves, and they have tried to use the costumes of minors in a dastardly way to tarnish freedom and satire that represents the carnival”.



Samper assures that during the last few hours, after publishing a post in support of the Carnival and the Osadía troupe on the social network serious thing is not that they insult me, the festival councillor or the mayor of Torrevieja himself, but what we cannot tolerate is that they try to intimidate, harass, insult and threaten the entire Carnival family and especially the affected troupe”.



“We must continue to extract the positive from all the bad things,” concludes Samper, “and all these facts must serve as an impetus to continue working and improving in the next carnivals in 2025.”

### Patient Platform Denounces Massive Cuts to Torrevieja Area Health Budgets

The patient led group, Plataforma por la Sanidad 100x100 Pública y de Calidad, has denounced the funding cuts to be implemented by the new PP-led government of Valencia, which, they say, will have a direct impact on the already struggling Torrevieja hospital, as well as medical centres in the surrounding area.



Planned investments in the Torrevieja health department has fallen, according to the platform, to one tenth of what was planned. The entity has indicated that this is a drastic reduction in the 2024 budget for works in the department of Torrevieja designed by the previous regional government led by the PSOE, who were also responsible for reversing the management of Torrevieja Hospital into public hands, and the disaster which has been lived out since.



Of the 17.3 million euro planned in the previous year's budgets for 2023 and 2024, which included the expansion works of the Torrevieja hospital and the Guardamar and Orihuela-Costa Health Centres, only 1.84 million will be invested. Thus, in the Torrevieja hospital, the planned 11.1 million euro have been reduced to 1.1 and in Guardamar and the Orihuela Costa health centres the 6.3 million remain at 730,000 euro.



The platform considers these numbers a comparative grievance with those handled for the Orihuela health department, since "although it is violated, there is also a drastic reduction in the investments planned in the neighbouring department of Orihuela, of the 29.6 million euro that the regional Health Department will invest this year in the Vega Baja region 27.8 will be invested in the department of Orihuela, compared to 1.8 that will be invested in Torrevieja despite this being the most populated and aging department and with a recent reversal. That is to say, for every euro invested in Torrevieja, 16.4 will be invested in Orihuela," they point out.



The citizen group insists that the Torrevieja hospital needs more beds, more operating rooms, more spaces for outpatient consultations, for the headquarters of the different medical specialties, even for issues as trivial as storage. These shortcomings have a direct and inevitable impact on users. Cases in the clinical phase are prioritised, to the detriment of prevention. Access to the health system is perpetuated, above all, for cases that are in principle non-urgent, both in primary and specialised care or on waiting lists for surgical interventions. The increase in population with the same infrastructure produces the funnel effect through the numerous and unavoidable triages in the different phases of the patients' itinerary through the health system, which delays, blocks and slows down access and transit through the system of an important percentage of the users of the department.



The platform has registered a letter addressed to the Ministry of Health so that a sufficient item is included in the 2024 budgets to face the necessary expansion works of the Torrevieja hospital and the Department's Health Centres. At the same time, it calls on the population to mobilise against the cuts and for the constitutional right to health of all citizens. In order not to have to regret tomorrow, we must act now.

### Torrevieja Budgets Face Real Opposition

The opposition PSOE of Torrevieja this week voted against the final approval of the municipal budgets, sticking to the reasons they explained before Christmas, following the interventions of their councillor, David Villanueva, which they shared through their spokesperson, Barbera Soler.



The first point they made is that half of the financing will come from the disposal of municipal land located in the Puerto de la Sal area. Since no one buys for 22 million to plant trees, they say, what it implies is a clear commitment on the part of the council to approve new skyscrapers in an area in which towers of up to 23 heights are already planned and are still awaiting final approval.



The budgets presented are not going to mean an improvement in the lives of the people of Torrevieja. There is no investment in infrastructure or services for the residents of the town, who no longer fit on the beaches, who receive a terrible solid waste collection service, a forgotten industrial estate, a worrying lack of parking, or a Torrevieja Hospital that no longer has capacity to serve all citizens of their coverage area today.



In this regard, the PSOE spokesperson took the opportunity to point out that the recently appointed head of the regional government, Carlos Mazón, has almost completely eliminated the expansion of the hospital while, curiously, private Ribera clinics are opening in the area, run by the company who once raised the public hospital to flagship status.



In short, the investments are not guaranteed, since there is talk of obtaining 22 million on account of an urban plan that is missing a good section and of a disposal file that has not even begun to be processed, and, furthermore, they are going to be at the cost of great damage to the quality of life of Torrevieja residents.



Fortunately, the local socialist group points out, the national government led by the socialist Pedro Sánchez has approved that local entities will receive the record figure of 28,5 billion euro from the financing system in 2024. According to the intervention calculation that appears in the budgets themselves, about 23 million, a little more than the zero euro that the Treasury councillor in Torrevieja calculated that we were going to receive from the State.



They conclude by describing the budget with much less social spending and investments in the air, as a real toast to the sun.



The Sueña Torrevieja group had also previously criticised the budget proposal as the financing relied on the sale of land and loans, neither of which were guaranteed.

### Torrevieja Cleaning Staff Call for Easter Strike due to Labour Abuses

The problems with Torrevieja´s disastrous multimillion euro waste disposal contract have gone beyond the poor and failing contractual obligations that have resulted in dirty streets and lack of collections, and have also caused considerable problems with the workers trying to fulfil their roles, resulting in the workers once again registering a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate and a call for strike action at Easter.



The representatives of workers union, the UGT, have detailed the information relating to the complaint filed with the Labour Inspectorate in Alicante.



Given the increase in absences of staff due to depression and anxiety at work, with almost 20% of the workforce, they explain that they are “obliged to report again to the labour inspectorate the unfavourable results for the company in more than 80%”. They continue to detail how from the “Psychosocial Risk Assessment (possible harassment at work) carried out on 12/22/2023, it is clear that, after the results of the tests completed by all workers, there is no doubt that more than 80% feel with overload in their workplace, now it is up to the labour inspection to manage and evaluate the results, which was the one that forced the company to carry out this Psychosocial Risk Assessment, waiting for the pertinent and sanctioning measures to be taken against the company in order to put an end to it. With this scourge that we have been suffering since the new management of Acciona became part of the Torrevieja contract, we must also say that the (official harassment protocol is conspicuous by its absence)”.



After four meetings of the works committee in the town hall with the mayor Eduardo Dolon and the cleaning councillor María José Ruiz, exposing these health problems and the possible workplace harassment of many workers and the neglect of cleaning in the town of Torrevieja due to lack of staff, we have not had any response, although they promised to solve it two years ago, so for our part we broke the contract with the mayor by not fulfilling it, which he committed to and signed with the workers.



The list of complaints is almost endless, and includes:



As of today, the Torrevieja workforce is at a minimum (more than 50 workers are missing).



More than 200 sanctions filed by the company in 2 years to try to intimidate and pressure the workers, the fact is that they have not won a single sanction in the courts.



Work overload in the manual sweeping sector 2 sectors (complaints made by workers to the works council), with possible pressure from middle managers forcing them to do double their work due to lack of personnel. Discontinuous permanent workers are not hired, resulting in the lack of personnel.



Minimum services do not operate on Sundays and holidays due to lack of staff.



Leaves due to IT and work accidents are not being covered, 20% of leaves are due to depression and anxiety at work (Psychosocial Risks).



We are still in unhealthy barracks, although the mayor and the councillor promised us with very nice photos and projects in May 2023 at a casino meeting that the new work centre would be finished in September 2023.



We are still working with vehicles that are more than 20 years old, although the contract has been awarded for almost 2 years.



The cleaning of lots is being a disaster without direction or order without total completions, leaving dirt, from jump to jump.



Illegal implementation of surveillance cameras in side-loading vehicles in order to punish workers.



Overload of work Goods Service according to the agreement, 2 workers should be used, a Driver and a Labourer, due to lack of personnel in the Night Goods service only one worker goes with the risk that entails.



Workers who do a higher category such as driving vehicles as labourers are not being paid the difference in salary.



For all the above:



In the situation that we find ourselves in for two years without solutions and in a meeting held with our members and workers at the UGT, it was unanimously decided to propose to all the workers and unions of the works committee to carry out a seven-day strike during Holy Week and also several gatherings at the door of the town hall, for our part it is impossible to continue working with these pressures, work overloads and, most seriously, the harassment that we are subjected to every day due to the lack of personnel in the template.

### Aviators Start Your Engines – San Javier Airshow Confirmed

The Festival Aéreo San Javier, or San Javier Air Show if you prefer, has been confirmed for the dates of 3 to 5 of May 2024, in the sky above the playas de Santiago de la Ribera. As always San Javier airfield will be the base of operations and flights, but viewing locations can be found all around the Mar Menor.



More details regarding the specific show and static exhibition will be released nearer the time, but for those with an interest in aviation, there are other air shows and events taking place around both Spain and the rest of Europe which also might tempt you, and whereas this might not be the exhaustive list, but rather our pick of some of the favourites, they are certainly worth considering, and so, without further ado, chocks away…



Motril Air Show



Festival Aéreo Internacional de Motril, on June 9, 2024. Experience an unforgettable aerial display with fighter jets, aerobatics, helicopters, and skydivers in the beautiful coastal city of Motril, in Granada.



Festival Aereo Internacional Torre del Mar



The Torre del Mar Air Show is one of the most popular in Spain, and takes place this year on 6 to 8 September 2024. Torre del Mar, again, is on the south coast of Spain, in Malaga.



Important Air Shows Across Europe



Outside of Spain, other key air shows of interest could include Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany in 17 to 20 April, AirExpo 2024 in Aérodrome de Muret-Lherm, which is in the air-famous Toulouse region of France and takes place on 11 May, staying in France, from 6 to 8 June the France Air Expo - Salon de l'Aviation Générale Lyon takes place, the Bucharest International Air Show (BIAS) is on 30 and 31 August 2024, Athens Flying Week 2024 - Tanagra Air Show on 14 and 15 September, and on 21 and 22 September, NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days are centred around Ostrava Leoš Janáček Airport, Ostrava, Czech Republic.



Air Shows in the UK 2024



Duxford Flying Days: VE Day kicks of the year on 5 May 2024, and will be followed at Duxford by Duxford Summer Air Show D-Day 80 on 1 and 2 June, Duxford Flying Evening on 17 August, Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show on 14 and 15 September, culminating with the Duxford Flying Finale on 5 October 2024.



Shuttleworth Best of British Air Show is on 12 May, and the Shuttleworth Military Air Show on 2 June 2024, the Midlands Air Festival is on from 31 May to 2 June, RAF Cosford Air Show on 9 June, Guernsey Air Display on 13 June, the Battle of Britain Air Show at Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent, takes place on 5 to 7 July 2024, and the Southport Air Show on 13 and 14 July, and staying at the seaside, Blackpool Air Show 2024 is on the 10 and 11 of August.



One of the biggest air shows in the UK is arguably the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), which will take place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on 19 to 21 July. Adding to the Spanish connection, the Patrulla Águila have already confirmed that they will fly over from San Javier to display at RIAT.



Also a contender for the most popular air show in the UK, the Farnborough International Airshow will take place from 22 to 26 July 2024.



Further Afield



Singapore Airshow 2024 is on the 20 to 25 February 2024, Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024 in New Zealand on 29 to 31 March, FIDAE 2024 in Chile on 9 to 14 April, Central Coast Airshow in Australia on 25 and 16 May, and Airshow China 2024 on 12 to 17 November.

### Torrevieja’s Eras de la Sal left Abandoned

Having requested access to the historic Eras de la Sal in Torrevieja to assess the progress of the development, socialist councillor Margarita de Francisco has visited the site and has taken images of its shocking current state.



Bárbara Soler, head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, assures that it is a paradox that this Friday the presentation at FITUR of the 70th Habaneras and Polyphony Contest in Torrevieja will take place and, meanwhile, the PP government team has allowed the Eras de la Sal, which are the quintessential enclave of the contest, reach such a regrettable state.



De Francisco points out that a little over a week ago the second revised and expanded edition of “Las Eras de la Sal. Origin of a city” was presented at the Casino Cultural Society of Torrevieja, a book edited by the Municipal Institute of Culture, Joaquín Chapaprieta. At this event, attended by several socialist councillors, the general director of Heritage of the Department of Culture and Sports, Pilar Tébar, highlighted that this publication is “testimony of the most important architectural work in the history of Torrevieja” and the councillr praised the work of all those who have made this work possible to understand the idiosyncrasy of our city.



“Well, almost two years have passed since the archaeological excavation work in the Eras de la Sal was completed and while the remodelling works of said space are getting underway (or not), its state of abandonment and its nullity are inexplicable. maintenance” says the councillor. “They cannot go to the book launch just to take a photo knowing that their actions – or inaction – have led to the deplorable state in which they allow this emblematic place to be found.”



The socialist municipal group assures that the images, shared on their social networks, are very hard for any Torrevieja resident. The lack of adequate protection has facilitated the total degradation of historic elements. Today it is a space taken over by invasive plants and graffiti, exposed to the risk of fires and without any means of protecting the excavations or the remains found, which only constitute a nuisance for what the council has planned in this space.



Soler points out that “the million-euro rehabilitation project of the area where the Eras de la Sal are located collides head-on with reality, which shows the lack of real interest in preserving the little of us that we truly have left, as has already been happening with other spaces that were part of the identity of the city of Torrevieja and of which nothing remains today.”

### Torrevieja Celebrating Women in Photography Contest

The Department of Equality in Torrevieja has launched a photography contest “The legacy of our women”, whose objective is to promote equality between women and men, highlight the role of women, their struggle and progress made in the achievement of rights, for the benefit of an egalitarian society, promoting the social participation of citizens.



The presentation of works has already begun and will end on February 20, 2024.



The theme of the contest is the image of women in the 21st century, achievements, social advances, elimination of stereotypes, egalitarian attitudes between women and men, values ​​contributed by women to social advancement.



Anybody over 16 years of age can participate, regardless of their place of residence, but the images must be original, previously unpublished, and only a single image can be submitted, in digital format, to the email address, serviciossociales.clopez@torrevieja.eu. You must also include your personal details with the submission email, including name and surname, telephone number, e-mail, ID, date of birth, and the title of the photograph.



There are other ways in which you can submit your entry, which you can find on the official town hall website, Torrevieja.es.



Three photographs will be selected. The winning works will be presented on March 8 at the Women's Gala, at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. The participants who are awarded must be present at the awards ceremony, or delegate to a third person.

### Important Information for This Weekend 20 January 2024

Ladies and gentlemen, beloved followers, friends, and forgivers (hopefully)…



You know that thing after a time like Christmas when you don’t know what day it is???



Well, that is the reason our esteemed and “professional” editor is giving to a monumental error…



TORREVIEJA CARNIVAL STARTS NEXT WEEKEND, not this, as we have been saying on blog posts, articles, social media, podcasts, videos!!! (What a Muppet!)



The good news is that you have the information well in advance, but anything we have told you about the carnival, delay until next week!



Pet blessings, pig eating, horse shows, all of that is still this weekend, just not the carnival bit, so PLEASE don’t dress you pet up in a fancy costume and go to La Mata on Sunday or they might feel disappointed and a bit silly if they are the only one! It’s NEXT WEEK.



Carry on!

### We Apologise But The New Torrevieja Bus Service Will be Subject to Further Delay

With much of the service still operating with antiquated, polluting and less safe vehicles then their modern-day equivalents, Sueña Torrevieja has warned that “the mistakes of the Torrevieja government team delay the tender for the new urban transport service for another year”.



In a statement, the group explains how the Governing Board of 12 January 2024 accepted Sueña Torrevieja's allegation to the cost structure of urban transport due to the errors of law committed by the local government board as a whole and the mayor himself.



According to Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, the chronology of events is as follows:



March 10, 2023, the Governing Board initially approved the cost structure and on August 25, 2023, 4 and a half months after the presentation of the allegations by another political formation, the government team recognises that the procedure for publishing the cost structure on the Municipal Website was omitted by mistake.



That fact means that this argument must be upheld, its publication ordered and a further period of 20 working days must be granted.



However, according to Pablo Samper, "the Governing Board of November 24, 2023, takes 3 more months to agree that it is published for a month, which is five days less than the legally established deadline in RD 55/2015 of February 3, producing a second error of law in the processing."



The mayor of Torrevieja himself, by edict dated November 28, 2023, takes 4 more days to ratify the erroneous one-month public exhibition period, producing a third error of law in the processing.



On December 5, 2023, the cost structure for the purposes of allegations is published again in the BOP for a period of one month, taking according to Samper "11 days to publish this new edict in the BOP, producing a fourth error of law in the processing".



The one-month period for allegations from publication in the BOP ended on January 5, 2024, while the period of 20 working days has ended on January 9, 2024, resulting in a violation of the fundamental rights of councillors and all citizens, by establishing a period of allegations five days shorter than the legally established.



Samper concludes by stating that finally "the Governing Board of January 12, 2024 has accepted the allegation of Sueña Torrevieja for the errors of law committed by the Board as a whole and the mayor himself”.



Therefore, the errors and negligence of the government team and the mayor himself have delayed the tender for the new urban transport service for another year and it has been 4 years and eight months for the time being, and this does not end here since, I suppose that the JGL agreement of January 12, 2023 will have agreed to a new publication for 20 more working days".



Typical of the vehicles in service, but in no way the oldest, the bus far left was registered in April 2007, the one next to it, the blue bus, was registered in March 2006, and has previously been in service in Orihuela, before joining the Torrevieja fleet.

### Children in Small Boats to Swarm Torrevieja

With 426 registered mini sailors representing more than 20 countries, forming part of the Optimist Excellence Cup, Torrevieja will be the centre of attention for sailing enthusiasts this week, as the Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja 2024 takes place between January 24 and 28, Wednesday to Sunday.



The presentation of the regatta was suitably held at the Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja (RCN), and once again has the support of Torrevieja council, with the presence of the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box.



Carlos Torrado, president of the Valencian Community Sailing Federation, highlighted the importance of the event: “It is important for the Valencian Community, and specifically for Torrevieja, that the RCN Torrevieja continues to maintain this regatta at a global level, since it not only attracts the best in the world, but all the clubs in our Community benefit from competing with the best in the world, so from the Federation we will continue to offer full support”.



Concha Esquiva, vice president, referred to one of the highlights of the regatta, the Welcome Party, within the framework of the program of social events. In this sense, the vice president wanted to highlight that "every year, when we receive all these athletes, we celebrate this party promoted by Euromarina", concluding that "for everyone, not only sailors and coaches but for everyone in general, it is a day of coexistence and fun, which ends with the flag festival. To which is added that every day we sweeten the competition with the fruit of the Valencian Community, the orange that we make available to them."



For his part, the president of the RCN German Soler has highlighted that: “This children's sailing event is one of the most important in Spain and I would say in Europe. We have been preparing with the expansion of the facilities, in this edition we have a platform with two ramps that complete the 1,100 m2 of platform, to give lightness and comfort to the sailors. We also keep in mind that 426 children from more than 20 countries will attend along with their coaches and parents, so the Club continues to invest in grassroots sport, our backbone”.

### Things to Do in Torrevieja This Weekend - 19 January 2024

Also in La Mata on Sunday, the pet blessings take place as part of the San Anton de Abad religious festivities, blessings stating at 10:15, so Sunday in La Mata is definitely a day for the pets.



On the subject of San Anton, if you venture a little way north to Alicante, a horse show is taking place in the bull ring on Sunday, starting at 10:30 and then the horses will be blessed at noon, but if you’re into horses, that is certainly something to consider doing.



Back in Torrevieja, on Sunday, the XXIV Torrevieja Sports Gala will be held at the International Auditorium, at 6:00 p.m. In the event that should have taken place at the end of last year, but was postponed, a total of 15 categories will reward athletes, entities and recognise the work and involvement in sport of different people from the great Torrevieja sports family. In total, there have been 167 athletes nominated in this edition and 4 honourable mentions and 5 special mentions will be awarded.



The Pascual Flores pilot boat is open for visitors in Torrevieja on Wednesdays through to Sundays until 29 January.



In the Casa de Cultura in Guardamar del Segura a collective exhibition of the works of young creators in different fields of plastic arts, photography, fashion design, and drawing ends on Saturday. A second collection, featuring “new perspectives” is also on in the same venue until February 4.



On Sunday in Guardamar, a beach cleaning event has been organised, with volunteers asked to congregate near the Alannia camp site before 10:30.



Slightly further north, Santa Pola will see their half marathon taking place on Sunday morning, with up to 6,000 runners taking to the streets of the town, 91 runners are from the UK.

### Torrevieja Tourism Plan Announced

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced that Torrevieja will once again be presented at the Madrid International Tourism Fair (FITUR), from Wednesday, January 24 to Sunday, January 28, at the Costa Blanca stand and in the Central Tourism Plaza of the Valencian Community.



This year, 2024, Torrevieja will focus attention on its natural landscapes and nature, gastronomy, culture, sport and first-class sports facilities and its events.



At the opening of the Madrid Tourism Fair, on Wednesday, January 24, Costa Blanca Day, the tourism promotion of sport and the environment will be the protagonists of the actions that will be carried out that day at FITUR. The new Tourism Torrevieja advert will be presented, which reflects the benefits and richness of the land, in a video that shows a modern Torrevieja that lives its consolidated cultural and festive events with intensity.



In addition, new ecotourism routes will be presented in the Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata Natural Park, and a new environmental guided route will be created to explore that great municipal natural area that is the Molino del Agua Park, very unknown to many tourists and Torrevieja residents.



Also on Wednesday, the stage of the central square of the Valencian Community at FITUR will be the place chosen to present the Women's Handball Pre-Olympic that has been awarded to Spain, and that Torrevieja will host. A pre-Olympic event that will be held at the Torrevieja Sports Palace “Tavi y Carmona”, from April 11 to 14, and will be played by large world-class teams such as the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Argentina. Only two of these four teams will qualify for the Paris Olympic Games.



The Department's sports calendar for this year 2024 will also be presented that same day, highlighting events such as the Torrevieja Half Marathon, the Spanish Taekwondo Championship or the Spanish Pump Track Championship, as well as numerous national and international championships centred around nautical sports.



On Thursday, January 25, at FITUR will be the day of the Valencian Community, where Torrevieja gastronomy will be the protagonist. On this occasion, the gastronomic calendar of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca will be presented, and the chef of the Las Cañas Restaurant, Mónica Andreu Pina, will prepare a showcooking to taste a typical and traditional rice with lobster.



Friday, January 26, will be the big day of Torrevieja Culture. The central square of the Generalitat Valenciana in FITUR will host the presentation of the 70th anniversary of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest, declared of International Tourist Interest and a medal of Cultural Merit of the Generalitat Valenciana and which will bring together the best choirs in the world in the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja from July 21 to 27.



In the afternoon, to commemorate and celebrate this anniversary, in the heart of Madrid, still to be confirmed, an event will be held in which the Madrid Youth Choir will perform, directed by Juan Pablo de Juan, one of the youth choirs of reference in Spain and with greater European projection, as well as the Symphony Choir of the Municipal Choral School of Torrevieja. A Torrevieja group fully consolidated within the choral world, which has won important awards in national and international competitions such as, for example, Cantonigrós (Barcelona), Cocentaina, Alicante, Villena and Ejea de los Caballeros (Zaragoza), among others.



Finally, on Saturday, January 27, outside the IFEMA venue, Turismo Torrevieja has prepared a special event in Madrid's Retiro Park, where we will present the most outstanding musical events of this year 2024, among which include the RBF, the Brilla Torrevieja, as well as such notable events as the TORREVIEJA WEEKEND and the Professional Video Game League.



Staff from the tourism department will also be on hand during the event, giving away promotional gifts, including salt.

### Torrevieja PANGEA Office served a third fewer foreigners in 2023

The PANGEA Service in Torrevieja, Office of Attention to Migrant Persons, is a resource of the Department of Coexistence and Integration of the town council for reception, information and advice for the immigrant population residing in Torrevieja.



PANGEA brings information and resources closer to the immigrant population, provides advice on immigration, interculturality and cultural keys to professionals and associations, and improves the reception and integration process of immigrants. 



The Councillor for Coexistence and Integration, Óscar Urtasun, head of the PANGEA agency in Torrevieja, has announced the activities directly organised and promoted in 2023.



In 2023, a total of 1,943 people were served at the PANGEA office, 57% of whom were women and 43% men, representing a total of 60 countries, serving a total of 716 people by telephone and a total of 1,227 people in person.



The most attended countries have been Colombia with 19%, Russia 18%, Morocco 11%, the United Kingdom 6%, European Union countries 4%, and the rest of non-EU countries 41%.



The year before, the Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, who was head of the PANGEA agency, reported that in 2022, a total of 3,157 people were served in this municipal office, around a third more than last year, 55% women and 45% men, representing a total of 68 countries, 8 more than last year.



In 2022 a total of 1,660 people were assisted by telephone, more than double the 2023 figure. The countries most attended by telephone were Colombia, with 17% of the calls, followed by Russia with 13%, Morocco with 10% and countries of the European Union with 5%.



In 2021, a total of 2,327 people were assisted to obtain information and advice at the PANGEA office, at the time, around 400 more than last year, Morocco, Colombia, and the United Kingdom were the top 3. In percentage terms, in 2021, around 13% of the people served at the office were from the UK, compared to the 6% in 2023, perhaps confirming once again the decline in interest in Torrevieja by the Brits.



Overall, the 2023 figures show a considerable decrease in the number of foreigners dealt with by the office, a decline of more than a third.



During 2023, the most discussed topics were: Residence due to roots (44%), Immigration/National Police (29%), Spanish courses (19%) and other information (8%).



During the past year, two Spanish courses were developed for foreign immigrants in the process of obtaining residency, through theoretical-practical workshops, in which the levels of the Spanish language were taught: Literacy and Basic, organised in collaboration with the ATIS association.



In addition, an Islamophobia workshop was held in collaboration with the Moroccan Association for the Integration of Immigrants, focused on hate crimes, and the First Football World Cup was held with the motto “Integration through sport”, which brought together players from 10 countries that belong to the different communities settled in our municipality.

### Animal Blessings in Torrevieja - San Anton de Abad

Wednesday is a local holiday just down the N-332 in San Fulgencio for their patron saint festivities, and talking of saints, today is the Catholic feast of San Anton de Abad.



Those of a religious or belief or persuasion may already be aware that in those circles Anthony the Great was a Christian monk from Egypt, revered since his death on this day in 365 AD as a saint.



He is buried in France. The significance of this day is that in the Catholic church you can take your pet to be blessed, although in many churches animals are not allowed inside, so the blessings take place outdoors.



As the day is Wednesday, some of the blessings took place last weekend, and some will take place this coming weekend, but many more will take place today.



In Torrevieja, the blessings take place today in the Sacred Heart church at 17:45, and the Immaculate Conception at 18:00, then on Sunday at the church in La Mata at 10:15.







Whilst you are in town, you can always visit the Pascual Flores pilot boat, open for visitors in Torrevieja on Wednesdays through to Sundays until 29 January, though they probably won't let your pet on board!.




https://youtu.be/HPE95nSD_w4?si=iZsaYmiVlm56cPT4

### Torrevieja Carnival 2024 - Full Schedule

The full schedule of events for Torrevieja Carnival 2024, or Carnaval Torrevieja, to use the correct name, has now been published, and once again the event is set to bring colour, glamour, music and fun to the streets of the town.



The Councillor for Festivities, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, accompanied by the president of the Torrevieja Carnival Association, Paco Pizana and the vice president, César Berná, presented the programming for the Torrevieja Carnival 2024 at a press conference. Activities, music, colour and more, aimed at both locals, but this time with a leaning towards tourists, will concentrate the events on weekends, so that more people will be available to visit one of the most interesting festivals at the regional level in the municipality.



Furthermore, advertising investment has been made online and offline, to publicise Torrevieja Carnival across different areas of Spain, Alicante, Valencia, provinces of Murcia, Albacete and Madrid. The audience segmentation has been carried out focusing on people interested in parties, events, concerts, festivals, culture, leisure, fun, entertainment within the social concept and carnivals, who might then be interested in giving Carnaval Torrevieja a try this year.

























Torrevieja Carnival 2024 Schedule of Events



Friday 26 January 2024



The starting signal for the festivities will take place on Friday, January 26, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, with the proclamation given by the famous actress and presenter, Sara Escudero. She is known for participating as a co-host and collaborator in countless national television programs, such as Zapeando, Club de la Comedio or Intermedio, and films such as “Padre no hay mas que uno” or “Actos por partes”. At this event, the documentary summary of the latest edition of the Torrevieja carnival will be premiered, where troupes and participants will be able to be a living part of this great party.



Saturday 27 January 2024



The next day, Saturday, January 27, at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja and, for the first time in the history of the Carnival, there will be a double session. At 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., the Coronation of the Carnival Queens and Kings will take place. This year the children's crown is held by the young Irene del Monte, the second Carnival King Damián Bear and our Senior Queen, Eva Viuda, will present us with their spectacular fantasies prepared to dazzle during these carnivals. In addition, the Golden Shield of the Carnival will be awarded to Mª Teresa Moreno, “Mari Tere la del Tiburón”, a historic comparsista and participant in numerous editions of the Torrevieja carnival.



Sunday 28 January 2024



On Sunday, January 28, the Carnival moves to La Mata (Plaza Encarnación Puchol) to celebrate the II Carnival Paella Competition.



At 12:00 p.m. the 3rd edition of the Animal Carnival will take place, where animal shelters and associations will have their space to make possible the promotion of animal adoption. The day will be completed with a giant paella, entertainment for the little ones, musical performances and a gift raffle.



Friday 2 February 2024



The second weekend begins on Friday, February 2, with the celebration of the V Quedada Carnavalera, where the carnival parades will begin.



Saturday 3 February 2024



On Saturday, February 3, the Torrevieja International Auditorium will open its doors to the XV Drag Queen Gala “Ciudad de Torrevieja”, where Drag Queens from all over Spain will perform their best show to a dedicated audience, with the aim of winning the Drag Queen crown 2024. This year, this fantastic gala, one of the most relevant in Spain, will once again be directed and presented by “La Plexy”, official presenter of Pride Madrid and will feature several top-level surprise guest artists and a jury made up of professionals from the sector and some famous people, who will surprise the attending public. Also this year, the Torrevieja Carnival Cultural Association has increased the prizes for the winners.



Tickets can be purchased, starting Friday, January 12, through the Cultura Torrevieja website ( www.culturatorrevieja.com ) and at the municipal box office, at the price of €10.



Sunday 4 February 2024 – KEY DATE



And with the Drag Queen hangover, the city will put on those costumes and fantasies that they have been working with enthusiasm for a year, to launch themselves to fill the main artery of the town, in a tide of light, colour, rhinestones, feathers, but, above all, lots of rhythm. It will be on Sunday, February 4, when the thousands of carnival participants will parade participating in the Torrevieja Grand Carnival Parade Contest. Starting at 4:00 p.m., from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the tide that makes up the 30 troupes of the Torrevieja carnival, will begin this parade to the rhythm of choreographies. As has been the case in recent editions, the spectacular “Exhibition Area” will culminate this magnificent parade, with the staging of each of the fantasies and costumes. A jury made up of 7 members, professionals and lovers of the world of carnival, sewing and makeup, will be in charge of evaluating and deciding the awarding of the awards.



Thursday 8 February 2024



The following week begins on Wednesday and Thursday, with several troupes performing shows and dances in various schools in our municipality. That same Thursday, February 8, the traditional Seniors Carnival will be held at the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO), where our elders will dance in their best costumes and closing the event with the presentation of prizes for the best costume.



Friday 9 February 2024 – KEY DATE



It will be on Friday, February 9, when the carnival takes to the streets again, this time it will be the little ones who will fill calle Ramón Gallud with their costumes. The “Carnival de los Coles” is once again the moment in which the entire school community of the town parades showing those suits and costumes that they have made themselves in the educational centres. This fun parade will begin at 5:00 p.m., from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, culminating in Paseo Vista Alegre, where there will be entertainment, dancing and chocolate for the little ones to enjoy.



And as a great novelty for 2024, for the first time in the history of the Torrevieja Carnival, starting at 8:30 p.m., calle Ramón Gallud will once again host the 1st Parade Competition of Foreign Troupes of the Torrevieja Carnival. Numerous troupes coming from different cities will show off for the first time in their own parade, with their own sound and will enjoy the warmth of the Torrevieja public. For this historic occasion, the first two prizes will be decided by the traditional jury made up of Golden Shields of the Carnival and also as a novelty, the third prize will be decided by the Torrevieja troupes with their votes. Prizes that will be awarded on Paseo Vista Alegre with music and fun.



Saturday 10 February 2024 – KEY DATE



On Saturday, February 10, the “Grand Night Parade” will be held starting at 8:00 p.m. along calle Ramón Gallud, leaving from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. With a more informal, fun and partying atmosphere, where troupes that did not participate in the contest parade will add magic to this spectacular and fun parade. It will end on the Paseo Vista Alegre stage, where the rhythm of the best local DJs will give way to the long-awaited awards ceremony, ending with a surprise performance.



Sunday 11 February 2024



The culmination of the festivities will be the “National Competition of Comparsas and Chirigotas” on Sunday, February 11, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre at 6:00 p.m. Although that same morning, the brass bands will once again take to the streets of the centre in the 3rd edition of the CarnaBares.



The events will be free with invitation, which can be picked up at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre box office, starting on Tuesday, January 16.



The Drag Queen Gala will have a single price of €10 and will also be purchased at the box office or through the website: www.culturatorrevieja.com



Finally, among the activities that will be carried out, the Torrevieja Carnival Cultural Association in collaboration with the Municipal School of Photography, at its proposal and with the support of the “Joaquín Chapaprieta” Municipal Institute of Culture, will make a magazine with images of the different troupes and groups and individuals that make up the Torrevieja Carnival, photographs that will be shown, later, in a fantastic exhibition.




https://youtu.be/_8jd_cNPuKA?si=353abyWV2HmVu4gY

### Time Running Out for European Election Registration

Although the vast majority of Brits are no longer eligible to vote in the European Elections, there are a few who still retain the right, such as those with Irish passports, or Brits who have become nationals in a European country, such as Spain (Nationality being very different from residency), time is running out for those who need to make their initial right-to-vote registration, which should be done by the end of this month.



Torrevieja’s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has donned the hat of another department she runs, that of European Relations, and has been touring local groups in the are to be on hand to give advice about the process and ensure that everything is administratively in place for the elections which will take place in June.



If you have any questions or doubts about the process, or your eligibility, Gitte and her team are on hand in the municipal offices, and are able to answer you in a multitude of languages, so all you have to do is contact the office, the easiest way of doing this being by email to eu@torrevieja.eu, but you can also telephone 600 341 431.



Remember though, if you are one of the many UK citizens who have retained your nationality and passport post Brexit, you are not eligible to vote.

### Missing Child Movie Begins Filming in Torrevieja

Anybody wishing to take a dip in Torrevieja’s municipal swimming pool earlier this week may have been disappointed and had to resort to the rather chilly Mediterranean Sea, as the pool was closed to the public for the recording of a scene for a feature film.



The film, Hora y veinte, is a thriller directed by Marc Romero and starring Macarena Gómez, Roberto álamo and Emma Suárez based on the unsolved disappearance since 2000 of the child Jonathan Vega.



The protagonist of the film, played by Gómez, is a brave and hard-working woman who will stop at nothing to locate her son, little Iván, when he gets lost on Christmas Eve afternoon in a shopping centre.



The cast is completed by Boré Buika, Ciro Miró and Alex Sorian Brown, among others, and represents the leap to acting on the big screen of the popular singer Álex Ubago.



In a statement from the production companies El Orgullo Producciones, La Cochera, Sorenfilms, La Raíz, Shift Dif and Corax Films, the director has highlighted the action elements of a film based on the 5 percent of cases of disappearances of minors, in which there is no happy ending.



“Cases like that of Jonathan Vega, who was kidnapped in Madrid in 2000,” continued Romero, who recalled that the little boy's mortal remains “appeared six months later” without anyone knowing “how he died or who killed him”.



The filming that began on Tuesday in the swimming pool continued in different locations around Torrevieja until Friday, including the La Mata natural park, and the lagoons, after which it moves to Martos (Jaén), where the recording will continue.

### Masks Once Again Mandatory in Health Centres and Hospitals

The Ministry of Health has sent to the health departments of the Valencian Community an instruction from the General Directorate of Public Health that establishes the mandatory use of masks in health and social health centres as a preventive measure in the face of the resurgence of respiratory virus infections.



The instruction indicates that Order SND/776/2023 of the Ministry of Health declared the end of the mandatory widespread use of masks in health centres and specifies the situations in which their use should be reinforced. In this sense, given the incidence of respiratory infections in the Valencian Community (rate 1,501 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in epidemiological week 52), it is considered pertinent to establish the mandatory use of masks in health and social health centres in the following situations:



- Symptomatic people when in shared spaces



- Professionals who care for symptomatic cases



- People who work in Intensive Care Units and Units with Vulnerable Patients



- In hospital or primary care emergencies



- In places where patients and families are concentrated (primary care waiting rooms, hospital consultations,...).



Likewise, the instruction adds that in the rest of the situations that are generally intended for the protection of people considered vulnerable, the management of the health departments, supported by their own protocols and the recommendations of the Preventive Medicine Services , may establish the mandatory use of a mask in addition to the established indications, depending on the epidemiological situation and the particular structural and functional characteristics of their dependent centres.



Vaccine without an appointment



On the other hand, the Department of Health recalls that, as Minister Marciano Gómez announced this Thursday, health centres will administer doses of flu and COVID-19 vaccines starting next Monday, January 8, without the need for by appointment, with the purpose of promoting the immunisation of the population in the face of the rebound in respiratory infections.

### Things to Do on Friday 5 January 2024

It’s market day in Torrevieja, so you can get all of your fresh ingredients to feed the Three Kings this weekend.



In Torrevieja, at 11:30 a.m. Christmas Playroom on calle Concepción will take place, then in the afternoon, at 4:30 p.m., the CAVALGATE OF THE THREE KINGS, the Three Kings Parade.



In Orihuela, at 11 a.m., Storytelling Workshop with puppets in La Matanza (in the Plaza de la Iglesia) and “Pirates Children's Theatre” in Orihuela Centro (in the Plaza El Salvador). At 12:30 p.m., “Storytelling Workshop with Puppets” in Orihuela Centro (in Plaza El Salvador). At 1:30 p.m., “Magical Goblins Children's Theatre” in Orihuela Centro (in Plaza El Salvador).



Guardamar del Segura will see the Three Kings parade through the streets from 6:00 p.m. from Plaza Jaume II to the town hall square.



It’s also important to remember that most shops will be closed on Saturday for Three Kings, many of them closing early on Friday for the same reason, but then a lot of the bigger shops are open on Sunday. That too is an important note because this Sunday is the last Sunday the shops are permitted to open this season, and so there will be no more Sunday shopping until Easter.

### Torrevieja Three Kings Parade 2024

Traditionally, the Three Kings arrive in Torrevieja by boat, and this year will be no exception, however the craft they plan to use is different to normal, travelling on the Pascual Flores, the “pailebota”, or pilot boat, which has been open to tourist visits throughout the holiday season and until the end of this month. The boat will appear at around 4:00 p.m., docking half an hour or so later.



Arriving at the port, via the fish market, the event will start from around 4:30 p.m., when their Majesties will meet with the Torrevieja dignitaries, including the Mayor, Eduardo Dolon, and councillor for fiestas, Rosario Martinez, before being whisked away to start the parade through the town.



With an entourage of around 400 people and more than half a dozen floats, the starting point will be the Levante Dam in the south of the town, continuing through the streets of Ramon y Cajal and Zoa, before they have a little taste of home at the Plaza de Oriente, before continuing along Ramon Gallud to reach the main square, where King Melchor will address the eager crowds.



The whole parade is accompanied by music, as one might expect in a town like Torrevieja, led by the Ciudad de Torrevieja-Los Salerosos Musical Society, and King Herod accompanied by Roman soldiers, some on horseback.



The Three Kings will also carry out a much smaller parade in La Mata, starting at 6:30 p.m.

### Things to Do in Torrevieja on Thursday 4 January 2024

On Playa de los Locos in Torrevieja there will be rugby on the beach on Thursday, aimed specifically at those aged between 10 and 14.



Again today in Torrevieja, the Three Wise Men of the East will collect the Three Kings Letters with the wonderful Royal Camp, at the door of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol, from the 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.



The Three Kings are also in Guardamar today on Avenida los Pinos, where they will be meeting the little ones until 8 p.m., apart from during their lunch break.



In Orihuela, at 11 a.m., “Storytelling Workshop with Puppets” in Orihuela Centro (in Plaza El Salvador), “Pirates Children's Theatre” in Molins (in Plaza de la Iglesia), “Christmas Workshop” in Hurchillo (in the Plaza de la Iglesia) and “Christmas Workshop” in San Bartolomé (in Plaza Civic Centre). Parades livening up the streets of the city of Orihuela by the Dacapo Musical Association.

### 63 Out of 68 New Year Parties Authorised Across the Region

The Department of Justice and Interior, through the General Directorate of the Interior, has received 68 requests for the celebration of parties and New Year's Eve celebrations, of which a total of 63 have been authorised, an increase above the 55 approved last year.



By province, the majority of applications submitted correspond to Valencia (28) and Alicante (26), followed by Castellón (14). By type of establishments that have submitted applications, the majority are restaurants, café-bars, and bars.



In the province of Alicante, there are 13 municipalities where these establishments are located: Alicante, Alcoy, San Fulgencio, Guardamar del Segura, Dénia, Elche, Orihuela, Hondón de las Nieves, El Campello, San Juan de Alicante, Jávea, Los Montesinos and Santa Pola, notably no authorisation has been said to have been given in Torrevieja.



Special device of the Generalitat Police



On the occasion of these celebrations, the National Police Unit assigned to the Valencian Community will carry out verification and control tasks in the corresponding premises and establishments.



For this reason, the Minister of Justice and Interior, Elisa Núñez, accompanied by the regional secretary of Security and Emergencies, Javier Montero, have held a working meeting with the responsible commanders of the National Police Unit Attached to the Generalitat where emphasis has been placed on different recent lines of action coinciding with the Christmas season, such as the increase in police presence in central and commercial areas and preventive patrols in agricultural areas and cooperatives.



The councillor explained that they have “reviewed all the places where they are going to hold parties with a lot of people, that they comply with all the security measures, that the evacuation routes are prepared, that the closing times are appropriate, that there are the means of extinction, and that the capacity is met to prevent avalanches from occurring.”



In this meeting with the Generalitat Police, the inspection campaign in leisure establishments was also discussed, with special attention to the evening, and in certain events such as festivals and markets, as well as the aforementioned New Year's Eve device.



Within the special device are the functions of checking compliance with safety conditions in places with a large influx of public and in those with long hours, such as discos, nightclubs, dance halls and pubs.



In addition, the Department of Justice and Interior also informs the Government Delegation of the actions carried out, in order to work in a coordinated manner between the different administrations and Security Bodies and Forces, particularly the Guardia Civil and the National Police.

### New Year in Torrevieja

It´s New Year weekend and a lot of attention will turn to Madrid for the chimes at midnight, but wherever we are in Spain, a fairly recent tradition is swallowing 12 grapes, one with each chime, and sipping Cava to welcome in the New Year.



Saturday 30 December 2023



The artificial ice rink is open in La Mata until Saturday. Not forgetting, the nativity scene is still open in the main square in Torrevieja.



At 11:30 a.m., the San Silvestre Infantil race will depart from Plaza Encarnación Puchol in La Mata. And, in the afternoon, at 7:30 p.m., the San Silvestre for the adult modality will take place from the urban centre of Torrevieja.



At 10:00 p.m., Lemon Tree concert on the Plaza de la Constitución stage.



The Carrera San Silvestre race or San Silvestre is the name of a popular athletic race held annually on December 31 (Saint Sylvester 's Day according to Catholic saints) in different places around the world. Occasionally, some of these races are held in the days leading up to December 31.



In Spain, more than 200 San Silvestre races are held every year. The first to be held was the Galdácano New Year's Eve Circuit in 1961. This race, however, did not continue until 1973. In 1964, the Galician sports promoter Antonio Sabugueiro created the San Silvestre Vallecana in Madrid—originally called the Vallecas Grand Prix—, which has become the largest of all the New Year's Eve races held in Spain, with 40,000 participants.



Sunday 31 December 2023



In Torrevieja, at 12:00 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, the Children's New Year's Eve party will begin. And at night, at 00:00 we all eat the grapes together with the New Year's Eve celebration.



Many bigger shops are open today, but they will close early, so be prepared. They will not open on Monday, New Year's Day.

### Torrevieja Mayor Accused of Lying Over Waste Disposal Contract Fine

The PSOE of Torrevieja denounces that the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, lied in a plenary session when he assured that he had opened a disciplinary file against Acciona for the serious breaches of the company in charge of the failing, though extremely expensive waste disposal contract in the town.



Several months later, the technicians confirmed to the socialist municipal group that to date neither the sanctioning file for the amount of €319,000 nor the file to reduce by €548,000 the amount that would correspond to Acciona's billing in the month of July 2023, have taken place, both measures announced by the mayor in the extraordinary plenary session that was held on September 1 at the request of the socialist municipal group to supervise the contract.



On October 11, the socialists requested “access or copy of all the files that are being processed or have been processed in this council against the company ACCIONA for non-compliance with the contract for solid waste collection, transport to landfill, street cleaning and cleaning and maintenance of the coast of the municipality of Torrevieja" but they did not receive a response until they warned that they would go to court to request protection for violation of the right of access to information that all councillors have, affecting the fundamental right of political participation collected in the Spanish Constitution.



Thus, on December 18, 2023, the General Director of Urban Planning and Services literally answered that "after verifying the documentation on file at this City Council, there is currently no file initiated on the matters required in your application."



In the words of Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the socialist municipal group, “that Eduardo Dolón lies full after full to all the citizens of Torrevieja is not a surprise and we have assumed that part of our role is to uncover his falsehoods, but to realise that what had been done in a matter as delicate as this was disconcerting even to us, so much so that at first we thought it was a mistake or that they did not want to give us access.” Likewise, Soler assures that to ensure the reality of the response they carried out their investigations in the areas of urban cleanliness and contracting, being informed that no file has actually been opened to impose sanctions or penalties on Acciona and that, at the moment, no contradictory file has been opened to deduct any amount from the invoices issued by the service recipient.



The lack of open files against Acciona, according to Soler, reveals the neglect of functions of the Partido Popular government team, with the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, at its head, “we maintain what was said in the audit plenary session; We are witnessing an absolute inaction that means that the City Council is paying the winning company a flat rate of 25 million euro from all Torrevieja taxpayers with a free bar of non-compliance without any consequence for the company" and ruling that "the worst of the whole thing is that, to the trademark of Eduardo Dolón's PP, which is to act badly and late, now the blatant lie is added.

### Things to do in Torrevieja - Friday 29 December 2023

Friday is market day in Torrevieja, so you can get your New Year bargains fresh from the producers.



The artificial ice rink is open in La Mata until Saturday, December 30, inclusive. In addition, we can go down with Santa Claus's Sleigh through the inflatable installed in the same square.



Not forgetting, the nativity scene is still open in the main square in Torrevieja.



At 11:00 a.m. a Youth Karaoke will be installed in the Plaza de la Constitución. At 5:00 p.m., Children's Cantajuegos, in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata.



At 6:00 p.m., on calle Concepción, Paseo Mágico de Luz. And, later, we will enjoy the music of the group Stolen, on stage.

### Things to do in Torrevieja - Thursday 28 December 2023

The artificial ice rink is open in La Mata until Saturday, December 30, inclusive. In addition, we can go down with Santa Claus's Sleigh through the inflatable installed in the same square.



More “surprises” are promised throughout the day too in Torrevieja.



Not forgetting, the nativity scene is still open in the main square.



In the Virgen del Carmen Centre in Torrevieja the Christmas Dance will be held at 8 p.m.



On the Orihuela Costa, Winter Beach (surfing, paddle surfing and yoga) 9:00 – 12:00 H Orihuela Costa. 10-11am Surfing Cala Cerrada, 11-12am Paddleboard Playa de la Caleta, 12-1pm Pilates Playa de la Caleta.



Workshop design your board game (12 years +) 10:00 – 13:00 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Centre), skating classes (inline) (12 years +) 11:00 – 13:00 H (Explanada de Playa Flamenca), ceramic workshop (12 years +) 11:30 – 14:00 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Centre).



Film, “Canta 2” (all audiences) 6:30 p.m. (Playa Flamenca Town Hall).

### Things to Do in Torrevieja - Wednesday 27 December 2023

The artificial ice rink is open in La Mata until Saturday, December 30, inclusive. In addition, we can go down with Santa Claus's Sleigh through the inflatable installed in the same square.



On Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m., a 360º photo booth and snow cannon will be available in La Mata. Meanwhile, at the same time, the Christmas Characters will once again tour the commercial streets of the urban centre of Torrevieja.



In the afternoon, at 6:00 p.m., Magician Ortuño will do his magic on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



And, at 9:30 p.m., Bervera's concert, also on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



The Christmas Fiesta event also continues at the Virgen del Camen Centre in the evening.



Not forgetting, the nativity scene is still open in the main square.

### Torrevieja Credit Card Scammers Arrested

The Guardia Civil, based in Vimianzo, Galicia, arrested a man and a woman, residents of Torrevieja, over 1,000 kilometres away, as alleged perpetrators of 8 crimes of document falsification, 2 crimes against property and a crime of computer intrusion.



The investigation began following a complaint from a resident of Camariñas to the Guardia Civil in January, stating that an unknown person or persons had accessed his account on a well-known payment platform, making a purchase with the bank card linked to the account.



The Guardia Civil subsequently confirmed the existence of more related crimes, as well as the modus operandi, which consisted of obtaining copies of the DNI through various operations on the Internet with the excuse of verifying the identity of the future victim, subsequently using these copies for the contracting of telephone lines and financing the terminals associated with them.



The investigation remains open and the Guardia Civil does not rule out the existence of other crimes of the same nature carried out by those investigated.

### Things to do in Torrevieja on Boxing Day

Although it´s not known as Boxing Day, December 26 is a local holiday in Torrevieja, as well as San Miguel de Salinas, and Almoradí. Most of the larger shops are open, although many smaller businesses will be closed. In fact, quite a few will be closed throughout the season, returning after Three King´s.



In Torrevieja, specifically in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol in La Mata, the synthetic ice rink will be inaugurated at 10:00, and will be free to access and will be open to the public until Saturday, December 30 (inclusive).



There will be karaoke for youngsters in the Plaza de la Constitucion in Torrevieja from 6:00 p.m., followed by Sette Voci.



Not forgetting that you can still visit the municipal nativity scene whilst you are there, and if you´re around in the evening, the Christmas lights, although these are mostly in the centre as the surrounding urbanisations are, as usual, largely forgotten.



On the Orihuela Costa, you have a workshop – design your board game (12 years +) 10:00 – 11:30 at the Alameda del Mar Civic Centre, and a Game Show (12 years +) 11:00 – 13:00 / 17:00 – 19:00 on the Esplanade at Playa Flamenca.

### The Daily Brief - Friday 22 December 2023

The Institute of National Statistics (INE) will publish the national accountability figures for quarter 3, and, perhaps more interesting, the hotel results for November, as well as commerce for the same month. They will return to tourism though with the release of the figures that show the situation from 2010 until 2022.



Locally, it’s a big day for Torrevieja at Christmas. Not only because it’s the last Friday market before the big day, so you can go and get the freshest vegetables to accompany your overindulgence, but because Santa Claus is officially coming to town, available for visits in his house, and then taking part in a grand parade in his honour on Saturday.



At noon today there will be children's entertainment on calle Concepción and at 5:00 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, there will be a magical Christmas letter workshop for Santa Claus. In La Mata, also starting at noon, there is a Children's Crafts Workshop.



This evening, at 8:30 p.m., on the Plaza de la Constitución Stage, we will enjoy the spectacular voice of Lucía España.



Every year on December 22, so Friday this year, at the Teatro Real in Madrid, the Spanish Christmas Lottery draw is held, commonly known as El Gordo. From 9:00 a.m., the drums begin to spin, and the children of San Ildefonso begin to sing the numbers and prizes that appear throughout the morning, until they end around 1:00 p.m. First prize, El Gordo, is 4 million euro, divided into 10 tickets worth 400,000 euro each, although from that prize each winner will have to pay 72,000 euro in tax.



The Guardia Civil, arrested or investigated 19 people and six legal entities belonging to an international criminal organisation dedicated to the illicit trafficking of dangerous waste of urban origin. The investigations began as a result of international collaboration, in the control of waste at the border, when an unusual transit of trucks loaded with urban waste from Europe destined for Spanish companies was detected. Rather than being correctly processed, the waste was dumped in a landfill in Zaragoza, with a false paper trail claiming it had been disposed of legally, netting the gang 16 million euro since 2020.



Normal, the Danish retail chain, continues to promote its expansion in Spain with the upcoming opening of stores in Madrid, Seville in January, and Valencia in February. In December, they already opened new stores in Almería, and the Dos Mares Shopping centre, which becomes Normal's second store in Murcia. Since opening its first store in Spain in the La Gavia shopping centre in Madrid, Normal has added eight openings in just two months.



The Spanish real estate market reflected a cooling in activity in the third quarter of the year, at a time when high financing costs and persistent inflation mark the general economic future. Between the months of July and September, a total of 140,160 operations were registered, which represents an annual drop of 16.5 % and 7.8% compared to the previous quarter. The current economic context is also reflected in the number of mortgages on registered homes, a total of 90,858, which represents a decrease of the 2.9% compared to the previous quarter, the fifth consecutive quarterly decrease.



Suicides are the first cause of external death in Spain. According to the latest figures just published by the Institute of National Statistics (INE), covering the year 2022, 4,227 people took their own lives in Spain, which represents an increase of 5.6% compared to the previous year. Moreover, this figure represents the highest number of suicides since records began. If you need help or advice, the 024 telephone number is available 24 hours a day, and has a translation service. This service, in its first month, identified nearly 15,000 calls and referred more than 650 to emergency services.



Making the news headlines in 1974, terrorists bomb the home of the Conservative leader and former Prime Minister Edward Heath.



In 2023, we had the Covid inquiry, but on this day in 1997 it was announced that an independent inquiry would be held to look into the BSE "disaster" and the devastation it wreaked on British farming.



On this day in 2014, Sheffield-born singer Joe Cocker died of lung cancer in Crawford, Colorado aged 70.



Sticking with music and if we go back to this day in 1984, Madonna scored her first American number 1 with “Like A Virgin”, a song produced by Nile Rogers, or Chic fame. The song held the top spot for six weeks.



The same day was also important at the time to Madonna in the year 2000, as on this day she married British film maker Guy Ritchie.



And finally, for our famous birthday of the day, although I have to give an honorary mention to Ricky Ross from Deacon Blue, born on this day in 1957, we are instead going to France. Slightly concerning because she’s almost as old as me, but legendary young lady singer, Vanessa Paradis, famous for the 1988 UK No.3 single, 'Joe Le Taxi', was born on this day in 1972.




https://youtu.be/Ulay2FvUEd8?si=HC4cjqRqMWH-PMjH

### Spanish News Brief - Thursday 21 December 2023

The mortgage statistics for October, the business turnover for the same month and the resident tourism survey for the third quarter will be the main macro references in Spain on a Thursday in which Metrovacesa and Prosegur pay dividends. Outside our borders, investors will be attentive to the US GDP for the third quarter and the Philadelphia survey for December.



In Spain, the Institute of National Statistics (INE) has a busy day releasing reports before Christmas, including the domestic tourism figures for September, and the combined report for quarter 3, as well as foreign tourism and spending figures for September. Environmental and health expenditure will also be amongst the reports out today.



Locally, in Torrevieja, we have the Divertijoven on Paseo Vistalegre, at 5:30 p.m., which is an event specifically for the younger people in the town, but a little later, we are all invited to join in with the Casa de Andalucía Christmas Zambomba, at 8:30 p.m., on the stage at the Plaza de la Constitution. The UMT youth band of Torrevieja will also be holding their Christmas concert in the Palacio de la Musica.



The Guardia Civil has seized 10,696 toys in the Valencian town of Manises for not meeting the safety conditions established in the European directives. There are two people investigated for an alleged crime against industrial property. Children's toys must have the 'CE' marking, a distinctive mark of the European Community but some of the seized toys did not have this marking and in some of them the acronyms appeared but referred to 'China Export' and not that of the European Community.



Spanish airline, Vueling, a company belonging to the IAG group, is the most punctual airline in the low-cost sector in Europe, second in all airlines in the continent, and third most punctual low-cost carrier in the world, according to the latest figures released this week. Vueling has a punctuality index of 86.3% in more than 15,700 operated flights, according to the global consulting firm specialised in aviation analysis Cirium.



Two men appear in court today facing four years in prison for hate crimes, after they are accused of homophobically abusing and attacking a victim in Valencia. According to the public accusation, the events occurred in the early hours of March 4 on a street in Valencia. The defendants approached the injured party and asked him to give them part of what he was eating, which he refused, and so they allegedly began to punch and kick him, while insulting him with the intention of undermining his dignity.



Decathlon has sold 90 stores in several European countries, including 30 in France, as well as in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Germany, to American investor Realty Income, according to French media. The operation, which covers approximately 400,000 square metres of commercial space, has reached an estimated value of 600 million euro. Decathlon representatives have assured that this transaction is a continuation of similar operations and have emphasised that it will have no impact on the daily activity of the stores involved.



The Supreme Court (TS) has clarified that sending a single image of intimate content to third parties is sufficient to convict them of 'sexting', as long as the objective is to "denigrate" the affected person. The ruling came about after a man was acquitted as he had only sent a single image, whereas the law refers to images in plural, as a single image could have been sent in error. However, the supreme court reinstated the conviction, as the man’s intentions were clear in the evidence.



Taking a look back in time on this day, and tragedy struck in 1988, when a Pan Am jumbo jet crashed onto the town of Lockerbie. Pan Am Flight 103 was a regularly scheduled transatlantic flight from Frankfurt to Detroit via a stopover in London and another in New York City. 243 passengers, 16 crew, and 11 locals on the ground were killed.



On this day in the world of music, in 1970, Elvis Presley met President Nixon, after he just turned up at the White House. We mentioned her yesterday as a teaser, but it was on this day in 2019 that Mariah Carey topped the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time with the now classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” 25 years after its original release in 1994. It topped the UK Singles Chart for the first time ever on December 11, 2020.



Sticking with music and Say, Say, Say by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson was number 1 in America 40 years ago today, that’s 1983 by the way, and Only You by the Flying Pickets was top of the charts in the UK.




https://youtu.be/aAkMkVFwAoo?si=1iZz3STZGjUaZgX-

### First Performer Confirmed for Brilla Torrevieja 2024

Following the success of this year’s event, where the Black Eyed Peas where the headline act, 'Brilla Torrevieja' will return in 2024 and has confirmed the first artist who will perform at the event, Ana Mena, who will take to the stage in the Antonio Soria park on 10 August 2024.



Tickets for the concert are now available on the festival website, where you can book to see the Andalusian singer, known for such popular songs as 'Las 12', 'Música Ligera', and 'Quiero dicete', as part of her Bellodrama Tour, thus inaugurating the line-up of artists with whom she will share the stage at the fourth edition, and which will be announced in the coming months along with the rest of the news and surprises, promise the organisers.



With a format that fuses music and culture aimed at all audiences of different styles, 'Brilla Torrevieja' continues to bet on a heterogeneous festival that makes it a diverse and accessible milestone for anyone of any age, encompassing all the demand for family, cultural and musical leisure, both in Torrevieja and the province and surrounding areas, they say.

### Spanish News Brief – Wednesday 20 December 2023 

The public administration debt for October, published by the Bank of Spain, will be the main macro reference in Spain on a Wednesday in the one in which Viscofan, Miquel y Costas and Elecnor pay dividends. In the eurozone, the balance of payments in October and the consumer confidence in December will be published. Meanwhile, in the US, investors will be watching consumer confidence, the current account balance and sales of second-hand homes. In addition, the five-year preferential loan rate will be known in China.



The Institute of National Statistics (INE) will publish the October birthrates, and disability employment figures for 2022. They will also publish the migration and change of residency figures for 2021.



In Torrevieja, The Nutcracker is the highlight of the day, with the ballet company from Barcelona taking to the stage in the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre. You can also still visit the Pascual Flores ship in the harbour until January, and the municipal nativity scene in the main square.



The President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the leader of the opposition party PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, will face each other in parliament for the first time since Sánchez was elected as President. Tensions are high between the two due to disagreements over issues like an amnesty law and the transfer of power in the city of Pamplona. This meeting comes as Sánchez has proposed arranging a separate meeting with Feijóo to discuss topics like judicial reforms and regional financing, but the PP wants more specifics on the agenda.



A man faces a year in prison, and a fine, in a trial in the Third Section of the Provincial Court of Cantabria, where he stands accused of sexually touching a minor, 14 years old, in a park where she was with some friends. According to the prosecutor's brief, the accused saw three minors, aged 14, and sat on a bench. He then spoke to them and approached one of them. Upon seeing what happened, the minor's two friends asked a couple for help, who notified the Guardia Civil, who arrested the accused.



In another court case in Cantabria, a man is accused of trying to rape a woman whom he did not previously know. According to the Prosecutor's Office brief, the accused entered to live as a tenant in an apartment in which another woman already lived. Slightly affected due to alcohol consumption, he entered the woman's bedroom, proposed sexual relations, was refused, and so he attacked the victim. The man is facing 3 years in prison which could be replaced by his deportation as he is a foreign national.



In Alicante, a man stands trial accused of trying to kill his former romantic partner and attacking their son, who was 13 months old at the time of the events. The Prosecutor's Office initially requests a prison sentence of 10 years and eight months for the accused for the crimes of threats, breach of measures, abuse in the family, in relation to the minor, and attempted murder, in relation to the woman.



Netflix is the most popular streaming platform in Spain, according to the latest report from the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC). Among households using these platforms, Netflix accounts for four out of ten households, followed by Amazon Prime Video with 22%, and Movistar+ with 13%. 35.8% of households with access to online content payment platforms claim to use only one service, while 25.9% use two. Despite Netflix clamping down on the practice, 19.4% of people said they used the passwords of a family member or friend.



On this day in 2021, American R&B singer Paul Mitchell passed away, Paul was one of the members of The Floaters, who you might remember for their 1977 hit, ‘Float On’. Video below.



Going back slightly further, 30 years to be precise, on this day in 1993, Mariah Carey was number 1 in America, but not with the song you might think. Hero was actually number 1, and in the UK, we had an equally talented chart topper (!) in the shape of Mr Blobby!



And finally, famous for The Railway Children, Jennifer Ann Agutter OBE, better known as Jenny Agutter, was born on this day in 1952.




https://youtu.be/UnhfUbuvAaY?si=LMcUh_x6lH1wxx9Z

### Tips for Preventing Falls in Seniors

Falls are a common health problem among older people and can have serious consequences. The traumatology specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja explain how to deal with these incidents with our relatives.



Risk Factors for Falls in Older Adults



There are multiple factors that contribute to the high frequency of falls, including:



Intrinsic or person-related factors:




Older age: The older a person is, the greater the risk of falling.



Previous history of falls: Those who have suffered previous falls are at a higher risk of falling again.



Muscle weakness and loss of balance: Decreased muscle strength and the ability to maintain balance increase the propensity for falls.



Vision problems: Poor vision, eye disorders, and untreated eye diseases increase the risk of falls.



Hearing problems: Hearing loss can affect the ability to detect and respond to auditory warning cues in the environment.




Factors related to diseases and health conditions:




Chronic diseases.



Use of medications.



Environmental factors:




-Obstacles in the environment: Loose carpeting, loose wires, poorly placed furniture, and other obstacles in the home increase the risk of trips and falls.



Slippery floors: Slippery surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas without proper safety measures can increase the risk of falls.



Inadequate lighting: Poor or uneven lighting makes it difficult to perceive obstacles and can lead to falls.




Lifestyles & Behaviours:




Lack of physical activity: Inactivity can lead to muscle weakness, impaired balance, and decreased mobility, increasing the risk of falls.



Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.



It is important to note that these risk factors do not act in isolation, but often interact and enhance each other.



"Identifying and addressing these risk factors can be essential to prevent falls in older people and promote healthy aging," explain the experts at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



How can falls be prevented in older people?



Preventing falls in seniors is a crucial approach to maintaining their health, safety, and quality of life.



Quirónsalud specialists recommend some effective strategies to prevent falls:



Regular physical activity: Promoting an active lifestyle and performing exercises that improve balance, muscle strength, and flexibility can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Activities such as walking, tai chi, yoga, or strengthening exercises are beneficial. It is recommended that seniors consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any exercise program.



Medication review and adjustment: It is important for older adults to review their medications regularly with their doctor or pharmacist, as certain medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or imbalance, increasing the risk of falls. The dose may need to be adjusted or the medication changed if necessary.



-Assessment and improvement of the home environment: It is critical that the home environment is safe and accessible.



-Regular vision and hearing tests: Maintaining good visual and hearing health is essential for spotting obstacles and warning signs in the environment. Have regular eye and hearing exams and wear appropriate glasses or hearing aids if needed.



-Proper use of mobility aids: If the use of canes, walkers, or other mobility aids is required, it is important that they are properly adjusted and used correctly.



-Proper diet and nutrition: Maintaining a balanced and adequate diet can contribute to bone and muscle health, helping to prevent falls. Make sure you have an adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients.



-Education and awareness: Providing information to seniors about fall risk factors, preventative measures, and strategies to stay safe can help increase awareness and encourage safe behaviours.



What are the consequences of falls in older adults?



Falls in older adults can have a variety of consequences that affect both physical health and quality of life, including:



-Physical injuries: Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, especially in the hip, wrist, and spine. These injuries may require surgery, hospitalisation, and lengthy rehabilitation. Even minor injuries, such as sprains and contusions, can limit a person's mobility and functional ability.



Chronic pain: Injuries resulting from a fall can lead to chronic pain, especially in older people who already suffer from conditions such as arthritis. Chronic pain can negatively affect quality of life and limit the ability to participate in daily activities.



Fear of falling again: After a fall, many seniors develop a significant fear of falling again. This fear can lead to reduced physical activity, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. In addition, the fear of falling can increase the risk of future falls due to inactivity and the resulting muscle weakness.



Dependency and loss of autonomy: Severe injuries caused by a fall can lead to loss of independence and the need for assistance in activities of daily living. Dependency on caring for others can have a significant emotional impact on older adults, leading to frustration, sadness, and decreased self-esteem.



-Additional health complications: Falls can trigger additional health complications, such as prolonged immobility, pressure ulcers, respiratory infections, and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.



Economic and social costs: Falls in older adults also have economic and social implications. Hospitalisations, medical treatments, and rehabilitation can lead to high health care costs. In addition, falls can lead to a decrease in social participation, affecting personal relationships and community integration.



How to Make Your Home Safer and Reduce the Risk of Falls



Removing obstacles and maintaining order



Remove loose rugs or secure them with double-sided tape.



Make sure there are no loose electrical wires or in passageways.



Avoid clutter in hallways and transit areas.



Improve lighting



Make sure there is adequate lighting in all areas of the home, especially in hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms.



Install nightlights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms for easy visibility at night.



Use easily accessible light switches and add additional lighting if needed.



Securing the stairs



Install secure handrails on both sides of stairs, secured firmly to the wall.



Place anti-slip strips on the steps to improve traction.



Keep stairs clear of objects or debris.



Improve bathroom safety



Install grab bars in the shower, bathtub and near the toilet to provide additional stability.



Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower.



Make sure bathroom floors are dry and free of water or moisture.



Making Adjustments in the Bedroom



Place a bedside lamp near the bed for easy access to lighting.



Make sure the bed is at an appropriate height to make it easier to get in and out.



Keep everyday items within easy reach and avoid the need to reach or climb on furniture to reach them.



Use mobility aids:



If necessary, use canes, walkers, or other assistive walking devices. It is important that these devices are properly adjusted and used correctly.



Keeping the floor safe



Use non-slip surfaces on slippery floors, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.



Immediately clean up any spilled liquid or wet surface.



Avoid excessive waxing on floors, as it can make them slippery.



Maintain open communication



Encourage open communication between family members and caregivers about safety concerns and needs in the home.



Conduct regular home checks to identify potential risks and take preventative measures.

### Spanish News Brief – Tuesday 19 December 2023

Tuesday starts in Spain with the Institute of National Statistics (INE) publishing the service sector activity indicators for October, and the business and turnover figures for industry for the same month. In Europe, EU Energy Ministers will study a possible extension to the energy emergency measures. Outside the euro area, investors will be watching the Bank of Japan's inflation figures.



According to the 2023 Spanish survey on drug use among secondary school students aged 14-18 and the National Drug Plan's report on addictive behaviours, problematic internet use has decreased slightly among this age group compared to 2021 while gambling with money both online and in-person has remained stable. The report also provided data for the first time on the number of people beginning treatment for behavioural addictions. For adults aged 15-64, both in-person and online gambling with money decreased slightly compared to 2020 according to the survey data.



The Provincial Court of A Coruña will hold the trial against a man accused of indecent exposure to minors in the municipality of Culleredo, Spain. On May 5, 2022, a witness saw the accused naked from the waist down masturbating about 10 metres away from small children and teenagers. The man hid behind an electric turret but was still visible to the minors. The Prosecutor's Office requests an 18 month fine of 10 euros per day and a prohibition order for the crime of exhibitionism.



A Colombian national is on trial in Spain for allegedly possessing and attempting to sell nearly 100 grams of low-purity pink cocaine, a mixture of caffeine, ketamine, and MDMA. The Guardia Civil stopped his car in 2021 and found the drugs, a precision scale, and bags for packaging them. The prosecutor is asking for a five-year prison sentence for the man.



A man is on trial accused of sexually assaulting his wife's daughter from age 7 to 17. According to prosecutors, he would touch and penetrate her vaginally from age 9 and anally from age 11. The girl presents symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and social issues. Prosecutors are requesting 14 years in prison, then 6 years of supervised freedom, and a 16-year ban from working with minors. They are seeking €24,000 in compensation for the victim.



Hospitality venues are confused by a new Tax Office ruling stating that IVA on containers for customers to take unfinished food home as part of the new Food Waste Law should be 21%. This contradicts the typically lower 10% IVA rate in the hospitality sector, and those containers have to be provided for free under the waste law. It remains unclear if the food waste prevention law will come into effect as it is currently shown as "expired" on the Senate website, with amendments still being considered in September 2023.

### Remember to Recycle Your Bottles this Christmas

Ecovidrio, the non-profit entity in charge of managing the recycling of glass packaging waste in Spain, in collaboration with Torrevieja Council, has launched the awareness campaign “We Have Good Reasons” during the Christmas holidays, with the aim of promoting the recycling of glass containers among all citizens, especially as there the consumption of materials sold in glass might increase at the time of year!



The initiative, which will take until January 6, invites all residents and visitors to the town to recycle glass packaging waste during these days, since they are dates with a significant increase in generation of waste and in which 20% of the glass containers that are recycled in a year are consumed.



Of course, we must also hope that they remember to empty the containers more frequently, or those which are regularly overflowing in the town will be in a worse state.



For the development of the campaign, Ecovidrio has placed a container decorated with the image of the campaign next to the Plaza de la Constitución in which it will be captured as an infographic how all citizens contribute, with the gesture of recycling glass containers, in the preservation of the environment. This presentation event was attended by the Urban Cleaning Councillor of the Torrevieja Council, María José Ruiz, and the Ecovidrio Zone Manager, Roberto Fuentes.



In addition, three more containers with the campaign image have been placed in the town, in which a different message can be read about the recycling of glass containers and the preservation of the environment. Specifically, on Paseo Vista Alegre, Plaza Capdepont and Paseo Juan Aparicio. The campaign doesn´t stretch beyond the centre of the town, where most of the problems exist, as usual.



Likewise, in the vicinity of the containers, an environmental educator will inform passers-by about the environmental benefits of recycling glass containers and will distribute original bookmarks with the campaign image and with messages about sustainability and bags for glass recycling. Specifically, it will be on Tuesday the 19th, Thursday the 21st and Friday the 22nd of December.



According to the latest available data corresponding to 2022, the citizens of Torrevieja recycled a total of 2,864,250 kilograms of glass containers, which, according to the press release accompanying the campaign, means that each citizen recycled an average of 34.2 kilograms of glass. According to Ecovidrio, 19.8 kilograms per person is the average in Spain.



Despite having more glass igloos, 830, the people of neighbouring Orihuela were behind Torrevieja in the overall figure of 2.732.498 kilograms. 33.8 kilograms per person.



Regarding the containerisation rate, Torrevieja has an average of 104.7 inhabitants per container, currently having a total of 798 igloos for glass packaging waste installed in the municipality.



The glass that is deposited in the containers is 100% recycled and used to manufacture new containers, indefinitely and without losing the original properties. By recycling glass, we avoid the growth of landfills.



Recycling glass is a key element in the fight against climate change. By using calcín – recycled glass – in the manufacture of new containers, the extraction of raw materials from nature is avoided, avoiding soil erosion and deforestation of our environment. In addition, CO2 emissions in the manufacturing process are minimised and energy is saved.

### Spanish News Brief - Monday 18 December 2023

The week starts in Spain with the publication of the labour costs for the third quarter and the commercial balance for October. Other notable references of the day will be the German IFO for December and the monthly report of the Bundesbank. In addition, the ECB publishes its survey of monetary analysts.



A criminal group of 14 airport workers were arrested for theft at Tenerife's Reina Sofía Airport in Spain. They stole high value items like watches, jewellery, phones, and electronics worth over 1.9 million euros from passenger luggage. They fenced the stolen goods through jewellery stores and online marketplaces. The group had a defined hierarchy, and each member had a specific role like selecting flights, hiding items, selling goods or laundering money.



The Guardia Civil dismantled a paramilitary organisation of Nazi ideology in Spain by arresting 11 leaders and investigating another 11 members across 16 Spanish provinces. The organisation's administrator had over 2,800 followers online and encouraged them to arm themselves and create an "army". The group held regular meetings and had a headquarters in Malaga. The leaders instructed members to obtain weapons licenses and acquire rifles, shotguns, pistols, and explosive devices.



A man is on trial for the murder of his 11-year-old son in Sueca, Valencia in April 2022. He is accused of stabbing the boy multiple times, killing him, during an argument while the son was celebrating his 11th birthday with his father. The father and mother had been divorced since 2021 and shared custody of the son. However, the father had a history of verbally, physically and mentally abusing the mother over 17 years of marriage. He had previously been convicted of assaulting the mother in 2021 but still contacted her in violation of a restraining order.



A new invasive beetle species that bores into ornamental trees has been detected for the first time in Europe in Spain and Greece. Called Olenecamptus bilobus, specimens of this pest species were found in Elche, Spain and on the Greek island of Lemos. The species is considered a pest in China and normally bores into wood of trees like artocapus, ficus, and mulberry. There are currently no specific control measures for this species in Europe.

### Around Torrevieja This Christmas Week

In Torrevieja this week, there is ballet in the form of the Christmas favourite, The Nutcracker, which is in the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on Wednesday. The UMT youth band of Torrevieja perform their Christmas Concert at the Palacio de la Musica on Thursday.



Throughout the week in Torrevieja there are activities for the kids, then on Thursday, on the Paseo Vistalege, there will be Divertijoven on Paseo Vistalegre, at 5:30 p.m., before the action moves to the main stage in the Plaza de la Constitution for the Casa de Andalucía Christmas Zambomba, at 8:30 p.m. Christmas Zambomba, in case you don´t know, involves Christmas tunes accompanied by an instrument of the same name, a Zambomba, a kind of drum-looking instrument, very popular in the flamenco scene, which (listen below) sounds a little bit like a tuneful elephant (not an insult). So, mix flamenco, singing, Christmas and elephants, and you know what to expect. A good time.







On Friday, the kids can attend a workshop to help them write to Santa in La Mata at noon, and entertainment in the Plaza de la Constitución, where Lucía España will perform in the evening.



However, with all of that so far, it is important not to peak your excitement too soon, as on Saturday, Santa Claus is coming to town, available in his house from 11:00, before joining in with the parade dedicated to the big man from 6:00 p.m. from the Virgen del Carmen Centre.



It will then hopefully be an early night for Santa as he will be back in his house on Sunday, welcoming children, for which we sincerely hope he realises he has a big night ahead of him, and he will need to allow time to get back to the North Pole, pick up all of our gifts, and return before we wake up next day.



It’s worth noting that Christmas Eve is not only an important day for Santa but is one of the most important days in the traditional Spanish celebrations, where families gather together for a late meal to celebrate. As such, shops close early and even many bars remain closed for the important time, in order to allow for that togetherness.



Santa is also appearing in Guardamar throughout the week, again with a special celebration on Friday, and the Santa Train joining in the fun on Sunday. There’s also a student party on Friday.




https://youtu.be/wu_PX2qbSyM?si=V-PEBZ-OtkdtDcdH

### Christmas in Torrevieja Schedule of Events

Christmas in Torrevieja will bring together a unique program for all audiences, as, for the first time in history, festivities, culture and commerce merge to experience a unique Christmas experience, with more than 40 activities in Torrevieja and La Mata.



The Councillor for Festivals, Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, presented the extensive Christmas program that includes fun, dynamism and activities for all audiences.



The commercial element is a point to highlight in the Christmas campaign. This activity began with retail outlets being dressed for the occasion. In addition, the 20th Christmas Window Dressing Contest has been launched, where more than 30 commercial establishments have submitted their request to participate by dressing their businesses for the occasion.



Plus, 30,000 personalised Christmas bags made with recycled paper will be distributed throughout the commercial fabric of the municipality and giant illuminated bags have been placed at 3 of the main entrances to Torrevieja with the motto: “small businesses make Torrevieja great.”



An extensive program, with nearly 40 activities, that merges with educational, cultural and recreational-festive events for children, adolescents and adults has been scheduled, running until Friday, January 5, with the traditional Three Kings Parade.



Amongst the highlights will be Santa´s house, on December 22 and 23, both in Torrevieja and in La Mata. Of course, with Santa´s helpers appearing as he couldn´t possibly be in two places at once. Children will be able to deliver their letter in person, in addition to having more surprises, sweets, entertainment and... SNOW!



Also, on December 23, in the afternoon, we will have the traditional Grand Santa Claus Parade, at 6:00 p.m., which this year will bring important news with stories of fairies, elves, Mother Christmas and, of course, Santa Claus (unconfirmed as to if it will be the REAL Santa, or one of his helpers again).



On Wednesday, December 26, at 10:00 a.m., in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol in La Mata, for the first time in history, the synthetic ice rink will be inaugurated around the tree. It will be free to access and will be open to the public until Saturday, December 30 (inclusive).



On Saturday, December 30, also in La Mata, we will celebrate for the first time the popular San Silvestre Christmas race in its children's category, with prizes for all participants. And in the afternoon, in the urban centre, the adult race will take place.



The activities will be arranged in different city squares, pedestrian areas, La Mata, cultural entities and local artists.



CALENDAR OF CHRISTMAS IN TORREVIEJA EVENTS:



Friday, December 15, at 6:00 p.m., the traditional Christmas carols “Carols in the square”. And, at 8:30 p.m., Oriental Dance by Paula Rayma.



Saturday, December 16, at 6:45 p.m., we will enjoy the Motopapanoelada, accompanied by the troupe “Aqui hay Tomate” and the voice of Shani Orminston, to set the mood for the evening. In addition, they will be accompanied by the tourist train. There will be a total of 400 motorcycles that will collect gifts throughout the town with the aim of delivering them to Social Welfare and for all the children to enjoy toys this year.



The best decorated motorcycle will receive the “Tomás Ballester” award.



The departure will be from the Shannon cafeteria, at 6:00 p.m. and will end at the door of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at 6:45 p.m.



At the end, we will enjoy the wonderful Shani Orminston on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



Sunday, December 17, in the Plaza de la Constitución, we will visit the Conchi Vaquero artisan market and local associations.



On the 18th, 19th and 20th, they will be full of activities, children's workshops and singing games.



Thursday, December 21, after enjoying Divertijoven on Paseo Vistalegre, at 5:30 p.m., we will have the honour of enjoying the Casa de Andalucía Christmas Zambomba, at 8:30 p.m., on the Plaza Stage of the Constitution.



Friday, December 22, at 12:00 there will be children's entertainment on calle Concepción and at 5:00 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, there will be a magical Christmas letter workshop for Santa Claus. In La Mata, at 12:00 p.m., Children's Crafts Workshop.



In the afternoon, at 8:30 p.m., on the Plaza de la Constitución Stage, we will enjoy the spectacular voice of Lucía España.



Saturday, December 23, at 11:00 a.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, we can visit Santa Claus's House.



At 12:00 p.m., the Christmas Characters will make their way through the commercial streets of La Mata, visiting all the neighbours.



At 6:00 p.m., the GRAND SANTA CLAUS PARADE will begin.



The departure will be from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, until its end at calle Concepción.



Additionally, at night, on the Plaza de la Constitución Stage, the surprises for young people will continue with concerts, music and fun.



Sunday, December 24, at 11:00 a.m., in the Encarnación Puchol square in La Mata, Santa Claus will let us visit his Casita.



And, meanwhile, the Christmas Characters will visit the shopping streets of Torrevieja.



Tuesday, December 26, at 10:00 a.m., there will be the GRAND INAUGURATION OF THE simulated SKATING Rink, around the tree in Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata, which will be open until Saturday, December 30, inclusive. In addition, we can go down with Santa Claus's Sleigh through the inflatable installed in the same square.



In the afternoon, on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución, at 6:00 p.m., there will be Youth Karaoke. And, at 8:30 p.m., the Sette Voci will delight us.



Wednesday, December 27, we will have a morning full of activities both in La Mata and Torrevieja.



At 11:30 a.m., 360º photo booth and snow cannon, in La Mata. Meanwhile, at the same time, the Christmas Characters will once again tour the commercial streets of the urban centre of Torrevieja.



In the afternoon, at 6:00 p.m., Magician Ortuño will do his magic on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



And, at 9:30 p.m., Bervera's concert, also on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



Thursday, December 28 will be a very special day, because there will be many surprises and news for young people.



Friday, December 29, at 11:00 a.m. a Youth Karaoke will be installed in the Plaza de la Constitución. At 5:00 p.m., Children's Cantajuegos, in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata.



At 6:00 p.m., on calle Concepción, Paseo Mágico de Luz. And, later, we will enjoy the music of the group Stolen, on stage.



Saturday, December 30, at 11:30 a.m., the San Silvestre Infantil race will depart from Plaza Encarnación Puchol. And, in the afternoon, at 7:30 p.m., the San Silvestre for the adult modality will take place from the urban centre of Torrevieja.



At 10:00 p.m., Lemon Tree concert on the Plaza de la Constitución stage.



On Sunday, December 31, at 12:00 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, the Children's New Year's Eve party will begin. And at night, at 00:00 we all eat the grapes together with the New Year's Eve celebration.



On Wednesday and Thursday, January 3 and 4, the Three Wise Men of the East will collect the Three Kings Letters with the wonderful Royal Camp, at the door of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Torrevieja and in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol, from the 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.



And we will finish on Friday, December 5. At 11:30 a.m. Christmas Playroom on calle Concepción. And in the afternoon, at 4:30 p.m., the CAVALGATE OF THE THREE KINGS.



Not forgetting, for classical music fans, the annual Three Kings concert in the Torrevieja International Auditorium. 



To conclude, Rosario Martínez highlighted that the Festival Department has carried out a varied program, the most extensive to date, which meets the needs of all audiences and also praises the importance of the city's commercial fabric as fundamental piece of its economic and social development.



As an objective, she concludes, we continue with our firm commitment to the destabilisation of tourism so that on these dates our neighbours feel proud of their city, and that our visitors want to come every year to celebrate Christmas with us.

### Types of Dementia in Older People: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Dr. Mirko Alavena, Neurologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, answers the most frequently asked questions about the types of dementia in the elderly and offers advice on how to live with it.



Types of dementia, what are they?



"Dementia is a loss of mental faculties due  to damage to the brain, which results in an inability to live independently," explains Dr. Alavena.



Damage to the brain can have different causes, although in the elderly the most common are neurodegenerative diseases and vascular injuries.



What are the symptoms of each type of dementia?



The specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja emphasizes the following types of dementia:



Alzheimer's



The most common neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia in the elderly is Alzheimer's, whose main symptom is memory loss.



Initially, short-term memory is affected; But over time, other functions of thought such as language, reasoning, manipulation of objects, etc., deteriorate.



There are many other neurodegenerative dementias in which the impairment of memory is not as marked, but other brain functions are. For example: frontotemporal dementia, which affects language and reasoning. Lewy body dementia, which presents fluctuations and hallucinations, dementia associated with Parkinson's, posterior cortical atrophy, primary progressive aphasia...



Vascular dementia



There is also vascular dementia, which is caused by heart attacks and/or haemorrhages that destroy scattered brain regions and can have very varied symptoms that generally evolve in a staggered manner.



Other less common types of dementia are those caused by normotensive hydrocephalus, tumour lesions or haemorrhages external to the brain, autoimmune diseases, prion diseases, atypical parkinsonism, Wernicke-Korsakoff, etc.



What are the causes of the different types of dementia in the elderly population?



The most common cause is neurodegenerative; at the base of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, atypical parkinsonism, etc. Although it is known that there are abnormal protein deposits that intoxicate and destroy neurons, the origin or trigger is not clear.



The next most common cause is vascular, which is related to cerebral infarctions or haemorrhages due to the progressive accumulation of lesions in the blood vessels. They may be related to treatable vascular risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking), but there are also other non-modifiable factors.



Other less common causes are normotensive hydrocephalus in adults, brain tumours and hematomas external to the brain, prion diseases, or autoimmune diseases. Chronic syphilis infection is also seen less and less.



How are different types of dementia diagnosed and evaluated in the elderly?



Dementia can be diagnosed with a brief interview with the patient. However, incipient cases ("mild cognitive impairment") sometimes require a more complete evaluation of cognitive functions in order to be detected, confirmed, and categorized.



Once cognitive impairment is confirmed, imaging tests (CT, MRI) and laboratory tests are requested to rule out lesions such as tumours, haemorrhages, heart attacks, vitamin deficiencies, metabolic alterations, or infections.



Neurodegenerative diseases can only be verified by observing brain tissue under a microscope, which is not possible in life without injuring the patient.



Currently, there are nuclear medicine tests (SPECT and PET) and cerebrospinal fluid studies (lumbar puncture) that can detect both the loss of activity in various areas of the brain, as well as the deposit of some abnormal proteins in it. Through these tests, it is possible to have greater certainty when giving a diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease.



What is the impact of dementia on the quality of life of the elderly and their caregivers?



It depends on many factors, including things like previous personality or environment.



Some people with dementia can be very docile and kind, while others can be demanding and even aggressive. This even with the same diagnosis.



In general, in Alzheimer's, patients deny the impairment of memory, but they make mistakes, misplace things, and blame their caregivers. Sometimes they can also leave the house and wander aimlessly. They are very vulnerable to malicious deceptions. They can also get involved in domestic accidents or medication errors.



In frontotemporal dementia there may be people who are able to refute and argue with correct information, but whose behaviour is totally inappropriate and sometimes even dangerous. There are cases that wreak havoc with your assets before they are suspected of having a problem.



In Lewy body dementia, people's hallucinations can be very worrisome. There are fluctuations that confuse caregivers, as they can intersperse days of apparent lucidity with others of clear disorientation. They also tend to associate sleep disorders, to the point of sleeping during the day and being agitated at night. It's also common for them to have balance problems and fall.



Vascular dementias can have very diverse symptoms, depending on where in the brain the lesions are present, explains Dr. Alavena.

### New School Approved for Torrevieja

The Valencia regional government has authorised the creation of the Early Childhood and Primary Education school number 14 in Torrevieja, which will include eight Early Childhood Education units (two first cycle and six second cycle) and twelve Primary Education units.



The new centre is created by breaking down the CEIP Inmaculada Concepción and will have a capacity of 36 places for early childhood education and 150 places for second cycle early childhood education, as well as 300 places for primary education.



CEIP number 14 will begin its activities this year, and will have 10 teachers of Early Childhood Education, 11 of Primary Education, 2 of Primary English Education, 2 of Physical Education, 1 of Music, 1 of Pedagogy Therapeutics, 1 Hearing and Language and 1 Educational Guidance.



The commissioning and maintenance during the 2023-2024 school year of the early childhood education units of this centre will be financed by the recovery, transformation and resilience plan, component 21, modernisation and digitisation of the education system, including Early Education for 0-3 years.



It is a plan of the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, to boost schooling in the first cycle of Early Childhood Education, with new places of public ownership and in charge of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (MRR), funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU.



The new educational centre is located at Carrer de los Jazmines, 4, in the Torretas area of Torrevieja, not far from the Habaneras shopping centre.

### Claims that Torrevieja 2024 Budget is Not What it Seems

Following the fanfares that Torrevieja is to have a huge budget boost in 2024, the Sueña Torrevieja municipal group has warned that the investments of the budget are totally up in the air.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, assures that "the formalisation of the loans of €19.5 million will need to be authorised by the Financial Guardianship Body of the Valencian Community as the 2022 budget has been liquidated with budgetary instability".



Samper therefore claims that "the budget for 2024 is not the highest in the history of Torrevieja but the lowest in the last four years, in addition to the fact that it is the worst financed and the one that if no one remedies it, will cause the highest deficit and therefore the highest economic and financial plan for breach of budgetary stability in the history of Torrevieja".



Samper assures that "the net savings amount to €3.6 million, so a reduction in the budgetary result for current operations in the settlement of the 2023 budget greater than this amount would prevent new credit operations from being arranged, leaving investments amounting to almost 20 million euro without financing, including all the works awarded in 2023 through processing the budgetary result of the advance of the settlement as of September 30, 2023, presents a DEFICIT of €14 million, €8 million higher than  the result of the  settlement of the year 2022".



In this sense, article 53.1 of the TRLRHL establishes that "new long-term credit operations may not be entered into when negative net savings are deduced from the financial statements reflected in the settlement of the budgets".



Samper concludes by stating that "taking into account that they will have to wait for the approval of the 2023 settlement to request authorisation to formalise new loans and that if they settle with negative net savings, no loan could be formalised, they should suspend the processing of the budget in order to dedicate the possible surplus of the liquidation through the use of the RTGG to finance the most urgent investments".

### Book Tickets for the Torrevieja Three Kings Concert

Fans of classical music, and those just looking to broaden their listening repertoire, show not miss what is considered by many to be the ultimate concert of the year in Torrevieja, the annual Three Kings Concert by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra.



The problem is that the concert is so popular it normally sells out very quickly, but the good news is that the event has been extended to allow more people the opportunity to enjoy this unique musical experience.



For New Year of 2024, the Three Kings Concert will take place on both Saturday 6 January 2024, and Sunday 7 January, at the International Auditorium in Torrevieja.



The musical director, Jose Francisco Sanchez, promises to take you on a musical journey through some of the most popular classical pieces, which can be enjoyed whatever your level of knowledge or interest in the classical music scene.



If you are interested, you should book tickets now though, to avoid disappointment, and you can book tickets for the Torrevieja Three Kings Concert via the Cultura Torrevieja website.



At the time of publication, limited seats are available, so you really need to act now if you would like to enjoy this New Year experience.

### Reggaeton Beach Festival Torrevieja Plans Return in 2024

Despite the cancellation of an event in Madrid over safety concerns, and numerous arrests in Torrevieja for drugs offences, the organisers of the Reggaeton Beach Festival (RBF) are not perturbed and have announced that they will hold the event in the same locations in 2024 and add some more venues yet to be revealed.



In 2023 the tour passed through 11 towns with more than 30 artists, for 2024 the tour brings many new features and better conditions in all its concerts to elevate the audience's experience, according to the organisers.



Last year's venues are maintained for the 2024 Reggaeton Beach Festival tour, namely Oropesa del Mar (Marina d'Or, Castellón), Tenerife, Avilés (Asturias), Marbella (Málaga), Benidorm (Alicante), Mallorca, Madrid, Barcelona (this time at the Circuit de Montmeló), Santander, Nigrán (Galicia), and Torrevieja (Alicante), with new destinations promised to be revealed in the coming months.



The tour will begin, as usual, in the resort town of Marina D'Or (Oropesa de Mar) on June 22 and will conclude on August 4 simultaneously in Torrevieja and Galicia.



The high point of the tour will be experienced again on July 20 and 21 with a double date in Madrid and Barcelona, ​​anticipating being a historic event thanks to the expectation of thousands of potential attendees during that weekend, with the promise of breaking all the records set by the festival.



RBF is not only considered a platform for international urban music artists but also offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy with friends or family, such as water parks, dance classes, workshops, markets and diverse gastronomic options, including food trucks and vegetarian and vegan options, although the event has also faced criticism for not complying with consumer laws, and in Torrevieja resulted in the Friday market having to close and the subsequent loss of earnings for local traders on what would have been their busiest weekend of the year.



The pictures below are protected by copyright, and are used with permission from https://derekintorre.info/ where more drone pictures from Torrevieja can be seen.




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### Torrevieja’s Historic Bar Site to Open as Viewing Point

Just two weeks after the demolition of the El Tintero bar kiosk in Torrevieja, it has been revealed that the provincial coastal department intend to finish the work with a repair of the concrete pavement, which has been partially damaged during the demolition, and reopen the site as a public viewpoint before Christmas.



The El Tintero kiosk was demolished after its former owners lost the court battle to extend their stay in this place where fishermen once dyed their fishing gear. The Chazarra family had been installed there since they took the reins of the business in the 1950s and the administrative concession lasted until 2011. Costas' stated intention was always to demolish it, just as he already did with the José María kiosk on Playa del Cura.

### Torrevieja to Benefit from Budget Boost

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for Economy and Finance, Domingo Paredes, have presented, after the Local Government Board held yesterday, the draft budget for the next financial year 2024.



These accounts will allow 158.3 million euro to be available next year, 61.59% more than the 2023 budget (87,676,899 euro) which has been extended and does not have investment (61 million euro more).



Domingo Paredes has stated that the 2024 budget is a realistic budget, in budget balance, adjusted to the current socioeconomic context, prepared on the basis of realistic growth and supported by national economic forecasts that, once again, lowers the fiscal pressure on citizens and companies and that will allow the transformation started in the previous mandate to continue, with the promotion of projects such as the reorganisation of the port and new spaces to develop different business lines.



Furthermore, Eduardo Dolón has highlighted that these accounts will put the emphasis on social spending, by making a significant effort to increase the personnel necessary to cover the standards required by the Social Services program contract signed with the Generalitat Valenciana, going on to create new places and fill vacancies. In addition, with aid to entrepreneurs, such as consumer benefits or the freezing of rates and taxes, we hope to improve local commerce and create new job opportunities.



On the other hand, social protection and promotion actions are maintained, such as the Home Help Service, Childcare, the Children's Dining Program, Equality policies and the Energy Impoverishment Program, SEAFI and telecare.



The chapter of Personnel grows by 25.35% compared to 2023 and all the items recorded in previous modifications and updates are incorporated, such as the productivity supplement or the new positions created.



The budget maintains the tax reductions with the IBI (property tax, commonly referred to as SUMA after the name of the collection agency) at the legal minimum and without updating the main rates to the CPI. In addition, the council assumes the increase in waste disposal rates imposed by the Government of Spain, despite the contract for the service in Torrevieja being extremely expensive as it is, and still lacking in service delivery, as confirmed by the mayor himself.



The budget contemplates a disbursement of €500,000 in direct aid to face the economic crisis through aid that seeks to encourage purchases in the small and medium local businesses.



€43,042,472 are allocated to investments of which 41,585,607 will be executed directly by the Council and 1,456,865 euro through European Funds. A clear commitment to investment with growth that can become a reality during 2024.



PERSONNEL EXPENSE



With respect to personnel expenses, there is a correlation between the credits of Chapter I of Personnel Expenses included in the Budget, and the Personnel Annex of this Local Entity for this financial year, with a global amount of 39,522,269 euro, experiencing an increase of 25.35% compared to that recorded in the initial Budget of the previous year 2023, including all the modifications and updates provided for in the different LPGE approved in the year for 2021, 2022 and 2023, as well as the appropriations derived from modifications and updates to the Annex of Personnel, especially the one that occurred on the occasion of the incorporation of the productivity complement in the specific complement of the workers of this Council in execution of final judicial sentences.



This item, despite the significant and necessary increase to form the administration of the future that the municipality of Torrevieja demands, constitutes 25.04% of the Council's budget project for 2024 compared to 32.28% for fiscal year 2023. A balanced and consistent figure with the level of spending and management provided for in these future budgets.



INCREASE IN SPENDING ON SERVICES



The amount of Expenditure on goods, services and current transfers of Chapter II recorded in the Municipal Budget project for 2024 amounts to a credit in the amount of 64,349,059 euro, which represents an increase of 11.64% with respect to this same expense in the previous Municipal Budget.



The total of the budgetary credits allocated for current operations and the expenses derived from the operation of the existing services in this Council can be considered sufficient to meet the obligations required of the Corporation. This chapter represents 40.77% of the total budget project planned for the year 2024, compared to 59.01% of the previous year. Although the percentage is reduced, this chapter increases by 7 million euro.



For the first time, 100% of the Waste Collection, Street and Coastal Cleaning Service is incorporated into the budget. In addition, more than 2 million euro are included until reaching the figure of 5 million in the Parks and Gardens Area. The Local Development Agency (ADL) incorporates 140,000 euro for the business shuttle. In health, more than 110,000 euro are included for the sterilisation of cats. For Education, 100,000 euro more are included for repairs to school centres. The maintenance of sports buildings is increased by 176,000 euro. In Tourism, credits are increased and more than 550,000 euro are incorporated for the different festivals that the town hosts, especially in the summer. And in subsidies, subsidies for elite athletes are increased up to 65,000 euro.



INVESTMENTS



Real Investments for an amount of 41,585,607 euro have been recorded in the Expenditure Statement of the 2024 Budget, financed with debt (loan operations) and with the disposal of municipally owned assets and urban planning rights.



The budget credits for Real Investments represent 26.35% of the total of the Budget project for 2024 compared to 0% of the previous year due to the budget being extended from the 2021 year.



The main investments will go to:



-Repaving And Repair of The Levante Dam €8,698,288



-Realisation Works of Areas Adjacent To The Port €5,340,000



-La Mata Sports Pavilion €5,171,641



-Eras De La Sal Remodelling €5,100,000



-La Plasa Building Remodelling €4,005,000



-Animal Shelter €1,317,661



-Neighbourhoods Program €1,349,865



-Investment In Infrastructures And B.D.U.G €2,600,000



-Other Infrastructure Replacement Investments €5,707,641



-Artificial Grass Renewal at Nelson Mandela Field €985,097



-High Business Technology Centre €100,000



-Completion Of Multi-Purpose Sports Hall €41,350



-Alzheimer Centre €300,000



-Hospital Pedestrian Path €300,000



-Investment Replacement of Infrastructures €1,000,101



-San Roque Civic Centre €150,000



There is another series of investments, equally priority ones that will be included in the budget modification derived from the settlement of fiscal year 2023 and the availability of the remaining Treasury. The investments that are intended to be introduced via budget modification are:



Paseo Playa de Los Locos, which is undergoing approval of the project by the General Directorate of Coasts; the execution of the Business Innovation Centre; the Green Zone of Torretas III; new public lighting renovation actions; actions in the Sports City, which, among others, include: new paddle tennis courts, the new indoor swimming pool and other complementary actions, with a planned amount of €3,600,000.



In addition, road improvement actions, steel work and urban infrastructure are included, including here improvement actions in the Casagrande Industrial Estate.



INCOME



The income of the Torrevieja City Council for 2024 will represent a decrease in credit of -6.39% (about €3,982,806) with respect to the Municipal Budget of the previous year, mainly due to the reduction in expectations of Income from the Tax on the increase in the value of urban land. The forecast decreases by almost 5 million euro compared to the average of previous years.



The expected income from current operations from Rates, Public Prices and other income amounts to 17,589,445 euro, which represents an increase of 53.63% compared to the Municipal Budget of the previous year, representing 11.14% of the total income budget for 2024. The increase not only comes from the lifting of the suspension of the application of the Tables and Chairs and Occupation of Public Spaces Ordinances such as fixed and mobile markets, stalls, booths and kiosks, but from the increase in new registrations produced in the last 3 years of approximately 50% of the data from previous years. With this, the rates continue not to be updated to the CPI, the Government team freezing all rates and thus promoting job creation and commercial revitalisation.



Finally, the forecasts for the Complementary Financing Fund increase, which goes from 16 million euro to what the Council has been receiving in recent years, 20.2 million euro.

### Harry Potter and Christmas are Coming to Torrevieja Events This Week

The Guardia Civil will be carrying out extensive checks on alcohol and drugs consumption before driving this week, accompanied by the Local and Regional Police in many areas. This is part of a Europe-wide campaign in the runup to Christmas.



Locally, in Torrevieja, Friday is a key date for the Christmas celebrations, with the annual Carols in the Square concert, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the centre of Torrevieja, this year hoping for a more diverse and international flavour than ever.



Other than that, it is a relatively quiet week, after both the patron saint festivities and the national holidays of last week.



There are a couple of shows in the theatre and Virgen del Carmen centre at the weekend, information about which you can get at the box office. However, looking forward to Sunday, just down the road in Guardamar, there is a choral concert in the evening, which is always a welcome addition to the Christmas schedule, so that could definitely be something worth checking out.



The Christmas Concert scheduled for the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja on Saturday 16 December has been cancelled, unfortunately. But the Harry Potter inspired concert on Sunday 17th looks interesting if you do fancy a bit of magical, musical distraction.



We now only have two weeks until Christmas day of course, so if you’re still wanting to find the perfect gift for that difficult person, which might well be yourself, then most shops are now open throughout, but Christmas Eve is a particularly special day in Spain, so early closing is inevitable, so don’t leave it too late.



If you’re looking for other things to do in Torrevieja, you can always visit the Pascual Flores in the tail end of the weeks, and the nativity scene in the main square.

### Torrevieja Carols in the Square 2023

Christmas in Torrevieja wouldn´t be the same without the annual Carols in the Square event, and this year, according to the Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, the intention is to have amore representative reflection of the diverse nationalities and cultures that live in the town, by offering a more inclusive involvement.



Everyone is invited along to the event on Friday 15 December 2023, starting at 5:30 p.m., and everyone will be able to join in with the festive singalong.



Amongst the participants for this international fiesta are the "Francisco Casanovas" Professional Music Conservatory of Torrevieja, along with their choir, an ensemble of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra directed by Francisco J. Garres Pérez, lending a voice from the north of the continent will be the Coro Skandinaviska Skolan Costa Blanca, and the popular Crescendo Choir, with the south of Spain represented by the Coro Rociero Blanca y Verde (Casa de Andalucia Rafael Alberti de Torrevieja), and with Sette Vocci adding their local input.



As always, the event takes place in the main square in Torrevieja, outside the town hall, the Plaza de la Constitucion, where you can also enjoy the festive lights concentration, and the municipal nativity scene.

### Health Minister Backs Down After Torrevieja Hospital Strike Threat

After initially stating that the previously agreed working conditions for Torrevieja hospital staff would be annulled, and the inevitable threat of strike action, the Minister of Health, Mariano Gómez, has now said that his regional government will respect the agreement reached by the workers with the previous administration, to reduce the annual hours of the department's health workers and increase salaries, especially with regard to on-call hours, and bring these figures closer to those of statutory staff.



The agreement comes after a meeting of more than an hour with union representatives, who had been asking for this agreement to be respected for weeks. These improvements, as agreed with the previous government following industrial action after the hospital was brought into disastrous public management, extended until 2027, with a series of annual additions.



However, the agreement now reached focuses only on what was agreed for 2023 and 2024, with the minister's commitment that, during the legislature, a law will be developed "that equalises the legal regimes of public health workers", to put an end to the differences between statutory personnel and labour personnel, which are governed by different agreements.



The announcement of the points of agreement reached was made by the committee itself, after the councillor limited himself to only pointing out, at the insistence of journalists, that "it had been a satisfactory agreement for both parties." Fran García, spokesperson for the works committee, explained that "a progressive reduction in the annual working day was agreed and the on-call hours of doctors and nursing staff were equalised. "That remains the same. Also, for 2024, Temporary Disabilities will be supplemented so that they are paid at 100%."



This agreement deactivates the protests that the workers had started a few weeks ago due to the Ministry's refusal to apply this agreement, after at the beginning of the year the PP, which now governs, participated in the protests that led to this agreement but once they arrived at the Government they refused to apply based on a negative report from the Legal Profession due to the lack of budget to face these measures.

### Torrevieja to get 40,000 euro for Tourism Promotion

Torrevieja is to be given 40,000 euro by the regional government thanks to a collaboration agreement between Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and the Torrevieja Council for the promotion the festivals of relevant tourist interest that were celebrated in the municipality this year.



Turisme Comunitat Valenciana allocates a total of 40,000 euro this year to Torrevieja Council to carry out collaborative marketing actions with the aim of promoting festivals of relevant tourist interest in the town.



The figure is of course a drop in the ocean compared to the 481,000 euro of tax-payers money that Torrevieja allocated to music festivals in the town, much of which went directly to marketing companies not even located in the region, let alone the town, 360,000 to Brilla Torrevieja and 121,000 to RBF, but none the less it is a contribution.



The 40,000 euro will go towards promoting such events as Semana Santa, Carnival, and the Torrevieja International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest.



Specifically, this year Holy Week in Torrevieja has been promoted with the design and printing of the programming, with the aim of offering information to users of tourist information services and social networks, distributing 2,000 units.



In addition, the Carnival in Madrid last January through a Street marketing campaign consisting of the development of a parade of about 100 people belonging to the carnival troupes in the surroundings of the Plaza de Callao in Madrid.



In addition, the 69th International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest that was held last July has been promoted with the edition of a promotional advertisement with audiovisual images that were broadcast on six screens in buildings in Madrid, as well as on social networks.



The objective of this campaign has been, firstly, to publicise the international nature of the Contest, and secondly, to enhance the image of Torrevieja as a destination that preserves its traditions, as well as reaching a middle-aged audience.

### Diabetes incidence increases by 42% in four years

Its increase is closely linked to the increase in obesity in the population



Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputation




Dr. Giselle Girón, endocrinologist  at the Obesity Unit of the Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital,  warns that  the number of people with diabetes has increased by 42% since 2019, which means it already affects one in seven adults and places us with the second highest rate in Europe.



 Diabetes, as explained by Dr. Jorge Cid, a specialist in endocrinology  at Quirónsalud Torrevieja  and the Obesity Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante, "cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus have skyrocketed due to its close relationship with obesity which, although by itself is not   a cause of diabetes, but is an important contributing factor for its appearance". 



As specialist Georgio Kyriacos, endocrinologist at Quirónsalud Murcia, clarifies,  "the more overweight, the higher the amount of fat in the body that produces an increase in insulin resistance. As a result, muscle, fat and liver cells do not respond well to insulin and cannot absorb glucose from the blood easily and blood sugar rises. The pancreas, in an attempt to reduce this glycemia, generates more and more insulin until it is exhausted and does not produce large amounts of this hormone, causing hyperglycaemia and consequently diabetes."



Main diseases associated with diabetes



Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputations. "Likewise," adds Dr. Girón, " poorly controlled diabetes increases the chances of complications and is the cause of premature death, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially those with poor glycaemic control."



Along these lines, Dr. Cid also warns that "diabetes  increases the risk of dementia and depression and increases the risk of bone diseases, including osteoporosis, and of skin and mouth diseases, including gum disease with the consequent loss of teeth."  



Regular check-ups for the care of the diabetic patient



Regular check-ups are essential to prevent organ complications caused by diabetes. Quirónsalud specialists recommend that diabetics undergo the following check-ups on a regular basis:




Complete foot check-up



Go to the ophthalmology specialist for a fundus study



Laboratory tests to assess glycaemic control, renal and liver function



Complete Dental Exam




And remember, if in doubt, consult a specialist.

### Torrevieja Property Fraudsters in Court

The trial has begun against two estate agents who are accused of fraud whilst selling property in Torrevieja.



The Prosecutor provisionally asked for three years in prison for a crime of fraud for the pair accused of deceiving a couple in the purchase of two homes in Torrevieja.



In July 2018, the victims decided to buy the two houses, after being advised by the defendants.



The Prosecutor's Office maintains that the real estate agents kept 187,000 euro from the buyers, and did not use the funds to pay for the homes.

### Audit Call for Torrevieja Access Vados

Sueña Torrevieja proposes a motion for the modification of the municipal ordinance of permanent vados.



Vados are most commonly known by the sign which indicates parking is prohibited outside a property or access route, and the permission to display such a sign has been approved by the town hall, thus allowing for the flow of traffic through the section.



Displaying a vado prohibits parking for all vehicles, including, which sometimes confuses those who have them, the occupants of the property, who are also prohibited from subsequently parking outside their home. A vado prohibits parking, it does not allow for a reserved space. They are used in a variety of locations, not just residential properties.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, affirms that it is necessary to carry out an urgent review of all the vados in Torrevieja to check that they are updated or up to date with payments and thus a solution can be found to part of the problem that has been going on for years regarding parking.



Proposals would be considered such as assessing if the vado is requested for a single vehicle, the amount of the fee increases and as the number of vehicles increases, the fee to pay decreases.



Samper states that “all the residents are aware of the big problem that Torrevieja has with parking throughout the year, but that in the high season it increases greatly. And this means that all the people who have to travel in private vehicles to the city centre face a continuous setback.”



For Samper, it is very important to remember that "in our city we find a high number of permanent vados, not always updated or used for the entry and exit of vehicles, which make parking difficult, and that all of this leads to different problems such as “be the blocking of ramps by vehicles, private vehicles parked in loading and unloading areas or pedestrian crossings.”



“That is why at Sueña Torrevieja we consider it very important to make some modifications to the vado ordinance of this municipality. Therefore, it would be necessary to consider changing the conditions necessary to obtain said licence. In addition, it is necessary to carry out an urgent review of all the vados in Torrevieja to check that they are up to date or up to date with payments.”



Regarding the modification of the ordinance "it would be interesting to assess new aspects such as: the presentation of the plan of the premises intended for a garage, the request for a report issued by a competent technician indicating that the premises are conditioned for use as a carport or garage, expressing its surface, vehicle capacity, sketch of the situation with respect to the property in which it is located and details of the accesses to it, minimum dimensions, checking that the use of the vado is for the entrance and exit of vehicles and not for other use or fire-fighting measures such as a minimum of one powder extinguisher for every two vehicles.”



Also, another aspect to assess would be the amount to pay to obtain a vado. “A proposal could be that if the vado is requested for a single vehicle this amount increases and as the number of vehicles increases the rate to pay decreases.”

### Torrevieja Festivities Continue

The Patron Saint festivities continue in Torrevieja. The highlight for Monday could be the dancing and chocolate in the main square, which is where the stage is once again located for many of the outdoor concerts to take place.



Tuesday sees a mini disco in the afternoon, followed by a “Super Hits” pop concert in the evening.



Wednesday is a holiday, but the festivities continue, with a major paella festival and competition.



The so-called “big heads” will also parade at a number of times throughout the week, but Thursday could be an interesting day as there is an event around noon, followed by a mascleta (noisy fireworks), then pirates, and more of the big characters throughout the afternoon.



Friday again is a national holiday, and a fairly quiet day for the fiesta, but on Saturday there is a tribute “El Canto del Loco” in the square, and Sunday sees a sports gala and theatre for children in the Virgen del Carmen.



Full details of the schedules can be obtained in the tourist information office in Torrevieja, where you can also get information about the Pascual Flores, the tall ship which is open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday until the end of January.



Whilst you are in Torrevieja, be sure to visit the nativity scene, and the Christmas tree, but if you want a different representation of the latter, Guardamar is the place to go, as they have a tradition of producing “different” trees, and this year, it is knitted.



You can find more Torrevieja events here.

### Annual Christmas in Torrevieja Window Dressing Competition Launched

In preparation for Christmas in Torrevieja, the Councillor for Commerce in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, has announced that the application period for businesses that want to participate in the XX Christmas Window Dressing Contest 2023 will be open until December 13, inclusive.



All small and medium-sized businesses in the municipality of Torrevieja that decorate a window or façade with Christmas motifs can participate for the 5,000 euro worth of prizes.



Registrations can be made through the electronic office at this link: https://torrevieja.sedelectronica.es/info.0



The call for this competition is intended to encourage investments by Torrevieja merchants in the aesthetics and image of their establishments and, therefore, the improvement of the visual quality of them and Torrevieja at Christmas.



Rosario Martínez has reported that during the week of December 12 the jury's decision will be made, which will be announced before Christmas.



The prizes, which total 5,000 euros, will consist of:



First prize of 1,000 Euro.



Second prize of 800 Euro.



Third prize 500 Euro.



Nine second prizes of 300 Euro.



As a mandatory requirement to be able to participate, you must be up to date with your tax obligations to Social Security and AEAT, as well as with Torrevieja Council.



The Commercial Council encourages all Torrevieja establishments to participate in this Christmas competition that will boost local commerce in these very difficult times.

### Torrevieja Patron Saint Festivities 2023

Although the celebrations began earlier in November, this weekend is when the patron saint festivities in honour of the Purísima Concepción 2023 really begin in Torrevieja.



The plaza stage in the main square will once again be one of the busiest spaces. On December 1, the Patron Saint Festival lighting party will take place, followed by a performance by the “Etiqueta Show” orchestra and a DJ. Also, this year you can enjoy free concerts such as the one that will take place on December 5, at 9:00 p.m., by “Super Hits” or the tribute “El Canto del Loco”, which will be on December 9, at 9:00 p.m.







The big concerts return to the “Tavi y Carmona” Sports Palace, with “Arde Bogotá” on December 5, which will begin at 9:00 p.m. with an opening performance of “Diagnosis Binario.” On December 7, starting at 10:00 p.m., the centre court will vibrate to the sound of “Camela.” “Mocedades y Los Panchos” will close the series of concerts for the Patron Saint Festivities, performing on the stages of the Municipal Theatre on Saturday, December 9, at 8:00 p.m.



On December 3, starting at 9:30 a.m., the party will begin in the Acequión “Diversequión” neighbourhood, with the collaboration of the neighbourhood group headed by Felix Martín. Framed in this celebration, the traditional “Bisiquión” Cycle Tour will take place, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Registration to participate will consist of 1 litre of milk, to benefit Solidarity Foods, thus helping the local NGO after the public call they have made.



Regarding the events programmed especially for children, Rosario Martínez, the councillor responsible for organising the events, has indicated that "they are designed to be enjoyed as a family." In this sense, she has highlighted the musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, with Daniel Diges as the protagonist. It will consist of three sessions at 5:30 p.m. on December 1 and 3, and one session at 7:00 p.m. on December 2.



As for the traditional events of these long-awaited festivities in honour of La Purísima, it is worth noting that the first outing of the “Charamita” with Lyly and her troupe of giants and bigheads accompanied by the dulzaina and the drum, which will be on 1 December, at 5:30 p.m., from the Old Town Hall. In total, the “Charamita” will take place 12 times and among them are the Night Out, on Saturday, December 2, the “Noche Golfa”, on day 1 and the “Charamita Inclusiva”, for children and young people with functional diversity, on Saturday, December 3 in the Plaza de Miguel Hernández, at 12:00 p.m. The “Charamita” will make two trips without a tour to the AFA centre and the “ALPE” special education centre.



The Floral Offering to La Purísima will be celebrated on Saturday, December 2, from the Plaza de Oriente and around the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, preceded by the now usual Entrance of Music Bands. The Festival Councillor has called on all local associations and groups of all kinds to participate in this massive display of Torrevieja society. Also on this day, the inauguration of the Municipal Nativity Scene will take place, which this year has a large tent, in addition to having new figures and a special design with several allegories of the Torrevieja of the past. This commitment is motivated by expanding the tourist offer that the city already offers on these festive and crowded dates.



On the other hand, Martínez Chazarra highlighted the celebration of the long-awaited Paella Contest in the Antonio Soria Park. After the organisational success of last year, the mayor has highlighted the great collaboration of all attendees by announcing that a device very similar to the previous one has been designed for this edition. Of course, he has indicated that more than 350 plots will be available.



On December 8, the day of La Purísima, the day will begin with the traditional Diana, which will leave from the doors of the Town Hall at 7:00 a.m., and the always-awaited fireworks display will be set off during the procession of the patron saint through the streets of the city.



The president of Hijos de la Inmaculada, Antonio Aniorte, has highlighted on Friday, December 1, a Vigil will be held in honour of La Purísima.



The parish priest, José Antonio Gea, has issued an invitation to the entire population to “live these festivities in peace and joy, with the Immaculate Conception as the centre of all celebrations,” and which will be the first that the priest will experience as parish priest of the Immaculate Conception.



The councillor, for her part, wanted to highlight the work behind this programming, a collaboration between the different councillors, and she hopes it will be a success as it has been in recent years.




https://youtu.be/XhzItIjdKgU

### Torrevieja to Host 2024 Pump Track Championship

The Spanish Royal Cycling Federation (RFEC) has laid out the schedule for the 2024 Pump Track Championship, which will be held in Torrevieja on 3 November 2024.



The championship will have six scoring events throughout next year, including in Barcelona and Huesca in April, Huesca in May, Pontevedra in June, and Almeria in September.



The Spanish Pump Track Cup has been gaining popularity in recent years, and the championship heading to Torrevieja will show some value to the investment the town has made in this sport modality.



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### Full Technical Details of New Torrevieja Bus Service from December 2024

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for Transport, Antonio Vidal, presented the Torrevieja Urban Transport model, a service that has additional financing from the Next Generation Funds of the European Union, for an amount of 3,4 million euro. Likewise, the Service Project together with the Feasibility Study justify a concession duration of 15 years, with the cost of bidding for the service being 7,5 million.



This new urban transport service will have new line routes, new services and new frequencies. Construction of the fixed infrastructure necessary to provide these services, such as bus storage garages, bus maintenance and repair workshops, and user information offices.



In addition, the construction, improvement and maintenance, as well as the operation, of the different stops that make up the urban transport service are planned, improving them and carrying out the construction of some new ones.



Digitization of the service, providing an Operation Assistance System (SAE) that allows providing information to the user in real time, as well as optimising routes and determining possible incidents that the service may present.



As well as the acquisition of new hybrid and electric buses, which will considerably improve the comfort and safety of the vehicles, and will considerably reduce the GHGs (greenhouse gases) generated in the city.



THE SERVICE WILL HAVE 9 DAY AND 3 NIGHT LINES



The mayor has reported that the lines will increase, considering a total of 9 daytime lines and 3 nighttime lines, which will provide the service centralised in 3 interchanges. These are located on calle Ramón Gallud, in the parking lot of the Torrevieja Hospital and on calle Francisco Atienza, next to the Carrefour shopping centre. 



From these interchanges, four types of lines are designed:



Circulars, which link interchanges 1 and 3 mentioned above, feeding the main infrastructures of the urban centre of Torrevieja: health centres, schools and institutes, sports areas, market area and urban centre.



Shuttles. This line is planned as a shuttle to the Torrevieja hospital from the urban centre, so that it will feed the entire southern area of ​​Torrevieja and the cemetery.



Radial lines. These lines leave from one of the three interchanges, linking the circular lines and the shuttle with the most peripheral urbanisations of Torrevieja and with La Mata.



Nocturnal. They are lines that feed, from the most peripheral areas of Torrevieja and leaving the different interchanges, both to the nightclub area of ​​the Industrial Estate and to the port area. These lines will only provide service, initially, on weekends throughout the year and during high season periods.



Circular Line



Circular Line. It has a route of 13.37 km. It is a circular route, in one direction, that runs through the centre of Torrevieja and connects the following demand points:



Eras de la Sal/Port of Torrevieja.



Habaneras/Carrefour shopping centre.



Bus station.



Sports areas.



Market area.



CEIP Acequión, Cuba, Salvador Ruso, Virgen del Carmen, Habaneras and Inmaculada.



Patricio Pérez, La Loma and Acequión health centres.



IES Mare Nostrum, Mediterráneo and Las Lagunas.



Total travel time = 47 min



Weekday passing frequency = 15.73 min



Line 1. Hospital



This line has a route of 9.76 km. It is a linear route in both directions, acting as a shuttle from the urban centre to the Torrevieja Hospital.



Demand points:



Port.



Torrevieja Hospital.



Acequión Health Centre.



Torrevieja Cemetery (on request).



Total travel time = 34 min



Weekday passing frequency = 11.49 min



Line 2. Los Altos-Rocío del Mar



This line has a length of 9.72 km, with a linear route in both directions. It runs through the urbanisations of Los Altos and Rocío del Mar, starting at the Torrevieja Hospital.



Demand points:



Torrevieja Hospital.



CEIP Romualdo Ballester



Cala Piteras.



Total travel time = 34 min



Weekday passing frequency = 17.15 min



Line 3. Los Balcones



The length of this line is 7.76 km, being a linear line in both directions, running in the residential area of ​​the Los Balcones urbanisation.



The fundamental demand point that it feeds is the Torrevieja Hospital.



Total travel time = 27 min



Weekday passing frequency = 13.69 min



Line 4. Torretas



This line, like the previous ones, is linear in both directions. It has a length of 15.4 km.



Feeds the following demand points:



Port and Eras de la Sal.



Habaneras-Carrefour Shopping Centre.



Bus station.



CEIP Cultures and Immaculate Conception.



La Siesta Health Centre.



IES Torrevigía.



Total travel time = 54 min



Weekday passing frequency = 18.13 min



Line 5. San Luis



This line, like the others that feed the peripheral urbanisations of the city, is linear round trip. It has a length of 19.37 km, and feeds the following demand points:



Port-Eras de la Sal.



Habaneras-Carrefour Shopping Centre.



CEIP Immaculate.



IES Torrevigia.



San Luis Health Centre.



Total travel time = 68 min



Weekday passing frequency = 22.79 min



Line 6. Torreblanca – La Mata – Hospital Quirón



This line is also linear in both directions, having a length of 22.95 km. Feeds the following demand points:



Port-Eras de la Sal.



Quiron Hospital.



International Auditorium and Conservatory (on request).



CEIP Ciudad del Mar, Nuestra Señora del Rosario and Salvador Ruso.



La Loma, Patricio Pérez and La Mata Health Centres.



Sport's zone.



Market Precinct.



IES Mare Nostrum, Las Lagunas and Libertas.



Total travel time = 81 min



Frequency of passage weekday = 20.25 min



Line 7. La Mata by Interior



This 17.5 km line will connect Torrevieja and La Mata through the interior avenues of Torrevieja. It is a line in both directions, joining the following demand points:



Port-Eras de la Sal.



La Mata.



CEIP Virgen del Mar, Virgen del Carmen and Inmaculada.



La Mata Health Centre.



IES Mediterráneo and Ciudad del Mar.



Total travel time = 62 min



Frequency of passing weekday = 20.60 min



Line 8. La Mata - Beaches



This linear route has a length of 20.27 km, and connects the following demand points:



Port-Eras de la Sal.



La Mata.



Beaches in the north of the municipality.



Health Centres of La Mata and Patricio Pérez.



Bus station.



Total travel time = 72 min



Weekday passing frequency = 17.88 min



Night Line



They will be provided every Saturday of the year, as well as daily in medium and high seasons, from 0:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.



Line N1. La Mata.



Total travel time = 51 min



Frequency of passage weekday = 60 min



Line N2. North.



Total travel time = 51 min



Frequency of passage weekday = 60 min



Line N3. South.



Total travel time = 57 min



Frequency of passage weekday = 60 min



Infrastructures. Stops



Types of stops designed:



Type 0. These are the interchanges and the stop on Calle Mayor de La Mata. The canopy will have a self-cleaning toilet integrated. The detail is similar to type 2 stops, but with the toilet.



Type 1.  These stops consist of two shelters, an infobus and a series of urban elements that allow accessibility for users as well as a living area, and include the redevelopment of the entire area around the stop itself. This stop has been implemented at those stops where many lines converge or have a lot of user demand.



Type 2. It is similar to the previous one, but with a single canopy. It also consists of an infobus and urban elements of accessibility and stay. It also includes the redevelopment of the stop area. It has been implemented in those stops located in the urban area (Torrevieja and La Mata) that are not type 1.



Type 3. These stops consist of a shelter and infobus, but do not include urban works or elements except those strictly necessary to provide them with accessibility. These types of stops have been defined in urbanization areas where it is possible or necessary to have a shelter due to user demand.



Type 4. These stops consist only of an infobus, and a bench-type element to allow users to seat. It does not include a canopy, as its implementation is not possible, and it does not include redevelopment or urban elements except those strictly necessary to make the stop accessible. This type of stop has been provided in urbanization areas with little demand and where it is not possible to install a shelter.



SERVICE RATES (1)



Types of rates to be collected in the Regulatory Fiscal Ordinance:



Ordinary ticket. It is a single ticket, valid for one trip on Torrevieja's urban transport. Its price is €1.35.



Multi-trip bus voucher. It is a fare included in a card or digital element, which can be recharged with a certain number of trips, usually 10 or 20. Its price is €9, for 10 trips, or €18 for 20 trips, that is, the price of the trip will be €0.90.



Special multi-trip bus voucher. It is a similar rate to the previous one, but where the price of the trip is €0.65. This rate is usable by those people who are in the following situations:



Young people under 26 years of age.



Large families.



Long-term unemployed (that is, more than 2 years).



GOLD Bonus. Users of this card have free trips on Torrevieja's urban transport throughout the year, unlimitedly. They are usable for the following users:



People over 65 years of age registered in Torrevieja for more than 1 year.



Pensioners or people with a degree of disability greater than 33% registered in Torrevieja for more than 1 year.



SERVICE RATES (2)



Types of rates to be collected in the Regulatory Fiscal Ordinance:



Bonus 30. This rate is valid for all users. It is a flat rate that allows unlimited trips on urban transport for 30 days on all lines. Its cost is €38.



Tourist Card. It is a rate created primarily for tourists and people passing through. It allows unlimited use of urban transport lines during the stipulated time. There are two modalities:



3 days, with a cost of €8.



7 days, with a cost of €16.



MOBILE AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT



The vehicles to be used in the service will be a total, considering the lines considered, of 32 units, of which 3 will be reserve and reinforcement. Of the 32 units, 25 units of hybrid operation and 7 units of completely electric operation are contemplated. The Council will transfer the use of these vehicles to the commercial concessionaire during the entire period of service provision, as they are supplied.



Fixed infrastructures to be built



Garages, workshops and information office on a municipal plot, shown in the plans of this project, which will be adjacent to the future intermodal transport station and a park and ride.



The room that serves as a garage must have capacity for the 32 urban buses that will provide the urban transport service in Torrevieja.



The area planned for the garage and workshop infrastructure amounts to 5,000 m², without taking into account the urbanised perimeter part, which amounts to another 1,500 m².



Improvement in the accessibility of stops. This action is included in this project and will be part of the specifications that will govern the service. It consists of eliminating stops that will no longer be used, enabling new planned stops, and improving existing stops, enforcing current accessibility regulations at all of them.



Estimation of deadlines



Approval of Cost Structure and referral to the Generalitat Valenciana Advisory Board



January 2024



PCAP and PPTP approval and SARA contract tender 



April 2024



Tender calculation and successful bidder proposal



September 2024



Start-up of the service



December 2024

### Flu vaccine to be available for all adults

The Ministry of Health in the Valencia region will begin immunisation against the influenza virus for people between 18 and 59 years of age who request it from Monday, December 4.



With this measure, the aim is not only to avoid the contagion of all those people who decide to receive the dose of the vaccine against the virus, but to protect the most vulnerable population, which may suffer complications as a result of their personal situation and if they belong to any of risk groups.



In this regard, a total of 824,857 doses of vaccines have already been administered to people included in the prioritised risk groups since the start of the campaign, last October 16. By province, there are 423,597 immunised people in Valencia, 308,417 in Alicante and 92,843 in Castellón.



If we compare it with the same period of the previous year's vaccination campaign, 6% more vaccines have been administered.



More than 65% of the total doses administered (538,550) have been to people over 64 years of age, which means a coverage of 51%. For their part, social and health personnel have received 47,281 doses and 26,742 people resident in social and health centres have been immunised, which means coverage of 57.65% and 79.02%, respectively.



As for children under the age of five (between 6 and 59 months) without risk pathology, whose immunisation has been one of the novelties of this 2023-2024 season's campaign, 40,180 doses have already been administered. Specifically, there have been 15,101 doses inoculated to babies aged 6 months to 2 years and 25,079 doses administered with the intranasal vaccine to boys and girls aged 2 to 4 years.



In this sense, it must be remembered that minors are the main transmitters of the flu, if they suffer from it, and are a source of contagion for older people (their grandparents), another of the prioritised groups, therefore, both the vaccination of boys and girls up to the age of 5, and of older people, is essential to avoid suffering from the flu this autumn and this winter.



Experts point to the fact that the temperatures recorded in recent weeks have caused people to minimise the existence of these respiratory viruses, which can have serious consequences in risk groups. For this reason, faced with the imminent arrival of the cold, they recommend that both the risk groups who have not yet been vaccinated and the general population, who will be able to receive the dose from December 4, request an appointment to be immunised.



Regarding the vaccination against COVID-19, 582,955 doses have already been administered. By province: 63,886 in Castellón, 220,684 in Alicante and 298,385 in Valencia.



Of the total number of people vaccinated, by risk group, the immunisation of 523,485 people over the age of 60 and 32,388 doses of health and/or socio-health personnel stands out.



It should be noted that people who have recently had COVID-19 should wait the recommended time for inoculation, which is three months.



The main objective of this campaign, which started in the Valencian Community last October 16, is to reduce morbidity and mortality due to flu and COVID-19, especially in vulnerable groups. 



The risk groups defined in the current campaign are: residents in centres for the elderly and functional diversity, health and socio-health personnel, people aged 60 or over (instead of 65 or over), people under 60 with pathologies of risk and pregnant women.



This year, healthy boys and girls aged 6 to 59 months, or with risk pathology up to the age of 14, and smokers under 60 have also been included in the flu vaccine.

### You Can Visit Pascual Flores in Torrevieja from Wednesday

The paileboat (derived from the English term, 'pilot boat') Pascual Flores has returned to the Marina Salinas in Torrevieja, where from November 29 to January 29, you are invited on board this iconic vessel.



This historic ship, originally built in Torrevieja in 1917 and restored over recent years, thus returns to the place where it was born, culminating the successful tour it has made this year through European and Spanish ports, as a floating museum of the maritime and cultural heritage of Torrevieja and a symbol of classic sailboats. from the Mediterranean.



A tour in which she has travelled more than 4,000 nautical miles, has visited 22 cities in Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Holland, Germany and Portugal, and has participated in important events and Maritime Festivals of tall ships in European ports such as Rouen (France), Amsterdam (Holland) and Bremerhaven (Germany).



An extraordinary tour in which the Pascual Flores has found a great media and public reception, receiving nearly 30,000 visitors, who have boarded this classic Mediterranean sailboat, and have been able to learn about its history and the fabulous maritime and of Torrevieja shipbuilding.



During its stay at the Marina Salinas, the pailebote can be visited by the public, who can walk along the wooden decks of this imposing ship, 34 metres long, 8 metres wide and 415 m² of combat surface, tour its spaces, learn about its fabulous history and what life is like on board for its crew members.



VISITOR INFORMATION:



Location: Marina Salinas



Dates: WEDNESDAY to SUNDAY – from NOVEMBER 29 to JANUARY 29



Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



Tickets: €3 Adults / €1 Children (5-10 years) / €7 Family (2 adults + up to 3 children between 5-10 years). Free for children under 5 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult. Registered in Torrevieja: FREE



Point of sale: tickets.pascualflores.org or the boat itself

### Sueña Torrevieja Wade in on Icon Letdown

The Sueña Torrevieja group has released a statement of absolute frustration that the iconic landmark of El Tintero in Torrevieja has been allowed to be demolished, blaming the government, and in particular the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, for failing to protect the historic building, despite their promise.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, says that "late Wednesday, November 22, we received with astonishment and frustration the news of the demolition scheduled for Thursday, of the El Tintero Kiosk".



The University of Alicante attributed to the El Tintero "an unparalleled historical and iconographic value" while the mayor of Torrevieja has not fulfilled his promise to protect it to prevent its demolition, Samper assured.



Samper assures that "I do not believe how the mayor of Torrevieja, most responsible for this City Council, has let the El Tintero die despite the fact that for more than 5 years he raised the flag of its protection and affirmed that in no case would he allow its demolition".



"At the same time, from Sueña Torrevieja we do not understand the reasons that have led the General Directorate of Coasts to pursue a symbol of the history of our city, and we regret how the Torrevieja Council has taken so long to initiate the procedures for its protection as an asset of local relevance, giving rise to what is going to happen, which is unfortunately its demolition".



Samper concludes by stating that "a people that loses its roots is condemned to lose its identity. Perhaps those who beat their chests talking about Torrevieja, its customs and traditions, should consider that when it comes down to it, they have left a symbol of our history lying around, cared for and run with affection for years by a Torrevieja family".

### Torrevieja Burglars Arrested in Madrid

A joint operation of agents from the National Police of Elche and Murcia resulted in the dismantling of a traveling group specialised in robbing commercial establishments, which included premises in Torrevieja.



The investigation has been extended to Madrid where the five members of the gang have been arrested, to whom eight robberies are attributed in Elche, Torrevieja and in the municipality of San Javier in the Region of Murcia.



The loot achieved by the gang in the eight robberies with which they are accused amounts to around 65,000 euro.



The modus operandi used by the group consisted of manipulating the box at the main entrance of the stores to deactivate the entire security circuit, to hiding inside the establishments open to the public to manipulate and rob the safes during closing hours.



The detainees are four men and one woman, of Spanish, Colombian and Moroccan nationalities, who are between 19 and 42 years old.

### Torrevieja Landmark Confined to the History Books

After a 12-year battle to remain in place, a little piece of Torrevieja’s history was set for demolition on Thursday, as the El Tintero kiosk was to be resigned to the pictorial history books.



The government team and Mayor Eduardo Dolón have known about the resolution to act from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, to which the Costas area belongs, for at least two weeks, but they had not made a public statement.



Torrevieja themselves are of course known for demolishing historic buildings, such as the historic cinema which was demolished to make way for the Municipal Theatre, but on this occasion they had tried to register the building, which falls foul of the coastal demarcation, by registering it as an Asset of Local Relevance, but his failed, as it wasn’t submitted in time, much like many of the town hall’s commitments.

### Loud Explosion Heard in Torrevieja

The peace and tranquillity was shattered on Tuesday afternoon, when two loud explosions were heard in Torrevieja and the surrounding area.



The bangs were nothing to worry about and were the result of a Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, flight code SHARK034, registration ZK331, breaking the sound barrier whilst flying on exercises over Spain.



Alarmed residents took to social media to highlight their fright and try to find out the cause of the bangs that caused windows to rattle and pets into a state of nervousness.



The flights are controlled from the Los Llanos Air Base (Albacete), thus covering the province of Alicante, and extend into other neighbouring regions.



These flights are set to continue and are currently scheduled for November 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 and 30 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

### 2024 Sunday Shopping Schedule Confirmed

The Official Journal of the Generalitat Valenciana (DOGV) has published the definitive schedule for the opening of commercial establishments on Sundays and public holidays for 2024 throughout the territorial scope of the Valencian Community, as set out by regional law.



These are 11 days approved unanimously last September by the Valencian Trade Observatory, a consultative and advisory body in the field of commercial activity, attached to the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism.



Specifically, the Sundays and holidays on which Sunday shopping can take place as shops can be opened in 2024 are the following:



Sunday 7 January 2024 - Winter sales



Friday 29 March 2024 - Good Friday



Sunday 31 March 2024 - Easter Sunday



Monday 24 June 2024 – San Juan



Sunday 7 July 2024 - Summer sales



Saturday 12 October 2024 - National Day of Spain



Sunday 1 December 2024 - Christmas campaign



Friday 6 December 2024 - Constitution Day



Sunday 15 December 2024 - Christmas campaign



Sunday 22 December 2024 - Christmas campaign



Sunday 29 December 2024 - Christmas campaign



The resolution published by the DOGV also specifies that commercial establishments will freely set the schedule corresponding to each commercially enabled Sunday or holiday. In addition, they must adequately inform the public about their decision, as well as about the hours during which they will be open.

### Playa de Los Locos Project Still Paralyzed Three Years Later

Pablo Samper, spokesman for Sueña Torrevieja, says that "once again we find ourselves with yet another case of slowness and lack of efficiency in the management of the PP government team".



Samper assures that the Governing Board approved in October the modification of the contract for the drafting of the project and construction management of the urbanisation of Los Locos beach.



The PP government only has less than 80,000 euro in its 2023 budget to carry out the works, 1% of the total.



On March 6, 2020, more than 3 years and 8 months ago, the Governing Board approved the start of the file.



On December 6, 2022, the contract was formalised, after 2 years and 9 months, with the term of execution of the contract being 6 months.



On October 6, 2023, 10 months later, the contract was modified, extending the project execution period by 2 more months. 



Samper concludes by stating that "the most serious thing about this matter is that in the report of the general director of urban planning it is established that the price of material execution of the work will be more than 5.5 million euro, which means a tender price of almost 8 million euro, and the Torrevieja Council only has less than 80,000 euro in its 2023 budget, 1%, and, therefore, it is a new sale of smoke without having a budget to finance the works". 

### Men's Health Month: When should men get a checkup?

Quirónsalud joins the Movember initiative to raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health in men



November is Men's Health Month. This initiative, promoted by Movember, aims to address men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.



The movement began in Australia in 2003, when a group of friends decided to grow their moustaches in the month of November as a way to raise funds and awareness about prostate cancer and testicular cancer.



What started as a local initiative has grown into a global phenomenon that has raised millions of dollars for charities and inspired men around the world to get involved.



The reality is that men die, on average, 4.5 years earlier than women, from causes that are primarily preventable. For this reason, Quirónsalud has joined this movement, with the aim of focusing on the importance of prevention. Drs. Alejandro Pascual and Alexandr Zhiganov and Dr. Amparo Míguez, have provided fundamental information on prevention and check-ups of men's health.



Dr. Zhiganov, specialist in general medicine and coordinator  of check-ups at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, stresses the importance of medical check-ups at different stages of life.



According to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, the frequency of checkups varies depending on age and individual risk factors.



Dr. Zhiganov explains that, generally speaking, it is recommended to have a check-up every four years before the age of 40, then every two years until the age of 60, and finally, one year after this age.



However, it indicates that the individual situation of each person (tobacco use, alcohol, etc.), as well as a family history of hereditary diseases, can influence the frequency of check-ups.



What does a medical check-up consist of?



The medical check-up is a process that consists of several stages, such as a personal interview with the doctor to learn about the medical history and current lifestyle habits, and a general examination to assess the state of health and detect possible pathologies or risk situations.



When to see a urologist?



For her part, Dr. Amparo Míguez, urologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, stresses that prevention is the best medicine "all men should have urological check-ups once a year when they pass the threshold of 45 or 50 years (if they do not have hereditary risk factors), because at this age some pathologies related to the natural aging process begin to develop".



According to the expert, these check-ups are key to early diagnosis and treatment of serious problems, some of which are asymptomatic until they are already in an advanced stage, such as prostate cancer.



The specialist in urology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja indicates that "you must go to the urologist in the event of any symptoms, pain or discomfort in the genito-urinary area, changes in the organolectic characteristics (smell, colour, appearance ,...) of urine, or suspicion of some genital expansive process that is developing and that could have been discovered/identified in the self-examination."



The doctor explains that the main urological problems in young people between 18-20 years old can arise from their adolescence and are related to the beginning of sexual life. More broadly, between the ages of 18 and 30, "it is common for the urologist to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STDs/STIs) and, in some cases of men, erectile dysfunction (ED) issues."



In addition, Míguez specifies that "testicular cancer develops at an early age, so young people must be alerted to go to the urologist if any abnormality is discovered in the testicles". Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer among young men worldwide.



However, the specialist stresses that men go to the urologist for the first time between the ages of 45 and 50 for their general check-up if they do not have any symptoms. "They especially come if certain lower urinary tract (LUTS) symptoms have begun to appear, for example, getting up at night to urinate (nocturia) or that the urine stream has less strength and calibre. But among the most serious are prostate diseases, especially prostate cancer."



How is prostate cancer diagnosed?



There are two common tests for initial detection and, depending on the result of these tests, a biopsy will be performed.



For the diagnosis, PSA will be performed, a blood test that looks for the presence in the blood of a protein specifically produced by prostate cells. "It is the prostate marker, it is not specific for cancer, but it allows its levels to be monitored throughout the adult life of the male. If it rises, it's an indicator that further investigation is needed." Even so, according to the specialist, the digital rectal exam is still an important tool in the physical examination to complete the diagnosis.



Urological check-ups over 60 years old



At this stage of life, the most common problems are usually related to lower urinary tract symptoms due to prostatic obstruction and erectile dysfunction.



The urologist also points out Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), "a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which becomes more prevalent after the age of 60." Prostate cancer, on the other hand, "is a cancer that affects men from the age of 50 and is uncommon in the 40s, being almost non-existent before," the doctor points out.



Cardiology check-ups



A cardiovascular check-up is a medical check-up that consists of determining the state of the heart and circulatory system in order to identify the main causes of coronary risk.



Current recommendations state that men over the age of 45 should have their cardiovascular risk assessed.



Dr. Alejandro Pascual, head  of Cardiology at Quirónsalud Alicante,  explains that in this review, an assessment should be carried out aimed at looking for cardiological symptoms or cardiovascular disease, as well as a clinical and analytical assessment in search of the presence of cardiovascular risk factors.



All this to prevent cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia or diabetes mellitus.



How often should I have a cardiovascular check-up?



According to the expert, we should assess cardiovascular risk every five years, "or sooner if we are at a risk level close to needing treatment for heart disease."



Prevention, essential to take care of your health



Prevention is fundamental to health care. "Not only does it prevent the emergence and spread of diseases, but it also reduces the need for more expensive treatments and other health care," says Dr. Zhiganov.

### Torrevieja Police Removing Rental Scooters

Torrevieja Local Police have reported that they are continuing the work of removing scooters which do not comply with the Mobility and Circulation Ordinance of the Torrevieja Council that regulates personal mobility vehicles.



On Monday they reported removing several of these scooters that were scattered throughout various locations in the town and that were not correctly complying with the Ordinance.



The removal of the vehicles found to be placed incorrectly also entails a corresponding administrative sanction.

### Christmas in Torrevieja 2023 – Key Dates Announced

Preparations are underway for the Christmas in Torrevieja celebrations.



A canopy has been erected to protect the nativity scene for the first time, the illuminations contract should soon see the lights erected, a new consumer bonus scheme for the season is about to be launched, and the first two key dates in the calendar have been announced.



The Christmas tree will be illuminated in the main square on Sunday 3 December, at 6:00 p.m., the first Sunday of Advent. The tree has once again been gifted to Torrevieja by Sweden, and so the event will take on a very Scandinavian feel, although the community extends the invitation to attend to all residents of all nationalities.



On Friday 15 December, again starting at 6:00 p.m., the now famous Carols in the Square will take place. Similar to the tree lighting, this event very much has origins in a particular nationality, namely those from the UK, but with the considerable reduction in numbers of Brits living in Torrevieja, and with a more cosmopolitan outlook, the invitation to this event is also extended to all nationalities, so much so that the town hall hope to revise the playbook to include more songs that are universally known.



There will be a cultural agenda published soon.

### The Little Mermaid in Torrevieja

A little mermaid is about to wash up on the shore of Torrevieja, or more specifically at the Municipal Theatre, when the children´s musical, La Sirenita, takes to the stage.



This stage adaptation of the famous classic tale, in which longing to see the world beyond the sea, a young mermaid, Ariel, visits the surface and falls in love with the handsome Prince Eric, comes to the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on 24 November.



Following her heart, she makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to experience life on land. She enjoys the magic of this children's story, with a spectacular staging and where the underwater world comes to life. The little ones in the family will enjoy this incredible adventure with Ariel and all of her marine friends.



Curtain up is at 7:00 p.m., at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja, and tickets are now on sale at the box office.

### Torrevieja Gets Mosquito and Feral Cat Help

Torrevieja town hall has received over 20,000 euro from the Alicante Provincial Government to help deal with mosquitos and feral cats.



The Department of Animal Protection was granted the amount of 10,000 euro which is a contribution towards the castration of feral cats to control their population. It should be noted that as part of the new Animal Welfare Law, town halls are responsible for the wellbeing of these cats, and their welfare must be put first.



In addition, the Department of Health has been awarded the amount of 10,951.84 euro for the control of mosquitos, which is being used towards larvicidal and adulticidal treatments in order to control this population. Mosquitos are not awarded such protection in the Animal Welfare Law, although they do provide food for the bird and bat populations, the latter which are already protected.

### N-332 Widening Scheme Project Begins

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition has informed Torrevieja town hall of the start of public consultation on the Bypass Project, the road widening scheme for the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja, which includes the section between the Torrevieja Hospital and the intersection with the CV-905 highway.



Torrevieja Council received communication from the General Subdirectorate of Environmental Evaluation, dependent on the Ministry of Ecological Transition, and which is the body that must process the environmental evaluation files of projects that depend on the Government of Spain, in which the Council is informed that the public consultation of the environmental evaluation procedure of the Project to Duplicate the N-332 Bypass through Torrevieja has been initiated.



The Variant Project is included within one of the assumptions of environmental processing in road projects, as stated in Law 21/2013, of December 9, on Environmental Assessment, and whose Environmental Impact Declaration must be issued before of the final approval of the construction project and, consequently, prior to the bidding of the works.



It should be noted that Torrevieja town hall were cited in failings during the original road widening campaign which ultimately left the road in the state it remains to date.

### Leading international medical specialists and personalised attention thanks to the Health Premium card

The Health Premium card includes, among other services, exclusive access to our Premium Lounge and a personal advisor who will offer you preferential treatment



This service is offered through the Health Premium Card and has exclusive assistance of excellence from the leading company in Spain and a European benchmark in the provision of health and social health services, Quirónsalud. 



The new personalised service provides the  patient with an international medical team that includes an ambulance, doctors and home nursing, as well as international health staff with languages and preferential admission service, with all the advantages of  the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, which has all the special medical services to offer comprehensive patient care and has agreement with all national and international insurance.



Patients who already have the Health Premium Card have, among other services:




Initial medical checkup



Free choice consultations with hospital specialists (3 consultations)



Ambulance transfers (6 transfers)



Home nursing cures (14 cures) 



Priority medical appointment service.



10% discount on all private medical and surgical services.



Access to the prevention campaign program.



Attention of international health personnel with languages.



Free services.



Appointment management and digital access to your clinical reports from the comfort of home through the Patient Portal.



Preferential admission service.




What do our patients with a Health Premium card think?



I heard about the Health Premium Card in December and immediately went in January and bought one. It was very nice to come to Premium Lounge. Susana Yepes, Health Advisor, explained to me what was included in the card and asked me if there was anything in particular that I had in mind and I told her that I had been waiting a long time to see a gastro specialist. She asked if I wanted to meet one now? Included in this card are consultations with 3 specialists who go over the main things that can be wrong and send people for all kinds of tests. Everyone here at the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been great and everyone is ready to help and do their best for you and with a smile. I have recommended the Health Premium Card to all my friends and they say the same and are happy to be able to do it all in one place.



Brindis Jonsdottir



With the Health Premium Card I benefit from a very good and preferential service every time I visit the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital. I can get an appointment quickly and I don't have to wait long. There is always a translator available for all my questions. After my hip surgery, I received professional care at home. Everything is arranged, even my health insurance company was contacted. I am very happy to have the Health Premium Card, it saved me a lot of money and time. Thank you so much for everything!



Emma Reitmair



We were looking for an international private hospital with modern technology but who also offered a high personal service level combined with a complete “health package” and we have found it at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



At our first meeting we meet our personal Health Advisor (Susana Yepes) who took fantastic good care of us. We felt very comfortable and she answered all our questions. Susana booked our appointments (no waiting list at all), even walked us to where we had our various appointments, much appreciated.



Meanwhile waiting in the exclusive premium lounge for our appointments, we were offered coffee, drinks, various fruits and sandwich.



Also useful is the practical Quirónsalud App. There we can find our appointments, medical journals, documents and other useful information.



This hospital is on another level when it comes to efficiency and professional healthcare service combined with excellent personal commitment which we appreciate highly.



Robert Hellman and Maria Jose Romero Ruis

### Events in Torrevieja and Around the Area - Week Commencing 6 November 2023

You can check ou the Torrevieja events calendar for things to do in Torrevieja, but for this week, Science Week starts in Torrevieja, with a series of talks in the Vigen del Carmen Centre from Wednesday.



On Thursday, there is a concert by La Almundena in the Palacio de la Musica, and a flamenco event on Friday in the Municipal Theatre.



Jandro is in the theatre on Saturday, and a choral concert in the Palacio de la Musica.



If you´re an art fan, a new exhibition opened in Guardamar del Segura last week, Guardamar currently being the capital of culture, featuring works from contributors from around the region.



Although it´s not this week, we thought you might be interested in a bit of advanced notice, as The Nutcracker is coming to the Teatro Circo in Orihuela. The date for the performance is 26 November, but tickets are on sale now and likely to sell out.



Los Escorpiones will be performing in Orihuela on Saturday, and it is important to note that they are giving the concert in support of the AECC cancer charity. On Sunday, music from the 80´s and 90´s will be the star of the show, in an event with the same descriptive name, “Musical de los 80 a los 90”, both of these events also taking place at the Teatro Circo.

### Bikers Invited to Torrevieja Cancer Gathering

On Sunday 19 November, bikers from around the area are invited to a free event in Torrevieja, which will be held to support the Afecancer group at the Antonio Soria park.



The doors to the event will open at 9:30 in the morning, after which the day will start with a freestyle motocross show, a ride through the streets of Torrevieja, returning for more freestyle, a fireworks display and paella in the afternoon to pay tribute to fallen bikers, all accompanied by music and entertainment in the form of delights such as a mechanical bull, bouncy castles (for the little ones) and a raffle, amongst other surprises to be announced on the day.

### How to detect a stroke

Annually, between 110,000-120,000 people suffer a stroke in Spain, of which approximately half are left with disabling sequelae or die, according to data from the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN).  In Spain, it is the leading cause of death in women, the second in men; as well as the first cause of acquired disability in adults and the second of dementia.



"These are not encouraging words, although the good news is that 9 out of 10 cases of stroke can be avoided if a healthy lifestyle is followed and care is taken to the risk factors that we will detail later," says Dr. Mirko Alavena, a specialist in Neurology at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



Specifically, he explains that cerebral apoplexy, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke, is a medical emergency that can have serious health consequences and is usually caused by an interruption or alteration of blood flow in a part of the brain, either by the occlusion of an artery (infarction) or its rupture (haemorrhage).



THE ONSET OF SUSPICION



If you suspect a stroke, Dr. Alavena points out that you should evaluate:



1. Face: Command the person to smile; Notice if one half of the face moves and the other doesn't.



2. Arms: Instruct the person to raise and move the arms; Observe if one is weaker or clumsier.



3. Speech: Speak to the person and ask them to speak; Observe if they can't utter language or if they don't understand what is being said.



4. Time: If any of the above is true, we must immediately call the emergency number, as time is the most important factor in the chances of recovery.



Thus, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja expert highlights that it is crucial to recognise the symptoms of stroke to seek medical attention immediately; The most common ones are listed as:




Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; and especially on one side of the body.



Difficulty speaking or understanding language.



Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.



Severe dizziness, loss of balance, or loss of coordination.



Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.



It's important to remember the acronym F.A.S.T to recognise stroke symptoms: 'Face', 'Arms', 'Speech', and 'Time'.




"If someone shows these symptoms, it is essential to call the emergency services immediately. Once the acute event has been treated, the person should receive rehabilitation of acquired brain damage (neurorehabilitation) to recover as much as possible their functionality prior to the event," says the doctor.



Stroke is a serious condition, he continues, and requires immediate medical attention. That is why this specialist insists on the importance of recognising the symptoms and seeking help quickly: "This can make a difference in the patient's prognosis and recovery."



And, as the neurologist laments, it can be permanent if the neurological damage persists. Of course, remember that, in some cases of heart attack, blood flow can be restored spontaneously and the symptoms disappear, which is known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA, although people who suffer from them have a very high chance of suffering a permanent cerebral infarction in the following weeks if adequate preventive measures are not taken.



HOW TO PREVENT STROKE



With this, Dr. Mirko Alavena, specialist in Neurology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, argues that, by taking measures to prevent stroke, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure, following a balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle, the risk of suffering a stroke can be significantly reduced.



"Although some risk factors for stroke, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of stroke," he says.



Some recommendations include, according to this expert:




Maintain healthy blood pressure: Controlling high blood pressure can help reduce the risk of stroke.



Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and limiting saturated fat and sodium intake can help maintain cardiovascular health.



Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range can reduce the risk of stroke.



Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.



Don't smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke.



Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of stroke.

### Police Ask for Help to Locate Hit and Run Driver

The Local Police in Torrevieja are asking for help to locate and identify a vehicle and driver that has been involved in a hit and run in the town.



The incident occurred on calle San Pascual and calle San Julián in Torrevieja.



The vehicle in question is a Peugeot 206 or 207, black, 5 doors and has a left rear door dent.



The last three characters of the number plate are FBW.



If you have seen this vehicle or know the owner, you are asked to contact the Torrevieja Local Police on 673043062, or through TorreviejaEmergencias on social networks, and in the event that you may have communication or language difficulties, you can always use the 112 emergency number.

### Local Events this Halloween Week

There are Halloween events taking place in most municipalities this week, and not all of them are only on the night of Tuesday, so it’s best to check with your local cultural departments for specific details, there will be a mini event on the Orihuela Costa, and as part of their celebrations, Torrevieja will be hosting the short film festival about the horrors of Torrevieja.



Halloween is immediately followed by All Saint’s Day, a national holiday, although many of the bigger shops are staying open, if you’re planning to go to the market however, it’s probably worthwhile checking that’s taking place before you set off, however.



In Torrevieja, a special bus has been laid on until Wednesday to take visitors to the cemetery, and a special operation will take place on Wednesday to control traffic flow, so if you don’t want to go or get stuck in traffic, particularly on Wednesday morning, you might want to avoid the area. The same can be said for most local cemeteries by the way.



Thursday is also a local holiday in Cocentaina.



For classical music fans you have Don Giovanni to look forward to in the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on Friday, and a soloist’s concert in the Palacio de la Musica.



 In Alicante on Thursday a new gastronomic event takes place, extending almost until the end of the month, and based on the consumer bonus scheme where you can buy a voucher which will be worth double what you pay, the difference being that in this case it is to be used to sample some of the food on offer in the provincial capital.

### Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Torrevieja

The Councillor for Festivals in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez, together with the Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, and the Councillor for Youth, Domingo Paredes, presented a preview of the upcoming events in the town throughout the Patron Saint festivities.



“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Musical”, Arde Bogotá, Camela and Mocedades with Los Panchos, are some of the main attractions of the upcoming Torrevieja Patron Saint Festival, with tickets already on sale at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre box office.



On Friday, December 1, the Municipal Theatre will host “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Musical” with tickets at prices of 15 and 18 euro.



This musical first premiered in London's West End in 2013, breaking box office records until 2017. After several successful seasons, the musical arrived on Broadway in 2017 and toured the United States in 2018; In 2019, they began a tour of Australia and until 2021, visiting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The musical was adapted into other languages ​​and, in 2019, premiered in Milan and Norway; In 2021, it arrived in Brazil, France and Denmark.



On Tuesday, December 5, the “Tavi y Carmona” Sports Palace will host the performance of one of the most fashionable groups today, Arde Bogotá, with tickets at a popular price of 10 euro.



At the end of May, Arde Bogotá began a tour of festivals and concert halls that will keep them traveling between 2023 and 2024. It is worth highlighting the presentation of “Cowboys de la A3” in the Plaza de Toros de Murcia, on June 8, with an entrance of 6,500 people, and selling out for three consecutive days in the Sala La Riviera in Madrid, in just over four and a half hours, since the sale began.



On September 19 of this year, it was reported that the group from Cartagena was a candidate for two awards at the 2023 Latin Grammys, in the categories of Best Rock Album with “Cowboys de la A3” and Best Rock Song with “Los Perros”.



On Thursday, December 7, also at the Palacio de Deportes, Camela will perform, with tickets priced at 10 euro, presenting their new album “May the music accompany you”, in which they pay tribute to the “Star Wars” universe. It is not the first time that they have used cinematographic references on their covers and, for this occasion, they not only play in the title with one of the most famous phrases from the George Lucas saga, “May the force be with you”, but, In addition, they recreate the aesthetics of the galactic series featuring the main protagonists, Dioni in the role of Qui-Gon – Jinn and Princess Leia's Angels.



Camela, icon and greatest exponent of technorumba in Spain with almost three decades of musical career behind them and more than seven million records sold, continue to develop their ingenuity and creativity, establishing themselves as a unique and unrepeatable band in constant reinvention, with an unmistakable style that only belongs to them.



Finally, on Sunday, December 10, the Municipal Theatre will host the performance of Mocedades and Los Panchos, with tickets at a single price of 5 euro. Mocedades are celebrating their more than 50 years with the Trio Los Panchos, represented by their latest lead singer, Rafael Basurto Lara. They are a world reference in bolero and romantic ballads.



The first dates they have already shared have been a total success, filling venues in Bilbao, Murcia and San Sebastián in Spanish territory or in several cities in Mexico and the United States.



The show they present is simply magical, both singing their well-known repertoires and interacting at various moments of the show and, ultimately, making the viewer experience it as a unique and unforgettable moment.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfuF49aPrn0

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja recommends performing self-examinations and consulting a specialist in the event of any abnormality, hardening or visible change in the breast

Specialists recommend having your first mammogram at age forty





Tumours smaller than two centimetres have the highest cure rate




On the occasion of International Breast Cancer Day, Dr. Joseba Rebollo, oncologist at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform,  recommends that women usually perform a breast self-examination and go to the specialist doctor when they notice any abnormality, hardening, visible change, nipple-areola alterations, or axillary thickening.



As detailed by Dr. Joseba Rebollo, "the breast does not have a uniform consistency and often has irregular nodules or thickenings, but it is a proven fact that the woman who self-examines is able to discern between a known nodule and one of new appearance that appears firmer and that causes a certain startle when noticing. Like I found out that wasn't there before."



Early diagnosis, key to curing breast cancer



There are two keys to controlling the disease: improving a healthy lifestyle and detecting the tumour when it is still smaller than 1-2 cm in size.



"In tumours smaller than 2 cm, the cure of the disease is almost universally achieved", explains the oncologist from the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, "for this reason, check-ups have proven to be effective in controlling mortality. In addition to regular health check-ups using imaging techniques such as mammography, ultrasound or breast resonance, breast self-examination must also be performed frequently"



The established clinical recommendation was to perform the first mammogram/ultrasound at the age of 40 as a baseline follow-up and then every two years until the age of 50. From this moment on, it is recommended to carry out annual check-ups until the age of 75.



Although, as Dr. Rebollo adds, this recommendation is evolving and the age of initiation of controls is made earlier, at 30 years of age when there is a familial tumour burden, and continues during old age if there are risk factors and the patient is in good health.



Quirónsalud specialists in the study of the transcriptome for the treatment of cancer



Thanks to the transcriptome, the specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja are able to study, in real time, the molecular characteristics of greatest relevance to the tumour at each moment of its evolution, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and thus administer to the patient a personalised treatment, appropriate to the characteristics of their own tumour. "For example," explains Dr. Manuel Sureda, an oncologist at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform, "it allows us to evaluate whether drugs whose activity in this tumour is doubtful continue to be active; whether it already expresses resistance pathways for drugs frequently administered in that type of tumour; It suggests the use of unusual drugs for which tumour cells show clear signs of sensitivity, etc. In short, it provides very complete information on the characteristics of the tumour and, "in Oncology, information about the tumour is anti-tumour power".



One of the main advantages of the transcriptome is the ability to obtain information in real time, since tumours frequently change their characteristics in order to "survive" in the hostile environment posed by the body's defences and the treatments administered. "For this reason, repeating the transcriptome after tumour progression has proven to be a first-rate tool to be able to offer a personalised therapy with greater probabilities of efficacy," says Dr. Sureda.



The information generated by the transcriptome can be very useful in any type of tumour, "although it may be more relevant in locally advanced or metastatic tumours, due to the genetic complexity that these tumours reach in their evolution," adds Dr. Sureda.

### Torrevieja Natural History Museum Reopens with Guided Tours

The Department of Culture in Torrevieja town hall has announced that the Natural History Museum will continue carrying out guided tours and workshops organised by the Ars Creatio Cultural Association, aimed at educational centres and the general public, with the coordination of the scientific and professor at the University of Murcia, María Luisa Molina.



Like last year, visits and workshops are included in the programming of the XV Science Week organised by Ars Creatio. This time, the reopening is extended for two months in the autumn season, from Wednesday 18 October to December 17.



The museum will open from Wednesday to Friday mornings for educational centres, which will carry out guided tours in two shifts, at 10:00 and 11:30 a.m., for up to about 30 students and lasting one hour in each shift. On Sundays and holidays, it will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with free entry, and at 11:00 a.m. there will be guided tours and workshops for the general public.



However, unlike the last season, at the moment, none of the guided tours are advertised as being in English, with registration also only available to Spanish speakers. In the Spring campaign, the last Saturday of each month was dedicated to the many English speakers who live in the town.



Guided tours require prior registration through this link http://turismodetorrevieja.com/web/?page_id=18911 or the QR code on the poster.



This is an activity financed by the Generalitat Valenciana and the Institute of Neurosciences of Alicante, and carried out with the collaboration of the Department of Culture of Torrevieja Council.

### Events in Torrevieja this Week

One of the biggest attractions this week could be in Torrevieja, where a Mariner’s Market is being held this weekend. In case you don’t know, a Mariner’s Market is similar to the popular Medieval Markets, but with a nautical theme, where artisan gifts and sea-based food items can be purchased, from stalls with an historic themed feel.



The market opens at 6 p.m. on Friday and is open from 11:00 on Saturday and Sunday, but it does close in the afternoon for a siesta. If you like Zumba, and pirates, then don’t miss Sunday when Pirate Zumba takes place in the town.



On Friday in Torrevieja in the Palacio de la Musica, a special event is being held to “care for the carers”, an event where those involved in local associations can come together for support and advice. In the evening of the same day, also in the Palacio de la Musica, a jazz concert will be taking place.



On Friday and Saturday, a fantastic concert is scheduled at the Virgen del Carmen centre in Torrevieja, Cuarentuna femenina de Alicante.



The La Mata natural park will be hosting a dramatized theatrical walk this weekend, where local actors and historians dress up to recreate times gone by, and on Sunday, a special event will take place celebrating the wines of La Mata, with a special route organised offering tasting of this local favourite.



There is quite a lot going on in neighbouring Guardamar at the moment as well, with Sunday seeing a race in support of cancer awareness through the streets of the town. The race starts at 10:00 a.m. from the main square on Sunday 22 October, and if you want to take part you have the rest of this week to register at the AACC headquarters in the town.

### Food Trucks, a Mariner´s Market and a Craft Fair in Torrevieja in October

The Councillor for Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez, along with the president of the small business association in the town, APYMECO, Jorge Almarcha, were amongst delegates who presented a series of events this week to promote commerce in Torrevieja, as part of the “Local Commerce Month”, organised by the town hall, which will take place from October 10 to 31 in different parts of the town.



A mariner´s market on Paseo Vista Alegre, a craft market in La Mata, and a street food market in the Park of Nations will see traders from outside Torrevieja coming to the town to share their wares with locals, and, they hope, boost local commerce in different parts of Torrevieja.



In addition to all the activities, during Local Commerce Month a raffle will be held to encourage the purchase in local businesses of 10 vouchers for 100 euro, for purchases over 25 euro, in the more than 100 businesses participating in this campaign.



The winners will be announced on November 3, through the official Facebook page of the Commerce Department. Likewise, on Saturday, November 4, to close Local Commerce Month, the Local Commerce Gala will be held at the Torrevieja Casino.



LOCAL TRADE MONTH EVENTS SCHEDULE 2023



STREET FOOD MARKET (PARK OF NATIONS) FROM OCTOBER 11 TO 15



Wednesday, OCTOBER 11



7:00 p.m. Opening



8:00 p.m. Show: Zancudos Inauguration



9:30 p.m. Live: Concert by the pop music group “La Guardia”



Thursday, OCTOBER 12



12:30 p.m. Children: Clown Edy



1:30 p.m. Live: The Liverpool Band



8:00 p.m. Live: Dingolondango Swing



9:30 p.m. Comedy Night with: Jesús Manzano



Friday, OCTOBER 13



8:00 p.m. Show: Stilts



9:30 p.m. Live: Radio Days



Saturday, OCTOBER 14



12:30 p.m. Children: Storytelling



1:30 p.m. Live: Control Stone Tribute to Rolling Stones



8:00 p.m. Direct: Flaco and his Songs



9:30 p.m. Live: Concert of local music group “Lobos de Mar”



Sunday, OCTOBER 15



12:30 p.m. Children: Workshops



1:30 p.m. Live: Keeng Tribute to Queen



MARINER´S MARKET (PASEO VISTA ALEGRE) OCTOBER 20, 21 and 22



Friday, October 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.



Saturday, October 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.



Sunday, October 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.



CRAFT MARKET IN LA MATA (PLAZA ENCARNACIÓN PUCHOL) OCTOBER 27, 28 AND 29



Friday, OCTOBER 27



5:00 p.m. Opening of positions



6:00 p.m. Presentation of the unique pieces contest



6:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



7:00 p.m. Workshop for children



7:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



9:00 p.m. Closing of the fair



From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. pottery workshop, stone carving demonstrations and loom weaving



Saturday, OCTOBER 28 (MORNING)



11:00 Opening of stalls



11:30 Musical parade by Sol Redó



12:00 Trade demonstration



12:30 Workshop for children



13:00 Musical parade by Sol Redó



Saturday, OCTOBER 28 (AFTERNOON)



5:00 p.m. Opening of positions



5:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



6:00 p.m. Trade demonstration



6:45 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



7:00 p.m. Workshop for children



7:30 p.m. Trade demonstration



8:00 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



9:00 p.m. Closing of the fair.



From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pottery workshop, stone carving and loom weaving demonstrations



Sunday, OCTOBER 29



11:00 a.m. Opening of positions



11:30 a.m. Sol Redó musical parade



12:00 p.m. Trade demonstration



12:30 p.m. Workshop for children



1:00 p.m. Trade demonstration



1:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



5:00 p.m. Opening of positions



5:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



6:00 p.m. Trade demonstration



6:30 p.m. Counting of votes and awarding of prizes for the unique pieces contest



7:00 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



8:00 p.m. Closing of the fair



From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. pottery workshop, stone carving demonstrations and loom weaving



SPORTS ACTIVITIES ON THE STREET



Saturday, October 14, at 11:00 a.m., Park of Nations (Food Trucks) Gluteboom



Sunday, October 15, at 11:00 a.m., Park of Nations (Food Trucks) Zumba



Sunday, October 22, at 11:30 a.m., Pedestrian Streets, Pirate Zumba



Saturday, October 28, at 9:30 a.m., (La Mata Artisan Market) Yoga



Tuesday, October 31, at 6:30 p.m., Pedestrian Streets (Halloween) Zumba Zombie + 8 p.m. Bloody Jumping (Nope, we have no idea either, but curiosity will no doubt win over!)

Excerpt: October events in Torrevieja

### Looking Back at Torrevieja in 2006

During routine investigations for an unrelated article this week, we stumbled across a letter published in the Irish Independent, from July, 2006, where two resident of Torrevieja, Bernie and Bob Cameron, took it upon themselves to defend the Costa Blanca town, and whereas the article the letter references is of some importance, it is interesting to see how the couple viewed Torrevieja at the time, and also gives a little insight into how some things have, and others have not, changed over the last 17 years.



“Sir - I live in Torrevieja, Spain. My husband and I have lived here for several years. He had lived in Birmingham and Coventry while I lived in Dublin’s inner city previously. Therefore, we know what it is like to liv in the midst of everyday crime. Both of us have been victims of personal body attacks in our respective hometowns in the past.”



“With respect to your article identifying criminals and crime committed in Alicante (July 23), we feel that while the story had to be told, it has reported a very bad and uniformed view of Torrevieja. It is not, as your article suggests. “a concrete underfoot everywhere, half-finished, appallingly planned” criminal jungle. Torrevieja is neither twee nor sanitised like other resorts, as it is a working town and port.”



“The town council supports and extensive cultural programme throughout the year in ultra-modern venues. So Irish and English expats don’t just sit in our “urbanisations” (neighbourhoods) in bars pondering the price of beer, as stated in the article. Torrevieja is home to 600,000 summer residents, mainly respectable people.”



“Having read this article, it would indicate that every second person here is a criminal. In fact there are a very small number, who keep a low profile (as reported). We never see junkies or drunks in the town streets. We never feel threatened.”



“We feel it’s a much safer place than our home cities have become.”



In 2006, now convicted criminal Pedro Hernandez Mateo was the mayor, the population stood at 92,034, the church in Plaza Oriente was little more than a hut, the private hospital was called San Jaime, whereas the public hospital opened for the first time, as did the municipal theatre, to be closed down some years later as it lacked the appropriate licences and failed safety standards, and one notable but tragic event in Torrevieja was the Centrocan pet shop fire.



To Bernie and Bob, if by some chance you are still living in Torrevieja, we would be interested in hearing how you reflect on those comments, and how you feel today, so if you read this, please get in touch.

### Events for International Residents in Torrevieja

Summer might be over, but there is little let up in the activities taking place in Torrevieja this autumn, with the publication of the cultural calendar this week, coinciding with one of the major musical events in the town, and sports in the shape of the European Police and Fire Games.  



In addition to these activities, the Department of International Residents also has their own schedule, specifically aimed at the international population of the town, with events that will ease anyone into the cultures and societies of the place many now call home.



For example, during October and November, there is a weekly activity where some of the town hall run facilities are showcased, partly so you can have a better understanding of some of the administrative procedures, but also you can visit and learn about some of the buildings and their functions. These tours, for which you don’t need to speak Spanish, are every Tuesday at 11:00, and they are completely free, although you do have to make your own way to the locations.



Whereas we have said that you don’t need to speak Spanish to enjoy those tours, there is a possibility to learn, with fellow international residents, so everyone can be eased into integration together.



The first activity on the 3rd of October is where you will be able to find out more about the very popular Spanish courses for foreigners. This activity starts at 11am in front of the Pangea office (which is the little blue house in Plaza Capdepont) next to Paseo de Libertad in the centre of Torrevieja.



As well as learning about the Spanish courses, which again are completely free, you will also be escorted on a short, guided tour through the centre of Torrevieja, over a short distance of approximately 1 kilometre, where you will be able to also learn about some of the key points in the town.



The next activity, on the 10th of October, consists of information on the increasingly necessary digital signature and a guided tour in La Mata. It starts at the La Mata town hall in Plaza Gaspar Perelló, which is located next to the large square in La Mata.



La Mata Town Hall



Then activities are organised on transport services in Torrevieja, explaining how you can obtain a bus card, and a presentation of some of the sports facilities, where disciplines such as gymnastics, swimming, and water sports can be enjoyed, amongst many other activities in the internationally renowned Sports City.



Participating in the activities is an opportunity not only to get to know Torrevieja better but also to meet more people of various nationalities and also have an introduction to the administration in Spain, and remember, all for free.



Events are led by staff who speak Spanish, English, French and German. If the need to serve in more languages is detected, the team with try to find staff or volunteers who can assist to translate.



The program is published on Facebook: Torrevieja Residentes Internacionales and on the website:  www.torrevieja.es.



To register for an activity, all you have to do is send an email to eu@torrevieja.eu, and to make an appointment with the International Residents department, go to  www.torrevieja.es  - Appointment - International Residents and then choose a place to be attended at Pangea in the centre, the town hall of La Mata or on Calle Paganini in La Siesta.

### Is there any treatment for sciatica?

Sciatica or radicular pain is one of the main causes of consultation in hospital emergencies.



This pain can be acute or become chronic becoming very annoying. It consists of an electric shock, numbness or radiating pain that is reflected by different parts of the leg and that can reach the foot or even both.



Although the most common is that it remits after a few days and that the pain is controlled, when the pain is very intense, persists and relief is not achieved with conventional analgesics, it is advisable to go to a specialist in pain treatment.



Dr. Jorge Orduña, head of the Pain Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and  explains more about sciatica and its most advanced treatments.



What is Sciatica?: Why It Occurs and Symptoms



Sciatica is the "popular" name for radicular pain, which is one that occurs, in the form of electric shock and numbness, when the spinal nerves are compressed.



The spinal nerves are responsible for providing sensitivity and mobility to the legs, and can be compressed at various points in their journey from the spinal cord to the foot.



As Dr. Jorge Orduña explains, this compression "produces an initial inflammation that, over time and depending on the intensity of its cause, can cause injuries to the nerve, leaving sequelae."



The symptoms of sciatica are:




Pain running through different parts of the leg/arm/chest, or abdomen.



Sensation of numbness of a specific area of the leg / arm / chest or abdomen.



Sensations of electricity, hypersensitivity or burning in specific areas of the leg / arm / chest or abdomen.



Motor weakness of the painful area.




In addition, depending on the degree of compression, the nerve injury and whether there is one or more compressions, the symptoms will be more or less acute and will affect "only one side of the body, both or different parts".



Types of Sciatica




Protrusion / hernia. It is an alteration of one of the discs of the spine to which is added the exit of the same from its usual area.



Intervertebral foramen. It is a narrowing of the bony duct through which the nerves exit: the osteoarthritis of joints called facets causes it to narrow and hinder the exit of the nerve, causing compression.



Stenosis of the channel through which the nerves run. Usually caused by calcifications of ligaments / osteoarthritis of the joints or by alterations of the discs that compress the spinal nerves in their path.




How can sciatica be treated?



Treatment of sciatica depends on three factors:




The intensity of the pain.



If there is an associated weakness.



The period of evolution.




Once the level of nerve compression has been located and defined, specialists can opt for pharmacological or interventional treatments (by infiltrations) to treat the problem from where it is occurring.



 "These interventional treatments (infiltrations) allow immediate pain relief and with hardly any recovery periods. The prolonged duration of relief allows us to work together with rehabilitators/physiotherapists and functional recuperators in activities aimed at strengthening the structures adjacent to the injured area and thus protecting it, allowing in many cases to recover the quality of life." The specialist explains.



Treatment



Some of the techniques used in the Pain Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja to treat sciatica are:




Lumbar epidural. Thanks to the use of X-rays, specialists deposit medication next to the compression of the spinal nerves, improving the pain from where it is occurring.





Radiofrequency of the dorsal root ganglion of the spinal nerve. In this neuromodulator treatment, the doctor places a needle which transmits electricity to modulate the transmission of pain in the area of the central nervous system where pain information is integrated.





Neurostimulation of posterior cords. This is an advanced treatment in which an electrode is placed on the patient's spine.





Intradiscal treatments with regenerative medicine. The objective is to deposit pro-regenerative substances from the patient himself in different parts of the deteriorated disc, improving the situations of disc-osteoarthritis, protrusions and herniated discs.





Intradiscal treatments with radiofrequency / laser or substances. They are applied directly to the inside of the injured disc.




What is the success rate of these techniques?



According to Dr. Jorge Orduña, all these techniques "achieve, in a high percentage of cases, relief greater than 80% of pain with periods of pain relief above 6 months".



In addition, some of these treatments, such as intradiscal, "can be practically definitive, while neurostimulation is applied to patients already operated, allowing relief of many years."



The Pain Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja includes specialists in pain treatment (anaesthesiologists, rehabilitators, traumatologists), who work in close relationship with other specialists to offer a comprehensive and personalized service to each patient aimed at treating everything that concerns the pain of each patient.



If the cause that produces the pain cannot be treated or relieved or when the treatment of pain has not been insufficient, specialists will evaluate other options, such as surgery.

### Torrevieja Launches Autumn Culture Schedule

Torrevieja town hall has presented the autumn cultural schedule, with a program offering a wide and varied selection of events, with highlights including the Spanish singer Vanesa Martín; Peter, the musical; Mayumaná; Luis Zahera, in monologue; Coco, a children's musical; Jamming Sessions; Juan Dávila, and The Nutcracker.



The Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, and the director of Cultura Torrevieja, Lalo Díez, presented the September-December 2023 Cultural Schedule this week, during which time the 35th International Choral Meeting was being held at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, in which each year choirs from all over Spain came together for intense days of concerts and gatherings.



As a summary, during the month of October Torrevieja will host numerous concerts by different musical entities and local artists. For example, from the Orfeón de Torrevieja, comes their “Love Song”, the local artist Bervera will also perform with the presentation of his new album, and the Symphony Orchestra, with its concert at the Torrevieja International Auditorium under the name of “Grandes soloists.”



During the month of November, among many others, the Casa de Andalucía association will offer its traditional Flamenco Encounter. It should be noted that during this month the festivities are celebrated in honour of Santa Cecilia, patron saint of musicians, and it will be when two of the most renowned musical entities, the Unión Musical Torrevejense and Los Salerosos, will hold separate concerts, where they will perform the best of their interpretations in honour and tribute to their patron saint.



Come the month of December and on the occasion of the Christmas season, a multitude of concerts and musical events will be held in the different cultural spaces of Torrevieja. Among all of them, special mention will be made of the Christmas concerts offered by the Orfeón de Torrevieja, the Unión Musical and the one held by the Young Symphony Orchestra together with the “Sette Voci”.



In this program, in addition to great musicals, plays and big-name comedians, it is worth highlighting the concert of the season that will be performed by Vanesa Martín, one of the Spanish artists who arouses the most interest nationwide, who will present her 'PLEASURES AND SINS' tour.



The Malaga native will offer a unique show, with new scenery and new repertoire, in which there will be no shortage of hits like 'Complicidad', 'Polvo de Maripas' or 'Inventas', but also new songs from her eighth album, recently nominated in several categories in the Latin Grammys 2023 (Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Packaging Design).



It will be on Saturday, November 19, at 8:00 p.m., at the International Auditorium. Ticket sales are carried out through official channels such as the culturatorrevieja.com website and the Municipal Theatre Box Office, and will be priced from 25 euro.



In advance of the new 2024 season, in January there will be three major concerts at the International Auditorium. It will begin on January 13 with the concert of Sidecars, who arrives in Torrevieja with the best Spanish pop-rock, on the tour to present their seventh album “Trece”, where they will perform their new songs and their usual hits.



Next, on January 14, Café Quijano will perform, a group that, after 23 years of crowning charts and more than two decades exhibiting music throughout Latin America, the United States and Spain, arrives at the International Auditorium with their “Manhattan Tour”.



Finally, on February 9, 2024, the virtuoso violinist of Lebanese origin Ara Malikian will make a stop at the International Auditorium as part of another world tour.

### 35th Choral Meeting "Ciudad de Torrevieja" to Take Place at the Municipal Theatre

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the president of the Francisco Vallejos Choir, José Miguel Ferrández, presented details about the 35th International Choral Meeting “Ciudad de Torrevieja”, which will be held on the 28th, 29th and 30th of September at the Municipal Theatre.



The Opening Gala will take place on Thursday, September 28, at 8:30 p.m., with the participation of the Francisco Vallejos choir and the Vox Musicalis choir from Totana (Murcia).



On Friday, September 29, also at 8:30 p.m., the Incantus Women's Chamber Choir from Valencia and the Voices for Coexistence choir from Ciempozuelos (Madrid) will perform.



On Saturday the activity will begin at 11:30 a.m., at the Municipal Theatre, with the Choral Forum, where singers will meet to share work methods, experiences and repertoires, as well as rehearsal of common singing.



The Closing Gala will feature the participation of the Enchiriadis Female Vocal Group, from Zaragoza, and the Ainur Chamber Choir, from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.



Regarding the repertoire, the president of the Choir Francisco Vallejos has reported that the organisation has asked the participating choirs to be varied, “but there will be no shortage of habaneras, sacred music, polyphony, folklore or modern music ", detailed José Miguel Ferrández.



Tickets are priced at €2, per evening, and can be purchased at the Municipal Theatre box office, and online through the website https://entradasatualcance.com .



Both the host choir and the Councillor for Culture have called on all lovers of music and, especially, choral singing, so deeply rooted in Torrevieja, to attend this new edition of the "Ciudad de Torrevieja".

### Young People Urged to Tell their Horror Story in Torrevieja

Young people are being urged to tell their “horror” stories, through the medium of film, as part of the next instalment of a horror spectacle set to take place just before Halloween in Torrevieja.



The Youth Department of Torrevieja Council publicised the event, for which submissions are welcome until October 15, for short horror films for the “Torrerífico 2023” festival, organised jointly by the Department of Youth, the University Headquarters of the University of Alicante in Torrevieja, and the La Comarca Youth Association.



El Torrerífico 2023, in its sixth edition, will be held on Saturday, October 28, from 5:00 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre.



The short films in competition must have a minimum duration of 1 minute and a maximum of 20 minutes, including the credits.



There are three prizes for the winners, the jury award for best short film, worth €1,000, second jury prize, worth €500, and the public prize, worth €200.



In the last edition of the Torrerífico in 2022, the record for the presentation of short films in competition was broken, with 17 short films in total, with directors from all over Spain, with the award for best short film being the short film “Tritop”, directed by María Antonia Martínez Tena.



For more information about the Torrerífico you can go in person to the CIAJ, located at Paseo Juan Aparicio, nº 5, or find out more through their social networks @torreviejajuventud on Instagram or Facebook, telephone 965714072, WhatsApp 606055291, emailtrabajo@torrevieja.eu and at the municipal website www.torrevieja.es.

### Keys to preventing prostate cancer: symptoms and treatments

Prostate cancer is a disease that affects millions of men worldwide, hence the importance of prevention and early diagnosis to preserve their health and well-being. For this reason, the specialists in Urology of Quirónsalud Torrevieja explain what prostate cancer is, what are the frequent symptoms and how to detect it in time.



Symptoms



"In most cases prostate cancer is asymptomatic, so the diagnosis can be detected after performing the test known as PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)," say urology specialists.



Obviously, when the disease is in a more advanced stage, it can present symptoms related to the disease, especially due to involvement of other organs outside the gland.



However, it may happen that a patient diagnosed with prostate cancer presents symptoms as a result of having a prostate that generates obstruction to the exit of urine, these symptoms do not necessarily have to correspond to prostate cancer, but are due to benign prostatic growth.



Tests



Prostate cancer is diagnosed by prostate biopsy, which consists of extracting fragments of the prostate with a fine needle in order to analyse them and establish a correct diagnosis based on each gradation of the tumour.



There are other tests that the doctor may request to help in the decision of prostate biopsy such as prostate magnetic resonance, so  it is important to consult with  the urology specialist so that he can assess the most correct action in each case.



Risk factors



Age:



Prostate cancer increases with age, especially after age 50-60. More than 80% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over age 65.



Race/Ethnicity:



Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than white men.



Family history:



The relationship between prostate cancer and heredity is known due to a combination of genes and environmental or lifestyle factors.



The hereditary component should be suspected when three or more first-degree relatives have had prostate cancer, affecting three generations on the same side of the family.



Eating habits:



Although there is no clear evidence that directly relates food with the development and prevention of cancer, we know that certain eating behaviours can be related to the appearance of cancer, so a healthy and varied diet is recommended.



Keys to preventing prostate cancer



"The fundamental thing, as in other diseases, is to be able to make an early diagnosis to be able to treat the disease at an early stage of its evolution," insist experts in urology.



Therefore, in the case of prostate cancer, periodic check-ups are essential for early diagnosis.



Revisions with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are recommended in men at least annually.



Regarding the prevention of prostate cancer, and taking into account that there is still no clear scientific evidence regarding the relationship of cancer with diet, some rules of conduct that may be beneficial can be recommended:



- Control and reduce the consumption of foods rich in animal fat.



- A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and legumes.



- Ensure good hydration, drinking water regularly depending on physical activity or other recommendations of your doctor.



- Perform physical exercise according to their general health situation.



The prevention of both this and other pathologies is to try to lead a healthy lifestyle and, in case of new voiding symptoms or doubts, it is necessary to go to the specialist.



Prostate Cancer Treatments



For the treatment of prostate cancer there are several types of treatment, the most common are:




Expectant management:  it is indicated in the patient where it is expected that the tumour is not very aggressive. The conduct would be that of active surveillance.




This treatment option involves strict monitoring to control changes in the evolution of the tumour and thus take a different action.




Surgical treatment by radical prostatectomy. It is done with the intention of removing the prostate and its capsule, sometimes you also have to remove the lymph nodes in the area.





Radiotherapy. It uses high-energy rays for the destruction of tumour tissue.





Hormone therapy. It is used to block hormones that promote the development of cancer.




Any of these treatments has its advantages and disadvantages, so the information of the specialist is essential for a good decision by the patient as to what their expectations are to face the disease and therapeutic options.



Consult any questions with the specialists in Urology of Quirónsalud.

### All set for the Virgen del Rosario de La Mata fiesta

Torrevieja´s councillors Rosario Martínez and Antonio Vidal, and the representative of the Nuestra Señora del Rosario de La Mata Brotherhood, Cayetano Gil, have presented the schedule of events in honour of the Virgen del Rosario de La Mata, which will take place from Saturday 23 September to Sunday 8 October.



The religious events begin on Sunday, September 24, with the Pilgrimage, which will depart from the parish of Our Lady of Rosario at 10:00 a.m. to the “José Eduardo Gil Rebollo” Recreational Area, where a campaign mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m., sung by the choir of the Brotherhood of the Virgen del Rocío, and a subsequent popular giant paella. Tickets for the paella can be picked up at the Perelló Hardware Store and at the “Mari Carmen” Lottery Administration in La Mata. All people who collect their ticket will be entered into a gift draw that will take place on the same day of the pilgrimage. Once the draw is over, we will return to the parish of the Torrevieja district.



The Offering of Flowers will be celebrated on Saturday, September 30, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the end of the Holy Mass. On Sunday, October 8, at 7:15 p.m., the mass will take place in honour of the patron saint. The High Mass will be celebrated in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol with the subsequent procession through the streets of the district. At the end of the procession, a fireworks display will be launched.



The children's and festive activities will begin on Saturday the 23rd, starting at 10:00 a.m., with the Children's Chupinazo, the San Fermín running of the bulls and the Foam Festival in different streets of La Mata and in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol. On Saturday the 30th, at 11:00 a.m., the Children's Grand Prix will take place, also in Plaza Encarnación Puchol.



On September 29, starting at 8:30 p.m., the traditional “Sobaquillo” Dinner will take place in Gaspar Perelló Square, which will be entertained by a disc-jockey. The paella contest will be held on Sunday, October 1, in Plaza Encarnación Puchol. In order to participate, all interested people must register by calling 680 251 271 and 678 503 443.



The Great Multicolour Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., on Saturday, October 7, with the following itinerary: Avenida de Soria, to Calle la Lecha, passing through Avenida de Alemania and Calle Mayor.



The popular festivals will take place on October 5, 6 and 7, in Plaza Encarnación Puchol starting at 9:00 p.m. On October 5, a comedy show “Con Risita Médica 2.0” will take place with: Kalderas, Antonio Ocaña, Eva y Qué and David Navarro. On Friday, October 6, starting at 6:00 p.m., there will be a parade with entertainment brass bands in different streets of La Mata, and at 9:00 p.m., the musical performance by “Número Uno” with Diego Martin. On October 7, at 9:00 p.m., the group “Eureka” will perform. At the end of all the performances there will be music and a disc jockey.

### Torrevieja Becomes the Setting for the Healthiest LGTBIQ+ Event of the Year

Torrevieja City Council, through the Department of Tourism and Sports, has announced their support for the eleventh edition of the Orlander Retreat.



This pioneering event, aimed especially at the LGTBIQ+ community, will offer a weekend full of healthy activities, sports and socialising. The meeting will take place in the vibrant city of Torrevieja from September 22 to 25.



The Orlander Retreat is a unique proposal that combines physical training, wellness workshops and aquatic activities, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Torrevieja and its surroundings. Among the planned excursions, a visit to the Salinera Industry, an icon of local heritage, is included. All of this in a safe and respectful environment, guided by professionals from each area.



Fabri Orlandi, organiser of the event and renowned fitness teacher, states that "Torrevieja, with its inclusive atmosphere and fascinating landscapes, is the perfect place for members of the LGTBIQ+ community to enjoy a healthy and memorable weekend."



The initiative has the invaluable help in the organisation of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board and the support of the LGTBI Association of Torrevieja "Torrevieja Diversa".



The event is seen as part of the continuous effort of the Torrevieja Council and the Departments of Tourism and Sports for promoting inclusive and healthy activities that benefit both local residents and visitors. It may go some way towards reversing the homophobic reputation Torrevieja had thanks to the previous mayor and his insults, although the current mayor, Eduardo Dolon, still failed to attend and show his support for the Pride festivities in the town this year, marred by a gathering by the far-right and blatantly homophobic VOX political group, who are supported by Dolon’s PP, who were granted permission to hold an event in Torrevieja by the town hall which resulted in an LGTBIQ+ event being cancelled out of fear by the organisers.



Registration is now open for the event and more information can be obtained via the website, https://retiro-orlander.com/retiro11/

### Parkinson’s Signs that could indicate the Onset of the Disease

Parkinson’s is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the nerve cells that control movement. It is characterised by a gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called black matter.



It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer’s disease.



The symptoms of the disease, and the most recognised ones, are motor symptoms: tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia or slowness in movements, gait alteration, and postural reflexes.



There may also be changes in the voice, facial expression, and handwriting. As the disease progresses, the symptoms can worsen, and other problems may appear, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.



Doctor Erika Torres, head of the Advanced Neuroscience Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante, explains what Parkinson’s disease symptoms consist of, the tests for its detection, and which risk factors are modifiable.



Frequent Age of Parkinson’s



The disease usually appears in the sixth decade of life, and the risk of it developing increases with age, however, it is not uncommon to be diagnosed before 50 or 40 years of age.



Parkinson’s Symptoms in Adult Patients



Motor Symptoms



Motor symptoms are an essential part of the diagnostic criteria and the key symptoms of the disease.



Motor symptoms include a tremor, although not all patients with tremors have Parkinson’s disease, and not all Parkinson’s disease patients present tremors.



There are patients that, on the other hand, show movement defects where rigidity and slowness in movements predominate, associated with diminished facial expression and gait instability.



There can also be alterations in posture and postural reflexes, responsible for the falls suffered by these patients, generally in more advanced stages of the disease.



Non-Motor Symptoms



As for the non-motor symptoms, these are related to: gastrointestinal alterations (constipation), cognitive alterations, sleep alterations, dysautonomic alterations, language alterations, pain, and emotional alterations such as anxiety and despondency.



Tests for Parkinson’s Diagnosis



The diagnosis of the disease is clinical, and is mainly based on the interview with the patient and a physical examination by a neurologist with experience in the movement disorder field. However, there are also complementary examinations that can help reach a diagnosis in questionable or somewhat more complex cases. For this, a general blood test is performed, along with a cranial CT scan or a cerebral MRI, which help rule out systemic diseases and structural cerebral pathologies that may produce similar symptoms.



“We must consider that not all patients present all symptoms or evolve in the same way, since this disease has a significant variability in its expression,” explains Dr Torres.



Parkinson’s, a Hereditary Disease?



Most Parkinson’s disease cases have an idiopathic cause; however, there is a small percentage that is related to family inheritance and, therefore, is or genetic origin. This would be approximately 15% of cases.



To be somewhat more specific, around 2-3% of cases of late onset will be caused by a mutation, and 50% of cases of early onset will also be traced to a genetic cause.



We can group risk factors into two categories: genetic and non-genetic.



As for non-genetic factors, these in turn can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.



Non-Modifiable Risk Factors



Non-modifiable risk factors are age, gender, and race.



Getting older can increase the risk of developing the disease, but it does not seem to be the main aetiological risk factor.



It is unlikely for gender to influence the risk of suffering from the disease, but it is slightly more common in men than in women.



Additionally, the disease has been observed to be less prevalent on the African continent, compared to Europe and North America.



Modifiable Risk Factors



Modifiable risk factors include smoking and exposure to pesticides, which increase the risk of developing the disease, while physical exercise, when practised energetically in middle age, can protect us from suffering this pathology; consumption of caffeine or tea also seems to protect us from developing Parkinson’s disease.



At Quirónsalud we have specialists in Advanced Neuroscience to help you detect the symptoms of the disease. Bring your questions to the team.

### Torrevieja Art Exhibition to Help Ukraine

The Torrevieja Casino will be hosting an art exhibition for the next couple of weeks, which is intended to directly benefit the people of Ukraine.



Viktor Fridrikh, originally from Ternopil in the west of Urkaine, has been living in Spain since 1999, and studied at the Torrevieja art school. His works can be found in various exhibitions across Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom, and he previously exhibited his work in the Virgen del Carmen Centre in Torrevieja, and the Casino.



In this latest exhibition, which runs from 26 August until 8 September in the Torrevieja Casino, Viktor wants to do more with his art. He wants to help.



As Viktor explains, “My aim is not only to create art, but to do something more. Therefore, I will donate half of the revenue of the paintings sold in aid for Ukraine, to help improve the lives of those in difficult conditions. By buying my works, you are joining a humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting those in difficult circumstances”.



The exhibition can be visited any day, and if you buy one of his paintings, you will be directly helping those in need, as well as supporting a local artist in his craft.

### Chronic heartburn: Find out if you need surgery to relieve it

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition that can affect many people's quality of life.



Although there are several treatments to control the symptoms of heartburn, in some cases surgery may be necessary to get lasting relief.



Dr. Juan Antonio Casellas, specialist in Digestive System of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, explains what heartburn is, when to consider surgery and the surgical options available at Quirónsalud.  



What is heartburn?



Heartburn occurs when stomach acids back up into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).



"Symptoms can include: burning, regurgitation, chest pain, chronic cough, and difficulty swallowing," explains Dr. Casellas.



While lifestyle changes and medications can control heartburn in most cases, there are situations where surgery may be an effective option.



At Quirónsalud they have an expert team in the treatment of this type of pathology of the digestive system.



Causes of heartburn



The main cause of heartburn is gastroesophageal reflux, that is, the passage of acid from the gastric cavity into the oesophagus. This can occur when the gastroesophageal junction fails, that is, the relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter or in patients with hiatal hernia.



Effective Tips to Reduce Heartburn



To prevent heartburn it is very important that we change our eating habits trying to avoid, as much as possible, those foods that favour acidity and gastro-oesophageal reflux.



1. High-fat meals: fried and sausages.



2. Very copious meals.



3. Coffee and caffeinated beverages.



4. High-proof alcoholic beverages.



5. Chocolates, citrus fruits and hot spices.



Dr. Casellas explains that "it is important to let time pass to go to bed after food intake or to perform physical exercise, thus avoiding enhancing the symptoms of heartburn."



Surgery to remove heartburn



Heartburn surgery is considered when symptoms are not adequately controlled, with lifestyle changes and medications, or when complications such as esophagitis, oesophageal stenosis, or hiatal hernia occur.



In addition, surgery may be considered in young patients who want to wean themselves off long-term medications.



At Quirónsalud, experts in the digestive system perform this type of intervention to reduce the symptoms of heartburn.



Importantly, surgery for heartburn should be evaluated and performed by a surgeon who specializes in digestive disorders. The risks and benefits of each procedure should be considered and discussed with the doctor to make an informed decision.



Dangers of Reflux for Patients



The symptoms of heartburn do not pose any vital risk to the patient per se.



The only thing that will force you to depend on drugs such as antacids and inhibitors of stomach acid secretion (omeprazole).



It is important to consult with your specialist doctor to guide you in the measures to take.



Surgery can be an effective option for those suffering from chronic heartburn and don't find relief with lifestyle changes and medications, Dr. Casellas explains.



It is essential to consult a specialized health professional to evaluate the need and feasibility of surgery in each particular case, as in the case of Quirónsalud specialists. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention and explore all available options to find the most appropriate treatment for you.

### Torrevieja Hospital will NOT be Reverted to Private Management by New Valencia Government

In the run up to the local and regional elections, there was a lot of focus on the deficiencies at Torrevieja Hospital, after the management model was reverted by the previous ruling socialists to being publicly run, rather than by the private firm, Ribera Salud.



Many people saw the reversion as a disaster, on account of how well the hospital was running in the private / public partnership, even those against privatisation could not deny how well it worked in Torrevieja, and how badly it is running now, since that change, which prompted a lot of criticism, including politically, against the then President of the region, Ximo Puig.



However, those who transferred their votes from the PSOE to the PP in the hope that the situation would be reversed will now be disappointed, as the party now in power has confirmed that they have no intention of doing so.



The Minister of Health, Mariano Gómez, has completely denied that the cancellation of the already reverted hospitals of Torrevieja and Alzira is on the table.



In this sense, the minister has indicated that he has commissioned an audit of the health system and that said report will mark his roadmap in the Community. In this regard, he has advanced that, “surely, it will be necessary to reinvent the health map and couple the portfolio of services between hospitals based on the needs of citizens. All this with the aim of making the system more efficient”.



The reason for the statement is that their new political partners, although nationally being distanced due to their controversial policies and the potential cost that has had to them leading the government, Vox, tabled a notion precisely for the reversal of the management situation.



The PSOE subsequently denounced that the PP-Vox tandem in the Valencian Community is already working to return to health privatizations. "They want clients instead of patients and to go back to doing business with the health of the Valencians," says Rafa Simó, socialist spokesman for Health in Les Corts.



Simó affirms that "the ultra-right is presenting motions in the municipalities of Vega Baja asking for the privatisation of public health and departments such as Torrevieja." In this sense, the Socialist deputy points out that "these initiatives demonstrate that the Consell PP-Vox is a government at the service of the interests of private companies" and insists that "the ultra-right has become the executing arm of the Partido Popular of Carlos Mazón”.



“What we suspected is happening: the only road map of the Government of Mazón for health is privatisation, they do not want to recover the concessions that end shortly, such as Dénia or Manises and, in addition, return to private hands the services reversed by Ximo Puig to the public,“ he emphasizes.



Likewise, Simó has valued the public investments of the Torrevieja hospital in equipment, infrastructure and personnel that were promoted by the Consell of Ximo Puig, which amount to €2,519,640 since 2019. Filing to mention the staffing problem that the situation caused, and investment in equipment is useless with nobody to operate it.



The spokespersons of the VOX political party of Torrevieja, Guardamar, Orihuela, San Miguel de Salinas and Pilar de la Horadada, far from appeasing the situation, published a statement in which they demand from their respective municipalities "the need to urge the Generalitat Valenciana and to the Ministry of Health and Consumption to promote a public tender for the management of the Torrevieja Hospital through an administrative concession as soon as possible”.



Said need, they say, arises from "the disastrous results at the level of efficiency in the provision of services to the citizen that has been occurring in recent years, since it began to be managed directly by the Ministry of Health."

### Summer Carnival Parade on Sunday

The Summer Carnival Parade in Torrevieja will begin in the vicinity of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, and will go through calle Ramón Gallud to the junction with Patricio Pérez street, starting at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday evening.







The Department of Fiestas has programmed for Sunday, August 13 at 8:30 p.m., a new edition of the Summer Parade that is usually held in mid-August, assuming a great attraction for visitors and Torrevejenses. It will start from the “Virgen del Carmen” Cultural Centre and will go along calle Ramón Gallud to the junction with calle Patricio Pérez.



The main protagonists of the parade will be the 2022/2023 salt court that will greet all attendees from a float. Wearing their best clothes will be the Queen of Salt, Maribel López and the ladies, Minerva Sinnema and Lucyla Pérez. They will be accompanied by several troupes from the Torrevieja Carnival, declared of Autonomous Tourist Interest of the Valencian Community. With all the colours and their spectacular choreographies, the troupes will parade, "QK", "Desafío", "Osadía", "No ni ná", "Aquí hay tomate", and the Kings of Carnival 2023 with the troupe "Soul Dance", Sara Fernández (elder queen), Edurne Vera (child queen) and Óscar Torregrosa (carnival king).



There will be a representation of one of the most deeply rooted festivals in the province of Alicante, such as the Moors and Christians, with the presence of partygoers who have great ties of friendship with Torrevieja such as the Association of Moors and Christians "San Francisco de Asís” of Crevillente, festivals declared of International Tourist Interest. They will be in charge of opening the parade with two rows of Moors, accompanied by music bands and a representation of the "Molinos del Calvario" Bonfire from Torrevieja.



After them, it will be the turn of the participating carnival troupes, preceding two shows. One of them with a marine theme, thus paying homage to the origins of Torrevieja, followed by a spectacle of confetti and streamers. The Salinera Court 2022/2023 will close this summer parade.



There will be a reserved space for people with reduced mobility that is located next to the Hotel Fontana.

### Valencia Government Repeals Terrace Smoking Ban

Against the advice of experts in the health field, and contrary to the opinion of the majority of people responding to various surveys, the new Valencia regional government has decided to repeal the ban on smoking on terraces.



The Consell has decided on the move by stating that it will equate the region to state regulations on public health, as the ban was implemented as part of the Covid 19 restrictions, some of which were still in force despite the emergency being over, although Covid has not gone away and is now once again increasing at an alarming rate in the region.



The move was agreed during a meeting, held this Wednesday at the Palau de la Generalitat, between the President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, the Minister of Health, Marciano Gómez, and the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism.



Despite the fact that smoking is still prohibited in many public places around Spain, without causing any particular hardship, Valencia has bowed to pressure from the hospitality sector, rather than public health experts, “entrusting public health to the hospitality sector”, as one commentator reflected, “a big mistake for the health of the population”, said another, and so venues will once again have full capacity to decide in its own establishments the possibility of smoking on the terraces.



Other respondents to the publication of the news responded that the hospitality sector will suffer as a result, as those who do not want to be faced with the risk and discomfort of cigarette smoke avoid those venues which permit it, whereas a lone reply stated that it was good news as “smokers also have to eat”.

### Guardia Civil Patrol Boat Added to Torrevieja Floating Museum

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the colonel in charge of the Maritime Service of the Guardia Civil, Miguel Salom Clotet, signed the certificate of delivery of the donation of the Río Almanzora, a high-altitude patrol boat, to Torrevieja Council to be added as an exhibit in the Torrevieja floating museum.







The ship was built in 2003 in a monocoque of polyester reinforced with fiberglass, with dimensions of 30 metres in length, 5.90 metres in width, 3.40 metres in depth and 1.50 metres in draft.



The colonel in charge of the Alicante Command, José Hernández Mosquera, explained that they are especially excited that the patrol boat is located in Torrevieja due to the presence of the Guardia Civil in the town. Hernández pointed out that it is a good way to value the work that the ship has done, as well as a great visibility showcase of the work that the Guardia Civil does at sea every day. "It is a way for the citizen to recognise our work," said the colonel.



At the moment, the ship is being sealed for maintenance and provided with all the pertinent documentation, with the expectation of having everything ready before the end of the year.

### August Warning for Torrevieja Friday Market Attendees

If you are planning to go to Torrevieja´s Friday market in August, we have some bad news.



Firstly, on the first Friday of the month, Friday 4 August, the Friday market has been completely cancelled, in order to make way for the Reggaeton Beach Festival (RBF). The fun fair will also be closed for the same reason.



After that, for all other Fridays in August, parking at the market will be substantially reduced, as the ground will be taken up by the infrastructure for the Brilla Torrevieja event. This was the situation last year, and it caused chaos in the surrounding roads, as people looked to try to find a parking space in the limited capacity areas.



On account of the fact that the market traders have been prevented from earning any income during the busiest weekend of the year, to make way for a multimillion euro earning event, we encourage you not to avoid the market on the subsequent Fridays, and to continue to support those traders. Instead, consider parking some distance away, allowing extra time for the experience, and walking, or alternatively, using the limited bus service from the town centre.

### Covid Infections Double Since Last Update

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,549 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on July 14. In the last update, the increase was 880, and this is the second largest spike since April. The new cases by provinces are 155 in Castellón (198,425 in total), 467 in Alicante (540,710 in total) and 927 in Valencia (862,206 in total).











Of these, 833 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 83 from Castellón, 271 from Alicante and 479 from Valencia.



12 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 6 women, between 71 and 99 years old, and 6 men, between 49 and 88 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,584: 1,286 in the province of Castellón, 4,001 in Alicante and 5,297 in Valencia.

### Torrevieja Parque de las Naciones hosts the San Emigdio Festivities

The Parque de las Naciones in Torrevieja will be the scene of the program of events that will take place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 August, on the occasion of the festivities in honour of San Emigdio, co-patron of Torrevieja and protector against earthquakes.



The Department of Festivals of Torrevieja Council has organised a program that will begin on August 3 with the inauguration of the "Barraca Popular" at 9:00 p.m., followed by a raffle of gifts and the musical performance of an orchestra.



On Friday, August 4, the events will also start at 9:00 p.m., with a raffle of gifts and a musical performance by a DJ, while on Saturday, August 5, at 7:00 p.m., there will be an event with children's entertainment and a free snack will be offered to all children attending. Then, at 9:00 p.m., there will be a new raffle for gifts and a musical performance starting at 10:30 p.m.



On Sunday, August 6, at 8:00 p.m., in the Hermitage of San Emigdio, located inside the Parque de las Naciones and also around it, a Eucharist will be officiated in honour of the co-patron of Torrevieja, followed by a solemn procession with the image of the saint accompanied by the band of the Unión Musical Torrevejense (UMT). The tour will run through calles San Policarpo, Bilbao, Santísima Trinidad, Los Molinos, Plaza del Calvario, San Emigdio, José Hurtado Romero "El Felisia" and, again, to San Policarpo to return to the Hermitage of Parque de las Nations. After the procession, a fireworks display will be set off with which these popular festivities will end.

### Details of Events in Torrevieja this Autumn and Winter

Torrevieja town hall has published the first information about events in Torrevieja during the autumn and winter of 2023.



The latest quarterly cultural program runs from September to December 2023, and will include discounts for pensioners, children and young people. There will be discounts again for retirees, and Youth Day for those under 35 years of age with a special discount on the first Friday of the month. On the other hand, infants between 3 and 8 years old have discounts on various activities, while children under 3 years old still do not have to pay the entrance fee.



Those of an adult and working age, tough look for you, you have to pay full price for everything.



In September the VIII edition of Torrevieja Audiovisual will take place, this festival aims to value the Spanish short film and be an opportunity for new cinematographic talents. Music will be very present this month, through the celebration of Rock Against Cancer, the performance of the Valencian Community Orchestra in Torrevieja, the Santina Folk Festival, the Monfortina Choir Meeting, and the Salerosos Concert, in addition to the III Cycle of Music in the Park by the Chamber Group. On the other hand, for those who prefer a great story to be told through music, comes the Aladdin the Musical. Finally, those who love humour also have their place this month with the intervention of the monologue by Miguel Lago.



Events in Torrevieja in October will include the Exhibition of the Quick Painting Contest to the Presentation of the Autumn Magazine, and a Women's Bodybuilding Competition. October is characterised by the diversity of artistic activities. In addition, on a religious level, the 50th Anniversary of the Coronation of the Sacred Heart is celebrated.



November is the month of song and opera, with performances such as Don Giovanni, the Habaneras Contest for Lyrical Soloists, the JOST Concert, and Torrevieja Sabe Cantar. In addition, Science Week will take place on the 8th of this month.



December lands more Christmassy than ever, with the classic Christmas Concert, as well as numerous theatrical performances: A Round Trip Husband, The Hidden Sound, A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.

### Torrevieja Tourist Information Office Staff Boosted

Turisme Comunitat Valenciana has reinforced the Tourist Information Office Network for the summer tourism campaign in more than 35 offices with temporary tourist information points that bring attention to tourists in the areas with the greatest tourist flow.



These offices and information points, which will remain open until mid-September, are located in different municipalities of the three provinces.



In the province of Valencia, this service is reinforced in Alboraya, Bellreguard, Canet d'En Berenguer, Daimús, Gandia, Miramar, Piles, Puçol, Sueca, Valencia and Xeraco.



In the province of Alicante, attention to visitors is accentuated in Altea, Calp, Benissa, El Campello, Elche, Callosa d'En Sarrià, Pilar de la Horadada, Torrevieja, Alicante and Xàbia.



For its part, the province of Castellón has new services in Alcalá de Xivert, Benicàssim, Burriana, Cabanes, Castelló de la Plana, Nules, Peñíscola and Xilxes.



Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, with the collaboration of the municipalities attached to the Tourist Info Network, is expanding the hours and staff of a large number of offices, increasing the number of professionals in charge of them, to provide a better service this season. Although they will still most likely be closed on public holidays.



On the other hand, from July 1 to September 15, the 26th edition of the 'Red Tourist Info Customer Satisfaction Survey' is being launched to collect and exchange information on the profile and trends of visitors, as well as to promote excellence in communication, hospitality and tourist customer service at the destination.



The survey is available in seven languages ​​(Valencian, Spanish, English, French, German, Italian and Dutch).



The Tourist Info Network of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana currently has 230 tourist information and customer reception offices, and more than 20 information points that, under the same image and homogeneous quality criteria, provide tourist care and reception services throughout the entire autonomous territory.

### The most common diseases of summer and how to avoid them

The most frequent pathologies for which patients go to the emergency room during the holidays are usually acute-onset external otitis and gastrointestinal problems as the main cause of admission, as stated by Dr.Juan Costell, head of the emergency department of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital.



As for otitis, Dr. Costell explains that “otalgia with a history of recent bathing is usually the reason that causes greater care consultation. They are usually secondary external otitis by immersion in swimming pools or in the sea, as is usual at this time of year.” This type of ear infection, caused by the action of moisture, produces an alteration in the epithelium of the external auditory canal, which in turn causes the germs that are usually in the duct to penetrate, causing the infection.



As for its symptoms, the doctor reports that “it manifests as a strong pain in the area and, if the disease progresses, suppuration and narrowness of the ear canal occurs along with a temporary hearing loss since the inflammation does not let the air through”,



Dr. Costell recommends that, after three or four days, after the visit to the emergency room and treatment with topical antibiotic therapy, the patient should visit the otolaryngrine since this pathology can give many problems a posteriori and should be controlled.



In relation to gastrointestinal problems, Dr. Costell points out that, although the care demand is lower than in cases of otitis, the severity of the pathology may even require the patient’s admission. “Acute gastroenteritis is usually accompanied by vomiting, increased number of bowel movements, diarrhoea, high fever and oral intolerance. Most of these problems in summer are due to food poisoning, the main danger being severe dehydration, especially in children and the elderly.”



To prevent a picture of gastrointestinal problems in summer, hand hygiene is essential before preparing food and consuming, preferably, freshly prepared or refrigerated food, since the heat can alter its state.



Summer pathologies, what they are and how to avoid them



Although these pathologies are present all year round, as stated by Dr. José Luis Lasaga, head of  emergencies at Quirónsalud Alicante,  “it is in summer and during the holidays when they manifest themselves in a more recurrent way”. To know what they are and how we can avoid the most common summer diseases, Dr. Lasaga indicates to pay attention to the following points:




Dermatological infections and other of these the most frequent are fungal infections and especially the so-called athlete’s foot, which occurs after stepping on wet ground and previously infected by other people. “To prevent it,” says Dr. Lasaga, “it is important to use flipflops both in swimming pools and showers and dry our feet very well. In case of infection, it will be necessary to use a topical antifungal treatment”



Diseases related to heat and prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate ventilation or hydration. “Its symptoms can range from muscle cramps, dizziness, loss of consciousness, to hyperthermia, hypotension, dehydration and death,” explains the specialist of Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The doctor advises avoiding peak hours of sun, proper hydration and keeping the body cool.



Sexually transmitted diseases by increasing the possibility of isolated sexual contact without the use of adequate protective measures. To avoid them, Dr. Lasaga advises the use of condoms to minimise the risk of contracting these diseases. “If this happens, go to your doctor to perform the appropriate complementary tests and establish the appropriate treatment,” says the specialist.



Bites of insects and other animals such as sea urchins, jellyfish, etc. In most cases they cause mild symptoms that are usually controlled with physical and anti-inflammatory measures, “although we must not forget that we must consult with your doctor or go to the emergency services without having symptoms such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled fever, dyspnoea or chest pain”, says Lasaga.




Finally, to spend a good summer without scares the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante recommend drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding the hours of increased sun exposure, use of adequate sunscreens, a balanced diet, washing hands frequently, and if we travel do not forget the medication if you need it and health reports, and in case of doubt consult with our usual doctors or go to the emergency services.

### Alicante Province Reaches 4,000 Covid Deaths Milestone

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 880 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on June 30, an increase since the last report. The new cases by province are 82 in Castellón (198,270 in total), 295 in Alicante (540,243 in total), a considerable increase since the last report, and 503 in Valencia (861,279 in total).











Of these, 529 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 54 from Castellón, 192 from Alicante and 283 from Valencia.



8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 4 women, between 71 and 94 years old, and 4 men, between 76 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,572: 1,284 in the province of Castellón, 4,000 in Alicante and 5,288 in Valencia.



Hospitalisation data is no longer being reported.

### Torrevieja Friday Market will NOT open on 4 August

The Torrevieja Friday Market will not open on Friday 4 August, as the space will be being used for the RBF music festival which will be taking place on the Saturday and Sunday.



Similarly, the funfair will not be open that weekend, as they too have to move to make way for the festival which will be held at the Parque Antonio Soria.



The first weekend in August is known for being one of the busiest of the year, and so hundreds of traders will be missing out on earnings this year so that the music fiesta can take place. The same music festival is happening in Benidorm.

### Virgen del Carmen festivities begin in Torrevieja

On Saturday 8 July 2023, the acts in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors and fishermen, begin in Torrevieja, organised by the Fishermen's Guild and the Department of Festivals of the Torrevieja Council, with a celebration that will last until Sunday 16 July, the day of the Virgen del Carmen.



The script of events will begin on July 8 at the new Fish Market, with a day dedicated to the components of the ALPE and APANEE special education centres. The Fishermen's Guild will offer a meal to the members of these two centres, having also scheduled a children's entertainment show.



The program will continue at 8:00 p.m., with a solemn mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church, in the traditional Fishermen's Quarter. The office will be applied in suffrage of all the men and women who have dedicated his life to the sea. Later, with the accompaniment of the band of the Unión Musical Torrevejense, a Floral Offering will begin before the Monument to the "Hombre del Mar", which will end with the singing of the Salve Marinera by the Choral Mass "José Hódar", directed by Miguel Guerrero, who will also sing the mass.



On Saturday, July 15, the long-awaited Paella Contest will take place at the Fish Market, organised by the Fishermen's Association and which will award prizes to the first three selected by the jury. The contest will be set by a brass band and all fishermen are invited to attend.



On the main day of Sunday, July 16, the feast of the Virgen del Carmen, at 8:00 a.m., a Musical Diana will begin and also in the morning, at 11:30 a.m., one of the classic acts and traditional of these festivities, such as the CUCAÑA MARÍTIMA, in the Fishing Port.



In the afternoon, at 8:00 p.m., the Solemn Mass will take place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, officiated by the parish priest Manuel Martínez Rocamora and sung by the "José Hódar" Choral Mass, directed by Miguel Guerrero. At its end, the procession will begin with the image of the Virgen del Carmen to the interior of the Fishing Port, continuing with the maritime procession. At the end of the sea tour, the Salve Marinera will be interpreted and a fireworks display will be set off, in the same port facilities. Finally, the procession will resume until the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.



SATURDAY 8 JULY



12:00 p.m. Children's entertainment show. Fishermen's Market.



2:00 p.m. Lunch for the children of ALPE and APANEE. Fishermen's Market.



8:00 p.m. Mass and Floral Offering. Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.



SOLEMN MASS officiated by the parish priest Aurelio Ferrándiz García, in suffrage of all the deceased fishermen and sung by the José Hódar Choir Mass, directed by Miguel Guerrero.



Immediately afterwards, the traditional FLORAL OFFERING will take place, accompanied by the Torrevejense Musical Union, from calle Zoa to Juan Aparicio promenade, ending at the monument to the Hombre del Mar, where the Salve Marinera will be interpreted, by the José Coral Mass Hódar.



SATURDAY JULY 15



12:00 p.m. Paella contest



Enlivened by a Brass Band, with trophies for the first three winning contestants. Organised by the Fishermen's Guild. All fishermen are invited. Fishermen's Market.



SUNDAY JULY 16



8:00 a.m. Diana accompanied by Charanga. Following the usual itinerary.



10:00 a.m. Latin Candle



1st prize Antonio Juárez "El Sapatones".



11:30 a.m. Traditional Maritime Cucaña.



1st prize Francisco Mercader "El pollo". Fishing port.



7:00 p.m. Celebration of the Eucharist.



Officiated by the parish priest D. Manuel Martínez Rocamora, and sung by the José Hódar Choir Mass. Church of the Immaculate Conception.



8:00 p.m. Procession.



At the end of the maritime procession, a large fireworks display will be shot. At its end, the Salve Marinera will be sung by the José Hódar Choir Mass and the Torrevejense Musical Union.



From the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Paseo de La Libertad, Levante Dock to the Fishing Port (MARITIME PROCESSION), Levante Dock, Juan Aparicio, Zoa and ending at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

### Benefits of swimming for the recovery of injuries

Swimming, as explained  by the specialists of the Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "is one of the most complete and healthiest sports", so much so that specialists recommend it for everyone without limitation of age or physical condition, and especially for those who have back problems, for pregnant women and for the recovery of injuries.



We spoke with the traumatologists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja to talk to us about the effectiveness of swimming to relieve pain in different parts of the body.



Benefits of swimming



At the traumatological level, it allows repeated movements against resistance, while flotation reduces the problems derived from the repetitive impact to which our own weight conditions, due to the effect of gravity.



In turn, all exercise in the water requires an added effort of balance that contributes to generate a sustained stimulus of proprioception, that is, communication, at the unconscious level of the position, inertia, speed, etc. of our joints, muscles, tendons, etc.



In addition, it accelerates the medullary reflex arc, the medulla is like a second brain, largely unconscious, which receives instant information and responds to it immediately generating contraction or relaxation of the muscles, in a coordinated way, which achieves the objective established by our conscious brain.



Swimming as a recovery treatment



Any ailment that affects the musculoskeletal system can be treated, to the extent that practically any exercise that is usually performed for the recovery of injuries can be performed in the water.



Typicallyspinal injuries have been the subject of the recommendation of swimming as a treatment or as an aid to their treatment. But any injury is likely to benefit from the very special conditions that come with exercising in the water.



Swimming style according to the injury you have



Each injury presents nuances that require an adaptation of swimming or exercise in the water to their circumstance.



We can mention for example  the recovery of the shoulder, this benefits from exercises with the arms below the horizontal, or breaststroke swimming with a low stroke.



Recommendation of exercises in the water for the recovery of injuries.



Quirónsalud traumatologists recommend:



Swim in all its varieties, whether breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke or butterfly, which exercise in each case different muscle groups.



In the water you can practice sports such as: aquagym, acuafit, aquaagac, aquabalance, aquacardium, aquawater, acuaextrem, aquazumba, hydrospinning.



The possibilities are enormous considering that the benefits of any physical activity can be transferred and multiplied within the water by the effect of lack of gravity, which decreases the impact of circulations and the fact that water offers a constant resistance to movement that can be increased or reduced depending on the materials and the depth at which it is performed.



This is why spinning in water is a good option if you want to reduce that pressure of the intervertebral discs when sitting and exercising. The mere walk, if done barefoot allows to stimulate the sensory receptors of the feet when walking on the sand. Aquarunning consists of running in the water, and depending on where the water arrives, it will offer more or less resistance, which decreases the joint impact in the race and improves balance.



What is aquatic therapy?



The concept of aquatic therapy (Hydrotherapy) includes multiple aspects of our physiology and psychology. Not only those related to the musculoskeletal apparatus directly, but also those aimed at favouring its relaxing, toning, even chemical effects if done at sea, which represent an immense therapeutic arsenal, which properly used and directed can contribute in a very significant way, not only to the treatment, but to the prevention of very diverse pathologies and the improvement of our health.



Benefits of Aquatic Therapy



Among the benefits of aquatic therapy we find



The ability to produce a decrease in muscle contractures.



Relief of low back pain and tendinitis, among others.



Sedative and analgesic action.



Physical and psychic relaxation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety states.



In a very general way it can be said that hydrotherapy may be contraindicated in case of acute inflammation, active infections, fever, renal and cardiac failure and ocular, cutaneous pathologies...



In any case, the safest and most effective is to perform, at least at the beginning, these exercises in a supervised manner and directed by a specialized monitor.



At Quirónsalud our specialists in traumatology will recommend the best treatment for your injury and will accompany you in the recovery process.

### 806 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 806 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on June 16. The new cases by province are 82 in Castellón (198,188 in total), 227 in Alicante (539,948 in total) and 497 in Valencia (860,776 in total).



Of these, 458 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 55 from Castellón, 111 from Alicante and 292 from Valencia.











Valencian hospitals currently have 126 people admitted, 6 of them in the ICU: 17 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 42 in the province of Alicante, 2 in the UCI, and 67 in the province of Valencia, 3 in the UCI.



13 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 4 women, between 73 and 91 years old, and 9 men, between 62 and 97 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,564: 1,282 in the province of Castellón, 3,997 in Alicante and 5,285 in Valencia.

### Ladies Wanted for Local Football Team

Ladies, if you are over 16, want to get fit and have fun with like-minded women, and like football, then the Quesada Ladies invite you to join their team.



They meet every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Daya Nueva, at the Centro Deportivo.



You can find out more information on their Facebook Page, just search for “Quesada Ladies” and join their page, but don’t be put off if you’re not in Quesada, they already have and welcome more members from all around the area.

### Torrevieja Fair to Open on Friday (hopefully)

After 6 months of being unable to operate, missing the Easter season, on account of the development work at the Torrevieja harbour, and promises and let downs along the way, the Torrevieja fair is now set to open on Friday 30th July 2023, at 7 p.m. (unless anything else goes wrong between now and then).



The Torrevieja fair has moved though, and is now located in the vecinity of the Friday market at Parque Antonio Soria, near the water park and Carrefour.



It will have to close again and reduce at times to allow other events to take place, but for the 80 stall holders who rely on the income of tourists, being able to operate finally will be a blessing. 



Picture by Derek Appleton and is copyrighted

### Torrevieja Pride Schedule of Events

Torrevieja will be celebrating the first official Pride event, supporting the LGTBIQ+ community, as organised by the local "Torrevieja Diversa" association, with the support of the town hall, despite the growing collaboration between the PP and the homophobic Vox political group, making good on the promise of the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, after Torrevieja town hall under the management of the PP was itself renowned as being homophobic, even resulting in a very famous Spanish singer refusing to perform as a result of the gay slurs and insults led by the former, and now criminal mayor, Pedro Hernandez Mateo, the mentor of Eduardo Dolón.  



Pride 2023 will take place from June 28 to July 9 in Torrevieja, at the end of Pride Month, celebrated globally.



The events will begin next Wednesday, June 28, with the institutional celebration of the International LGTBI Pride Day in the Plaza de la Constitución, at 11:00 a.m., with the placement of the flag and the reading of the manifesto.



On Saturday, July 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the first edition of the “Laguna Rosa” Awards Gala will take place.



The rest of the week there will be activities such as round tables, artistic workshops, literary talks and, to culminate the celebrations, on Saturday July 8 you will be able to participate in the GREAT PARTY with singers, Drag Queens, food, drink and different information stands from various associations of the town and the province.



On July 6, the celebration of Pride Day will take place in La Mata with performances, starting at 7:00 p.m., by: Soberbia Malibú, Paula Muñoz, Paca Merino, La Rubio y La Calva, Largie Lubois, Anya Rose and DJ set Bimba del Bar.



On Saturday, July 8, the Great Torrevieja Pride Party 2023 will be held on Paseo Vista Alegre, which will feature performances by: Paca Merino, Dora Helena, Goldiva, Soberbia Malibú. Lexi Legs and DJ set Bimba del Bar, starting at 7:00 p.m.







PROGRAM OF EVENTS TORREVIEJA PRIDE 2023



Wednesday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. Citizen and institutional celebration of the International LGTBI Pride Day. Plaza de la Constitution.



Saturday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. Laguna Rosa Awards Gala. Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre.



Sunday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m. Information booth. Paseo Juan Aparicio.



Monday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. Presentation of LGTBIQ+ themed books. Israel Nicolás Art Workshop (C/Ulpiano 18).



Tuesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. LGTBI and feminism (lectures and round table). Palacio de la Musica.



Wednesday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. Red and Pinto (artistic activity). Israel Nicolás Art Workshop (C/Ulpiano 18).



Thursday, July 6 from 5:00 p.m. La Mata Pride Celebration Party 2023. C/San Antonio (La Mata).



Friday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. Talks on Sexual Diversity and Inclusive Language. Short "My little great samurai" and round table. Torrevieja Casino.



Saturday, July 8 from 5:00 p.m. Great Torrevieja Pride Festival 2023. Paseo Vista Alegre.



Sunday, July 9 at 6:00 p.m. Information Stand. Paseo Juan Aparicio.

### What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Skin Cancer?

The Dermatology specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital warn of the increase in this type of tumour among the population, the incidence of which has tripled since the nineties.



There are more than 100 types of skin cancer. "Of these," explains Dr José Carlos Pascual, dermatologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "we could say that basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most common, in that order. Among these tumours, melanoma is the one associated with the highest mortality. "However," warns the dermatologist, "most deaths from skin cancer are due to squamous cell carcinoma, which, although less aggressive, is much more common than melanoma.



The fundamental treatment for this type of tumour is its removal with adequate surrounding tissue margins. "This surgery has a very good prognosis and few complications. For more aggressive cases, although infrequent, we have radiotherapy, chemotherapy and, more recently, immunotherapy," Dr Pascual points out.



The ABCDE rule for suspected melanoma



Dr Pascual advises to be alert to these risk indicators:



A. Asymmetry: one half of a mole looks different from the other, they are not symmetrical.



B. Irregular borders; irregular, poorly defined or blurred borders can be a sign of melanoma.



C. Colour: particularly dark or multi-coloured moles may carry risks.



D. Diameter: a spot larger than six millimetres in diameter is a sign to see a dermatologist.



E. Evolution: a mole that changes in size, shape or colour and becomes itchy, inflamed or bleeds should be checked by a specialist.



"A very interesting feature in our patients' skin check-ups," warns Dr Pascual, "is the sign of the ugly duckling, which means that a lesion that in a panoramic view is very different from the rest of the moles should catch our attention and make us consult a dermatologist.



Who is most prone to skin cancer?



There are various genetic mutations that predispose to melanoma and which are present in cases of familial melanoma. We also know that the lighter the skin, hair and eyes of patients, the less able they are to defend themselves against ultraviolet radiation and the easier it is for them to develop melanoma, with red-haired individuals being the most at risk.



"As for the behaviours that most predispose to melanoma," warns the dermatologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "sunburns in childhood and adolescence are those most associated with melanoma. Furthermore, users of ultraviolet tanning booths have a 20 times higher risk of developing melanoma in their lifetime".



Can we prevent skin cancer?



To avoid melanoma and other cancers, the Dermatology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja recommends avoiding sun exposure at peak radiation times, especially in children, patients with very fair skin, or those with predisposing factors for melanoma. Always use sunscreen and repeat its use every two hours, and more frequently if we are going to go into the water or sweat profusely. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat or cap and properly approved sunglasses.

### Valencian hospitals have 138 people admitted for COVID, 5 of them in the ICU

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,238 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen test since the last update on June 2. The new cases by province are 164 in Castellón (198,106 in total), 460 in Alicante (539,721 in total) and 614 in Valencia (860,279 in total).  







776 of these cases are people over 60 years old. By province: 115 from Castellón, 281 from Alicante and 380 from Valencia.







Valencian hospitals currently have 138 people admitted for COVID, 5 of them in the ICU: 15 in the province of Castelló, with 1 patient in the ICU; 48 in the province of Alicante, with 2 patients in the ICU, and 75 in the province of Valencia, with 2 patients in the ICU.



15 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with dates of death within the last 14 days. These are 6 women, between 64 and 97 years old, and 9 men, between 72 and 91 years old. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,551, by province: 1,280 in the province of Castellón, 3,993 in that of Alicante and 5,278 in that of Valencia.

### Torrevieja Swimming Pool Opening Times – Summer 2023

On Monday 19 June 2023, the Outdoor Municipal Swimming Pool in Torrevieja will open for summer.



In addition, the Municipal Indoor Swimming Pool will continue to be available, open to the public until 31 July.



TORREVIEJA SWIMMING POOL SCHEDULES SUMMER 2023



TORREVIEJA OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL



FROM 19 JUNE TO 2 JULY 2023



Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



FROM 3 JULY TO 31 AUGUST 2023



Monday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



(Closed from Monday to Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for swimming courses)



TORREVIEJA INDOOR SWIMMING POOL



FROM 19 JUNE TO 31 JULY 2023



Monday from 9:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Tuesday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.



PRICES



The entrance fee to the pool will be €3 and €2 for people who belong to the so-called special group - over 60 and under 16 years of age, people with recognised disabilities of more than 33%, Carnet Jove holders, large families or single parent and victims of gender violence or terrorism.



You can also purchase a 20-swim voucher at a price of €40 and a special voucher at a price of €20.



Children under four years of age will not pay admission.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja receives the golden seal of the Joint Commission International, the most demanding quality accreditation in the world in the health field

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been accredited with the  golden seal of the Joint Commission International, the highest distinction granted by this body, after an exhaustive audit in which more than 1,200 quality standards have been analysed, which the hospital rigorously complies with.







This accreditation of the Joint Commission International is the most demanding worldwide for the health field and analyses that all the care and processes of the hospital are focused on safety and quality, and in a process of continuous improvement.



Continuous improvement of quality and safety in care at Quirónsalud Torrevieja



The achievement of accreditation means an official recognition of the great effort to improve the safety and quality of care, guaranteeing a safe patient care environment and permanent work for the reduction of risks.



The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has carried out multiple actions in order to promote a safety culture established throughout the organisation, working on the improvement of the six international safety objectives recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO): unequivocal identification of the patient, effective communication between professionals, improvement of safety in the use of high-risk medicines,  safe surgery, decreasing the risk of infections and reducing the risk of falls.



The audit team has highlighted as a differentiating element of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja the great teamwork of the hospital, the excellence in the safety culture and the involvement and enthusiasm with the continuous improvement of the hospital.



The organisations accredited with this prestigious seal (which must be renewed every three years), respond to an international demand for evaluation in the health sector through quality levels based on evaluable standards and comparable with other countries, with the aim of stimulating constant improvement.



The Quirónsalud Group also holds this accreditation from the Teknon Medical Centre, the Dexeus University Hospital, the Quirónsalud Barcelona Hospital, the Quirónsalud Madrid University Hospital, the Quirónsalud Córdoba University Hospital, the Ricardo Palma Clinic in Lima (Peru), and the Imbanaco Clinic in Cali (Colombia).   



Last year, Quirónsalud became the first private hospital group in the world to obtain the Joint Commission International Enterprise accreditation, as well as the first health entity in Europe to do so. The fact of having this recognition is an additional guarantee for patients seeking the best health care to treat their health problems.



What is Joint Commission International?



The Joint Commission International is a non-profit organisation, which has been working since the 90s in more than 100 countries to improve patient safety and quality of care, offering health accreditation services internationally. This organisation audits hospitals, health systems and agencies, government ministries and institutions, promoting rigorous standards of care. JCI is the most prestigious health accreditation in the world for its high level of demand, for the safety it provides to the patient and for the rigorous and exhaustive evaluation of all care processes.

### Covid infections on the increase in latest figures

According to the latest now fortnightly report from the Valencia Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health, a total of 1,590 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on May 19. It should be noted however that only a small portion of the population are now tested.







This figure is an increase compared to the 1,258 cases notified in the last update for the two weeks leading up to 19 May 2023.



The new cases by provinces are 228 in Castellón (197,942 in total), 606 in Alicante (539,261 in total) and 756 in Valencia (859,665 in total).







Of these, 935 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 142 from Castellón, 374 from Alicante and 419 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 165 people admitted, 8 of them in the ICU: 17 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 55 in the province of Alicante, 2 in the UCI, and 93 in the province of Valencia, 5 in the UCI.



13 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 7 women, between 73 and 98 years old, and 6 men, between 62 and 86 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,536: 1,280 in the province of Castellón, 3,987 in Alicante and 5,269 in Valencia. In the Alicante province, 6 deaths from Covid were recorded, double the figure from 2 weeks ago, and with the exception of the total on 5 May, which was the same, the highest death toll since March.



In the last update from 2 weeks ago, the death toll across Valencia was an additional 10, so this is also an increase.

### Surfer Finds Torrevieja Drugs Bundle

Whilst surfing off the coast of Torrevieja on Sunday morning, a surfer found a large, brown bundle floating in the sea.



Believing the bundle could contain drugs, the surfer contacted the emergency services who sent patrols from both the Guardia Civil and Local Police, who were able to recover the bundle thanks to the help of a local fishing boat.



Torrevieja Local Police used to have their own patrol boat, it should be noted, which could have been used instead of relying on the good nature of a private vessel.



The bundle of drugs was brought to Torrevieja port where an investigation will now be carried out to ascertain the origin of the stash, and possibly identify those responsible.







The Torrevieja Local Police boat in 2011. This is not the only vessel the police used in the town previously for activities such as this, as well as rescues and patrols.

### Municipal Art School Students Exhibit Works

This coming Thursday, June 1, at 7:00 p.m., the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, together with the Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, inaugurates the exhibition ACCIÓN in the exhibition hall of the Virgen Cultural Centre, featuring works by the students at the Municipal School of Painting, guided by their teacher, Mar García.



A total of 60 Mar García students are part of this project in which each student has turned to a 10 x 0.40 metre canvas, which will be suspended from the ceiling of the Cultural Centre exhibition hall until Sunday, June 25th.



ACCIÓN is the development of a creative project after observing and admiring nature, transferred to a formal level in a contemporary approach. A simile is produced between the action of defending nature and the moment of creation-boiling, turning the painting classroom into a laboratory in which to experiment with gestures.

### Keys to a healthy heart free of risks

The specialists of the Cardiology Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja answer the most frequently asked questions about cardiovascular diseases.



What is cardiovascular pathology?



Cardiovascular disease refers to the pathological process that affects the entire arterial system, not only the coronary arteries, but also the brain, legs and the rest of the body.



Therefore, when we talk about cardiovascular disease we refer to stroke, transient ischaemic attack, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, intermittent claudication and arterial ischaemia as manifestations of cardiovascular disease, among others.



The pathological process involved is usually atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fats, cholesterol and other substances within the wall of the arteries, causing progressive narrowing and even complete obstruction, blocking the flow of blood that should reach a part of the body.



Prevention of cardiovascular diseases



In addition to exhaustively treating the classic risk factors such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia (hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridaemia) and tobacco consumption, there are a series of measures that help prevent the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease. The cardiology experts at Quirónsalud have drawn up the following list:



- Nutrition: is the integrating pillar for both prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.



- Exercise: most cardiovascular risk factors are improved by a combination of aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching.



- Mind-heart interactions: A clear association between emotional state and heart health has been observed. Stress can induce ischaemia by causing both epicardial and microvascular vasoconstriction.



How to prevent heart disease



At Quirónsalud, heart health experts and cardiologists recommend the benefits of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention programme, including: nutritional changes through a low-fat, vegetable-based diet, frequent physical exercise and stress management, all of which have shown the disappearance of angina pectoris in 74% of patients included in the study by Frattaroli et al.



In addition, as shown in the 2011 study by Sattelmair et al in the scientific journal Circulation, walking 30 minutes 5 days a week reduces the risk of ischaemic heart disease (angina pectoris or myocardial infarction) by 14%.



Risk factors for heart disease



There are certain risk factors for heart disease that are not within our control, such as genetic inheritance, age, gender and environmental pollution. However, by knowing these factors in each person's specific situation, we can take appropriate measures to try to minimise the harmful effects of these risk factors.



Keeping the heart healthy



Stress is pervasive in our lives today and we need to learn how to manage it effectively. Stress can induce ischaemia by different mechanisms, but it also alters autonomic regulation and triggers the release of circulating catecholamines that can even trigger stress cardiomyopathy. In the 2012 study by Schneider et al, it was shown that meditating twice a day can reduce cardiovascular events by up to 48%.



Diet to prevent heart disease



One of the best-studied dietary approaches in cardiology is the Mediterranean diet, which consists of increasing vegetable and fruit intake, giving preference to whole grains over refined grains, reducing red meat and increasing fish consumption, with a predominant use of olive and rapeseed oil.



Sport for an active heart



The sport with the most cardiovascular benefits would be one that combines aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching.



Walking 30 minutes a day 5 days a week has been shown to play a beneficial role in cardiovascular risk management. Thus, sports such as running, cycling, jogging, trekking or swimming would fulfil this role. A notable cardiovascular benefit has also been demonstrated with tai chi, a form of martial art from ancient China that is characterised by smooth, flowing movements.

### Torrevieja PP Wins Local Elections with More Councillors

The Partido Popular (PP) of Torrevieja, with the residing mayor Eduardo Dolón leading the list, has once again obtained an absolute majority in the local elections, but this time with more councillors elected than in 2019.







The PP obtained 12,640 votes this time, compared to 10,614 in 2019. The main opposition were the socialist PSOE group, who had lots of internal problems in the run up to the elections and obtained 4,704 votes. The PP therefore have 16 out of the 25 councillors, and the PSOE, 6. The rest of the government team made up by Vox and Sueña, with 2 and 1 seats, respectively.







The latest data from the Institute of National Statistics states the population of Torrevieja is 83,547 (2022), and therefore, despite their improved success, only around 15% of the population actually voted for the PP. This, as always, was due to the poor representation of the residents in the election process.



There were only ever around half of the population eligible and registered to vote, 43,437, and of those, only around half actually took part, 22,973, a slightly higher figure than 2019. Voter apathy is a long-term problem but is something that must be addressed in order to obtain true representation. If you were not registered to vote this time, and Brexit has changed the rules, but it is still possible, now is the time to make enquiries as to how you can ensure your voice is heard next time, although that will now not be for another 4 years.



The good news for many foreign residents is that the improved result for the PP means that the councillor for international residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has once again made it to government, after Eduardo Dolón took a risk by moving her down the list, much to the disappointment of many residents who have been helped by both her department and her directly over the last 4 years.



The department for international residents exists to help you with anything that you might find a problem or troubling, especially focused on those foreign residents in the town, and they can also advise and help you get registered to vote for next time.



Eduardo Dolón will also be joining the regional government of Valencia, after the PP were also successful in the regional elections.







The first 16 members presented on the PP Torrevieja list are:



1. Eduardo Jorge Dolon Sanchez



2. María Rosario Martínez Chazarra



3. Ricardo Recuero Serrano



4. Rosa María Cañón Rodríguez



5. Diana Box Alonso



6. Federico Alarcón Martínez



7. I nmaculada Montesinos Pérez



8. Antonio Francisco Vidal Arévalo



9. Concepción Sala Maciá



10. María Sandra Sánchez Andreu



11. José Antonio Quesada Hurtado



12. Domingo Paredes Ibáñez



13. Maria Jose Ruiz Egea



14. María Gertrudis Páez Martínez



15. Gitte Lund Thomsen



16. Óscar Urtasun North

### The PP Rules the Valencia Region

The Partido Popular in the Valencia community (PPCV) has regained control of both the region and the city of Valencia, although the far-right group Vox has also made headway, and may be called upon to support the governing.



The socialist PSPV have been in charge of the region for the last 8 years and have presided over a disastrous change in the healthcare management, including in Torrevieja hospital.



With the new head of the PP, Carlos Mazón, the group managed to double its number of deputies compared to 2019, from 19 to 40. Meanwhile, Vox, with Carlos Flores, has risen from 10 to 13 seats. Ciudadanos, which presented Mamen Peris as head of the list, has not entered the regional Parliament and has suffered a total collapse with 1.48% of the votes and the loss of the 18 deputies it had. 



Regarding the PSPV of Ximo Puig –until now president of the Generalitat– they achieved 31 seats, which is in fact 4 more than in the last elections. Compromís, with Joan Baldoví, obtained 15 (down 3) and Unides Podem, with Héctor Illueca, disappeared from Les Corts and lost the 8 representatives it had.

### View the election results live on the official website and app

The Government has developed a specific website and mobile application to follow live the results of the local elections on May 28, in which the mayors and councillors of the municipalities throughout Spain are elected, in addition to the members of the Island Councils of the Canary Islands and the representatives of the Assemblies of Ceuta and Melilla.



Both the website, available from Sunday at the link https://resultados.locales2023.es , and the application for mobile devices “28M Elecciones Locales 2023”, now downloadable and can be changed to English in the configuration menu, in the markets of the Android and iOS platforms.



Among the novelties of the web platform and the app, a graph is incorporated for the first time that will allow to know in real time the number of votes pending to reach the last councillor in dispute in each constituency and which are the candidacies involved. In addition, a virtual majority simulation tool will be included that will make it easier for users to calculate the possible agreements that guarantee an absolute majority in the different municipalities, councils and assemblies of Ceuta and Melilla.



The polling station constitution section offers graphs on the number of polling stations constituted and the percentage they represent over the total number of existing polling stations, in addition to statistics on the census and number of voters, with the information broken down by municipalities and councils.



The web space reserved for Participation will show the graphs of participation progress at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and their comparison with the same time slots in the local elections held in 2019. The data will also be available by autonomous community, provinces and municipalities through a drop-down menu.



From 9:00 p.m., after the closure of the polling stations in the Canary Islands, the website and the mobile application will begin to receive the first results of the scrutiny in the different polling stations, which can be consulted in real time from the Provisional Results section.



The graphs will show the distribution of councillors throughout the national territory, including the comparison with the results in the last local elections, in May 2019, and will allow consulting the absolute and relative majorities obtained by each candidacy. From the search engine you can also access the results of the 8,228 municipalities, the island councils and the Assemblies of Ceuta and Melilla.



A space included in the results section will allow the user to carry out specific queries for candidacies to find out the number of votes by party or group, the councillors obtained in each case and the percentage of votes obtained out of the total number cast.



The user will also be able to find out the final participation rate at the closing of the polling stations, with the abstention data and the numbers of votes cast, valid, blank and null in each municipality, as well as its comparison with the local elections of 2019.



The platforms also have an interactive map that allows a direct search for the winning candidacy in each autonomous community and municipality.

### The Valencian Community registers 574 new cases of melanoma in one year

The Valencian Community has registered a total of 574 new cases of melanoma in the region in one year, according to the latest figures from the Cancer Information System (SIC-CV), which is in charge of the cancer surveillance system in the Community,



Of the 574 new cases of melanoma that correspond to the year 2021, 297 cases have been diagnosed in men and 277 in women, so this type of cancer is somewhat more frequent in men.



Cutaneous melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give skin a tan hue) grow out of control. The main cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted naturally by the sun or by artificial sources, such as tanning booths and devices. On the other hand, there is a higher risk for people who have fair skin.



Of all the cancer diagnoses that were carried out in 2021 in the Valencian Community, melanoma represented 2%, without taking into account those types of non-melanoma skin cancer.



On the other hand, the incidence rate in the Valencian Community has decreased to 10.88 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021, compared to that registered in 2019, which stood at 13.19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.



By sex, the incidence rate stands at 12.36 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the case of men and 9.74 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in women. In both sexes, the incidence rate increases with age and the mean age at diagnosis is 65 years for men and 64 years for women. According to the figures, one in 148 men and one in 184 women, respectively, are at risk of developing melanoma before the age of 75.



Likewise, the rates in the Valencian Community are similar to the projections made for Spain by the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries in 2021 (10.5 cases per 100,000 in men and 13.8 per 100,000 in women) and lower than those of the European Cancer Information System, ECIS (26 per 100,000 men and 20.8 per 100,000 women for 2020).



Finally, the relative survival of melanoma 5 years after diagnosis during the period from 2004 to 2018 is 80.4% in men and 83.9% in women. Regarding mortality from melanoma, it represents 1.1% of all deaths from cancer in the Valencian Community.

### Brits Amongst 19 Arrestees in Torrevieja Cannabis Clampdown

Seven cannabis associations in Torrevieja have been dismantled by the Guardia Civil in an operation in which 19 people between the ages of 25 and 69 of eight nationalities have been arrested and nearly of ten kilograms of marijuana, prohibited weapons and more than 10,000 euro seized.



Operation 'Libro Registro' included ten searches in premises and homes, in addition to the arrest of people from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Lithuania and Chile, in an investigation that began when a slight increase was detected in infractions related to the consumption and possession of drugs in specific areas of Torrevieja, with minors and foreign tourists involved.



The operation took place during March and April, and it was discovered that, under the guise of non-profit associations, these organisations exceeded the amounts of marijuana allowed per member for consumption that was not limited to the interior of the premises.



Nor were records of the origin of the drug kept and four of the seven associations were not registered in the National Registry of Associations.



Likewise, it was revealed that these associations did not limit their activity to their members but also allowed sales of drugs to minors and foreign tourists, all of which revealed that the investigated associations turned out to be mere instruments designed to give an appearance of legality to the cultivation and distribution of drugs.



The operation was carried out in several phases, between March 28 and April 26, and a total of seven searches were carried out at the associations' headquarters and three more at the homes of some of those responsible, where the arrests were made.



9,338 kilos of marijuana, 1,276 of hashish, 30 grams of cocaine, 32 litres of liquid cannabis, 42 marijuana plants, 60 canisters with liquid cannabis, various prohibited weapons and more than 10,000 euro were seized, and one of the searches revealed a clandestine production of hashish, where products derived from cannabis were made, such as chocolates, cookies, resins, oils and drinks.



According to their degree of participation, those arrested have been investigated for alleged crimes against public health, illegal possession of weapons and belonging to a criminal group, and have been made available to the Torrevieja Investigating Courts, which have ordered their release, with precautionary measures for all of them.



As a result of the evidence collected, the judicial authorities have ordered the temporary closure of the seven associations involved in the investigation for a period of 5 years as a preventive measure to guarantee the safety and well-being of the community.

### Ten New Unmarked Cars for Regional Police

The Valencia Regional Police has added ten new vehicles to its fleet this Friday.



These cars, manufactured by Seat, will be added to the fleet of camouflaged cars used by some units of this body such as the operational groups for the preservation of the environment, protection of historical heritage, control of the gaming sector, traceability of fruit and vegetable products, the fight against the submerged economy and actions in matters of minors and women.



Five of these vehicles will be used in groups in the province of Valencia, three in the province of Alicante and two in the province of Castellón.

### 80 Pétanque Courts Restored in Torrevieja

The Councillor for Sports in Torrevieja, Diana Box Alonso, has announced that after being neglected, a total of 80 pétanque courts located throughout the municipal area of ​​the town have had restoration work now carried out.



Diana Box has explained that these remodelling works have been carried out through a contract of 48,400 euro (IVA included) having been the execution period of two months.



The 80 remodelled courts are in: Plaza de Las Abejas, Plaza Argólidas, Plaza de Europa, Plaza de la Marina Española, Plaza Mar Azul, Plaza Sevilla, San Roque neighbourhood and those that are installed in the Las Torretas urbanisations, Cabo Cervera, Los Balcones and La Siesta.

### Full List of Blue Flag Beaches in the Alicante Province for 2023

Torrevieja has secured the Blue Flag of quality for a number of beaches once again for the 2023 summer season, but the beaches of the town are not to the liking of everybody, as they are quite small in places and can get very busy, therefore we thought we’d give you a list of other locations you might also want to consider around the area, specifically in the Alicante province, covering much of the Costa Blanca, with the full list of Blue Flag beaches in the Alicante Province for 2023, with the closest locations first.



Orihuela




Aguamarina



Barranco Rubio



Cabo Roig -La Caleta



Cala Capitán



Cala Cerrada



Cala Estaca



Cala Mosca



Campoamor-La Glea



La Zenia- Cala Bosque



Mil Palmeras



Punta Prima




Guardamar del Segura




Centre



El Moncaio



La Roqueta



Dels Vivers




Santa Pola




Calas del Este



Calas Santiago



Bernabéu



Llevant



Varador




Elx




Arenals del Sol-Sur



Carabassí



L’Altet



La Marina



Les Pesqueres-El



Rebollo




Pilar de la Horadada




Conde



Higuericas



Jesuitas



Mil Palmeras



Puerto



Rocamar




Then, the rest of the Blue Flag beaches in the Alicante Province in alphabetical order.



Alicante




L’Albufereta



Postiguet



Saladar-Urbanova



Sant Joan



Tabarca




Altea




Cap Blanc



La Roda



L’Espigó




Benissa




Cala Baladrar



Cala Fustera




Calpe




Cantal Roig



La Fossa



L’Arenal-Bol




Denia




Les Bovetes



Les Marines



Marineta Cassiana



Molins



Punta del Raset




El Campello




Carrer de la Mar



Mutxavista




El Poble Nou de Benitatxell




Cala del Moraig




Finestrat




La Cala




En L’Alfàs del Pi




Racó de L’Albir




Teulada




El Portet



La Ampolla



Les Platgetes




Vila Joiosa




Bon Nou



Ciutat (Centro)



La Caleta



Paradís



Varadero




Xàbia




Granadella



La Grava




And finally, although we have spoken about Blue Flag beaches in Torrevieja before, here is the list again.



Torrevieja




Cabo Cervera



Cala de las Piteras



El Cura



Los Locos



Los Náufragos



Torrelamata-Sur




The Blue Flag accreditation awards beaches for such elements as water quality, accesibility, and facilities, allowing the beaches to display the flag confirming their commitment to the standards set out by the body.

### Music from the Films

On Saturday 13 May 2023, the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra will be playing the Music from the Films, in a special concert being held at the Torrevieja International Auditorium.



Tickets for the musical concert are on sale at culturaltorrevieja.com, with 15 euro being the base price, for the 90-minute concert that will take you on a journey through some of your favourite flicks.



The concert starts at 7 p.m.

### Torrevieja May Fair Tribute Plans Finalised

The final plans for the “tribute” to the annual spring festival, after the Torrevieja May Fair was cancelled due to ongoing work at the harbour, were presented this week in the Plenary Hall of the Town Hall, specially decorated for the announcement, revealing the details of the celebration to be held from May 11 to 14 in the Parque de la Estación.



The Councillor for Fiestas, Concha Sala, was accompanied by representatives of the dance academies that will offer their shows on a stage that will be set up at the park, as well as by representatives of the 7 small booths that will also open their doors on the premises.



The councillor pointed out the significant success of the May Fair in its edition last year after the pandemic and a few years in which the fair, with more than 35 years of experience, "had deteriorated in many aspects", clearly without realising that this latest incarnation is the biggest “deterioration” to date, forced largely by lack of planning on the part of the town hall who were aware of the closure of the usual area, and failed to identify other, more suitable locations in the town.



Concha Sala pointed out that this year "given the impossibility of doing it in the port area due to the works that are being undertaken and because it is impossible to move it to another location due to the lack of the necessary infrastructure, we did not want the year to go blank and we have attended the interest of both the local booths and the dance academies and schools, winking at the May Fair”.



In the event that this mini celebration will be popular, many people will not be allowed into the grounds, as the Councillor has indicated that the Parque de la Estación will have a regulated capacity with the maximum legal capacity, it will be conditioned to house a stage for dance schools to perform their exhibitions and seven small booths.



The program of events contemplates that at 8:30 p.m. the performances of Mery Dance Academy and Soul Dance begin. On Friday, the “Arantxa Blanco” Dance Centre and the Municipal School of Dance will perform at the same time with their teacher, Nuria Girona. Also, on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. the “QK” Academy and the “Paya's” Dance School will perform. The venue will open on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and from Friday to Sunday at 12:00 p.m.



The Parque de la Estación site will have security guards, as well as volunteers from Civil Protection and the Local Police. Two ambulances will also be located permanently. Likewise, a drinking water point will be installed for the use of the booths and in the field of cleaning both waste collection and recycling will be reinforced, as well as work inside the park.



Finally, it should be noted that the Local Police have planned for those days traffic cuts around the Parque de la Estación on Avenida de la Estación (between Avda. Diego Ramírez and C/Greco) and Calle Greco (between Avda. Estación and C /Portalicos).



Meanwhile, the Parque Antonio Soria, normally used for events of a larger capacity, such as music concerts, food tasting, markets, etc, will remain vacant, as will the International Auditorium, both of which have ample parking. Many other locations are also available.

### Blue Flag Beaches in Torrevieja 2023

For the 2023 summer season, there are six Blue Flag beaches in Torrevieja who will be allowed to fly the Blue Flag quality standard.



The six Blue Flag beaches in Torrevieja in 2023 are:



Cabo Cervera



Cala Piteras



El Cura



Los Locos



Los Náufragos



Torrelamata-Sur



The Blue Flag is a quality standard offered by the FEE, which is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation consisting of 65 organisations in 77 member countries, that ensures that beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators meets its standards.



In 2019, there were 5 Blue Flag beaches in Torrevieja. It was the same number in 2015, in 2011 Torrevieja had 3 Blue Flags having recovered the statis at Playa El Cura, which had had lost for several years.

### Walk Your Heart Healthy!

The cardiology service of the Torrevieja University Hospital has organised a heart-healthy route under the motto "keep your heart in shape", which will take place on Saturday, May 6, at 11:00 a.m., in the Las Lagunas de La Mata Natural Park in Torrevieja.



The meeting is aimed at patients from the Torrevieja health department with cardiovascular disease, family members and health personnel. The walk, organised in collaboration with the Torrevieja Council, does not require prior registration and will last an estimated forty minutes.



Moderate exercise is one of the keys to taking care of our health and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Health professionals recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week to maintain good cardiovascular health.



This route, which will take place in the surroundings of the Salinero Natural Park, is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical condition and can be done both walking or running. During the tour, participants will be able to enjoy the natural landscape.



In addition, participants will be treated to a healthy lunch for taking part.

### Emergency Flood Warning to be Sent to Mobiles on Thursday - IT IS A TEST

On Thursday this week, mobile phones around the Vega Baja area will sound an alert of a flood. This alert IS A TEST. Do not panic, although you will have to cancel the alert on your phone.



The Agency for Security and Response to Emergencies and the General Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergencies of the Ministry of the Interior has announced the test to take place on Thursday, alerting residents in the municipalities of Vega Baja. 



The ES-Alert system, which is integrated into the National Alert Network, uses Cell Broadcast technology to deliver messages to the mobile phones of users in a specific area. In this way, the people affected by the emergency will hear a high-pitched sound on their mobile that in turn displays a warning text. The sound only stops when the user of the terminal confirms its reading.



This Thursday's test is part of the Vega Renhace Plan projects, so a notice will be sent to the population simulating a flood alert with instructions for action and self-protection that would minimise the risk in a real case. On this occasion, messages in Spanish and English will be transferred to the public.

### Drug Dealing Greengrocers Arrested in Torrevieja

Within the framework of the National Plan for the fight against the cultivation and trafficking of narcotic drugs, the Guardia Civil arrested two brothers and is investigating a third man who allegedly sold drugs from a greengrocers shop in Torrevieja, a substance that was in boxes of products displayed in an establishment that was apparently closed to the public, but where there was a large movement of people.



As reported by the armed institute in a statement, the two detainees are two residents of the town, 40 and 46 years old and Spanish nationality, while the person under investigation is a 67-year-old man. Those arrested have been placed at the disposal of the Investigating Court number 1 of Torrevieja, which has ordered his admission to prison and precautionary measures for the person under investigation.



Following a tip off from a member of the public about a "strange deal" in a local establishment, the Guardia Civil began an investigation, and they verified the existence of a group allegedly dedicated to drug trafficking.



The investigators established a tight control of the activity in the establishment, a greengrocer, run by two brothers and which was apparently closed to the general public, but there was a "constant movement" of customers. The employees "opened and closed the establishment without an apparent cause, and the clients entered and left without shopping bags," according to the Guardia Civil.



The agents made some initial identifications and confirmed that, upon leaving the premises, the clients were allegedly carrying narcotic substances. Transactions were carried out inside the premises by one of the brothers, the youngest of them, while the eldest appeared and disappeared frequently from the establishment. The investigators verified that he was the alleged leader of the gang.



Continuing with the investigation, the agents found out that this person, in addition to serving the greengrocer, frequented various gambling halls in the town, in which they also found the sale of drugs.



The Guardia Civil has also been able to verify the involvement of a third person, a Spanish man, also a resident of the town, who was allegedly in charge of surveillance of the exterior of the greengrocer's and of attracting customers in the gambling halls.



The investigators, supported by the Torrevieja Citizen Security Unit (USECIC) and the canine handler of the Alicante Command with the drug detector dog, carried out the exploitation phase of the operation, in which they carried out the searches and made the arrests of the suspects, who are accused of the crimes of belonging to a criminal group, against public health for drug trafficking and smuggling.

### What is Barrett's oesophagus? Symptoms and treatments

The specialists of the General Surgery and Digestive System service  of Quirónsalud Torrevieja answer the most frequently asked questions about Barrett's oesophagus (BE).



What is Barrett's oesophagus?



Barrett's oesophagus is a condition in which the lining of the distal oesophagus, next to the entrance to the stomach, is damaged by acid reflux, causing this lining to be replaced by a different one and causing Barrett's oesophagus.



Risk actors for Barrett's oesophagus:



Family history.



Being a man.



Being white.



Age.  It can occur at any age but is most common in adults over age 50.



Smoking or having smoked.



Overweight.



What symptoms are most common?



Patients with Barrett's oesophagus have the same symptoms as those with gastroesophageal reflux disease: heartburn and regurgitation.



In addition, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing food and chest pains also appear, although to a lesser extent.



For some people, this gastroesophageal reflux disease can trigger a change in the cells lining the lower oesophagus and cause Barrett's oesophagus.



Most people with a diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus report few or no symptoms.



What are the dangers of this disorder?



Barrett's oesophagus is linked to an increased risk of developing oesophageal cancer.



"Although the risk of oesophageal cancer is low, it is important to have regular endoscopic check-ups and biopsies of the oesophagus to check for precancerous cells (dysplasia)."  Explain the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



What tests are performed for its diagnosis?



The test performed is upper endoscopy.



What treatments are there?



Treatment depends on the degree of cellular alteration of the oesophageal epithelium and the patient's condition.



Periodic endoscopy, to monitor the state of the epithelium of Barrett's oesophagus by means of biopsies, should be performed periodically every 1-2 years, depending on the type of cellular alteration.



In addition, gastroesophageal reflux should be treated with medications and lifestyle change.



When to operate?



Antisecretory medication, such as omeprazole, reduces the risk of development and progression of Barrett's oesophagus, but they are not effective in facilitating complete prevention, since they do not completely prevent the passage of stomach acid into the oesophagus, which continues to injure the oesophageal mucosa.



Therefore, anti-reflux surgery is considered superior to antisecretory medication in controlling Barrett's oesophagus, and should be offered to patients as the best therapeutic option, reporting benefits as well as possible side effects.



What is the success rate of this surgery?



"The success rate of anti-reflux surgery is over 90% at 5 years," say the specialists.



Recommendations to avoid reflux



A healthy diet, we eliminate spicy products, citrus fruits, tobacco, alcohol, coffee ...



Do not make copious meals.



Do not go to bed until 2 or 3 hours after eating.



Sleep with your head held high to prevent reflux from rising.



Sleep on the left so that our stomach does not turn towards the oesophagus.



Lead a stress-free life.



Treat constipation.



Do not wear very tight garments.



Avoid taking drugs that reduce the tone of the lower oesophageal sphincter.



What is Barrett's oesophagus surgery?



The surgery is performed laparoscopically and consists of making a valve with the patient's own stomach, like a tie, that surrounds the oesophagus.



This valve prevents the acidic contents of the stomach from rising into the oesophagus and damaging the mucosa.



How is the postoperative period?



"It is an operation that in expert hands has practically no complications and 24-48 hours the patient is discharged to his home, being able to lead a normal life 7-10 days after surgery" explains the specialists of Quirónsalud.

### International Body Building Competition in Torrevieja

On 28 May, the International Auditorium in Torrevieja will be filled with men and women showing of their sculptured and toned bodies, in the AMIX Cup competition.



Registration and weigh-in will take place at the auditorium on 27 May, before the athletes take to the stage on the 28th for the main competition, with both men and women competing, and special categories for wheelchair participants.



The culmination will of course be the awards ceremony at the end of the competition.








https://youtu.be/hRg1j1CtE0I

### Torrevieja will Celebrate Europe Day in May

The Department of International Residents in Torrevieja town hall has organised a very special celebration to recognise Europe Day 2023, with a special gala at the International Auditorium that will feature a performance by Azúcar Moreno, who participated in Eurovision in 1990 with the song "Bandido", achieving a meritorious 5th position.



The gala, which will be held on May 9 at 7:30 p.m., will feature many surprises that will make the public vibrate. Tickets are free with invitation, and can be reserved and downloaded from the portal culturatorrevieja.com.



If getting to the auditorium is a concern, you don’t have to worry too much, because the town hall will also provide a free bus service from the Torrevieja interchange to the International Auditorium, with the first departure at 6:00 p.m. and the last at 6:30 p.m.



Likewise, on May 6, one day before the celebration of Europe Day, from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a Petanque tournament on the slopes of the Rocajuna urbanisation, "Europe Tournament", sponsored by the EmbassyMyHome company together with the Torrevieja Council and with the participation of the following teams: Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Belgium and Rest of Europe. Spain, winner of the Tournament in the last edition of 2022, will try to defend the title.








https://youtu.be/cCBa4sety5w

### Various Street Closures on Monday for the Cycle Race in Torrevieja

On Monday 1 May, a national holiday celebrating workers, there will be various streets closed in Torrevieja for a cycle race, the time trial stage of the la Vuelta Ciclista femenina.



There will be parking restrictions and closures covering some 20 streets in the town, with parking prohibited between 10:30 and 14:30.



The test will affect the start at Avenida Monge y Bielsa (near the Ciudad Deportiva), Delfina Viudes, Ronda Ricardo Lafuente Aguado, Orihuela, Diego Ramírez Pastor, Urbano Arregui, Mar Menor, Desiderio Rodríguez, Gregorio Marañón, Ramón Gallud , Apolo, Cortes Valencianas, Baleares, Gran Canaria, Paris, La Mancha, Gabriela Mistral, Aeneas, Alfredo Nobel and Mariano Ruiz Cánovas, where the end will be.

### Covid Infections Highest Since January

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 940 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen test since the last update last Friday.



This is the highest weekly increase since 20th January, when the increase in Covid infections was 1,078.



The new cases by province are 193 in Castellón (197,296 in total), 275 in Alicante (537,671 in total) and 472 in Valencia (857,670 in total).



632 of these cases are people over 60 years old. By province: 149 in Castellón, 181 in Alicante and 302 in Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 238 people admitted for COVID, 6 of them in the ICU: 26 in the province of Castelló, with 2 patients in the ICU; 54 in the province of Alicante, with 2 patients in ICU, and 158 in the province of Valencia, with 2 patients in ICU.



10 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death within the last 7 days. These are 6 women, between 78 and 92 years old, and 4 men, between 71 and 89 years old. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,486, by province: 1,269 in the province of Castellón, 3,972 in that of Alicante and 5,245 in that of Valencia.

### Erectile dysfunction: symptoms, causes and treatment

The specialists of the Urology Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja answer the most frequently asked questions about erectile dysfunction.



What is erectile dysfunction?



Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.



However, if erectile dysfunction in men is a recurring problem, it can cause stress, affect self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems.



If you are worried about erectile dysfunction, put yourself in the hands of specialists to help you treat it. Quirónsalud has a team of urologists specialised in this type of pathology.



Symptoms of erectile dysfunction



Among the symptoms that patients usually present, we can mention:



– Problems getting an erection.– Problems maintaining an erection.– Decreased sexual desire.



When should you see a specialist?



If you have the following symptoms and they are recurrent, see your doctor:



– You are concerned about your erections or have other sexual problems, such as ejaculatory dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation.– You have diabetes, heart disease, or another known medical condition that may be associated with erectile dysfunction.– You have other symptoms in addition to erectile dysfunction.



What causes erectile dysfunction



Male sexual arousal is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can be the result of a problem with any of these. Similarly, stress and mental health concerns can cause erectile dysfunction or make it worse.



Sometimes erectile dysfunction is due to a combination of physical and psychological issues. For example, a minor physical illness that slows down your sexual response can make you anxious about maintaining an erection. This anxiety can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.



How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?



Once the patient has presented with the symptoms mentioned above, a series of specific questionnaires are carried out to try to detect it. In addition, a physical examination and a series of analyses are carried out to determine the male’s hormonal status and possible imbalances in liver, kidney or pancreatic function.



How is erectile dysfunction treated?



Treatment should be oriented according to the patient’s expectations and wishes.



Depending on the results of the tests and once the cause of the erectile dysfunction in the male has been found, in some cases, treatment with a psychologist specialised in sexology is used.



Oral administration of a tablet containing sildenafil, vardenafil or tadalafil is sometimes effective. When sexually stimulated, these drugs work by increasing blood flow to the penis.



There are some treatments, which use drugs that the patient injects into the penile shaft himself. They have some side effects that should be avoided with a good training of the patient.



If you want to know more about erectile dysfunction or if you have some of the symptoms mentioned above on a recurring basis, we recommend that you consult a urology specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

### Pepco to Open in Torrevieja Habaneras Centre on Friday

Pepco will open in the Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja on Friday 21 April 2023, in the site previously housing sister store Dealz.



Dealz in Torrevieja has closed down whilst the renovation and conversion work takes place, which will see the doors open once again as Pepco.



Dealz and Pepco are part of the same chain, and whereas traditionally, Pepco, a Polish brand, focussed more on clothing, the stores have become almost identical in their stock recently.



Pepco also opened a new store in Quesada this year, and have been established in Elche for some time.

### The Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre Hosts the Catan National Qualifying Tournament

The Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre, managed by Nhood, will host this Saturday, April 22, the national qualifying tournament of Catan. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the board game manufacturer Devir.



Participation in the tournament is free and open to all audiences from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The minimum age to participate is at least 10 years old. Each Qualifying Tournament will award between 1 and 3 places, depending on the registered participation that can be made on the official DEVIR website in the Agenda area. The Catan final will take place on July 8 in Madrid.



Catan was designed by Klaus Teuber in 1995 and winner of the Spiel des Jahres and is considered the game that modernised this playful modality. It works with a trading system, where players can trade cards from their hand to each other to build roads, towns and cities.



About Nhood



Nhood is a real estate services and solutions company that covers all areas of the real estate sector. Its purpose is to create, animate, manage and transform places for its clients for a new lifestyle.



For our clients-owners, we work in their spaces everything related to commercial, leisure, office or residential issues, in continuous consultation with all communities, to transform them into places of life that combine housing, commerce, education, health and animation.



Nhood works for the economic vitality of the territories respecting the economy of the environment, the environment and biodiversity.



In 5 years we will have already transformed and revitalized several dozen neighbourhoods and we will have returned to nature the equivalent of 36 stadiums in Europe. Our actions and actions are evaluated and measured by the most demanding systems and labels on the market (BREEAM, GRESB, ...).

### Huge spike in Covid hospitalisations across Valencia

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 745 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Thursday. The new cases by provinces are 120 in Castellón (197,103 in total), 173 in Alicante (537,396 in total) and 452 in Valencia (857,198 in total).



Of these, 450 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 72 from Castellón, 107 from Alicante and 271 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 254 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU. Last week, there were 168 people in hospital with Covid, and 7 in the ICU. This is the highest hospitalisation figure since 13 January when 285 people were in hospital. Currently, there are 31 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 53 in the province of Alicante, 3 of them in the ICU, and 170 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the ICU.



9 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 5 women, between 89 and 95 years old, and 4 men between 74 and 89 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,476: 1,268 in the province of Castellón, 3,969 in Alicante and 5,239 in Valencia.

### Chinese Circus coming to Torrevieja

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, accompanied by Lalo Díez, director of Torrevieja Culture, and the coordinator of the "Joaquín Chapaprieta" Municipal Institute of Culture, Manuel Esteban Moreno, presented the Cultural Program of the next quarter, which as a novelty for a quarter-year period covers four months, May, June, July and August.



Among the new opportunities that have been presented is the launch of the Youth Day, a discount for people under 35 years of age that will be applied at the Municipal Theatre box office on the first Friday of each month. The objective of this initiative is none other than to bring the theatre closer to the younger audience.



The “Friends of Culture” program continues, as well as the discount for retirees and the subscription plan that was already launched in the first four-month period of the year. As for the children's revitalization activities on the last Sunday of the month, they will continue for the next four months, and the proceeds will go to the local NGO "ADENIS".



Regarding cultural events in May, the month will begin with humour with the Spanish comedy "Martita de Graná" at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, on the 6th.



The previously announced "Cruz de Navajas" will take place at the Municipal Theatre from May 11 to 14. The month of May will close with the performance of Pantomime Full on the 19th, and the soprano Ainhoa ​​Arteta, on the 27th.




https://youtu.be/X7ZWxgimnHA?t=63




Looking at the cultural events in Torrevieja in June, El Mago Yunke will bring magic to the Municipal Theatre on June 16, while the laughter will be from the monologue of Ángel Martín, on the 11th. El Brujo and Estrella Morente will also be part of the program for the month of June. Two musicals have been programmed for the children, the first will take place on June 10, “Sherlock”, and the adventures of “Tadeo Jones” will hit the stage at the municipal theatre on July 1.



More than 51 events are planned for the next four months, including the arrival of the Chinese Acrobatic Circus, performances by local academies and associations and, of course, the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest.



Induvial details of all events will be available in the fulness of time, so keep checking back or subscribe to this website, This Is Torrevieja, to keep up to date with all the events in Torrevieja.

### Comarcon kicks off Torrevieja spring youth schedule

The 2023 spring youth schedule kicked off at Easter weekend in Torrevieja, with Comarcon 2023 being the first major event aimed at younger people in the municipality.




https://youtu.be/YPKXnhdaef4




A total of 12 activities, courses and events make up the spring youth program and whose main attractions will be La Comarcon 2023, alternative leisure days, which this year celebrate their IX edition, and which will be held on April 8 and 9 at the Palacio de Deportes with an uninterrupted day from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with the best of role-playing, board games, comics, manga, video games, cosplay, movies, etc.



In addition, a visit to the Museum of Arts and Sciences and Oceanográfic has been organised on the occasion of its 25th anniversary on Saturday, June 17. An interesting educational leisure event is also included, the I Sports and Technology Week from June 26 to 30, for adolescents from 12 to 17 years old.



Domingo Paredes, the councillor responsible for the area, has indicated that in terms of training, two interesting courses on Educational Robotics and 3D Printing are offered. Enrolment is also open for a new water lifesaving course for beaches, swimming pools and natural spaces that will begin in May, within the PICE program (Initial Employment Qualification Program) for young people enrolled in the National Youth Guarantee System.



Two calls for competitions have also been organised in this spring agenda, such as the Alicante Provincial Youth Provincial Awards, which this year celebrate their XX edition with 6 categories, and an interesting painting contest “El viaje de Kaochoa” organised by the Fauna Natura association.



As usual in the programme, the inclusive leisure outings continue twice a month, the conversations in English with volunteers and the theatre workshops "Creators' stories" organised in collaboration with the Alicante Institute of Culture (IAC) Juan Gil Albert, which will be held on May 2 at the IES Mediterráneo de Torrevieja.



Finally, the Councillor for Youth recalls that for more information and registration for any of the activities, those interested can go in person to the Centro de Información y Animación Juvenil (CIAJ), located at Paseo Juan Aparicio, nº 5, or find out through their social networks, telephone 965714072, WhatsApp 606055291, email juventud@torrevieja.eu and on the municipal website www.torrevieja.es.

### Spike in Covid Infections and Deaths in Alicante Province

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 910 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. It must be noted however that this week the figures are published on Thursday on account of the holiday, and would therefore otherwise be higher than reported. The new cases by provinces are 143 in Castellón (196,983 in total), 216 in Alicante (537,223 in total), 550 in Valencia (856,746 in total) and 1 unassigned.







Of these, 530 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 75 from Castellón, 152 from Alicante, 302 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.



Valencian hospitals currently have 168 people admitted, 7 of them in the ICU: 25 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 32 in the province of Alicante, 1 of them in the ICU, and 111 in the province of Valencia, 3 in the ICU.



8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days. They are 4 women, between 67 and 93 years old, and 4 men between 72 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,467: 1,268 in the province of Castellón, 3,969 in Alicante and 5,230 in Valencia.

### Rehabilitation of the old "La Química" in Las Salinas de Torrevieja

These Torrevieja redevelopment proposals are coming thick and fast, for some reason (nothing to do with elections next month, honest!).



Next is the “very special proposal” for Torrevieja, the rehabilitation of the old buildings of "La Química" of Las Salinas de Torrevieja.



The main idea of the project is to position the Torrevieja salt flats as a tourist and health resource, preserving, protecting, and caring for the set of old buildings that are in disuse.



After the project was presented, the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, thanked “everyone involved in this ambitious and beautiful project for our city, especially the former director of Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Pedro Gómez Mateo, and David Ruiz Molina, architect who has carried out this proposed project commissioned by the Torrevieja Council”.

### Los Locos Beach Redevelopment Plans Presented in Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall presented plans for the redevelopment of the Los Locos Beach promenade (Avenida Dr. Mariano Ruiz Cánovas), which, they say, will significantly improve accessibility to the coastline, providing it with pedestrian paths and spacious areas for citizens to enjoy, complying with regulations on accessibility in the urban environment, and turning it into a pedestrian and urban promenade, but more natural.



The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, together with the Councillor for Projects, Sandra Sánchez, presented the redevelopment project, in which Dolón explained that he has been working on this project for three years, first by meeting with residents of the area to inform them of the action that the Council intends to carry out, and in August 2021, the drafting was put out to tender of the project that was awarded in December 2022 to the Juan Ignacio Fuster Marcos Architecture Studio, for an amount of 73,221.40 euro (IVA included).



The mayor said that in February the Basic Project was sent with all the necessary documentation to the Provincial Coastal Service of Alicante and also to the General Directorate of Ports of the Generalitat Valenciana, and their response is currently now pending before the next stage can commence.



The intention is to be able to tender the works after this summer and to begin executing the redevelopment of the promenade at the end of this year.



A NEEDED REDEVELOPMENT



Eduardo Dolón has indicated that, in view of the current state of Avenida Doctor Mariano Ruiz Cánovas, which, like much of Torrevieja, has faced years of decline and neglect, a new redevelopment is necessary that significantly improves accessibility to the coastline.



The objective of the Government team is to provide the promenade with sufficient dimension to allow the circulation and relationship of people, improve accessibility to the beach, and allow a better relationship between the town and the beach that is more direct, friendlier and more suitable for the new needs of the 21st century. Generate a more natural coastal image of the municipality that is compatible with the existing urban space, providing better infrastructure, shade and nature along the entire route.



An attempt has also been made to respond to the existence of the different terraces of the hospitality services, trying to provide them with a common image, delimiting the areas and offering a unitary and integrating current image. In short, it is a more natural proposal with an urban character, which makes its renaturation as compatible as possible by introducing more green, pedestrian, wooded areas, urban furniture with children's play areas and bio-healthy areas.



CONTINUITY OF THE SEAWALKS



The project is considered as a continuity of the promenades that start from the port of Torrevieja and connect the entire urban coast of the municipality. This promenade adjoins the coastline, which is already undeveloped land and will for the moment constitute the end of the urbanised pedestrian route that connects Torrevieja on the seafront.



In addition to the peculiarities of a pedestrian promenade, it must be taken into account that it is elevated with respect to the beach at a variable height, which ranges from approximately 0.7 to 1.5 metres.



Likewise, there are two areas of the promenade that receive a very strong flow of runoff water in cases of torrential rains (Curva del Palangre and Av. Roentgen), in which they are working together with Agamed to converge in this project with the Rainwater Master Plan.



Although traffic in the area is as problematic as much of Torrevieja, where frequently more vehicles compete for an ever dwindling space, the plan involves removing traffic flow from this area to allow for pedestrianisation. The rearrangement of traffic through the adjacent streets allows pedestrianisation of Avenida Mariano Ruiz Cánovas, its continuations, and the streets that fall on it, diverting vehicle traffic to the streets behind, both private and large public transport. It has also been decided to divert the circulation of bicycles and VMP (personal mobility vehicles) by bike lanes in the back streets to avoid conflict with pedestrian circulation, since it would necessarily interrupt the transversal connection beach-promenade-terrace-business that happens continuously along the route, with the risk to security that it would entail in an area with a high population density in the summer season.



AN URBAN BUT NATURALISED WALK



The proposal focuses on creating an urban but naturalised promenade, proposing a continuous relationship between the city and the beach. It works from the unevenness to achieve a fluid relationship between the different levels of the meeting, blurring the limits, proposing a promenade on two levels, both remaining within the line of the sea that currently exists.



The first level, at the upper level, which currently corresponds to the sidewalk levels that give access to the buildings, is a continuous, wide, stony promenade, which accommodates the character of pedestrian traffic, rest and relationship areas, as well as such as complementary services of shops and hotels (particularly terraces). It is the most urban area of ​​the intervention, with an immediate relationship with the city and the building. At this level, restricted vehicle traffic for access to garages is incorporated, as well as the necessary right-of-way on a seafront promenade for emergency vehicles.



The second level is an element with a lighter character, with a wooden image, which smoothly connects the lower level (beach-sea level) with the upper level (current sidewalk level). There is a continuity of a narrower path on the lower level, and it goes up and down from the upper level, unfolding as a winding path that crosses areas of vegetation proposed at different levels. In the intermediate areas between the promenades, there are some terraces that house varied vegetation as well as rest areas, and already at the upper level, they increase in size, being able to introduce trees that provide shade to the promenade, as well as areas for staying under said trees.



In the beach area, small synthetic or equivalent wood advances, light and removable, are established, approaching the sea, as well as three children's play areas and two packages of public toilets and sanitary post, prefabricated and also removable.

### Contract for drafting Torreta III Project Awarded

Torrevieja’s Local Government Board has approved the award of the contract for the drafting of the Torreta III – Punta de la Víbora redevelopment project, based on the Framework Agreement, for an amount of 525,870 euro (IVA included). The execution period for writing this project is 4 months, but it is worth noting that this contract is for the drafting of the project, as mentioned, not the completion of the work required.



The Torreta urbanisation was created at the beginning of the 80s and is in a poor state of conservation, as has been the case for many years, and so, now, Torrevieja Council intends to complete the urbanisation of the sector and replace the degraded infrastructures that need replacement and adaptation to the conditions established by current legislation, with the aim of solving the problems that are generated in the area, improving the quality of life and the services of the neighbours who have been waiting decades for action.



The redevelopment project has three lines of action:



FORMATION OF NEW ROADS. The creation of 2,095 linear metres of new road is proposed, including the corresponding service infrastructure such as drinking water, sewerage, public lighting, furniture and gardening.



STUDY OF THE STATE OF THE CURRENT ROADS. Carrying out a study of the current state of the existing infrastructures, their deficiencies and a proposal with the improvements proposed according to current needs and current regulations on the matter. Review and completion of infrastructures for the distribution of drinking water, sanitation, electricity distribution, lighting and street furniture. All this in a total of 49,059 m2 of road surface in which all the works to be carried out to condition these roads will be defined from the point of view of urban integration, removal of architectural barriers and creation of sufficient provision of car parks and other services.



EQUIPMENT TO EXECUTE. It is proposed to develop the green zone in a surface of 75,000 m2, respecting at all times the natural condition that it may have with the Torrevieja Lagoons, in accordance with the current regional legislation. Resulting in a proposal for a green area that provides an attractive and inclusive solution in the area, in addition to establishing a connection with the greenway of Torrevieja (old railway track).

### Torrevieja Beach Maintenance Contract Put to Tender

Just as the first busy weekend of the year gets underway, Torrevieja town hall has announced that the Torrevieja Beach maintenance contract has been put to tender, for an amount of 531,132 euro per year, with a four-year contract, which represents a total investment of 2,124,530 euro. A contract that has the possibility of being extended for another year.



Antonio Vidal, the Councillor for Beaches in Torrevieja has reported that this new contract is necessary and in demand in order to “keep our beaches in perfect condition throughout the year, and thus be able to offer a higher quality service to the thousands of bathers who enjoy our sandbanks”.



Vidal has indicated that the maintenance contract includes the maintenance and cleaning of urban furniture, including benches, litter bins, signs, walkways, and bike racks, amongst others.



In addition, it includes elements that require painting or varnishing tasks such as fences, walls, metallic and wooden elements in general, civil works elements for access or delimitation of the beaches such as walls, ramps, etc., and lifeguard surveillance posts and toilets.



It will also have an on-call service for emergencies and restoration of operation in the event of serious damage or that causes danger, as well as transport of heavy or large materials at the request of municipal technicians.



Lastly, Antonio Vidal highlighted that this contract includes an aspect that is highly demanded by users of the beaches and promenades, which is the opening all year round of the 9 existing toilets on the beaches, which will also have a cleaning and daily maintenance.

### Lifeguards Return to Torrevieja Beaches for Easter

From this weekend, the new Surveillance, Rescue and Lifeguard Service began on Torrevieja beaches, which was awarded to the company EULEN for an amount of 736,920 euro per year (IVA included), the contract being four years plus one extension, which represents a total investment of 3,684,600 euro, according to the information provided by the Councillor for Beaches in Torrevieja, Antonio Vidal.



Vidal highlighted that this new contract contemplates a series of novelties that result in a wide improvement of the service and, therefore, for the safety of bathers. "The purpose of this government team is to offer residents, visitors and tourists not only the best image of our beaches, but also the peace of mind that they are on safe beaches with a consistent rescue service", were the words of the councillor.



In this way, the assisted bathing service is extended as an improvement to the contract, from June 15 to September 15, in addition to the creation of a new bathing area on La Mata beach. Likewise, the service hours of the lifeguard teams are increased, starting at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. in high season. This means two more hours of service compared to the previous year.



The provision of the service is maintained in the Easter season, this being 10 days, from Saturday, April 1, and ending on Monday, April 10, also offering service in Cabo Cervera and Cala Piteras.



Another novelty will be that, in the summer season, the service begins on June 1 (15 days earlier than usual), in addition to having 10 more days as a contract improvement on special dates such as: 1 and May 2, September 16 and 17, September 23 and 24, and October 11-14. 



Regarding the renewal of the rescue posts, Antonio Vidal explained that there are a total of 8 lifeguard posts and 5 advanced watchtowers. In high season there will be a total of 50 people who provide this surveillance, rescue and first aid service on the beaches of Torrevieja.

### Easter processions in Torrevieja

Here is the itinerary for the Easter processions in Torrevieja this week.

### Covid infections continue to increase across Valencia

Covid infections are continuing to increase across the Valencia region, with 906 new cases reported this week, in the small portion of the population still tested, compared to 795 last week, 718 the week before, 623 the week before that, and 583 in the first week of March. Last week, the infections were the highest since late January, a figure which has both been beaten and increased this week.







The combined monthly death toll for March is also higher than last month, with a total of 47 people losing their lives from Covid in March, compared to 42 in February. As we colse the first quarter of the year, 188 people have been killed by Covid in the Valencia region. In the last quarter of 2022, the total figure was 207 deaths from Covid.



We are now about to embark on one of the first busy periods of the year, the Easter holidays, when gatherings are common, and so mixing will increase considerably.



In the latest report issued on Friday, the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 906 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by provinces are 172 in Castellón (196,840 in total), 160 in Alicante (537,007 in total) and 574 in Valencia (856,196 in total).



Of these, 501 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 88 from Castellón, 117 from Alicante and 296 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 187 people admitted for COVID, 5 of them in the ICU: 39 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 40 in the province of Alicante, 0 of them in the ICU, and 108 in the province of Valencia, 2 in the ICU.



8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days. They are 5 women, between 77 and 90 years old, and 3 men between 55 and 80 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,459: 1,267 in the province of Castellón, 3,965 in Alicante and 5,227 in Valencia.

### Black Eyed Peas Coming to Torrevieja

The well-known hit American popular music combo, the Black Eyed Peas, will be playing in Torrevieja this summer, headlining the third edition of the Brilla Torrevieja festival.



The popular beat combo, with more than 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify and six Grammy Awards, will perform on August 11 at the Parque Antonio Soria, one of only four concerts the band will perform in Spain to promote their latest album, "Elevation", which includes collaborations with other well-known artists such as Anitta, Shakira and Daddy Yankee.



Brilla Torrevieja will annoy the neighbours who don’t want to listen to music drowning out their peace and quiet from July 30 to August 20 with performances by confirmed artists such as Melendi, India Martínez and Loquillo.



For those who do want to attend, tickets for the concert will go on sale this Sunday, April 2.



Now, in case you want to learn the words to one of their most famous songs so you can sing along, get your autotune ready and join in, it starts like this…



I got a feeling



That tonight's gonna be a good night



That tonight's gonna be a good night



That tonight's gonna be a good, good night



Something about fill up my cup... Let's do it, do it, do it.... etc!

### The second edition of Torrevieja Weekend will be held in April

The Councillor for Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism, Rosario Martínez, the designer, Eduardo Navarrete, the president of Apymeco, Jorge Almarcha, and the Commerce coordinator, José Rubio, have presented the second edition of Torrevieja Weekend, which returns with the purpose of reactivating and promote local commerce in the town.



From April 21 to 23, different activities will be carried out with well-known celebrities such as Vanesa Romero, la Terremoto de Alcorcón, Arkano, Luis Miguel Seguí and Marta Belenguer. The climax will be the Varry Brava with the final performance of the singers closing the event.



In addition, the event will be publicised at a national level, in magazines specialised in fashion, tourism and gastronomy, newspapers and television, the RTVE Corazón TV program among many more media that will highlight the know-how of the flagship points of commerce of Torrevieja.



On Saturday, April 22, in the morning, there will be a route through the shops participating in the parade with all the celebrities to liven up the nerve centre of Torrevieja. In the afternoon, the parade will begin with the latest bathroom creations by Eduardo Navarrete, with his wonderful N-61 collection, inspired by Torrevieja, local shops and local designers. In addition to national designers such as Maison Mesa (Juan Carlos Mesa), creative director for 15 years of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada and Neneges, a firm from Pamplona. This year, Paseo Vista Alegre will become the setting for the event with a wonderful panoramic view of the sea, which according to the designer "comes loaded with surprises and invites everyone to attend this great parade."



On Sunday, April 23, there will be a tasting of Salazones in Las Salinas with a guided tour of the tourist train.



Jorge Almarcha added that the businesses in the area are excited and grateful, a very nice shopping experience has been created and he encourages us all to go out on the street to enjoy the event on the 22nd.



Rosario Martínez closed the press conference by thanking the coordinator, José Rubio, for all his help and attention, also thanking the participating businesses for all the activities, their participation in the parade and the involvement they always have. And, above all, thank Eduardo Navarrete for the promotion of Torrevieja that is being carried out on various national television programs in prime time, such as El Hormiguero and Pasapalabra, leaving the name of Torrevieja at the top, making all of our nautical, tourist and gastronomic offer. Rosario Martínez concluded by ensuring that "we continue working so that the name of our city is synonymous with fun, work, commerce and tourism".

### Torrevieja Natural History Museum reopens with free guided tours in English

The Department of Culture in Torrevieja town hall has announced that the Torrevieja Natural History Museum will reopen this weekend, remaining open for the next three months, offering free visits and guided tours with the collaboration of the University of Alicante Headquarters and the management of the scientist María Luisa Molina.



The museum, located on Avenida Estación s/n, will reopen from Saturday, April 1, from Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Friday afternoon from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.



Guided tours will be free and will take place on alternate weekends. The last Saturday of each month the guided tours will be in English.



Likewise, there will be guided tours for educational centres and guided tours for families and the general public, lasting one hour and up to a maximum of 30 people/group.



Prior registration is required through this link http://turismodetorrevieja.com/web/?page_id=18911 or the QR code on the poster.



The Torrevieja Natural History Museum offers a great representation of the biodiversity of species that surround us, both marine and terrestrial, some in danger of extinction, others endemic to our area, and others so rare and admired that international experts come to Torrevieja to contemplate them.



The Torrevieja Natural History Museum contains specimens of Mammals, Ornithology, Herpetology, Ichthyology, Marine Invertebrates and Malacology. Thus, for example, we will find skeletons of bottlenose and striped dolphins, rorquals, collections of original nests (abandoned after the breeding period) and replica eggs of a total of 17 species of birds native to the area, loggerhead turtles, marine molluscs of the Mediterranean Sea collected over the years on the coast of Torrevieja, as well as donations from individuals of special relevance and others so singular and unique that they have been claimed by museums in Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia and Paris.

### Presbyopia and cataracts: symptoms, operation and recovery

The specialists of the ophthalmology service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja answer the most frequently asked questions about cataracts and presbyopia.What are cataracts and presbyopia?



Cataracts and presbyopia are nowadays considered to be the most common pathologies linked to the ageing of the crystalline lens. The crystalline lens can be defined as the eye’s natural lens located between the iris and the vitreous body.



The specialists explain the concept of cataracts in a simple way, “This crystalline lens that we are talking about becomes more opaque around the age of 60, this is what cataracts are”.



On the other hand, presbyopia can be defined as the gradual loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on close objects due to the loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens.



At this point, the question of whether presbyopia can be solved without resorting to lenses or glasses may arise.



In this sense, the experts argue that there are various solutions for this without resorting to glasses from the age of 50 onwards, “At around the age of 50 the method of choice is to replace the crystalline lens with a multifocal intraocular lens”.



Cataract and presbyopia surgery



In both presbyopia and cataract surgery, the technique consists of aspirating the contents of the crystalline lens and implanting an intraocular lens inside it. It is a definitive, lifelong technique. “The results are excellent, but it is essential to carry out an exhaustive and personalised study, to know the patient’s activities in order to offer the best alternative,” explain the experts.Frequently asked questions about cataract and presbyopia operations



Price of the operation. In this regard, the amount will depend on the specialist who is in charge of the operation and the clinic.



● Postoperative period. It is quite simple, as these are painless surgeries, in addition, they have a quick recovery. It is only necessary to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops.



Duration of the operation. It does not usually last more than 20 minutes on average.



The eyes heal completely in just 2 to 4 weeks after the operation.



Once the surgery has been performed, there are a few things to keep in mind:




Do not lift too much weight.



Do not practice risky sports.



Avoid direct water in the eyes.



Avoid wearing make-up for the first two weeks.



Do not expose to toxic agents.



Do not sunbathe.




Occasional symptoms after cataract surgery



Once the cataract operation has been performed, certain side effects may appear, which are transitory and disappear very quickly. However, if they do not disappear within an hour after surgery, it is advisable to ask your ophthalmologist for information.



Can cataracts and presbyopia be treated in the same operation?



“Yes, in fact, a patient who has had presbyopia surgery will never develop cataracts,” explain the ophthalmologists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.This statement is due to the fact that, when a person undergoes presbyopia surgery, at the same time they can be considered to be undergoing early cataract surgery. The reverse is also true: removing a cataract also corrects presbyopia.



When should cataract surgery be performed?



The optimal time to have cataract surgery is when people begin to notice limitations in their vision. The worse the cataracts get, the more difficult it is to remove them surgically.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Ophthalmology Service



The team of specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja offers comprehensive care, with the safest, most precise and innovative technology for this type of treatment.

### Amazon Smart Speaker - Echo Dot

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Richer, higher-quality sound: Pair a second Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for deeper stereo sound. If you have compatible Echo devices spread across multiple rooms, you can fill your entire home with music.
Ready to help: Ask Alexa to play music, answer questions, narrate the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more.
Connect with those who matter to you: Call or message anyone with an Echo device, the Alexa app, or Skype without lifting a finger. Use Drop In to connect to other rooms in your home where you have a compatible Echo device.
Alexa has Skills: With hundreds of Skills, Alexa continually learns and adds new features and ways to perform tasks like helping you in the kitchen, playing games, and more.
Control your Smart Home devices with your voice: turn on lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors and more with compatible Smart Home devices.
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### Generation D arrives in Torrevieja

“Generación D”, or Generation D to you and me, arrives in Torrevieja this weekend, as part of a tour that promotes learning in digital skills.

The nationwide tour of this informative caravan will be in Torrevieja on April 1, 3 and 4, 2023, and everyone is invited to go along, see and learn what it´s all about, and get involved in improving your digital skills and security.

Internet search engines, social networks, cybersecurity, online procedures... Digitisation is part of everyday life. For this reason, this experience offers users a multitude of resources and guidance for the simple development of their digital skills, applicable to all areas of daily life.

Who is it for?

The workshops, games and activities are designed for all citizens to participate in the experience, with special attention to the unemployed, women over 45, seniors... “We want to break the digital divide! The experience is completely FREE and lasts approximately 30 - 40 minutes”.

What activities are carried out?

The mobile unit is equipped with immersive technology that invites you to participate in a series of practical activities to promote and encourage the development of digital skills. An experience that will adjust to the needs of each user.

We will start with a self-diagnostic test that shows your level in digital skills. With the results, the experts will personalise the experience and offer you a multitude of courses, training sessions or workshops with which to develop and strengthen your knowledge.

Test yourself! With the result of the test, you will face the most varied games and activities at all levels: from learning how to perform an optimal search on the Internet to avoiding "fake news", optimising the use of your social networks, or managing your digital identity.

In addition, you can participate in the escape room. An immersive activity in which users will have to put what they have learned into practice if they want to solve the game and get out of the room.

The best of all? That all activities give points! Add your score will be added to everyone who participates in Torrevieja, which will then pitch the town against other municipalities in Spain. Whoever gets the most points... will have a prize!

One slight complication is that the activities are likely to be in Spanish, but you can always encourage the organisers to improve their own digital footprint by incorporating languages into their activities. Oh, and they haven´t actually told us WHERE in Torrevieja it will be, so even if you are able to use digital mapping applications, you probably still won´t find the exact location!

 

### Plastic Arts Exhibition at the Virgen del Carmen Torrevieja

As the current course comes to an end on Friday, March 31, the Exhibition of the students attached to the Department of Plastic Arts of the IES Mediterráneo, "Artistas en proceso", will be inaugurated at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, at 7:00 p.m.

Although most of the work presented corresponds to students of the Bachelor of Arts, works from other levels and subjects are also exhibited.

The main objective of the exhibition is to show the diversity of languages ​​that Art and Design use to communicate, express and represent; but, in addition, it highlights not only the work and the critical look of the students but also, and very importantly, the effort of the teaching staff in ensuring that year after year this sample is exceeded in quality and variety, optimising time and resources.

The exhibition thus becomes a laboratory where students and teachers interact to experience theory in practice. This year new subjects have been implemented for the Arts Baccalaureate. As a consequence of this, new languages ​​are incorporated into the exhibition that, taking advantage of the connections between the subjects related to the graphic, the plastic and the visual with subjects such as Performing Arts -and in relation to the Living Arts project that is being carried out carried out at the IES Mediterráneo- will value the relevance of HUMAN PRESENCE AND ACTION IN THE HERE AND NOW that compromises the language of performance.

The common thread of the "Artistas en proceso" this course is "the body". Materials, languages ​​and agency (philosophy) are hybridised within the classrooms in a synergy capable of procuring the look towards that without which the human being will not be what he wants to be.

The exhibition will be open until 30 April in the Virgen del Carmen exhibition centre in Torrevieja.

### The 28th Torrevieja International Youth Habaneras Contest will be held on April 22

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, and vice president of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest of Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, has presented the 28th International Youth Habaneras Contest, the "small" contest that was launched in 1995 as a complement to the International Contest, and that It has become an international reference for youth and children's choirs, both inside and outside our borders.

The Torrevieja International Youth Habaneras Contest enjoys magnificent choral health and is currently the showcase where new groups launched, also serving as a "thermometer" to evaluate the choral quality of the participating groups, having to assume a competition phase that has nothing to do with it. to do with other non-competitive concerts that choirs have performed.

For this new 2023 edition, the Technical Commission of the Municipal Board of Habaneras has decided that four groups will be selected out of a total of ten, highlighting for the first time, after the pandemic, the attendance of an international choir, specifically from Macedonia.

Choirs from Asturias, Madrid and Andalusia will perform among the nationals. There will be around 250 singers who will meet in Torrevieja on April 22, to which must be added the singers of the "Coro Sinfonía" of the Escuela Coral Municipal, directed by Selena Cancino Escobar and the performance of the choir "Menudos Cantantes”, the youngest members of the Coro de Jóvenes de Madrid, directed by Juan Pablo de Juan Martín.
CONCERT PROGRAM
Saturday, April 22, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, at 6:00 p.m., we will have the opportunity to enjoy choral and habanera singing with the following program:
Choirs in Competition Phase

 	CORO ARSIS DE LA ESCUELA DE MÚSICA DIVERTIMENTO, Oviedo (Asturias).
 	CYRIL AND METHODIUS CHOIR, Véles (Macedonia).
 	CORO ENTREOLIVOS, Dos Hermanas (Sevilla).
 	CORO ENCANTO, Griñón (Madrid).

After the competition phase, while the jury deliberates, the Coro Sinfonía from the Escuela Coral Municipal, directed by Selena Cancino Escobar, and the Coro Menudos Cantores de Madrid, directed by Juan Pablo de Juan Martín, with a repertoire mostly of habaneras. After the performances of both, the Awards Ceremony and Closing Ceremony will take place.

The sale of tickets for the concerts are already available at the price of 5 euro. They can be purchased in person at the Municipal Theatre box office, located in Plaza Miguel Hernández, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. of the act between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., (preferably with a card), also "on line" on the website of the Municipal Board of Habaneras, ( www.habaneras.org ) and by email hola@culturatorrevieja.com. For reservations, phone: 673 931 618 at the box office.

### Torrevieja Book Fair Starts Saturday

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the manager of the "Joaquín Chapaprieta" Municipal Institute of Culture, Miguel Fernández, presented the XXV edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, which will be held in Paseo Vista Alegre from Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 April, 2023.
The opening hours for the Torrevieja Book Fair will be:
Monday to Wednesday
10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday to Sunday
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

A total of 8 bookstore booths (Librería Buendía, Asociación de Escritores Alas de Papel, Las mil y una libros, Papelería Torrevieja, Librería Trini, Librería Santos Ochoa, Librería Baigorri and Librería Rivendel) will be installed on Paseo Vista Alegre, in addition to a tent next to the Coralista monument, where the activities programmed at this Book Fair will take place. All those people who make purchases at the fair will enter competition to win more books.

In this twenty-fifth edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, the book signing on Saturday, April 1, at 12:30 p.m., by the writer Santiago Posteguillo, winner of the 2018 Planeta Prize for his novel "Yo, Julia," stands out. Posteguillo will sign copies of his new novel “Roma soy yo”.

 
TORREVIEJA BOOK FAIR SCHEDULE 2023
SATURDAY, APRIL 1
12:00 p.m. Opening of the Book Fair.

12:30 p.m.  Talk and book signing Santiago Posteguillo

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00)

Book signing by Avelina Chichilla and Serena Simón (Alas de Papel booth).
SUNDAY, APRIL 2
12:00 p.m. Party of Mr. Bunny, the Easter bunny

5:30 p.m.  Book signing Blas Ruiz Grau Spanish writer of contemporary black novels, a revelation author of the thriller, his work stands out for its rigor in the criminalistic and forensic fields. Author of B editions and he is on tour presenting his new book “El quebrantahuesos”. (Papelería Torrevieja booth)

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00)

Book signing by Gracia Román Tena and Montse González Manresa (Alas de Papel booth).
MONDAY, APRIL 3
All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-22:00)

Book signing by Luís David Pérez Pérez and Mavi Pastor (Alas de Papel booth).
TUESDAY, APRIL 4
6:00 p.m.  Comic presentation Diego Ramírez

7:00 p.m. Conference 3000 years of Alicante wine culture. By Eladio Martin.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5
All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-22:00)

Book signing by Maruja Moyano Peña and Leo Mazzola (Alas de Papel booth).

5:30 p.m. Reading of "Monologues for adolescents", from the Municipal School of Theatre.

7:00 p.m. Lecture "Gathering with the alphabet, with the literary story", by Marieta Alonso Más.
THURSDAY, APRIL 6
11:00 a.m.  Book signing Roberto Hurtado, a specialist in Internal Medicine at the Vega Baja Hospital in Orihuela with several publications, his latest historical novel "The Sea You Breathe" (Papelería Torrevieja).

5:30 p.m. Roberto Hurtado book signing. (Santos Ochoa booth).

5:30 p.m.  Book signing Stephen Nicholas Jones Torrevieja resident author of Fantasy Novel comes with his book Children of Jambheria: The Processian War. (Papelería Torrevieja).

6:00 p.m. Lecture "Women writers: a vision of the woman writer from the literary canon", by Serena Simón Vives.

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00)

Book signing by Cristina Peonas and Maite Rodríguez Esteban (Alas de Papel).
FRIDAY, APRIL 7
11:00 a.m. And 5:30 p.m.  Book signing Luis Barberá. (Santos Ochoa).

5:30 p.m.  Book signing Carmelo Manresa-Combines his work as a cartoonist with that of a Secondary School teacher, he comes with his latest graphic novel set in Torrevieja "Cinema de Verano" (Santos Ochoa).

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00)

Book signing by Avelino Martínez Granados and Marieta Alonso (Alas de Papel).
SATURDAY, APRIL 8
12:00 p.m. SDG workshop on sustainability with Mediterranean aromatic plants.

11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  Book signing Fran González Amorós (Santos Ochoa).

6:00 p.m. SDG-themed bookmark workshop.

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00).

Book signing by Luisa Ruíz Bueno and Virginia Sanz (Alas de Papel).
SUNDAY, APRIL 9
12:00 p.m.  Giant games and face painting.

7:00 p.m. Poetry recital, by Ars Creatio.

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00).

Book signing by Luís Amat Vidal and María Serralba (Alas de Papel).

### Herpes Zoster vaccine campaign for the elderly starting in April

The Valencia regional health ministry will begin to administer the Herpes Zoster vaccine to all people between 65 and 80 during 2023 (born in 1958 and 1943) without risk factors, as announced the Minister of Health, Miguel Mínguez. Two new cohorts are expected to be incorporated each year until the offer is complete for all people aged 65 and over.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

Following what was approved by the Public Health Commission of the Interterritorial Council, the vaccine has been recommended for certain risk groups (Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); solid organ transplantation (SOT); treatment with anti- JAK; HIV; Blood malignancies; Solid tumours being treated with chemotherapy and people with a history of recurrent herpes zoster).

Vaccination of people included in risk groups will preferably be carried out in the preventive medicine services of hospital centres, while vaccination without risk pathology will preferably be carried out in health centres. The vaccination regimen consists of 2 doses of 0.5 ml each: an initial dose followed by a 2nd dose 2 months later.

The Consellería de Sanidad Universal y Salud Pública has processed a tender for the purchase of a vaccine (adjuvanted recombinant subunits) of 125,000 annual doses for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 for a maximum amount of 66,137,500 euro.

Last August, the Valencian Community was one of the first regions to start administering this vaccine to the adult population with risk conditions, after the Public Health Commission of the Ministry of Health agreed in September 2021 on the regional distribution and its inclusion. in vaccination recommendations. And later, vaccination is extended to other groups, such as older people with no other risk factors.

To date, a total of 13,352 doses have already been administered to a total of 9,395 patients from the above-mentioned risk groups.

By provinces, 4,804 doses have been administered to 3,356 patients in Alicante; 1,006 doses to 699 patients in Castellón and 7,542 doses to 5,340 patients in Valencia.

Incidence of Herpes Zoster

Based on the cases reported through the Epidemiological Surveillance Analysis (AVE) throughout the Valencian Community, the average incidence of HZ in the period 2018-2022 is estimated at 307.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The disease is more frequent in women than in men and increases with age, reaching 699 cases per hundred thousand people in the age group over 74 years.

It is estimated that about 2% of cases require hospital care and that the incidence of PHN exceeds 12% after 65 years of age.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus that causes local lesions due to reactivation of the latent virus in the spinal ganglia. This reactivation occurs as a consequence of a reduction in immunity related to aging or other health problems.

Despite the fact that it has a low mortality, its complications, especially postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), produce a significant decrease in the quality of life of the people who suffer from it and cause a significant health burden for the health system and society, both direct and indirect costs.

### Covid infections highest since January but hospitalisations and deaths decrease this week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 795 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Thursday. Last week, the increase was 718, and in fact this is the highest infection figure since 27 January when an additional 805 infections were confirmed. The new cases by province are 185 in Castellón (196,668 in total), 191 in Alicante (536,847 in total), last week the increase was 185, and 419 in Valencia (855,622 in total).



Of these, 469 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 126 from Castellón, 116 from Alicante and 227 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 164 people admitted for coronavirus, 4 of them in the ICU: 34 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 37 in the province of Alicante, 0 of them in the ICU, and 93 in the province of Valencia, 4 in the ICU.

8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days. They are 4 women, between 89 and 100 years old, and 4 men between 82 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,451: 1,264 in the province of Castellón, 3,964 in Alicante, an increase of 2, and 5,223 in Valencia.

### Retroperitoneal Sarcoma: A silent cancer that has treatment at Quirónsalud Torrevieja

Dr. Paula Muñoz Muñoz, assistant of the General Surgery, digestive and Oncological  Surgery Service of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, explains what this disease consists of, what symptoms it presents and the solutions that exist.



What is retroperitoneal sarcoma?

Two groups are divided: bone sarcomas  and soft tissue sarcomas.  

The former originates in the bones; the second, in tissues such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, fatty tissue and blood vessels.

Peritoneal sarcomas are considered soft tissue sarcomas

Specifically, they are a heterogeneous group of tumours whose common characteristics are that they develop from mesenchymal cells (those that derive the supporting tissues of the body, such as fat, muscle or cartilage) and that are located in the retroperitoneum (virtual space delimited in front by the abdominal organs and behind by the spine, and which houses vital structures such as the aorta and kidneys).

Do you have symptoms?

The symptoms of retroperitoneal sarcomas are very nonspecific, since their location develops indolently, until they are usually diagnosed as giant abdominal masses.

The main symptom is the increase in abdominal circumference, although they can also produce specific symptoms such as abdominal or lumbar pain, oedema of the legs, venous thrombosis or even fever and weight loss unexplained by other causes.

What tests are performed to diagnose this tumour?

The test of choice for the diagnosis of retroperitoneal sarcoma is computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast. 

 

The CT will be thoraco-abdominal, with the aim of evaluating in the same study that there are no metastases in lung and liver, the most frequent locations. This study can sometimes be supplemented with an MRI.

 

In retroperitoneal sarcoma, and as a rule in all sarcomas of any location, it is essential to perform a biopsy.

 

The information obtained in the biopsy will allow us to plan the most appropriate type of surgical intervention

 

Prognosis of peritoneal sarcoma

 

Retroperitoneal sarcoma is an aggressive and complex disease because it grows around vital structures and is diagnosed in advanced stages.

 

The prognosis will also be influenced by the type of sarcoma.

 

One of the factors that most influence the survival of these patients is  that the first surgery is performed properly.

 

 

What is the key to treatment in sarcoma?

 

Surgery is the only curative treatment in retroperitoneal sarcoma, and it is essential to achieve a favourable evolution, that the surgery is adequate and manages to remove the entire tumour with a margin of healthy tissue. That is why it is recommended that these patients be treated in centres with great specialisation in cancer surgery.

 

The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumour, without rupturing it, and with a margin of safety.

 

It is an aggressive surgery that can affect the quality of life of patients.  For this reason, the surgeon who performs this intervention must know to have a wide knowledge in oncological surgery and make a preoperative plan personalized to the type of tumour and the type of patient. 

 

What role does intraoperative radiation therapy play in the treatment of sarcoma?

Intraoperative radiation therapy is an intensive radiation therapy treatment given during surgery that allows radiation to be directed to a specific area of the body. It is performed with the patient anesthetized, once the tumour is removed.

The main advantage of this treatment is that it allows a high dose of radiation to be administered to the bed in which the tumour was located, avoiding unnecessary radiation from the uninvolved organs.

 

In Spain, less than 10 hospitals have this technology.  Our hospital was the first to have a device in the operating room, and one of the first Spanish hospitals that began treatment with IORT, and we currently have more than 20 years of experience in this type of radiotherapy.

 

This procedure allows to eliminate possible microscopic tumour residues in order to avoid the relapse of the tumour.

 

Referents in oncological surgery

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, and its Surgery service is a benchmark in our region in the treatment of cancer.  The General Surgery Service is integrated into a Multidisciplinary Oncology Unit, which guarantees an optimal and personalized approach to cancer patients.

### Torrevieja Funfair Moving to Parque Antonio Soria

Following reports of “ground instability” in the port area in Torrevieja, an area currently undergoing transformation work, The Torrevieja funfair will be moving to the Parque Antonio Soria.

Representative from the town hall met with the carnies to try to find a suitable location as a result of the problems in the traditional area, and the Parque Antonio Soria was decided on, with the town hall footing the bill for the electrical installations required to run the funfair.

It is normal for the “mobile” funfair to move to make way for events such as the May Fair, and whereas that event has been cancelled and instead will be run as a “tribute” in the Torrevieja railway station park, the funfair will have a much more spacious location near to the Friday market and water park.

There have been attempts to move the funfair to this area in the past, none of which came to fruition, but now it is seen as a more attractive location.

 

### How to obtain a disabled parking permit in Torrevieja

The first thing to note before we explain the procedure for obtaining one, is that Blue Disabled Parking Permits issued in the UK are no longer valid in Spain as a result of Brexit. Therefore, if you do need to take advantage of priority parking due to mobility problems, you will have to apply in the town hall.

In order to apply for a Blue Badge in Torrevieja, you first need to confirm that you are eligible.

In order to be eligible for a disabled parking badge in Torrevieja, firstly you must be a resident, and registered on the padrón. Tourists, holidaymakers, and holiday home owners are not eligible.

If you are a tourist from the UK and you have a blue badge issued there, this is no longer recognised in Spain, and so you are not allowed to take advantage of disabled parking bays. There was no agreement asked for by the UK with Spain (or other EU countries) as part of the Brexit withdrawal deal.

You must be able to prove a degree of disability, normally of at least 33%, and this must be certified by a doctor in Spain, and based on the Spanish assessment criteria. You cannot bring your confirmation from a UK based doctor, as this too is not recognised.

Once you have the necessary paperwork, the application and issuing of the disabled parking permit is done through the PROP Office in Torrevieja, Registro General y Ventanilla Única PROP, located on Pl. de la Constitucion, 2, 03181 Torrevieja, where a Local Police officer is normally on hand to check and begin the application process.

You will also need passport sized photographs and a completed application form.

Once you have your parking permit, you can park in areas designated for disabled vehicle users, but it does not allow parking in pedestrian zones, crossings, and other places where stopping or parking is prohibited.nIts improper use will be penalised.

If you have any doubts, and need assistance, the International Residents Department in the town hall can answer your questions.

The International Residents Department in Torrevieja can attend to residents in English, as well as French, German, Scandinavian, Russian, Bulgarian, and, of course, Spanish. You can email them direct, at pangea@torrevieja.eu, and you can make an appointment to visit them in person via the website, torrevieja.es, where you should look for the Residentes Internacionales Oficina Pangea, and you can visit them in La Mata town hall, or the office in La Siesta, calle Paganini, again, by appointment.

### Torrevieja Earthquake Drill on Tuesday

The Councillor for Security and Emergencies in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, together with the Councillor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, have explained the activities programmed for the anniversary of the earthquake that occurred in Vega Baja in 1829.

They have been accompanied by the different representatives of the State Security Corps and Forces and the Emergency services (Local Police, Guardia Civil, Firefighters, SAMU and Civil Protection) who will be part of the earthquake drill that will take place on Tuesday, March 21, starting at 9:30 a.m., at CEIP Cuba and at IES Mare Nostrum.

As the Councillor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, explained, “educational centres are obliged, once a quarter, to carry out a fire and/or earthquake drill. For this quarter, and coinciding with the commemoration of the earthquake that devastated the city in 1829, an earthquake drill will be carried out in all the educational centres of the city”, which will have the participation of all the Security Forces and Bodies of the State, as well as the Emergency Services, which will emulate a rescue at the CEIP Cuba and at the IES Mare Nostrum. It will be in this last school where a helicopter air rescue will take place.

For this drill there will be an advanced command post in the main Torrevieja fire station, from where everything that happens will be coordinated and recorded. In the two educational centres an operational control will be installed, with the rescues that would be made in the event of a catastrophe of this type. In addition, a communications failure will be simulated, with the necessary firefighters who would find themselves in a situation with similar characteristics.

 

### Health reports 718 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community an increase of almost a hundred over last week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 718 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen test since the last update last Friday. Last week, there were 623 new cases. The new cases by province are 121 in Castellón (196,483 in total), 185 in Alicante (536,656 in total) and 412 in Valencia (855,203 in total).

430 of these cases are people over 60 years old. By province: 71 from Castellón, 126 from Alicante and 233 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 184 people admitted, 6 of them in the ICU: 33 in the province of Castelló, and no patients in the ICU; 50 in the province of Alicante, and no patients in ICU, and 101 in the province of Valencia, with 6 patients in ICU.

13 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death within the last 7 days. Lasr week, 7 deaths were reported. These are 6 women, between 85 and 93 years old, and 7 men, between 67 and 102 years old. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,443, by province: 1,263 in the province of Castellón, 3,962 in that of Alicante and 5,218 in that of Valencia.

### Torrevieja highlighted in UN report on drug trafficking

Torrevieja has been mentioned in a United Nations (UN) report on drugs, namely cocaine trafficking, in which it warns of the increase in violence in Europe related to the illicit trade in this drug. The report highlights Torrevieja as an example of an area where public safety has deteriorated due to drug trafficking.

The Global Report on Cocaine 2023 published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) states that murders, kidnappings and shootings related to cocaine trafficking have increased in Europe, especially in the Netherlands and Belgium, although there are also problems in Spanish regions such as the Costa del Sol.

"In recent years, an increase in serious violent incidents related to organised crime, particularly in drug markets, has been observed in some countries of the European Union (EU) and neighbouring regions," warns the Global Report on Cocaine 2023 published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The agency notes that the arrival of new criminal groups, attracted by the growing cocaine and cannabis markets, has fuelled violence, including shootings and attacks. According to UNODC, there are experts who believe that competition between gangs in the Balkans has manifested itself in murders in EU countries such as Austria, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and Spain.

The report indicates that in southern Spain they have also detected public security problems associated with drug trafficking.

"The Costa del Sol has long been a base for different types of high-level traffickers across Europe," the report states, indicating that there may be more than a hundred groups in the area, resulting in stiff competition that sometimes it leads to targeted killings.

The UNODC refers to the fact that efforts to combat the growing violence in Algeciras, one of the largest cocaine trafficking centres in Spain, appear to have caused the routes to have shifted to the east of Gibraltar.

"In the eastern provinces of Spain, however, there have been signs of increased threats to public safety from cocaine and cannabis trafficking," the report states.

The UNODC gives Torrevieja as an example where a deterioration in public security due to drug trafficking has been detected. The report indicates that the Government had to increase judicial and police resources due to the presence of criminal organizations, many of them from Eastern Europe.

“In the eastern provinces of Spain, in turn, there have been signs of an increase of threats to public security derived from cocaine and cannabis trafficking. A Spanish prosecutor interviewed in the context of this report mentioned as an example the municipality of Torrevieja (Alicante province), of just over 80,000 inhabitants, where there was no court in 2000. Fifteen years later, the Spanish government had to focus its public security resources on the municipality (with the establishment of trial courts and resource endowments for police units) in response to public safety concerns due to the presence of OCGs. Many of the OCGs involved in cannabis and cocaine trafficking in the eastern provinces of Spain are of Eastern European origin. According to media coverage, their growing presence has been accompanied by the seizures of rifles and machine guns”.

The UN indicates that the main entry points for cocaine in Spain are Galicia, Andalusia and Valencia, followed by the Canary Islands and Catalonia.

The Netherlands, one of the largest entry points for cocaine in Europe, has seen an increase in violence due to gang rivalry, with more murders between 2014 and 2020. In fact, the violence is beginning to target not only gang members, but also judges, prosecutors, witnesses and even journalists linked to drug trafficking trials.

If you would like to download the 184 page PDF, Global Report on Cocaine 2023, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in which Torrevieja is mentioned on page 91, click anywhere on this paragraph.

### A “Civilised” start to St Patrick’s Day in Torrevieja

Torrevieja celebrated the start of St Patrick’s Day with a special mass, held in English and Spanish, before the celebrations were taken outside to the Plaza de la Constitucion.

After the mass, the Irish flag was raised, in the presence of both the Mayor of the town, Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, amongst others.

Traditional music was then played, accompanied by Irish dancers, starting the celebrations of the most important day in the calendar for the Irish community in the town in civilised style.

### St Patrick’s Day in Torrevieja

If you’re looking for a more civilised start to your St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Torrevieja is the place to go.

The day starts with mass in the Iglesia de la Inmaculada, in English and Spanish, starting at 10:00.

Then, from 11:00 in the Plaza de la Constitution, the Irish flag will be raised, followed by the Irish National Anthem, and traditional music.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and remember that the colour of the day is green, so feel free to dress up, for the event where everyone can be Irish for the day.

### Torrevieja May Fair Cancelled This Year (2023)

One of the main tourist attractions that brings people to the town, the Torrevieja May Fair, or Feria de Mayo, will not take place in 2023 due to construction work taking place in the port area, and will, instead, be replaced by a mini “tribute” to the event.

Quite why the council has decided not to simply move the event to one of the other more suitable locations, the most obvious being the Parque Antonio Soria, which hosts plenty of outdoor events, or even the grounds of the International Auditorium, to name but two, is a mystery, but rather the choice is to hold the “tribute” to the May Fair in the Parque de la Estación, the small park attached to the former Torrevieja Train Station, from May 11 to 14.

The Department of Festivities is finalising the details to begin organising a “Homenaje a la Feria de Mayo”, which will be held approximately coinciding with the dates on which the May Fair would have been held.

According to the Councillor for Fiestas, Concha Sala, this tribute to the May Fair will take place in the Parque de la Estación from the afternoon of Thursday, May 11, ending in the early afternoon of Sunday, May 14. Seven small booths decorated in the Andalusian style will be installed "with the local groups that usually participate in the Fair and have wanted this year not to pass by without winking at this popular festival that is so deeply rooted in Torrevieja", Concha Sala pointed out.

In this sense, the councillor highlights the importance of the local scene of dance academies and schools that will be able to offer their fair assemblies and choreographies that they prepare every year. For this, a stage will be installed that will host the performances of the schools, "QK", "Arantxa Blanco", "Paya's", "Mery Dance Academy",

The Parque de la Estación will have the same musical setting that will give sound to the entire venue, as well as decorative lighting in keeping with this tribute.

### Torrevieja to Recognise the 1829 Earthquake with a Series of Events

The Ars Creatio Cultural Association, with the collaboration of the Department of Security and Emergencies of the Torrevieja Council, are organising a series of events to mark the 1829 Torrevieja Earthquake which occurred on 21 March 1829.

The aim of the event is to bring the public closer to a part of the history of the town, around the first half of the 19th century, and everything related to the earthquake, which also affected the rest of the municipalities of La Vega Baja, and from which the population of Torrevieja recovered with enormous sacrifice.

There will be special tours, featuring actors telling the story of the devastation, which have been successful in previous years, and an expert in seismology, Nahúm Méndez Chazarra, a geologist from the University of Granada, will give a talk about what happened in that unpredictable and devastating natural phenomenon in the Vega Baja, and about how it served to improve anti-seismic protocols.

Nahúm Méndez Chazarra: What do we know about the 1829 earthquake and what have we learned from it?

Friday, March 17, at 8:00 p.m. Torrevieja Casino Cultural Society. Sponsored by the Department of Security and Emergencies of the Torrevieja Council.

Dramatized routes "1829, Torrevieja trembles"

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Collaboration: Parish of the Immaculate Conception

 

### Covid hospitalisations and deaths increase this week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 583 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 66 in Castellón (196,261 in total), 138 in Alicante (536,282 in total) and 379 in Valencia (854,458 in total).

Of these, 316 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 36 from Castellón, 92 from Alicante and 188 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 165 people admitted for COVID, 6 of them in the ICU: 23 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 56 in the province of Alicante, 2 of them in the ICU, and 86 in the province of Valencia, 4 in the ICU.

11 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 4 women, between 78 and 95 years old, and 7 men between 68 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,423: 1,257 in the province of Castellón, 3,955 in Alicante and 5,211 in Valencia.

### How to get a Digital Signature in Torrevieja

If you need to get a Digital Signature, you can obtain one in Torrevieja.
Torrevieja´s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, explained that one of the easiest places to get a Digital Signate is in one of the SUMA offices around the town.

Generally speaking, you need to book an appointment. This can be done via their website, https://www.suma.es/?idioma=en, available in English, and you can choose the office that suits you best. They may handle your request without an appointment, but that depends on how busy they are, so there is no guarantee, and if you just turn up, they may send you away, so an appointment is always better.

There is also the option to have the Digital Signature issued at the town hall offices. Next door to Torrevieja town hall (to the left of the main building in the Plaza de la Constitución, where there are large metal gates), is an administrative office that will issue the Digital Signature, and you do not need an appointment. However, this office is usually very busy, and so there may be a wait before you are dealt with. Of course, there is no harm visiting the office and assessing the queue yourself to decide if it’s worth the wait, or you may just prefer the SUMA option. Both options are free.

There are also companies available who will apply for the Digital Signature on your behalf. These companies will of course charge you for the service, and you must ensure that they are trustworthy as a Digital Signature is a secure and unique key, and will give access to a wide range of personal information.
Do I Need a Digital Signature?
There is no obligation to obtain a Digital Signature, but the need for one is becoming increasingly greater. As administrative functions are gradually turning from face-to-face remote operations, the Digital Signature provides for secure access online, via a computer or other device, such as a mobile phone.

Already, there are a number of official Spanish Government based apps, such as MiDGT, which allows access to your driving and vehicle documentation on your mobile phone. You can access you tax, employment or health status records, and communicate with your town hall, all online, and all in a secure manner, but only if you have a Digital Signature.

In Torrevieja, a new service was launched recently so that you can obtain a copy of your Padron Certificate online and automatically, without having to queue for hours at the physical office. Again, this can only be done with a Digital Signature.
Can I Get More Help on Digital Signatures?
If you do need help obtaining the Digital Signature, the International Residents Department in Torrevieja Town Hall carry our frequent meetings to provide more information, and have recently been joining members of the N332 Road Safety Group at their talks to answer any questions or doubts you might have. Keep checking their respective Facebook pages for details of future events.

### Spanish National Finswimming Competition in Torrevieja

The XXIX Campeonato de España Absoluto de Natación con Aletas y Velocidad, a finswimming and diving competition, will take place in the Torrevieja Sports City this weekend.

Taking place on March 4 and 5, competitors from around the country will take place in the competition held in the indoor municipal pool of the Palacio de Deportes de Torrevieja, organised by the Federation of Underwater Activities of the Valencian Community, by delegation of the Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities and with the collaboration of the Torrevieja Council.

180 participants will meet, including 46 athletes from the finswimming team of the Valencian Community. The rest come from the Autonomous Communities of Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla y León, Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid, Navarra and the Basque Country.

### Regional Volunteer Day 2023 in the Parque de las Naciones

The Parque de las Naciones in Torrevieja will host volunteers and associations from around the Valencia region on Saturday 4 March, as the Regional Volunteer Days 2023, organised by the Provincial Council of Alicante with the collaboration of the Torrevieja Council, comes to town.

From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., there will be almost 20 local associations and NGOs from other towns in the province of Alicante.

The objective is to raise awareness of the activities the entities and NGOs of the region are involved in, as well as to promote associationism and volunteerism as a key tool in the construction of a good society.

Tents and a family leisure area will be set up, with bouncy castles, workshops, games and exhibitions.

### Valencian hospitals have 163 people admitted for COVID, 10 of them in the ICU, and infections have increased

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 665 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. This is an increase over the 534 new cases reported last week. The new cases by provinces are 79 in Castellón (196,195 in total), 200 in Alicante, another increase over the 176 reported last week (536,144 in total), 384 in Valencia (854,079 in total) and 2 unassigned.

Of these, 360 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 47 from Castellón, 141 from Alicante and 172 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 163 people admitted, the same as last week, 10 of them in the ICU: 25 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 56 in the province of Alicante, 1 of them in the ICU, and 82 in the province of Valencia, 8 in the ICU.

9 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 4 women, between 60 and 92 years old, and 5 men between 63 and 97 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,412: 1,255 in the province of Castellón, 3,951 in Alicante and 5,206 in Valencia.

### Andalucía Culture Week in Torrevieja

The Casa de Andalucía "Rafael Alberti" in Torrevieja has organised a series of events to celebrate the XVIII Cultural Week dedicated to Jaén, which will take place from February 25 to March 5, 2023.

There will be cultural days, wine, art, a book presentation, mass, gastronomy, and even a castanets masterclass, as well as shows and theatre to give everyone a taste of the southern region of Spain, with the participants dressing up in traditional dress to celebrate.
Saturday 25 February
12:30 p.m.: Presentation of the Cultural Week, with wine, and the opening of the painting exhibition "Por tarantos y mineras", by the painter Pedro Juan Rabal from Aguila.
Sunday 26 February
11 a.m.: Flamenco mass sung by the Coro Blanca y Verde choir at the Immaculate Conception church.

2:00 p.m.: Brotherhood lunch, delivery of cards to new members and delivery of awards.
Monday 27 February
5:00 p.m.: Agamed conference: “Water tasting and the digital gap”.

7:00 p.m.: Castanets Masterclass by Encarnación Rodríguez and presentation of the entity's castanets group, under the direction of Mª Carmen Calzada.
Tuesday 28 February, Andalusia Day
7:30 p.m.: III Membership Day, reading of the official minutes with the names of the Member of the year 2023 and action by members who so wish.

9 pm: Performance of the Chirigota “Los Sangochaos”. Costumes, contest, dinner and various surprises throughout the evening.
Wednesday 1 March
5:30 p.m.: Theatre by the Colorines group: «Allergic to work», by Juan Serena Romero.

7:00 p.m.: Tertulia rociera: «I met a Rocío» and tribute to the Choir «Alba Rociera». Reading of the minutes with the name of the positions of Rociera and Rociero 2023.
Thursday 2 March
at 7:00 p.m.: Gala «La copla a través del tiempo», with Rosa María Luján, accompanied on piano by Aníbal Cano, and a presentation by flamencologist Luis Terry. Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, free admission with invitation.
Friday 3 March
6:00 p.m.: Presentation of the book “New legends of the Holy Kingdom of Jaén”, by the writer from Jaén, Manuel Rodríguez Arévalo.

7:30 p.m.: Lecture and projection: "History and legend of the Pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Cabeza."
Saturday 4 March
1:00 p.m.: Wine of honour with authorities, queens and presidents of friendly entities.

1:30 p.m.: Gastronomic Days dedicated to the city of Jaén.
Sunday 5 March
7:00 p.m.: V International Flamenco Day, in which the “Andalusian of the Year 2023” award will be presented to the members of the Vega Sur Fire Station in Torrevieja. Torrevieja International Auditorium.

Unless otherwise stated, events are held around the association´s headquarters, C/San Pascual, 69, Torrevieja, where you can also get more information about any of the events taking place.

### The musical "Cruz de navajas" in Torrevieja

The musical "Cruz de navajas", el último Mecano, arrives in Torrevieja from May 11 to 14.

After Madrid and Barcelona, ​​Torrevieja becomes the first town in Spain to host the great Mecano musical.

A production based on the story of Mecano and an entire repertoire of hits, with a team of more than 100 people from the production company Vértigo 360 who will perform 35 of the best-known songs.

It is a unique show. A surprising and ground-breaking audiovisual format, where Mecano's great songs are heard and recreated, each one interpreted with original and amazing staging, thanks to advanced technology, and the most exquisite talent and sensitivity.

The musical will be held at the Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja.

### Is cancer inherited?

What type of cancer is hereditary? What are the probabilities of getting cancer? From Quirónsalud Torrevieja they clear up our doubts about cancer.

Cancers are predominantly genetic diseases, mostly due to the accumulation of mutations, which are also influenced by environmental and other factors, which in some cases may be the triggers.

A small proportion of these tumours are hereditary. “Hereditary cancers are the consequence of germline mutations in specific genes that increase susceptibility to cancer,” explains Dr. Ramón González Manzano, oncologist at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Platform.

“This susceptibility is transmitted between family members according to different inheritance patterns. Susceptibility to cancer is inherited, which does not imply the certainty of developing it in all cases,” explains Dr. González.

 
Hereditary cancer
The predisposition to inherit cancer is due to the presence of mutations or other genetic alterations that alter the function of a gene that is critical for the regulation of biological processes related to the onset, development or progression of some types of cancer.

“The mutation can be inherited from parents or new-onset in a subject. Cancers of hereditary origin account for around 5% of all cancers that are diagnosed,” says Dr González.

 
What type of cancer is hereditary?
More than 160 genes related to hereditary predisposition to cancer are known.

When a genetic defect (i.e. pathological mutation) of one of these genes is inherited, the carrier of the altered gene has an increased risk of developing cancer, which is higher or lower depending on the gene in question.

Each of these genes related to hereditary predisposition to cancer can lead to one or more specific types of cancer in the carrier. For example, women with a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene may develop breast cancer at a younger age (usually before the age of 50) than breast cancers occurring in the general population. But other patients may develop ovarian cancer instead of breast cancer, or even both types of tumour in the same patient.

 
Chances of getting cancer
According to Dr González, this is one of the questions frequently asked by patients diagnosed with any type of tumour: Will my relative have the same type of cancer as me? The answer is that “it depends on the inheritance pattern of the hereditary predisposition gene under consideration”.

The most common inheritance patterns are as follows. The most common is autosomal dominant. In the case of autosomal dominant inheritance (as is the case with BRCA1 or BRCA2), there is a 50% chance that a parent carrying a pathological mutation in one of these genes will pass it on to their offspring.

Other genes, such as those causing the rare disease “xeroderma pigmentosum”, which is characterised by an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight that is associated with the development of skin cancers, follow an autosomal recessive inheritance, and in this case the probability is 25%, generally requiring both parents to be carriers. Furthermore, in these cases, half of the offspring are likely to be carriers of the genetic alteration even if they do not suffer from the disease.

It should be borne in mind that not all patients with a pathological mutation in genes with a hereditary predisposition to cancer develop it.

 
When should a hereditary cancer syndrome be suspected?
According to the expert, there are some warning signs that should alert us to the possible presence of a genetic alteration in genes with a hereditary predisposition to cancer:

– The appearance of tumours at a very early age.
– Presence of bilateral tumours in the case of double organs (e.g. breasts, kidneys, etc.) or several synchronous tumours.
– Presence of multiple cases of cancer in a family.

In these eventualities, a specialist in cancer genetics should be consulted, who will indicate the relevant genetic tests to detect the genetic alterations that cause a hereditary predisposition to cancer.
How do you know if you have a mutation in any of the hereditary cancer predisposition genes?
The diagnosis is mostly indicated in the person affected by cancer by means of a genetic test.

 
How is a genetic test carried out?
This type of study simply requires a blood or buccal mucosa sample.

From these samples, DNA is extracted for sequencing. The most common technique currently used for genetic studies of DNA sequence is next-generation sequencing using ultra-sequencing, a technique that allows simultaneous sequencing of multiple genes.

The current trend is to use multi-gene panels, confirming the presence of any positive findings with conventional DNA sequencing.

### Loop at the Virgen del Carmen

Life is an endless cycle... A rhythm that returns over and over again, like a rocking that you don't know if it's ending or just beginning.

They always told us that we are born, we grow, we reproduce, and we die, as a kind of ritual that occurs over and over again, but... How do we break with our supposed destiny?

Loop is an imaginative theatre production which will be taking place in the Virgen del Carmen Centre on 12 March 2023, at 6:30 p.m.

### Covid ICU hospitalisations increase across Valencia but other figures are down

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 534 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by provinces are 83 in Castellón (196,116 in total), 176 in Alicante (535,944 in total) and 275 in Valencia (853,695 in total).

Of these, 325 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 66 from Castellón, 110 from Alicante and 149 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 163 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU: 19 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 57 in the province of Alicante, 3 of them in the ICU, and 87 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.

11 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 7 women, between 77 and 95 years old, and 4 men between 63 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,403: 1,254 in the province of Castellón, 3,949 in Alicante and 5,200 in Valencia.

### Valencia will invite all women between the ages of 25 and 65 to participate in cervical cancer screening

Once the pilot study has been satisfactorily completed in autumn, the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health in the Valencia region plans to send out mass invitations for women to participate in screening for cervical cancer, which will be extended progressively to all women between 25 and 65 years of age in the Valencian Community (an estimated 1,400,000).

Until the end of 2022, the cervical cancer detection system was based on performing Pap smears either at the request of the woman herself or taking advantage of the visit to the obstetrics service, it was an opportunistic screening.

The strategy that is planned in autumn will be a population screening, that is, extended to all women between 25 and 65 years of age, and contemplates two types of tests depending on age. Those between the ages of 25 and 34 will undergo vaginal cytology, which makes it possible to diagnose cellular alterations indicative of cancer. The first to receive the invitation to participate in the population screening in this age group will be 25,365 women born in 1991. If the result is normal, the cytology is repeated every 3 years.

On the other hand, women between the ages of 35 and 65 (initially 250,000 born in 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983 and 1988) will receive a kit to take a vaginal sample that will be used to detect the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

It is a test similar to the self-sampling that is already used in colon cancer screening. The result is within a period of 7 to 10 days and, if it is positive, it does not mean that the person has cancer, since additional tests are undertaken to assess if there is any alteration. When it is not detected (HPV negative), the test is repeated every 5 years.

The different tests are because persistent infection by human papilloma is the most frequent cause of cervical cancer in women not vaccinated against this virus. In fact, the majority of sexually active people (80%) have contact with this virus but are unaware that they are carriers. The infection usually remits spontaneously, but in high-risk genotypes it can cause cancer.

After the first women will receive the invitation to participate in the population screening, the rest will be added in the coming years. The forecast is to invite each year, starting in 2024, a total of 285,000 women (35,000 from 25 to 34 years old and 250,000 from 35 to 65 years old).

With this scheme by population cohorts, it is expected to cover the invitation to the total target population in 5 years. Therefore, the objective is that, in 2029, the coverage, understood as an invitation to participate, is close to 100%. Ultimately, the aim is to reproduce in cervical cancer screening the benefits that are already being obtained with breast cancer screening, that is, to prevent and detect cervical cancer early to reduce mortality and improve quality of life.

In the words of the regional secretary for Public Health and the Public Health System, Ofelia Gimeno, this is one of the measures implemented by the Department of Universal Health and Public Health "to improve prevention and the health of women in all stages of life.

Population screening for cervical cancer, adds Gimeno, is "an effective and efficient prevention strategy to prevent the development of the tumour" that follows the breast cancer screening model, which last year celebrated its 30th anniversary since its implementation in the Valencian Community "as a symbol of progress in health and equity in health of public and universal health".

### Torrevieja Installs Intelligent Road Signs

The Councillor for Local Police, Mobility and Traffic in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, has announced that intelligent road signs have been installed in various parts of the town, all in a bid to improve road safety.

They are interactive, illuminated road signs that are activated through sensors, which send a signal when they detect the passage of a vehicle, either numerically or with icons, thus the driver receives information and warnings. In addition to improving road safety, these intelligent road signs are more sustainable and economical, since they work using solar panels.

Pedagogical radars are especially indicated to influence the behaviour of drivers, so they moderate their speed, by making them aware that they are exceeding the speed limits in areas that are especially sensitive to inappropriate speed such as urban environments, proximity of pedestrians, schools, etc.

Specifically, you will find the intelligent road signs on Avenida de Desiderio Rodríguez with José Hódar (playa Los Náufragos), Desiderio Rodríguez at the height of the La Veleta urbanisation, Gregorio Marañón with the entrance to the port, and they are also being installed at the exits of the ambulance units (Avenida Rosa Mazón) and the Fire Station.

### Obtaining a Padrón Certificate now Automated in Torrevieja

The Councillor for Innovation and Modernisation of the Local Administration in Torrevieja, Ricardo Recuero, along with the Councillor for Census and Statistics, Inmaculada Montesinos, have announced the automation of the Municipal Register, starting this week, which means that the issuing of Padrón certificates can be done online, and with little delay.

Ricardo Recuero has highlighted the importance of this new municipal service to expedite the procedures for applying for and obtaining the different Padrón certificates through the Electronic Headquarters of the Council, through the website, torrevieja.es, in addition to considerably reducing the pressure in person in the Department of Census and Statistics.

In this way, at this time citizens can request and obtain, in just a few minutes, the individual certificates and the collective certificates of the padrón directly through a digital device, while the historical certificate will come into operation in the month of March.

The means to request it are by electronic ID, digital certificate, pin code or permanent code. Once all the processing documents have been filled out, you will receive a communication from the town hall in your email to be able to download it and have access to the notification. Ricardo Recuero has highlighted that since last Monday 237 certificates have already been issued electronically with this new municipal digital register service.

Finally, the councillor has reported that the town hall has started a campaign so that people who do not have the digital certificate can obtain it at a special time from the PROP (next to the City Council) from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

### Reggaetón Beach Festival Comes to Torrevieja in August

The Reggaetón Beach Festival, considered one of the most important urban music events in Europe, has added Torrevieja to the venue list, and will take place at the Parque Antonio Soria on 5 and 6 August, 2023.

The pre-sale tickets sold out within a few hours, which is no surprise as this event is also known for being the one which sells the most tickets in Spain of any similar concert, bringing together the best urban music with leisure, gastronomy, learning, relaxation and fun for all ages.

This is the fifth time the event has taken place, touring 14 locations, adding Torrevieja for the first time.

Also known as “RBF”, the festival is a unique experience that combines an exceptional atmosphere with concerts by the most relevant international artists of the moment and an endless number of complementary activities. Its daytime schedule respects the neighbours and its activities are designed for the whole family: fun and refreshing water attractions with its large XXL slide, batucadas, congas and parades, dance classes, Zumba and self-defence.

In its various spaces it will also offer chill out rest areas, a swimming pool, food trucks with all kinds of gastro proposals, make-up and hairdressing workshops, stands of small local businesses and much more. All of this has made RBF in its short history the most popular and best valued festival among Spaniards and for which up to 600,000 people are expected to attend this year.



The RBF Tour, which in 2023 will also pass through Asturias, Barcelona, ​​Benidorm, Galicia, Madrid, Mallorca, Marbella, Marina D'Or, Santander, Tenerife, etc., is the European festival that features performances by the most important artists of urban music, undoubtedly the popular music of this new century. Stars such as Bad Bunny, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Anuel AA, Nicky Jam, Karol G, Myke Towers, Feid, Rauw Alejandro, Becky G, Farruko, Natti Natasha, Sebastián Yatra, Juan Magán and Ana Mena have passed through its stages, among dozens of other great artists of the moment.

 

### Torrevieja Intends to Protect Iconic Seafront Building

Torrevieja town hall is taking steps to protect an icon seafront building in the town, the "El Tintero" kiosk restaurant at playa del Cura, by classifying the building an Asset of Local Relevance.

The first stage, which has been approved already, is the tender for a contract worth 10,890 euro to draft and prepare the report to have the building included in the catalogue of historic buildings.

"El Tintero" is a unique and original building by the sea, which has more than 80 years of history and is part of the urban landscape of Torrevieja.

### Torrevieja Approves 180 Thousand Euro Budget for Fireworks

Torrevieja council has approved the budget for the hiring of the pyrotechnics services, broken down into two separate contrats.

The base tender budget amounts to 180,870 euro (an annual total of 74,740 euro, plus IVA) and the duration of the contract is established at two years and a possible extension of one year.

Part of the new contract will include a clause to reduce the noise level generated by the fireworks, or at least the assessment thereof.

There is also a sustainability clause to deal with the remains of the fireworks, and the successful bidder will have to process their own permits for each show.

### 191 People in Hospital with Covid

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 730 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. This is an increase in the number of infections. The new cases by province are 104 in Castellón (196,033 in total), 246 in Alicante (535,768 in total), an increase again, and 380 in Valencia (853,420 in total).

Of these, 415 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 72 from Castellón, 140 from Alicante and 203 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 191 people admitted for COVID, another increase, 11 of them in the ICU: 24 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 71 in the province of Alicante (increased), 5 of them in the ICU (increased), and 96 in the province of Valencia, 6 in the ICU.

14 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update (increased), all with a death date in the last 7 days except for two deaths from last month. They are 7 women, between 63 and 97 years old, and 7 men between 75 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,392: 1,252 in the province of Castellón, 3,944 in Alicante, an increase of 6 in a week, again, higher than last week, and 5,196 in Valencia.

From this week, masks are no longer mandatory on public transport, due to the reported postive position of Covid in Spain, despite what the figures show. Masks must still be worn in health settings, including pharmacies.

### Torrevieja Launches Latest Shopping Voucher Campaign

The Councillor for Commerce and Hospitality in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez and the president of the APYMECO small business association, Jorge Almarcha, presented morning the seventh edition of the local shopping voucher scheme, "Bono Consumo", for which the town hall will invest another 500,000 euro of public money to encourage us all to shop more in the local establishments, with the intention of generating a million euro in revenue for those businesses.

So far, from the money residents pay to the town hall through taxes, 4,441,139 euro has been given out to businesses as part of the campaign that matches what we spend with a discount, which we have of course already paid for to the town hall.

Of course, there are hoops you will have to jump through to obtain the bonus. Firstly, you have to make an appointment to attend the Comercio y Ocupación de Vía Pública office in Torrevieja,

Once you have made your appointment, which is mandatory, there is no way around this, you will need to attend, in person, with your original, personal and non-transferable DNI/NIE.

You must also have a credit or debit card enabled by your bank for online purchases.

Then you can purchase vouchers up to the value of 100 euro, for which you will be charged 50 euro, or half of whatever value you choose.

Then, keep your vouchers in a safe place, as they only become operational from 1 March, and until 1 April.

When March comes along, you can then visit one of the participating stores in Torrevieja, along with your DNI/NIE, both mandatory, at the establishment itself, paying any difference in the price of the product you want to purchase, along with the discount voucher in printed or digital format.

The conditions also state that the same person may redeem more than one voucher in the same purchase or expense. If the purchase is made with several vouchers from several people, the different DNI associated with the vouchers must be checked. The vouchers will have a value of 10 and 20 euro, of which the client will contribute half the amount, that is, 5 and 10 euro, so each buyer will have a 50% discount on purchases.

Finally, it should be noted that a telephone number has been set up for information or any incident (865 942 361) as of February 13, as well as a technical support service through two emails ( soporteapymeco@gmail.com and bonoconsumo.torrevieja@netrotec.com ).

Good luck, and happy shopping in Torrevieja!

### Masks no longer mandatory on regional public transport as of Wednesday

From Wednesay 8 February 2023, the use of the mask will no longer be mandatory on public transport in the Valencia region, as in the rest of Spain, so that users of the metro, tram, Metrovalencia trains and buses, TRAM d'Alacant, TRAM de Castelló and Metrobus, buses and taxis, will be able to travel without the need for a face mask, which until now was essential to travel. You may of course continue to wear a mask if you choose to.

This decision has been adopted by the Council of Ministers of the Government of Spain, which considers that despite the increase in Covid infections and deaths (nationally) reported last week, the current health situation means that its use in transport is not necessary. With the publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) of this resolution, scheduled for this Wednesday, February 8, this decision will become effective.

The mandatory use of the mask for users of transport dates back to May 4, 2020.

The public transports dependent on the Generalitat have been scrupulously complying with the successive opinions and regulations of the competent authorities to be applied at all times of the health crisis, which began in March 2020 and has experienced different stages, in each of them with different restrictions and obligations for the transport sector.

### Torrevieja to Benefit from Government Housing Rehabilitation Scheme

The Minister for Transport, Mobility and the Urban Agenda, Raquel Sánchez, has signed several agreements with the Generalitat Valenciana and town halls in the region to promote the rehabilitation of a total of 7,158 homes in 23 municipalities.

Of these more than 7,100 homes affected by this rehabilitation, 196 are publicly owned and 6,962 are privately owned, and are located in 31 residential areas in 23 municipalities in the provinces of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante.

These agreements will allow the rehabilitation of neighbourhoods that, as Sánchez has pointed out, "need improvements that will affect the quality of life of those who inhabit them", especially taking into account that improving the buildings and homes in these neighbourhoods is one of the objectives that are pursued, so that they can have better energy efficiency and greater well-being thanks to the aid they can obtain. "We are also committed to the fight against climate change, the reduction of non-renewable primary energy and the reduction of CO2 emissions in buildings and homes."

On occasions, they have suffered from the expansion of spaces for private vehicles, increasing noise and pollution, and reducing the space for neighbours. "We are committed to cohesive cities and neighbourhoods of which neighbours can feel a part", she added, also advocating "greener, more sustainable neighbourhoods, with better environments, better buildings and better homes".

The agreement with Torrevieja Council includes the actions in the scheduled rehabilitation residential environment of "Colonia San Esteban y Torresal" where the rehabilitation of an estimated number of 740 homes is planned, all privately owned, for a first performance phase. Mitma's contribution provided for in this agreement is 7,115,379.81 euro.

Mitma contributes more than 70% of the investment for the performances

These actions have a total investment of more than 186.1 million euro, of which Mitma will contribute more than 135.1 million, which represents more than 70% of the total, charged to the Rehabilitation Program for economic recovery and in residential settings of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR).

"This plan is the roadmap to modernise our economy and the fruit of rigorous work also in Europe, which is managing to respond to the crisis under principles of solidarity and protection that have nothing to do with what happened in previous crises. ", remarked the person in charge of Mitma during her speech.

Of the 26 agreements signed with town halls, Torrevieja will benefit, along with Alcoy, Alicante, Altea, Aspe, Elche, Petrer, and Sant Joan d'Alacant in the Alicante province.

The signing, which has been chaired by the Minister Raquel Sánchez, has been carried out in the presence of the Second Vice President and Minister of Housing Planning and Bioclimatic Architecture of the Generalitat, Héctor Illueca, and the General Secretary of the Urban Agenda and Housing, David Lucas. The act was also attended by the Government delegate in the territory, Pilar Bernabé; and the mayor of Valencia, Joan Ribó.

### Covid hospitalisations increase this week but all other measures decline

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 710 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. Last week, the new additions figure was 805, and it has not been this low since before last summer. The new cases by provinces are 110 in Castellón (195,929 in total), 223 in Alicante (535,522 in total), last week it was 272, and 377 in Valencia (853,040 in total).

Of these, 402 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 81 from Castellón, 128 from Alicante and 193 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 190 people admitted for COVID, 15 of them in the ICU: 19 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 63 in the province of Alicante, 4 of them in the ICU, and 108 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU. Although, once again, there is positive news in the number of new infections, hospitalisations have increased this week, as last Friday there were 177 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU.



8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with deaths in the last 7 days, another drop from the 22 reported last week, and the lowest since 11 November last year, although still a very tragic figure. They are 3 women, between 75 and 91 years old, and 5 men between 76 and 97 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,378: 1,247 in the province of Castellón, 3,938 in Alicante, an increase of 4, falf the regional total, and 5,193 in Valencia.

### Medical check-ups: The tests you should have according to your age

When is it advisable to start checking our health? What are the essential tests? Quirónsalud Torrevieja can answer all of our questions about medical check-ups.

 

 

We all know how important it is to be aware of our health, but sometimes it is difficult to find the time or motivation to make an appointment and have a medical check-up. The day to day is full of things to attend to and it can be easy to forget the importance of making sure that everything works properly in our body, especially if we feel good.

From the early detection of serious diseases to the slightest change in our body, regular medical check-ups are vitally important, as they help us stay healthy and alert us to any potential problems to tackle them in time. In this article, we will explore with Quirónsalud Torrevieja the importance of medical check-ups, when it is necessary to have a check-up and why it is essential not to forget them for our well-being.
Why Get an Annual Check-up
 

As indicated by Quirónsalud Torrevieja, thanks to medical examinations we can make a general assessment of our state of health and detect diseases early, even before symptoms that make us feel bad appear.

If what we want is a general check-up, the specialties we must choose are Family Medicine or Internal Medicine.  However, there are also more specific check-ups such as gynaecological, urological, sports ...  and each one is the competence of a specific specialty.

"The tests depend on each patient. We must take into account, not only age and sex, but also family and personal history that can increase in some cases the probability of suffering from some diseases, "says Dr. Gemma Ramón, responsible for Medical Check-ups at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.
What diseases do medical check-ups help detect?
 

"Check-ups are very useful, for example, to detect diseases that increase cardiovascular risk (high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus...). These diseases in their beginnings are usually asymptomatic and increase the likelihood that we have heart problems, thrombosis ... They are also useful in some types  of cancer that can be detected early, considerably increasing the chances of treatment with a good prognosis," says Gemma Ramón.
At what age should you start check-ups?
 

"It's advisable at any age.  Just as during childhood periodic reviews are carried out, it must also be done during adulthood.  What changes, depending on age, are the physical exams and complementary tests recommended," explains Dr. Ramon.
What are the essential early detection tests according to our age?
 

- In the case of women, gynaecological check-ups are essential:

 	On the one hand, the realisation of a cytology that helps us detect possible malignant cells in the cervix. This test must be done from the age of 25 or three years after starting sexual intercourse.
 	On the other hand, it is necessary to monitor the breasts, performing self-examinations from the age of 20 and with complementary tests:  ultrasound from the age of 30 and mammography from the age of 40.

 

- In the case of men, an assessment of the prostate must be made from the age of 45, at least, with a blood determination of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

- In addition, in both sexes it is convenient to perform screening (screening) of colon cancer from the age of 45 with a faecal occult blood study.

And from the age of 50?
 

According to experts, from the age of 50 a check-up should consist of complete blood and urine tests, faecal occult blood tests, basic imaging tests (chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound) and electrocardiogram (this for both sexes).

In addition, as we have advanced in the previous point, in men a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) and urological ultrasound will be necessary, and in women cytology, gynaecological ultrasound, mammography and breast ultrasound.
There are more diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT scans ... What information do they provide and how do they help rule out certain diseases?
 

From Quirónsalud they detail that there are medical tests that are specifically requested when we have a specific suspicion because they help us to have more information about the area we want to study.  For example, MRI tests or computed tomography (CT) scans can provide a wealth of information about our bodies, allowing doctors to more accurately diagnose and rule out certain diseases.

These tests provide detailed images of organs, bones, muscles, and other tissues, helping to detect any abnormalities that may indicate a potential condition.  By using these tests, doctors can rule out or confirm certain suspicions and determine the best treatment for the patient. 

 

### Promising drop in Covid infections this week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 805 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. Last week, the increase was 1,078, and this is the lowest recorded figure for some considerable time. The new cases by provinces are 120 in Castellón (195,819 in total), 272 in Alicante (535,299 in total) when last week the Alicante increase was 409, and 413 in Valencia (852,663 in total).

Of these, 449 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 70 from Castellón, 171 from Alicante and 208 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 177 people admitted for COVID, again a decline from the 223 last week, and again, the lowest figure since October, 13 of them in the ICU, last week it was 15: it breaks down to 18 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 56 in the province of Alicante, a drop of more than half campared to the 123 last week, again the lowest in some considerable time, 6 of them in the ICU, down from 9 last week, and 103 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the ICU.

22 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with deaths in the last 15 days, which is not such a positive figure, as there were 23 last week, and 22 the week before. They are 12 women, between 61 and 100 years old, and 10 men between 64 and 91 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,370: 1,247 in the province of Castellón, 3,934 in Alicante, an increase of 6 deaths, the same as last week, and 5,189 in Valencia. Of course there is always a lag in the number of deaths compared to infections of around 2 weeks, so it is hopeful that figure will reduce soon.

Overall, in January, 99 people have lost theri lives due to Covid across the Valencia region. That is a slight decline of the 101 in December, but still way above the 47 in November. In the Alicante province, 31 people died from Covid in January, 27 in December, and 13 in November.

This latest report comes as the Government announced this week that they will withdraw the mandate for masks on public transport, including planes, in about a week, although they will still remain in health settings such as hospitals, medical centres and pharmacies, amongst others.

Remember, you can get your Covid vaccine without an appointment again on Tuesday in Torrevieja hospital.

### Torrevieja Animal Shelter Extends Opening Hours

The Torrevieja Animal Shelter has extended opening hours from this week, and will now be open 365 days a year for the first time.

The Councillor for Animal Protection, Concha Sala, explained that the new schedule has been possible thanks to the configuration of the new work planning carried out by the staff of the Municipal Shelter.

The opening hours of the Torrevieja Animal Shelter, at least during the winter, is from Monday to Sunday, including holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Concha Sala has highlighted the willingness of all the staff "to keep the hostel open throughout the year, something that had never happened before." The councillor for Animal Protection has thanked this demonstrated sensitivity "so that all the people who want to go to the facilities can do so on a greater number of occasions and, above all, the volunteers who will be able to carry out their work of affection more comfortably to the animals, accompaniment and walking of the pets".

 

### Vaccination Without Appointment in Torrevieja

Those adults eligible for their Covid booster, whether it is the third or fourth jab, or even those who have not yet began a course of vaccinations, can get their Covid vaccination without appointment at Torrevieja hospital.

The Covid vaccination drop-in centre will be operational at Torrevieja Hospital on Tuesday 24 January 2023, from 09:00 to 14:00, in the Salon de Actos, meeting rooms. This will also be repeated the following week, Tuesday 31 January 2023, at the same time, same place.

You can also get the flu vaccine at the same time, if eligible.



You do not need an appointment, just your SIP card and ID. If you are in any doubt as to your eligibility for the vaccine, you should check with your local clinic where you are registered.

There are other Covid vaccination drop-in clinics around the area surrounding Torrevieja, in case you don’t actually live here. Again, you can check with your local health centre, but this week you can get your vaccines at:

Tuesday 24 January 2023

CS Santa Pola: de 15h a 16h

Wednesday 25 January 2023

Consultori Gran Alacant de 13.30h a 14.30h

CS Santa Pola: de 13.30h a 16h

Hospital Vega Baja: de 15.30h a 20

### Torrevieja Carnival 2023 – Schedule of Events

Torrevieja Carnival 2023 starts this week, with the first event taking place on Friday, January 27, at the Municipal Theatre, with the proclamation that will be given by the humourist and "tiktoker - Instagramer" from the Canary Islands, Omayra Cazorla.

The first act will include a “twinning” with the Carnival of Vinaroz (Castellón) which, like that of Torrevieja, is declared of Autonomous Tourist Interest of the Valencian Community.

On Saturday, January 28, also at the Municipal Theatre, the coronation of the Reyes del Carnaval will take place. The Queen is Sara Fernández and the Child Queen, Edurne Vera. For the first time a King of the Carnival will be proclaimed, who will be Óscar Torregrosa. It so happens that the three of them belong to the troupe "Soul Dance". Also, that night, the Golden Shield of the Carnival will be delivered to María Dolores Inglada Ruíz “La Malecha”, historic co-founder of the comparsa “Blanca de sal y Morena de soles”.

On Sunday, January 29, the first Carnival Paella Contest was held in the vicinity of Pub Borneo, in the Barrio de La Punta (“La Ermita Zone”) and, on February 4, the National Drag Queen Competition will resume at the Municipal Theatre. The carnival association has increased the amount of the prizes to 1,500 euro for first place, 900 euro for second and 750 euro for the third.

Also, for the second consecutive year, the Animal Carnival will be held with a contest parade on the stage of the Jardín de las Naciones, starting at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, and at the same time there will be a day of coexistence for the whole carnival family in the same place.

In the build up to the Grand Carnival Parade, on Friday, February 10 the "Great Carnival meeting" will take place in the Plaza de la Constitución in the direction of the Plaza de Oriente, at 10:00 p.m. The next day, a large representation of the Torrevieja carnival will travel to Vinaroz to complete the twinning, participating in the carnival Queens and Kings gala. It will be the comparsa “Aquí hay tomate”, which represents the salt carnival with a choreography in the town of Castellón.

Sunday, February 12, is definitely a day for the diary, as it is the day of the Grand Carnival Parade which, this year, as a novelty, varies its route starting on calle Ramón Gallud from the vicinity of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre to Dr. Gregorio Marañón, next to the CEPSA Service Station. There, the exhibition area will be installed for the third year, which will be renovated with new attractions.

Other important dates of the Torrevieja Carnival will be on February 14 and 15, with the holding of workshops and parades in the local schools.

On Thursday, February 16, there will be a Dance for the Elderly at the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO) and on Friday, February 17, the Children's Parade "El carnaval de los coles" from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre to the paseo Vista Alegre.

On Saturday, February 18, the Grand Night Parade and Comparsas Foráneas Contest will be held from 6:00 p.m. along calle Ramón Gallud, leaving from the Cultural Centre.

The culmination of the festivities will be the National Comparsas and Chirigotas Contest on Sunday, February 19, at the Municipal Theatre. The schedule is yet to be determined according to the number of participating groups.

All the acts will be free with an invitation that can be picked up at the Municipal Theatre Box Office.

### Brilla Torrevieja will return in summer 2023

For the third time, Brilla Torrevieja will bring popular musicians to Torrevieja in summer 2023, for the latest festival that will start on 30 July 2023.

Brilla Torrevieja will take place on various dates from 30 July to 20 August 2023, with national artists such as India Martínez (Sunday, July 30), Melendi (Thursday, August 4) and Loquillo (Saturday, August 12), the promoter of the event, Javier Riquelme, revealed at the FITUR tourism event in Madrid.

The rest of the artists who will perform at the Parque Antonio Soria concert venue have yet to be revealed, but the organisers say that they will be accompanied by sports, children's and cultural activities.

The promoter is putting special “box” tickets on sale, which will include the chance to see the artist of your choice, hotel accommodation, and an accompanying souvenir magazine, which includes information about Torrevieja.

The last edition of the festival took place over 20 days, with three stages located in three tourist areas of the city. The main stage, which was located in the Antonio Soria Park, received national and international artists such as Sebastián Yatra, Luis Fonsi, Taburete and Lola Índigo.

More than 50,000 people enjoyed a summer full of music, which had a direct and indirect economic impact on the city of almost 3 million euro, according to the press release issued this week after FITUR, which is somewhat lower than the 8 million initially reported by the town hall in their press release of August 2022.

 

### Torrevieja Weekend will return in April 2023

Torrevieja Weekend will return to reactivate and promote local commerce in Torrevieja, taking place in 2023 from April 21 to 23, with different activities, including well-known celebrities and specialised press that involve the know-how of Torrevieja's flagship points of commerce.

In addition, this year the Paseo Vistalegre will become the scene of the parade with a wonderful panoramic view of the sea, which is also available throughout the year by looking towards the wet bit that runs alongside.

Torrevieja Weekend vindicates some of the essential enclaves of Torrevieja such as the Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata Natural Park and the Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja (RCNT), in addition to its shops, an essential muscle loaded with history.

The latest creations by designer Eduardo Navarrete will also parade through this original and glamorous catwalk, with a wonderful collection inspired by Torrevieja, a parade that will put the final climax to the gala, animated and set by this well-known designer and with the staging of surprise performances (which probably means they don’t know yet, this early in the planning).

The announcement was made this week at the FITUR tourism event in Madrid.

### Isabella's Journey

The work tells the story of Isabela, her adventures and travels, and the duel between the true love represented in Ricadero, her young lover who shows unconditional love and who travels half the world in search of her, in opposition to another suitor whose feelings do not they are so noble.

This Spanish-language stage performance takes place in Torrevieja on 12 February 2023, starting at 6:30 p.m.

### Free Choral Concert at the Torrevieja Palacio de la Música

A free Choral Concert will take place at the Torrevieja Palacio de la Música on 5 February 2023, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The concert is by the Masa Coral Nuevo Amanecer, and although it is free, you must obtain a ticket from the Municipal Institute of Culture.

Places are limited to the 235 people capacity of the venue.

The concert itself will last for around an hour.

### Dumbo the Musical in Torrevieja

Dumbo the Musical is coming to Torrevieja in April.

To celebrate World Children's Day, we present a fun show for the whole family with a great staging and live voices that not only talks about inclusion but touches on issues such as bullying suffered by those who are different.

The musical won the National Award for Best Children's Musical Broadwayworld 2020.

You can see this superb performance at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on 15 April 2023.

### Forever King of Pop – The Michael Jackson Tribute Show in Torrevieja

With this universal tour, Forever King Of Pop, pays tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, with a show that is a unique experience around the superstar’s universe.

This is the only show endorsed by the Jackson family.

You can see Forever King of Pop live in Torrevieja, at the Municipal Theatre, on 1 April 2023.

### Adictos – Thought provoking Spanish theatre in Torrevieja

On 26 March 2023, Adictos will be taking to the stage at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja

Lola Herrera, renowned actress, presents: Adictos. To what extent are we subjugated by technology? are we really free?

The event is part of Theatre Week, which is running from March 21 to 27.

### Mozart Concert in Torrevieja

The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra presents the concert of: Mozart and ''El reloj''.

This classical music event will be held in the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on 25 March 2023.

### The Snow Queen in Torrevieja

The Snow Queen, La Reina de las Nieves, is coming to Torrevieja in March.

Inspired by the tale of the Ice Queen... this children's musical with live voices, stars Mireia, from Operación Triunfo, who occupies the leading voice.

The musical will be performed at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre in 5 March 2023.

### Fito y Fitipaldis in Torrevieja

Fito & Fitipaldis are on tour, "Teatros y Auditorios" is a journey through their music, and they are performing in Torrevieja on 11 February 2023 at the International Auditorium.

Fito & Fitipaldis is a Spanish rock band, formed in 1998 by Fito Cabrales with the intention of publishing songs which were not in the style of his other band, mixing rock, soul, swing, and other genres.

### Jamming Sessions in Torrevieja

Jamming sessions arrive in Torrevieja, directly from Madrid, with a performance on 5 February 2023 at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja.

Jamming Session is a comedy show where the audience are not only involved, but become the protagonist!

Dare to improvise, interpret and suggest the artists! More than 20 seasons and 2 million viewers have already taken part.

### Reinventing Education Conference in Torrevieja

On 11 March 2023, starting at 08:30 a.m., the Auditorio Internacional de Torrevieja will host the second Reinventing Education Conference, 2º CONGRESO REINVENTAR LA EDUCACIÓN.

The event will bring together experts in the field of education, with keynote speakers and delegates from educational institutions looking at the future of the education sector.

### INTERNATIONAL FLAMENCO DAY in Torrevieja

On 5 March 2023, the fifth Celebration of the International Day of Flamenco will be held at the Torrevieja International Auditorium.

This spectacular event brings together the best performers in their field for a unique collaborative concert in Torrevieja.

### MUSIC TO DREAM – A symphony concert in Torrevieja

The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra presents the concert: Music to dream, Música para sonar, which will take place in Torrevieja on 25 February 2023.

Tickets are on sale now for the spectacular musical event, which will be held at the Auditorio Internacional de Torrevieja, stating at 7:00 p.m.

### Covid hospitalisations increase again across Alicante but infections decline

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,078 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. Last week, the increase was 1,282. The new cases by provinces are 142 in Castellón (195,699 in total), 409 in Alicante (535,027 in total), whereas last week the increase in Alicante was 467, and 527 in Valencia (852,250 in total).

Of these, 614 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 82 from Castellón, 261 from Alicante and 271 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 223 people admitted for coronavirus, 15 of them in the ICU, when last week the figures were 285 and 22, respectively: Currently in hospital with Covid: 21 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 123 in the province of Alicante, 9 of them in the ICU, last week the figures were 108 and 6; and 79 in the province of Valencia, 6 in the ICU.

23 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with deaths in the last 15 days. They are 8 women, between 72 and 100 years old, and 15 men between 63 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,348: 1,243 in the province of Castellón, 3,928 in Alicante, an increase of 6, and 5,177 in Valencia.

### Alicante Covid Death Toll Continues to Climb

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,282 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on Thursday, January 5. The new cases by provinces are 160 in Castellón (195,557 in total), 467 in Alicante (534,618 in total) and 655 in Valencia (851,723 in total).

Of these, 747 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 97 are from Castellón, 288 from Alicante and 362 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 285 people admitted with coronavirus, 22 of them in the ICU: 38 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 108 in the province of Alicante, an increase over the 97 of last week, 6 of them in the ICU, and 139 in the province of Valencia, 13 in the ICU.

22 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date during the month of January 2023, except two in December 2022. They are 7 women between 76 and 97 years old, and 15 men between 55 and 98 years. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,325: 1,240 registered in the province of Castellón, 3,922 in Alicante, which is an increase of 12 this week, and the highest death toll since the peak of the pandemic, and 5,163 in Valencia.

### Deaths from Covid Continue to Increase

In figures which will be slightly down as they are released earlier than usual due to the holiday on Friday in Spain, deaths from Covid have continued to increase this week.

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,652 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday (last week, the increase was 1,557). The new cases by provinces are 242 in Castellón (195,397 in total), 530 in Alicante (534,151 in total) and 880 in Valencia (851,068 in total).

Of these, 963 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 140 from Castellón, 330 from Alicante and 493 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 335 people admitted for COVID (up from 323 last week), 22 of them in the ICU: 45 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 97 in the province of Alicante (a decrease of 8), 9 of them in the ICU, and 193 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU.





32 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 10 days. Last week, an additional 20 deaths were recorded, 22 the week before, 23 before that, and today’s death toll is the highest since the middle of August. They are 15 women between 66 and 103 years old, and 17 men between 57 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,303: 1,236 in the province of Castellón, 3,910 in Alicante (an increase of 7, and the highest weekly increase since October), and 5,157 in Valencia.

### Covid ICU admissions double in a week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,557 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 257 in Castellón (195,155 in total), 411 in Alicante (533,621 in total) and 889 in Valencia (850,188 in total).

Of these, 839 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 149 from Castellón, 238 from Alicante and 452 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 323 people admitted for COVID, 22 of them in the ICU. Last week, there were 10 people in ICU, and the figure this week is the worst since the end of August, when 33 people were in intensive care for Covid treatment. Across the region, there are 40 in hospital in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 105 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the UCI (last week it was 4), and 178 in the province of Valencia, 12 in the UCI.

20 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 10 days. They are 8 women between 74 and 94 years old, and 12 men between 65 and 87 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,271: 1,233 in the province of Castellón, 3,903 in Alicante and 5,135 in Valencia.

In December, the total number of people who died from Covid in the Valencia region was 101, more than double the 47 who died in November, and again, the worst figure since the end of August.

### 1,972 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,972 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen test since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 316 in Castellón (194,898 in total); 503, in Alicante (533,210 in total), and 1,153, in Valencia (849,299 in total).



Of them, 992 are from people over 60 years old. By province: 207, from Castelló; 244, from Alicante, and 541, from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 326 people admitted, 10 of them in the ICU: 47, in the province of Castelló, 2 of them in the ICU; 92, in the province of Alicante, 4 in the ICU, and 187, in the province of Valencia, 4 in the ICU.

22 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with dates of death within the last 10 days, except for two people who died in November and one in October. These are 12 women between 60 and 90 years old, and 10 men between 62 and 97 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic is 10,251: 1,228 in the province of Castellón; 3,897, in Alicante, and 5,126, in Valencia.

### 12 simple guidelines to avoid extra kilos at Christmas

Christmas usually represents a "danger" when it comes to maintaining and taking care of the waistline, since excess food can mean an unwanted increase in our weight.

The answer lies in the infinity of stimuli that surround us during these festive days. More time at home, more gatherings with family and friends, supermarkets and other commercial areas full of temptations.

 

"We spend more hours in the kitchen and, without going out of our routine, television and other media are filled with advertisements for food and drinks typical of Christmas," say the specialists of the Obesity Unit of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

 

But not everything stops there, because this weight gain can imply more serious consequences for our health, such as diabetes, digestive diseases or the development of hypertension, in the most extreme cases.

 

The good news, according to the specialist, is that we can plan our nutritional numbers and avoid those extra kilos that always characterise this time of year. For this, this expert in nutrition lists the following guidelines to follow before the celebratory dates:

 

 	Sticking exclusively to holidays and special meals is essential. On December 24 and 31, January 1 and 5, two dinners, a lunch and a snack to try the Rioscón de Reyes.
 	Do not buy sweets and drinks ahead of time.
 	Opt for small quantity and high-quality products.
 	Do not sit in front of the table after eating. It is difficult to resist a table with beautiful products on the outside and rich on the inside.

 

Thus, one of the main mistakes that we usually commit at this time is to get ahead of the celebrations and buy and cook more than we need.  "Leave the table when we finish eating. Looking for other activities to do these days can help us not celebrate absolutely everything only by eating and drinking," warns the specialists.

 

IS SOMETHING WRONG IF NOT LIKE THE DAY OF CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER?

 

One of the usual questions that many people ask themselves on the designated days, such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, for example, is if on those dates we should not eat or do little if, for example, we know that it is Christmas Eve dinner, where it is easy for us to fill up and even spend eating. To what extent is it good to limit the intake of that day and not eat at noon, or to do it little?

 

In this regard, this dietitian-nutritionist considers that the ideal and that can help in these cases is to get ahead and design a menu of first course, second course and dessert: "It is very useful not to exceed the quantity. Limiting wine to the main course and toast time also helps. On the table can and should also be water, vegetables and fruits. We can include low-calorie foods in the preparation of Christmas recipes."

 

WHAT ABOUT WHIMS

 

On the other hand, we ask the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja about whether we can grant ourselves this Christmas, and from time to time, a whim, and coinciding with family celebrations, if this will somehow influence those kilos of more endings that we accumulate.

 

In his opinion, of course we can treat ourselves from time to time because, he maintains, prohibitions rarely work, at the same time that they are difficult to maintain over time.  "Health professionals need to promote a healthy relationship with food. Food in addition to nourishing us fulfils other functions. It helps you to relate and feel part of a group. Eating, in addition to a necessity, is a pleasure," say the specialists.

 

IT IS POSSIBLE TO KEEP TRIM WITH THESE TIPS

 

With all this, he affirms that itis possible to maintain the waistline on Christmas days and avoid those 2-3 kilos of more that we usually add at this time with the following tips:

 

 	Choose a salad, vegetable cream or light soup as a starter.
 	Accompany meat, fish or seafood with a vegetable garnish.
 	Opt for a small portion of sweet and combined with pieces of fruit.
 	Always start with water. It will help you reduce your alcohol intake.
 	Make a shopping list considering the menu and the number of guests so that you do not overeat.
 	Plan a fun, lively activity with the family on those days. Make all purchases on foot.
 	Start your day with physical activity. Don't leave it for the end of the day.
 	Eat what you like without remorse, but try to be rational with the amounts and don't sabotage yourself! Do not have within reach outside of 4 holidays what you do not want to eat or drink.

### Highest Weekly Covid Deaths Since September

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,777 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by provinces are 286 in Castellón (194,582 in total), 445 in Alicante (532,707 in total) and 1,046 in Valencia (848,146 in total).

Of these, 927 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 160 from Castellón, 247 from Alicante and 520 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 372 people admitted for COVID, 18 of them in the ICU. This again is the highest figure recorded since the reporting system was changed in August. In hospital with Covid there are 48 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 109 in the province of Alicante, 9 of them in the UCI, and 215 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the UCI.



23 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 10 days, the highest since 26 deaths were recorded in the week ending 9 September, after which the figure has shown a general increase. They are 12 women between 68 and 98 years old, and 11 men between 24 and 98 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,229: 1,224 in the province of Castellón, 3,891 in Alicante and 5,114 in Valencia.



The number of people who have died from Covid in the Valencia region so far in December, 59, has already exceeded the total number of deaths for the whole of November, 47, and matched that for the whole of October.

### Christmas in Torrevieja 2022

Torrevieja town hall has organised the biggest, and most expensive, Christmas celebration in the town’s history, to make Christmas in Torrevieja 2022 a magical experience for all.



At a cost of well over a million euro, the events will consist of concerts in the Plaza de la Constitución, on a purpose-built stage, children's entertainment, dance and magic shows, and even horse riding, although it’s not entirely clear how this fits into the Christmas messaging.
WHAT'S ON IN TORREVIEJA THIS CHRISTMAS
The Department of Fiestas has composed a calendar of activities in which the promotional actions of the Department of Commerce have also been added on these very important dates, as well as the programming provided by the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta". Globally, it is the largest Christmas program in the history of Torrevieja.

Local groups and singers will meet on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución starting this Thursday, December 15, at 8:30 p.m., with Quique Montes and Candela Gómez.

At the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, on Thursday, December 15, at 8:00 p.m., a Christmas concert by the UMT Youth Band and the following day "Christmas Rociera" by the Andalusian Cultural Association starting at 7:00 p.m. -entry 5 euro-.

For its part, and on the occasion of the Jubilee Year of the 50th anniversary of the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on Thursday, December 15, the School Christmas Carol Contest will be held in the parish itself at 6:00 p.m.

On Friday the 16th, at 8:30 p.m., Lucía España will perform and on Saturday the 17th, at 12:30 p.m., there will be a Christmas concert by the Los Salerosos Youth Band.

Also, on the central stage of the Plaza de la Constitución, on Saturday, December 17, at 6:00 p.m., the usual delivery of toys to the Department of Social Welfare of the "Moto Papanoelada" will take place, organised by Guardian Angels of Alicante and the "Dorsal Zero" Biker Brotherhood of Torrevieja.

On Sunday, December 18, at 8:30 p.m., Shani Ormiston will perform, and there will be a puppet show "Cris, little brave" from 6:30 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, -entrance price 5 euro-.

On Monday 19 December, at 6:45 p.m., a Christmas concert by the Orchestra and Choir of the UNED of Elche with the collaboration of its headquarters in Torrevieja.

On Wednesday, December 21, a double artistic session is presented: at 6:00 p.m. the concert "El Conservatorio en Navidad" will take place with the students of the "Francisco Casanovas" Professional Conservatory of Torrevieja and from 9:30 p.m., night of music and carnival by the hand of the chirigota "Los Sangochaos" and the Comparsa "La Sal de Torrevieja".

Also on December 21, at the Palacio de la Música, the piano concert "4 hands and a violin. Conjunto Crescendo" will be held at 8:00 p.m.

On Thursday, December 22, there will be a "Christmas Flamenco Zambomba" starting at 9:00 p.m.

The "Trivox" group will pay tribute to "Il divo" with the accompaniment of the "Virtuos Mediterrani" Chamber Orchestra on the evening of Friday 23rd from 8:30 p.m.

At the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the "Arantxa Blanco" Dance Centre will offer its "Christmas Dance" on Tuesday, December 27, at 7:00 p.m.

Also, on December 27, the UMT chamber group "Percusax" will meet in the square, with the concert "D'amore", where prominent local voices will be featured.

The following day, the 28th December, it will be the turn of the "Sette Voci" group to offer the "Nata Lux" concert.

On Thursday, December 29, the little ones will be able to enjoy the "Cantajuegos con Olaf y Elsa".

On Friday, December 30, after having celebrated the Children's Afternoon, the public will be able to enjoy the concert by the local singer-songwriter, Mariano Ferrández, starting at 8:30 p.m.

A "Tardevieja" party will be held for children on Friday, December 30, in the Plaza de la Constitución from 5:00 p.m. and, in the same place, on the 31st, a great New Year's Eve party that everyone is invited to in order to welcome the New Year 2023, with a performance by a DJ and cotillion cast from 11:30 p.m.
DANCE IN TORREVIEJA
Dance will also have its space on Tuesday, December 20, with the "Payás" Dance School at 8:30 p.m.

On the 23rd and 24th, at 12:30 p.m., the children's entertainment "La plaza de deseos" will take place, and on the 26th, on the square's stage, at 12:00 p.m., the show "Dance with the goblins Christmas". That same day "Children's Karaoke" from 6:00 p.m. On the 27th, also on the square's stage, Antonio Ortuño "El Brujo" presents the show "Magia en Navidad".
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING AT TORREVIEJA MUNICIPAL THEATRE
The Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja will also host a special program beginning this Thursday, December 15, at 8:30 p.m., with the play "Angelina o el honor de un brigadier", by Ars Creatio.

On Friday, December 16, "The best of Yllana", at 8:00 p.m. -entrance 10 euro-.

The classic ballet "The Nutcracker" will arrive on Sunday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. -admission 10 euro-.
LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS IN TORREVIEJA
Likewise, as a climax to the Fair of Local Associations and NGOs, which will take place on Paseo Vista Alegre on the 17th and 18th, on Thursday, December 22, a gala of associations and NGOs will be held at the Municipal theatre at 6:00 p.m., when the citizen and volunteer of the year will be named.
TORREVIEJA INTERNATIONAL AUDITORIUM
The Torrevieja International Auditorium will host on Sunday, December 18, the concert of the UMT band "Christmas Rock Synphonic 2.0" at 12:00.

Also, on the 23rd, at 12:00 noon, there will be a Christmas concert by the Torrevieja Youth Symphony Orchestra and, on January 6 and 7, 2023, the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra will offer the 13th New Year's and Three Kings Concert at 7:00 p.m.
NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Various street locations and with the aim of boosting Christmas shopping in local establishments will host children's activities, starting on Monday, December 19, at the corner of calle Concepción and Fotógrafos Darblade with "Inflatable reindeer and cotton candy tasting" from 5:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, December 20, in the Plaza de Isabel II, next to the Central Market "La Plasa", from 10:00 am, inflatable Christmas tree. At the corner of calle Concepción and Canónigo Torres, there will be a workshop called "Make your Christmas ball" at 5:00 p.m.

In the same place, on Friday 23, at 6:30 p.m., the activity "Take a picture with horses and a luminous sleigh" will be held.

On December 24, Christmas Eve, the entire urban shopping area will have characters that will encourage shopping from 11:00 am. Also, on the same day, but in the Plaza de la Constitución, at 6:00 p.m., there will be a concentration of Santa Clauses distributing toys to children while supplies last.

On Tuesday, December 27, the workshop "Make your Christmas wreath" will be offered at the corner of calle Concepción and Canónigo Torres, starting at 10:30 a.m.

In the same place, on Wednesday 28, from 6:00 p.m., "Tik Tok zone".

On December 30, on the Vista Alegre promenade, starting at 11:30 a.m., a large 4-metre snow globe.

Also, in the Plaza de la Constitución, on January 5, there will be a cotton candy tasting starting at 11:00 am.

### Highest Covid Deaths Since Early September and Hospitalisations Highest Since August

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,039 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by provinces are 356 in Castellón (194,296 in total), 478 in Alicante (532,262 in total) and 1,205 in Valencia (847,100 in total).

Of these, 1,150 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 238 from Castellón, 281 from Alicante and 631 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 380 people admitted for COVID, last week it was 331, and this is the highest figure reported since the method of reporting was changed in August, 15 of them in the ICU: 48 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 104 in the province of Alicante, last week it was 91, and this again is the highest hospitalisatoin figure since the reporting method was changed in August, 6 of them in the UCI, and 228 in the province of Valencia, 6 in the UCI.





19 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 10 days. They are 12 women between 56 and 96 years old, and 7 men between 76 and 96 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,206: 1,220 in the province of Castellón, 3,885 in Alicante and 5,101 in Valencia.

### Covid hospitalisations and deaths continue to increase across Alicante and the region

The regional Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 2,018 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 285 in Castellón (193,940 in total), 485 in Alicante (531,784 in total) and 1,248 in Valencia (845,895 in total).

Of these, 1,046 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 156 from Castellón, 276 from Alicante and 614 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 331 people admitted, a jump from 276 last week, 19 of them in the ICU: 39 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 91 in the province of Alicante, 6 of them in the ICU, up from 82 last week, and 201 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.





17 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 5 women between 75 and 95 years old, and 12 men between 53 and 91 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,187: 1,213 in the province of Castellón, 3,881 in Alicante and 5,093 in Valencia.



 

### Could the 1829 Torrevieja earthquake be repeated?

As anybody living in the area south of Alicante can testify through experience, earthquakes are not uncommon, but as Alicante is to become a high-profile centre for seismic research, as we recently reported, with the facilities at the University of Alicante being extended to provide a better study of earthquakes in this area, but just how much seismic activity is there, and should we be worried that the Torrevieja earthquake could be repeated?

In 1829, much of the Vega Baja was destroyed by an earthquake, and although that event is commonly referred to as the Torrevieja earthquake, the devastation affected other surrounding municipalities. Devastating though it was, it wasn’t the first earthquake in the area. In fact, since the National Geographic Institute (IGN) started collecting records, three of the 27 major earthquakes that have occurred in Spain have occurred in the province of Alicante.

Prior to the 1829 disaster, we need to go back to 1048, when the Orihuela mosque was destroyed. The second was on 19 June 1644 and had its epicentre in Muro de Alcoy, where several houses were destroyed. Both are listed as "intensity VIII", which was the old measure (before the 20th century) to assess the importance of earthquakes, although what it really reflected was the amount of destruction caused.

The registered intensity IX or X was the highest. In fact, the IGN has only documented two other earthquakes with this level in Spain: on 1 November 1755 in Cabo San Vicente, which produced a tsunami almost 15 metres high, and on 25 December 1885 in Arenas del Rey (Granada), with 4,400 buildings destroyed and more than 13,000 damaged.

The third earthquake is the one that is best documented. It happened on 21 March 1829 in the Torrevieja area, and affected three other municipalities, Almoradí, Benejúzar and Guardamar, that had to be completely rebuilt. That tragedy left 389 dead and 377 injured.

According to the chronicles, the decade between 1820 and 1830 was one of those with the greatest seismic activity in the province of Alicante. The intensity increased until, between 13 September 1828 and 21 March 1829, some 200 tremors occurred.

The last one was recorded around 6:15 p.m., with an estimated magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale, with the epicentre in the towns of Benejúzar, Rojales and Torrevieja. The catastrophe left hundreds dead and injured, in addition to 2,965 homes completely destroyed and 2,396 damaged. The bridges that crossed the Segura River in Almoradí, Benejúzar, Dolores and Guardamar also collapsed.

In addition to the municipalities located at its epicentre (which had to be almost completely rebuilt), the earthquake also affected the towns of Almoradí, Algorfa, Rafal, Torrelamata, Daya Vieja, Guardamar, Dolores, Redován, San Fulgencio and San Miguel de Salinas.

In fact, half of the deceased were from Almoradí, due to the narrowness of its streets. In this municipality, every year its inhabitants take San Emigdio, who is the patron saint of earthquakes, out into the streets and pray in memory of all the victims, a routine also celebrated in other towns, including Torrevieja.

Could something like this happen again? Well, in principle yes, because two areas of the province of Alicante, l'Alacantí and the southern regions, are susceptible to having earthquakes of intensity 6 on the Richter scale.

The observation was made a year ago by the professor of the Department of Seismic Engineering and Geodesy of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Paco García, who stressed that, of the three geological domains of the Valencian Community, "the most prone and most active" is the so-called Bético, in the south of Valencia and Alicante.

"We expect earthquakes of large magnitudes, from 6 up on the Richter scale. If the previous ones have been of great destructive quantity, why couldn't they be repeated if they are the same faults," he said. "Active quaternary faults are the ones that are of concern."

Thus, García indicated that, despite the fact that in general "seismicity in the Valencian Community is moderate or low" and the territory is "fully monitored with seismographs and accelerographs", earthquake prediction is "in its infancy" because "we do not know where they will occur, in the areas where there is more probability, yes, but not when, the day and time".

He also defended "that seismic risk studies and plans be carried out" and valued that the construction of buildings, bridges or any infrastructure "has been governed for some time now by the seismic resistance standard."

What he completely ruled out is that the Valencian coast could suffer a tsunami, because "the magnitude of that earthquake will not reach a 6 or 7 and we have a highly developed continental shelf and the depth is very small, 200 or 300 metres", unlike what occurs in the Gulf of Cádiz or the coast of Malaga, Ceuta, Melilla and the Moroccan and Algerian coast.

### Ten places to visit away from Torrevieja

Although there are things to do in Torrevieja, sometimes it’s nice to get away, and with that in mind, we thought we’d offer a handful of places to visit away from Torrevieja, but not too far away.



Click on the title of each listing to see the location on Google Maps.

 	The Castle of Santa Barbara:

We start in the capital of the Costa Blanca, and the administrative centre of the province, Alicante city. Here, located at the top of Mount Benacantil, you will find the Castle of Santa Bárbara, or Castillo de Santa Bárbara to give it the Spanish name.

This Muslim fortress was built in the 9th century, but its current structure dates from the 15th century.

The castle is an impressive example of military architecture, with its towers and walls, and is one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of the city of Alicante.

 	The Archaeological Museum of Alicante:

The Archaeological Museum of Alicante, Museo Arqueológico de Alicante (MARQ), is one of the main places of historical interest in the province.

Located in the centre of the city of Alicante, the museum houses an important collection of archaeological objects from the region, from remains of Iberian culture to pieces from medieval times.

 	The walled city of Elche:

Slightly closer than Alicante is the city of Elche, one of the main tourist destinations in the province, thanks largely to it being home to the Costa Blanca’s airport hub, Alicante-Elche Airport.

This ancient walled city is characterised by its architecture and historical heritage, such as the Cathedral of Santa María, the Altamira Palace and the Basilica of Santa María.

 	Javea:

Located north of Alicante, Jávea is one of the most beautiful cities in the province.

This small town is characterised by its cobbled streets, its white houses and its fishing port, but it is also famous for its beautiful beaches and coves.

 	The Montgó Natural Park:

The Montgó Natural Park is one of the main places of ecological interest in the province of Alicante.

This natural reserve is characterised by its mountainous landscapes and its valleys, and is home to a varied and rich fauna and flora. This area is one of the best places for hiking and enjoying nature.

 	El Clot de Galvany:

On the subject of natural parks, we cannot ignore El Clot de Galvany, which is almost on the doorstep to Torrevieja, situated at the foot of the Gran Alacant urbanisation in Santa Pola.

The Clot de Galvany Municipal Natural Area is a protected space with an interesting diversity of environments that make it a first-rate centre of biodiversity in the Valencian Community. Managed by the Elche City Council, it is under the patronage of the municipal company Aigues d'Elx.

 	The Natural Park of the Salinas de Santa Pola:

Slightly further on brings us to las Salinas de Santa Pola, located south of Alicante and constitute one of the main tourist attractions in the province. This natural reserve is characterised by its salt flats, lagoons and beaches, and is one of the best places to enjoy the native fauna and flora.

 	The city of Benidorm:

It is a bit of a drive from Torrevieja but Benidorm is one of the main tourist cities in the province of Alicante. This city, located on the Mediterranean coast, is characterised by its beaches and luxury hotels, but it also has an interesting historical heritage, such as the Church of San Jaime.

Needless to say, Benidorm is a popular holiday spot for British tourists, but also attracts visitors from around the globe, as well as domestic tourists from Spain.

 	The Sierra de Mariola Natural Park:

Sierra de Mariola is a mountain range located north of Alicante. This protected area is one of the main places of natural interest in the province, and has an interesting and varied fauna and flora. This area is ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.

 	The Albufera de Valencia Natural Park:

Located south of Valencia, the Albufera de Valencia Natural Park is one of the main tourist destinations in the province. This protected area is characterised by its lakes, marshes and wetlands, and is home to a varied and rich fauna and flora. The park is also one of the best places to practice water sports, such as kayaking or sailing.

 

### Pet Expo in Alicante – EXPOMASCOTAS 2022

On Saturday 3 December, continuing into Sunday, the 10th Dog and Other Pet Show, EXPOMASCOTAS, will open its doors at the IFA Exhibition Centre near to Alicante-Elche Airport.



EXPOMASCOTAS is designed to be a single space where a whole range of articles, products, services and information related to pets and companion animals can be found. Specialised store stands, education and training schools, clubs, shelters, food for all kinds of pets... a whole sector united to offer a wide range of services and products.

The exhibition areas and stands will alternate with spaces and rings where the different activities, contests and exhibitions will take place. These exhibitions will be accompanied by agility tournaments, dog shows, conferences and other competitions.





This year, as a novelty, the 4th Adoption Hall will be held in parallel, where all the participating animal protectors will present their pets on a large catwalk for fostering or adoption.

On the occasion of the celebration of the 4th Adoption Hall, access to pets will be allowed by the visiting public. The price of access for each pet, not registered for dog shows, will be €2.00 and will be donated in full to the participating shelters.



Advance tickets for the event can be purchased on the web: Cheaper when you buy in advance by clicking here.

Ticket during the fair purchased at the physical box office: €8.

The hours of the fair are Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

There is also a Facebook with more information:  https://www.facebook.com/ExpomascotasIFA/

### Covid Infections and Hospitalisations Increasing across Alicante Province

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 2,054 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. Last week, the figure had increased by 2.013. The new cases by province are 274 in Castellón (193,655 in total), 460 in Alicante, it was 419 additional cases last week (531,299 in total) and 1,320 in Valencia (844,647 in total).



Of these, 1,096 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 170 from Castellón, 280 from Alicante and 646 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 276 people admitted for COVID, the same figure as a week ago 15 of them in the ICU: 33 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 82 in the province of Alicante, which has increased by 10 people, 6 of them in the ICU, an increase of 1, and 161 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the ICU.

Covid Hospitalisation - Alicante Province

15 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 15 days except one in October. Last week, there were 12 deaths reported. These are 7 women between the ages of 64 and 92, and 8 men between 59 and 94. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,170: 1,212 in the province of Castellón, 3,876 in Alicante and 5,082 in that of Valencia.

### Prostate Cancer: Everything You Need to Know

Dr. Sven Petry, head of the urology service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, explains what factors we should take into account regarding prostate cancer.


What is the prostate and what is its function?
The prostate is one of the internal sexual organs of men, it is located between the urinary bladder and the pelvic floor and surrounds the beginning of the urethra. Its function is the production of seminal fluid and ejaculation.
What are the main problems affecting the prostate?
The prostate tends to grow with age, can squeeze the urethra and cause problems passing urine.

The three most common problems are:

 	Inflammation (prostatitis)
 	Enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia)
 	Prostate cancer

Keep in mind that BPH is not related to cancer, so it does not increase your risk of prostate cancer. However, the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer may be similar.

 
What are the symptoms of prostate disorders?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): The prostate can press on the bladder and urethra. This can block the flow of urine, and even make it difficult to start the flow of urine. They may also feel like they need to urinate all the time or wake up several times at night with a sudden urge to urinate. Rezum is an innovative, effective, safe and minimally invasive technique that is performed with water vapor to treat BPH.

Prostatitis is an acute  inflammation of the prostate gland that can result from a bacterial infection. Its symptoms are high fever, pain when urinating or ejaculating. Because of the swelling of the prostate, it may also show the same symptoms as with BPH.

Prostate cancer tends to grow more slowly compared to most cancers. Cell changes can begin many years before a tumour is large enough to cause symptoms, which are similar to BPH. The more advanced the cancer, cancer cells can spread (metastasize) and cause bone pain.

 
Diagnostic tests for prostate cancer detection

 	Digital rectal exam
 	PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test
 	Semen and urine analysis
 	Urological ultrasound, flowmetry
 	Multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging

 
How is the approach to prostate pathologies carried out using laser technology?
The most common surgery for BPH is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). An instrument is passed through the urethra and the excess prostate tissue is trimmed internally to expand the urethra. However, TURP can have side effects such as bleeding, hence the advantage of using laser surgery (laser energy destroys prostate tissue by vaporization), which causes little blood loss In addition, the recovery period from laser surgery may be shorter as well and you need a hospitalization of fewer days.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique and an alternative to conventional open surgery in which a small camera called a laparoscope is used to see inside the abdomen.

Instead of making large incisions, short, thin tubes (trocars) are inserted into the abdomen, using only small incisions (less than one centimetre).

Through these trocars, instruments are inserted that the surgeon uses to manipulate, cut and sew tissues.
Tips for taking care of the prostate
It is not possible to influence the main risk factors (age, hereditary predisposition ...), however, a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking and moderate alcohol consumption, helps reduce the overall risk of cancer.

 How is prostate cancer detected?

Prostate cancer in its early stages does not produce symptoms, so  men should have regular screenings for early detection of prostate cancer from the age of 45.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by prostate cells. However, prostate cancer cells can release about 10 times the amount of PSA compared to normal prostate cells. This knowledge is used for the early detection of prostate cancer. The PSA value is determined by taking a blood sample.

Causes of prostate cancer:

 

 	 Age. Men who are age 50 or older have an increased risk of prostate cancer.
 	Race. African-American men have the highest risk of prostate cancer.
 	 Family history. Men whose fathers or brothers have had prostate cancer have a 2- or 3-fold increased risk of prostate cancer.
 	 Diet. The risk of prostate cancer may be higher for men who eat high-fat diets.

 
What treatment can be used with this type of cancer?
Active surveillance allows treatment to be postponed until the tumour is actively progressing.

As for curative treatment, it can be performed with surgery (radical prostatectomy) and radiotherapy or internal or external radiation.
What is the prostate cancer survival rate?
As long as prostate cancer is diagnosed in its early stages and has not yet metastasized, there is a very high chance that it will be curable.

Request more information in the urology service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja

 

### 2023 Red Days and Public Holidays in Torrevieja

The Spanish employment ministry has published the list of national holidays for 2023 (the equivalent to Bank Holidays in the UK), commonly known as Red Days, or the working calendar.

Red Days are national holidays, recognised throughout the country, to which we must also add the regional holidays, in our case those celebrated in the Valencian Community, and also local holidays in Torrevieja.

Here is a list of red days, regional holidays and local holidays in Torrevieja for 2023:

January 1 - Is a Sunday this year

January 6 - Epiphany of the Lord: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

April 6 - Holy Thursday: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

April 7 - Good Friday: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

April 10 - Easter Monday: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

April 25 - San Vicente Ferrer, local holiday in Torrevieja

May 1 - Labour Day

March 19 – San Jose (Father’s Day) is normally a holiday but is a Sunday this year

June 24 - San Juan: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin

October 9 - Valencian Community Day: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

​October 12 - National Holiday of Spain

November 1 - All Saints

December 6 - Spanish Constitution Day

December 8 - Immaculate Conception

December 25 – Christmas day

December 26 – Local holiday in Torrevieja for the second day of Christmas

You can find out the full calendar, including for other municipalities, from your local social security office or town hall.

 

### Valencian hospitals have 267 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 2,013 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 305 in Castellón (193,381 in total), 419 in Alicante (530,839 in total) and 1,289 in Valencia (843,327 in total).



Of these, 1,107 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 196 from Castellón, 264 from Alicante and 647 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 267 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU: 37 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 72 in the province of Alicante, 5 of them in the ICU, and 158 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the ICU.

12 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. These are 5 women between the ages of 76 and 101, and 7 men between 77 and 89. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,155: 1,209 in the province of Castellón, 3,873 in Alicante and 5,073 in that of Valencia.

### Increase in Covid Infections This Week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,139 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last Covid update last Friday. Last week, the figure was 1,840. The new cases by province are 301 in Castellón (193,076 in total), 500 in Alicante (530,420 in total) and 1,338 in Valencia (842,038 in total).

Of these, 1,239 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 191 from Castellón, 313 from Alicante and 735 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 284 people admitted for COVID (last Friday is was 273), 16 of them in the ICU: 43 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 73 in the province of Alicante, 3 of them in the ICU, and 168 in the province of Valencia, 8 in the ICU.

Covid Hospitalisations - Valencia Region

8 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. These are 5 women between 51 and 88 years old, and 3 men between 66 and 90. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,143: 1,206 in the province of Castellón, 3,868 in Alicante and 5,069 in that of Valencia.

### Covid hospitalisations increased this week, all other data more stable

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,840 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 243 in Castellón (192,775 in total), 443 in Alicante (529,920 in total) and 1,154 in Valencia (840,700 in total).

Of these, 1,144 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 166 from Castellón, 288 from Alicante and 690 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 273 people admitted for COVID, 20 of them in the ICU: 32 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 80 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the ICU (last week it was 75 and the week before, 73), and 161 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU.



12 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except for one case in September. These are 3 women between 86 and 99 years old, and 9 men between 60 and 96. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,135: 1,205 in the province of Castellón, 3,865 in Alicante and 5,065 in that of Valencia.

### When should you see a doctor after a breast self-examination?

Dr. Antonio Brugarolas is one of the most well-known oncology specialists at a national level, trained in the United States, he has been leading the Oncology Platform of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital for more than twenty years. On the occasion of World Breast Cancer Day, Dr. Brugarolas looks at factors that cause the appearance of tumours and explains when to go to the doctor.

 

In what situations should a doctor be consulted?

 

It is essential that women carry out a breast self-examination and go to a specialist doctor when they notice any anomaly, a hardening, a visible change, alterations of the areola-nipple, or axillary thickening.

Tumours are usually painless while benign cysts and fibroadenomas can be painful.

 

The first mammogram: when is it recommended?

There are two keys to controlling the disease: improving your lifestyle in a healthy way and detecting the tumour when it is still less than 1-2 cm in size.

In tumours smaller than 2 cm, the cure of the disease is almost universally achieved, for this reason, check-ups (health and self-examination) have proven to be effective in controlling mortality.

 

The established clinical recommendation was to perform the first mammogram/ultrasound at age 40 and then every two years until age 50. From this moment on, annual controls are recommended until the age of 75.

When there is a family history, it can be carried out even before the age of 30.

 

When is it necessary to perform a mastectomy?

 

The presence of axillary metastases indicates that chemotherapy/specific combination therapy should be indicated first before surgery. For example, a tumour of less than 1 cm is cured with a surgical intervention that allows the breast to be preserved. In these cases, it is almost never necessary to give complementary chemotherapy to prevent metastases.

During the operation, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed and if it does not show metastasis, the cure rate is very high. When axillary metastases are present, radiation therapy to the axilla and remaining breast is always given. If mastectomy is performed, it is not necessary to irradiate the breast, but when the breast is conserved, postoperative radiotherapy must be given.

At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, there is a portable accelerator located in the operating room that allows a single dose of radiotherapy to be administered during the operation and to avoid subsequent radiotherapy treatment, which lasts about three weeks. On the other hand, in cases where mastectomy is performed, early breast reconstruction and symmetry is considered.

 

 

Can you live with metastatic breast cancer?

 

Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can provide years of quality life. Advances in molecular biology have produced excellent treatments.

In 2021 and 2022, exceptional results have been obtained with targeted drugs targeting new tumour genes. These drugs, defined by tumour genetics, constitute the so-called precision medicine or personalized cancer treatment.

 

Immunotherapy and breast cancer: what does it consist of?

 

Immunotherapy includes drugs aimed at boosting antitumor immunity, vaccines to generate a specific antitumor response, and genetic engineering approaches that modify a patient's cells to provide a specific response. However, no vaccines or genetically engineered cells have yet been developed for breast cancer, which are emerging techniques that have already begun to be used in other tumours.

Immunotherapy with drugs that release checkpoints (PD1, PDL1 and CTLA) serve to enhance antitumor immunity and has been developed especially in adult solid tumours. It consists of the intravenous administration of drugs every 2-4 weeks, for 2 or more years, and which can already be administered as preventive in some triple negative breast tumours.

Immunotherapy in breast cancer is very effective in some triple negative tumours and in another group of tumours of the Luminal B lineage with a favourable immunological genetic profile for antitumor immunotherapy. In these cases, it is administered in preoperative guidelines in early cases because it enhances healing.

The combination of immunotherapy with conventional chemotherapy, with radiotherapy and with precision drugs enhances its efficacy and improves the response rate, as well as survival. There is still no conclusive data and more time is needed to be able to accurately specify the results obtained.

 

What is intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT)?

 

It is a high-precision irradiation technique in which a single, high dose of radiotherapy is administered to the surgical tumour bed, during a surgical intervention.

The purpose of IORT treatments is to reduce the risk of tumour recurrence, increase local tumour control and therefore patient survival. "This technique, when performed during the surgical intervention, allows direct visualization of the area to be treated, avoiding unnecessary irradiation of the surrounding healthy tissues, and therefore reducing possible side effects", explains Dr. Rosa María Cañón, Radiation Oncologist Chironsalud Torrevieja.

IORT has been used in the treatment of different malignant tumours.

In the last two decades, there has been an important development in the application of IORT for the treatment of patients with breast cancer, in which in certain cases of early breast tumours, IORT can be administered during breast tumour surgery as the total radiotherapy dose, thereby eliminating all external radiotherapy sessions.

The 'one step' therapy, for patients with early breast cancer, who meet the appropriate criteria, allows all the local treatment to be performed in the same breast tumour surgery: removal of the tumour and the sentinel node, full-dose irradiation, and, if necessary oncoplastic reconstruction. IORT treatment only prolongs surgery by about 30 minutes and eliminates all external radiotherapy sessions.

 

Mobetrón, a great revolution

 

The Oncology Platform of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital has a MOBETRON® mobile accelerator (Unique in Spain), developed in the United States (Intraop Medical, California), installed in one of the operating rooms, with which to perform IORT treatments.

At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, IORT treatments have been administered since 2004, within multidisciplinary programs that include, in addition to surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, external radiotherapy. "From then until now we have treated tumours of different origin and location with IORT, with a large percentage and dedication to breast tumours," confirms Dr. Rosa Cañón.

The Radiotherapy Oncology department of the Oncology Platform, as well as the rest of the specialists mentioned and involved, have extensive experience in the indication and administration of IORT treatments in the tumours where it is applied.

 

 

### Covid ICU Admissions Still Rising

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,071 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 257 in Castellón (192,532 in total), 514 in Alicante (529,477 in total), 1,299 in Valencia (839,546 in total) and 1 unassigned.



Of these, 1,298 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 173 from Castellón, 346 from Alicante, 778 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.

Valencian hospitals currently have 269 people admitted for COVID, 20 of them in the ICU: 33 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 75 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the ICU, and 161 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU.





 

17 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except for one case in September. These are 5 women between 71 and 87 years old, and 12 men between 65 and 96. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,123: 1,202 in the province of Castellón, 3,863 in Alicante and 5,058 in that of Valencia.

### Face Masks to Remain Mandatory Until Next Year

The Spanish Government has consistently said that decisions on public health matters will always be led by health experts, and the wearing of masks is no exception, to which the wearing of face masks is set to remain mandatory well into 2023.

In the latest meeting this week, the health experts have said that masks should remain mandatory on public transport, including planes, buses, ships, and taxis, a decision which they would not intend to review until March 2023, in other words, after the winter.

"The maintenance of the current measures was agreed until March 2023, at which time the situation will be reassessed. This proposal of the Report is the one that was submitted to the Public Health Commission", explain voices close to the Report of Alerts. The Ministry of Health, on the other hand, assures that "the Alerts Report did not recommend removing the masks from transport, but it did not set a definite date in its recommendation." From this group of specialists, on the other hand, they insist that it was agreed to maintain this preventive measure until March of next year.

Last week, in a meeting that went largely unnoticed, the Public Health Commission approved the proposal of the Alerts Conference regarding masks in transport "indefinitely". The experts argued that " it is not the right time to remove the masks due to the arrival of winter."

Public Health doctors are beginning to warn that a new wave of coronavirus is coming upon us. Moreover, in countries like Germany, the debate on the return of the mandatory mask indoors has returned to the public sphere. It is not ruled out that masks will return in more general settings, although most likely only indoors, and it is a recommendation in many areas to still wear a mask in poorly ventilated areas, or in crowded locations.

Masks are also mandatory in health settings, such as hospitals and care homes, which also includes pharmacies. This element has not been open to discussion and is likely to remain for some time.

### 2,195 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,195 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 295 in Castellón (192,275 in total), 582 in Alicante (528,963 in total), and 1,318 in Valencia (838,247 in total).



 

Of these, 1,352 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 185 from Castellón, 374 from Alicante and 793 from Valencia.

 

Valencian hospitals currently have 290 people admitted for COVID, 16 of them in the ICU: 40 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 73 in the province of Alicante, 4 of them in the ICU, and 177 in the province of Valencia, 12 in the ICU.







11 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 15 days except three in July, August and September. These are 5 women between 63 and 94 years old, and 6 men between 81 and 91. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,106: 1,200 in the province of Castellón, 3,857 in Alicante and 5,049 in that of Valencia.

### Covid Infections, Hospitalisations and Deaths all Increasing

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 2,220 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or antigen test since the last update last Friday. Last Friday, the combined figure for both the Tuesday and Friday updates was 2,161. The new cases by province are 317 in Castellón (191,980 in total), 528 in Alicante (528,381 in total), whereas last week the total was 471, 1,374 in Valencia (836,929 in total) and 1 unassigned.

Of them, 1,406 are over 60 years old. By province: 220 from Castellón, 357 from Alicante, 828 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.



The Valencian hospitals currently have 290 people admitted, 14 of them in the ICU (last Friday the figures were 231 and 11, respectively): 42 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 90 in the province of Alicante, 2 of them in the ICU, last Friday the figure was 65 and 1, respectively, and 158 in the province of Valencia, 12 in the ICU.







17 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with dates of death in the last 15 days except July 3. These are 10 women between 79 and 101 years old, and 7 men between 66 and 91. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,095: 1,200 in the province of Castellón, 3,850 in Alicante and 5,045 in that of Valencia.





It should be noted that wearing a mask is still mandatory in Spain in healthcare settings, including pharmacies, and on public transport, including on planes to and from the country. In the Valencia region, wearing a mask is still recomended in busy or crowded areas, and indoors, especially in poorly ventilated areas, and where lots of people gather, such as supermarkets.

### Pioneering new health service for international patients from Quirónsalud Torrevieja

Hospital Quirónsalud presented a new pioneering personalised health service for international patients this week. This new service, a first of its kind in the Valencian Community, is aimed at offering personalised, preferential treatment and health advice to improve the quality of life of international patients living in the Vega Baja region. The service was launched on Friday by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón.


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		


The new service, called Health Premium Card, offers a personal health advisor, priority access to medical appointments, a bespoke plan to achieve personalised health goals which includes a check-up to find out the patient's initial status, as well as an exclusive Premium Lounge inside the hospital where you can carry out all the procedures related to your health.

In addition, the service has a free translation team for English, German, French, Dutch, Flemish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Russian among other languages, trained in medical terminology and cultural approaches of international patients.

Among the advantages that Health Premium Card users can enjoy are:

 	An initial check-up
 	Three free-choice consultations with specialists.
 	Six ambulance transfers.
 	Fourteen home nursing treatments.
 	Free dental cleaning.
 	Tests for the detection of several common diseases.
 	10% discount on private treatments.

The launch event was also attended by representatives of different foreign associations and institutions, including HELP Vega Baja, the Belgian Golf Club, the Wanderfreunde Gemässigtes Wandern, the Dutch Association, the Norwegian Church, the Swiss Club, the Swedish Consulate of Alicante and the Nordic Club among others.

Quirónsalud Torrevieja, international reference hospital on the Costa Blanca

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja is an international hospital of excellence, with a team of highly qualified professionals and cutting-edge technology. It offers a multitude of medical specialities and has developed into a prestigious multidisciplinary centre both in the field of oncology and several other medical and surgical specialities. It is the private hospital with the most advanced technology in the Valencian Community. With more than twenty years of experience, more than 400 people work there every day to care for its patients. Located in the city of Torrevieja, it is a benchmark for medical tourism and for foreign citizens looking for their new residence on the Costa Blanca.

International admission

The hospital has its own international admissions department, whose sole task is processing healthcare authorisations with national and international insurance companies. All authorisation procedures are carried out daily with national and international insurance companies directly and immediately. In this way, the patient doesn’t have to worry about these procedures, this department takes care of everything.

International hospitalisation 

The hospital boasts an international ward, created to guarantee maximum convenience, comfort and well-being of the international patient. The hospital wants the patient to feel at home throughout their stay. All rooms are individual and spacious to guarantee the comfort of the patient and a companion. Healthcare staff speak multiple languages ​​and care for international patients as fluently as possible.

For more information, click here, https://www.quironsalud.es/torrevieja/es/health-premium-card

### Uptick in Covid Infections and Deaths

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,207 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on Tuesday, when confirmed cases were 954 more than the previous update. The new cases by province are 168 in Castellón (191,663 in total), 251 in Alicante (527,853 in total) and 788 in Valencia (835,555 in total).



Of these, 668 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 111 from Castellón, 149 from Alicante and 408 from Valencia.

 

Valencian hospitals currently have 231 people admitted, 11 of them in the ICU: 35 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 65 in the province of Alicante, 1 of them in the ICU, and 131 in the province of Valencia, 9 in the ICU.







12 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, on Tuesday 2 deaths were reported and last Friday it was 6, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except one that was in August. These are six women between 73 and 94 years old, and six men between 47 and 88. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,078: 1,197 in the province of Castellón, 3,844 in Alicante and 5,037 in that of Valencia.

### Valencian hospitals have 230 people admitted for COVID, 12 of them in the ICU

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 954 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or antigen test since the last update. The new cases by province are 139 in Castellón (191,495 in total), 220 in Alicante (527,602 in total) and 595 in Valencia (834,767 in total).

Of them, 567 are people over 60 years old. By province: 87 from Castellón, 145 from Alicante and 335 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 230 people admitted for COVID, 12 of them in the ICU: 28 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 63 in the province of Alicante, 2 of them in the ICU, and 139 in the province of Valencia, 9 in the ICU.







Two deaths due to coronavirus have been reported since the last update, with the date of death in the last 7 days. They are two men, 78 and 84 years old. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,066: 1,195 in the province of Castellón, 3,842 in Alicante and 5,029 in Valencia.

### Mariners Market comes to Torrevieja

Between 7th and 9th October, the Paseo Vistalegre in Torrevieja will host a traditional Mariners Market, with artisan craft stall, food, games, and entertainment for the kids in the event with a seafaring theme.



The event will commence at 6:00 p.m. on Friday 7 October, followed by cannons, music and a parade. The market itself will be open until midnight.

On Saturday 8 October, the market opens at 11:00 a.m., with a parade at noon, followed by pirate songs, and music in the evening.

On Sunday 9 October, the market again opens at 11:00 a.m., with cannons at noon, a musical parade, more traditional music in the evening, until the market closes at 11:00 p.m.



Stalls will close during the siesta period, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

### 1,086 new Covid cases and 6 deaths since Tuesday in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,086 (up since last time) new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 163 in Castellón (191,356 in total), 231 in Alicante (527,382 in total) another increase, and 692 in Valencia (834,172 in total).

Of these, 550 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 91 from Castellón, 129 from Alicante and 330 from Valencia.





Valencian hospitals currently have 233 people admitted for COVID-19 (slightly down), 15 of them in the ICU (up): 28 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 62 in the province of Alicante (slightly down), 6 of them in the ICU (a condsiderable increase), and 143 in the province of Valencia, 9 in the ICU.





6 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, 4 of them with a date of death in the last 7 days and 2 from July 2022. All are men between 72 and 92 years of age. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,064: 1,195 in the province of Castellón, 3,840 in Alicante and 5,029 in Valencia.



In view of how the situation is developing, Alicante town hall has become the first this week to give out free masks to elderly and vulnerable residents. Remember, across the Valencia region, the recommendation has remained that you should wear a mask in busy or enclosed spaces.

### Is it possible to prevent Alzheimer's?

How to detect symptoms and stop its progress.

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease, which slowly destroys memory and cognitive abilities. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

"The annual incidence of the disease in Spain is 2-4 cases per 1,000 inhabitants/year and it has been seen that the relationship between age and incidence is evident in all the epidemiological studies that have been carried out." explained Dr. Erika Torres, head of the Advanced Neurosciences Unit of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante.

Alzheimer's symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time (forgetfulness, difficulty completing familiar tasks at home or at work, misplacing things, impaired or poor judgment about financial matters, etc.

Prevention

Clear risk factors for the disease are age, sex (slightly higher incidence in women) and genetic factors. These factors are not modifiable, however, studies in recent years have shown that there are modifiable factors on which action can be taken to work on primary prevention:

 	The control of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) such as arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus.
 	Improvement of lifestyle: avoid the consumption of toxins (tobacco, alcohol), follow a Mediterranean diet, and perform physical activity.
 	Having an adequate social network to carry out activities that allow us to interact with other people.
 	Cultivate our intellectual activity: reading, learning a language, doing puzzles.

Diagnosis

When a patient comes to consultation, an adequate medical history, interview and neuropsychological examination of the patient by the specialist is essential. The basic study of complementary tests requested is an analysis and a brain imaging test.

Alzheimer's treatments in Quirónsalud

The diagnostic-therapeutic approach to Alzheimer's is essential to be carried out by a group of professionals who are experts in the pathology.

For this reason, Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante have a cognitive impairment program in which they offer neurological nursing consultation. A place where you can thoroughly explain in a calm way what the pathology consists of and give personalized support to the patient and family.

In addition, an essential part of this program is the neuropsychological rehabilitation of the patient, to increase the functional capacity and improve the patient's quality of life.

Information about Alzheimer's treatment in Quirónsalud

Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante have neuropsychologists with extensive training and experience in the assessment and treatment of patients with AD and other dementias. They offer a personalized service where each case is studied and treated from an integrative and humanizing perspective.

In addition to individual attention, at Quirónsalud Torrevieja they have cognitive and memory stimulation workshops for patients diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment and psychoeducational support groups for family members and caregivers.

They have also launched the consultation for the prevention of cognitive deterioration by neurology nursing in which any interested person without previous pathology will be informed of the measures that we must carry out in our day-to-day lives to reduce the chances of getting a disease like this.

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

-International medical team

-Free translation service

-We work with all national and international medical insurers

-General emergencies 24/7

-Paediatric daytime emergencies

Address:

Partida de la Loma, s/n

03184 Torrevieja, Alicante

 

 

### Torrevieja Street Cats to get Winter Shelters

Torrevieja´s Department of Animal Protection has announced that it is going to acquire 28 huts to give shelter to the cat colonies that live on the town´s streets.

Image by lutz44 from Pixabay

The huts will be distributed in the areas where these colonies are located.

The initiative is part of the capture, sterilisation, release project for cats which the Department and the associations "Alma de Gato", "CES Project" and "Animalistas Torrevieja" are part.

It is hoped that the installation of these hutches will not only improve the lives of these cats, but als improve the appearance of the areas where the colonies live, their feeding, health control and the general management of stray cats.

### Registration now open for Spanish lessons in Torrevieja

Torrevieja´s Department of International Residents, directed by the councillor Gitte Lund, has organised Spanish lessons in Torrevieja, specifically aimed at the international residents of the town.



The classes will be taught at its own headquarters by the Königin Study Centre of Torrevieja, with a duration of 10 weeks in an intensive method. For this, the Council has awarded a minor contract to this academy for a total of 8,600 euro.

In addition to the theoretical course, the students of the courses will visit emblematic places in the town and various activities will be carried out in order to interact with the public.

The registration period is now open and will remain so until October 11, allowing those interested in learning Spanish to register through the PROP Registry in the town (by appointment) or through the electronic headquarters of the Torrevieja town hall website, available via torrevieja.es.

### Covid infections and hospitalisations creep up across Alicante province

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 964 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or antigen test since the last update. The new cases by province are 155 in Castellón (191,193 in total), 229 in Alicante (527,151 in total), it was 217 in the last update, and 580 in Valencia (833,480 in total).





Of them, 542 are people over 60 years old. By province: 95 from Castellón, 150 from Alicante and 297 from Valencia.

 

Valencian hospitals currently have 237 people admitted with COVID-19, 12 of them in the ICU: 35 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 69 in the province of Alicante, last time it was 66, 1 of them in the ICU, and 133 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU.



5 deaths due to coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days. These are 2 women aged 65 and 95, and 3 men aged 64 to 91. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,058: 1,195 in the province of Castellón, 3,838 in Alicante and 5,025 in Valencia.

### The Guardia Civil arrests four people for a sexual assault on a young woman in Torrevieja

The Guardia Civil arrested four people who are charged with a multiple violation of a young woman who was on vacation in the town of Torrevieja with a friend. The victim went to report the facts as soon as she could after what had happened, thus facilitating the immediate action.



The Women-Minor Team (EMUME) of the Alicante Command began the investigation after receiving a complaint from a victim on September 8, shortly after the events occurred. A young woman who was on vacation in the town went to ask for the help of the agents because she had just been the victim of three sexual assaults.

For this reason, the agents began the investigation to secure all the evidence and prevent the aggressors from fleeing since they were not identified when the victim filed the complaint and that, as suspected, they were temporarily in Torrevieja.

The rapid action of the Guardia Civil resulted in the location of the defendants and the scene of the crime just a few hours after the events were reported, managing to collect all the evidence necessary for their indictment.

After carrying out a reconstruction of what happened, the investigators have concluded that the victim had gone out to dinner and a drink in a leisure area of ​​Torrevieja with a friend. At one point, taking advantage of the fact that she had been left alone, one of the perpetrators struck up a conversation with her and tricked her into an apartment far from the area where the victim was initially with her friend. Once in the apartment she was sexually assaulted first by him, and then by two other men. When she managed to get away from the aggressors and go out into the street, she was helped by passers-by who helped her get to the Guardia Civil barracks.

For these events, four men aged between 19 and 30 who were on vacation in Torrevieja have been arrested.

Thanks to the decision of the victim, an 18-year-old girl, to report the events immediately, the work of the agents to identify the perpetrators and gather numerous evidence to prove what happened has been facilitated.

The operation, carried out by the Women-Minor Team of the Judicial Police Organic Unit of the Alicante Guardia Civil Command, has had the close collaboration of the French Authorities through the Customs Police Cooperation Centre and Europol.

The Court of Instruction number 1 of Torrevieja has decreed the imprisonment of the three alleged perpetrators of the multiple rape. The fourth is charged as an accomplice, since he was in the apartment when the events occurred. The latter has been released with precautionary measures prohibiting him from leaving the national territory and the obligation to appear before the Court every 15 days.

The Women-Minor Teams (EMUME) were created in 1995. They are Judicial Police teams of the Guardia Civil made up of agents specialised in caring for victims of special vulnerability. These civil guards are trained in dealing with crimes including sexual harassment, abuse and assault. Its action is aimed at clarifying the facts and ensuring the immediate protection of the victims with individualised and personalised treatment.

The EMUME is located at the head of the Comandancia, from where it coordinates and supervises the cases of the entire province. For the development of their functions, EMUME agents have progressive training and continuous updating.

### Major money-saving tax reforms and plans for a tram service from Alicante-Elche Airport to Torrevieja announced

The president of the Valencia Region, Ximo Puig, has announced a tax reform for the social majority made up of 97.4% of the population that lowers taxes on 1.3 million taxpayers with medium and low incomes and will report global savings of 149 million euro to families.

 

The president outlined the axes of this tax reform during his speech at the General Policy Debate at Les Corts, where he indicated that he is seeking to promote measures that directly benefit all those who earn less than 60,000 euro a year, as well as such as promoting economic activity and employment and protecting those who are most punished by inflation. In addition, he has stressed that this reform will already apply to the 2022 Income, because it will have retroactive effects to January 1 of this year.

The President began his speech advancing that the public response to inflation will be reflected in actions such as a tax deduction of 100 euro for families with a mortgage, aimed at individual incomes of up to 30,000 euro or 47,000 euro for the case of joint taxation, or the free public transport of the Generalitat metro, tram and buses for young people from 0 to 30 years of age, which will benefit this entire age group (1.5 million people) and will apply from 9 October until December 31.

Increase in the amount exempt from taxation

In addition, he stressed that these actions will be accompanied by three important fiscal measures. The first of these is that the amount exempt from taxation for all citizens increases by 10%, the maximum allowed by the rule, which will benefit all people, although those who exceed 60,000 euro in income will keep their tax effort in the reform set.

The second measure will consist of a new autonomous personal income tax rate for this year, with new sections adapted to the current situation. For this concept alone, incomes of 10,000 euro will save 94.5 euro, those of 20,000 will save 117 euro, those of 30,000 will save 67 euro and incomes over 60,000 euro will maintain their tax effort, which will improve progressivity of the tax.

The third measure expands all tax deductions and rebates and also expands the number of beneficiaries. Specifically, as he has explained, all deductions increase by 10%, and he has cited in this section those existing for son or daughter, for renting a home, for a large or single-parent family, for reconciling work with family life or for expenses in nursery or school for sons or daughters under 3 years of age.

In addition, he has remarked that more people will be able to take advantage of the deductions, because, from now on, the income that can benefit from the deduction will go from 25,000 to 30,000 euro.

Average savings of 111 euro per taxpayer

These three measures will benefit 1,344,000 taxpayers "all those who earn less than 60,000 euro, the majority of society", since "the highest incomes will pay the same as until now". “This is the progressive tax reform, the tax reform for 97.4% of the population”, with “an average saving of more than 100 euro per taxpayer and an overall saving of 149 million for families, and of these, two thirds benefit incomes of less than 30,000 euro”, he indicated.

The president has underlined that in 2015 the most regressive tax system in Spain was inherited and the fiscal shift given by the Consell has allowed the Valencian Community to be led to "the most progressive tax system". "Here, neither immobility nor tax gifts to fortunes", he said, and added: "Some lower taxes on the richest, here the majority of society is helped to make ends meet".

“That is why today we are lowering taxes on 1.3 million Valencians and that is why we are not lowering them on the highest incomes, because if the objective is social justice, the path is called fiscal justice”, added the president, who has remarked: "Here we do not touch the wealth tax, for which only 0.5% of Valencians are taxed", that is, "those who have assets of more than half a million euro".

As an example, he pointed out that, thanks to the announced measures, a young single person under the age of 35, who earns 28,000 euro, and pays off 8,000 euro mortgage, will save 530 euro on the tax return; a young couple, with two small children, who earn 30,000 and 38,000 euro, will save 845 euro in the declaration, a couple under 35, who pay 8,000 euro a year in rent, and earn 18,000 and 21,000 euro, will save 262 euro or a single-parent family with a 4-year-old child and an income of 25,000 euro will save 224 euro.

The president also alluded in his speech to the fact that the Valencian Community has received more resources from the EU in two and a half years than all the European funds in the previous 14 years (4,5 billion euro), and has made public the Valencian request that has directed the First Vice President and Minister of Economy, Nadia Calviño so that the additional 7,7 billion that Spain has received promote strategic business interests for Valencians.

In this sense, it has advanced that a new PERTE has been requested for the decarbonisation of the tile sector and proposals for the second block of the European Recovery Mechanism, which will be distributed between 2024 and 2026, and in which the Consell aspires to capture 5 billion more to invest in projects and for a business oxygen operation that includes 2,7 billion to give discounted credits to companies.

Energy transition

With regard to the energy transition, it has also advanced support measures from the Generalitat for the industrial sectors that are having the worst time and, in particular, for ceramics, since the Government's aid to the gas-intensive sector will be completed until limit set by the European Union -he will address this issue with the ceramic companies this week at Cersaie and will meet with the person in charge of the Italian region of Emilia Romagna- and, in parallel, the Government and the EU will be urged to extend the aid framework and the resources to continue supporting the sector.

Likewise, it will be requested that renewable energy projects, their connection to the network, the network itself and its assets be declared of superior public interest, which will allow large renewable energy projects to be authorized in one year, a plan will be presented Valencian for the development of the solar industry.

Ximo Puig has pointed out, on the other hand, that the map of opportunities that has made it possible to trace the "stability, solvency and confidence" generated by the Valencian Community will add to "historic operations" to attract investments such as those of Volkswagen or Ford continues to allow adding to new companies. In this sense, "the arrival of a new large multinational" has advanced, since the Japanese company Hitachi "will deploy a software development centre in Valencia in the coming weeks, and it will do so through its subsidiary Global Logic, and added that advanced talks are under way to establish a headquarters for the Centre for Digital Technology in Munich in the Community.

Puig has expressed in this section the will of the Generalitat to "invest the legal maximum in direct aid to leading companies that settle in the Community", especially those companies with a technological and innovative base.

200 million euro for job creation

The president has also advanced that the largest Employment Plan will be promoted, with more than 200 million euro, and has detailed in this sense that the hiring programs for young people will be increased by 50% (up to 57 million euro), which will be will double the support for the indefinite hiring of vulnerable groups (up to 26 million), that 12 million will be allocated to employment workshops for young people with difficulties in finding work and that the Avalem Capacitats Plan will also be created, for people with functional diversity.

In addition, another package of initiatives has been advanced to support the productive sectors, with a new free justice service for SMEs, micro-enterprises, self-employed workers and self-employed workers who face defaults, dismissals or other problems derived from inflation. and war.

Likewise, the Valencian Institute of Finance will begin to mobilise 180 million in loans to companies at 1.5%, with 20% non-reimbursable aid and to repay in 10 years, with up to 5 million euro per company to help invest now face operating expenses due to the rise in interest rates.

Valencian Forestry Cooperation Fund

Likewise, Puig has announced the creation of a Valencian Forestry Cooperation Fund for better maintenance of forests, fire prevention and greater reforestation with a budget of 50 million euro that the Generalitat will transfer to the municipalities. It will be proposed to the councils that they supplement this plan with 30 million more.

He has also announced a line of aid to compensate agricultural owners who recover or maintain crops in areas of strategic forest value, with a budget of 5 million in 2023.

Extension of non-invasive prenatal testing to all pregnant women

Regarding health initiatives, innovative measures have been advanced, such as the expansion of non-invasive prenatal testing to all pregnant women. Likewise, the Community will be a pioneer in Spain in facilitating that all chronically ill people with hospital pharmacological treatment can pick up their medication at the pharmacy or at the health centre without having to go to the hospital. Likewise, new resources will be established for diabetes: day hospitals throughout the territory and diabetic foot units for immediate assistance to people at risk of amputation. The extension of screening to detect cervical cancer in the entire target population from 2023 will also be facilitated.

Puig has also detailed that it will be implemented, as an exceptional measure for December until the normalisation of delays in surgical interventions, that those patients who have to be operated on for the most prevalent pathologies and are going to have to wait more than 60 days, can choose the option to be intervened in the concerted Health.

Awareness campaign to prevent suicides in adolescents

With regard to initiatives in the educational field, Puig has remarked that, among other measures, an adolescent awareness campaign will be launched to prevent suicidal and self-harm behaviour, 10 integrated VT centres will be set up in the coming years, in addition to 2 centres of symbolic VT of the new Valencian model: a training centre to meet the needs of the Sagunto gigafactory and a centre together in the City of Light to reinforce the audiovisual labour fabric.

Measures in social care and housing

In social care, the president has indicated that the Vice Presidency will pilot the renewal and expansion of the pact against gender violence, as well as actions such as a new advanced teleassistance system through 50,000 complementary technological supports, the implementation of the Social History Unique, to monitor the social context of the dependent person and the creation of the figure of the Child Assistant person to accompany minors with functional diversity who need therapeutic rehabilitation.

In housing, the Second Vice Presidency will undertake the approval of a public housing regulation that will meet a historical demand of the promoters. The new text, which will be published in December, will speed up public-private collaboration in order to speed up the Generalitat's public promotion plans. In addition, another important measure, scheduled for October, will be a new tender for lots to promote the construction of public housing. With this, the aim is to build 1,090 homes on public land distributed in 51 areas of the Valencian Community. Altogether, 50 million in these promotions, with which 151 million public-private collaboration will be mobilised.

In public transport, in the province of Alicante, a study will be carried out on the TRAM from the Alicante-Elche Airport to Torrevieja and between Orihuela and Torrevieja and the informative study of the Dénia-Gandia TRAM will be put out to tender imminently; in Castelló, the studies will be awarded so that FGV establishes itself with the power that Plana needs to meet the economic, labour and social needs of the metropolitan area. In Valencia, before the end of the year, the extension of the L10 to connect Nazaret with the seafront, the new L11 from the Ciutat de les Arts to the Grau and L12, which will connect the centre of the city with the Hospital La Fe.

### Torrevieja Weather Alert - Sunday and Monday

There is a Torrevieja weather alert once again, covering the Alicante province, active on both Sunday 26 September, and Monday 26 September, for heavy rain and storms.

Although nothing really happened in Torrevieja during the last warning of a few days ago, many parts of Spain, including the Canaries, are having a particularly bad time at the moment, so it´s better to be prepared.

The current warnings for Alicante south, which covers Torrevieja:

 

Sunday 25 September 2022, from 12:00 to 23:59

Rains of up to 20mm, accompanied by storms. Intensifying from noon onwards.

Monday 26 September 2022, from 00:00 to 19:59

Continued risk of heavy rain and storms.

 

This was the situation at 10:00:


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		


You can check the current status of the warnings from the official Spanish net office site, http://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/avisos?l=770303&r=1

The other picture is from the app Rain Alarm, which can be downloaded onto your mobile.

 

 

### Confirmed Covid infections up and deaths double since last update across Valencia

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,032 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 140 in Castellón (191,038 in total), 217 in Alicante (526,922 in total) and 675 in Valencia (832,900 in total).





Of these, 530 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 82 from Castellón, 132 from Alicante and 316 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 228 people admitted, 15 of them in the ICU: 27 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 66 in the province of Alicante, 1 of them in the ICU, and 135 in the province of Valencia, 14 in the ICU.







10 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except one in June 2022. These are 6 women between 87 and 99 years old, and 4 men between 81 and 96 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,053: 1,195 in the province of Castellón, 3,837 in Alicante and 5,021 in Valencia.



We can also look at the graphs for the current trend over the last 28 days.

### 2.6 magnitude earthquake shakes Torrevieja

An earthquake, with a reported magnitude of 2.6, shook Torrevieja and the surrounding area on Thursday morning.



The tremor had an epicentre in Guardamar del Segura, with a depth of 7 kilometres.

To see the full report, click here.

If you felt the earthquake, you can also report what you felt and observed to the official institute which deals with earthquakes, the IGN, by clicking this link.

### International Day for Older Persons in Torrevieja

Torrevieja will be celebrating the International Day for Older Persons, with a series of activities organized by the town hall department which is dedicated to the interests of the more mature residents, with the Concejalía de Gente Mayor, Inmaculada Montesinos, explaining this week what will take place.



The International Day of for Older Persons is a United Nations recognised day, observed on October 1 each year, after the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons on December 14, 1990, celebrating the first event on October 1, 1991.

In Torrevieja, on Saturday 1 October 2022, starting at 5:30 p.m. (a change to the originally published time), a gala will take place at the Municipal Theatre, with the participation of the groups "Sabor y Baile", "Rocieros de Sevilla", line dance of the Macro, Tomás Pelaéz, «Amanecer Rociero» and the special performance of the singer Mari Fé Ramírez. In addition, prizes will be awarded for the Photography Contest of the Department and awards to the greatest honourees. Admission is free with an invitation, which can be picked up at the Department for the Elderly, located at Calle Maldonado nº 5.



Before that main event however, on Friday 30 September, a coexistence day will take place in the Parque de las Naciones, which will include Zumba workshops, line dancing and the tasting of a popular paella -with prior ticket reservation at the department.

In addition, on Wednesday 5 October, from 6:00 p.m., there will be a day of activities and a musical performance in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata.

Not only that, those of a more mature age are also invited to sign up for a number of activities organised by the town hall, including courses in dance, ceramics, yoga, and computers. Again, if you are interested, you should visit the department’s office. The courses are free and will begin on October 4.

### Yellow weather alert for rain around Torrevieja area today - UPDATED

The Spanish meteorological service, AEMET, has issued a yellow weather warning for rain, commencing at 17:00 on Wednesday 21 September 2022, expiring at 23:59 on the same day.

Source: AEMET.

Weather alerts for rain were already in place but only for inland areas. The alert has now been extended to cover the coastal areas in the south of the Alicante province, where Torrevieja is located.

The alert warns of accumulated rainfall in one hour: 20 mm, which may intensify to 30 mm/h at times. In addition, there may be storms accompanied by hail. The probability of this happening is between 40 and 70%.

The situation may cause local flooding and may affect driving conditions. Click here for tips for driving in rain.

UPDATE: As of Wednesday afternoon, the alert has been pushed back. It is now active from Midnight on Wednesday, but for a longer period, until 21:59 on Thursday evening, so all day on Thursday. Same risk applies, just later and longer.

UPDATE 2: As on Thursday morning, the alert has been pushed back again, and is now active from 14:00 on Thursday 22 September 2022, until 21:59 on the same day. the warning is still for 20 mm, but the intense downpours of 30 mm are lifted.

### 5 deaths and 945 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 945 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 130 in Castellón (190,898 in total), 225 in Alicante (526,705 in total), 589 in Valencia (832,225 in total) and 1 unassigned case.



Of these, 506 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 83 from Castellón, 127 from Alicante, 295 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.

Valencian hospitals currently have 253 people admitted, of which 18 are in the ICU: 26 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 86 in the province of Alicante, 4 of them in the ICU, and 141 in the province of Valencia, 13 in the ICU.



5 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are two women between 92 and 94 years old, and three men between 83 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,043: 1,194 in the province of Castellón, 3,833 in Alicante and 5,016 in Valencia.



When we look at the Alicante province, we can see from the figures and graphs that ICU attendance has dropped slightly, although it has mostly been stable, and both infections and hospitalisations are maintaining similar figures, remembering that the method of recording was changed at the end of August.

### Exports from the Valencian Community grow by 26%

Exports from the Valencian Community have reached a value of 23,6 billion euro in the period January - July 2022, which represents an increase of 25.9% compared to the same period of the previous year, according to data made public by the Territorial Directorate of Commerce of the Valencian Community dependent on the Secretary of State for Commerce.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

The Minister of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Commerce and Labour, Rafa Climent, has highlighted "the maintenance of the upward trend in exports from the Valencian Community in all geographical areas in a complex scenario at the international level".

In the January-July period, exports grew in the three provinces above 18%. In Valencia, the value exported reaches 12,7 billion euro, which represents an increase of 25.1%; Castellón registers a value of 6,7 billion euro, with an outstanding increase of 32.7% and Alicante exports products worth 4,2 billion euro, with an increase of 18.7% compared to the same period of the year 2021.

By sectors, the agri-food leads the export of the Valencian Community with a value of 4,5 billion euro and an increase of 5.4%, followed by non-chemical semi-manufactures, with 4,4 billion euro and an increase of 36%. In this category, the increase in exports of ceramic products stands out, with a rise of 36%.

In third position is the automotive chapter, with a value of 3,5 billion euro and an increase of 37.9%. Chemical products are in fourth place, with a value of 3,4 billion euro and growth of 24.8%.

They are followed by capital goods that register exports worth 2,9 billion euro and an increase of 16.7%. Consumer manufactures, with 9.5% of total exports, amounted to 2,3 billion euro, with an increase of 18.1%.

By destinations, exports from the Valencian Community to the EU in the period January - July 2022 amounted to 13, 4 billion euro, with an increase of 21.8%. In this area, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal lead the ranking. The increase in Italy stands out, standing at 32.5% and Portugal, at 27.5%.

The countries of the rest of Europe experienced an increase of 27.2%. In this area, the United Kingdom grew by an outstanding 32.2%. Exports destined for the Americas grew by 44% with a notable increase in Latin America, standing at 50%, and a rise of 41% in North America. Exports to Asia grew by 21.9% and Africa grew by 18.8%.

### Fiestas Virgen del Rosario de Torrelamata

The Councillor for Festivities in Torrevieja, Concha Sala, accompanied by the Councillor for the Environment and Beaches, Antonio Vidal, and María Rosa Gil, representative of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Rosario de La Mata, presented the festival program at the La Mata Town Hall to honour the Virgen del Rosario de Torrelamata that will take place from Sunday 25 September 2022 to Sunday 9 October. They are the first festivities without restrictions for the district in honour of its patron saint.



The festivities, which begin this coming Sunday, have the collaboration and participation of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary, as well as the Board of Festive Clubs of La Mata and the Peña el Cachirulo, the latter will place a barrack, open to the public from October 4 to 9.



The religious acts begin this Sunday, October 25, with the pilgrimage, which will depart from the parish of Ntra. Señora del Rosario at 10:00 a.m. to the “José Eduardo Gil Rebollo” recreational area, where a field mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon, sung by the choir of the Brotherhood of the Virgen del Rocío, and later a giant popular paella. Paella tickets can be picked up at the Perelló Hardware Store and at the “Mari Carmen” Lottery Administration in La Mata. All the people who collect their ticket will enter a prize draw that will take place on the same day of the pilgrimage. After the draw will proceed to the return to the parish of the Torrevieja district.

The offering of flowers will be held on Sunday, October 1, starting at 7:30 p.m., at the end of the Holy Mass, which will be sung by the choir of the Brotherhood of Rocío de Torrevieja. On Friday, October 7, at 7:30 p.m., the mass will take place in honour of the patron saint. The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 9, starting at 7:30 p.m., in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol with the subsequent procession through the streets of the district. At the end of the procession, a fireworks display will be launched.

On September 30, the festive events will begin with the traditional “sobaquillo” dinner in Plaza Gaspar Perelló, which will be enlivened by a disc jockey. The paella contest will be held on Sunday, October 2 in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol. In order to participate, all interested parties must register by calling 629 860 809 and 678 503 443. At 4:30 p.m. the Foam Party will take place, which will feature a disc jockey. The Multicolour parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, with the following itinerary: Avenida de Soria, Avenida de Alemania and Calle Mayor.

The popular festivals will take place on October 7 and 8, in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata starting at 9:30 p.m. On October 7, the musical performance will be carried out by “Los 80 Principales in concert”, and on October 8 at 9:00 p.m. “Los Flojos” will perform, followed at 10:30 p.m. by the performance of “Cocktail Tributo”. At the end of all performances there will be a disc jockey.

Various activities have been prepared for the little ones, such as the Children's Grand Prix, which will take place on Saturday, October 1, starting at 11:00 a.m., in the Encarnación Puchol square, and on October 8, starting at 11:00 a.m. confinement of San Fermín and subsequent inflatable bullfight, which will depart from the Gaspar Perelló square to the Encarnación Puchol square where a bullring will be installed for the enjoyment of the little ones.

### Double Tragedy on La Mata beach on Monday

On Monday, two people died on the beach of La Mata in Torrevieja, according to sources from the Provincial Firefighters Consortium and the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU).



At 1:45 p.m. the CICU and the firefighters were alerted that there were two people who could not get out of the water at La Mata, for which two SAMU paramedic ambulances and one basic life support, SVB, unit were mobilised.

The report indicated that there was a man and a woman, a married couple, who, before the arrival of the health services and firefighters, had been rescued by six bathers after several attempts to reach them.

The first to arrive were the firefighters from the Consortium with the Alpha 01 helicopter with the rescue group (GER) who, until the arrival of the medical facilities, have practiced CPR manoeuvres for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The SAMU medical teams, upon arrival, followed up with advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other techniques on the two bathers, a 55-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man; but there has been no response.

### Spain Travel Health Form Completely Withdrawn

The Spanish Government has announced that from Tuesday 20 September, it will NO longer be necessary to fill out the health control form (Spain Travel Health Form) to travel to Spain, NOR to present the QR code for #SpTH at the arrival airport.



The requirement to complete the form, which acted in a similar way to the UK Passenger Locator Form, was withdrawn from some passengers already, but has now been extended to cover everyone entering the country.

As a result, as of Tuesday 20 September 2022, the Spain Travel Health #SpTH portal is no longer operational, both the website and the mobile applications.

The Spanish Ministry of Health still maintains their website offering Covid travel information, which can be visited here, https://www.sanidad.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm

If you would like to read or download the Spanish document which published this change, you can do so here, https://boe.es/boe/dias/2022/09/19/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-15206.pdf

Covid travel restrictions are gradually easing in Spain, although it is still mandatory to wear a mask on the plane on flights to and from the country, a requirement which the Government has stated it will not relax until the health experts say that it is safe to do so. If you would like to read or download the Spanish rule on wearing masks on planes, you can do so here, https://boe.es/boe/dias/2022/04/20/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-6449.pdf

Once in the airport, off the plane, it is now only a recommendation to wear a mask, although this should be considered essential for protecting your health, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, according to the health experts.

### Spectacular Gala for AFE CANCER Torrevieja

There will be a Charity Gala "AFE CANCER POR TORREVIEJA" on Sunday 25 September, at the Virgen del Carmen auditorium.

The show starts at 20:30h at tickets can be purchased at the AFE Cancer Headquarters on C. Clemente Gosálvez, 72, 03181 Torrevieja, and two hours before at the Cultural Centre Virgin del Carmen.

### 8 Covid deaths and 1,102 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

Covid infections and deaths across Valencia are both up since the last update. It is also important to note that not all infections are recorded since the methods were changed.

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,102 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 170 in Castellón (190,768 in total), 276 in Alicante (526,480 in total) and 656 in Valencia (831,636 in total).

Of these, 619 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 96 from Castellón, 180 from Alicante and 343 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 277 people admitted for COVID-19, 18 of them in the ICU: 23 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 85 in the province of Alicante, 5 of them in the ICU, and 169 in the province of Valencia, 13 in the ICU.



Eight deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except one in June. They are four women between 85 and 91 years old, and four men between 84 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,038: 1,194 in the province of Castellón, 3,831 in Alicante and 5,013 in Valencia.



The final graph in the series shows hospitalisations in the Alicante province only, which includes Torrevieja. The data changes significantly at the end of August, indicated by a dip, as the method of reporting hospitalisations changed. Therefore no longer reflecting a comparison figure.

### La Siesta Church to hold Commemorative Mass for Queen Elizabeth II

A special commemorative service will be held at the La Siesta church in Torrevieja, to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

La Siesta Church, Torrevieja.

The mass will take place on Saturday 17th September, at 11:30, at La Siesta Church, located on Calle Granados, Urb La Siesta, Torrevieja.

The service is open to all and is in addition to the one organised at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in the centre of Torrevieja for Wednesday 21 September.

### Tips to prevent heart disease

The specialists of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja recommend a periodic monitoring of blood pressure and glycaemic index, since these are two of the main risk factors for cardiovascular health. "A hyperglycaemia maintained over time can cause damage to our blood vessels until reaching the major arteries and generate cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, a high blood pressure progressively and linearly increases the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke as blood pressure figures increase", explain the cardiology specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

At the origin of most cardiovascular diseases is arteriosclerosis, an ailment caused mainly by the obstruction of the arteries due to the deposit of cholesterol. Other risk factors are hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, as well as genetic inheritance.



Special attention to women

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in women, especially from the age of 50, and its origin is found in the drop in oestrogen that occurs in menopause. "Oestrogens are the protective hormones against cardiovascular diseases and their fall in menopause produces an increase in weight and cholesterol, together with the appearance of hypertension and diabetes. Another of the negative aspects are the symptoms of heart attacks in women, since it can occur in a greater proportion atypically, such as a less intense pain, located at the epigastric level or that does not usually radiate to the left arm, and that can be accompanied by a lack of breath, which causes, on numerous occasions,  a delay in the diagnosis, which worsens the prognosis", point out the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

Recommendations to take care of the heart and prevent diseases

 	Eat in a healthy and balanced way. There are studies that show that the Mediterranean diet reduces the incidence of cardiovascular complications by up to 30%.
 	Reduce the consumption of salt and animal fats and opt for fish, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
 	Do moderate exercise on a regular and controlled basis. Some people practice a physical activity that is too intense and not suitable for their age profile and physical condition. Therefore, before starting it, it would be advisable to receive medical advice, especially from the age of 35.
 	Maintaining the ideal weight is important to prevent high blood pressure and diabetes.
 	Undergo periodic check-ups, especially from the age of 50, to control the appearance of cardiovascular risk factors.
 	Promote healthy lifestyle habits from childhood.

Quirónsalud, a benchmark in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

The Integral Cardiology Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja offers a quality complete care service for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular pathologies.

For this, it has a multidisciplinary team of professionals of recognised prestige and the latest medical advances.

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

- International medical team

- Free translation service

- We work with all national and international medical insurers

- General emergencies 24/7

- Paediatric daytime emergencies

### The 34th Ciudad de Torrevieja Choral Meeting Starts 22 September

The 34th Choral Meeting, Ciudad de Torrevieja, will be held at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja on September 22, 23 and 24 at 20:30.

34th Ciudad de Torrevieja.

The Opening Gala will be Thursday 22nd, featuring Francisco Vallejos Choir and Casanovas Maestro Choir.

On Friday, September 23, the Symphony Choir of the Municipal Choral School of Torrevieja, the Chamber Choir Ad Libitum (Quart de Poblet) and the Camtoras Chamber Choir (Madrid) will perform.

On Saturday, September 24, the Closing Gala will be held with the participation of Alterum Cor (Valladolid) and Camerata Lacunensis (University of La Laguna).

That same Saturday, at the Palacio de Musica, at 11:00 hours, the 19th Choral Forum "Ciudad de Torrevieja" will take place, where the members of the choirs will meet to share experiences, repertories, methods of work, etc.

The sale of tickets, at a unique price of 5 euro, can be purchased through the website entradasatualcance.com and habaneras.org.

### 6th International Tapas Day to be Celebrated in Torrevieja

Not to be confused with World Tapas Day, celebrated every year on 16 June, Torrevieja is celebrating International Tapas Day this weekend on Saturday 24 September.

International Tapas Day 2022.

It is the sixth edition of Torrevieja’s International Tapas Day celebration, organised by the town hall, and in conjunction with the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Region, and this year will have the participation of 14 associated establishments, where you can get tapas and a drink for 3 euro.

Last year, there were 21 bars and restaurants taking part and it only cost 2.50 euro, the same price as 2020, when 23 establishments took part, in fact, the price has been constant since the event began in 2016, when 33 establishments took part, and a free bus service was organised from the urbanisations into the centre of the town so more people could take part, but like most things this year, it was inevitable the price would increase, whilst the offerings decrease.

Incidentally, it’s not quite clear where the “international” element comes into it.

This gastronomic event will be held from 12:00 to 16:30, and from 19:30 to 23:00, where participating establishments will offer their best tapas at “affordable” prices during the set schedule.

Throwback to the first edition of International Tapas Day in 2016.

### Torrevieja Fine Dining to be Showcased at Alicante Gastronómica

Torrevieja fine dining is to be showcased this weekend at a major gastronomical event, Alicante Gastronómica, which takes place at the Institución Ferial Alicantina (IFA), next to Alicante-Elche Airport, from Friday 23 September, to Monday 26 September, 2022.

Torrevieja’s Councillor for Tourism, Rosario Martínez, and the president of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca, José Ignacio Pastor.

Torrevieja’s Councillor for Tourism, Rosario Martínez, accompanied by the president of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca, José Ignacio Pastor, announced that this year they will have a new and innovative stand design, which will be representative of the tradition and essence of Torrevieja.

There will be space for a general information point, tasting area, and there will also be screens that show the presentations and tastings and the most traditional products of Torrevieja. With this, added Martínez Chazarra, "we wanted to give a more institutional package to the participation in the largest gastronomic fair in Spain".

TORREVIEJA STAND ACTIVITIES

Friday September 23

-12:00 p.m. Pigeon tasting with typical local aperitif.

-2:00 p.m. Fideua tasting. Fideuà is a seafood dish originally from the coast of Valencia that is similar to paella.

-4:00 p.m. Sweet tasting.

Saturday September 24

-12:00 p.m. Pigeon tasting with typical local aperitif.

-1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Presentation and tasting of La Mata wines.

-2:00 p.m. Tasting of Sangochao de Cuttlefish.

-4:00 p.m. Sweet tasting.

Sunday September 25

-12:00 p.m. Pigeon tasting with typical local aperitif.

-1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Presentation and tasting of La Mata wines.

-1:30-2:00 p.m. Tasting of salts with extra virgin olive oil with citrus touches from the low plains by Adrián Canales, manager of the Ociomar company and culinary demonstration of Bonito with salt from the Salinas de Torrevieja by Ángela Manzanaro, cook of the Isla restaurant.

-2:00 p.m. Tasting of Gazpacho Marinero.

-4:00 p.m. Sweet tasting.

-5:00 p.m. Presentation and tasting of home-made products, gluten-free and lactose-free. Raquel Bernabé, Coffee and Toffee Pastry Cafe.

Monday September 26

-12:00 p.m. Pigeon tasting with typical local aperitif.

-1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Presentation and tasting of La Mata wines.

-2:00 p.m. Tasting of Rice with anchovies.

-4:00 p.m. Sweet tasting.

### Funeral mass to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II

The Royal British Legion Association of Torrevieja, with the collaboration of Torrevieja Council, will celebrate a funeral mass to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, Torrevieja.

The event will take place on Wednesday 21 September 2022, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Plaza of the Constitution, next to the Town Hall. The church doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and the service will begin just before 11:00 a.m.

A book of condolences will be at the entrance of the church so that attendees can pay tribute and any give condolences to the British royal family. The service is open to all who wish to attend.

### Torrevieja Partaking in Costa Blanca Cocktail Week

Along with Elche and Alicante, Torrevieja is participating in Costa Blanca Cocktail Week, with a special event being held on Thursday 15 September.

Image by Михаил Прокопенко from Pixabay

Costa Blanca Cocktail Week is an event organised by the Costa Blanca Provincial Tourist Board and the Association of Restaurants and Leisure Venues of Alicante (Alroa) that promotes cocktails with a local feel.

On Thursday, the main event will take place simultaneously in three drinking establishments, the NIC on calle Castaños in Alicante, the Saint Patrick pub on paseo Eras de Santa Lucía in Elche, and for us, in the La Plaza bar located on Av. Diego Ramírez Pastor, 235, in Torrevieja.

From 7:00 p.m. in Alicante and Torrevieja and from 10:00 p.m. in Elche, expert bartenders participating in this initiative will delight the attending public, who will be able to try the most creative cocktail recipes made with native products from Alicante or Costa Blanca origin.

Last year, the Costa Blanca Tourist Board organised a day in the gardens of the Marq in which different national and international shakers participated, who proposed different combinations, but with the native product of the province of Alicante as the protagonist.

### Torrevieja International Auditorium to Host Sports Congresses in October

Two sports congresses will be held in Torrevieja in October, the 8th Congress of Sports Management and 4th State Congress of Sports Management, which will be held at the Torrevieja International Auditorium, the October 20 and 21.

Torrevieja International Auditorium.

The Councillor for Sports in Torrevieja, Diana Box, made the announcement in a press conference, accompanied by the president of the Association of Professional Sports Managers of the Valencian Community (GEPACV), Miguel Ángel Nogueras, and the president of the Federation of Sports Management Associations of Spain (FAGDE), Fernando Paris.

The events will bring together 16 speakers of recognised prestige at the national level in sports management and that has the support of the Provincial Council of Alicante and the Generalitat Valenciana.

In addition, during the event, prizes will be awarded to the public institutions that have most promoted, disseminated and supported sport, the winner this year being the Torrevieja Council.

The organisers of the congress have reported that around 400 people from all over Spain will participate, highlighting the suitability of the Torrevieja International Auditorium for having excellent facilities.

### Torrevieja Town Hall to Invest a Million Euro in New Computer Equipment

Torrevieja town hall is allocating one million euro to renew computer equipment used my municipal employees, to facilitate better teleworking.

Torrevieja town hall.

The tender for the provision of the equipment has been published, and as the specifications point out, the objective is to "have equipment that makes teleworking and mobile work possible in a safe and reliable manner, particularly in an environment characterised by the spread of cybersecurity threats and risks."

The government team points out that the consolidation of teleworking for a large number of municipal employees makes it necessary to have new workstations that allow easy transfer to homes, operate with equipment configured and prepared by the IT department, instead of using private computers and do so safely in an environment of greater risks for cybersecurity. At this point, it should be noted that not all jobs are capable of telecommuting.

Both in these cases and in that of those who perform teleworking and for the days in which they provide service in person, it is necessary to have workstations with adequate capacities for the possibilities offered by the market and the needs of current work, which includes not only power, memory capacity, larger screens to operate with corporate applications such as the municipal electronic administration platform, updated operating systems, etc., but also built-in capabilities to interact remotely and develop collaborative work, such as webcams, microphone and speakers.

The statement also says that the widespread use of all-in-one computers in municipal workplaces will be promoted. The combination of this type of equipment with laptops will be the backbone of the new municipal equipment, so as to minimise the transfer of equipment between municipal offices and private homes, in order to reduce the risk of loss, damage to equipment, not compromising the information contained therein and ensuring the continuity of the services provided. Likewise, it seems necessary for reasons of efficiency and comfort, to have additional monitors so that certain workstations can be operated with two screens.

### 4 deaths and 964 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 964 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 200 in Castellón (190,598 in total), 196 in Alicante (526,204 in total) and 568 in Valencia (830,980 in total).



Of these, 550 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 106 from Castellón, 127 from Alicante and 317 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 298 people admitted, 19 of them in the ICU (both increased from the last update): 26 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 96 in the province of Alicante, 6 of them in the ICU, and 176 in the province of Valencia, 13 in the ICU.



Four deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except for one death in August 2022. These are four men between 74 and 101 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,030: 1,191 in the province of Castellón, 3,829 in Alicante and 5,010 in Valencia.

### Valencia President Urges Advancement of Renewable Energy Sources

The president of the Valencia region, Ximo Puig, has urged speeding up the process of installing renewable energies in the Valencian Community to consolidate the transition towards sustainable mobility.



The President stated that the conversion of the Valencian Community into a pole of sustainable mobility in southern Europe, strengthened by the decisions adopted by companies such as Volkswagen or Ford, will be "the strategic heart of the Valencian economy for the next 40 years”.

Puig has advocated "progress in the deep transformation underway" and has stressed that the commitment to renewables is a fundamental element when addressing decarbonisation.

In this regard, he has indicated that 452 renewable projects with power of almost 7,000 megawatts are currently being processed, triple what the current network provides, and has been in favour of moving in this direction. As he has indicated, the Valencian Community is becoming a powerful sustainable mobility 'cluster', which will result in a "great labour demand and leadership in decarbonisation".

“We are on the radar of the big mobility companies”, pointed out Puig, who recalled that the fact that Ford has chosen Almussafes to electrify its cars and that Volkswagen has chosen Parc Sagunt to produce its batteries reflects the strength of this Valencian 'cluster', which also has powerful companies such as Baleària and Stadler that complete the industrial fabric of the new mobility.

On the other hand, he pointed out that the mobility policy promoted by the Consell has set itself the objective of "social cohesion" to equalise opportunities, "territorial cohesion" to eliminate the gaps between counties and decarbonisation. As proof of the effort made in this area, he underlined that "for every euro invested in infrastructure, the Generalitat allocates 3 and a half euro to sustainable mobility actions".

Puig also indicated during his speech that the Generalitat has sought, in a pioneering way, to provide an "immediate response" to the context of inflation and rising fuel prices and also provide a "transformative vision" in its "commitment to quality and non-polluting public transport.

In this regard, he referred to the lowering of fares implemented out of necessity since the beginning of the year and also to initiatives launched such as free Sundays, and he underlined that all of this has resulted in an increase in the use of transport, with 10 million users more than 7 years ago.

 

### 94,000 Food Safety Checks Carried Out in Establishments Across Valencia

Figures released on Monday show that last year, the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health, through the General Directorate of Public Health and Addictions, carried out 93,867 inspections and audits of food industries and establishments in the Valencian Community to control the quality and safety of food. These actions are included in the Food Safety Plan of the Valencian Community, of which the balance for the 2021 financial year was presented to the Food Safety Commission of the Valencian Community.



Specifically, the report describes and analyses the result of the execution of the Plan, "aimed at guaranteeing safe food, produced in a sustainable manner and healthy eating, within the framework of European food security and nutrition policies", as indicated by the Minister of Universal Health and Public Health, Miguel Mínguez. The event was also attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition, Mireia Mollà.

To achieve this objective, the Plan has a global and integrated approach throughout the entire food chain, from primary production to food consumption, in all food sectors. In the words of the head of Health, it follows the "One Health" approach because it integrates actions from different areas such as Public Health, animal health, plant health and the environment to respond jointly".

In fact, in addition to interventions in companies, in 2021 a total of 89,659,018 animals were examined in slaughterhouses in order to control zoonotic or epizootic diseases and animal welfare.

For its part, the Public Health laboratories of the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health analysed 8,309 food samples to guarantee the quality of the food that citizens buy and consume.

From the results obtained in the different scenarios, it is concluded that the food made available to the consumer maintains a high degree of safety.

### Alicante Airport to Torrevieja bus timetable winter 2022

On 12 September 2022, the Alicante Airport to Torrevieja bus timetable has been republished.



However, the good news is it's appear to be identical to the previous schedule for the Torrevieja to Alicante airport bus timetable published in June.







The bus from Torrevieja to Alicante airport departs at 07:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00.



The bus from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja departs at 08:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, and 21:00.
For more information, you can visit the bus operators website, https://costazul.net/en/, where you can also book tickets. It is in available mostly in English, and you can also find out more information about other routes, such as Torrevieja to Zenia Boulevard buses, and services to places like Pilar de la Horadada, Orihuela and Los Montesinos. 



 

### Powerchair football comes to Torrevieja

The Ciudad Deportiva in Torrevieja will play host the first Powerchair (motorised wheelchair) football competition.



The event will take place on Saturday 17 September, starting at 18:00, the Municipal Sports Pavilion Cecilio Gallego, the first time such an event has been held in the town.

The Sports Council gave thanks to the Xaloc team for organising the event, along with the sponsors and all the people who have collaborated, which, without a doubt, will create a unique opportunity to support adapted sports.

### Activities for the European Mobility Week

Torrevieja will host a series of events in the town to mark European Mobility Week, which will take place on Saturday, September 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución in Torrevieja.



On the agenda of scheduled events, an urban route stands out (on skates, bikes, rollerblades, on foot... starting at the Plaza de la Constitución, to continue through Ramón Gallud, Apolo, Caballero de Rodas and back to the Plaza de la Constitución.

During the day a series of workshops have been organised such as:

Bicycle workshop, your sustainable vehicle:

A workshop focused on the bicycle to learn how to repair it and ride with it, to personalise it, with road safety circuits.

Participants will have to come with their own bicycle. Duration: 2 hours. Estimated attendees: 50 people.

Workshop “Create awareness”: painted some very cool t-shirts with the slogan “Move for cleaner air”, with 50 people being able to participate.

Duration: 2 hours.

Ghinkana workshop on pedestrian intervention: workshop on the training process of the pedestrian through play. Let's Play... On the move!

### International Residents invited to learn more about Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has presented the "Weekly Activities for International Residents" initiative, which aims to give international residents of Torrevieja the opportunity to get to know different parts of the town, its new projects, visits to schools, institutes, beaches, and learn more about La Mata, amongst other places.



Every Tuesday, at 11:00 a.m., there will be a different visit to somewhere of interest in Torrevieja, starting this week, Tuesday 13 September, with a visit to the "Tavi y Carmona" Sports Palace, in which the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, and the Councillor for International Residents will give a presentation and guided visit of the facilities.

The rest of the visits will be published on the Facebook of @torreviejaresidentesinternacionales.

If you are interested in joining in, you will need to register, which can be done via email: pangea@torrevieja.eu

### 19 deaths and 1,138 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,138 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 211 in Castellón (190,398 in total), 252 in Alicante (526,008 in total) and 674 in Valencia (830,412 in total). Also, there is 1 unassigned case.



Of these, 597 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 102 from Castellón, 132 from Alicante and 362 from Valencia and 1 unassigned case.

Valencian hospitals currently have 285 people admitted for COVID, 17 of them in the ICU: 32 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 96 in the province of Alicante, 5 of them in the ICU, and 157 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.



19 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, with the exception of two cases in June, one in July and three in August. They are 9 women, between 58 and 93 years old, and 10 men, between 65 and 91 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,026: 1,190 in the province of Castellón, 3,828 in Alicante and 5,008 in Valencia.

### Torrevieja hosts the return of "Handbol al Carrer" on Saturday

Torrevieja will be the first stop of the new season of 'Handbol al Carrer', the circuit organised by the Valencian Community Handball Federation (FBMCV) to bring the sport to the streets of towns and cities throughout the Valencian territory.



After the success of the first edition, which brought together more than 1,700 participants in the run-up to the celebration of the Women's Handball World Championship in the Community and in the first months of 2022, the leisure-sports circuit resumes its activity with an agenda full of events.

Paseo Vista Alegre, a spectacular enclave by the sea, will host this Saturday, September 10, the return of 'Handbol al Carrer'. The activity, open to all audiences, will begin at 10:30 a.m. in an innovative space that combines sport and new technologies thanks to a gaming area.

As was the case in the last activities prior to the summer, the 'Handbol inclusiu' athletes will participate in the circuit. Through this initiative, the FBMCV intends that the mental health users of the 'Handball we are all' program achieve full inclusion through sport.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has declared that "this type of sports activities in the street are a great attraction for all lovers of handball, in addition to being held in a privileged place such as Paseo Vista Alegre." Eduardo Dolón has thanked the Valencian Handball Federation for its bet again on Torrevieja to start 'Handbol al Carrer' and for having expanded this sporting offer with its 'Handbol inclusiu' program.

Diana Box, sports councillor in Torrevieja, stressed that "once again our town is full of sport to take it to the streets and appreciates the impulse of the Federation and the collaboration of the Torrevieja Handball Club to ensure that the event has gone out to perfection and be remembered by all”.

Pedro Fuertes celebrates the return "of such a participatory and attractive activity that has managed to attract very diverse audiences and allow our sport to be spread throughout the Valencian territory." The president of the Handball Federation of the Valencian Community highlights "the commitment of the Torrevieja Council with our sport, something that makes us tremendously happy and for which we are very grateful."

### Competition for Pensioners with a Camera

Torrevieja’s local councillor for the senior generation, Immaculada Montesinos, has advised that the fourth photography competition specifically aimed at the older residents of the town has been launched, with the theme of the contest in this edition, “A Feeling of the Elder. A look, a posture, a smile.”

Pensioners and those over 60 years old, registered in Torrevieja, will be able to participate, and you are able to submit a maximum of two photographs per contestant.

Photos must be submitted to terceraedad@torrevieja.eu , with submission deadline on Tuesday, September 27.

Immaculada Montesinos has also reported that the award ceremony of this 4th Photography Contest will be held on Saturday 1 October, International Day of Older Persons, in a Gala at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja.

In the last edition of 2021, 30 people submitted pictures to this contest, the winners were:

1º. ABUELOS EN EL MAR, by Maribel Juárez.

2º. MANOS AMIGAS, by Pedro Gallego.

3º. PALMERAS, by Purificación Cabalar.

### Torrevieja Alzheimer’s Centre Receives Donation

The AFA Alzheimer’s Association in Torrevieja (Asociación de familiares/amigos de enfermos de Alzheimer de Torrevieja) are celebrating receiving a much-needed donation from the British expat community this week.

Pat Goddard handed over a donation of 1,540 euro, which was raised by people who have collaborated as sponsors for climbing the Spinnaker Tower last August.



Among the sponsors who were thanked by AFA, along with thanking Pat of course, were the clients of Benimar Bar, Howell's Removals in Formentera and the clients of The Tavern in Quesada.

Such donations as this are always welcomed by the association, which is of great help to allow them to continue with their work.

On Sunday 2 October, there will be a race in Torrevieja, VII CARRERA/MARCHA SOLIDARIA DE AFA TORREVIEJA, with the intention of raising more funds for the association. You can get more information, and register to take part, at their dedicated website, https://www.alcanzatumeta.es/vii-carrera-y-marcha-solidaria-afa-torrevieja/

### 1,195 new cases of coronavirus and 7 deaths in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,195 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 216 in Castellón (190,187 in total), 307 in Alicante (525,756 in total) and 671 in Valencia (829,738 in total). Also, there is 1 unassigned case.

Of these, 574 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 124 from Castellón, 151 from Alicante and 299 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 315 people admitted for COVID, 18 of them in the ICU: 42 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 99 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the ICU, and 174 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.



7 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 2 women, between 87 and 90 years old, and 5 men, between 75 and 86 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,007: 1,183 in the province of Castellón, 3,822 in Alicante and 5,002 in Valencia.

### Women´s Football Competition This Weekend in Torrevieja

On Saturday 10 September, the Women´s Football Competition, Torneo Fútbol Femenino Ciudad de Torrevieja, will be taking place at the Torrevieja Sports City.

There will be two categories in the competition, senior and youth-cadet, and with 12 teams from all over the province of Alicante taking part.

The event has been organised by the Torrevieja Town Hall Sports Department, with the collaboration of SC Torrevieja CF, CFI Alicante, Torrevieja Club de Fútbol, Trofeos del  Mediterráneo,  Turismo Costa Blanca, Diputación de Alicante, and GVA Turisme.



 

### Torrevieja Swimming Pool Opening Hours

As of Monday 5 September 2022, at the end of the summer season, the outdoor swimming pool at the Torrevieja Sports City will close, and the indoor pool will OPEN.

The indoor pool, located inside the Palacio de Deportes Tavi y Carmona, will be open as follows:

Monday from 9:15 to 22:00 h.
Tuesday to Friday from 8:15 to 22:00.
Saturday from 8:15 to 19:00 h.
Sunday from 8:15 to 13:00 h.

### 1,146 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 586 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,146 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 192 in Castellón (189,971 in total), 306 in Alicante (525,449 in total) and 648 in Valencia (829,067 in total).



Of these, 586 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 98 from Castellón, 192 from Alicante and 296 from Valencia.
Valencian hospitals currently have 321 people admitted for COVID-19, 20 of them in the ICU: 43 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 99 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the ICU, and 179 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.
20 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 6 women, between 40 and 88 years old, and 14 men, between 67 and 95 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,000: 1,181 in the province of Castellón, 3,819 in Alicante and 5,000 in Valencia.

### Registration Open for Torrevieja Half Marathon

The registration period for Torrevieja’s half marathon, set to take place on 26 February 2023, opened today and will remain open until a few days before the event.

The price is 15 euro for the half marathon and 10 euro for the 5-kilometre race. The categories for the half marathon will be from Sub20 (+18 years) to Master 75 (+75 years), while for the 5k race it will be from Sub16 (+14 years) to Master 75 (+75). A novelty in this 35th edition will be the four special Inclusion categories: runners with physical disabilities in wheelchairs, runners with sensory disabilities (auditory and visual), runners with physical disabilities and runners with intellectual disabilities.

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, together with the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, president of the Torrevieja Athletics Club, José Manuel Pizana, and Luis Manuel Corchete, Olympic athlete and organiser of the event, presented the 35th Torrevieja Half Marathon, which recovers its traditional date of celebration, on February 26, 2023.



The test circuit is approved and is part of the national calendar of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation. Throughout the route there will be a great deployment with health care to attend to any incident and a field hospital will be installed at the finish line. In addition to Local Police and Civil Protection personnel, some 200 volunteers are expected, who will be distributed throughout the test route.

The organisers expect some 1,200/1,400 runners in this next edition in 2023.

### James Gaffigan and the OCV inaugurate the Les Arts season with concerts in Altea, Torrent and Torrevieja

James Gaffigan and the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana (OCV) inaugurate this week the new season of Les Arts with a concert tour in Altea, Torrent and Torrevieja, as part of the institution's commitment to develop a backbone program accessible to everyone.

OCV Altea i Torrevieja James Gaffigan ©Miguel lorenzo-Les Arts

The musical director of Les Arts and his main line-up visit this Thursday, September 1, the Palau Altea in the city of Marina Baixa, with a program featuring pages by Esplá, Mozart and Schumann in the lectern, which they will also present to the Torrent Auditorium, on the 2nd, and on Saturday, September 3rd at the Torrevieja International Auditorium.

On this tour, James Gaffigan conducts two unpublished works in the repertoire of the Orchestra of the Valencian Community: 'Symphony no. 3', 'Renana', by Schumann, and the first notebook of 'Lírica española, op. 54', by Óscar Esplá from Alicante, orchestrated by Pedro Salinas. The main line-up of Les Arts will also perform the 'Symphony no. 34' by Mozart.

The initiative is part of 'Les Arts amb Tu', the line of programming that develops proximity actions to bring the artistic activity of the theatre and its artistic assets closer to the diversity of municipalities in the three provinces of the Community Valencian

During the past season, 'Les Arts amb Tu' has offered lyrical recitals, staged opera, chamber music and symphonic evenings in more than 20 locations in the Valencian Community by the artists of the Centre for Perfection, the Orchestra of the Valencian Community and the stage truck of 'Les Arts Volant'. This proposal will have continuity within the 2022-2023 Season.

The Palau de les Arts makes its most ambitious bet for the symphonic repertoire in the 2022-2023 Season, with the presence of some of the main batons of the international circuit to conduct the Orchestra of the Valencian Community.

The OCV will be the protagonist of a selection of programs prepared to exhibit its excellence together with the Choir of the Generalitat Valenciana, with essential pages of the great composers of the repertoire: Berlioz, Bernstein, Brahms, Debussy, Mahler, Prokófiev , Rachmaninov and Strauss, among others.

The calendar includes a total of 16 performances and concerts in the three provinces of the Valencian Community, within the purpose of Les Arts to offer a local artistic activity.

### August Ends with 237 Covid Deaths Across Valencia

The month of August ended with 237 people losing their lives to Covid in the Valencia region. Infection rates have reduced over the last two month, but are still above 1,000 more infections recorded in each update.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, the rate is currently 190 cases per 100,000 inhabitants within 14 days among those over 60 years of age. It is true that the data is only comparable from April 1, when it was decided to carry out mandatory PCR tests only in this group, but there the Valencian Community had just suffered a great wave of infections.

This is precisely why the volume of deaths this summer and this seventh wave is explained: 237 since August 1 and 248 in July. Still, these are figures for reported deaths, not actual ones. We will have to wait to know the details of what date these deaths correspond to because there is always a gap. For example, of the 11 deaths from Tuesday, all had a death date of the last 14 days, except three from the end of July. According to the registry of "real" deaths that is being consolidated month after month, 281 people died in July, after including the deaths of the last few weeks that were reported in early August.

Whether from one month or another, the truth is that deaths this summer from the seventh wave have increased. The total number of deaths in a pandemic from the virus is already close to 10,000: 9,980 and that in this list there are only "official " deaths, those in which the person had a positive diagnosis, and their death was directly linked to the infection. Many deaths from the first months of the pandemic remain out there when rapid coronavirus tests were not yet widespread, but also now there are deaths that are related to the infection but that occur later and are not directly linked.

These four weeks of August have also served to empty hospitals of Covid patients. The increase in infections that peaked in mid-July caused hospitals to register peak admissions again, both from patients who were admitted due to complications after becoming infected and from people hospitalised for other reasons who tested positive. The peak of hospitalised for coronavirus in this wave was recorded on July 12 with 1,226 patients at the same time.

Since that date, patients have been gradually declining: August began with 993 people hospitalised (with and for covid) while on Tuesday there were 432, 133 less than last Friday. As sources from the administration pointed out, the significant drop cannot be directly related to registrations and improvements, but rather to the change in the way of accounting that the Ministry of Health has introduced and on which no detail has been provided. The ministry now makes it explicit, finally, that as of August 28, of all those admitted positive for Covid, 47.1% were there as a result of complications from the disease (50.7 of those in the ICU). The rest were diagnosed with Covid, but the coronavirus was not the cause of admission.

In this way, of the 432 admitted, 17 are in an ICU, 16 less than on Friday due to this change. However, the drop in the most serious patients this month has also been noted (August started with 54 serious patients), which has led, for example, to units such as the Hospital La Fe to declare themselves "Covid-free" for the first time in the two and a half years of pandemic.

Along with the La Fe ICU and according to Health sources, the intensive care units of other large hospitals have also been emptied of Covid, such as those of the Clinical Hospital, the Arnau and the General, all three in Valencia; the Provincial Hospital of Castelló ; the ICU of La Ribera, that of the Sagunt hospital and, in Alicante, the ICUs of Alcoi, the General of Alicante, that of Sant Joan and that of Elda.

Of course, as summer comes to a close, the health service is preparing for an increase in cases, hospitalisation, and deaths. The campaign to administer the 4th dose of vaccine will begin shortly, however still only a little over 50% of the population have actually had their third dose.

If you haven’t been vaccinated, or need your third dose, the advice is to contact your medical centre where an appointment can be made to facilitate the jab. The recommendation also continues in Valencia that you should wear a mask in enclosed or busy places.

### 1,172 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 657 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,172 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 201 in Castellón (189,779 in total), 298 in Alicante (525,143 in total) and 673 in Valencia (828,419 in total).

Of these, 657 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 116 are registered in Castellón, 166 in Alicante and 375 in Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 432 people admitted, 17 of them in the ICU. These data correspond to the new accounting system approved by the Ministry of Health. Due to a computer problem in the change from the previous model to the current one, it has not been possible to extract the data by provinces.

11 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 14 days, except for three from the end of July. They are 5 women, between 74 and 94 years old, and 6 men, between 77 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,980: 1,178 in the province of Castellón, 3,813 in Alicante and 4,989 in Valencia.

### End of Summer Concert

Torrevieja will host a macro party to celebrate the end of summer on 17 September at the Parque Antonio Soria, the same location which hosted the Brilla Torrevieja event earlier in the season.

So far, Luis Domínguez Quevedo, better known as Quevedo, a Spanish rapper based in the Canary Islands, has been confirmed as appearing at the event, with other performers to be announced soon.



Tickets are already on sale, even though we don´t yet know who for, for what the organisers are billing as a day for history. Even the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, has got involved in the promotion, showing off his acting skills on a video on Facebook.

### Orquesta Sinfónica de la Comunitat Valenciana to Perform in Torrevieja

The Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta" is pleased to announce that the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Comunitat Valenciana will perform a concert in Torrevieja on Saturday 3 September, at 19:00 in the International Auditorium.

Entry to the event will be free, no invitation needed, until the capacity of 1,400 seats is filled.

The performance of this concert of the Symphony Orchestra of the Valencian Community, conducted by James Gaffigan, aims to continue the promotion of culture in general, and symphonic music in particular, to attract the best orchestras at the national level to the facilities in Torrevieja, as has been the case of the National Orchestra of Spain, the Valencian Community or the support of the program of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra.

### Rock Against Cancer 2022

On 9 and 10 September, Parque Antonio Soria in Torrevieja will play host to the fifth edition of Rock Against Cancer, which returns after two years of hiatus due to the pandemic.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., and going on until to 2:00 a.m., there will be performances from a variety of tribute acts, such as ALMOST AC/DC, Bryan Adams Tribute, Creedence Clearwater Repeated and Volbeatz, as well as national groups such as The Hellhates (Murcia), U2 Band (Murcia), Mötorhits (Barcelona), Attitude for Destruction (Barcelona) and the stoner rock of Ricky Diamond (Torrevieja), and others, and the music will be accompanied by 25 craft stalls and 6 food trucks.

The benefits from the concert will go to AFECÁNCER and Alicante para la Lucha Contra el Cáncer.

Tickets are on sale at different physical points and online at https://entradium.com/events/rock-against-cancer-2022

### Nudist beaches around Torrevieja

The beaches of Torrevieja are popular with sun worshippers, but if you prefer to get an all over tan, then you have to go elsewhere, but the good news is, not too far.

According to the director of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board, José Mancebo, "All western consolidated destinations, such as Portugal or Greece, have this type of beach where it is accepted, both by users and non-residents", and the Alicante province is no exception, in fact some of the nudist beaches on the Costa Blanca are rated amongst the best in Spain.

So, where to go to avoid tan lines:

Playa Els Tossals

The beach at Els Tossals in Guardamar del Segura is one of the closest nudist beaches to Torrevieja, only about a 20-minute drive. It is also one of the largest sandy beaches that is included among the nudist beaches in Alicante. With 1,600 metres there is no need to worry about finding space for the umbrella. And if you want even more space, there is the adjoining playa del Rebollo, in the municipality of Elche.

El Carabassí

El Carabassí beach is also not too far away from Torrevieja either, only about a 40-minute drive away. From the rocks to the dunes and extensive sandy shores in Elche accompanied by its pine forests. It has a blue flag thanks to the services it includes, which also attracts a large public. The most nudist area is to the south, towards Santa Pola. As indicated by Costa Blanca Tourism and the Spanish Tourism Federation, it is one of the chosen ones on the coast of the province by naturist families.

Racó del Conill

One of the most outstanding for its tradition, as highlighted by Tourism Costa Blanca, is this cove that is located between Benidorm and La Vila Joiosa. Precisely because of its difficult access and secluded character, they define it as "one of the great secrets for lovers of nudism in Alicante".

Cabo de la Huerta

The set of coves in Cabo de la Huerta, also attached to one of the most visited beaches. Cala Palmera and Cala Cantalares differ from the other proposals for their large flat rocks and the calm of their waters.

Aigua Dolça

From the south of the Alicante coast, to the north. And from sand to rock. That is the contrast that leads us to Dénia, to the set of coves that make up playa de Les Rotes. Its popularity is such that, as both guides indicate, it is known in the area as La Cala. They are eighty metres long that invite you to enter the water to dive with only your diving goggles on.

Sardinera

Neighbouring Xàbia hides several coves that are difficult to access, like this one to the south of the municipality, which is recognized as one of the most valued for nudism. To get to this gravel beach, you have to follow a path between the pine trees that frame it like a small Mediterranean paradise.

Los Tiestos

This cove in Poble Nou de Benitatxell will be the one that offers the greatest challenge for those who wish to visit the nine recommended ones. In fact, the guides suggest that the entrance be made by sea, since it is very steep by land. Perhaps because of so many complications, those who enjoy it prefer to forget about carrying swimsuits.

L'Olla

Altea slips between these proposals with a cove that also slips between points with a greater public such as its two marinas. From here you can also enjoy L'Illeta and L'Illot.

Les Llomes de Reixes

The tour ends in Campello. In its extensive coastline is this area also known as Cala Cuartel. If among the others there were several that were difficult to access, this one can even boast of having a nearby TRAM stop, the so-called Cala Piteres.

As it is the closest option to Torrevieja, we do have to mention the beaches of Orihuela, where a number of people do go nude on some of the beaches, particularly those in more difficult to reach areas such as Cala Mosca, but in doing so we have to point out that these are not official nudist beaches, and so cannot be included in the guide.

### 1,343 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 767 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,343 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 163 in Castellón (189,578 in total), 405 in Alicante (524,845 in total) and 775 in Valencia (827,746 in total).

Of these, 767 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 104 from Castellón, 243 from Alicante and 420 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 565 people admitted for COVID-19, 33 of them in the ICU: 94 in the province of Castellón, 7 in the ICU; 169 in the province of Alicante, 6 of them in the ICU, and 302 in the province of Valencia, 20 in the ICU.

20 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days except for three in late July. They are 7 women, between 70 and 89 years old, and 13 men, between 71 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,969: 1,176 in the province of Castellón, 3,806 in Alicante and 4,987 in Valencia.

### Warning to take extreme caution on the roads this weekend

The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Generalitat recommends extreme caution this weekend when traveling by road in the Valencian Community as the holiday return operation coincides with episodes of heavy rains and storms forecast by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) in certain parts of the region (Torrevieja itself should not be affected by the storms).

The special traffic operation for the return of the summer holidays begins this Friday at 15:00 and will remain active until midnight on Sunday, August 28. But it will be from the afternoon of this Friday and Saturday when the most intense stormy phenomena occur, especially in the interior of the province of Valencia, where the orange level pre-emergency has been decreed due to rains and storms.

The regional secretary for Security and Emergencies, José María Ángel, has insisted on launching a message of "maximum caution before a weekend that is marked by many trips along the roads of the Valencian Community, with unfavourable weather conditions that require Much more caution at the wheel.

Ángel added that in order to provide citizens with a better service, "the '1 1 2 Comunitat Valenciana' Emergency telephone service shifts will continue with a 24% increase in personnel to offer more extensive attention to possible contingencies that may be given on the roads and in anticipation of greater attention due to the expected weather situation.

The Emergency Coordination Centre recommends, therefore, that the most appropriate time for the trip be scheduled, avoiding the most unfavourable hours and, if necessary, using the alternative itineraries proposed by the General Directorate of Traffic.

In the case of driving in the rain, it is recommended to drive on main roads and motorways and moderate your speed, as well as find out about the state of the roads of the route to follow and possible alternative itineraries; avoid underpasses and bridges that offer doubts about their resistance.

### Warning to Passengers Travelling to Alicante-Elche Airport on Tuesday

If you are flying to or from the Costa Blanca on Tuesday 30 August, you may need to consider allowing extra time for your journey by road as the La Vuelta cycle race will be taking to the streets from Elche to Alicante, passing through El Altet, where the airport is located, and so local road closures will have an impact on traffic in the area, which may cause problems for those travelling to or from Alicante-Elche Airport.

It is the tenth stage of the Cycling Tour of Spain, seen as a showcase to sell the charms of Elche throughout the world, which will be broadcast on television in 190 countries with an average of 4.5 million viewers. An individual time trial that will start from the Palacio de Altamira and will run 17.5 kilometres through the municipal district until it reaches El Altet beach, to finish at the Palacio de la Diputación de Alicante.

The Councillor for Security in Elche, Ramón Abad, has emphasised the complex itinerary, which was designed from Elche and which the organisation assumed. Specifically, the tour will take place from calle Diagonal del Palau, next to the facade of the Palacio de Altamira and Plaza del Parque, Maestro Albéniz, Luís Gonzaga Llorente de las Casas, Candalix, Plaza de Benidorm, Avenida de Alicante, Barxell, José Esquitino Sempere, Camino de Alicante, will turn to run on the road parallel to the L-20 and connect with Camino de Alicante with Carretera de El Altet, Carretera del Altet – Elche, CV-849, Avenida San Francisco de Asís, Dama de Elche, Sinus Ilicitanus, Carreteta de Urbanova a Arenales, on this road they will circulate in the opposite direction towards the municipality of Alicante.

There will be parking restrictions in various locations from Sunday, to allow the race support vehicles to park, but Tuesday is the big day to be prepared for traffic disruption in the area, with restrictions on movement in place between 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

### Flamingos in the Wild

Young flamingos who were born in the Salinas in Torrevieja are now starting to explore the big wide world. You can read more about their fledgling journey at The Leader newspaper.



However, all doesn't always go to plan in the early days of their discovery, as some of them get tired easily, disoriented and even lost.



So, the Local Police in Torrevieja are advising us what to do if we come across one, and the short story is call them.



Flamingos are a protected species and the police have an established protocol for dealing with animals like this, which may include simply relocating them, or my require the help of professional groups like the Animal Welfare Centre teams.



So, if you do see a pretty flamingo out and about, just call the police. If your Spanish isn't up to scratch, then the best way of doing this is by using the 112 number, where operators speak a variety of languages, including English.

### Health departments begins to cite risk patients for the vaccine against monkeypox in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health is going to start scheduling around 730 people who are at-risk patients for vaccination against monkeypox (monkeypox_MPX), in order to reduce the risk of infection by this virus.

In this way, according to the vaccination recommendations established at the meeting of the Public Health Commission of the National Health System on August 22, in which the priorities for vaccination were established, the Valencian Community has already begun to cite men up to 60 years of age receiving pre-exposure treatment for HIV; to men with HIV infection under follow-up in hospital consultations who meet the age criteria (up to 60 years) and risk practices (multiple partners, use of recreational drugs, participation in chemsex...). Also to people with high exchange of sexual partners (10 or more in the last 12 months or 3 partners in the last 3 months) and people who go to specific places to practice group sex (saunas, etc.).

Vaccination is carried out mainly at the AIDS Information and Prevention Centres (CIPS) in each of the three provinces, after requesting an appointment for vaccination at each centre, for which an SMS has already begun to be sent to them indicating that they can request it.

Post-exposure prophylaxis

Regarding post-exposure prophylaxis, in the Valencian Community close contacts of confirmed cases with a high risk of severe disease will continue to be vaccinated (people with immunosuppression, including HIV infection with <200 cells/ml, pregnant women and the child population). The identification is carried out through the corresponding epidemiological surveys.

Health personnel who have treated patients or taken samples without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) or when it has failed will also continue to be vaccinated. And it will also continue in other close contacts identified through the corresponding epidemiological surveys.

So far, a total of 94 doses of the monkeypox vaccine have been administered in the Valencian Community, following the recommendations of the Public Health Commission.

### 1,447 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 770 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,447 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 193 in Castellón (189,415 in total), 491 in Alicante (524,440 in total) and 763 in Valencia (826,971 in total).

Of these, 770 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 108 from Castellón, 256 from Alicante and 406 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 615 people admitted for COVID-19, of which 33 are in the ICU: 106 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 184 in the province of Alicante, 8 of them in the ICU, and 325 in the province of Valencia, 20 in the ICU.

There have been 17 coronavirus deaths reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 12 women, between 56 and 96 years old, and 5 men, between 72 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,949: 1,175 in the province of Castellón, 3,797 in Alicante and 4,977 in Valencia.

### Ukrainian Independence Day Celebrations in Torrevieja

On Wednesday 24 August, the Park of Nations in Torrevieja will host a celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day.

There will be concerts and activities, all organised by the Ukrainian community in the town, who encourage everyone to go along and take part.

The event starts at 6:00p.m. and will go on until 11:00p.m.

Independence Day of Ukraine is the main state holiday in modern Ukraine, celebrated on 24 August in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991.

### Molinos del Calvario Summer Festival

The Hoguera Molinos del Calvario will be holding their great summer festival on August 26 and 27, with a packed program of events taking place on calle Azorín in Torrevieja, on the corner of calle La Paz.

This year there will be raffles for gifts and the popular paella, priced at 4 euro per dish. There will be a foam party, the usual performance by Drag Imperio and the mobile disco with DJ Rafa.

The event is open to everyone to attend and enjoy.

Friday, August 26

8:00 p.m.: Opening event

9:30 p.m.: Raffle

10:30 p.m.: DJ Rafa

11:00 p.m.: Drag Imperio de verano

Saturday, August 27,

2:30 p.m.: Paella. €4

8 p.m.: Opening event

9:30 p.m.: Raffle

10:30 p.m.: DJ Rafa

11:30 p.m.: Foam party

### 84th Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday 25 August, at the Hombre del Mar monument in Torrevieja, a gathering will take place to mark the 84th anniversary of the Fascist bombardment on the same day in 1938 in Torrevieja, which ended with 19 people being killed and dozens more injured.

During the concentration, the participants will throw a carnation into the sea for each of the victims, while reading their names.

In addition, as every year, a bouquet of flowers will be placed at the entrance of the port, as it is the point of the municipality that registered the highest number of civilian fatalities.

As usual, the organisers wish to “pay homage to all the victims of the fascist bombing and continue to demand the placement of a permanent monolith in their memory; but that we also hope it will serve to vindicate memory, justice and reparation for all the victims murdered and retaliated against by fascism during the Civil War and the decades of Franco's dictatorship that followed.

The groups continue to affirm that «the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was provoked by the Francoist army after the failed coup against the legitimate democratic government of the Second Spanish Republic; a Francoist army that had the military support from the first day of both Italian fascism and German Nazism, which allowed the rebels to have the most advanced military weapons and bomb entire towns that had no military interest, for the mere fact of killing civilians, causing pain and suffering and thus undermining public moral.

«On August 25, 1938», they continue, «Torrevieja was the target of one of these attacks that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians; an indiscriminate bombardment carried out by the Italian fascist aviation "Savoia" at the command of the revolted Francoist army».

List of fatalities from the bombing of Torrevieja on August 25, 1938:

 	Miguel García Cuello (32 years old),
 	Francisco Hernández Hernández (28 years old),
 	Francisco Desamparado Moreno (22 years old),
 	Antonio Moreno Guardiola (32 years old),
 	Joaquina Antolinos Zapata (32 years old),
 	María Antonia Moreno Antolinos (10 years old),
 	Rafael Clemares Sala (35 years old),
 	Ángeles Cerezuela Guardiola (33 years old),
 	Ángeles Andreu Cerezuela (10 years old),
 	Manuel Andreu Cerezuela (11 months old) ,
 	Anastasio Blanco Ballester (12 years old),
 	Cayetano Sánchez Sanz (9 years old),
 	Francisco Desamparado Sánchez (2 months old),
 	María Quer Piorno (13 years old),
 	Mercedes Martínez Blesa (15 years old),
 	Josefa Alar Linares (61 years old),
 	Concepción Aracil Rives (22 years old),
 	Francisca Vidal Baños (22 years old),
 	Rosario Alonso Mendiluces (age unknown).

### 913 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 478 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 913 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 120 in Castellón (189,222 in total), 302 in Alicante (523,949 in total) and 491 in Valencia (826,208 in total).

Of these, 478 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 61 from Castellón, 159 from Alicante and 258 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 678 people admitted for COVID-19, of which 45 are in the ICU: 111 in the province of Castellón, 7 in the ICU; 217 in the province of Alicante, 9 of them in the ICU, and 350 in the province of Valencia, 29 in the ICU.

There have been 31 coronavirus deaths reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 13 women, between 63 and 97 years old, and 18 men, between 53 and 99 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,932: 1,173 in the province of Castellón, 3,790 in Alicante and 4,969 in Valencia.

### 20% of hypertensive patients fail to comply with their treatment in summer

Specialists from the Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Murcia Hospitals warn that non-compliance with cardiovascular treatments increases by 20% during the summer and can cause the patient to suffer heart and cerebrovascular problems, such as angina, infarction, heart failure and stroke. All this without forgetting the increased risk of kidney failure.

Woman measuring blood pressure with digital pressure monitor against blue background. Health care and medical concept

According to Dr. Rafael Florenciano, specialist of the Integral Cardiology Unit of Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "all precautions are few to enjoy a few days of rest without setbacks; thus, a poor diet with a high load of fats and salt, together with other factors, such as the abuse of tobacco, alcohol and the decrease in sports practice regularly cause a lack of control of blood pressure".

In summer the blood pressure values are lower than in the winter months, which is because, with the heat, vasodilation occurs to favour the loss of body temperature, and as a consequence you have a low blood pressure.

If a hypertensive person is exposed to the sun too much in summer and does not hydrate properly, they can suffer a very serious hypotension that, in severe cases, causes loss of consciousness and fainting.  Within hypertensive people, older adults are especially sensitive to heat because the mechanism of sweating is normally impaired and in them it is very likely that heart and kidney problems will occur, so it is more difficult to get rid of excess heat in the body.  For this reason, Dr. Alfredo Vidal, specialist of the cardiology service of the  Hospital Quirónsalud Murcia, recommends, before the hot months, to go to your trusted doctor to adjust the antihypertensive treatment, as well as the diuretics.

As Dr. Florenciano adds, "not one of the drugs used to treat high blood pressure are diuretics, which, added to the high temperatures of the environment, causes the patient to lose more fluids, which is why it is vitally important that more fluids are taken than usual." What is most advisable for this type of people at this time of year is to drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruit and wear light clothing to promote the replacement of liquids that are lost with sweat and thus avoid dehydration or, in more serious cases, heat stroke.

Keys so that summer does not become an enemy of your heart

Carry the medication on you.  Breaking the routine makes us forget to take our medication, since we always associate it with concrete actions such as breakfast, dinner, etc.

 

Caution with heat. The main causes of mortality during heat waves are related to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases. It is the reason why it is not convenient that we spend a lot of time exposed to the sun in the central hours of the day.

 

Be careful with alcohol. Experts advise maintaining a healthy and balanced diet in summer as the rest of the year. Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages can lead to heart rhythm disorders and a certain degree of contractile insufficiency.

 

Caution with the chosen holiday destination. Heart patients can choose the holiday destination they prefer taking into account only that it is preferable to avoid countries with extreme temperatures and places above 2,000 metres of altitude, because, if the heart is damaged, it will have to work more.

 

Rest, important in summer. The first objective of the holidays is to rest, but it is frequent that we end up doing the opposite, getting to sleep fewer hours, so that it is not beneficial for our cardiovascular health. Lack of sleep increases blood levels of stress hormones, which increases blood pressure and heart rate.

 

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

- International medical team

- Free translation service

-We work with all national and international medical insurers

-General emergencies 24/7

-Paediatric daytime emergencies

 

Address: 

 

Partida de la Loma, s/n

03184 Torrevieja, Alicante

 

### 1,761 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 932 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,761 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 311 in Castellón (189,102 in total), 522 in Alicante (523,647 in total) and 928 in Valencia (825,717 in total).

Of these, 932 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 170 from Castellón, 296 from Alicante and 466 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 768 people admitted for COVID-19, 45 of them in the ICU: 125 in the province of Castellón, 4 in the ICU; 243 in the province of Alicante, 11 of them in the ICU, and 400 in the province of Valencia, 30 in the ICU.

There have been 13 coronavirus deaths reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 6 women, between 59 and 96 years old, and 7 men, between 78 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,901: 1,171 in the province of Castellón, 3,775 in Alicante and 4,955 in Valencia.

### Cancellation of Outdoor Events in Torrevieja due to the Weather - Saturday 13 August 2022

Torrevieja town hall has announced that due to the weather conditions this weekend, the urban music festival "Crazy Urban Festival", the Summer Carnival Parade and the festivals scheduled in La Mata and San Roque are cancelled.



This morning a coordination and security meeting was held with the assistance of councillors from the affected areas, as well as representatives of the Fire Department, Guardia Civil, Local Police, Civil Protection, members of the festival organisation, as well as the engineer of the event and municipal technicians.

The information provided by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) was analysed, which indicates a complex and difficult situation with the probability of new hot bursts between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and the recommendations in the that all professionals have agreed that the safety of citizens or the event cannot be guaranteed, the decision has been made to cancel all outdoor events authorised by the Torrevieja Council scheduled for today, Saturday.

In Valencia, one person was killed and dozens injured in damage caused at a concert last night, so safety concerns are understandable.

In this way, the urban music festival "Crazy Urban Festival" is cancelled, whose structures, which were already set up, have been damaged after the thermal blowout in the early hours of Saturday morning. Tickets will be returned from Friday, August 19, through the same channel through which they were purchased. Likewise, the festivals of La Mata and San Roque have been cancelled, postponing the Summer Parade to a new date that will be communicated by the Department of Fiestas in the future.

From the Torrevieja Council, the response of all the security forces involved is appreciated, and all citizens are asked to take extreme precautions until the weather situation returns to normal.

### Summer Beach Activities in Torrevieja

The youth department of Torrevieja town hall has arranged beach-based events for later in August.

The activities are free, although registration is required.

 

PADDLE SURF

August 20 and 27 at 9:00 am

September 3 at 6:30 pm



 

ACROYOGA

August 20 and 27 at 9:00 am

September 3 at 9:00 am



 

The activities are specifically aimed at those aged between 14 to 30 years old, and places are limited, so if you are interested it is best to register early.

You can register by calling 965 714 072 or 606 055 291, or by email to juventud@torrevieja.eu

### Summer Street Parade on Saturday

The Summer Carnival Parade will start take place in Torrevieja on Saturday evening, 13 August.

The carnival-like parade will start at 20:30 from the Cultural Center Virgen del Carmen and will travel along calle Ramón Gallud to Plaza de la Constitution.

One of the highlights of the parade will be the appearance of representatives from the Moors and Christians from Crevillente and Alicante.

### 1,996 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 960 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,996 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 222 in Castellón (188,791 in total), 823 in Alicante (523,125 in total), 950 in Valencia (824,789 in total) and 1 unassigned.Of these, 960 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 125 from Castellón, 360 from Alicante and 475 from Valencia.Valencian hospitals currently have 775 people admitted for COVID-19, of which 57 are in the ICU: 118 in the province of Castellón, 4 in the ICU; 256 in the province of Alicante, 11 of them in the ICU, and 401 in the province of Valencia, 42 in the ICU.25 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except two in July. They are 13 women, between 73 and 92 years old, and 12 men, between 77 and 101 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,888: 1,167 in the province of Castellón, 3,770 in Alicante and 4,951 in Valencia.

### New Heat Wave Warning for This Weekend

The Emergency Coordination Centre has issued a statement in which it warns of a new and "significant rise in maximum and minimum temperatures over the next few days", specifically from Friday the 12th to Monday the 15th, with Saturday being the hottest day, which, according to the state meteorological office, AEMET, may be the hottest day of the year, despite July recording the hottest temperatures on record so far.

Inside the Vega Baja, maximum temperatures above 40º are expected. It will be cooler on the coast, but temperatures during the day may still easily reach 34 degrees. The trinomial composed of the entry of a mass of very warm air from North Africa, a west or west wind and a concentration of sub-Saharan dust particles will trigger the mercury to rise.

For this reason, it is recommended that you shelter in the hottest hours, between 12 and 4 p.m., avoiding physical exercise outdoors; use sunscreens; drink plenty of water, and take extreme care of the most sensitive people, including the elderly and children.

### Torrevieja Police Actively Removing Foreign Vehicles

Torrevieja Local Police have reported how every week they remove several foreign vehicles from the streets that do not comply with the regulations for driving in Spain. These vehicles are removed and deposited in the municipal vehicle pound until the legal position can be resolved.







The national traffic department, the DGT, says that if you have bought a vehicle outside of an EU country, which is of course what the UK is since BREXIT, and want to import it to circulate in our country, it will be necessary to re-register it in Spain after going through Customs.



However, they also point out that for vehicles from outside the EU, it's not a simple process. They say, the importation of a vehicle from outside the EU is complicated, so we recommend that before carrying it out you inform yourself at the  State Tax Agency of the steps to take for importation and the payments to be made at customs.



For some time, the authorities have received continual complaints about foreign registered vehicles driving in Spain without carrying out the correct procedures for importation. Sadly, for the Brits, this process is now a lot more complicated than it was, but doesn't change the fact that reregistration is a legal requirement if you import your vehicle.



Of course, tourists visiting the country for a short period are welcome to bring their cars and are allowed to drive in Spain, but this is only for a short period of time.

### The Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Torrevieja Hospital warns about the importance of taking extreme care of the ears due to high temperatures

Professionals from the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the University Hospital of Torrevieja warn about the increase in cases of external otitis as a result of the heat, especially during recent weeks, in which bathing in beaches and swimming pools joins the increase in temperature and environmental humidity and, consequently, increased sweating.

External otitis or swimmer's otitis is an infection of the external auditory canal and is more frequent in summer. Although the quality of the water in which we bathe is a factor to consider, according to the head of the Otorhinolaryngology Service, Aurora López, "the main factor for the development of external otitis is maceration of the skin of the external auditory canal”.

It is an infection that is caused by the change of conditions that occur in the external auditory canal, creating a perfect environment for the proliferation of bacteria or fungi.

During the summer period, the increase in ambient temperature, the ambient humidity in this area, prolonged bathing and excessive sweating can aggravate this type of infection. To these factors, which predispose to external otitis, are added other causes such as lesions in the skin of the duct, allergies, chronic skin problems, chronic diseases such as diabetes and other diseases that alter immunity.

Children are more prone to this type of infection, in addition to having a narrower duct and much more delicate skin, they are the family members who spend the most time in the water.

“In external otitis pain is an almost constant symptom. There is pain when the pinna is moved, when it is pressed in front of the ear, or when chewing. We can also see secretion in the external auditory canal. Itchy ears can be an early and frequent discomfort. Another symptom is the feeling of not hearing well because the duct is inflamed and with secretions. Fortunately, this hearing loss is reversible with the right treatment”, added Aurora López.

Main recommendations

The Otorhinolaryngology Service of the University Hospital of Torrevieja proposes a series of recommendations to take care of the ears in summer:

The ears should be carefully dried after bathing, either with the tip of a towel, gauze or a tissue. Tilting your head to one side or the other can help get residual water out of the duct. As far as possible, the ears should not remain too long in the water. Drying of ears with cotton buds is not recommended.

Patients should avoid repeated cleaning of earwax and even less cleaning with cotton swabs (which impact the earwax towards the eardrum) or the introduction of other instruments into the ear (forks, clips...) that can damage the skin of the canal.

Unless prescribed by a doctor, plugs should not be used. In this way, the natural ventilation of the skin of the duct will be favoured. Medical personnel may recommend the use of plugs for patients with a predisposition to summer otitis externa, chronic skin problems, or other ear conditions.

As prevention, and under medical prescription, drops of acidifying substances can be used for the skin of the duct, such as boric acid, after bathing.

### 2,664 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 1,400 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,664 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 307 in Castellón (188,569 in total), 1,236 in Alicante (522,302 in total), 1,119 in Valencia (823,839 in total) and 2 unassigned.Of these, 1,400 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 186 from Castellón, 636 from Alicante, 576 from Valencia and 2 unassigned.Valencian hospitals currently have 861 people admitted with COVID-19, 54 of them in the ICU: 135 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 287 in the province of Alicante, 18 of them in the ICU, and 439 in the province of Valencia, 33 in the ICU.17 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except one in July. They are 8 women, between 46 and 91 years old, and 9 men, between 63 and 99 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,863: 1,164 in the province of Castellón, 3,763 in Alicante and 4,936 in Valencia.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Traffic Unit: Fast, efficient and free attention 365 days a year

To access this 24-hour service it is not necessary to have medical health insurance, since the unit provides free assistance to everyone who has suffered a traffic accident

Close Up Of Two Cars Damaged In Road Traffic Accident

Summer is here, and with long-awaited summer vacations, it’s the time of year for road trips. However, going on a trip can become a nightmare if we are involved in a traffic accident.

Most frequent injuries in a traffic accident

 

In Spain there are an average of 150,000 road traffic injuries per year.

Dr. Carlos Israel Puell, a specialist at the Rehabilitation Service of Quirónsalud Alicante and Torrevieja, indicates that "cervical spine sprain is the most frequent injury seen in traffic accidents, followed by back pain and lower back pain." The most frequent symptoms are "neck pain, headaches, limitation of cervical mobility, ringing in the ear and a feeling of dizziness". All of these are if the accident vehicle is a car.

On the contrary, when the vehicle is a motorcycle, the injuries that can occur are very different, due to the fact that there is no protective chassis and the type of injuries often depend on the way in which the motorcyclist falls.

If a fall occurs at low speed, injuries are usually caused by abrasions against the asphalt, but at higher speeds the most injured area will be the one that hits first. "In these cases, the most common fractures would be those of an upper limb, such as a fractured humerus, wrist or elbow," says Dr. Puell.

In falls where the rider does not dismount from the motorbike, the most frequent injuries tend to occur in the lower limbs, such as the femur, knee or tibia.

 

Most common rehabilitation treatments after an accident

 

After a traffic accident, the most important thing is to recover fully and properly from injuries in order to avoid sequelae. The main treatments in this case combine pharmacological treatment (painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs) with rehabilitation therapy. "Here, the intervention of physiotherapists is very important, with the application of massage therapy, stretching and recommendations of exercises and postural hygiene rules. In addition to other approaches such as electrotherapy, thermotherapy, ultrasound, tens, etc.," says Dr. Carlos Israel Puell from Quirónsalud.

 

Only early, professional and personalized attention helps the road accident victim recover quickly and completely.

The assessment and establishment of early treatment is essential to minimize any physical repercussions. In addition, from a medical point of view, it is essential that everyone involved in a traffic accident attend an urgent medical assessment, regardless of the severity of the damage suffered.

The Traffic Units of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante provide care to patients who have suffered a traffic accident 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is made up of a multidisciplinary team made up of specialists in orthopaedics, neurology, rehabilitation and physiotherapy, and has all the necessary resources to offer the best service.

Your health care includes the first emergency visit, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, consultations with different specialists, rehabilitation doctor and rehabilitation treatment, intensive care unit and, if necessary, urgent surgery.

In addition, professionals have quick access to support services (MRI, CT, ultrasound, laboratory and operating theatre) for accurate diagnosis.

One of the keys to this Traffic Unit is the multidisciplinary approach to patients, as most musculoskeletal and spinal injuries require the coordination of different specialties for both healing and stabilisation of the injuries.

 

How to act in the event of a traffic accident?

 

In the event of a traffic accident, we must remain calm and act according to the instructions of the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT).

 

"The first step is to check if there are injured people and help them as far as possible, but without moving them. If the accident has had a major impact or if we are in any doubt, we should call the emergency service (112). The next recommendation is to go or be taken to a medical centre to be assessed by a specialist and start the appropriate treatment as soon as possible," concludes Dr. Puell.

 

How to avail of this service in case of an accident?

To be attended by this unit, it is only necessary to go directly to the emergency department of Quirónsalud Alicante or Torrevieja, where the administrative team will be in charge of carrying out all the procedures with the insurance company of your vehicle and will make complete medical attention available to you. You can also call the number 966 92 63 63 or write to trafico.torrevieja@quironsalud.es.



 

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

- International medical team

- Free translation service

-We work with all national and international medical insurers

-General emergencies 24/7

-Paediatric daytime emergencies

 

Address: Partida de la Loma, s/n

03184 Torrevieja, Alicante

 

 

 

### The Torrevieja health department registers nine deaths from Covid in the last two weeks

Nine people have died from Covid-19 in the Torrevieja health department in the last two weeks, according to official data from the Ministry of Health.

Of the nine, seven died in the last week of July and two in the first week of August.

At the University Hospital of Torrevieja there are 24 patients admitted with coronavirus.

It should be noted that the health area has multiplied its population in recent weeks with the arrival of tourists, which health experts expect will result in another spike in infections, hospitalisations, and deaths.

### The patron saint festivities of the San Roque neighbourhood are celebrated from August 12 to 17

From August 12 to 17, the patron saint festivities of the San Roque neighbourhood are celebrated.

For a week there will be various events, such as children's entertainment, Zumba, gift raffles and musical performances. Paella day will take place again with a contest and a tasting of a giant paella, as well as a barbecue.

On Tuesday, August 16, the procession of San Roque and Santa Ana will return after two years without being held due to the pandemic and the subsequent fireworks display. Previously, a mass will be celebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese, José Ignacio Munilla, on his first visit to Torrevieja as prelate of Orihuela-Alicante. The festivities will culminate with children's entertainment, the awards ceremony, and a mass in memory of the deceased. The day will culminate with music by DJ Lycos and the foam party.



Friday, August 12,

7:00 p.m.: Children's entertainment with Mª José.

8:00 p.m.: Free snack for children while supplies last.

8:30 p.m.: Zumba with Javier Jordán.

10 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

11:30 p.m.: Puro Maná, tribute orchestra.

 

Saturday, August 13,

2:00 p.m.: San Roque Barbecue. Mixed plate with bread and a drink at popular prices (member's special day 2×1).

9:30 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

11 p.m.: Reggaeton musical group.

 

Sunday, August 14,

7:00 p.m.: Summer Carnival Contest Parade.

9:30 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

11:30 p.m.: DJ Sergio Salinas.

 

Monday, August 15,

12 noon: Day of the paella «Contest».

2:00 p.m.: Giant paella.

7 p.m.: Children's entertainment with Mª José.

8:30 p.m.: Performance by Cristina Lucendo.

9:30 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association. "6 Ham Bingo Night".

11:30 p.m.: DJ Sergio Salinas.

 

Tuesday, August 16,

8:30 p.m.: Holy Mass in the Parish of San Roque and Santa Ana. Officiated by Bishop José Ignacio Munilla. Then procession and traditional fireworks display.

10:30 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

12:00 a.m.: DJ Sergio Salinas.

 

Wednesday, August 17,

7:00 p.m.: Children's entertainment with Mª José.

8:30 p.m.: Awards ceremony.

8:30 p.m.: Holy Mass for the deceased of the neighbourhood and the parish of San Roque and Santa Ana.

9:00 p.m.: Soul Dance Academy.

10 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

11:30 p.m.: Resident DJ Lycos and great foam party.

 

Thursday, August 18,

8:30 p.m.: Holy Mass for the deceased of the neighbourhood and the Parish.

### Torrevieja Youth Symphony Orchestra

On Saturday, August 6, a concert by the Torrevieja Youth Symphony Orchestra will take place at the International Auditorium in Torrevieja.

Admission is free until full capacity is reached.

### Changes to the Orihuela - Torrevieja - La Zenia bus service from 8 August

From Monday 8 August 2022, the Orihuela - Torrevieja - La Zenia bus service will have a new timetable.





For more information, and details of other local bus services, visit their website, https://costazul.net/

### 2,495 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 1,264 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,495 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 341 in Castellón (188,262 in total), 800 in Alicante (521,066 in total), 1,353 in Valencia (822,720 in total) and 1 unassigned.

Of these, 1,264 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 187 from Castellón, 441 from Alicante and 636 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 871 people admitted, 52 of them in the ICU: 142 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 288 in the province of Alicante, 19 of them in the ICU; and 441 in the province of Valencia, 31 in the ICU.

44 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except three, from July 11, 13 and 19. They are 22 women, between 29 and 103 years old, and 22 men, between 58 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,846: 1,161 in the province of Castellón, 3,757 in Alicante and 4,928 in Valencia.

### New Opening Hours for Outdoor Swimming Pool in Torrevieja

The Department of Sports in Torrevieja has published the Autumn schedules for the outdoor swimming pools of the Palacio de Deportes.

The recreational pool will be open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from Monday to Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Fridays it can be used in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Saturdays it will be open for use from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Finally, on Sundays it will open in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

As for the 25-metre pool, the public can go from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on Saturdays also from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

### Unlucky Burglars Arrested in Torrevieja

Specialised in home robberies, two thieves who had acted in several municipalities of Alicante, Murcia and Extremadura, have ended up behind bars due to carelessness and a bit of bad luck.



The Guardia Civil stopped a car at a routine checkpoint, and asked the driver for documentation, which he presented, to which the driver offered his licence and a Greek identity card. The officers were suspicious and verified that the documents were fake. In view of these facts, this person, a 33-year-old Georgian man, was arrested for the crimes of false documents and against road safety.

The detainee, once in the Torrevieja Guardia Civil station, requested that a friend bring him his true personal documentation in order to prove his identity.

On the morning of the next day, a man showed up who was carrying the detainee's Georgian passport. When the agents told this person to identify himself, he only provided incongruous information, making excuses at all times for not showing his own documentation.

After trying in every possible way to identify this individual and after learning that he had gone to the police station in a car, the agents, accompanied by this person, went to the car in order to obtain his true affiliation by through the vehicle documentation.

In a first superficial search of the vehicle, specifically inside the glove compartment, the agents found two forged Georgian driving licences, a Greek identity card that had been illegally altered, two photocopies of the aforementioned identity card, and also a precision balance.

After the discovery and the man's state of nervousness, the agents continued with a more exhaustive search of the vehicle, finding various effects hidden in various parts of the vehicle, specifically in a double bottom on the roof of the vehicle, under the ashtray and under the lever of the handbrake.

In addition to the documentation previously seized, the officers also found 14,240 euro in cash, 127 pieces of jewellery, a set of binoculars, plastic witnesses used by criminals to mark the doors of their possible victims and various tools for opening doors, like various sets of lockpicks.

Once the detainee's friend was fully and truthfully identified, it was possible to prove that he was a 40-year-old man of Georgian nationality, at which time he was arrested for the crime of forgery of a public document.

Given the discovery of the large number of jewels, officers in Torrevieja began an intense work of consultations in the police databases. They quickly linked over 70 pieces recovered in robberies inside homes in the towns of Elche, Petrer and Cartagena.

Continuing with the investigations, the same day a search was carried out at the home of both detainees, in the town of Elche, seizing various objects that were linked to a new robbery in the town of Badajoz.

The detainees, in addition to the aforementioned crimes, have been charged with a total of 5 crimes of robbery with force inside homes. Both have been placed at the disposal of the Court of Torrevieja, who has decreed their entry into prison.

The investigations are still open, and it is not ruled out that the number of those affected by these criminals will increase, since to date some 70 pieces of jewellery have been returned to their rightful owners.

### 2,922 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 1,482 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,922 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 434 in Castellón (187,921 in total), 885 in Alicante (520,266 in total) and 1,603 in Valencia (821,367 in total).

Of these, 1,482 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 250 from Castellón, 457 from Alicante and 775 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 993 people admitted, 54 of them in the ICU: 163 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 319 in the province of Alicante, 18 of them in the ICU; and 511 in the province of Valencia, 33 in the ICU.

34 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except two: one on June 27 and one on July 7. They are 14 women between 81 and 100 years old, and 20 men, between 48 and 96 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,802: 1,156 in the province of Castellón, 3,738 in Alicante and 4,908 in Valencia.

### August starts hotter than usual

August will have temperatures up to 1.5 degrees above normal, according to climatologist Samuel Biener, and it is also a busier month than July because the nights lengthen and the first signs of instability begin. "Showers on the coast, storms in the interior," he clarifies. The forecasts, in terms of rainfall, will be, according to Biener, in the normal environment, although "complicated" by nature. «In the Valencian Community and more in August the rains are difficult to predict, because the storms are very local. There are big differences from one town to another and it is difficult to anticipate it beyond the previous hours.

Since May "we have been chaining heat waves" that are leaving extreme temperatures. The last of July has discharged extreme heat that is still noticeable in the environment. Looking ahead to August, Biener anticipates that the weather “should not be so extreme, but the great heat was not expected in July either and look how it is going. The normal thing, he adds, is that August is "a little warmer than normal and the rainfall does not have major anomalies," he adds, although there is still a risk that the heavy rains of autumn will arrive sooner this year, perhaps even in August, due to the unusually high temperature of the sea in July.

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) ensures, for its part, that no major changes in minimum temperatures are expected. The trend will be to continue with values ​​that will not drop below 25 degrees on the coast. This is confirmed by Samuel Biener, who recalls that we are still in the heat wave, the statistically warmest period of the year that runs from July 15 to August 15 and that after a week of "suffocating" nights, we still will not get rid of tropical nights and equatorial on the coast.

 

### 3,519 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 1,711 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 3,519 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 483 in Castellón (187,487 in total), 1,030 in Alicante (519,381 in total) and 2,006 in Valencia (819,764 in total).



Of these, 1,711 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 262 from Castellón, 548 from Alicante and 901 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 1,006 people admitted with COVID-19, of which 60 are in the ICU: 153 in the province of Castellón, 7 in the ICU; 311 in the province of Alicante, 23 of them in the ICU; and 542 in the province of Valencia, 30 in the ICU.



38 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 15 women between 54 and 96 years old, and 23 men, between 69 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,768: 1,152 in the province of Castellón, 3,725 in Alicante and 4,891 in Valencia.

### La Mata Fiesta Starts Today

The summer fiesta in La Mata starts on Friday, with a range of events taking place in the Plaza de Encarnación Puchol.

Friday 29 July 2022

10:30p.m. Show by Miguel Alarza.

Saturday 30 July 2022

9:30 p.m. DJ Jordan.

10:30 p.m. a great tribute will begin to two great voices of Spanish music, Manolo Escobar and Nino Bravo, by Juan Manuel Punzano and Alejandro Canals.

Friday 5 August 2022

9:30 p.m. there will be entertainment for all audiences and music with DJ Jordan.

Saturday 6 August 2022

10:30 p.m., a great concert by the group “Lagarto Smith”.

Friday 12 August 2022

10:30p.m., a great tribute to the Mexican group “Maná”

Saturday 13 August 2022

9:30 p.m., an entertainment show and a Great Night Disco.

### Protest on Sunday to Save Doña Sinforosa Park

A protest has been organised for Sunday, starting at 19:00, which aims to raise the voice of concern for those wanting to save the Doña Sinforosa Park in Torrevieja, which is earmarked to be destroyed to make way for a high-rise apartment block.

The Los Verdes Green Party are behind the event, who claim that experts endorse their rescue plan, which they say is nothing more than for “the construction of monstrous towers and the ball is only endorsed by the greed and the brother-in-law of the Partido Popular of Eduardo Dolón.”

The Alicante coastal department had already raised their concerns over the locally approved plans to build the apartment, as the plans encroach onto protected land, and therefore could not be endorsed by the provincial body.

For more information on the protest, you can follow the event created with Los Verdes on Facebook, Salvemos Doña Sinforosa.

### Cádiz Carnival 2022

The Carnaval de Cádiz 2022 will be held at the Municipal Theatre on August 14, at 9:00 p.m., although the doors will open an hour before.

On stage there will be the most popular chirigotas of the Cadiz carnival, such as "Fermín and Antoñito" Los impatientes, and "Canijo" Antología. Both will offer the anthology of their most outstanding participations in the contest of the Gran Teatro Falla de Cádiz.

### Crazy Urban Festival 2022

The Crazy Urban Festival will bring together thousands of urban music fans on Saturday 13 August 2022, in Torrevieja.

The festival will also have a program of parallel activities. Among them, the market area for crafts and trends, the food truck market, the one for NGOs and citizen awareness, as well as an area where skateboarding, surfing and painting, thanks to the collaboration with different Torrevieja schools.

The venue will have an adventure area and another with fair attractions for all attendees that will be located in the Antonio Soria Park in Torrevieja.

### Pregnant in Torrevieja?

If you are expecting a baby and plan to give birth in Torrevieja, you might find it reassuring that you can now visit the maternity facilities at Torrevieja Hospital and meet the team who will be with you during the process.

The University Hospital of Torrevieja has reactivated the guided visits to the delivery room for future mothers and their partners.

The guided tours are aimed at all those pregnant women and their partners interested in meeting the professionals who will accompany them on the day they give birth.

If you are interested in the service, contact the hospital, remembering that the telephone number for Torrevieja Hospital changed in June, and is now 965 695 500.

 

### Sol Music Festival Torrevieja 2022

For three days, Torrevieja International Auditorium will host a series of concerts for classical music lovers, performed by international artists, under the title of Sol Music Festival.

Friday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m.: Opening Concert with a symphony orchestra made up of musicians from the province of Alicante and Murcia, formed especially for the festival and called “Sol Music Festival Orchestra”, conducted by Lev Gelbard (Germany) and guest soloist cello Lana Grün (Germany).

Saturday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m.: Concert entitled “Ballet, música y amor”, or “Ballet, music and love”. A unique combination of dance, voice and love created by a team of international artists. The most beautiful romantic pieces from the 18th to the 20th centuries will invite you on an exciting journey through time alongside Brahms, Tosti, Mussorgsky, Piazzola, Schreker and Schubert.

Participants of the concert will include: Edifice Dance Theatre: Carmine de Amicis (Italy) and Harriet Waghorn (UK), David Esteban, tenor (Italy), Oleg Volkov, bass-baritone (France), Sofia Poulopulou (Greece), Elise Navarro, soprano (France), Lucía España, soprano (Spain), Lana Grün, cello (Germany), Inessa Lecourt, piano (France).

Sunday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m.: Special closing concert entitled “Gala Lírica” in which all the artists of the festival will participate.

For more information, including detailed artist profiles, or to buy tickets, visit the official website: www.solmusicfest.com

### San Emigdio from August 4 To 7 in the Park of Nations

The Park of the Nations (Parque de las Naciones) in Torrevieja will be the stage of the schedule of acts that will take place from August 4 to 7, on the occasion of the holidays in honour of San Emigdio, copatron of Torrevieja and protector against earthquakes.

The event returns to the park after having been restricted due to the Covid pandemic for the last two years.

The festivities will include a popular barracks, musical performances, gift raffles and children's entertainment. As a culmination, the mass will take place in the open air and the procession with the image of the saint accompanied by "Los Salerosos" through the streets of the neighbourhood, which will end with the fireworks display.

Thursday, August 4,

9:00 p.m.: Inauguration of the popular barracks and performance by the «Soul Dance» Academy. Later, raffle of gifts and performance of a musical group.

Friday, August 5,

9:00 p.m.: Prize draw and performance by a musical group.

Saturday, August 6,

7:00 p.m.: Children's entertainment and free snack for all attending children. Raffle of gifts and musical performance.

Sunday, August 7,

8:00 p.m.: Eucharist in the Hermitage of San Emigdio and solemn procession with the image of the saint accompanied by the band of the Torrevieja City Musical Society “Los Salerosos”. Route: San Policarpo, Bilbao, Santísima Trinidad, Barrio Molinos, Plaza del Calvario, San Emigdio, José Hurtado Romero and San Policarpo streets to return to the Hermitage. At its completion, a fireworks display will take place.

A full schedule of event can be obtained from the tourist information office.

### Volver al amor

On Saturday 30 July, the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre will host Volver al amor, a concert by Santiago Sánchez and Victoria Guerrero.

The concert, which starts at 8:00p.m., will feature works of Romanticism and Spanish and Latin American musical nationalism and is free, until all tickets are assigned.

To reserve your seat, contact the box office at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja.

### 50 Years of Video Games

Starting on Wednesday 27 July, a new exhibition will be held in the Vista Alegre exhibition hall in Torrevieja, looking back over the last 50 years of video games and how they have influenced our lives.

The Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta" has organised the event, “50 años de ocio digital. Historia del videojuego”.

In the last 50 years, humanity has known a new way of playing.

Since Ralph H. Baer, ​​called the father of video games, created Magnavox Odyssey in 1972, through countless electronic games that have become classic icons of pop culture, and until the mid-90s, video games have always they have been a socialising element, from arcades to games with family and friends on our consoles and microcomputers.

To understand today's world, where digital entertainment is one of the main industries, it is important to know the milestones that have brought us to the great boom that is experienced today.

In this exhibition, we will not only learn about the history from the first video games, but we will also enjoy them first-hand, just as it could be done in previous decades and as it can still be done at the Vintage Arcade Museum.

It's time to learn while playing! And, as Albert Einstein said, “Games are the highest form of research”.

The exhibition will be on until 30 September 30.

### 4,506 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 2,255 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 4,506 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 609 in Castellón (187,004 in total), 1,142 in Alicante (518,351 in total) and 2,755 in Valencia (817,758 in total).

Of these, 2,255 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 345 from Castellón, 611 from Alicante and 1,299 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,110 people admitted, 62 of them in the ICU: 160 in the province of Castellón, 6 in the ICU; 354 in the province of Alicante, 22 of them in the ICU; and 596 in the province of Valencia, 34 in the ICU.

32 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, except for two of them on July 12, one on July 13 and another on July 16. They are 19 women between 73 and 105 years old, and 13 men, between 64 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,730: 1,142 in the province of Castellón, 3,710 in Alicante and 4,878 in Valencia.

### More Vaccinations Without Appointment This Week at Torrevieja Hospital

Carrying on with the Valencian Government’s plans to encourage vaccination take up, Torrevieja Hospital will once again be offering a drop-in service, for which an appointment is not necessary, to receive your jab.

However, this week, the timing is slightly more complicated that usual, as there will be a special session for children, as well as two sessions for adults.

Here is the schedule and details for the three sessions this week:

Monday 25 July, from 15:30 to 17:30

This session is specifically for those aged from 5 years of age to 11, requiring their first or second dose.



Monday 25 July, from 18:00 to 19:30

For those aged over 12 in need of their first, second or booster dose.



Thursday 28 July, from 15:30 to 19:30

Again, for those over 12, for first, second or booster dose.



Remember, you don’t need an appointment to attend, just present your SIP card and ID.

All sessions are held in the Salon de Actos at the Torrevieja Hospital. You can find the location by clicking here, or searching for Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja on Google Maps.

If you are unable to attend these sessions and still need a dose, you should contact your health centre who will be able to make an appointment for you.

Covid is still very much present and circulating in Spain, including the Valencia region, and the advice is to make sure your vaccinations are up to date, wear a mask in busy or enclosed spaces, and wash your hands frequently.

 

### Brilla Torrevieja 2022

Torrevieja will be playing host to a series of musical concerts throughout the summer, taking place at a specifically dedicated space in the Parque Antonio Soria.

This, by the way, is the reason that parking arrangements for the Friday market have had to be changed.

The event, taking place from 24 July to 12 August, is billed as an event for shining with its own light.

Sebastián Yatra - 24 July.

Sebastián Yatra officially presents his long-awaited new album 'Dharma' that promises a show full of emotions, dances, new songs and favourite hits of Sebastián Yatra fans such as «Tacones Rojos», «Robarte Un Beso», «Traicionera», «TBT», «Chica Ideal» y «Pareja del Año».

The songs speak of shared life experiences in a mosaic way through lyrics that communicate an honest and sometimes chilling memory of moments related to emotions such as fear and joy, sexuality and sadness; performed on rhythms that transcend expectations from pop to 80's retro, including reggaeton.

There are lots of acts lined up to keep attendees entertained, highlights of which are:

Taburete - 29 July.

The band led by Guillermo Bárcenas has returned to the music scene with a new song: Roto y Elegante. After almost a year without releasing new music, the group enters 2022 stronger than ever.

The name of the song already gives us a clue about what the single is about: a sweet ballad full of emotional force thanks to the sound of the piano and the powerful voices that are heard. But that is not all! The song reaches our ears as a preview of the new album, Matadero 5″.

Luis Fonsi - 7 August.

Luis Fonsi is back with a new studio album entitled ' Ley de gravedad', released three years after his previous production ('Vida').

The artist of the most listened to Latin song in history on YouTube, 'Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee' explained that this album brings together several moments, different fusions and rhythms. Luis Fonsi has wanted to adapt to current music but without forgetting who he is and his personal hallmark. A work with mixtures and fusions that will surprise his followers.

Lola Índigo - 12 August.

Las Solteras is the new song by Lola Indigo, the artist who has swept all digital platforms with La Niña de la Escuela, the launch single for 'La Niña', her latest album, which turned out to be a global hit.

Dancing is more than guaranteed with Las Solteras, it is a song with reggaeton dembow sounds with touches of electronics, a completely urban sound that Lola wanted to dedicate to all single women, which promises to be the new hymn to singleness.

If you want to know more, including the full schedule of artists, you can visit the official website, https://brillatorrevieja.com/



 

### Free Paella at Carrefour on Saturday

If you fancy a free portion of paella, the get yourselves down to the Carrefour Commercial Centre in Torrevieja on Saturday 23 July, from 1:30 p.m., and you just might be in luck.

All you have to do to qualify is spend 20 euro in any of the stores located inside the centre, which of course includes Carrefour itself, present your receipt at the promotional stand outside, and you will be given a voucher to hand over at the cooking area to collect your food.

One word of warning though, each ticket is only valid for a single portion of paella, so if you are not on your own you might need to spend more, remembering to pay separately at the till to obtain enough 20 euro receipts for the number of people in your group. Or, you could share a portion of course.

Oh, and when it’s gone, it’s gone, so maybe get there early.

For more details, and to read the terms and conditions, visit their website, https://www.cc-carrefour-torrevieja.com/gran-paella-gratuita/

### 4,756 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 2,275 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 4,756 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on the 19th July. The new cases by province are 687 in Castellón (186,395 in total), 1,237 in Alicante (517,209 in total), 2,830 in Valencia (815,003 in total) and 2 unassigned.

Of these, 2,275 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 344 from Castellón, 673 from Alicante, 1,256 from Valencia and 2 unassigned.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,139 people admitted, 58 of them in the ICU: 168 in the province of Castellón, 6 in the ICU; 358 in the province of Alicante, 22 of them in the ICU; and 613 in the province of Valencia, 30 in the ICU.

62 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, except one from July 5 and two from July 13. They are 35 women between 55 and 99 years old, and 27 men, between 61 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,698: 1,140 in the province of Castellón, 3,694 in Alicante and 4,864 in Valencia.

### Changes to the car parking arrangements at Torrevieja Friday market

If you are planning to go to Torrevieja's Friday market, you need to be aware of a change to the parking arrangements.
As the town hall has arranged for concerts to take place this summer at the Parque Antonio Soria, the normal car parking area for the Friday market has been closed until mid-August. To solve this problem for market goers, another parking area has been set up at the Aquopolis Torrevieja site, which can be accessed through the family water park for the summer off Avenida Monge Bielsa, in front of the Nelson Mandela multi-purpose soccer field.
This change will no doubt cause a lot of confusion for market visitors at first, so you might want to allow extra time for your visit to the Friday market.

### Torrevieja Hospital Emergencies improves its facilities to offer greater accessibility and safety in the provision of care

The Emergency Service of the University Hospital of Torrevieja has begun the undertaking of a construction project that will improve the facilities to guarantee greater safety in the provision of care.
Substantial improvement in the accessibility of the service is a priority, framed in the Shock Plan launched by the Department of Health to improve care in the Emergency Service.

The objective of the work is to create an open space that improves the visibility of all patients and favours communication between all health professionals. In this way, a central area will allow the monitoring of users from an optimal position, improving the humanisation and care received by patients.

The project seeks to integrate the urgent care space, adapting the demand and ensuring accessibility and continuity in urgent care.

The remodelling works of the Emergency Service will end on July 26. This project includes, in its scope of action, both the comprehensive reform of the control box for doctors and nurses, as well as the area for dispensing medicines and receiving orders.

Currently the emergency service has a total area of ​​more than 3,400 square metres.

The shock plan launched by the Ministry of Health to improve the Emergency Department of the Torrevieja Hospital is accompanied by a reinforcement of the structure and services, in addition to the extension of hours and the provision of specialists.

### Arthroplasty or hip replacement: when and where to perform it

Dr. Maciej Was, specialist in hip surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, clarifies in which cases this surgical procedure is optimal

 

Hip fracture is one of the top 10 causes of disability in adults over the age of 65 in Spain.  It is a serious injury that especially affects the elderly, being mainly associated with osteoporosis and falls.

 

However, there are other risk factors that influence the high incidence of hip fractures in older people, such as age-related decreased mobility and loss of visual and hearing ability. "The combination of these factors increases the possibility of suffering falls and trauma and presenting, therefore, a hip fracture of traumatic origin," explains Dr. Maciej Tadeusz Was, hip specialist of the traumatology service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

With these worrying data, the medical sector has looked for ways to recover that well-being and quality of life despite turning years or having suffered an accident.

Hip arthroplasty is the most common procedure when other treatments have not had the desired effect.

Dr. Maciej Was, specialist in surgery of Quirónsalud Torrevieja, explains what hip arthroplasty is and how the recovery process is.

 

What is arthroplasty or hip replacement?

 

Hip arthroplasty, also known as hip replacement, is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone of the hip joint are replaced with metal implants (prostheses).

 

The goal of this hip replacement is to relieve pain caused by deformity or fracture, improve mobility, and maintain the range of motion of the hip joint.

 

When to perform a hip arthroplasty?

 

It is important to differentiate between partial hip arthroplasty (partial hip replacement surgery or hemiarthroplasty) where only the head of the femur is replaced and total hip arthroplasty (total hip replacement surgery) where all parts of the joint are replaced with artificial prosthetic components.

Both are performed through an incision in the hip area and is therefore a surgery that requires regional anaesthesia in most situations.

In principle there are two indications for hip arthroplasty: femoral neck fracture or hip deformity.

 

In case of fracture, the implantation of hip prostheses depends on the type of femoral neck fracture and the general condition of the patient. It can be total or partial prosthesis, and on the other hand cemented or non-cemented prosthesis. Generally, the total prosthesis is reserved for patients under 75 years of age and in these patients non-cemented prostheses are put. For people over 75 years of age, if they do not have hip osteoarthritis, partial prostheses can be put on and if their bone quality is not good to resort to the cemented prosthesis.

 

In case of deformity "an arthroplasty is performed when we have a painful hip with damage to the cartilage, which does not improve with any of the different conservative therapeutic options we have", details Dr. Maciej Was, specialist in hip surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

Osteoarthritis and other hip joint deformities can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Therefore, a total hip arthroplasty will be recommended to relieve pain, improve range of motion and improve quality of life.

 

Techniques used to perform a hip arthroplasty

 

The team of the Hip and Pelvis Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja has highly specialized surgeons capable of responding to any pathology of the musculoskeletal system, offering a personalized and quality treatment to the patient.

In addition, new technologies have allowed us to develop new minimally invasive techniques that favour the patient's recovery and shorten their stay in the hospital.

Among the many advantages of this type of techniques we find the following:

 	Less bleeding.
 	Lower risk of infection.
 	Smaller incisions.
 	Almost immediate recovery of the patient.

Depending on the patient's condition and their previous functional situation, a certain type of surgical intervention will be carried out, in order to give solidity and stability to that joint and to recover the patient's gait.

Types of hip prostheses used in hip arthroplasty

 

In general, prostheses that use the following components are usually used:

 	Stem, which is always metallic (different mixtures of metals)
 	Head, which can be metallic (Chromium-Cobalt) or ceramic.
 	Insert, which can be made of polyethylene or ceramic.
 	Acetabular component, which is always metallic (different mixtures of metals).

The choice of components depends on the age of the patient and their particular situation, among others.

How is the recovery after a hip arthroplasty?

 

"The recovery after a hip arthroplasty is a personalized process according to the characteristics of the patient (degree of loss of musculature, mobility deficit, stability of the prosthesis)", adds the specialist.

These types of operations usually have a degree of recovery with a high degree of success. That is, after the intervention the patient will be able to mobilise the leg and return to his daily life, however, depending on the stability, "he may spend some time without being able to fully support the operated leg."

In addition, depending on the needs of the patient, physiotherapy sessions may also be needed to shorten the recovery process and obtain a better result.

The recovery time from a hip replacement can be six weeks to three months, depending on the type of surgery you've had and how your body reacts.

 

You can request here more information about hip surgery or arthroplasty from this link.

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja

 

Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been chosen as the healthcare company with the best corporate reputation in Spain in 2022.

 

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

 

-International medical team.

- Free translation service.

-We work with all national and international medical insurers.

-Management of free traffic unit.

-General emergencies 24/7.

-Daytime paediatric emergencies.

 

Location:

 

Partida de la Loma, s/n

03184 Torrevieja Alicante

966 92 13 13 / 900 301 013

info.torrevieja@quironsalud.es

### 5,423 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 2,670 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 5,423 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 830 in Castellón (185,708 in total), 1,354 in Alicante (515,972 in total), 3,238 in Valencia (812,173 in total) and 1 unassigned.

Of these, 2,670 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 466 from Castellón, 710 from Alicante, 1,493 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,216 people admitted, 59 of them in the ICU: 175 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 409 in the province of Alicante, 20 of them in the ICU; and 632 in the province of Valencia, 34 in the ICU.

13 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, except one that is from July 1. They are 7 women between 78 and 105 years old, and 6 men between 78 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,636: 1,132 in the province of Castellón, 3,663 in Alicante and 4,841 in Valencia.

### Vaccination without appointment today in Torrevieja

In the most recent audit, the worrying figure was revealed that only 56% of those eligible had actually taken the opportunity to have their booster vaccine.



The benefit of the vaccine is of course amazing, but it does reduce over time.



It is important that you have your protection improved.



The President of Valencia, Ximo Puig, urges everyone who is eligible to get a booster, to wear a mask in busy or enclosed spaces, maintain social distance, and wash your hands frequently.



If you need your booster, or if you haven't yet had your first or second dose, the advice is to contact the health centre you are registered with to make an appointment.



Alternatively, you can visit one of the frequent drop-in centres around the area.



Torrevieja Hospital is hosting a drop-in centre both on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon this week. You don't need an appointment, just turn up with your SIP card and ID. They are giving first, second or booster jabs.

### 6,495 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 3,056 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 6,495 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 1,074 in Castellón (184,878 in total), 1,648 in Alicante (514,618 in total) and 3,773 in Valencia (808,935 in total).Of these, 3,056 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 555 from Castellón, 837 from Alicante and 1,664 from Valencia.Valencian hospitals currently have 1,194 people admitted, 65 of them in the ICU: 182 in the province of Castellón, 6 in the ICU; 409 in the province of Alicante, 26 of them in the ICU; and 603 in the province of Valencia, 33 in the ICU.35 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, except one that is from June. They are 19 women between 60 and 103 years old, and 16 men between 70 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,623: 1,128 in the province of Castellón, 3,657 in Alicante and 4,838 in Valencia.

### Next Vaccination Without Appointment Schedule at Torrevieja Hospital

The campaign to offer vaccinations without appointments in the Valencian region is continuing to gather pace.

The next scheduled drop-in centres at Torrevieja Hospital will be on Tuesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 21.

This time, the schedule will be from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and remember that no prior appointment will be necessary.

You can attend, with your SIP card and ID, if you require your first, second or booster dose.

### Health notifies 7,640 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 3,851 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 7,640 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 1,117 in Castellón (183,804 in total), 2,143 in Alicante (512,970 in total) and 4,380 in Valencia (805,162 in total).

Of these, 3,851 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 556 from Castellón, 1,166 from Alicante and 2,129 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,226 people admitted, 58 of them in the ICU: 185 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 428 in the province of Alicante, 25 of them in the ICU; and 613 in the province of Valencia, 28 in the ICU.

There have been 17 coronavirus deaths reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 5 women between 76 and 91 years old, and 12 men between 65 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,588: 1,125 in the province of Castellón, 3,645 in Alicante and 4,818 in Valencia.

### Valencia President Rules Out More Covid Restrictions, For Now

The President of the Valencian Regional Government, Ximo Puig, has announced that this summer all the vaccination centres activated for use without prior appointment will be kept open in different parts of the Valencian Community to speed up vaccination against COVID-19, and has encouraged people who have not yet done so to complete their vaccination schedule.

This was stated after holding a meeting with experts from different areas of knowledge to assess the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Valencian Community. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Universal Health and Public Health, Miguel Mínguez.

The president has ruled out the application of new restrictions in the face of the increase in registered infections, but has appealed to the prudence and responsibility of citizens, and especially of the infected people, as well as to "be cautious with the most vulnerable people".

Similarly, he recalled the importance of maintaining protection measures against the virus, such as the responsible use of the mask, especially in crowds and for the most vulnerable people; hand hygiene; the ventilation of interior spaces, and maintaining the safety distance.

In addition, Ximo Puig has advanced that the Generalitat will propose to the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System the planning of the fourth dose of the vaccine for this autumn, especially for those most vulnerable people, and has insisted on the "protective effect" of vaccination.

The head of the Consell has assured that at the moment the new variant is "rapidly spreading", but its severity is less in those people who are vaccinated, which demonstrates the effectiveness of immunisation.

Finally, he pointed out that Valencian hospitals are prepared to meet the needs of this wave of infections whose curve is expected to flatten at the end of July, and he insisted on the need to be vigilant "because COVID is not on vacation", has manifested.

Among the people who have participated in person at the meeting of experts are the vice president of the Health Services Research Institute Foundation, Ricard Meneu; the researcher from the Health and Biomedical Research Foundation of the Valencian Community Salvador Peiró; and the general deputy director of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health and Public Health, Herme Vanaclocha.

It has also had the participation of the head of the Microbiology Service of the Clinical Hospital of Valencia, David Navarro; the doctorate in Chemical Sciences from the University of Valencia and from the Higher Council for Scientific Research Pilar Mateo; and the deputy director general of Evaluation of Care Management in the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health, Ramón Limón.

Likewise, during the meeting, the professor of Psychiatry at the University of Valencia Rafael Tabarés; the head of the Cardiac Surgery service of the General Hospital of Valencia and Cardio-Vascular Surgery of the La Fe Hospital and director of the Cardio-Vascular Diseases Area, Anastasio Montero, and the General Linguistics professor at the University of Valencia Beatriz Gallardo.

Finally, the meeting was attended electronically by the Professor of Economic Analysis at the University of Valencia and director of research at the Valencian Institute of Economic Research Paco Pérez; the doctor from the Media Lab of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Principal Data Scientist at the Think-Tank Data-Pop Alliance, Nuria Oliver; the oncology researcher expert in the application of artificial intelligence methods to the fight against cancer, Aurelia Bustos, and the researcher from the Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies of the CSIC and winner of the 2013 Rei Jaume I Prize, Xavier Querol.

### Vaccination without appointment in Torrevieja

If you haven't been vaccinated yet, you can get jabbed this week without an appointment in Torrevieja.

Because of the worrying increase in cases and hospitalisations, the regional health department has stepped up the availability of these drop-in centres around the region.

On Thursday 14 July, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., vaccination without an appointment will be available in the auditorium of the Hospital of Torrevieja.

You can attend, with your SIP card and ID, if you are waiting for the first, second or booster dose.

If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, the health department is encouraging it, as well as wearing a mask in enclosed spaces such as shops and supermarkets, and at busy events.

### 8,854 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 4,260 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 8,854 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update in the Valencia region alone. The new cases by province are: 1,173 in Castellón (182,687 in total), 2,552 in Alicante (510,827 in total), 5,128 in Valencia (800,782 in total) and one unassigned case.

Of these, 4,260 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 598 from Castellón, 1,312 from Alicante and 2,350 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,164 people admitted, 56 of them in the ICU: 140 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 409 in the province of Alicante, 23 of them in the ICU; and 615 in the province of Valencia, 28 in the ICU.

24 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 9 women between 69 and 100 years old, and 15 men between 63 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,571, of which 1,124 in the province of Castellón, 3,639 in Alicante and 4,808 in Valencia.

### What neurology services are offered at Quirónsalud to address neurological disorders?

Addressing neurological diseases in a rapid and multidisciplinary manner is already a reality in the Advanced Neurosciences Unit of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and the specialty centres of the Alicante province. These centres of healthcare excellence have developed healthcare based on a people centred care model, with a comprehensive structure and the establishment of ‘fast care’ channels.

The Advanced Neuroscience Unit is based on a radically innovative concept in terms of patient care. Dr. Erika Torres, director of this unique project, has devised, together with the rest of the participants, a model where the entire structure revolves around the patient, their families, their needs and concerns, addressing neurological disorders in a comprehensive and personalized manner.

The Unit is made up of a first-class multidisciplinary team and state-of-the-art technological equipment such as Flow Dynamics Magnetic Resonance Imaging and brain CT with perfusion.

M​emory and cognitive disorders department

Dr. Erika Torres, specialist in Neurology, and neuropsychologist Miguel Sánchez Barredo, responsible for the Memory and Cognitive Disorders Programme at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, highlighted the importance of being thorough in diagnosing patients with dementia. It is estimated that 10% of people who are initially diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have chronic adult hydrocephalus.

Quirónsalud has launched a Memory and Cognitive Disorders Programme for a more accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of patients suffering from dementia disorders and diseases, such as Alzheimer's.

The main objective of the new unit is to study the patient from the multiple angles that the disease presents in order to establish a rigorous diagnosis.

It should be noted that few centres in Spain are equipped with a multidisciplinary team as comprehensive as the one that Quirónsalud has, which works with the aim of detecting early cases of the disease to allow early intervention.

Movement disorders department

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative pathology and is second in frequency after Alzheimer's disease. The increase in life expectancy with the respective aging of the population means that its prevalence is increasing rapidly.

According to Dr. Erika Torres, head of the Movement Disorders Programme at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante Hospitals, “it is a disease that manifests itself in most cases with tremor, and always with slow movements and stiffness. As it progresses, it ends up affecting normal abilities such as walking and in some cases dementia can develop.”

Some of the treatments for Advanced Parkinson's Disease consist of Apomorphine with pen  administration, infusion pump or Parkinson's surgery.

Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery for brain tumours and spine

Brain endoscopy or neuroendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows rapid access to the cranial cavity through small cranial holes, thus avoiding the need for large openings and retractions of the brain tissue.

Interventional neuroradiology area

The Interventional Neuroradiology Department treats the following pathologies:

 	Brain aneurysms
 	Chronic Subdural Hematoma
 	Arterio-venous malformations
 	Carotid Atheromatous Stenosis
 	Vertebral Fractures

Headache department

Headache is the most frequent reason for consultation in the neurology department. Experts say it is essential to carry out early diagnosis and adequate treatment, to avoid the worsening of the condition and any subsequent decrease in the quality of life of the patient.

Treatments include botulinum toxin, infiltration with anaesthesia or the use of radiofrequency.

For episodic and chronic migraine there are new preventive treatments such as monoclonal drugs (anti-CGRP) applied monthly or quarterly by a pre-filled pen that is easy for the patient to use.

Neuroradiology

State-of-the-art neuroradiology is a key element in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological pathologies. Quirónsalud has Digital Magnetic Resonance, which facilitates a more precise and accurate diagnosis of injuries and pathologies of the spine and skull. CT scans allow studies with high resolution images of the skull and spine to be carried out.

 

 

Neuro-rehabilitation department

Neuro-rehabilitation is the process aimed at reducing the deficiency, the limitation of activity and the restriction of participation suffered by people as a result of a neurological disease, and where the professionals involved in this area have the objective of reducing the degree of functional impairment of the patient.

The neuro-rehabilitation service therefore has two units to cover the stages of evolution of the neurological patient (inpatient unit and outpatient unit).

Neuropsychology department

The role of the neuropsychologist is essential for the early detection of cognitive impairment, given that through the tools and knowledge, experts can identify those patients whose cognitive impairment is more likely to evolve into dementia or major neurocognitive disorder.

 Neurophysiology department

Neurophysiology has as its object the functional exploration of the nervous system, using techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), polysomnography (PSG), evoked potentials and transcranial magnetic stimulation, for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes.

Dr. Esteban De Vicente Álvarez-Manzaneda, head of the Neurophysiology Service at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, explains that "transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain with in order to improve the symptoms of pathologies such as stroke, severe depression refractory to other treatments, tinnitus and chronic pain”.

Maxillofacial surgery department

The causes of a temporomandibular dysfunction are very varied. When the dysfunction worsens, symptoms can become very noticeable and even disabling, making it difficult to speak, chew and swallow.

Its correct diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment by the maxillofacial surgery, rehabilitation and dentistry service usually resolves the condition, avoiding surgery in most cases.

Therapeutic options

Botulinum toxin treatment, Michigan-type discharge splint treatment, rehabilitation treatment where physiotherapists apply techniques to treat TMJ dysfunctions, and TMJ surgery are used.

Neurological nursing

Nursing in the Neuroscience Unit represents a key figure for being in direct contact with the patient's needs on a daily basis. Being its highly valued role due to its proximity and the transfer of information as an intermediary with the neurologist and other specialists.

The objective of nursing is aimed at knowing the needs of the neurological patient and providing individualized advice based on direct and continuous contact, establishing bonds of support and trust between the nurse-patient.

More information on the Neuroscience Service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante.

 

### Health reports 8,789 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 3,775 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 8,789 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 756 in Castellón (180,568 in total), 2,632 in Alicante (505,653 in total) and 5,401 in Valencia (790,876 in total).

Of these, 3,775 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 356 from Castellón, 1,141 from Alicante and 2,278 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 993 people admitted, 42 of them in the ICU: 140 in the province of Castellón, 4 in the ICU; 347 in the province of Alicante, 15 of them in the ICU; and 506 in the province of Valencia, 23 in the ICU.

18 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 11 women between 69 and 99 years old, and 7 men between 64 and 89 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,538: 1,124 in the province of Castellón, 3,621 in Alicante and 4,793 in Valencia.

 

Meanwhile, given the now worrying increase in cases across Spain, the Ministry of Health is calling for prudence, and are recommending that everyone wears a mask in enclosed spaces or at busy events.

### New Timetable for Bus from Torrevieja to Alicante Airport

There is now an updated timetable for winter, dated 12 September, which you can see by clicking here, although it appears to be the same as this schedule.

The Torrevieja to Alicante-Elche Airport bus service has a new timetable starting from 27 June.

The bus will depart Torrevieja to Alicante-Elche Airport at: 07:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 20:00.

The bus will depart Alicante-Elche Airport to Torrevieja at: 08:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00 and 21:00.

The same timetable will operate every day, including Sunday.

For more information and to buy your ticket online, visit their website, https://costazul.net/.

### Valencia region eases COVID restrictions from pools for collective use and water parks

The Valencia Ministry of Justice, Interior and Public Administration has issued a circular addressed to the municipalities of the Valencian Community in which they are informed of the regulations to be applied both in publicly owned swimming pools for collective use and in water parks.

The main novelty is that practically all of the anti-COVID-19 restrictions to which these spaces were subject during 2020 and 2021 become recommendations. However, it is urged to continue maintaining criteria of prudence and common sense.

The permitted capacity of the aforementioned facilities is again considered 100% of that contemplated in its opening licence. However, in the face of a massive influx, nothing prevents assessing and reconsidering the reduction in capacity if this guarantees greater security.

In relation to masks, responsible use is recommended, especially when there is a large influx of people in the beach and rest area and the safety distance between people cannot be respected.

The document also recalls the prohibition of smoking on the terraces of bars and cafes, which continues, and continues to recommend the sale of tickets electronically to minimise transactions at the box office.

The circular also mentions some aspects related to the safety of swimming pools and water parks before the arrival of the summer period. In its fulfilment, according to the regional secretary of Security and Emergencies, Jose María Ángel, the municipalities play a fundamental role since the municipalities share with the Generalitat the sanctioning and inspection competence, and have the power to close facilities that pose a risk, or prohibit activities that do not comply with regulations.

According to Jose María Ángel, "we must be especially scrupulous in this type of space because they are usually frequented by minors, the most susceptible to drowning and accidents."

The document recalls that, in accordance with current regulations, swimming pools with a water surface area of ​​200 to 500 square metres must have a minimum of one lifeguard, while swimming pools with an area between 500 and 1,000 square metres, they must have at least two lifeguards.

Lastly, for swimming pools whose surface area exceeds 1,000 square metres, one more lifeguard is required for every 500 square metres of surface area. On the other hand, in the case of water parks, the presence of monitors will be mandatory to ensure the correct use of these facilities.

### 20th International Music Band Festival "Ciudad de Torrevieja"

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, together with the president of the musical society Ciudad de Torrevieja "Los Salerosos", Guillermo Hernández, and the organiser of the festival, Naiara Díaz de Mendivil, presented the 20th International Band Festival of Music " Ciudad de Torrevieja", which will take place from July 5 to 9, in the Municipal Theatre.

This is a very special edition, since on the last day there will be an exhibition of all the bands on the central tennis court of the Ciudad Deportiva de Torrevieja, with a final performance of all the bands together, thus recovering the tradition of the last day of the festival that is none other than the joint performance of the participating groups, but this time in a new format.

The festival opens with a performance by the host band on July 5, for which a concert is being prepared with works that are attractive to the public, such as La ruta del Cid, directed by its director Alejandro Gómez.

The second night of the festival will be the meeting between the Sax Musical and Artistic Assoc. Student Band and the Soc. Music Youth Band City of Torrevieja "Los Salerosos". Both youth bands were born from the need to create a project for young learners to support and motivate them through a more active participation in the musical society. These bands of students represent the quarry of musicians of the respective older bands.

On July 7, the band “Städtmusikkapelle” from Hötting, Austria will perform.

It is a band with almost 100 years of history that belongs to the province of Tyrol. This makes it one of the main bands in the city of Innsbruck (capital of Tyrol). There it is traditional for each band to have their own traditional costume. In the concert, they will offer a very varied repertoire that will include traditional pieces from their country. It is currently made up of non-professional musicians of all generations. As a characteristic of their traditions, every May 1, they visit the houses of their friends and patrons.

On July 8, the Associazione Musical "Brasilino Severini" of Faleria (Italy) will perform.

This musical band, born in 1900 in the small town of Faleria, currently directed by the member of L'Arma dei Carabinieri, Sergio Belardi, has participated in major events such as the Thai Festival before the Thai ambassador in Rome, and international performances such as in Prague or Spain.

On July 9 is the closing of the festival, on the central tennis court of the Ciudad Deportiva, and will feature performances by the bands "Städtmusikkapelle" from Hötting, "La Frustica" and the Folkloric Group "Los Salerosos"

Regarding La Frustica, this folkloric group was born almost at the same time as our society (Los Salerosos), because it is almost 30 years old. What is characteristic of this group is that it is only made up of men, and is led by Sergio Belardi, a member of L'Arma dei Carabinieri and also director of the Asoc. Mus. Brazilian Severini. It is a very dynamic group with very striking choreographies and has performed all over the world, from "Columbus day" in NY, to Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Shanghai, even in parades of military bands such as Musikparade in Germany, France and Belgium. It has recently performed in Murcia, at the burial of the Sardine, and is the official group of the Rugby Team.

The closing event will begin with a welcome to the public by all the bands, and later each band will act alone with its exhibition. The end of the evening will be with the interpretation of works and hymns all the bands together.

### Health department begins the program of prevention and attention to health problems due to extreme temperatures

The regional Ministry of Health has begun the Program for Prevention and Attention to Health Problems due to extreme temperatures, whose main objective is to reduce the impact associated with excess temperature and possible heat waves during the summer season in the Valencian Community.

The program will remain active until September 30, unless the weather conditions imply its punctual modification.

Since the summer of 2004, this program includes the measures to monitor and reduce the health effects associated with high temperatures according to the level of risk foreseen throughout the territory of the Valencian Community, with the necessary specifications in each health department.

There is a meteorological surveillance system specifically developed for the territory of the Valencian Community. Currently, extreme heat forecast alerts are issued by the General Directorate of Public Health and Addictions, with daily updates and can be consulted here.

The program allows the Ministry of Health to monitor the weather situation to predict risk situations due to excess temperatures, as well as to establish a system for coordination and exchange of information between the various institutions involved.

Likewise, through the public health centres, extreme heat risk alerts are disseminated to the institutional and territorial network of health departments and information is provided to the population on declared alert levels and prevention measures, especially groups at higher risk (elderly people, children or people with a chronic disease), as well as social and health professionals.

The program also makes it possible to monitor and assess the impact of intense heat on the health of the population.

Risk levels and alert activation

Risk maps are prepared daily with temperature forecasts for all the municipalities of the Valencian Community. There are 542 municipalities and 542 predictions made by satellites that indicate heat waves to health, with the expected temperature levels. These levels are shown on the maps with four colours and each colour is associated with an intervention level: normal level (green), moderate (yellow), high (orange) and extreme (red), and they are linked to a series of performances.

To intervene, it must be fulfilled that, of the daily predictions that are for three consecutive days, two days are of the same high level, When 'TODAY' and 'TOMORROW' have a high level or orange or extreme level or red, the inter -vent alert.

In addition to the already indicated novelty of predictions by municipalities instead of by the previous thermoclimatic zones (which sometimes served several different municipalities), this year a specific prediction is also offered for night temperatures, generating warning for "tropical" nights " and "torrid".

A tropical night is considered one in which the minimum temperature does not drop below 20 °C, equatorial when the minimum does not drop below 25 °C and a torrid night when the minimum temperature is not below 28 °C. In this Mediterranean area, the night with minimum temperatures of 20º does not trigger the health alarm.

A hotter summer than usual

According to the three major weather and climate forecasting centres consulted, i.e. the European Centre for Medium-Range Forecasts (ECMWF), the United Kingdom Forecasting Centre (MetOffice), and the National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), as well as other predictions and projections consulted, in the Valencian Community, the probability of higher temperatures than usual in the months of June, July and August 2022 is high (50%-70%) or very high (>70%).

National Plan

The Ministry of Health also participates, together with the Ministry of Health, in the National Plan of Preventive Actions of the effects of excess temperatures on health 2022.

You can consult here to see forecasts at the national level and the effects on health and mortality data.

### New Telephone Number for Torrevieja Hospital

From Monday 6 June, the Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja will have a new telephone number.

In order to contact Torrevieja hospital, you Will need to call 965 695 500.

### The emergency sand recharge works begin on Los Locos beach

The special intensity of the storm that occurred in March and early April 2022, with strong winds, high rainfall and maritime storms, caused damage to the coast of the province of Alicante.

For this reason, on April 11, 2022, the Secretary of State for the Environment of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge issued a Resolution, authorising the execution of the works and actions necessary to repair the damage caused on the coast.

Among the actions proposed in the Province of Alicante is that of carrying out a recharge of sand on the Locos beach in Torrevieja, with the aim of maintaining the profile of the beach and compensating for the loss of sediment caused by the marine storm.

The emergency work planned to be carried out on this stretch of coast consists of carrying out a recharge of sand, provided on a dry beach, in order to improve the interannual maintenance of the profile on Los Locos beach in Torrevieja. More specifically, the action consists of acquiring 2,500 tons of sand with the same physical and chemical characteristics (colour, composition, granulometry, etc.) as that used in the 2019 recharge, transporting it to Los Locos beach in trucks, depositing it, extending it and levelling it, work which has now begun.

The execution of the works will be carried out with environmental monitoring that guarantees no repercussions on the terrestrial and marine environment, for which the General Directorate of the Coast and the Sea has contracted the corresponding service. This action involves an approximate investment of 63,000 euro.

### Laser Combat event will be held in the Plaza de la Constitución, on 15 July

The Councillor for Youth in Torrevieja, Domingo Paredes, has presented an activity that is outside the youth programming and that mixes leisure and video games. It is an alternative outdoor entertainment event, innovative and highly demanded by young people, similar to online video games like Fornite and Call of duty.

LASER COMBAT will be held in the Plaza de la Constitución, on July 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and all young people who wish to participate can do, since there will be 40 laser guns available and each session will have a duration of 10/15 minutes.

To use the laser and mobile weapons of this game, learning sessions will be held for young people who want to participate, in addition to having a QR code for registration through a form.

Domingo Paredes has announced that these types of events will continue to take place over the coming months to expand the programming offer with a greater number of attractive and innovative activities for our young people.

### On 2 July Urban Day will be held in the Antonio Soria Park

The Councillor for Youth in Torrevieja, Domingo Paredes, and the Councillor for Care and Promotion of the Urban Image, Carmen Gómez, have presented the Urban Day event, which will take place on July 2 in Antonio Park Soria.

Among the activities that will take place during Urban Day is the first edition of the national Recycle with Paint “House” contest. A graffiti contest on glass recycling containers that aims to promote the selective collection of these containers while becoming a means of expression for young people and their vision of society through graffiti and drawing. "Recently we lost a great graffiti artist Raúl Sánchez "House", and just as the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, promised, this contest will bear his name in honour of his work," said Gómez Candel.

The day will end with a Holi Party starting at 6:30 p.m. Admission will be completely free and tickets can be obtained from Friday, June 3, on the website www.entradasatualcance.com. "Each person who buys their ticket will receive instructions for the party, such as wearing white clothes so that the colours so characteristic of this party can be seen," said Domingo Paredes. At the time of entering the venue, the participants in the Holi Party will receive a bag with the coloured powders "to enjoy a day in which the young local artists will be able to present their art", said Paredes.

The day will be enlivened by local musical groups and all those artists who want to offer their music to all those present. Registrations for this must be made at the Youth Animation and Information Centre (CIAJ).

Entries for the graffiti contest must be accompanied by a design proposal to be made on the container. Among all the proposals received, a total of 35 will be selected (30 selected and 5 reserved). Registration will end on June 23, and can be submitted through the electronic office. The jury's decision will be made public on June 28 on the municipal website.

The selected designs will be made on July 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the Antonio Soria park. It will be there where, once the works are finished, the jury will award the prizes that are the following:

First prize: €3,000

Second prize: €2,000

Third prize: €1,000

In addition to 5 prizes of €500 each in the following categories:

Local artist

Originality

Chromatic

2 second prizes to be decided by the jury if it considers it convenient

The selected artists must go to the Antonio Soria park with their utensils to carry out the work, except for the spray cans that will be delivered by the organisation.

### Everything you need to know about haemorrhoids and other diseases of the colon, rectum and anus

Why do haemorrhoids occur?
According to some experts, haemorrhoids have an important genetic component. This does not mean that there is a gene that, by itself, translates into haemorrhoid, but that some factors that predispose to suffer from this ailment are inherited.

On the other hand, there are factors that increase the risk of suffering from hemorrhoidal syndrome, such as constipation, prolonged defecative strain or pregnancy.

Eating a balanced diet rich in fibre, with increased water intake, decreases the consistency of the faecal bolus, increasing the frequency of bowel movements and reducing the risk of haemorrhoids.

Staying at your proper weight, exercising, and avoiding some irritating foods and drinks can also help control the onset of haemorrhoids.
Treatment
Hemorrhoidal pathology occurs when the venous structures that exist naturally in the anus dilate, lose their elastic capacity and prolapse outward.

Some of the symptoms are: stinging, itching, feeling of an anal "lump" and bleeding at the end of the stool.

When not complicated, most haemorrhoids do not hurt. However, in more severe cases, they need medical treatment that may include ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation.

In large external haemorrhoids or internal haemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments surgery may be necessary .
What is coloproctology?
According to the team of experts in coloproctology of the general surgery service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja, coloproctology is "a specialty, within General Surgery, which is responsible for the management, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. It is a very important branch of medicine due to the large number of diseases it covers and its high prevalence."

Coloproctology treats pathologies such as diverticular disease, colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease and other diseases related to the anal and perianal region (haemorrhoids, anal fissures, abscesses and perianal fistulas).

In addition, in this field, pelvic floor alterations related to faecal incontinence are also treated.
Diagnostic and treatment
Due to the great variety of symptoms, the coloproctology team of Quirónsalud Torrevieja recommends us to go to the doctor as soon as possible to "get an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment".

The diagnosis of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus is based, fundamentally, on a good clinical history, with anamnesis and directed physical examination, always having a diagnosis of suspicion.

Regarding the surgical treatment of coloproctological pathologies, it has advanced in a vertiginous way, reducing the intervention and postoperative times.
 Minimally invasive anal surgery
With regard to anal pathology, it is committed to "minimally invasive surgery" thanks to treatments that do not require anaesthesia, without pain and without hospital admission.

In hospitals such as Quirónsalud Torrevieja it is possible to treat haemorrhoids, fissures or simple fistulas without going through the operating room.  "The postoperative period is simple, without the need for cures. In addition, they are as effective treatments as conventional ones."

In fact, the treatment is carried out in the same consultation, so that the patient can be diagnosed with his disease and receive the treatment "in the same visit".

### Torrevieja renews the six Blue Flags of its beaches

Torrevieja has renewed the six Blue Flags that will once again fly on the beaches of Cala Piteras, Los Náufragos, El Cura, Los Locos, Cabo Cervera and La Mata-Sur. 

The Blue Flag is an international distinction that recognises the quality of the water of a beach, and rewards the beaches for reaching the required criteria of legality, accessibility, health, environmental education, cleanliness and safety. 

In addition to the beaches, Torrevieja's marinas will also fly the flag at the Club Náutico Marina Internacional, the Real Club Náutico and, for the first time, Marina Internacional, making Torrevieja the most awarded town in the region for Blue Flag marinas.

Plus, the Torrevieja and La Mata Lagoons Natural Park Visitor Centre has also revalidated the Centro Azul 2022 award.

### Spain to maintain masks on flights and public transport

The Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, has ruled out that the elimination of the compulsory use of masks in public transport and on planes, following the European Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Prevention and Disease Control (ECDC) announcing a change in policy recommendations.

This was stated by Darias at a press conference on Wednesday at the end of the Interterritorial Health Council, in which she specified that the recommendations of the ECDC and AESA on the use of masks both in airports and on flights must be aligned with the measures and regulations on its use on public transport.

In this sense, she recalled that the decree approved by the Executive last April establishes that the use of face masks is not mandatory neither on the platforms nor in the airports themselves, but it is on public transport and on flights to, from and inside the country.

In addition, she said that the European organisations have recommended that flight operators maintain their use, before insisting that Spain "very recently" decided to extend the obligation to wear the mask on public transport.

"All the measures have to have a path and therefore we have to walk hand in hand with prudence and proportionality as until now and always with unanimity in the proposals of the experts who advise us and in this case with the practical unanimity of the Interterritorial", added Darias.

### Tai Chi day in Torrevieja

On Saturday you can participate in Tai Chi day at the Hombre del Mar statue in Torrevieja.

### Musical event on Saturday

The youth orchestra will be performing on Saturday in the municipal theatre.

### 2022/2023 School admission period announced

The Councillor for Education in Torrevieja, Ricardo Recuero, has presented this morning the School Admission period for the next academic year 2022/2023 in the schools of the town.





This year, like last year, it will be possible to apply for a school place through the website telematricula.es.

As a novelty this year, it will be possible to formalise applications electronically for the Infant, Primary, ESO and Baccalaureate levels. For Formative Cycles, the formalisation of registration will be only face-to-face.

Ricardo Recuero has recalled that students born in 2019 must attend school for 3-year-old children. In the case of request for a 2-year-old classroom, it will be the children born in 2020.

SCHOOL ADMISSION DEADLINE:

-Infant and Primary

From April 26 to May 4

Process

• Provisional listings on May 19

• Claims until May 23

• Final listings: June 3

• Online enrolment from June 3 to 21 

* Face-to-face registration from June 22 to July 6

-Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO)

From May 26 to June 3

Process

• Provisional listings July 5

• Claims until July 7

• Final listings July 18

• Formalisation of registration electronically from July 18 to 21

• Face-to-face registration from July 19 to 22

-Baccalaureate

From May 26 to June 3

Process

• Provisional listings July 12

• Claims until July 14

• Final listings July 22

• Formalisation of registration electronically: from July 22 to 27

• Face-to-face enrolment from July 25 to 28

-FP: Basic, Intermediate and Higher Degree

From May 19 to 29

Process

• Provisional list of middle and higher grade: July 11

• Provisional list of basic grade: July 6

• Complaints middle and higher grade: from July 11 to 13

• Claims basic grade: from July 6 to 8

• Definitive middle and higher grade listings: July 21

• Definitive basic grade listings: July 14

• Middle and higher grade face-to-face enrolment: from June 22 to 29

 

### Regional Government approves the Decree Law on Urgent Measures in Response to the Energy and Economic Emergency caused by the war in Ukraine

The Consell has approved the final text of the Decree Law on Urgent Measures in Response to the Energy and Economic Emergency caused by the war in Ukraine, whose main objectives are to achieve energy sovereignty and financially help the most vulnerable families and individuals, as well as support the industrial sectors and companies most affected by the current global context.

 

This new text of the Decree Law, which replaces the one approved on April 1, has been published this Friday in the Official Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana. The standard has been promoted across the board from different areas of the Valencian Government, by including various initiatives of an administrative, economic and social nature.

 

In this sense, the decree law establishes measures to relaunch the creation of new renewable energy facilities, especially wind and photovoltaic plants, as well as social initiatives to help the most vulnerable families and people.

 

Regarding social measures, the Valencian Inclusion Income Law is modified in such a way that an increase of up to 30% of the recognised economic benefit is established to cover the rental or mortgage expenses of the habitual residence of the person receiving the the Valencian Inclusion Income (RVI), as well as to guarantee access to basic energy supplies, provided that they do not receive any amount for the same concept from any Administration.

 

For RVI recipients who do not have any expenses related to housing, the increase will be 15% to guarantee energy rights, and a minimum amount of 50 euro in those living units that have income and do not exceed the amount maximum established for each modality.

 

The objective is to guarantee the energy rights of the affected families and people.

 

Likewise, this decree law simplifies administrative procedures and eliminates bureaucratic obstacles to promote the installation of renewable energy plants. It is expected that, with this new regulation, the processing time can be reduced by one year, which represents progress towards having a greater renewable energy capacity in the Valencian Community, in accordance with the environmental, energy and climate objectives of the European Union by 2030.

 

In the field of renewable energies, an occupation is also established to implement renewable energy installations of 3% of the common non-developable land area of ​​each municipality, establishing weighting criteria with the aim of encouraging said installations to be located on land of lower agrological value.

 

Likewise, the start-up of renewable energy installations that occupy less than 10 hectares is facilitated, increasing the participation of the town councils, in charge of carrying out the pertinent reports. In addition, the implementation of photovoltaic power plants of public initiative is favoured.

 

On the other hand, the regulatory streamlining for renewable energy plants of less than 10 MW is reinforced, which will now have urgent processing and streamlining regulatory changes are also incorporated for plants with less capacity. Likewise, the installation of public green energy generation plants in the municipalities is favoured and the possibility of an energy/strategic declaration is incorporated for unique projects that may be of economic, energy or environmental interest.

 

Support for the ceramic industry

 

Likewise, the decree law includes economic support measures for the sectors most affected by the crisis caused by the war, such as ceramics. In this sense, procedures in industrial clay farms are streamlined by the emergency procedure, provided that the destination is the tile industry of the Valencian Community and for a maximum period of two years.

 

The decree includes, on the other hand, normative modifications that affect, for example, the Edificant plan for the construction and adaptation of educational infrastructures and that are related to the increase in prices of building materials. To this end, it is established that, in cases where the financing granted is insufficient to satisfy the exceptional price revision, this financing will be automatically increased with the necessary amount.

 

Regarding the actions of the Consell for the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, it is determined that the subsidies may be released immediately, once granted, up to 100%, prior to justification in order to expedite the pay.

### Regional Government approves 10% reduction in rates and public prices to mitigate the impact of inflation

The Valencia regional government has approved the decree law that regulates the 10% discount on own rates and public prices managed by the Generalitat until December 31, 2022. It is estimated that the measure directly benefits a total of more than 1,300 ,000 Valencians and represents cost savings for Valencian families and companies close to 30 million euro.

 

This is a temporary reduction that is part of the Reactive Plan, with the aim of mitigating the impact of inflation on the economy of Valencian families and companies, preventing their purchasing power from being further affected, as well as alleviating and control the negative effects they may produce on real income and employment.

 

In fact, this bonus responds to the Consell's desire to deal with the increase in inflation that has triggered the supply problem linked to the COVID-19 stoppage, as well as the increase in the price of raw materials and energy due to of the overdemand for economic recovery and aggravated after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

 

Taxes included

 

The approved decree law affects rates of a transversal nature and linked to a large number of benefits and services provided by public administrations, thus helping to contribute to mitigating the impact of inflation on the structure of family and business costs.

 

Specifically, the measure affects all own fees, regulated by Law 20/2017, with the exception of fees for university services and as long as they are not voluntarily requested or received by taxpayers and are not provided or made. by the private sector, whether or not its reservation is established in favor of the public sector.

 

On the other hand, the fees for Sanitary Inspections and Controls of Animals and their Products, regulated by Law 10/1997, have been considered for this purpose; port fees, regulated by Law 1/1999, with the exception of services for fresh fishing and marine aquaculture; and the fees for the use and occupation of spaces in the ports of the Generalitat by virtue of authorisation or concession, included in Law 2/2014, with the exception of the fee for the first sale of fish.

 

All public prices set by the Generalitat will also be reduced by 10%, with the same temporary limitation from the entry into force of the decree-law until December 31, 2022.

 

It must be taken into account that this measure only affects discounts in favor of the Administration of the Generalitat and its instrumental public sector that are carried out under public law. In other words, the compensation required by entities subject to private law will not be included.

 

Thus, the prices received by public law entities, public business entities, as well as commercial companies and public sector foundations, are excluded from the scope of application of the measure, insofar as they are subject to private law.

 

The consortiums of which the Generalitat forms part are not included either, insofar as their creation is due to an agreement signed between the parties, and their modification would imply a decision that should be adopted within the consortium itself, in accordance with the agreement that regulate it.

 

Exemption for 6 months

 

On the other hand, a 6-month exemption is established for port fees for services to fresh fishing and marine aquaculture, as well as for fees for use and occupation of facilities for the first sale of fresh fish, which are excluded from the overall reduction of 10%.

 

Given that in the case of the G-4 port fee, the settlement period is monthly, while in the rates for use and occupancy, the settlement period is six-monthly, in order to accrue the benefit without altering the rule of accrual and requirement of the tax, a special rule for calculating the taxable base has been introduced by which the elements for its calculation generated during the validity of the benefit will be excluded from the computation of the taxable base.

 

University fees

 

With regard to university fees, they are also excluded from the general reduction insofar as they are not included in the budgets of the Generalitat, they are managed by the universities themselves and their amount is subject to limits set in the scope of action of the corresponding collegiate bodies.

 

However, in accordance with the purpose of the decree, it establishes for the next academic year 2022/2023 a reduction of 10% in the reference rates of the different concepts included by university services in Decree 168/2021, of October 8, of the council

 

This reduction in university fees will also revert to the families of the 132,000 students of the five public universities of the Valencian Community.

### Ximo Puig announces free metro and tram transport on Sundays for the next three months

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced that the Consell will approve the free transportation of Metrovalencia, TRAM d'Alacant and TRAM Castelló on Sundays for the next three months.



This measure has been advanced by the person in charge of the Generalitat during his intervention in the control session of Les Corts and is part of the set of actions planned to help alleviate the effects of inflation on Valencian families.

 

The action completes those that Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) has taken in the metropolitan transport of Valencia, where rates have been reduced by up to 50% and the rate integration has become a reality, and will also be accompanied by a reduction of 50 % on the price in the TRAM d'Alacant.

 

Likewise, the free FGV service on Sundays for the next three months will benefit 110,000 Valencian men and women who regularly use public transport on that holiday, and will also help win new users of the Generalitat network.

 

1 billion for the Reactive Plan

 

These actions are added to those already presented through the Reactive Plan to provide a Valencian response to the crisis generated by the invasion of Ukraine. This program, as the president has recalled, has a global allocation of around 1 billion euro, and includes, as basic pillars, 71 million euro to fight inflation, 425 million euro in aid to companies, the self-employed and families most affected, 380 million in energy efficiency and saving measures and 68 million euro in actions to accelerate energy autonomy.

 

Ximo Puig has also recalled that the package of measures includes a 10% reduction in fees that, in some cases, will reach total exemption, as in the case of fishermen, a bonus of 300 euro for, at least 150,000 self-employed workers most affected by the energy crisis or 50 million in aid for companies that depend on gas, and that are not included in the state measures.

 

In addition, 100 million euro in IVF financial instruments are also incorporated to support companies that have suffered a drop in income, the increase of up to 30% of the energy aid bonus in the Valencian Inclusion Income for vulnerable families or 11 million in aid for families who install renewable energy for air conditioning and hot water in their homes.

 

Likewise, as the president has added, 10 million more are also provided to subsidise agricultural insurance in a supplementary way, 188 million for the improvement of urban energy efficiency and homes and 18 million in aid for the transformation of passenger transport fleets and merchandise.

 

The president has also defended that this plan will be developed in parallel with the actions to continue reinforcing health, education and social protection, and has underlined that, in health matters, with the Créixer Plan, 658 million investment are contemplated until 2023 and that Edificant will allow the barracks to end in this legislature. Likewise, in inclusive policies, he has indicated that Convivint will involve the investment of 561 million in 247 actions in social infrastructures, and has also referred to the actions for the reform and construction of judicial headquarters worth 277 million euro.

### "Semana del Mayor" of Torrevieja, from April 23 to May 1

The Councillor for the Elderly in Torrevieja, Inmaculada Montesinos, has presented the acts that are going to be carried out within the Week of the Elderly, "Semana del Mayor", which will be held from April 23 to May 1 in the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO) and on Paseo Vista Alegre.

The events will begin on Saturday, April 23, with the "Presentation of Queens" gala ball starting at 6:00 p.m., at the Municipal Leisure Center (CMO), and will end on May 1 at Paseo Vista Alegre with the day of conviviality and lunch. The day of coexistence will begin with a session of maintenance gymnastics and line dancing. After these activities, the popular lunch will be held for which all the elderly must carry a ticket that they can collect in the different houses of the Third Age of Torrevieja. After lunch, the activities that will be the final touch to the Week of the Elder will be resumed.
On Tuesday, April 26, at 11:00 a.m., the Humorous Gymkana will take place followed by the Cake Contest at 12:00 p.m., both activities at the Municipal Leisure Centre.
On Wednesday, April 27, the inauguration of the "Ceramic Workshop" exhibition will take place at 10:30 a.m. In the afternoon, at 5:00 p.m., the performance of the group “Sabor y Baile” from La Mata will take place.
On April 28, a dance workshop will be given starting at 11:00 am, and at 5:00 pm there will be a line dance exhibition by José and Angelines.
On April 29, at 6:00 p.m., the traditional Fashion Show will be held again, and on Saturday, April 30, a sevillanas parade will be held at 5:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a performance by the choir of the Andalusian Cultural Association. All activities will take place in the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO).
NEW SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ELDERLY
Inmaculada Montesinos has also announced the new Help for the Elderly service, which the council will begin to provide. It is a service in which they have been working for several months together with different municipal agencies and in collaboration with various ministries, and which consists of providing assistance in the procedures that affect the group of the Third Age, both in their leisure needs , such as the trips of the IMSERSO and the Valencian Community, such as health workers and all kinds of social aid and support.
The Department for the Elderly intends to help fill in the forms as well as make the pertinent records, request appointments, etc… This new department will begin to function from May, and will be located in the House for the Elderly of San Pascual, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This new service will be provided with personnel provided by Torrevieja Council through the LABORA employment program. The Home for the Elderly is located at c/San Pascual nº117, and the service telephone number will be 966 701 275.

### Turisme Comunitat Valenciana presents in Torrevieja the training program in hospitality and accommodation aimed at Ukrainian refugees

The general director of Turisme, Herick Campos, has met this Wednesday with the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, to evaluate the possible means of communication that allow the new training program in hospitality and tourism aimed at Ukrainian refugees and promoted by the network of Tourism Centres (CdT), that was successfully implemented in Torrevieja.

It is a training plan that has the objective of providing Ukrainian citizens residing in the Valencian Community with the minimum professional training to join tourism jobs, in addition to facilitating the best possible integration.

The meeting held at the CdT of Torrevieja, and which was also attended by the director of the centre, Alicia Arenas, who has transferred the proposal that has previously agreed with the Ukrainian organisations in Torrevieja, has served so that both the regional and local administrations, coordinate to implement the training program in the municipality and region.

In this regard, Campos has declared that the objective is "to help channel registrations and ensure that this opportunity for tourist training reaches Ukrainian refugees immediately and adapted to their needs."

For the director of Turisme "it is very important that during all the time they are in Torrevieja and in the Valencian Community, they have the maximum comfort, assistance and coverage by the administrations".

Herick Campos, who has been in favour of "incorporating talent to Torrevieja and the region", has urged those interested in training through this cycle, which at the moment includes basic training in tourism, to also enrol in Labora, to better channel the demand and job offers from tourism companies in Torrevieja and Vega Baja.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, for his part, has also shown himself willing to collaborate in the planning of the necessary training for the labour incorporation of this group, as well as in the dissemination and effective communication of this training plan promoted by Turisme Comunitat Valencian.

7.1 million euro in aid to tourism in Torrevieja

On the other hand, the general director of Turisme has thanked the work and effort of the tourism sector in the area for "having resisted and continuing to work to offer a diverse and quality offer".

In this line, he recalled that more than 7.1 million euro have been allocated to Torrevieja through aid from Turisme and the Generalitat, with plans for the tourism sector to alleviate the effects of the crisis caused by the covid -19.

Training Plan

This training cycle currently offers the 'Food Handling' course, which enables you to work in the hospitality industry, lasting 5 hours and which began to be taught last Friday, April 8, at the CdT in Benidorm. The plan will also offer training in 'Basic kitchen operations', 'Basic room operations' and 'Basic floor and cleaning operations', each lasting two weeks.

The courses are taught in the Ukrainian language with material in their mother tongue, they are free, face-to-face and will be organised in those CdT for which there is a minimum of necessary students.

Occupancy forecasts for Easter

After this meeting, the general director of Turisme has highlighted the occupancy forecasts for Easter in the province of Alicante. In this regard, he stated that according to the results of the survey carried out by Turisme this April, "the hotels on the Alicante coast, not including Benidorm, already register an occupancy of 75% on confirmed reservations for these holidays."

For its part, Benidorm has a forecast of 90% of its places. And with regard to inland hotels, the province of Alicante already has more than 66% reserved for these days.

Campos has stressed that "with last-minute reservations and the most favourable weather forecast, it is even possible to come close to the complete one on the coast of the Alicante province." These are "very positive figures, which reach pre-pandemic levels", he added.

Regarding air connectivity, he stated that "the current reservations of reserved seats by airlines allow us to affirm that, in terms of international tourists, it will be a good season for these days of Easter, and they even anticipate a dynamic summer in the province ".

### Fees waivered for fishermen who operate in the ports of the Generalitat

The Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, Arcadi España, has announced in Torrevieja that "fishermen operating in the Valencian Community will be exempt, in the ports of the Generalitat, from the fee for the first sale of fresh fish during the next six months from the approval of the decree that regulates it".

This initiative, the minister stressed, will have an estimated cost for the Generalitat of 700,000 euro and will benefit 15 brotherhoods and 395 booths occupied by fishing boat owners.

As the person in charge of Puertos del Consell has recalled, "currently fishermen pay the G4 rate, and it represents 1 per thousand of the value of the first sale of fresh fish auctioned, with this tax exemption, from the Generalitat we want to minimise the adverse effects that the situation created by the war in Ukraine is having for the productive sectors".

This initiative is part of "the framework of the ReActiva plan, presented by President Ximo Puig, of exceptional measures to deal with the current situation, along the same lines as what was recently agreed by the Council of Ministers in state ports of general interest ", explained the Minister and announced that "it will be included in the Generalitat's 10% General Rate Reduction Decree that the Consell plans to approve in the coming weeks".

Also, Arcadi España has added that "this initiative will mean savings for a sector, that of fishing, already severely affected by the crisis and which represents the livelihood of many families, in addition to safeguarding traditions and being essential for the revitalisation of our ports.

In this sense, he stressed that from the Ministry "we are supporting our ports, in these last two legislatures we have increased investments and already during the pandemic we have taken measures to alleviate the effects of the crisis, in short, we continue working to improve, adapt and make our ports more accessible and be able to promote an ecological and digital transition".

In the port of Torrevieja, Arcadi Spain has monitored the works of the Lonja and the remodelling of the Customs building that will house the offices of Ports de la Generalitat and that are part of the complementary actions of the municipal concession to build a leisure and business.

The minister has put this action in the Port of Torrevieja as "an example of the joint work between Generalitat, city council and private businesses" and has valued "the public-private collaboration in these difficult times so that a project of 20 million euro, which It is going to change the entire maritime façade, it is a reality that is already underway".

Port of Torre de la Horadada

In addition, in the port of Pilar de la Horadada, the Minister has presented the reference conditions for the operation of the nautical-sports facility in Torre de la Horadada.

The concession for the operation of this nautical-sports facility dependent on the Generalitat will be granted for a period of 35 years and the planned investment amounts to more than six million euro. The new concession includes as obligations of the concessionaire the execution of a series of urbanisation, building and port works.

Thus, the remodelling of docks and pontoons is considered necessary, so as to guarantee an adequate provision of services and facilitate operation. Currently, in the Torre de la Horadada Dock there are 539 moorings. Similarly, the redevelopment of the port area is planned, including the renewal of service networks. The proposal must take into account the integration of the installation in its environment.

Also, a structural analysis of the breakwaters and docks will be carried out. In addition, a dredging will be carried out by zones and the rehabilitation of the main building of the yacht club is proposed and the slipway/workshop building will have to be replaced.

As for sports activities, a program to promote sailing will be designed and the improvement of the facilities is planned by grouping them together and will include a building with changing rooms, classrooms, and toilets, areas for training and a storage area for sports boats and material for the practice of water sports.

In terms of environmental management, special importance will be given to aspects related to energy efficiency, waste management, training and awareness activities, as well as the minimisation of the environmental impacts of habitual activity, in particular waste management.

### "Nos vamos de Tapas"

The Councillor for Hospitality in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, and the president of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca, José Ignacio Pastor, have presented the 7th edition of the tapas trail, "Nos vamos de Tapas”, to which 24 restaurants have signed up.

The dates of this edition will be from April 21 to 24 and from May 28 to 1 June, with a different format, 4 tapas and 2 drinks for €10.
Rosario Martínez has congratulated the Hospitality Association for this gastronomic initiative to deseasonalise and lengthen the high season, in addition to the fact that it is a way to cover from Easter to summer, thus invigorating the local hospitality industry and, consequently, the city.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja: 20 years as a benchmark in oncology treatment

Quirónsalud Torrevieja’s oncology department is celebrating 20 years as a benchmark in personalized oncology, offering services ranging from genetic analysis to immunotherapy.



The Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja celebrated two decades since its foundation by broadcasting a series of 8 talks between members of the oncology team and key people from social, business and government in the province of Alicante, such as: Eduardo Dolón, mayor of Torrevieja, Marcela Fernández, president of the Association of Entrepreneurs, Professionals and Managers of the province of Alicante (AEPA), Eva Toledo, president of the Circle-Directives of Alicante, Ángeles Serna, president of TM Real Estate Group, doctor José Manuel Ramia, head of the General Surgery and Digestive System Department of the General University Hospital of Alicante and the first Spaniard to hold the presidency of the Scientific and Research Committee of the Euro-African Society of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Victoria Meneses, president of the Association of Relatives and Cancer patients (AFECANCER), Amparo Navarro, rector of the University of Alicante and Herman Swcharz, president of the College of Physicians of Alicante.

 



 

The initiative started with a presentation video and meeting between Eduardo Dolón and Antonio Brugarolas. The rest of the meetings will be broadcast on a weekly basis and will take place throughout 2022 as Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital celebrates its 20th anniversary under the slogan "20 Years to Measure Life". The campaign highlights that Quirónsalud is always at the forefront of treatments and techniques, and celebrates the adaptability of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja oncology team, always taking into account the needs of both cancer patients and their families. The oncology department boasts a pioneering model at a healthcare, technological and organizational level due to its ability to combine technological innovation with a human approach to medicine.

Within the plans, a series of themed health podcasts have been developed that will allow specialists to analyze and reflect on the links between oncology, technology and emotional assistance. In addition, an exhibition is planned that shows the human bonds established in the context of cancer treatments, among many other initiatives.

Milestones

Since its foundation in 2001, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Oncology Department has distinguished itself by proposing an innovative approach in the healthcare model for cancer patients. Always putting the patient at the core of the treatment, it has been able to develop a pioneering way of working in which care integration is prioritized, aimed at the needs of the patient and supported by top of the range technological equipment.

Among the main milestones are:

 	2001. Teams began performing the technique of isolated limb perfusion in the treatment of tumours such as sarcoma, or locally advanced irrevocable melanoma.
 	2004. Incorporation of IORT or intraoperative radiotherapy in the operating room that eliminates or reduces external irradiation sessions.
 	2004. Start of the Genomic Diagnosis Unit and the Personalized Pharmacotherapy Unit for cancer patients.
 	2016. Start-up of one of the only two Clean Rooms in Spain dedicated to cancer treatment designed under international GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) quality criteria and intended for the production of advanced cell therapy drugs, such as vaccines with dendritic cells. The Clean Room is specially designed to obtain minimal or zero contamination levels where the so-called "advanced cell therapy drugs" are made.
 	2021. Quirónsalud Torrevieja acquires a new state-of-the-art linear accelerator for the treatment of all types of cancer with radiotherapy.

 

More than 120,000 patients have received treatment during the last 20 years and Quirónsalud Torrevieja is proud to have been able to help all of them, with "a paradigm shift in the field of care for cancer patients whose advantages and special characteristics have placed the platform as a pioneering project of international reference”, said to Dr. Antonio Brugarolas, director of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform.

New projects at the forefront of innovation

Immunotherapy. At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, individual tumors are studied on a regular basis as a diagnostic tool, designing specific therapeutic strategies with different degrees of clinical benefit for the patient in up to 70% of the cases studied.

Genetic advice. The analysis of gene expression allows experts to take an X-ray of genes to classify the disease and plan the most effective and least toxic treatment. The Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Oncology department offers an alternative for patients with tumors resistant to chemotherapy and for whom it was considered that there was no longer any other treatment option.

Oncological surgery. The oncology department offers the most advanced techniques for the surgical approach to tumours such as HIPEC, radiofrequency tumour ablation, limb perfusion with TNF and Melphalan, and electrochemotherapy for the approach to skin tumours.

Personalized Pharmacotherapy. Personalized Pharmacotherapy is the specialized monitoring of oncological drugs, this involves the measurement and interpretation of drug concentrations in the blood in order to identify the effective and least toxic dose for each patient

The Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology department is at the forefront of private healthcare, offering the most advanced technology to its patients, such as Intraoperative Radiotherapy and the Varian TrueBeam 2.7 Linear Accelerator.

### La Mata Beach will host the II Costa Blanca Beach Games in June

A total of 20 courts will be installed on the beach, where more than 250 teams will play Beach Soccer, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, Futvoley, Beach Rugby and Beach Tennis matches.



The Councillor for Sports in Torrevieja, Diana Box, together with the president of the Costablanca Sports Tourism Association, Francisco Fresno, and the organising committee member, Jerónimo Cartagena, presented the II Costa Blanca Beach Games 2022, which will be held on the beach de La Mata from June 16 to 19 and which will bring together almost 1,500 athletes from six different modalities (Beach Soccer, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, Futvoley, Beach Rugby and Beach Tennis).

In this great sporting event, 4 beach handball courts, a central court, 4 foot volleyball courts, 1 rugby court, 6 volleyball courts and 4 tennis courts will be installed. In total 20 courts on the beach in which more than 250 teams will play more than 600 games and that will also have 70 volunteers.

This event was born so that the city of Torrevieja can be a world reference in beach sports and a unique sporting event can be held in Spain on the Playa de La Mata, in addition to inviting all the participants and companions to visit the city, its beaches and hotels sharing a unique cuisine in restaurants throughout the Costa Blanca.

The originality of the event consists in the fact that the invitation to participate is addressed to all the clubs of the different beach teams of the World.

A tournament in La Mata that, in addition to the competition matches on the beach, has numerous events that usually include: tourist visits to the city and province, live radio programs, coaches' reception dinner, fellowship meal with a paella giant, performances, Fan Zone for participants, leisure areas, etc.

Both for Diana Box and for the organisers of the event, it is intended that Torrevieja become an international tournament of beach sports, coexistence and camaraderie, that around the II Costa Blanca Beach Games, a large network is developed of contacts, exchanges, relationships, that find the most emblematic moments in the city, which, with its originality, constitute a true attraction for visitors.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

Federated and non-federated clubs from all over the world with boys and girls of all ages may participate. In each sport and modality, category and gender, there will be a maximum number of teams per category according to the sports, in the following categories:

-Beach Soccer: Men's Absolute

-Beach Handball: Children, Cadet, Youth and Senior

-Beach-Volleyball: Senior Men, Senior Women, Senior Mixed, Cadet Women, Cadet Men, Children's Women and Children's Men

-Footvoley: Initiation, Silver and Gold

-Beach Rugby: Senior Men and Senior Women

-Beach Tennis: Absolute Male Doubles, Absolute Female Doubles, Mixed Absolute Doubles, Couples Sub18 and Couples Sub14

PROGRAM

The program may vary depending on the days of competition of each sport modality. From Thursday June 16 to Sunday June 19, 2022 with the following program:

-Thursday, June 16: Arrival and Reception of teams. Team accreditations.

-Friday June 17: Preliminary matches morning and afternoon. Workshops, Hip Hop Performances, Street Dance and concerts in the Fan Zone of the participants.

-Saturday, June 18: Preliminary matches in the morning and afternoon, semi-finals and finals for children and cadets, men's and women's Beach Handball and Beach Volleyball and Rugby, Trophy delivery in the Fan Zone. Workshops, Hip Hop Performances, Break Dance Battle and concerts in the Fan Zone of the participants. Dinner Reception of delegations.

-Sunday, June 19: In the morning, semi-finals and finals matches Junior and Senior Beach Handball, Mixed Beach Volleyball, Beach Tennis and Beach Soccer. In the afternoon, semi-finals and finals Futvóley, delivery of trophies and medals in the Fan Zone.

Information and registration: www.costablancabeachgames.com

### Town hall begins the transfer to public use of the 460 niches for burials in the Torrevieja cemetery

The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services and head of the Municipal Cemetery in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has reported that, given the demand for burials in the cemetery, they have had to increase the provision of niches and has carried out expansion works.



Action area 1 has been the one referring to the curved border with the Torrevieja Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), whose floor was occupied by old niches in a state of ruin, where there were burials from the beginning of the 20th century. The new pavilion has housed 236 niches.

Action area 2 has been transformed into a straight pavilion with 80 niches, enclosed by a wall adjoining the WWTP and by a pantheon at the other end.

Action area 3 consists of an isolated pavilion with 144 two-sided niches located at the Poniente entrance.

The work has consisted of the execution of prefabricated concrete niches, mainly with double pieces with two niches per prefabricated unit, using simple pieces in cases where it was necessary to close the pavilions.

The drafting of the project and construction management has been the responsibility of Rubén Navarro Monzó. The company awarded the works was SBA Infraestructuras SL and the amount for the execution of the work amounted to 207,659.47 euro.

Starting this week, the town hall is going to begin with the transfers to public use for the adjudication of the 460 niches and, at the same time, work is already being done on the search and location of new spaces to continue with more extensions of niches in the municipal cemetery.

### Ana Barceló announces more than 2,000 diagnosis and treatment teams in Primary Care to improve the resolution capacity of health centres

The Valencia Region Minister of Health, Ana Barceló, held a meeting this Tuesday with the representatives of the entities and associations linked to Primary Care in the Valencian Community to address the objectives of the new Strategic Framework for Primary and Community Care 2022-2023, which will mean an organisational improvement, care and an increase in resources allocated to health centres.

On International Day of Primary Care, the Minister of Health wanted to highlight the importance of Primary Care within the public health system in the Valencian Community and stated that "every day we work to improve the care that citizens receive and so that health centres have more and better resources to be able to respond to the care needs of the population".

Barceló has advanced aspects related to the Action Plan for Primary and Community Care, the document that details and develops the actions contemplated in the Strategic Framework and which has been sent to the Ministry of Health to opt for co-financing with state funds of some of the initiatives included in the Strategic Framework.

Among these measures is the co-financing of the new technological equipment with which the health centres will be provided, "more than 2,000 new treatment and diagnostic equipment, which will speed up and increase the resolution capacity of the health centres ", as pointed out by Ana Barceló.

Regarding technological equipment, health centres will have new fixed and portable ultrasound machines, retinography, Doppler, cameras for teledermatology, dermatoscopes, electrocardiographs, blood pressure monitoring devices, defibrillators and complete equipment for emergency care in rural environments.

In this way, "in addition to facilitating the work carried out by health professionals in health centres, the increase in technological equipment will make it possible to speed up the performance of diagnostic tests, prevent patients from traveling to other centres and, ultimately, offer a better quality of care", highlighted Barceló.

326 million for the Strategic Framework for Primary Care

The incorporation of new technology to improve resolution capacity is one of the measures contemplated in the new Strategic Framework for Primary and Community Care 2022-2023, launched by the Ministry of Health and which has a budget of 326 million euro allocated to the improvement of infrastructures, equipment and information systems, as well as to the increase in human resources in the health centres of the Valencian Community and the implementation of a new assistance and organisational model in the centres.

According to Barceló, "the aim is to consolidate this level of care as the backbone of the health system. For this reason, in addition to the initial budget for these two years to renew Primary Care (326 million), in the coming years resources will continue to increase until reach 25% of the total health budget by 2025". In fact, the Valencian Community is already the fourth with the highest percentage allocated in Spain with 15.1%, according to data from the Ministry of Health.

1,613 new places in Primary Care

The objective of the new Primary Care model is to adapt health care to the new reality. In this way, it is intended to respond to the chronicity and aging of the population, which is why the staff will be increased and the new technologies and information systems will be promoted.

In fact, the current Primary Care staff is going to increase by 13%, and this year there will be 1,613 more places, which will allow the ratios to be reduced below the existing recommendations. For this, the Ministry of Health is going to invest 130.7 million euro.

In addition, in terms of material resources, the investment in technology and infrastructure for 2022 and 2023 amounts to 188 million euro. Of the total, more than 76 will be for the construction of new health centres; and 8 million will go to improvements in information systems.

More agile and efficient organisational system

The health centres will have three differentiated coordinations: medical; nursing and administration/admission. The goal is to achieve greater agility and efficiency in healthcare. To this end, indicators of the primary teams will be established in the management agreements in order to improve particular aspects identified in each centre.

All the actions contemplated in the Strategic Framework for Primary Care aim to optimise clinical care, and mechanisms will also be established to improve coordination between the different levels of care, from primary to specialised, with mental health, public health, as well as the socio-health areas and educational.

Finally, it should be remembered that work is being done on a decree for the implementation of mechanisms to encourage the occupation of positions that are difficult to cover.

"We are going to create a powerful primary care system that will allow it to become the main axis of Valencian health. All the measures that are going to be put in place are aimed at strengthening the system, modernising it and, above all, respond to the needs of the citizens", indicated Barceló.

### The Department of Health of Torrevieja implements a multidisciplinary unit for the management of perinatal mental health

The Department of Health of Torrevieja has launched a new perinatal mental health unit for the multidisciplinary management of mental health, both maternal and newborn.

Given its high complexity and repercussion in the medium and long term, specialists deal with the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of maternal mental disorders from the preconception period, pregnancy, lactation and puerperium, as well as the mental health of the newborn born and the quality of the mother-child bond.

The USMP team is made up of professionals from different disciplines around perinatal mental health, to respond to the needs of mothers with mental disorders and promote the cognitive, psychomotor, affective and social development of their babies. 

It involves the coordinated work of more than twenty specialists from the services and areas of Psychiatry, Gynaecology-Obstetrics, Psychology, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Family and Community Medicine, specialized nursing (midwives and mental health nurses), and Service areas. Social and early attention.

The Unit works in a coordinated manner through two parallel lines of intervention, on the one hand, actions aimed at promoting and preventing the mental health of pregnant women and/or future mothers. And, for its part, the individualised intervention of those women in whom a mental health problem and/or risk of pathology linked to the fetus has been detected. 
Nereida Bautista, Psychiatrist of the Department of Health of Torrevieja, affirms that “the perinatal period is a stage of the vital cycle of the woman of high vulnerability for the beginning, relapse or recurrence of any mental disorder. Perinatal mental disorders have a prevalence of around 25%, and are associated with complications in the course of pregnancy, in obstetric and neonatal outcomes, in the mother-child bond, and in the neurodevelopment of the newborn. Currently, only 20% of perinatal depressions receive adequate treatment”, she explains.

Perinatal Mental Disorders (PMD) have been highlighted, in recent years, as an important public health problem, due to the impact they have on the health and quality of life of women and their children in the short and long term. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women will have a mental disorder during pregnancy and/or postpartum, with depression being the most frequent complication of pregnancy.

### The GVA+Salut APP incorporates the option to download the EU Digital COVID certificate

The Valencia Ministry of Health has updated the GVA+Salut APP to incorporate new functionalities and provide users with certain telematic procedures, thus avoiding having to travel to the health centre.



In the new version of the application, the option to download the COVID Digital Certificate of the European Union from the same application has been incorporated. The certificate can be obtained in any of its variants (vaccination, recovery and diagnostic certificate), and also in the event that the diagnostic test carried out was an antigen test.

 

Keep in mind that the COVID-19 certificate is currently required for international travel, and to access certain countries, according to the established COVID-19 regulations.

 

On the other hand, a new form of access to the application has been incorporated, so that the SIP number, the date of birth of the user and the date of issue of the card, if available, are necessary. The identity of the person will be confirmed by sending an SMS to the mobile phone associated with the card. Likewise, the previous methods of access, scanning the barcode of the SIP card and cl@ve, remain in force.

 

Regarding the prescribed treatments, each patient can consult both the treatments that are in force at that time and the history of the medicines that have been dispensed in the pharmacies.

 

Until now, this new version was already available for Huawei users since December 30 and is now available for Apple and Google users.

 

The GVA+Salut APP is an application that allows, from the same mobile device, access to the medical history and carry out procedures such as requesting an appointment by phone or in person at the health centre, as well as consulting pending appointments, both in primary care and in specialised services.

 

In addition, you can consult the prescribed treatments, follow up as a patient companion during surgical interventions and access information about healthcare centres or COVID vaccination, among other advantages.

 

Until the end of March, there have been 2,430,692 downloads of the GVA+health APP. Specifically, there have been 179,830 from Huawei's app store, 687,109 from Apple's, and 1,563,753 from Google's.

### Fully vaccinated passengers no longer have to complete Spain´s travel health form

To travel to Spain if you have an EU DCC, or equivalent EU it is not necessary to complete the SpTH health control form.

On the official homepage you can find more information about the vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test DCCs that are valid for travelling to Spain.

By clicking here: here you can consult the countries that have an EU equivalent certificate.

People in transit and children under the age of 12 do not have to show DCC or SPTH QR.

You will have to show the DCC prior to boarding and when passing the health controls, please follow the indications that you will see upon arrival at the airport.

For more information on the health requirements necessary to pass health controls at the airport of arrival in Spain, please click on this link: link.

### Lighting improvements implemented

The councillor for Quality of Urban Services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has reported that a public lighting installation has been put into operation in the park located next to calle Maese Pedro.



For this, Sandra Sánchez points out, action has been taken on the command centre that provides service to the area, repairing it and replacing the elements that were damaged, including the placement of all the magneto-thermal and differential protections of the two circuits it has and other elements such as the general switch, contactor and astronomical clock, taking advantage of the cabinet that was in optimal condition.

Likewise, work has been carried out to review the installation, replacing some points that were damaged due to disuse.

This installation is made up of 28 150 W sodium vapor light points mounted on 5-metre-high columns.

The installation has been certified by the Territorial Service for Industry and Energy of Alicante, with its corresponding Low Voltage Electrical Installation Certificate, which in turn has made it possible to contract the electricity supply with the company.

On the other hand, as in the park next to calle Maese Pedro, in the sports courts and recreational area next to calle Urbano Arregui, the earth conductor that had been stolen has been replaced.

This installation has 4 columns of 12 metres, equipped with 3 projectors of 400W each to illuminate the two sports courts and 7 28W LED luminaires for the adjoining recreational area.

The expense that has been made for the commissioning of both public lighting installations has risen to €2,724.57. The rest of the work has been carried out by the public lighting maintenance company, assuming the cost of the actions within the contract.

In addition, a new light points has been installed on Paseo Vistalegre to illuminate the Tribute Sculpture to the Musicians of Torrevejenses, having used a set with a Delphi model Iguzzini led luminaire mounted on a 6-metre cylindrical column. It is a very aesthetic set that has already been used, for example, in the Paseo Vistalegre itself to reinforce the lighting of pedestrian crossings and in other representative places of the municipality.

In this case, an 83.8W power ST1.2 optic has been used that offers a luminous flux of 9000 lm in a warm white tone, suitable for the sculptures to be illuminated. For its installation, it has been necessary to make a section of channelling to connect the new point with the surrounding lighting.

Likewise, its corresponding chest and foundations have been made within the adjoining parterre, placing the new point cantered on the set of sculptures, just in front of the band director, providing all the Musicians with lighting that enhances them and gives them prominence in its location at the beginning of Paseo Vista Alegre.

### Town Hall launches the Spring School

This municipal activity is free and will take place in the facilities of the Salvador Ruso and Gratiniano Baches schools, from Tuesday 19 to Friday 22 April, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.



The Department of Social Welfare in Torrevieja has launched the Spring School project, Escuela de Primavera, which will take place in the facilities of the Salvador Ruso and Gratiniano Baches educational centres, from Tuesday 19 to Friday 22 April, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.

The Spring School offers a service aimed at all children, without any exclusion. It is a project that arises to respond to the need to care for children during their school vacations, where they also enjoy the opportunity to share a playful and educational space with other children. In addition, it tries to facilitate the reconciliation of family and work life for parents during their children's holidays.

Parents will have the peace and security of a reference centre, an educational program and a conscientiously chosen staff with experience and great responsibility who will work with their children with enthusiasm and full dedication. For all these reasons, the Spring School is an essential resource for children and their families.

This experience, aimed at children from three to twelve years old, will have groups that will be made up by educational stage and, in turn, by courses or cycles with an average of ten children per group.

The Spring School is a free activity limited to a maximum capacity of 300 places (150 in each school). Information and registration at the Department of Social Welfare or by Electronic Office.

URBAN CAMP FROM APRIL 19 TO 22

Likewise, also from April 19 to 22, the Youth Information and Animation Centre (CIAJ) will host an urban camp for young people aged 12 to 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Among the activities to be carried out, Flashmob recording, music, music therapy and decomposition of songs with an equality perspective, improvisation, etc. stand out.

The activity is free limited to a maximum capacity of 25 places. Information and registration at the Department of Social Welfare or by Electronic Office.

### Holy Week in Torrevieja 2022 – Procession Itineraries

Holy Week in Torrevieja, Semana Santa, has been declared of Provincial Tourist Interest.



Here are the itineraries of the processions from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, and San Vicente Ferrer.

SATURDAY APRIL 09 / Passion Saturday

4:30 p.m. From the Parroquia de San Roque y Santa Ana, to the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Processional transfer of the images of Stmo. Christ of the Flagellation and the Stma. Virgin of the Star, Queen of the Angels

6:00 p.m. From Plaza Miguel Hernández, to the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Transfer of the children's throne with the gospels of the brotherhood of San Juan Evangelista together with the band of bugles and drums of the brotherhood

8:00 p.m.  From the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, to the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Processional transfer of the Ntro image. Padre Jesús Cautivo (Nazarene)

SUNDAY 10 APRIL/Palm Sunday

10:30 a.m.  At the gates of the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.

Solemn blessing of palms and branches. Next, from the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Solemn procession of the palms.

9:00 p.m.  From the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Solemn procession, popularly known as "Las Mantillas".

MONDAY 11 APRIL/Holy Monday

9:30 p.m.  From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession.

TUESDAY 12 APRIL/Holy Tuesday

9:30 p.m. From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13/Holy Wednesday

10:00 p.m. From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession.

10:00 p.m. From the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.

Solemn procession.

ENCOUNTER ON THE VIA DOLOROSA

THURSDAY 14 APRIL/Holy Thursday

10:30 p.m.  From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession in silence.

00:00h. From the Plaza del Calvario - Torrevieja.

Solemn procession of the Descendimiento de Cristo del Calvario.

FRIDAY 15 APRIL/Good Friday

7:30 p.m.  From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn and Magna procession of the Holy Burial of Christ.

SUNDAY 17 APRIL/Resurrection Sunday

08:00 a.m.  From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession " EL ENCUENTRO"

MONDAY 25 APRIL/Monday of San Vicente Ferrer

08:30 a.m. Celebration of the Eucharist. Solemn procession of communion of San Vicente Ferrer.

### Torrevieja Book Fair will be held from April 9 to 18

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the manager of the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta", Miguel Fernández, have presented the XXIV edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, which will be held in Paseo Vista Alegre from Saturday9 April to Monday 18 April, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.



A total of 8 bookstore booths (Librería Buendía, Asociación de Escritores Alas de Papel, Las mil y una libros, Papelería Torrevieja, Librería Trini, Librería Santos Ochoa, Librería Baigorri y Librería Rivendel) and an institutional booth will be installed on Paseo Vista Alegre, in addition to a tent next to the monumento al Coralista, in which the activities scheduled for this Book Fair will take place.

The Councillor for Culture has reported that all those who make purchases of more than 30 euro will be entered into a raffle for a batch of books. Likewise, all the books of the Fair will have a discount of 10% of their usual price.

In this twenty-fourth edition of the Fair, the book signing on Saturday, April 9, at 12:30 p.m., by the writer Espido Freire, winner of the Planeta Prize with the work Melocotones Helados in 1999 and the Azorín Prize in 2017, stands out.

TORREVIEJA BOOK FAIR PROGRAM 2022

SATURDAY APRIL 9

11:30 a.m. Institutional act of inauguration of the Torrevieja Book Fair 2022 and Dissertation " El idioma castellano", by Matías Antón.

12:00 p.m. Traveling show " Desembarco Pirata"

12:30 p.m.  Book signing of Espido Freire

6:00 p.m. Puppet theatre " Aventura Pirata"

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

12:00 p.m. giant bubble festival

6:00 p.m.  Face painting and craft workshops

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

5:30 p.m. Concert starring the students of the "Francisco Casanovas" Professional Conservatory of Music. Professors Nataliya Khomyak and Francisco J. Garres.

6:30 p.m.  Presentation of stories inspired by classic Greek novels, starring Mª Paz López.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

5:30 p.m.  Monologues " Las mujeres del teatro", carried out by students of the Municipal Theatre School.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14

5:30 p.m. Concert starring the students of the "Francisco Casanova" Professional Conservatory of Music. Professors Nataliya Khomyak and Francisco J. Garres.

6:30 p.m.  " El Cuento de la Habanera", by Amparo Cos.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

12:00 p.m. Tempogames role-playing games workshop.

10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Fran González book signing at the Santos Ochoa Bookstore booth.

SATURDAY APRIL 16

12:00 p.m.  Mago David magic show

12:30 p.m.  Demonstration of the illustrator Alfonso Ortuño

10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Silvia García book signing at Santos Ochoa Bookstore booth.

7:30 p.m.  Poetry recital, starring the Ars Creatio Cultural Association.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

12:30 p.m.  Pequedisco

Afternoon - La Esquina Amarilla

MONDAY, APRIL 18

12:00 p.m. giant wooden games

### Ximo Puig announces an injection of 944 million euros to counteract the energy emergency and reactivate economic recovery

The plan contemplates 45 million euros for the self-employed most affected by the energy crisis and 50 million for companies that depend on gas and are not included in state aid

The IVF will inject 110 million in financial instruments to support companies that have suffered a drop in income

188 million will also be allocated to improving urban energy efficiency and housing, and 11 million in aid for families who install renewable energy in their homes

The reduction of at least 10% of fees, charges and public prices and the exemption of fees to fishermen for the use of ports will mean savings of 71 million for families and companies

The president of the Generalitat has assured that it is the most important aid plan launched by an autonomous community

 

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced an injection of 944 million euro to counteract the energy emergency and reactivate economic recovery through the Reactive Plan.

 

This was stated during the presentation of the Valencian shock plan that includes 45 actions to give a "forceful public response" to the situation generated by the war in Ukraine and minimise its impact on the Valencian Community. For this, 342 million euro will be allocated for the implementation of new actions, and 602 million for the acceleration of investments.

 

The Reactive Plan will be financed with the Generalitat's own funds, as well as with European funds and the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism, and is structured into four types of measures, among which are those aimed at fighting inflation, such as the reduction of rates and public prices at the regional level that are the responsibility of the Generalitat, which will have 71 million euro.

 

In addition, the plan includes complementary aid to the measures approved by the Government of Spain to compensate energy-intensive industries, the self-employed in the affected sectors and the population groups most affected by the rise in energy costs, which are they will allocate 425 million; as well as actions to increase efficiency and energy saving, to which 380 million euro will be allocated, and measures to accelerate the energy transition and evolve towards energy autonomy in the Valencian Community, which will have a total of 68 million.

 

During the act, the head of the Consell has assessed that it is the largest aid plan launched by the Generalitat or by any other autonomy, since it exceeds the 500 million euro of the Resist Plan or the 647 of the Resist Plus, but has also assured that it is a "first emergency regulation" that is open to the incorporation of "new actors and supplementary measures".

 

fight against inflation

 

Among the main measures of the plan, the president has highlighted the reduction of at least 10% of the rates, fees and public prices of regional competition, which will mean savings for Valencian families and companies of 71 million euro.

 

Specifically, he referred to the reduction in fees for artistic, musical and language education, which will benefit nearly 100,000 students, as well as the reduction in the price of public transport, which will have a special impact on the Alicante TRAM. In the same way, he has announced the total exemption from fees for fishermen for the use of regional ports, which will benefit 700 shipowners, 1,700 sailors and 17 brotherhoods.

 

In addition, he has indicated that the Generalitat will also increase, up to 30%, the energy aid bonus for vulnerable families that receive the Valencian Inclusion Income.

 

Support for freelancers and companies

 

On the other hand, the president has announced that the Generalitat will grant 45 million euro, in bonuses of 100 euro that they can receive for 3 months, for the self-employed workers most affected by the energy crisis, as well as 50 million in aid for companies that depend on gas, and that are not included in the state measures.

 

Similarly, he explained that the Valencian Institute of Finance (IVF) will inject 110 million in financial instruments for companies that have suffered a drop in income, including service stations; and he recalled that an increase of 10 million euro has also been planned for the item destined to discount the contracting of agricultural insurance, and 18.6 million in aid for the transformation of passenger and merchandise transport fleets.

 

Improved efficiency and energy savings

 

Among the measures aimed at improving energy efficiency, the president has announced that 11 million will be allocated in aid for families who install renewable energy in their homes for air conditioning and hot water, and an item of 188 million for the improvement of energy efficiency urban and housing, of which three million will go to municipalities at risk of depopulation.

 

Finally, he referred to the decree law approved last week by the Consell to simplify administrative procedures and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles to speed up the installation of renewable energy plants. It is expected that, with this new regulation, the processing time can be reduced by one year, which represents progress towards achieving energy sovereignty for the Valencian Community.

 

Collaboration of social agents

 

During his speech, the president thanked the social agents for their joint work in drawing up the Reactive Plan, and showed his confidence in Valencian society to be able to reactivate the recovery that began after the pandemic.

 

In this sense, he has vindicated the position of the Valencian Community as a "space for agreement and public-private dialogue", the result of the Alcem-nos agreements reached during the pandemic, and has valued the "sense of coexistence" shown by the social agents, both to agree on the Valencian requests transferred to the Government of Spain and to draw up the Valencian shock plan.

 

 

### Ximo Puig announces a bonus of 100 euros per month for three months for the self-employed affected by the energy crisis

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced in Les Corts that the Reactive Plan, the Valencian response to the crisis generated by the invasion of Ukraine, will include a bonus of 100 euro per month for three months for the self-employed and the self-employed who have been affected by the increase in energy prices.

 

It is an initiative that is part of the Reactive Plan, which will be presented this Thursday together with the social agents at the Palau de la Generalitat and for which some more measures have already been advanced, such as the increase of up to 30% of the bonus of energy aid in the Valencian Income of Inclusion or the reduction of 10% of the rates of the Generalitat.

 

The president has defended the response given by the Consell to the pandemic, which will now continue in the face of the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, with the work to strengthen the "social shield" undertaken since 2015, an effort which has made it possible to increase investment in health, education, inclusive policies, employment and housing. As an example, he underlined that the number of beneficiaries of dependency has increased from 41,000 to 122,000 and that the Valencian inclusion income has gone from protecting 23,000 people to 75,000 today, more than three times more than with the previous government.

 

"That is why we approved the most social Budget of the Generalitat in history", said Puig, who underlined that citizens expect from their Government "decency, which it has, honesty, which it has, and management, which it has" . "That is our route, our itinerary; let's not waste a minute of time on other things," he added.

### The Ministry of Territorial Policy tenders the public transport service CV-214 Torrevieja-Alicante and CV-301 Valencia-Benidorm

The Ministry of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility has put out to tender the public road passenger service CV-214 Torrevieja-Alicante and CV-301 Valencia-Benidorm, which are part of the new regional network of interurban public transport.

 

The person in charge of the Conselleria, Arcadi España, has explained that the public transport service CV-214 will serve mobility between Torrevieja and the rest of the towns on the Vega Baja coast with Elche and Alicante, and the CV-301 service, València- Benidorm, improves the connections of València and Gandia with the main municipalities of the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa.

 

Thus, he underlined, "with these two new contracts, the Generalitat will attend to the mobility needs of a total of 28 municipalities that group a population of two million inhabitants". In addition, as he pointed out, the provision of these services will not require financial compensation from the Generalitat, since the expected expenses and income allow them to be exploited without a deficit.

 

As the minister has highlighted, "these tenders represent a further step in the reorganisation of the regional interurban public transport network by road, and give continuity to the three concessions tendered in the last quarter of 2021, the CV-302 València-Alacant/ Elx, CV-202 Les Marines-Alacant and CV-211 Elche Rodalía, and the two currently under tender, CV-008 Alto Palancia-Sagunto-València and CV-112 Xàtiva Nord". The rest of the services, which make up the new network, will continue to be tendered during this year, he added.

 

For Arcadi España, "this reorganisation aims to improve the quality of service provision, increase accessibility to the public transport system and make it easier to combine it with other modes of transport to provide a more effective response to the mobility needs of the population."

 

CV-214 Torrevieja-Alicante

 

The CV-214 Torrevieja-Alicante public road transport service will serve a population of 890,000 inhabitants of Alicante, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Santa Pola, Elche, Crevillent, Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Pilar de la Horadada, Orihuela (coast), Rojales, San Fulgencio, Catral, Dolores, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja, Benijófar and San Miguel de Salinas.

 

The concession will have a minimum number of 19 buses that, together, will carry out nearly 1.3 million commercial kilometres and more than 26,600 shipments per year, which is equivalent to an average of 73 shipments per day.

 

In this way, through eight lines, it will maintain the level of service and functionality of current mobility relations and will strengthen direct connections with medium-long distance transport nodes, airports and AVE stations in Alicante and Elche, the health centres, especially the Hospital of Torrevieja, as well as the University of Alicante, while favoring the interconnection between the municipalities of the coastal axis Pilar de la Horadada - Orihuela costa - Torrevieja - Guardamar del Segura, and the axis Guardamar - San Fulgencio - Dolores - Catral.

 

CV-301 Valencia-Benidorm

 

The new contract will serve a population of 1.1 million inhabitants. It will have a minimum of 12 buses, which will cover nearly 1.9 million kilometres per year and more than 12,200 shipments per year, an average of 33 per day, between the four lines that make it up.

 

This service will integrate the structural relationships between Valencia and the main urban centers that make up the coastline up to Benidorm. It will also maintain the dynamics and functionality of the current lines and several improvements are incorporated, such as the connection with important tourist centers such as Altea, Dénia, Jávea, Benissa and Gandia.

### Awareness campaign on the proper use of wet wipes and other solid waste

Throwing away these elements implies a 15% increase in the cost of maintaining sewage and sanitation networks and infrastructures, which represents an additional cost of €500,000 per year in the municipality of Torrevieja.



In addition to these elements, the population throws other products down the toilet that cause serious problems in the purification processes and affect the environment, such as paints, oils, detergents, soaps, medicines or pesticides, among others.




The councillor responsible for the Integral Water Cycle in Torrevieja, Antonio Vidal, together with the deputy manager of AGAMED, Gemma Cruz, and the head of the Sewerage area of ​​the mixed company, Dina González, have presented the awareness campaign called "El monstruo de las toallitas”, on the importance of correct practices and the proper use of bathroom moist wipes and other solid waste such as masks, gloves, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, etc. that can affect the operation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP).

Every year, tons of waste end up in sewage networks and in treatment plants. Part of this waste that citizens throw down the toilet is not biodegradable and generates obstructions in these facilities. Likewise, this problem has been joined in recent years by the massive presence of masks and gloves. In the last year, the treatment plant that collects wastewater from Torrevieja collected a total of 256 tons of waste, much of which corresponds to these elements.

Associated with these obstructions, AGAMED dealt with around 260 incidents in the pumping and in the sewage network during the last year.

Given this situation, Torrevieja council and AGAMED have decided to launch a campaign to make the population aware of the need to make proper use of the sewage network. Thus, the campaign contemplates the dissemination, through the media and social networks, of information to the population on this subject, so that it can reach all sectors.

In the case of wipes, for children's use, make-up removers or for hygiene and body care, the problems generated involve the presence of skeins of textile fibers and plastics, which, together with many other residues improperly dumped by the toilet, clog the sewers; generating what at a social level has already been called "the monster of the sewers". Because, although many of these containers indicate that they are biodegradable products, they are not really easily disintegrated, since the time they take to degrade is considerably long.

The facilities most damaged by this fact, in addition to the networks through which water circulates continuously, are the sewage pumping stations, which require constant cleaning, with the consequent nuisance of odors and noise that this causes to the residents of the area where they are located. Also damaged are the gratings and roughing sieves of the treatment station, which collapse and break due to the arrival of the accumulations of wipes.

Throwing away these elements implies a rise of approximately 15% in the cost of maintaining the sewage and sanitation networks and infrastructures, including the management of the waste generated, which represents an additional cost of around €500,000 per year in the municipality of Torrevieja.

In addition to these elements, the population throws other products down the toilet that cause serious problems in the purification processes and affect the environment, such as paints, oils, detergents, soaps, medicines or pesticides, among others.

### The mask will no longer be mandatory indoors except in health settings and public transport

The end of the mandatory use of face masks indoors looks now to have a date.

The end of the mandatory use of masks indoors will be April 19, subject to approval by the Council of Ministers, as proposed today by the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, to the autonomous communities in Toledo, where the Interterritorial Health Council is being held.

The relaxation of the rules will come into force on 20th April.

It was clear that the decision was going to be made soon, but there were some that had hoped the move would come before Easter, but it will be just after, following the criteria of the majority of the communities and the panel of experts who preferred to wait a little longer.

But there will be exceptions. The use of masks will continue to be mandatory in spaces shared with vulnerable people, such as public transport, and in the health and socio-health fields (nursing homes, hospitals and health centres).

Ending the mask indoors was the last great measure to stop the spread of covid that remained in Spain. Since Monday, March 28, tests are no longer carried out, nor is it necessary to isolate mild positives.

One of the main doubts that hovered in making this decision was knowing what was going to happen at work. The final decision is that the masks can also be removed in the workplace, although the alert report recommends that people at risk continue to wear them if they cannot guarantee a distance of one and a half metres from colleagues.

The indoor mask has been the last non-pharmacological measure that remained in force after two years of the pandemic. President Pedro Sánchez himself already advanced weeks ago that his end was near, although he did not set a specific date. He left the announcement in the hands of the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias.

Darias, for her part, has been anticipating the withdrawal of this garment that, since last February 10, was no longer mandatory outdoors. "Sooner rather than later," the minister replied in the Congress of Deputies the last time she was asked about the matter. Precisely, this week the Lower House was scheduled to debate in full and in committee on the advisability of maintaining its use.

### Brilla Torrevieja

Sebastián Yatra, Luis Fonsi, Taburete and Lola Índigo are the stars of the poster for the second edition of the boutique music festival “Brilla Torrevieja”. The city of salt will once again enjoy performances from July 24 to August 12 spread over four stages located in different locations. The presentation by the Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, and the promoters of the initiative, Pablo Pamies and Antonio Castillo, took place today.



As for the artists, Brilla Torrevieja presents a line-up with top-level performances distributed throughout the festival and aimed at all audiences:

Sebastian Yatra: July 24

Lara Taylor and Luces de Neón: July 25

Dubbi Kids: July 26

Blanca Pombo y La Hornet: July 27

Ignacio Serrano: July 28

Taburete: July 29

Cheti: July 30

Pepe Bernabé: July 31

Movida EGB: August 1

Duende Callejero: August 2

Los Brincos: August 3

Uña y Carne: August 4

Nunatak: August 5

Dlocos: August 6

Luis Fonsi: August 7

Lola Indigo: August 12

Tickets go on sale this Thursday, April 7, and can be purchased through the website brillatorrevieja.com .

A second edition full of novelties

After the first edition and its good reception, Brilla Torrevieja continues with its boutique festival essence, once again presenting a unique event full of novelties. In this second edition, the festival extends its duration from one to three weeks, from July 24 to August 12. In addition, a format is presented in which Brilla Torrevieja is made up of 100% music and 90% culture, with performances and cultural activities spread over different locations throughout Torrevieja: Antonio Soria Park; Torrevieja beaches; Plaza de Encarnación Puchol de La Mata and the Municipal Theatre. These locations surrounded by docks and piers are the ideal spaces for holding all kinds of live shows.

The Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, has highlighted that "it is a different, innovative and experiential format, which not only focuses on a space but also covers different points of Torrevieja and La Mata, which will mean a large economic injection in the 15 days that the event lasts".

“The objective of this new format is based on making the entire city participate in the Brilla Torrevieja event. Distributing activities in different parts of the city may be the best way to generate economic synergies. Our goal is to ensure that the city of Torrevieja ends up feeling this festival as something of its own”, says Pablo Pamies, one of the promoters of the initiative.

As for the performances, another of the main novelties is in the location, since the concerts will take place on four different stages. The “Principal Stage” (in Parque Antonio Soria) will host performances by Colombian Sebastían Yatra, the group Taburete, Puerto Rican Luis Fonsi and Lola Índigo. "Elcura stage" where Cheti, Pepe Bernabé, Movida EGB, Duende Callejero, Los Brincos, Uña y Carne, Nunatak and Dlocos will perform.

“Materna Stage” will receive Lara Taylor and Luces de Neón, Dubbi Kids, Blanca Pombo, La Hornet and Ignacio Serrano. “Teatro Stage” will be the space in charge of hosting performances and monologues on the 9th, 10th and 11th respectively.

Antonio Castillo, another of the promoters, has stated that "all this wide range of shows and novelties will attract a greater number of visitors and tourists, which will mean a greater benefit for businesses in the town and surrounding areas."

In short, the second edition of Brilla Torrevieja promises the visitor a unique experience, with a wide range of free cultural and musical activities that will encompass all the demand for family, cultural, musical and gastronomic leisure both in the city of Torrevieja and its surroundings.

### The Department of Health of Torrevieja reinforces its Points of Continuous Attention for Holy Week

The Department of Health of Torrevieja has made a significant organisational and staffing effort to reinforce the Department's Primary Care.



The Management has enabled additional reinforcement modules in the Primary Care teams, arranged and approved according to the organisational requests of the heads of the basic zone of the area. In this way, not only Easter will be reinforced, but also the summer period, which is already optimally planned.

 

Like every year, the care strategy focuses on promoting emergencies throughout the Department with the 24-hour opening of the 6 Continuous Care Points (PAC), and also with the incorporation of new modules that allow the demands of patients to be met which, in some municipalities of the Department, even triple.

 

The integration of primary and specialised care allows PACs to be connected to the hospital, so that users can solve their health problems closer to home.

After the recovery of direct public management by the Ministry of Health, a significant shortage of professionals was observed, which has been resolved during this time.

 

The Department has incorporated 64 new professionals dependent on the Nursing Department. In addition, the centres of the Department of Health have increased their number of doctors with the incorporation of 10 medical professionals and 3 Primary Care paediatricians.

 

The Manager, Pilar Santos, has valued the "significant contractual effort that is being made, the flexibility of our professionals and their high involvement. All this will allow us to meet the health demands of the population in a Department with an important seasonal component”.

### The University Hospital of Torrevieja reinforces its Dentistry Unit

The University Hospital of Torrevieja has incorporated a new dental hygienist to the Dentistry Unit of three dentists and two hygienists.



The Unit attends to more than 12,000 patients a year, there is a specific unit for special patients and it performs a high-resolution approach that avoids unnecessary travel for users.

The centre has incorporated new state-of-the-art operating room equipment that will facilitate the work of professionals, improving technical equipment.

The Unit for Patients with Special Needs provides comprehensive care to those patients with neurological or behavioural disorders, who due to their medical or behavioural conditions prevent their management in the usual consultation. It includes conservative treatments for permanent dentition caries, preventive treatments such as dental hygiene and fluoride application, as well as surgical treatments such as extractions, when necessary. The interventions are generally performed on an outpatient basis.

Carmen Salinas, Coordinator of the Torrevieja University Hospital Dentistry Service, points out that “patients with special needs cannot always be treated with local anaesthesia in a conventional consultation, so the unit has a perfectly equipped operating room. The simplest procedures can be complex for this type of user, in this way they can opt for the same treatments as the rest of the population without any problem”.

The Department of Health of Torrevieja has a network of oral care points in the Health Centre of Guardamar del Segura, Health Centre of La Loma, as well as in the University Hospital of Torrevieja itself, it has recently incorporated this service in the centre of health of Pilar de la Horadada. In them, in addition to care for children, adult patients are treated for extractions, early detection of malignant lesions and diseases of the oral mucosa.

Attention to pregnant women will be resumed shortly, for the prevention of oral diseases during pregnancy. These infrastructures allow quality hospital dentistry to be carried out, being able to attend in the same service to patients with multiple pathologies, oncology and with pathology of the temporomandibular joint.

The team collaborates closely with maxillofacial surgery, speech therapy, paediatrics, midwives and other department services for multidisciplinary patient care.

In terms of children's oral health, the portfolio of services includes the prevention of oral diseases, attention to dental trauma, extractions, early diagnosis of dental malocclusion and conservative treatments in permanent dentition up to 14 years of age.

The promotion of oral health and prevention of caries and oral hygiene is carried out in all schools and special education centres in the department, as well as in pregnant patients who are instructed in the prevention of oral diseases, both for them as for the future baby.

Pilar Santos, Manager of the Department of Health of Torrevieja, "our Dentistry Unit is doing an exceptional job in the oral treatment of our patients, focusing its efforts on primary prevention and on the transversal approach of dental pathology".

### The Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre hosted the workshop "Ecopaisajes del Turismo"

For the fourth consecutive year, the subject of Architectural Projects of the University of Alicante (UA) returns to focus its gaze on the city of Torrevieja. Thanks to the Departments of Education and Tourism of the City Council and the University of Alicante Headquarters in the town, this year a new intergenerational team of architects, teachers and students project on the opportunities offered by the city of Torrevieja and its tourist ecosystem, in what they have titled as “Torrevieja Grand Tour”.

Last Friday, the workshop "Ecopaisajes del Turismo" was held in the exhibition hall of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, by Deborah López and Hadin Charbel. PAREID works on a larger scale and studies the current situation of several of the municipality's toxic landscapes and the possibilities of biology in its way of projecting.

PAREID is an architecture and urban design studio founded by Déborah López and Hadin Charbel that operates through the search and approximation between interdisciplinary fields through multiple time scales. Both are architects and founders of PAREID, an interdisciplinary design and research studio currently based in London, UK. Their works take approaches from various fields and contexts, addressing issues related to climate, ecology, human perception, the sentience of machines and their ability to alter current modes of existence through imminent fictions. The group focuses on permafrost thaw in the Arctic and the ramifications and implications on a planetary scale. Using climate fiction as a vehicle.

The last workshop, to be held on May 20, proposed by the director of NAGAMI, Manuel Jiménez, will deal with "Parametric Tourism", in which robotic design, 3D printing and other multiple processes of advanced technologies will be experimented with. surround architecture.

In this fourth edition, Torrevieja Grand Tour is directed by the architects Mireia Luzárraga and María José Marcos, both professors of Architectural Projects at the University of Alicante and also professors at the Andrés Bello University of Chile and the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. The team of recently qualified teachers who are part of this multigenerational team are Juanma López, Gemma Santo, Sara Serna, Beatriz Arranz and Jonathan Berna. All of them have just finished their Architecture degree with flying colours, which is why they have been selected to form part of this work group.

### Spring 2022 Youth Agenda

The Councillor for Youth in Torrevieja, Domingo Paredes, has reported that the new Spring Youth Agenda of the Youth Information and Animation Centre (CIAJ) corresponding to the new quarter from April to June is now available.



A total of 17 activities, including events, training courses and other initiatives aimed at young people, make up the new Spring Programming of the Youth Area of ​​the Torrevieja City Council.

The "Comarcón" Alternative Leisure Conference is back, after two years without being able to be held due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and that its eighth edition will be held on the weekend of April 30 and May 1 at the Palacio de los Deportes with a multitude of stands, activities and alternative geek leisure organised by the Department of Youth in collaboration with the Youth Association of Torrevieja La Comarca.

As a novelty this quarter, an Urban Camp will be held for Easter from April 19 to 22, aimed at young people aged 12 to 14 in collaboration with the Social Welfare Area, within the co-responsible campaign of the Department of Equality and the Ministry of equality.

There will also be another youth camp, in this technological case, which begins on June 27 at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, in this case for young people from 12 to 17 years of age and includes a preview of the leisure and free time camp for summer.

Conversations with British volunteers, inclusive leisure outings, an eco-cleaning day in the Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata Natural Park, and video game and wargame tournaments with AJ La Mata complete the section on educational leisure, free time and youth volunteering.

The training section includes a new PICE for trade and warehouse assistant, framed in the National Youth Guarantee System, a B1 English preparation course, 3D printing, online video game development, drones, and urban culture with graffiti, rap lyrics and music production.

The FAD, in collaboration with the Youth and the Diputación de Alicante, will develop workshops and prevention dynamics in gambling for adolescents at the IES Torrevigía.

Mention is also made of the Provincial Youth Awards "Top Creation 2022", of the Diputación de Alicante and whose term is open in its different categories and the Young Entrepreneurs Award of the Local Development Agency of the Council of Torrevieja, with important awards.

More information and registration on Youth activities on their social networks, phone 965714072, whatsapp 606055291, email youth@torrevieja.eu and on the municipal website www.torrevieja.es

Finally, Domingo Paredes recalled that tickets for the summer Crazy Urban Festival are now on sale, the largest urban festival in the area and that it will feature such important artists as Kase-O, Omar Montes, Jazz Magnetism and Axax and Prok, among others, all the info and ticket sales on the website www.crazyfestival.es

### Governing Board approves the construction of a sports court in the Plaza de Oriente

The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, explained that it is about equipping this central square, popularly known as "La Ermita", with a facility that allows the safe practice of games and sports in general.



The Local Government Board has approved the drafting and construction management for the construction of a sports court in the Plaza de Oriente, where the Church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús is located.




The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services of the City Council of Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has reported that the purpose of this minor contract is the establishment of the technical requirements that have to develop the contracting of the drafting of the project, construction management and coordination of health and safety for the construction of a sports court in the Plaza de Oriente in Torrevieja.

Sandra Sánchez explained that the aim is to provide this central square, popularly known as "La Ermita", with a facility that allows the safe practice of games and sports in general, guaranteeing its functional and urban integration in this very popular public space by local youth.

With the construction of this sports court, it is also intended to value the existing square, which had become popular with homeless people, promote the use and enjoyment of the space, safeguarding the safety of the existing buildings and facilities and guaranteeing the safety of the citizens of the different spaces and uses that are developed in the East Square.

Finally, the Councillor of Urban Services Quality has reported that it is a minor service contract, which has a term of execution of two months and a total amount of 8,591 euro (IVA included).

### "Torrevieja for Equality" announces its winning works

The first prize went to Elisa Cánovas Lagueruela and the second went to Biviana Gisell Rosas Ardila.


The contest invited citizens to upload videos for equality and against gender violence to TikTok around March 8, International Women's Day.
The initiative is part of the national project " Rolling for equality ", which unites more than 30 municipalities in the country and where the winning piece will compete for the national prizes of 1,000, 500, 400, 300 and 200 euro.
"Torrevieja for equality" has revealed its winning works. The first prize, endowed with 200 euro, went to Elisa Cánovas Lagueruela for a video entitled "Matriarcado, sensibilidad e igualdad" in which she cites the definition of matriarchy formulated by the philosopher and researcher Heide Göttner-Abendroth, accompanied by the phrase "With conscience and love there is no violence, there is no machismo” and a rap sung by McCrack calling for equality between women and men.
Elisa and her creation will represent this municipality of Alicante in the national awards of the initiative "Rolling for equality", where they will choose to get one of the five that are made up, with prizes of 1,000, 500, 400, 300 and 200 euro respectively. These national awards, to which the winners of the 32 local contests that make up this edition will aspire, will be announced on March 31.
For its part, the second prize of "Torrevieja for equality", endowed with 100 euro, has been won by Biviana Gisell Rosas Ardila for a video in which she represents her own story after suffering a sexual assault in 2018 wondering "¿Por qué a mí? ¿Fue mi culpa?" and replying “It wasn't my fault. I was only 13 years old” to end with the motto “Not one more”.
The TikTok contest "Torrevieja for equality" has been held between February 22 and March 18 (both inclusive) with the hashtag #Torreviejaporlaigualdad and the national label #rodandoporlaigualdad.
32 municipalities from all over Spain have joined this second edition of the national initiative “Rolling for equality” to fight together for gender equality. The objective of the call is to stimulate the creative capacity of citizens and promote both reflection and awareness of gender equality. The TikTok platform was chosen for its high penetration in the youngest strata of society and for the ease of audiovisual creation it provides.
Web of “Rolling for equality”
Facebook of “Rolling for equality”
Instagram of “Rolling for equality”

### Spanish courses for Ukrainian citizens began this week

This week, Spanish courses for Ukrainian citizens have begun in the classroom of the UA university headquarters of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, taught by teachers from the Association of Volunteers with Social Initiative in Torrevieja (ATIS), accompanied by volunteers Ukrainians residing in the locality.


The Councillor for International Residents, Cooperation and Immigration, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has welcomed all of them and encouraged them to integrate into Torrevieja society and learn the language to facilitate their full integration into the city. It should be noted that these Spanish classes are aimed at people of all ages, with women predominating more than men.
Due to the large number of citizens from Ukraine after the invasion of Russia, the City Council of Torrevieja, in collaboration with ATIS, have launched this educational project so that they integrate as soon as possible in the city. There are about 130 people who have started receiving these classes at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the vast majority of them women.
These are literacy and basic Spanish courses that will be taught every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., divided into four groups of about 30 students each.

### Spring cultural program 2022

Torrevieja town hall this week launched the Spring Cultural Program 2021/2022, which includes the months of April/May, and is made up of more than 40 musical, theatre, dance, literary activities, cinema, exhibitions and events for the whole family.
If you are interested in plays, Magüi Mira: Molly Bloom will take place on April 9 at 8:00 p.m. at the Municipal Theatre. On May 7, "El Cuidador" a play that goes between comedy and suspense, with three characters played by Joaquín Climent, Paco Rivero and Juan Díaz.
And on May 28 "Los Dioses y Dios", a journey through the mythology that Rafael Álvarez "El Brujo" brings us.
In addition, there is family theatre, specifically with the "Ciclo de Teatro para Todos", with two outstanding works, on April 24 "Mari Pompas" and on May 22 "Soy una nuez".
In the same line of family events, on April 3 we will take a fun journey through the history of opera with the show entitled "Jugando a la Ópera con Mozart", a didactic and participatory work.
In terms of music, we can enjoy a wide variety of styles, ranging from the "Salinas de Oro Flamenco Festival", organised by the House of Andalusia Rafael Alberti and the Dubois Oratory Concert "Las 7 palabras de Cristo", the April 3 in the Parroquia de la Inmaculada.
We will also have choral music, by our local choirs, as well as the last concert of the season by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra and the one offered by the City of Torrevieja Musical Society "Los Salerosos", within the Music Als Pobles campaign.
We continue with the second cycle of “Los Vidrios de Palacio”, with two new proposals: April 22 “Andrés Santos Station Band” and May 13 “Four in Orbit”.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the 27th International Youth Contest of Habaneras that will be held at the Municipal Theatre on April 30.
On April 29 we will celebrate the International Dance Day, for this there will be a series of shows both in theatre and on the street.
As for the literary field, this year we will be able to celebrate the XXIV Edition of the Book Fair again. From April 9 to 18 at Paseo Vista Alegre. We will have, in charge of Ars Creatio, the AMOR poetry recital and we will once again celebrate the 5th "Las Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata" Day, a conference, workshops and routes that can be enjoyed from May 6 to 29.
For the most movie buffs and art lovers, we will have "Cine Forum: del Lienzo a la Pantalla", organized by the Municipal School of Painting.

### Torrevieja to host flag oath day in May

On 21st of May, Torrevieja will once again celebrate a Jura de Bandera, the oath to the flag of Spain, which will be aimed mainly at civilians wishing to participate.





The event is organised by the Special Operations Command (MOE) and the Torrevieja Town Hall.



The act will be held at the Paseo Vista Alegre with a limited capacity. This is why it is important to sign up, before May 10, on the Ministry of Defence page, or in the Mayor's office in person.


In order to take part you must have Spanish nationality, have reached the age of 18 and have not been declared incapacitated by a final legal sentence.

You can find out more on the Ministry of Defence website here: https://www.defensa.gob.es/defensa_yo/juras-bandera/listado/2022/2105-jura-bandera-torrevieja.html?fbclid=IwAR3k9STs9lK0BfGE1GNWw2rowu-7r7KsJQH5sqblYK2PQ4VqAbtJ9lseKiE

### Easter security meeting took place this week

The Councillor for Security and Emergencies in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, has held a meeting this week with the Guardia Civil Lieutenant, Santiago Fernández, the Chief Commissioner of the Local Police, Vicente Gutiérrez, and the Local Police Inspector , Oscar Cartón, to focus on the road safety and citizen safety devices that will be implemented during the Easter period.

### Ximo Puig announces the end of regional restrictions due to the pandemic and the beginning of a "new stage"

The President of Valencia, Ximo Puig, advances that the Interdepartmental Table will no longer meet, if the circumstances do not change, since all the indicators show the "stabilisation" of the epidemiological situation

- The ban on smoking on terraces will be maintained, as will the general mandatory mask regulations indoors, public transport and mass events

- Underlines that the Valencian Community is "in the best conditions" to face this period with "maximum normality", but also with prudence

 

 

Valencia. The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced the end of all regional restrictions that were still in force in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the sole exception of the ban on smoking on the terraces of restaurants and leisure establishments, which will continue to be maintained.

This was explained by the president after the meeting of the Interdepartmental Table for Prevention and Action against COVID-19, the last one to be held, if the circumstances do not change, since all the indicators show the "stabilisation" of the epidemiological situation and allow us to speak of the beginning of a "new stage".

 

As the president underlined, this Thursday it was agreed to lift the limitations that still affected the hotel and restaurant, leisure and entertainment, cinemas, theatres or amphitheatres, general physical and sports activities, events with a high concentration of people and music festivals.

 

In all these spaces and activities, therefore, only the general regulations on the use of a mask that are still in force throughout Spain will be applied, so that it will continue to be mandatory indoors, in public transport and in massive outdoor events when attendees are standing or sitting less than a meter and a half.

 

Likewise, the obligation to have a COVID passport to access residences and social centers also declines.

 

Ximo Puig, has pointed out that, thanks to citizen "co-responsibility", "the Valencian Community is in the best conditions to face a new stage" that "must be lived with the maximum normality and with the maximum precaution".

 

All the Valencian indicators show that they are moving towards "normalisation", with low hospital occupancy rates and a high degree of immunisation, pointed out Puig, who has also referred to the fact that 93.7% of the elderly population is already vaccinated 12 years old.

 

However, he has asked citizens for "prudence", and has indicated that the use of the mask has saved lives, for which he has indicated that, even when it ceases to be mandatory at the time, it will be "advisable" to continue using it in certain spaces.

### Torrevieja will host the first International Rugby Tournament "Touch N' Tapas" on March 18 and 19

The Councilor for Sports of Torrevieja Council, Diana Box, informs about the celebration this coming Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19, of the International Rugby Tournament “Touch N' Tapas”. This is the first international championship of this modality, which will take place at the Nelson Mandela Rugby Stadium in Torrevieja from 09:00 to 18:00.
44 games will be played with teams from 8 nationalities (Spain, Belgium, England, Chile, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France). More than 200 players from the three categories (men, women and mixed) will meet in Torrevieja. Admission is free, and the tournament can be followed through the live broadcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1-ujq6JZGf7yNg8BpSKlYA .
This international tournament is organised by the Torrevieja Sharks Rugby Club and the promoter "ON THE SEVEN EVENTS" in collaboration with the Department of Sports of the Torrevieja City Council and "Sports Camps Spain".

### UK passenger locator form no longer needed from Friday

The UK Government has announced the end of all remaining travel restrictions from Friday, including the requirement to complete the Passenger Locator Form.







The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps shared the news on his Twitter feed today.

### The use of the mask has prevented infections of other respiratory transmitted diseases such as the flu, chicken pox, whooping cough, mumps and measles

The use of the mask, together with the rest of the security measures adopted to avoid contagion by COVID-19 (mask, social distance, hand hygiene and ventilation), have brought with them a significant reduction in the number of cases of other types of respiratory transmitted diseases.

 

Thus, significantly, during the years 2020 and 2021, a considerable reduction can be seen in the number of diseases such as influenza, mumps, whooping cough or chicken pox, as reflected in the data from the Epidemiology service of the management General Public Health of the Ministry of Health. In addition, measles disappears and no case has been detected during the past year.

 

According to the head of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Control Service, Francisco Javier Roig, of the General Directorate of Public Health and Addictions, "this decrease is not due to COVID itself, but fundamentally to the measures that have been taken to stop it, since they are generic measures for all respiratory transmitted diseases".

 

According to the data, from 2019 to date, flu cases reported to the Epidemiological Surveillance Analysis (AVE) application have decreased by 96.94%. In fact, in 2019, 80,308 cases of flu were reported, while in 2020 the figure dropped to 37,985 cases and in 2021 2,456 cases have been registered. The data collected by AVE is annual.

 

On the other hand, chicken pox falls by 82.99%. The cases notified to the AVE in 2019 were 7,288, compared to 1,803 in 2020 and 1,240 cases registered in 2021. In the case of mumps (mumps) it has been reduced by 69.54% (from 604 cases in 2019 to 329 cases in 2020, and only 184 cases in 2021).

 

Whooping cough is another disease whose incidence has been drastically reduced. In fact, in 2019, 355 cases were reported, while in 2020 the figure decreased to 121 cases and in 2021 only 12 cases have been registered.

 

Finally, in the case of measles, which as a general rule tend to be recorded in imported cases, the fact of reducing mobility during the pandemic has had a strong influence, since the cases have disappeared. In 2019, 29 cases of measles of imported origin were detected, while in 2020 there was one case and in 2021 none. In this case, Roig points out that "in the case of measles, although the mask has contributed, 99% of the merit is due to vaccination coverage."

 

All this data is collected in the Epidemiological Surveillance Analysis application, a tool that collects notifications of Compulsory Declaration Diseases (EDO).

 

As explained by Francisco Javier Roig, "the epidemiological surveillance of all the EDOs has continued throughout the pandemic, as well as the activities aimed at the microbiological confirmation of the cases compared to the pre-pandemic years.

 

Decrease in severe cases of influenza

 

On the other hand, the confirmed cases of serious influenza, those that require hospitalization, have also decreased significantly according to the data registered in AVE and REDMIVA (Microbiological Surveillance Network of the Valencian Community).

 

In this sense, the surveillance network collects during the 2018-19 flu season (from October to May) a total of 1,054 serious flu cases, while in the 2019-20 period the cases are reduced to 578 and in the season From 2020-2021, only 5 serious cases of flu were recorded. On the other hand, during the 2021-22 period there is a slight increase in cases, since 43 serious cases of influenza have been reported to date.

 

Finally, hospital emergency services have also seen half of the cases of respiratory viruses recorded during the pandemic period. Specifically, adenoviruses, a group of viruses that can cause different types of infections and are also transmitted by the respiratory route, among others, have been reduced from 653 samples detected in the 2018-2019 period to 293 confirmed samples in 2020-2021. The same is true of respiratory syncytial virus, which has gone from 2,706 confirmed tests in 2018-19 to a total of 1,016 during the 2020-21 period.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform celebrates “20 years of Bespoke Life”

Created in 2000, it is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an innovative care model for cancer patients.

 

 	The centre will undertake several initiatives and activities throughout the year to mark its two decades of service.

 

 	Specialists from the Platform will hold various meetings with well-known personalities from Alicante, including Eduardo Dolón, Mayor of Torrevieja and President of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board, Amparo Navarro, Chancellor of the University of Alicante, Marcela Fernández, President of AEPA, Eva Toledo, President of the Alicante Directors' Circle and Ángeles Serna, President of TM Real Estate Group.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform celebrates 20 years since its foundation and is set to launch on social media a series of 8 meetings between members of the cancer team and people from the social, business and institutional circles in Alicante province:

 	Eduardo Dolón, Mayor of Torrevieja and President of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board,
 	Marcela Fernández, President of the Association of Businesswomen, Professionals and Executives of Alicante province (AEPA).
 	Eva Toledo, President of the Alicante Directors' Circle,
 	Ángeles Serna, President of TM Real Estate Group,
 	 José Manuel Ramia, Head of the General and Digestive System Surgery Department at the Alicante General University Hospital and the first Spaniard to hold the presidency of the Scientific and Research Committee of the Euro-African Society of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery.
 	Victoria Meneses, President of the Cancer Patients and Family Association (AFECANCER)
 	Amparo Navarro, Chancellor of the University of Alicante,
 	Hermann Swcharz, President of the Medical Association of Alicante.

This initiative commences today, 4 February, World Cancer Day, and will run throughout 2022. Quironsalud Torrevieja Hospital plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary by launching a publicity campaign under the slogan “20 Years of Bespoke Life,” always at the forefront of treatments and techniques, highlighting the ability of the cancer team at Quirónsalud Torrevieja to adapt, considering the needs of both cancer patients and their families. A pioneering model in terms of care, technology and organisation, precisely because of its ability to combine technological advances and innovation with a human approach to medical care.

The centre also plans to develop a number of theme-based healthcare podcasts that will enable its specialists to analyse and discuss the common issues between cancer, technology and emotional care. Similarly, there are plans to set up an exhibition showing the human bonds established in the context of cancer treatment, among many other initiatives.

 

A benchmark in the treatment of cancer patients. 

Since its creation in 2000, the Oncology Platform at Quironsalud Torrevieja Hospital has stood out for proposing an innovative approach in the care model for cancer patients. Always focusing on the patient, it has been able to develop a pioneering way of working in which priority is given to integrated care, aimed at the needs of the patient with the best technological equipment.

A paradigm shift in the scope of cancer patient care whose advantages and special characteristics have made the Platform a pioneering project with international repute.

The Platform has a nationally and internationally renowned multidisciplinary team, both in the field of care and in research and innovation, integrated within a flexible, open and horizontal structure, which enables the patient to be cared for more effectively and in less time so as to provide them with a better quality of life.

Quirónsalud Torrevieja's Oncology Platform is at the forefront of private healthcare, offering the most advanced technology to its patients, such as Intraoperative Radiotherapy and Varian TrueBeam 2.7 Linear Accelerator. The hospital also offers the most advanced surgical techniques for tumours such as HIPEC, radiofrequency tumour ablation, perfusion of limbs with TNF and Melphalan and electrochemotherapy for the treatment of skin tumours. The Platform provides a range of of services, including Genetic Counselling, Pharmacotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Immunology, Nuclear Genetics and Psycho-oncology.

 

 

Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and Murcia region

Quirónsalud has 9 facilities in the Valencian Community and Murcia Region, a leading group at the forefront of private medicine where people are paramount.

Quirónsalud is a leader in private healthcare in the Valencian Community and Murcia in terms of technological equipment, as well as comfort and services for both patients and professionals working at its facilities.

 

### The Government relaxes the health requirements for entry to Spain for people between 12 and 17 years of age from outside the EU

The Government of Spain has modulated the health requirements for entry to Spain for people over 12 and under 18 years of age from countries outside the European Union or the Schengen area, where access to The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for this age group is difficult or not yet possible.

Thus, from 00:00 hours on February 14, travellers between 12 and 17 years of age from these countries and who are not in possession of a valid vaccination certificate, will be able to present a molecular nucleic acid amplification test. NAAT (RT-PCR or similar) of SARS-CoV-2 with a negative result, performed 72 hours before arrival in our country.

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation have participated in this Order, signed by the Minister of the Interior; and Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Health.

Likewise, those under 12 years of age, traveling with an adult, will not be subject to any type of health requirement, as was the case until now.

This measure is also in line with the proposal to amend Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction of non-essential travel to the EU, which is currently being reviewed.

### The Government approves the Royal Decree that eliminates the obligation to wear masks in outdoor spaces

The Council of Ministers has today approved the Royal Decree that eliminates the use of masks in outdoor spaces, with the approval of a Royal Decree by which the wording of article 6 is modified of Law 2/2021 that regulates its use.

Thus, as of the day following the publication of this RD in the Official State Gazette (BOE), the mandatory use of the mask in outdoor spaces in general is exempted, regardless of interpersonal distance.

As exceptions, the use of a mask will be mandatory in large events that take place in outdoor spaces when attendees are standing or, if they are seated, when a safety distance of at least 1.5 metres cannot be maintained, except groups of cohabitants. In addition, the CISNS approved last Monday the recommendation to wear a mask in outdoor spaces where there are crowds. The use of the mask indoors will not be affected by this regulatory change.

This agreement, heard by the plenary session of the SNS Interterritorial Council held this Monday, is motivated by the high rates of vaccination coverage achieved in Spain and the change in the situation in relation to the pandemic caused by COVID-19 in our country.

### Regional police sanction 28 leisure establishments during the weekend

The Police of the Generalitat has imposed sanctions on 28 leisure and restaurant establishments within the specific control device activated from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 throughout the Valencian Community.

 

Of these 28 sanctions, six have been proposed for non-compliance with the COVID regulations and the other 22 for violating the Entertainment Law.

 

Within this same device, in which inspections have been carried out in 191 premises, the Police attached to the Generalitat have drawn up 22 files on people who did not comply with the COVID regulations. It has also identified 635 people and controlled 411 vehicles. Likewise, it has made 85 warnings related to the use of the mask, the safety distance and other health reasons related to COVID.

 

The actions are part of an operation carried out in collaboration with other security forces and local police, mainly to verify compliance with COVID regulations, taking into account the high number of infections. They have been developed both in establishments, as in shops or on public roads.

### Torrevieja Carnival Starts Friday

Torrevieja´s Councillor for Fiestas, Concha Sala, and the president of the Torrevieja Carnival Cultural Association, Francisco Pizana, have presented the acts that make up the Torrevieja Carnival program, recognised since last year as being of Regional Tourist Interest in the Valencian Community.



The carnival acts will begin on Friday 4 February, at the Municipal Theatre, with the proclamation act by the singer and monologist, "El Sevilla" and the premiere of the 2020 carnival film.

On Saturday 5 February, the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the election of Adult Carnival Queens will take place. The Golden Shield will also be awarded, which will be received by Manuel Torres Gómez and Carmen Ferrández Catalá, founders of the “Memories of Africa” troupe.

This carnival will have three novelties. On the one hand, on February 11, “The Animal Carnival” will be held, with a pet parade and a costume contest on the Paseo de Vista Alegre. On the other hand, on Sunday 13 February, the "Matero Carnival" will be held for the first time, in the Plaza de Encarnación Puchol in the district of La Mata. The third addition will be called "Los carnabares", a tour of participating hotel establishments with music and costumes, on March 3, 4 and 5.

On Saturday 12 February, the thirteenth National Drag Queen Contest is scheduled at the Municipal Theatre. On February 19, from 10:30 p.m., the third edition of the “Meeting Carnival” will take place, from the Plaza de la Constitución to the Plaza de Oriente.

The great parade will be on Sunday 20 February from 4:00 p.m., with an exhibition area similar to that of 2020 in the vicinity of the Plaza de la Constitución and, the night parade, with the participation of comparsas arriving from other towns, will be held on Saturday 26 February, from 6:00 p.m.

The carnival dance for the elderly will be on Thursday 24 February, at the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO) from 6:00 p.m. On Friday, February 25, will be the II Children's Parade.

Finally, on March 5 and 6, the Municipal Theatre will host the semi-final and final of the National Comparsas and Chirigotas Contest.

The Councillor for Fiestas, Concha Sala, has expressed the full support of the Council for the carnival group, especially the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, and has guaranteed compliance with all safety and pandemic prevention regulations, both current and those that may arise.

### The Police of the Generalitat sanctions 12 leisure establishments during the weekend

The Valencia Regional Police imposed sanctions on 12 leisure and restaurant establishments within the specific control device activated from Friday 28 to Sunday, January 30, throughout the Valencian Community. Of these 12 sanctions, one has been proposed for non-compliance with the COVID regulations and the other 11 for violating the Entertainment Law.

 

Within this same device, in which inspections have been carried out in 106 premises, the Police Unit Attached to the Generalitat has drawn up 14 reports on people who did not comply with the COVID regulations and has also identified 307 people and controlled 192 vehicles. Likewise, it has made 89 warnings related to the use of the mask, the safety distance and other health reasons related to COVID.

 

The actions are part of an operation carried out in collaboration with other security forces and local police, mainly to verify compliance with COVID regulations, taking into account the increase in infections with the consequent growth in the accumulated incidence. The actions have been carried out both in establishments and in shops and on public roads.

### Covid Passports Extended Until 28 February

The Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) has authorised the extension, until 28 February, of the requirement of the so-called 'Covid Passport' to access all establishments and spaces where it was already required, meaning all bars and restaurants, irrespective of capacity, and other leisure venues.

The court considers that the extension of the certificate requirement is justified by the evolution of the pandemic, specifically by the expansion of the Omicron variant and the accelerated increase in uncontrolled and sustained community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which " exceeds the capacity of the health system.

The measure, according to the Chamber, is also proportionate and "gets a good fit of the two most important pieces (health and economy) of this unusual puzzle that represents the current pandemic."

In short, the court concludes that they are "balanced" measures, since they derive "more benefits for the general interest --containment of the pandemic-- than damages to other assets or values in conflict."

The order of the fourth section of the TSJCV includes a clarification to specify that, according to the wording of the administrative resolution, the requirement of the Covid Passport does not affect the exterior of hotel and restaurant establishments, where the terraces of bars and restaurants are located.

### Twelve fugitives revealed in new Most Wanted campaign

A new appeal has been launched to trace and bring to justice 12 of the UK’s most wanted fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain.

The offenders, all men, are wanted for crimes including murder, large scale drugs trafficking and supplying firearms and ammunition.

The NCA’s Most Wanted campaign is run in conjunction with independent charity CrimeStoppers, Spanish law enforcement, UK policing and comes on the back of the extremely successful Operation Captura fugitives campaign, which resulted in the arrests of 86 offenders.

Spain is one of the most popular countries for British ex-pats and the two nations have a very strong law enforcement partnership.



Today, Steve Rodhouse the NCA’s Director General of Operations was joined by the Security Minister Rafael Pérez Ruiz of Spain’s Interior Ministry, British Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliot and Mark Hallas, CEO of CrimeStoppers, at the campaign launch in Madrid.

Steve said: “Spain is not a safe haven.

“We have a brilliant relationship with the country’s various law enforcement agencies and work together daily to protect the public.

“With 86 offenders arrested in our last fugitives campaign, criminals know we will never give up and we’re never far behind them.

“Our Spanish partners were crucial to many of those arrests, and in 2021 arrested and returned more than 25 wanted UK fugitives.

“The NCA’s International Crime Bureau and International Liaison Officers work on behalf of UK policing to exchange information and intelligence with partners abroad leading to the tracing and arrests of criminals globally.

“Fugitives usually continue offending while on the run and these men will be known in criminal circles wherever they are.

“The last thing the fugitives’ associates will want is the combined determination and capabilities of the UK and Spanish law enforcement focusing on them.

“Many of these fugitives will be trying to blend in to the large British communities who have made their homes in Spain, and if you are resident, you may know one of them from your town or village.

“Loyalties change over time and we urge anyone with information about these men to help us find them.”

All the men featured on the campaign are believed to have links to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands.

Among the Most Wanted is Nana Oppong, 41.

Oppong is wanted by Essex Police for the drive-by murder of grandfather Robert Powell, 50, who was shot eight times with a 9mm pistol on 13 June 2020. It is alleged that the victim and Powell were from rival criminal factions.

Also wanted is heavily tattooed Jack Mayle, 30, on suspicion of supplying Class A drug MDMA and other drugs.

Mayle is suspected of running a drug line in south London and allegedly worked with a dark web drugs supplier.

When he fled, Mayle, who is from Croydon in south London had a tattooed neck, a diamond tattoo under his left eye and ‘Croydon’ inked on the outside of his left forearm.

He may have tried to alter his appearance and is known to carry weapons.

The Most Wanted appeal also features Callum Halpin, 27, who is wanted by Greater Manchester Police for the murder of drug dealer Luke Graham, 31, and the attempted murder of Anton Verigotta.

Graham, a dad-of-two, was ambushed and shot dead in a drugs turf war in broad daylight on a street in Ashton-under-Lyne as children played nearby in June 2018. In July 2019, five men were jailed over the execution.

Two men from Cardiff are wanted by South Wales Police for Class A drugs offences allegedly organised by using the encrypted comms platform EncroChat.

Muscularly built Asim Naveed, 29, and 6ft 2in tall, is accused of playing a leading role in a highly organised crime group (OCG) that trafficked 46 kilos of cocaine into Wales between February and June 2020, worth up to nearly £8m.

Calvin Parris, 32, who has gold upper teeth, is accused of being a customer of Naveed’s OCG and selling cocaine on in Cardiff. Also, Scotsman James ‘Jamie’ Stevenson, 56, is wanted by the National Crime Agency and Police Scotland over the seizure of approximately one tonne of cocaine and 28 million Etizolam ‘street Valium’ tablets.

The cocaine was found in a shipment at the Port of Dover in September 2020 and the tablets were seized following a raid on a suspected pill factory in Kent in June 2020.

Stevenson, who is stocky and has a scar on the left side of his face, is also wanted in connection with two suspected arson attacks on properties in the Lanarkshire and Forth Valley areas in May 2020.

Lord Ashcroft, founder of the charity CrimeStoppers UK said: “We know it can be difficult for people to speak up about crime, which is why our charity is here to give you an option.

“We guarantee you’ll stay completely anonymous, just like the millions of people who have trusted our charity with their crime information since we were formed back in the 1980s.

“Please do the right thing by passing on what you know about these fugitives’ whereabouts and help us ensure these criminals are no longer a danger.”

Hugh Elliott, UK Ambassador to Spain, said: “The Most Wanted campaign is just one example of the successful cooperation that takes place between British and Spanish law enforcement.

“We stand united as partners against common threats and challenges, sharing not only expertise but goals and values too. In doing so, we can make both countries safer for citizens.

“I would like to thank our Spanish colleagues in the National Police and the Guardia Civil for their role in this campaign and for their ongoing collaboration in the face of common challenges more broadly. I would also like to thank the Spanish and British public for their help, as without them the Most Wanted campaign would not be possible.”

Rafael Pérez Ruiz, Minister for Security of the Spanish Ministry of Interior, said: “The campaign allows us to reinforce and strengthen police collaboration between Spain and the United Kingdom with the aim of creating a hostile environment which impedes criminal organisations from setting up in Spain and criminals from settling in our cities.

“Now more than ever it is necessary for everyone to join forces to give a coordinated and effective response to new security challenges.”

Anyone with information about one of the Most Wanted is urged to call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, and callers in Spain should call the freephone Spanish number 900 926 111, which will be answered by CrimeStoppers in the UK (using translation if required).

Alternatively, members of the public can fill out an anonymous online form at the UK charity’s website crimestoppers-uk.org/fugitives.

We encourage anyone living or visiting Spain to visit the NCA and CrimeStoppers websites and look at the Most Wanted subjects.

### Pet Blessings on Monday in Torrevieja

The Department of Animal Protection of Torrevieja council has announced that on Monday 17 January, on the occasion of the festival of San Antonio Abad (San Antón), patron saint of animals, the traditional animal blessing will take place, with safety protocols in place due to the Covid situation.



The blessings will take place at 6:00 p.m., at both the Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción and the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús churches, so pet owners can choose their closest to get blessed.

Due to the situation of the health pandemic, this year the concentration of animals and owners will not be held on calle Concepción at the Parroquia de la Inmaculada, but the street will be closed off in the section near the temple. In the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón, closures will not be necessary due to the width of the Plaza de Oriente.

The department would like to remind everyone wishing to participate in the blessing it will be necessary to use a mask and the corresponding safety distance between all participating people.

Councillor Concha Sala appreciates the collaboration of both the parish priests to maintain the tradition of Saint Anthony's Day and thanks in advance the members of the Local Police and Civil Protection, who will observe that the development of this activity is carried out in complete safety.

### The Minister of Health announces that the self-diagnostic antigen tests will have a maximum price of 2.94 euro

The Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, has reported the agreement reached to limit the maximum price of the COVID-19 self-diagnostic antigen tests to 2.94 euro after the completion of the meeting of the Interministerial Commission on Drug Prices .

The Interministerial Drug Price Commission is the competent body for setting the prices of drugs that are financed in the National Health System, specifically for the sale price of the laboratory and of health products as well as other products. Minister Carolina Darias assured that "the main objective has been to set a price that is as affordable as possible, always maintaining the balance so that the product is available through the pharmaceutical channel."

Thus, the agreement, adopted unanimously, has been to set the maximum retail price of the antigen tests for self-diagnosis at 2.94 euro. This price will be applied to all antigen tests for self-diagnosis that are for sale in pharmacy offices and that have been authorised for marketing by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. It will take effect the day after its publication in the BOE, that is, on Saturday.

 

### Orihuela Medieval Market Cancelled

Orihuela’s Department of Festivities has made the decision this week to cancel the Medieval Market 2022, scheduled to take place between the 4th and 6th of February, due to the “exceptional situation derived from the crisis caused by the avalanche and expansion of infections by this new wave of COVID-19”.



The department considers the event to be “high risk”, due to the large number of people attending, and who may be in close contact, not being able to guarantee the distance and the security measures determined by the health authorities.

"Health and safety comes first," commented Mariola Rocamora, councillor for Festivities.

The Medieval Market in Orihuela takes place in the historic centre of the city that is made up of narrow streets, with a significant number of visitors and hundreds of artisans from all over the country, objects are shared, drinks and food are consumed, in addition to making use of bars and tables in restaurant areas, with a very high percentage of participants who are standing and in continuous movement throughout the event. To all this must be added that, although the Department of Festivities is aware of individual responsibility, it cannot be guaranteed that everyone respects the established sanitary regulations such as the correct use of the mask, distances, disinfection measures.

The department concludes, “We hope and wish that the Medieval Market of 2023 is the preamble to a new and great celebration”.

### Vaccination of 5 to 8 year olds in the Valencian Community starts Thursday

The second phase of the paediatric vaccination campaign against the coronavirus that begins this week in the Valencian Community focuses on the 186,088 boys and girls aged between 5 and 8 who study in schools in the Valencian Community.

The operation, coordinated by the Public Health and Education departments started last Monday with the request for authorisations to vaccinate and continues this Thursday with the inoculation of the first doses. This second phase of the campaign is expected to remain active until at least next week.

By educational levels, this stage covers infant students who have reached the age of 5 and those of 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade of Primary. In total, it is expected to vaccinate 22,085 students in the province of Castellón, 68,332 in Alicante and 95,671 in Valencia. Of this total, minors will be vaccinated whose families deliver the vaccination authorisation to the educational centre and who on the day they are to receive the vaccine are not confined, sick or ill, or absent for any other reason.

In this sense, during this second stage of the paediatric vaccination campaign, a new opportunity will also be offered to those who could not be vaccinated in the previous phase.

To cover this phase of the paediatric vaccination campaign, the Valencian Community already has 192,640 doses and will receive 138,000 more in the coming days. In total, 330,640 doses.

Collection of authorisations

The first thing to be able to receive the vaccine is for the family to fill out, sign and deliver to the school the authorisation and the questionnaire on the health of each minor that the centre will have sent them. Families have a deadline to complete this process until tomorrow, Wednesday 12 January.

Once the authorisations are collected, the management of the educational centre coordinates with the medical team that will travel to the school to inoculate the vaccines in order to know precisely the number of doses needed, as well as to organise the operation in advance.

The unit that attends the school is made up of medical, nursing and logistical support staff, and has the appropriate means to deal with possible eventualities.

The process takes place in the schools themselves, during school hours and by educational level to preserve the usual groups of coexistence. This means that if a boy or girl has reached the age of 7 but for any reason is still in the first year of Primary, they are vaccinated with their classmates.

As in the first phase of the campaign, with the youngest children, a family member is also allowed to access the centre at the time of vaccination to accompany them emotionally. It is very important that crowds are avoided at all times and, for this reason, the person must remain on the school grounds for as little time as possible. In fact, in many educational centres the accompanying persons wait outside the enclosure for 15 and 30 minutes after the injection, time in which the minors remain under observation.

With this second stage of the paediatric vaccination campaign, all boys and girls from 11 to 5 years old who reside in the Valencian Community, about 330,000, will be covered.

In the first phase, which developed normally before the Christmas holidays, all boys and girls from special education centres, rural centres and 4th, 5th and 6th grade primary schools were immunised whose parents or guardians authorised the vaccine and they were in a position to receive it (they were not confined or had serum contraindicated for medical reasons).

Specifically, 107,360 students received the first dose of the Pfizer paediatric vaccine, that is, seven out of ten schoolchildren at those levels.

Second dose from February

The second dose of the vaccine will be administered eight weeks after the first to increase the immune response, as established in the National Vaccination Strategy.

For this reason, if a sick child is in isolation on the day of the vaccination or cannot attend the appointment for any other reason, it is planned to provide them with new opportunities, as has been done with adults.

On the other hand, those who turn 12 years old between the first and the second dose will receive the first dose of the paediatric vaccine and the second adult dose (the one recommended from the age of 12) with the established period of eight weeks for the second dose.

### Goal of vaccinating 80 percent of the population over 60 years with booster doses met

The Ministry of Health has promoted the fulfilment of one of the objectives set in the Conference of Presidents on July 22: to ensure that 80 percent of those over 60 in Spain have their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before the end of the year. This percentage was achieved last Tuesday and in the statistics of yesterday Wednesday it had already exceeded 81.3%.

This is clear from the 'Complying' accountability report that has been presented this week by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, in its section corresponding to the area headed by the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias. With regard to the vaccination campaign, it should be noted that Spain has managed to reach almost 90 percent of its population over 12 years vaccinated with the full schedule and that the paediatric vaccination campaign began weeks ago, with which already on 25,8 percent of boys and girls between 5 and 11 years old.

But the objective of protecting the Spanish population against COVID-19 has not diminished that of protecting the world population, aware that we must all get out of this pandemic. For this reason, more than 45 million doses of vaccines have been donated to countries in Latin America and Africa. Thus, the commitment to reach 30 million doses donated before the end of 2021 has been exceeded and the goal of donating 50 million doses in the first quarter of 2022 is close to being met.

This same document highlights other objectives that the Ministry of Health has achieved in this last semester where it has had to reconcile its leadership at the head of the management of the pandemic and its work of coordination with the Autonomous Communities and Cities in the vaccination campaign with the impulse to important changes in health matters. Among them, in the second semester of the year, the Mental Health Strategy was updated and approved within the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System, for the first time in more than a decade, and the 2021-2024 Action Plan was presented. Mental Health and COVID-19 to address the impact caused by the pandemic.

One of the important lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of increasing resources for public health, not only for epidemiological surveillance but also to promote healthy lifestyles. For this reason, an increase in the items for Public Health has been foreseen in the PGE-22.

In addition to this document, the Ministry of Health works under the One Health concept, that is, with an integrative perspective on the interaction of human, environmental and animal health. For this reason, it has approved, together with other public administrations, the Strategic Health and Environment Plan (PESMA) aimed at protecting the population from environmental risks, and which was approved at the Health (CISNS) and Environment sector conferences.

In this sense, the Ministry of Health has consolidated its network of collaboration with social and educational agents, such as schools or municipal administrations, to strengthen actions in the promotion of health. Several seminars have been held in collaboration with the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces to promote health promotion. The Call for aid has also been launched to the EELL belonging to the Spanish Network of Healthy Cities (RECS) for the development of actions in health matters, as well as to the EELL, belonging or not to the RECS, for the local implementation of the Health Promotion and Prevention Strategy in the National Health System.

Worthy death

The Ministry of Health, within the mandate and roadmap of this Government of Progress, has promoted one of the laws most demanded by society: the Organic Law to regulate euthanasia, in addition to including the right to a dignified death in the portfolio of services of the National Health System.

In addition, the health care guarantee funds (FOGA) and the health cohesion fund have been activated and endowed with a budget. In addition, the Draft Law on measures for equity, universality and cohesion of the National Health System (SNS) with the aim of preventing new health co-payments as established in the past, with special protection for the most vulnerable.

Among the most relevant commitments are the approval of the Oral Health Plan and expanding the portfolio of services to prioritize groups of children and adolescents, pregnant women, people with intellectual disabilities and mobility problems.

Another of the strategic lines of the Ministry of Health is the promotion of technological renewal through the INVEAT Plan with which all high-tech equipment with more than 12 years in the field of Specialized Attention will be renewed or replaced throughout Spain, with the largest investment that has been made in our country in this sector with a contribution of 800 million euros. In this sense, the Collaboration Agreement for collaboration in the implementation of proton therapy in the National Health System has been signed.

Regarding transplants, the extension has been published and the Agreement for the development of the transplantation program for hematopoietic progenitors of unrelated donors has been modified and the International Administrative agreement has been approved for the period 2021-22 to carry out activities of cooperation on donation and transplantation of human organs, cells and tissues

Sexist violence

The Ministry of Health is involved in the protection of women victims of sexist violence and, therefore, has developed a validated instrument for the early detection of cases of Gender Violence during the clinical interview. In addition, three training courses have been launched between the Women's Health Observatory and the National School of Health, to train health professionals in the use of the early detection instrument-questionnaire. The agreement for the implementation of the Sanitary Measures of the Catalogue of Urgent Measures of the Improvement and Modernization Plan against Gender Violence has also been approved.

### Torrevieja Closes 2021 with 8,361 People Unemployed

A total of 8,361 people were unemployed in Torrevieja at the end of 2021, which translates into a decrease of 17.75% compared to the end of 2020, according to data from Labora.

The services sector experienced a decrease of 16.93% and the construction sector fell 14.55%. Compared to the month of November, unemployment decreased by 5.51%, with a decrease of 5.35% in services and 2.73% in construction.

The figures improve in all age groups.

### Ximo Puig has met with experts to analyse the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Valencian Community

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has held a telematic meeting with experts from different areas of knowledge to discuss the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Valencian Community. The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Universal Health and Public Health, Ana Barceló.

 

Among the people who have participated are the deputy director general of Epidemiology of the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal, Hermelinda Vanaclocha; the specialist from the Department of Public Health of the Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Idelfonso Hernández; the researcher of the Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Studies of the Water of the CSI and Rey Jaime I Prize 2013 Xavier Querol; and the researcher and expert in the application of artificial intelligence methods in the fight against cancer, Aurelia Bustos.

 

Likewise, during the meeting the researcher from the Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana, Salvador Peiró; the head of the Microbiology Service of the Hospital Clínico de València, David Navarro; the Director of Research of the Valencian Institute of Economic Research (IVIE), Francisco Pérez, and the vice president of the Foundation Institute for Health Services Research, Ricard Menéu.

 

The Autonomous Secretary for Communication, Beatriz Gallardo, as well as the Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Valencia, Rafael Tabarés, and the Professor of Human Geography at the University of Valencia and member of the Interuniversity Institute of Development have also participated. Local, Joan Romero.

 

Finally, the telematic meeting was also attended by the scientist Pilar Mateo, internationally recognised in the field of Chemistry; the biologist Gloria Sánchez, research scientist at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC); the general director of Analysis and Public Policies, Ana Berenguer, and the general deputy director of Healthcare Management Evaluation at the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal, Ramón Limón.

### Ximo Puig guarantees hotel and leisure establishments all the support to enforce the COVID passport requirement

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has guaranteed the hotel and leisure sector all the support of the Valencian Government to enforce the COVID passport requirement. In this sense, he has advanced the possibility of collaborating with the Prosecutor's Office in the face of coercion and threats from denialists or groups has been opened.

 

This was explained after the COVID-19 measures security coordination meeting that was held this Wednesday at the Palau de la Generalitat, in which the Minister of Justice, Interior and Public Administration, Gabriela Bravo, also participated.

 

The Generalitat is going to defend those who defend legality, "said the president, who added that people" have the right to think the way they want, but not hinder compliance with the law. "

 

"From the Generalitat we want to recognize the effort of the hoteliers with the implementation of the COVID certificate throughout the pandemic," said the president, who also highlighted that the sector "has shown great responsibility by complying with and enforcing the health measures that are they have adopted to protect citizens. "

 

In this sense, he stressed that the Generalitat condemns any threat or coercion that is carried out against those responsible for the establishments, "who do nothing but comply with the law for the benefit of the health of Valencians." In fact, he recalled that the regulations that provide for the request for the COVID certificate by leisure and restaurant establishments is in force until January 31.

 

"We want to send a very clear message to the hoteliers: if they have a problem with citizens who reproach them or try to threaten them for requesting the COVID certificate, immediately notify the security forces and bodies, because they are complying with measures that have the endorsement Justice and the Generalitat will always be by your side ", he remarked.

 

As you recalled, at this time vaccination continues to be the main asset in the fight against COVID-19.

 

Specifically, the risk of hospitalisation, ICU and death from COVID-19 is lower in vaccinated versus unvaccinated people, in all age groups. Unvaccinated people under 60 years of age have 9 times the risk of hospitalisation and 25 times the risk in the ICU than vaccinated people. Unvaccinated women over 59 years of age have 7 times the risk of death from COVID-19 than vaccinated women. In the 12 to 29-year-old group, unvaccinated women have a 9 times greater risk of hospitalisation and 28 times greater risk of entering the ICU.

 

The Government delegate, Gloria Calero; also participated in the meeting of the COVID-19 security measures commission; the regional secretary for Tourism, Francesc Colomer; the regional secretary for Security and Emergencies, José María Ángel; the president of Conhostur, Manuel Espinar, and the president of Fotur, Víctor Pérez; the secretary general of the same entity, Juanjo Carbonell; the general of the VI Zone of the Guardia Civil, Arturo Prieto; the regional head of Operations of the National Police of the Valencian Community, José Domingo Piris, and the commissioner of the Unit of the National Police Corps Attached to the Community, Marisol Conde.

### Ximo Puig announces an agreement so that pharmacies can notify the health department of positive antigen tests

The president of the Valencia region, Ximo Puig, has announced an agreement so that the pharmacies of the Valencian Community can notify positive cases of COVID-19 face-to-face antigen tests and register them in the database of the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal y Salud Public with the consent of the people who have made them.

 

This has been explained by the president after the working meeting that he has held at the Palau de la Generalitat with the Minister of Universal Health, Ana Barceló, in which the details of the agreement that this department has reached with the official pharmacy colleges.

 

The person in charge of the Consell has thanked the will of collaboration shown by the professional associations in this "common cause" of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Pharmacies that wish to do so may voluntarily join this initiative, which seeks to reduce the current healthcare pressure in Primary Care.

 

The test must be done in person and, if it is positive, the establishment will notify Health. The registration of personal data by the pharmacy office will be done whenever the person who undergoes the test wishes.

 

The procedure will be activated in the next few days, as the last technical details for connecting computer systems are currently being finalised.

### Reminder of the rights of consumers during sales

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has recalled that the rights of consumers in this period are also applicable to purchases made over the Internet.










The department headed by Minister Alberto Garzón makes this warning after decreeing the new measures related to capacity and indoor establishments as a result of the pandemic caused by Covid-19 and due to the foreseeable increase in online purchases for this reason.

According to the latest survey by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) on the use of ICT in Spanish households, almost 20 million people have purchased products and services online in the last three months, with clothing, footwear and accessories being the products that were purchased the most (7.2 points higher than in 2020).

Given this, the department warns that both payment policies, such as return and guarantees, must be maintained in both channels during this sales period under the same conditions as the rest of the year.

This means that physical and digital establishments, among other obligations, have to accept the means of payment that they habitually use (card, cash or financed) and maintain the same repayment terms.

In the case of online purchases, there is also the right of withdrawal: a period of 14 days in which the product can be returned without having to state any reason or assume cost.

In addition, the ministry warns that, when purchasing products or services online, there are other aspects that consumers must take into account in case of possible claims.

Not surprisingly, according to the INE, delays in delivery (in 28.7% of cases of online purchases), technical failures of the websites and their lack of usability (16.4%) and the difficulty of finding information on guarantees or other legal rights (15.1%), have been the most frequent problems that Internet users have faced in the last quarter.

Regarding guarantees, the ministry recalls that, since 1 January, there are already three years during which companies are obliged to repair or replace the product or service purchased by the customer in case of disagreement.
Important aspects in case of conflict
During sales, the start and end dates of which must be prominently advertised at all times, establishments have the following obligations:

 	Label the discounted products clearly and differently from the rest, including the original price plus the reduced or the discount percentage.
 	Do not offer as discounted products those that have defects or are defective.
 	Have sufficient stock of discounted products or services, depending on the importance of the advertising carried out.

For their part, consumers must keep the purchase receipt or invoice, since it will be the necessary documentation to exercise any right of return or guarantee execution.

In the event of conflicts, the ministry recommends going to the Consumer Services of the different autonomous communities, the Municipal Consumer Information Offices (OMIC) of the town councils or the Consumer arbitration boards that exist throughout the territory both regionally as well as local.

The arbitration system is an extrajudicial conflict resolution mechanism, of a binding and executive nature for consumers and companies, which facilitates and expedites the protection of the rights of consumers and, especially, of the most vulnerable, since it is about a free system.

### The marsh harrier comes out of danger of extinction

The protection program of the Ministry of Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition allows the consolidation of the marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) population, which in 2021 reached a total of 33 pairs distributed in the three provinces of the Valencian Community.

 

In this way, the species, considered in Danger of Extinction in the Valencian Catalogue of Threatened Fauna Species, moves away from the highest level of risk, which justifies its reclassification as Vulnerable in the revision of the Catalogue.

 

"This confirms that the continued monitoring and protection of all nesting sites has been successful in the recovery of the species," commented the general director of Medio Natural, Julio Gómez Vivo.

 

The marsh harrier has had a growing trend in the last 20 years. After its reappearance as a nesting site in the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca in 2000, it colonised the Embarcaderos reservoir (Cofrentes) in 2008, where it has remained ever since.

 

In 2012 it appeared in the Albufera, where its reproduction had not been recorded for more than 40 years. As of 2013, towns have been added where their reproduction is verified, and it is in 2021 the first time that their nesting is detected in inland towns such as Camporrobles and Villena.

 

However, the most important population continues to be that of El Prat, which reaches the highest number of couples ever registered, with a total of nine.

 

The lagunero, relatively common as a wintering in humid areas, became extinct as a nesting ground in the 80s, after the last reproductions recorded in the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca. It was precisely in this same space that it nested again in 2000, doing so regularly from 2003, initiating a slow recolonisation process.

 

The department has monitored this species with staff from its own wildlife recovery centres, natural parks, environmental agents and SEO-BirdLife.

### Magic Show Cancelled

The magic show scheduled to take place on Sunday at the municipal theatre has been cancelled.

### Face-to-face return to the classrooms and a reinforcement of prevention and communication measures

The Government of Spain and the autonomous communities and cities are committed to maximum attendance at the return of the classrooms on the 10th when the school year is resumed.








This was agreed at the extraordinary meeting of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS) together with the Education Sector Conference and the General Conference on University Policy, as explained in the press conference after this meeting by the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias; the Minister of Education and Professional Training, Pilar Alegría; and the Minister of Universities, Joan Subirats.

All of them remarked that, in this time of pandemic, presence in the classroom has been a success at all educational levels. Both the ministries involved and the regional councils have valued that the classrooms have been safe places throughout the pandemic where control measures have been optimally maintained.



Photo: Pool Moncloa / Fernando Calvo

"That we have maintained presence in all educational stages is a success for the country," remarked the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, who explained that today's meeting fulfilled the mandate of the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, after the Conference of Presidents to "guarantee presence in classrooms so that our children and young people can fully develop".

It should be remembered that the data on infections in the classrooms in the non-university educational system have been maintained throughout the school year with a number of classrooms in quarantine below 0.5%.

With the growth of the Omicron variant, a maximum peak was reached on December 22, the day the school holidays begin, with 1.3% of classrooms in quarantine; which means 5,433 classes out of the slightly more than 417,000 classrooms. Also, only 12 schools were closed due to outbreaks, 0.04% of all schools in the country.

The Minister of Health insisted that "the best measure against COVID-19 is vaccination." Therefore, she stressed the importance of promoting vaccination in all age groups.

The Minister of Education, Pilar Alegría, stressed the importance of betting on presence. "Despite the epidemiological situation caused by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus and the logical concern that it raises, the return to class on the scheduled date and with strict compliance with the prevention protocols already known (both inside and outside the classrooms) It is the best option for schoolchildren, for families and for the educational community as a whole, "she said and recalled that" it is the best option, because closing schools - we already know after 21 months of pandemic - implies a huge loss in learning and puts the psychological well-being and emotional health of children and adolescents at risk, as confirmed by recent studies by the World Bank, UNESCO and UNICEF ".



Photo: Pool Moncloa / Fernando Calvo

Also in the university field, the Ministry of Universities stressed the need to maintain presence in the return to classes at this beginning of the course.

Regarding the call for exams, Minister Joan Subirats sent a message of calm in this regard: "It is a general decision of the university system that no one lose the call due to contagion or confinement."

The Minister of Universities, Joan Subirats, pointed out the importance of influencing the need to intensify the implementation of existing protocols, as well as communication channels with the university community. In addition, "as the experts have indicated, the infections that occur in the age group corresponding to the university community are not occurring in the university environment itself if it were not within it, thus reaffirming the certainty that the classrooms are, in general terms, safe spaces, "he said.

### Back to School on Monday

Students of all educational stages will return to class in person from Monday 10 January throughout Spain, as agreed on Tuesday by the Government and autonomous communities.

The meeting was held in Moncloa eight months after the last meeting in which changes were agreed for the 2021-22 academic year: face-to-face at all levels and the possibility of reducing interpersonal distance from 1.5 to 1.2 metres.

"Presence is an absolute priority and has been decided unanimously in the meeting that we have held", assured the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias. "It is very important to continue with vaccination, vaccines protect us and save lives. It is also important to strengthen protocols, " she says.

Darias has appeared with the Ministers of Education and Universities to give a more detailed account of what was agreed and stressed that Spanish schools are "safe" and has insisted on the importance of vaccination.

She has also asked to "reinforce" the use of masks, ventilation and hygiene.

There had been calls to delay the return to school due to the increase in Omicron cases during the Christmas period.

As stated by the Minister of Health, ventilation will be guaranteed; the use of masks; the opening of all educational centres and maximum attendance from 10 January; communication and dissemination to the entire educational community about prevention measures will be intensified; child vaccination will be reinforced; and compliance with all protocols in university centres and residences will be reinforced.

### Bus Service Changes due to the Three Kings Parade

Due to the Three Kings Parade in Torrevieja on Wednesday evening, a number of bus stops will be closed.



The following alterations have been published...

### Turisme Comunitat Valenciana promotes a new plan to promote MICE tourism in 2022

Turisme Comunitat Valenciana will continue to promote one of the tourism products with the "best" forecast for 2022, MICE tourism aimed at business trips, congresses and incentives.

 

In this way, the department plans to carry out in 2022 a plan to promote the Valencian Community as a MICE tourism destination, which includes 15 different actions to be developed at the national level and in the main European markets.

 

The objective, according to the regional secretary for Tourism, Francesc Colomer, is to "promote this product as a sector that has a notable drag effect, both in other products and in numerous destinations in the Valencian Community".

 

Likewise, he has indicated that the plan will contribute "notably to the seasonal adjustment and to the increase in the average expenditure per tourist", two of the strategic objectives of the Community's tourism policy.

 

Colomer has commented that the Region has "the best equipment for all kinds of calls and professional events."

 

He has also made reference to the offer that this product encompasses, "from a balanced network of fairgrounds, auditoriums and conference centres, to a wide range of hotels and complementary services, which make it the ideal place to host congresses and national and international fairs ".

 

The head of Turisme has commented on the support provided by the development of the business tourism plan for this sector, which continues to be "highly affected by the consequences of the pandemic and by the characteristics of its activity."

 

However, it has stated that, according to the latest data recorded, the demand for MICE tourism is also recovering relatively quickly. In fact, in the first quarter of 2021, the meetings segment has increased by close to 70% year-on-year in the Valencian Community, while it still decreases by 34% compared to 2019.

 

The figures prior to the pandemic, place the Valencian Community as the fourth national destination in congress trips, fairs and conventions with 1.7 million annual tourists in 2019, the year in which foreign demand was at the maximum of the series .

 

Characteristics of the MICE tourism plan

 

The MICE plan promoted by Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and agreed with the Convention Bureaux and the main associations in the sector, includes a total of 15 promotional actions specifically aimed at MICE and aimed at the national market and the main European markets.

 

It also includes the preparation of a MICE guide for the Valencian Community that will collect and jointly present the sector's offer, as well as updating the section for MICE tourism within the Turisme promotional website, among other actions.

 

On the other hand, the plan also includes a series of measures for the promotion of the Valencian Community as a MICE destination, both with the participation with its own spaces in some of the main MICE fairs and events of 2022, as well as the IMEX fairs that are planned to held in Frankfurt at the end of next April or IBTM WORLD, which will take place in Barcelona next November.

 

Finally, highlight the upcoming celebration of events such as the Iberian Mice Forum that will take place in Benidorm or the meeting with French MICE operators in Valencia that will take place at the end of spring next year.

 

This roadmap incorporates, in collaboration with Turespaña and the various convention bureaux, the realisation of familiarisation trips for MICE operators in markets such as the Dutch, British or French, as well as participation in roadshows and meetings with MICE operators in markets such as the German or Italian.

### Torrevieja presents a Three Kings Parade that reinforces security and prevention measures

After a year of absence, Torrevieja will once again celebrate the traditional Three Kings Parade on Wednesday 5 January, applying a series of restrictions and security and prevention measures that exceed current recommendations. The Councillor for Festivities, Concha Sala and the Councillor for Security and Emergencies, Federico Alarcón, have released the details of the arrival of Their Majesties The Three Wise Men from the East, as well as the security device that has been planned.




One of the main novelties of the parade that will begin in the fishing port enclosure on 5 January at 5:30 p.m., is the extension of the route with the aim of allowing the public to have more space to avoid accumulations . In this way, as the parade passes through the La Punta neighbourhood, the parade will run through calle Ramón y Cajal to calle Patricio Zammit and not to Zoa as planned. In this way, it will connect with calle Ramón Gallud and an extension of around 800 linear metres is achieved, which could accommodate almost a thousand people.

The Kings will arrive aboard the boat "Espejo de Torrevieja" from the local company "Marítimas Torrevieja". The councillor, Concha Sala has thanked "once again the predisposition of the Juárez family to transfer the Kings." The reception at the port, as well as the passage of the parade, will be faster than on previous occasions. Physical contact between the participants and the public will be avoided at all times and this year the usual delivery of sweets will be dispensed with.

The parade will be made up of six floats, the train of illusion, animals that have proven their good care and sanitary status, two dance groups, a recreation of real postmen, a musical group and a representation of the security forces and bodies that they will lead the cavalcade.

The mayor of Fiestas has thanked the participation of the 130 volunteers who will form the royal entourages, of the nearly 300 people who will make up the delegation. All participants will present their Covid certificate and parade with a greater safety distance. Throughout the tour there will be staff who will advise compliance with security measures.
Both councillors have requested the maximum citizen collaboration in the fulfilment of the security measures.

The entire route will be fenced, as will the doors of the Church of the Immaculate where the traditional adoration will take place. A small camp has been installed there with the collaboration of the Parish of the Immaculate. The Kings will later be received at the Town Hall, although the usual greeting from the balcony will not take place, nor will the toast inside the Town Hall. The royal entourage will not go this year to the University Hospital or to the nursing homes.

On the other hand, both today and tomorrow, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., a small camp will be opened at the gates of the Church of the Immaculate on the occasion of the arrival of the Royal Pages who will collect the letters of the kids. In Torrelamata it will be tomorrow, in the Plaza de Encarnación Puchol, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For his part, the Security Councillor, Federico Alarcón, has encrypted around 70 people who will make up the security device between Local Police, Civil Guard, Civil Protection, Volunteers and Security Guards. Also during the tour, several security and evacuation zones will be set up, which will be located on Calle Zoa with Calle Ulpiano and on Calle Ramón Gallud on the corner of Calle Joaquín Chapaprieta. An ambulance will also be located on calle Apolo and an accessible area will be set up on calle Ramón Gallud at the height of Rambla de Juan Mateo.

### Vaccination in the Community accelerates in December with almost 1 million doses administered

The Conselleria de Sanidad Universal y Salud Pública has administered a total of 990,004 doses of the coronavirus vaccine during the month of December, of which 158,465 have been first doses for the population still pending the vaccine, 128,289 second doses to complete the immunisation and 703,250 have been booster doses to those over 60 years of age and indicated population groups.

 

Of the total doses administered, by provinces, during this month 117,465 doses have been administered in the province of Castellón, 381,555 in Alicante and 490,984 in Valencia, as reported by Health in a statement.

 

For the Department, these figures "show the impulse" that the department headed by Ana Barceló has given to the vaccination process this December with the aim of immunising "as soon as possible" the entire Valencian population, as well as inoculating doses of reinforcement of vulnerable population groups.

 

The Minister of Health stressed that the vaccination teams have developed "intense work with the aim of continuing to protect citizens." "In fact, December has been the month that more vaccines have been administered after the summer, which was when the population was inoculated massively," she highlighted.

 

In fact, according to Health data, the figures reached in December are at the same level as those reached last summer with the start-up of the 133 mass vaccination points. Thus, while 1,652,994 of administered doses were reached in June, as of September this figure began to decrease to 516,831 in September, 143,535 in October and 567,257 in November. And it was in December when, again, the immunisation process was "accelerated" taking into account that the vast majority have been to inoculate booster doses.

 

Minister Ana Barceló has considered that with these figures "it is clear the responsibility that citizens are showing, as well as the tireless work of the vaccination teams." Barceló has shown its gratitude to the professionals who are part of these teams "for their daily dedication and their effort to continue protecting us day by day with the administration of the vaccine."

### The Generalitat transfers 16 million euros for rainwater drainage and retention systems to all municipalities in the Vega Baja

The Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, Arcadi España, has announced in Rafal that the Generalitat has already transferred 16 million euro aid for rainwater drainage and retention systems to the municipalities of the Vega Baja, framed in the Vega Renhace Plan.

 

"Today an important step is taken, the investment of 16 million euro by the Generalitat in the Vega Baja begins to materialise, which has already been transferred to all city councils, to carry out actions that protect the area against future episodes of rain, such as rainwater drainage and retention systems ", explained Arcadi España.

 

Likewise, the Public Works spokesperson stressed during his visit to Rafal the importance of continuing to act "in two fundamental areas for the economic development of the Vega Baja; more investment is necessary and, in addition, ordering the territory in a dialogue manner, to be stronger in the face of torrential episodes that may occur in the region. "

 

"La Vega Baja is a fundamental region for the Valencian Community, which for many years has not received the necessary investments," said the Minister who, in turn, has highlighted the investment effort of the Generalitat in the area. "After DANA, the residents of the area and the administrations have learned that it is necessary to invest in a forceful way to prevent, as far as possible, the effects of torrential rains, while boosting the economy and it contributes to generating employment ".

 

This was the opinion of the head of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility after holding a working meeting with the mayor of Rafal, Manuel Pineda, the commissioner of the Vega Baja and director of Vega Renhace, Antonio Alonso and the undersecretary of the Department of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, Rafa Briet, in which he has detailed the project in which the aid received by this city council will be invested, which will amount to 400,000 euro.

 

With the set of aid of 16 million euro, the regional Executive makes available to the municipalities of the Vega Baja an additional instrument to, in addition to improving their response capacity to new episodes of torrential rains, promoting the generation of employment and the economic and social recovery of the region. In total, 27 municipalities in the region will benefit with a set of 46 different actions.

### More than 380 Valencian municipalities add cases of coronavirus in the last update of the year

The last coronavirus data update of the year leaves new infections in 382 Valencian municipalities, and two of them, Valencia and Alicante, exceed a thousand infections.
Specifically, in Valencia there are 3,781 new positives, and in Alicante, 1,204. Elche has registered 899 new cases; Castelló de la Plana, 709; Gandia, 607; Sagunt, 407; Torrent, 384; Alcoi, 361; Elda, 313; Benidorm, 289; Sant Vicent del Raspeig, 287; Vila-real, 272; Dénia, 257; Paiporta, 237; Mislata, 229; Paterna, 213 and Torrevieja, 206.
Below 200 cases are Burriana (197), Alaquàs (194), Petrer and Villena (192); Xirivella (187), Ontinyent (174), Almassora (173), Orihuela (172), Aldaia (169), Xàbia (167), Manises and Oliva (162); Picassent (157), Quart de Poblet (153) and Santa Pola (151).
In addition, there are 146 new infections in Requena; 144 in Benicàssim and Ibi; 143 in Tavernes de la Valldigna, 139 in Sueca, 135 in Vinaròs, 133 in Algemesí and Novelda; 129 in Xàtiva, 126 in Vila Joiosa, 123 in Alzira, 122 in Riba-roja de Túria, 118 in Burjassot, 116 in Utiel, 115 in Godella, 113 in Mutxamel, 111 in Catarroja, 109 in Alboraia, 104 in Bétera and the Vall d'Uixó, 103 in Onda and 101 in Carcaixent and Monòver.
Cullera has detected 92 cases; la Nucia, 87; Ayora and Nules, 86; Benicarló, 84; Moncada, 83; Altea, 82; Eliana, 79; Alcora, 78; Crevillent, 77; Pego, 75; Massamagrell and Sant Joan d'Alacant, 74; Alginet, el Campello y Puçol, 73 and Alfafar, 72.
Albal, Banyeres de Mariola, Calp, La Pobla de Vallbona and Pilar de la Horadada have added 67 infections; Channels, 64; Aspe, 63; Almoradí, Benifaió, Buñol, l'Alfàs del Pi and Teulada, 62; Llíria and Montserrat, 58; Pinós and Meliana, 57; Ondara, 55; Bellreguard, 54; l'Alcúdia, 53; Chiva, 52 and Turís, 51.
There are 49 new positives in Cocentaina, Guardamar del Segura, La Pobla de Farnals and Pedreguer; 47 in Benaguasil; 46 in Carlet and Muro de Alcoy; 45 in Alberic and Picanya; 44 in Alcàsser and Benetússer; 43 in Castelló de Rugat and Rafelbunyol; 42 in Almussafes and Castalla; 41 in the Olleria; 40 in Jijona; 39 in Benissa, Onil, San Miguel de Salinas and Silla; 38 in the Verger and Tavernes Blanques; 37 in Albalat dels Sorells, Almenara and Vall d'Alba; Almàssera, Orba and Segorbe; 35 in Ador, Oropesa and Vilamarxant; 34 in Sedaví; 32 in Albatera, the Puig de Santa Maria, Faura and Foios; 31 in Betxí and 30 in Albaida, Callosa d'en Sarrià, Castellón and Cheste.
Rocafort has detected 29 positives; Peñíscola, 28; Callosa de Segura and Sax, 26; l'Alcúdia de Crespins, Moncofa y Xeraco, 25; Gata de Gorgos y Redován, 23; Canet d'en Berenguer y Massanassa, 22; Dolores y Rojales, 21 and Benigànim, Borriol and Enguera, 20.
In Biar, Llutxent, Polop, Sant Mateu and Villar del Arzobispo there are 19 cases; in Daimús, Monforte del Cid and Navarrés, 18; in Albuixech, Catadau, la Vilavella and Traiguera, 17; in August, Artana, Chella, Cox, Finestrat, the Font d'En Carròs and Nàquera, 16 and in Aielo de Malferit, Alcalà de Xivert, Benirredrà, Museros, Torreblanca and Vallada.
Anna, Cañada, Guadassuar, les Alqueries, Miramar, Moixent and San Fulgencio have had 14 positives; Altura, Rafal and San Antonio de Benagéber, 13; the Genovés, the Pobla Llarga, Morella and Vilallonga, 12; Bocairent, Bonrepòs and Mirambell, Montroi and Vinalesa, 11 and Barx and Càrcer, 10.
Bigastro, Catral and Forcall have detected 9 cases; Benifairó de les Valls, Chelva, el Real de Gandia, Favara, Gilet, la Llosa de Ranes, Llombai, Massalfassar, Pedralba, Quartell y Xeresa, ocho y Agullent, Albalat de la Ribera, Barxeta, Benifairó de la Valldigna, Benijófar, Caudete de las Fuentes, Piles, Quatretonda and Vilafranca, seven.
There are 6 positives in Beniarjó, Benilloba, Benimodo, Fortaleny, la Romana, the Caves of Vinromà, Rafelcofer, Real, Ribesalbes, Sollana, Venta del Moro and Xilxes and 5 in Alfara del Patriarca, Alfondeguilla, Algueña, Almoines, Benejúzar, Beniarbeig, Benidoleig, Estivella, Jacarilla, Jérica, l'Orxa, la Pobla Tornesa, la Vall de Laguar, Riola, Salinas.
Albalat dels Tarongers, Alcalalí, Algorfa, Antella, Benicull de Júcar, Cabanes, Càlig, Formentera del Segura, Gavarda, Godelleta, l'Alqueria de la Comtessa, la Font de la Figuera, Llanera de Ranes, Loriguilla, Macastre, Novetlè, Potries , Sant Joan de Moró and Simat de la Valldigna have 4 more cases.
There are 3 more positives in Albocàsser, Alborache, Alfarrasí, Atzeneta del Maestrat, Benillup, Bicorp, Bugarra, Catí, Cofrentes, el Poble Nou de Benitatxell, Granja de Rocamora, Jarafuel, la Granja de la Costera, Llíber, Manuel, Marines, Montitxelvo , Petrés, Quart de les Valls, Rossell, Rotglà i Corberà, Salem, Suera, Titaguas, Vall de Almonacid, Vilafamés and Vilanova d'Alcolea.
Ademuz, Alfara de la Baronia, Alfarp, Algar de Palancia, Algímia d'Alfara, Benavites, Benferri, Beniparrell, Benlloc, Busot, Camporrobles, Casinos, Corbera, Cortes de Arenoso, el Ràfol d'Almúnia, Emperador, Fontanars dels Alforins, Atzúbia, Ènova, La Jana, La Pobla del Duc, La Salzadella, Llaurí, Los Montesinos, Montanejos, Montaverner, Palmera, Planes, Sant Jordi, Serra, Sumacàrcer, Tàrbena, Teresa, Tormos, Tuéjar, Vistabella del Maestrat , Xaló and Yátova have detected 2 cases.
There is 1 more positive in Aigües, Alcàntera de Júquer, Alcublas, Alcudia de Veo, Almedíjar, Aras de los Olmos, Atzeneta d'Albaida, Barracas, Bèlgida, Bellús, Benasau, Benassal, Benigembla, Benimantell, Benimeli, Benissanó, Benissoda, Castell de Castells, Chera, Chóvar, Cinctorres, Daya Nueva, Dos Aguas, el Camp de Mirra, el Fondó de les Neus, el Palomar, els Poblets, Figueroles, Gátova, l'Alqueria d'Asnar, la Llosa, la Mata de Morella , Torre d'En Besora, les Useres, Llocnou de Sant Jeroni, Llucena, Millares, Murla, Olocau, Quesa, Ráfol de Salem, Sagra, San Rafael del Río, Sanet y Negrals, Sant Joanet, Santa Magdalena de Pulpis, Teresa de Cofrentes, Tibi, Torres Torres, Tous, Vall de Gallinera and Villanueva de Viver.

### Health Ministry Clarifies Covid Contact Tracing Procedure

The Conselleria de Sanidad Universal has detailed the main changes in the coronavirus detection strategy in the Valencian Community, which include that, when carrying out the traces, the census of contacts of confirmed cases will include only cohabitants and intimate contacts who are especially vulnerable.
In close contacts, both vaccinated and not vaccinated, priority will be given to performing a diagnostic test on vulnerable people, the people who care for them, health or social health personnel and people in residences, as reported by the department headed by Ana Barceló.
As agreed by the Public Health Commission on Wednesday, the isolation period for asymptomatic positive cases or with mild symptoms is reduced to seven days, but "as long as the person shows no symptoms in the last three days." In contrast, for those with severe disease or immunosuppression, the minimum isolation period of 21 days is maintained.
Likewise, after the seven-day isolation period and up to ten days after the onset of symptoms or the date of diagnosis in asymptomatic cases, positive people "should exercise extreme caution and reduce social interactions as much as possible by constantly using the mask", indicated the Ministry of Health, which points out that "you should especially avoid contact with vulnerable people."
Confirmed cases should inform their close contacts of their positive status. In the event of symptoms, they should call 900 300 555.
In addition, the Ministry has detailed that the census of contacts of confirmed cases will include only cohabitants and intimate contacts who are especially vulnerable and the rest of the close contacts must be quarantined for seven days if they are not vaccinated with a complete schedule or are immunosuppressed
Although they are exempt from quarantine, during the 10 days after the last exposure, they should take extreme precautions and reduce social interactions as much as possible by using the mask constantly. They should avoid contact with vulnerable people.
In close contacts, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, priority will be given to performing a diagnostic test on vulnerable people (over 70 years of age, immunosuppression or pregnant women) and on people who care for them (professionals or family members) as well as health or social health personnel already people who are admitted to a health or social health centre.

### Unvaccinated should "Stay at Home" this New Year´s Eve

The vice president of the Valencian Government, Mónica Oltra , has recommended that those who are over 12 years old and are not vaccinated against the coronavirus should "stay at home."


Oltra made the statement in a press conference after the plenary session of the Consell, saying that this year there is "a very very different panorama" from that of last New Year's Eve, since then we had only been vaccinating against Covid for four days and currently more than 90% of the Valencians have already been inoculated, a "substantial difference."




She has insisted that the recommendations for the last night of the year are prudence and the safety measures set by the health authorities: hand hygiene, mask, social distance and ventilation.




Se also pointed out that the majority of premature deaths due to Covid correspond to unvaccinated people who do not have another pathology and are physically well - she explained that in the last ten days a 25-year-old person and one of 27 who had not been vaccinated both died-, so has insisted that the unvaccinated go to a mobile vaccination point to receive the jab.
Asked about the extraordinary New Year's Eve parties that the Generalitat has authorised in the Veles e Vents building in Valencia, with a capacity of 772 people, and in a restaurant in Castellón, with capacity for 400, she has indicated that it assumes that they will have the obligation to demand the Covid passport and that they will be "within what the health authorities allow."

### Oltra: "I am proud of the response of the population to the vaccine"

The vice president and spokesperson of the Consell, Mónica Oltra, said today that she is "proud of the Valencian people for the response to the vaccine, satisfied with the work carried out since the beginning of the pandemic and hopeful, because we not only have a vaccine that will end the pandemic but also because in the Valencian Community we have opted for a social vaccine that makes us feel proud and proud of a people that walks together and leaves no one behind. "

 

For the vice president, the summary of the year can be explained with three concepts: firstly, "the pride of the Valencian men and women in the response to both vaccination and the measures that have had to be taken during the pandemic."

 

Secondly, he highlighted the "seriousness" and "responsibility of the Consell with the measures adopted to overcome the crisis generated and the fact of having approved" since March 2020 "agreements worth 1,6 billion euro."

 

Third, he referred to the "social vaccine, which is the concept of how we want to get out of this crisis, which is in a totally opposite way to 2008, of cuts, inequality and selfish corruption. Right now clearly no one can be left behind. "

 

Oltra made these statements after the press conference of the last plenary session of the Consell of the year, in which she took stock of the time elapsed since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 and specifically in the year 2021.

 

In the first place, the vice president stressed that this time Valencian society "has understood that the vaccine is a symbol of solidarity and hope to end the pandemic."

 

Thus, "in the face of the messages of those who have tried to lead us down the path of selfishness and noise -she pointed out- the Valencians have responded responsibly; choosing the path of the community, we have gone from thinking about the self to caring of us all".

 

In this sense, she stressed that the citizens of the Community have received the vaccine to "protect ourselves from the virus and also because it is a way of caring for those around us", which has led us to be "one of the regions in Europe with the highest vaccination rate, over 90%. "

 

She also recalled that the Valencian Government "already asked in February that the patents for vaccines be released", I understand that "only universal vaccination will allow a global solution to the pandemic" and that "we can only get out together" from this situation.

 

Measures promoted by the Consell

 

On the other hand, Oltra has highlighted that in these almost two years of pandemic the Consell "has acted with responsibility and seriousness", deploying a series of measures aimed, "above all, to save lives, but also accompanied by policies to help the sectors most affected by the crisis ".

 

Specifically, she stressed that the Plenary of the Consell has approved agreements and decrees "worth 1,622,910,227.42 euro", a figure that is "a response to having listened to what the Valencians have asked us and needed" .

 

Among these investments to fight the pandemic and its consequences in these almost two years, the purchase of sanitary materials has stood out; aid companies and workers in ERTE "to compensate for the anguish and the bad situation generated by the economic crisis" or to compensate "the effort of professionals on the front line".

 

Also to "start schools safely; to reinforce hospital services with one of the best health care in the world; to support social services that protect the most vulnerable people in our society; to create a successful vaccination system, that they already wanted in most countries, or to sustain the lives of thousands of families who are having a very bad time. "

 

Support for the most vulnerable groups

 

Finally, she wanted to highlight the aid and measures for the most vulnerable groups promoted by the Consell since March 2020 through the Department of Equality and Inclusive Policies and the city councils to reinforce social services, which have become "a social shield" so that no one is left behind.

 

Among them, she has referred to the more than 100 million euro destined to reinforce municipal social services and primary care, to which is added the reinforcement of mental health units and Xarxa Jove with teams of psychologists to attend to the consequences of this pandemic or the expansion of the Valencian Inclusion Income to 230 million euro that have already been paid since the start of the pandemic.

### Health extends the validity of more than a million chronic treatments

The Valencian Ministry of Health extends the validity of chronic treatments for a period of two months, the expiration of which was to occur in January and February.

 

In this way, all those patients with chronic treatments planned for periods of 180 or more days, whose completion was to occur before February 28, 2022, will have two additional months of validity and, therefore, may Pick up your medications at a pharmacy without having to go to your health centre to renew them.

 

Currently, in the Valencian Community there are 571,667 patients with this type of chronic treatments, which during January and February would end the validity of their treatments. With this measure, they will have two more months of validity, which will be counted from the date on which they were to expire.

 

Thus, for example, the treatments that had to be renewed during the month of January will not need to be renewed until March, and those in February until April. In total, there are 1,086,874 chronic treatments planned for periods of 180 or more days whose validity ended in the next two months. It must be borne in mind that the same patient may have prescribed several chronic treatments.

 

This measure was launched by the Ministry of Health during the start of the coronavirus pandemic. It is an initiative that aims to protect the health of the patient, since it avoids their travel to a health centre, especially at times when the incidence is on the rise due to the increase in the number of infections, as is the current case in the middle of the sixth pandemic wave. In addition, it favours the continuity of established chronic treatments, preventing the health of patients from being compromised by the completion of prescriptions for drugs already established.

 

On the other hand, the purpose of the measure is to facilitate the work of reviewing and carrying out administrative procedures by the medical staff of the Primary Care centres. All this, without prejudice to the necessary control and responsibility of the doctors to start, continue or suspend pharmacological treatments and generate their respective prescriptions.

 

Likewise, the extension of the validity will not be applicable to temporary or limited treatments of less than 180 days or to acute treatments, magisterial formulas, narcotic drugs, or treatments with a single quarterly or semi-annual administration. Nor does it affect treatments that require an inspection visa for their financed dispensation, nor does it affect those medicines whose maximum allowed duration is established in their technical sheet.

 

Finally, to make this measure effective, the Ministry of Health has published a Resolution, which will take effect from the day of its publication and will remain effective for a period of three months.

### Bus Changes in Torrevieja on Thursday

Due to a sporting event taking place in the town today, a number of bus stops will be out of service. 



In the image you can see the bus stops affected and the closest alternative.

### 20 military immunisation teams will reinforce 8 departments and 13 stable vaccination points

The Valencia Department of Universal Health has incorporated 20 mobile military vaccination teams, provided by the Ministry of Defence, in order to speed up and reinforce the immunisation process of the Valencian population in eight health departments, and specifically, the administration of booster doses.

 

The Minister of Health, Ana Barceló, has indicated that "these 20 military teams are going to be added to the 149 of the Ministry of Health, which are already immunising with booster doses at the permanent vaccination points. Therefore, we are going to to be able to considerably speed up the vaccination process ".

 

That is, it is about accelerating the vaccination of the booster dose in people over 60 years of age, people who have previously received the Janssen vaccine (both in their final stage) and the population group that has been immunized with the AstraZeneca's double guideline.

 

Thus, once these priority groups have been completed, the vaccination campaign will continue with the population group of people over 50 years of age, and subsequently, in those over 40 years of age.

 

In this sense, the minister insisted on the importance of going to the vaccination point in case of receiving an SMS appointment or phone call. "It is very important to receive the booster dose and continue to protect the population. As we know, the vaccine is our main ally against the coronavirus, in addition to protective measures. If you are summoned, please go," insisted the head of health.

 

Military vaccinators in 8 health departments

 

The 8 health departments to be strengthened are: Vinaròs, València-Hospital Clínico, València-Arnau, València-Hospital Peset, Xàtiva. Alcoi, Orihuela and Torrevieja.

 

Specifically, the locations where the military mobile vaccination teams will be present are: Vinarós (Home for the pensioner), Peñíscola (Health Centre), Benicarló (Health Centre), Valencia-Hospital Clínico, Lliria (Multipurpose Pavilion ), Paterna (Health Centre), Valencia-CIPS Hospital Peset, Xàtiva (Health Centre), Ontinyent (Health Centre), Alcoi Hospital, Orihuela. (Escorratel senior centre), Callosa (Town Hall) and Torrevieja Hospital.

### Torrevieja Cancels New Year's Eve Party in the Main Square

The festivities department of Torrevieja town hall has reported that "due to the high-risk situation of the Covid-19 health pandemic" and, by transferring the responsibility for the authorisation of activities to the municipalities, it has finally decided not to cancel the New Year's Eve celebrations which were due to take place in the town.



The cancellation also affects the children's party due to take place on 30 December, both of which were scheduled to be held in the Plaza de la Constitución.

In a statement, the department has expressed its regret at having to adopt this decision, especially since it is not possible to guarantee the permanent use of the mask, since it is about events that celebrate the traditional farewell and welcome of the year with grapes and a toast.

Other events will still be going ahead in the town, including the delivery of the letters of Their Majesties The Three Kings on 3 and 4 January, from 16:30 to 19:30.

The parade of The Three Kings is also planned , on 5 January, from 17:30 p.m., departing from the fishing port. 

The council appeals to the responsibility of citizens in general when it comes to complying with all prevention and safety measures, as well as social distancing between all people.

### Jewel thieves arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja arrested two young people, aged 20 and 22 and of Albanian nationality, who are attributed to the alleged commission of four robberies with force in towns of Valencia and Murcia, a crime of documentary falsification and another of resistance and disobedience for trying to flee when discovered.

The courts have remanded the two men in custody whilst the Guardia Civil recovered various pieces of jewellery valued at 116,040 euro.



The officers from the Guardia Civil were carrying out a crime prevention device in a residential area when they observed a car approaching. Upon noticing the presence of the patrol, the car abruptly diverted its trajectory. Several patrol vehicles began a pursuit of the suspect vehicle that was trying to flee at full speed, managing to catch up shortly after.

The two men who were traveling in the car got out and tried to continue their escape on foot but were caught. The officers proceeded to identify them and search the interior of the vehicle to try to find out what they were hiding, finding among the effects they were carrying, several items of jewellery and 500 euro in cash.

An investigation they found that the jewels had been stolen from a home in Caravaca de la Cruz, in the Region of Murcia. In addition, the same men are believed to have robbed three other homes in the towns of Eliana and San Antonio de Benagéber (Valencia).

The investigators found out that the men were monitoring the chosen homes, waiting for the residents to leave, from inside a vehicle with a false number plate. Later, by jumping the perimeter walls, and fracturing the main door or the window, they accessed the interior of the houses, where they stole the jewels and the cash they found.

### The Torrevieja winter cultural program 2021/2022

Tickets to all the shows will go on sale next week through the digital platform www.entradasatualcance.com and at www.bacantix.com, see below.






The Councillor for Culture of the Torrevieja City Council, Antonio Quesada, together with the Manager of the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta", Miguel Fernández, and the coordinator of culture, Manuel Esteban Moreno, have presented the Cultural Program of Winter 2021/2022, which includes the months of January, February and March, and is made up of approximately 40 musical and theatrical events. The schedule was approved in the last session of the Governing Board of the "Joaquín Chapaprieta" Municipal Institute of Culture.

In the month of January we have a total of 6 music shows, of which in addition to the traditional New Year and Three Kings concerts of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, we have the privilege of having, on January 15, the "National Orchestra of Spain" at the International Auditorium.

It will be a quarter full of magic, of dance by the Soul Dance Academy. We will also have humour, with a theatrical circus show called “Parüa”, which will be on January 22 at the Municipal Theatre, and which this year has received the award for the best circus show from the 2021 Valencia Performing Arts Awards.

We continue with the II Cycle of Music with organ: Organ Metal, which will be at the Arciprestal Temple of the Immaculate Conception, on January 29, February 6 and March 6, which is a cycle directed by Jorge Carrasco and that we will have the possibility to enjoy the best classical music.  

We also have operatic shows, the first one entitled "Operámida" which will be held on January 30, at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja. It is an opera for children, where they take an active part in the work and define it as: “a non-traditional show, since each performance becomes a unique and different experience”.

For adults, we will have the opera "Nabucco" by Guiseppe Verdi, on March 17th.

In this quarter we will continue with the works of "Theatre for everyone", we will have the works: For +, on February 13 and Faboo on March 13. As stated by the councillor: "we want to continue in the wake of gaining interest in the theatre and instilling it in the little ones."

We are also going to recover the Jazz and Swing cycle of “Palacio Fridays” on February 18 we have Randy Greer and on March 4 with the Swing group “O sister” recreating the golden age of vocal Jazz of the 20s and 30s of North America. 

On March 11 we will have a classical dance show by "The Russian estate Academy Ballet" called "Gisele", which will also feature a live symphony orchestra.

The II National Amateur Theatre Competition "Raúl Ferrández" will start again from March 21 to 25, and the awards ceremony will be held on World Theatre Day, March 27, that same day the play "La Mama ”, Written and directed by Jesús García Gallera.

The program also includes events by local entities such as the Torrevieja Carnival, the concerts of the Unión Musical Torrevejense band, the Ricardo Lafuente recital and many other works.  

Tickets to all the shows will go on sale next week through the digital platform www.entradasatualcance.com and at www.bacantix.com

### 260 tons of rubbish have been removed by the Urban Cleaning team during the last week

The Urban Cleanliness councillor of the Torrevieja City Council, Carmen Gómez, reports the removal of 260 tons of rubble and garbage in waste ground located in the vicinity of the Torrevieja International Auditorium during this last week.

Gómez has requested “neighbourhood collaboration to report to the Local Police the facts at the time of occurrence to arrest the perpetrators of these acts that carry a fine and that may constitute an environmental crime ”.
She also wanted to state that "all the points are being cleaned, waiting for the Environment Unit of the Local Police to find the perpetrators." At the same time, she recalled that individuals can deposit small amounts of rubble in the ECOPARQUE for free.
From the Department of Urban Cleaning they continue with the constant fight to avoid the proliferation of rubbish dumps on the outskirts of the city, with precise instructions to the Local Police units to "try to combat this scourge that affects the municipal coffers producing an expense of thousands of euro”, she pointed out. In addition to the police action that is being carried out, citizen collaboration is necessary by alerting at the moment in which the unlawful act is taking place, so that the authorities can intervene and take the appropriate measures in this regard.
Carmen Gómez has indicated that a map of illegal dumps is being carried out to carry out specific surveillance actions, but she remembers that the participation of neighbours is essential to be able to put an end to this type of illegal practices.

### Valencia authorises extraordinary New Year's Eve parties

The Service of Shows and Public Establishments of the Department of Justice, Interior and Public Administration inthe Valencia region has authorised the celebration of two extraordinary parties on the occasion of New Year's Eve in Valencia and Castelló.

 

In addition, it has received 27 other requests for parties and celebrations in 18 towns of the Valencian Community that do not require a specific administrative authorisation since they do not imply an increase in the usual capacity, the installation of stages or the modification of the technical conditions. In these cases, only a responsible declaration is necessary.

 

The establishments that have communicated said responsible statements to celebrate New Year's Eve parties and cotillions are located in 18 municipalities. Of them, nine belong to the province of Alicante (Alicante, Alcoi, Calp, Guardamar del Segura, Los Montesinos, Orihuela, Santa Pola, San Fulgencio and Xàbia); five to Castellón (Benicàssim, Castelló de la Plana, Torreblanca, Vall d'Uixò and Vila-real); and four to Valencia (Alfafar, Museros, Torrent and València).

 

To these celebrations must be added the two authorisations for extraordinary parties in Valencia, which will take place in the Veles e Vents building with a capacity of 772 people, and in the Julieta de Castelló Restaurant, with capacity for 400 people.

 

However, all the premises must comply with the measures decreed by the Generalitat to stop the Coronavirus. Thus, the request for the Covid-19 passport will be required in all catering establishments; the use of the mask whenever you are not eating or drinking; and a safety distance of at least 1.5 meters if sitting.

 

Finally, the Minister of Justice, Interior and Public Administration, Gabriel Bravo, has made a "call for the responsibility of citizens to celebrate the end of the year with prudence and prioritise their health and that of their families." He also thanked the effort of the leisure business "to adapt quickly and collaborate in the fight against the pandemic, generally complying with the preventive measures decreed by the Generalitat."

### Ximo Puig advocates creating training and employment opportunities for young people

The president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, has made it a priority of the Consell to strengthen the competitiveness of the productive fabric by creating training and employment opportunities for young people, a path that he has also indicated, strengthens in the face of future crises.

 

This was expressed during the award ceremony of the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (Ivace) scholarships to the young beneficiaries of the latest edition of the Ivace Exterior and Ivace Exportation + Employment programs. The minister for Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Labour, Rafa Climent, also participated in the event.

 

The head of the Consell has highlighted the high rate of labour insertion of these scholarships, which have doubled since 2014 and which, as announced, will be expanded next year. "You are the hope of this Community", said the president, addressing the new scholarship holders, who highlighted the importance of training to consolidate the creation of quality employment and a more competitive production model.

 

In this sense, the president has been in favour of making all the tools available to the young people of the Community to favour their labour insertion at the end of their studies, and has underlined the usefulness of the Ivace scholarships, which have allowed the 90% of the young people who benefit from them have obtained a job linked to foreign trade. In addition, the number of scholarships awarded under these programs has doubled since 2014, from 29 to 70.

 

"That is the objective: to strengthen companies and facilitate a life project for our young people," said the president.

 

New Ivace I + I scholarships

 

For his part, in his speech, Rafa Climent has announced the publication of a new scholarship program in 2022. "These are the Ivace Internationalisation + Innovation (I + I) scholarships, with which we seek to provide companies and entities in the Community Valencian of qualified personnel specialised in digital strategies to increase competitiveness and international sales ", he indicated.

 

From the Department of Sustainable Economy, Climent pointed out, "we keep our attention on the economic recovery after a complex time and our commitment to creating new opportunities for young people who are starting their career path".

 

"It is necessary to offer new job opportunities and specialisation to our young people," he also stressed during the event.

### Puig confirms the restrictions for New Year's Eve in the Region

The Generalitat Valenciana announced that it will maintain the current restrictive measures that it has implemented for this New Year's Eve but has also asked people to avoid crowds on the last night of the year, as well as to use the mask in all areas.

 

The statements were made by the president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, during a ceremony in Alicante where he also explained that another meeting of the Interdepartmental group will not be held this week, although there will be a meeting of the Interterritorial Commission. However, he has advocated "not to generate more uncertainty."

As Puig explained, the possibility of forcing to request the Covid Passport on the terraces, which the Generalitat was considering a few days ago, is also paused for now. The president of the Generalitat has indicated that there are venues that already request it at a preventive level, and has insisted on maintaining the utmost prudence.

With regard to the Cabalgatas de Reyes Three Kings Parades, Puig has stressed that "each municipality and town has its characteristics" and a certain incidence, which is why it has opened the door for these celebrations to be authorised if they are "well organised and control can be maintained”.

After these assertions, all the restrictions and measures for New Year's Eve and Three Kings in the Valencian Community are maintained, as well as the highlights of other important aspects in the current pandemic situation.

 

 

Masks

It is the measure applied by the national Government in the face of the Christmas holidays. The regulations now state that the mask is mandatory at any time on the public highway, although there are exceptions, and it is important to remember that the mandatory mask should be worn when alone on the street.

Pedro Sánchez imposed the mandatory nature of the mask and this is the only norm at the national level that is decreed in the face of the increase in infections caused by the omicron variant.

 

Valencian Covid Certificate

Since before the December bridge, it is mandatory to present the Covid certificate at various points in the Valencian Community, although as infections have risen, the Generalitat increased the list of places affected by this new measure.

The Valencian Covid certificate can be downloaded to the mobile phone and must be accompanied by the DNI or photo identity when accessing all the places where it is requested for access. Despite the beginning of childhood vaccination, those under 12 years of age are not required to present it.

### Valencia launches a new GVA QR reader application to validate the COVID certificate

The Valencia Department of Public Health has launched a new GVA QR reader application that allows, in a simple and agile way, to validate the COVID Digital certificate of the European Union.

 

To date, the validations of the COVID certificates were carried out with an App developed in Luxembourg, which can be downloaded in the App Store or Play Store markets. Now, the health department has created a new application, which is downloaded by accessing the web, and offers the possibility of installing it on a mobile device and using it without having to be connected to the Internet.

 

The purpose is to facilitate the quick and safe reading of the EU COVID-19 certificates, and thus meet the needs of personnel in the hospitality sector and in other places where the certificate is required to access (party venues, cinemas, theatres, etc.).

 

In this way, the user only has to download this application on their mobile device, and once they have the QR reader, they no longer need to connect to the Internet to validate the COVID certificates. The connection will only be necessary to update to new versions.

 

For this, the department has prepared the Quick Guide on validation of the COVID certificate, which it has made available to users on the website: see here .

 

This guide explains in a simple way how the application should be downloaded, both on an Android device and on Apple, as well as the importance of configuring the camera and what data the reading of the QR code offers. In this sense, for its implementation, the Data Protection Law has been taken into account, so the system does not store the data but only performs the reading.

 

On the other hand, the new application, which is available in Valencian and Spanish (the App developed in Luxembourg is also available in English, although the Valencia version is relatively simple to use with even the most basic knowledge of Spanish), also has the advantage that it allows healthcare greater flexibility and agility when it comes to controlling vaccination parameters. In this way, the application can be adjusted so that it detects the validity dates of the three types of certificates, or so that there is no invalid result in the case of having received the booster dose and that 14 days have not yet passed since inoculation of this dose.

 

Finally, the new GVA QR validator allows the scanning camera to be changed, thus providing more options to facilitate reading, allowing the selection of the one with the highest resolution.

### Concierto de Año Nuevo - Reyes - Orquesta Sinfónica de Torrevieja - 8 January 2022

Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra - 8 January 2022 | 19: 00h


















Event type: Concert




Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approximately.




Price: 


 	Sector B and E: € 25
 	Sector F: 20 €
 	Sector D: 15 €
 	Sector C: 10 €






Capacity: 1386 seats









Saturday 8 January, at 7:00 p.m. at the International Auditorium.

Tickets from € 10 at www.bacantix.com

### Language Learning Diplomas Presented

Torrevieja’s councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has presented diplomas to participants in the II Castellano Course organised by the town hall, in collaboration with the That's it Academia Königin Torrevieja.



The 60 students received their diploma crediting the completion of the course that this year incorporated, as a novelty, the conduct of internships in different places of the town.

### Spanish National Orchestra Concert - 15 January 2022

Spanish National Orchestra Concert






15 January, 2022 | 20: 00h








Event type: Concert




Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approximately




Location: Torrevieja International Auditorium




Price:


 	Sector B: € 25
 	Sector C: € 17
 	Sector D: € 15
 	Sector E: € 20
 	Sector F: € 10






Capacity: 1386 seats









The National Orchestra of Spain was founded in 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, and was definitively relaunched in 1942. Since then it has carried out an uninterrupted and intense concert work, with an extended season in Madrid - since 1988 it has been based in the Auditorium Nacional de Música-, participates in the main Spanish festivals and tours Spain as well as various countries in Europe, America and Asia.

At present David Afkham assumes the positions of titular and artistic director, and Félix Palomero that of technical director of the National Orchestra and Choir of Spain.

Saturday, January 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the International Auditorium

Tickets from € 10 at www.entradasatualcance.com





Requirements


It will be MANDATORY compliance

• The use of a mask (except for those exempted by current legislation).

• Wash hands with hydro alcoholic gel at the entrance and exit of the building.

• The use of the seat assigned by staff, displacement not allowed, unless authorized.

• Maintain a safe distance, especially at the entrance and exit to avoid crowds.

• Respect the signs.

• Follow the instructions of staff at all times.

• Everyone who accesses the room where the performance will take place must do so with a ticket.

• Once the performance has started, you will not be able to access the auditorium.

 IT IS RECOMMENDED

• Limit the use of toilets as much as possible.

• Act responsibly

















Organised by: Municipal Institute of Culture

### Spanish and Contemporary Music Recital - 23 January, 2022

Trío Georgia - 23 January, 2022 | 19: 00h








Event type: Concert




Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approximately




Location: Torrevieja International Auditorium




Price: 5 euro









Classical music concert starring Trío Georgia, three virtuosos of the violin, cello and piano.

Sunday, January 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the Chamber Hall of the International Auditorium of Torrevieja.

Tickets at € 5 at www.entradasatualcance.com





Requirements


It will be MANDATORY compliance

• The use of a mask (except for those exempted by current legislation).

• Wash hands with hydro alcoholic gel at the entrance and exit of the building.

• The use of the seat assigned by staff, displacement not allowed, unless authorized.

• Maintain a safe distance, especially at the entrance and exit to avoid crowds.

• Respect the signs.

• Follow the instructions of staff at all times.

• Everyone who accesses the room where the performance will take place must do so with a ticket.

• Once the performance has started, you will not be able to access the auditorium.

 IT IS RECOMMENDED

• Limit the use of toilets as much as possible.

• Act responsibly

















Organised by: Municipal Institute of Culture

### Ximo Puig highlights that 95% of the Valencian population is already immunised on the first anniversary of the vaccination against COVID-19

The president of the Valencia Region, Ximo Puig, has highlighted that 94.53% of the Valencian population has already received the complete vaccination schedule, which means having immunised 4,242,773 people, with the first anniversary of the start of vaccination against COVID-19 in the Valencian Community.

 

This was stated after holding a meeting with experts from the Valencian COVID-19 Vaccine Research Program (ProVaVac), in which the Minister of Universal Health and Public Health, Ana Barceló, has also participated.

 

During the press conference after the meeting, the president assured that all scientific studies show the effectiveness of vaccines against the coronavirus, "which have saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people."

 

Likewise, it has announced that the Valencian COVID-19 Vaccine Research Program has agreed to carry out three new studies on seroprevalence in the Valencian Community, the chronic impact of the infection and on the duration of the efficacy of the vaccine in the child population to be able to decide when a new dose would be necessary.

 

Specifically, the head of the Consell has referred to the need to study the chronic impact of the infection in order to be able to develop care strategies to reduce the loss of permanent chronic health and optimise well-being.

 

The president has also announced the change of name of the General Hospital of Alicante to be renamed Doctor Balmis-General Hospital of Alicante in order to "symbolically signify the value of vaccines to overcome the pandemic," he explained.

 

In addition, he has valued the launch this Monday of the new application of the Ministry of Health on the COVID certificate that will facilitate compliance with this measure that, as indicated, "is serving to increase vaccination" of the population that has not yet she had been immunised.

 

Revaccination to maintain protection

 

During his speech, he highlighted the need to get vaccinated again since, as he stated, "the third vaccination is decisive to maintain protection." In this sense, it has pointed out that all the studies carried out guarantee the efficacy of vaccination in the same way that they reflect a gradual decrease in its effectiveness from the fourth month, falling to 36% in the case of Pfizer from the eighth month.

 

The president explained that a study is being carried out on the protection generated by the vaccine against contagion with a group of 9,000 health workers out of the 70,000 that exist in the Valencian Community in which it is shown that after the third dose and after 10 days "the contagion clearly declines."

 

As he has indicated, the objective of the Generalitat is that by the end of the year all those over 60 years of age have received the third dose and that before January 10 all education professionals also have the booster dose. In addition, he pointed out that in parallel the Ministry of Health is citing all the people vaccinated with Janssen and AstraZeneca, "so the vaccination of essential professions and age cohorts will continue to be combined", he stated.

 

Vaccination balance

 

During the event, the president took stock of the first year of vaccination in which a total of 9,433,334 doses have been administered, of which 3,462,071 in the province of Alicante, 1,115,540 in Castellón and 4,855. 723 in Valencia.

 

He has also ensured that if all the needles used to administer the 9.4 million doses were lined up, they would reach 415 kilometres, the distance by car between Morella or Vinaroz and Pilar de la Horadada, and that the total volume of administered doses amounts to 3,600 litres of vaccine approximately.

 

For the president, these data demonstrate "the magnitude of the operation" that has taken place in the Valencian Community "thanks to health professionals and the joint responsibility of citizens", which has meant reaching "record vaccination figures around the world ".

 

Regarding the distribution of doses by laboratories, it has been pointed out that 6.6 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech have been administered, that is, 70.7% of the total; 1.5 from Moderna-Lonza, representing 16.3% of the total; one million AstraZeneca, representing 10.6%, and more than 221,000 doses of Janssen, or 2.4%.

 

It should be noted that of the total vaccines, 1,304,747 have been booster doses and have been administered to people over 60 years of age, immunised with Janssen, people at risk or essential services.

 

Finally, regarding the vaccination of minors between 9 and 11 years old that is being carried out in schools, the president has highlighted that a total of 105,898 boys and girls, that is, 70% of the population of this age , has already received between December 15 and 22 the first paediatric dose.

### Alicante Based Bank Scamming Gang Dismantled

The Guardia Civil, within the framework of the Operation Chrimata, has dismantled in Alicante a network dedicated to committing bank scams at an international level and on a massive scale through the method of phishing, in its form of smishing. They invested the money stolen from the accounts of the injured in cryptocurrencies, in order to be able to launder it without leaving a trace.
8 people have been arrested for the alleged crimes of fraud, forgery of identity documents, money laundering and the establishment of a criminal organisation.

The operation began in April 2020, after the perpetrators carried out, for three consecutive days, a massive attack on a large number of clients of a Spanish bank, by smishing the mobile phones of those affected. They managed to defraud 600,000 euro from a total of 106 injured people throughout the national territory.

The gang collected the data necessary to access the accounts of the injured by sending a text message to the victims posing as their bank. Once the injured parties bite, the authors took control of their accounts from the entity's online platform, and modified the form of access. The injured parties are all clients of the same bank, with national headquarters.

After having control of the accounts, they made massive transfers of about 5,000 euro each, from those of the injured to accounts of people used as mules, registered with online financial companies.

These people, known as money mules, transfer money of illegal origin received into your account, and in return give you a commission. The investigators located up to 28 of these mules, verifying that 462,000 euro of the total money scammed were passed through their accounts to the injured. The remaining 128,000 euro were scammed by similar methodology and means, to different businesses in Paris (France).
Investing in virtual currencies or cryptocurrencies
After transferring the money to the mules' accounts, they invested it in the acquisition of virtual currencies or cryptocurrencies, thus achieving, in addition to laundering the black money, to avoid tracking by researchers, since the main characteristic of cryptocurrency, is that the source and destination data are encrypted making it very difficult to track. Once the virtual currencies were acquired, they were transferred to the accounts of the main members of the gang, who thus managed to remain anonymous.

The use of digital media also makes it easier for criminals to operate from or to any geographic location, a feature that adds to the work of police investigation.
After studying the information obtained, the agents have been able to identify a complex criminal network made up of 90 people of Latvian, Russian, Czech, Kazakh, Belarusian, French, German, Cameroonian and Ukrainian nationalities.

In Spain, eight people, between 40 and 59 years old and of Spanish, Romanian and Ukrainian nationalities, have been arrested; in the towns of Malaga, Seville, Murcia, La Coruña, Zaragoza, Gerona, Valencia and Elche. In addition, a total of 25 bank accounts have been blocked and brought to justice.

On the other hand, 43 international arrest warrants corresponding to the main members of the criminal group have been requested from the competent judicial authority. The proceedings, which were made available to the Alicante Investigating Court, have been transferred to the National Court.

The operation has been carried out by agents belonging to the Investigation Area of ​​the Guardia Civil of San Juan (Alicante), who have had the collaboration of agents of the Technical Unit of the Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil of Madrid, of the Units Organics of the Judicial Police of Gerona, Malaga, Seville, Zaragoza and La Coruña, as well as members of Interpol, Europol, and different police forces from Latvia, Russia, France, Kazakhstan, Germany, Canada, United States, Liechtenstein, Cameroon , Czech Republic, Ukraine, Poland, Belarus and the United Kingdom.

The investigation remains open, so new arrests are not ruled out.

### The Valencian Community is the first Spanish destination in number of tourist services distinguished by their quality

The Valencian Community is at the top of the national ranking of tourism services distinguished by its commitment to tourism quality, following the results of the Annual Committee of Distinction of the Integral System of Tourist Quality in Destination (Sicted).

With a total of 1,281 tourist services distributed in 31 urban, coastal and inland destinations, which is 25.27% more than in 2020, the Valencian Community surpasses Andalusia for the first time, which has 1,188 distinguished services .

The regional secretary of Tourism, Francesc Colomer, wanted to congratulate all the management teams, destinations and distinguished tourist services of the three provinces, as well as the Qualitur department of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, "for the effort and joint work with the different actors from the destinations involved in the project to build a quality global tourism offer ", he stated.

Along these lines, Colomer has pointed out that "with these results the Valencian Community demonstrates, once again, the commitment, resilience and effort of all public and private agents to work towards quality and excellence in the tourism sector ".

The Regional Secretary continued, "despite the fact that recent times have not been easy for the tourism sector, in the Valencian Community many tourist services have opted to improve their relationship with the destination of which they are part, in addition to their internal management".

"This has allowed - Colomer continued - that according to the last Sicted annual balance, the Valencian Community represents more than 19% of the total tourist services distinguished with the Tourist Quality Commitment seal in our country".

In the same way, he stressed that "the Valencian Community also leads the national ranking of the distinctive 'Preparado COVID-19'', which certify the implementation of good practices in socio-health security, thus contributing to establish that in addition to being a destination of quality, we are a safe and accredited destination ", concluded the boss of Turisme.

Distinguished tourist services

Among the distinguished tourist services, the main hotels and tourist apartments stand out, by trade, with 224 distinguished with the Sicted seal, followed by restaurants and tourist catering companies, with 200 tourist quality labels.

For their part, the bars and cafes of the Valencian Community have 109 Sicted stamps and the shops with 102 distinctions. A special mention deserves the Homes for Tourist Use, a trade recently added to the project and whose number of distinguished in the Valencian Community is 62, representing 77.5% of the national total.

### The Valencian Community has increased its population by almost 2 million in the last 50 years

The Valencian Community has increased its population by almost two million in the last 50 years, especially the province of Alicante, where the number of residents has doubled in half a century, with an increase of 103.52%.

Historical data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), which began in 1971 and which have just included the first half of this year, make it possible to draw a map of depopulation in Spain within the framework of the constant demographic growth of the country as a whole.

Thus, while the Valencian Community had 3,203,696 inhabitants in 1971, at present the figure is 5,051,252, which represents an increase of 1,947,555 residents, a percentage increase of 65.47 percent.

The increase registered in the province of Alicante stands out, where in 1971 there were 932,507 inhabitants and fifty years later there are 1,897,849, which means an increase of 965,341 residents, 103.52 percent more.

In the province of Valencia, the population has grown by 794,528 inhabitants in half a century, since there are currently 2,577,506 and in 1971 the figure amounted to 1,782,978, representing an increase of 44.56 percent.

With regard to the province of Castellón, in 1971 there were 388,211 residents and currently the figure is 575,897, so the increase has been 187,686 inhabitants (48.35 percent).

At the national level, seventeen Spanish provinces of seven autonomous communities, almost all of the interior and the north, have lost close to one million inhabitants in the last 50 years, half a century in which another 10 provinces, most of them coastal, have seen an increase its population in more than 10 million people.

Those 17 provinces, which account for 43.7 percent of the surface of Spain, but only 12.68% of the residents, are Jaén in Andalusia; Teruel in Aragon; Asturias; Ávila, Burgos, León, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria and Zamora in Castilla y León; Ciudad Real and Cuenca in Castilla-La Mancha; the two provinces of Extremadura, Badajoz and Cáceres; and Lugo and Ourense in Galicia.

### Valencia clarifies that the Covid Passport will not be requested on terraces of bars

The vice president of the Valencia region, Mónica Oltra, clarified this Thursday that the obligation to present the Covid Passport will not be extended terraces of bars, only to access the open spaces of wedding rooms or similar venues.

The DOGV has published this Thursday the resolution of the Ministry of Health, which will come into force at 00:00 this Friday, and which extends the mandatory nature of the Covid Passport to all hospitality establishments, regardless of their capacity.

The new regulation, as it has been published, contemplates "expanding the spaces of demand for the presentation of the vaccination certificate to closed and open places where food or drink services are provided, by business company (catering, self-service ... .) or by a hotel and restaurant company that provides this type of service".

Asked about whether or not the Covid Passport is compulsory on the terraces, Oltra initially explained that "a question was asked to the TSJCV in case it was necessary at some point to apply this measure", for having the endorsement of the high court "and not going every time to the TSJCV, out of respect for the institution".

"A broader consultation was made in case it was necessary to extend the request for the covid certificate also to the terraces. Nothing is ruled out and everything is contemplated, it was done out of prudence, in case this decision had to be made before the Three Kings day", she explained.

During the press conference, the publication of the text in the DOGV in the aforementioned terms was known, and when asked again by Oltra himself, she indicated: "I think this is more related to places of events, for example a wedding hall that has an attached terrace."

Oltra has subsequently admitted that perhaps the wording of that point may give rise to confusion, and has stressed that "in principle it was not intended for the terraces of an ordinary bar, those that are located on the sidewalks", and that perhaps "it should make a correction ", because" the spirit of the rule is that it applies to event rooms, not bars".

In this same sense, she has indicated that no further restrictions have been planned but that the interdepartmental table could meet at any time, depending on the evolution of the pandemic, infections and saturation of hospitals.

### Masks Mandatory Outdoors again from Friday

Despite having about 90% of the population vaccinated, masks will be mandatory again from tomorrow, 24 December. The only exceptions to this decree will be when playing sports or in natural areas.

The move comes six months after the last change where masks were no longer required outdoors so long as a distance of 1.5 metres could be maintained between people. This latest change eliminates that exception.

The president of the Valencian Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has defended the implementation of "non-invasive" measures to contain the pandemic and to facilitate access to antigen tests. He has also asked the Government for support in order to finance the response to the pandemic. The opposition considers that this measure does not correspond to a scientific recommendation.

Spain continues to beat the record of infections and Wednesday's session has reported more than 60,000 cases in 24 hours, the highest number of daily infections reported in the pandemic.

### The City Council congratulates Ascensión Jara Aparicio, who turned 100 this week

Ascensión Jara Aparicio is originally from the neighbouring town of Orihuela, although he has lived all her life in front of the Torrevieja sea and this week turned 100 years old.

The Councillor for the Elderly, Inmaculada Montesinos and the vice mayor, Rosario Martínez Chazarra wanted to accompany her on this special and significant anniversary and congratulate her on her birthday with a bouquet of flowers.
Ascensión has three children and five grandchildren, and with all of them she is going to celebrate her birthday at her home, located in front of the Juan Aparicio promenade. Ascensión, who is in a great state of health, assures that one of the things that has made it so long lived is "the sun, the sea and living here, in Torrevieja", in addition to leading a healthy lifestyle.

### Alicante hospitals offer special menus to make the stay of patients more pleasant at Christmas

During the most significant days of the Christmas holidays, the hospitals of the public health network of the Valencian Community will serve special menus prepared with typical dishes of these holidays in order to make the stay of patients who remain hospitalised more pleasant.

 

The menus have been prepared following nutritionist recommendations and taking into account the medical needs of patients, maintaining the proper diet for proper recovery. This is one more measure within the Humanization Plan developed by the Department of Universal Health and Public Health, in order to facilitate the stay of patients in hospitals during these days.

 

Specifically, these special menus will be offered to patients whose pathology allows it on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, New Year and Three Kings Day, made with typical products such as nougat or Christmas sweets.

 

Christmas menus of the hospitals of the province of Alicante

 

At the Sant Joan de Alacant hospital, the Christmas Eve dinner will consist of aubergine millefeuille with Edam cheese, Serrano ham over roasted tomato sauce, sirloin medallion with diced apple and sesame with Parisian potato and tiramisu and Christmas sweets for dessert. And the Christmas meal the patients will taste bouillon, Christmas stew and black forest cake and Christmas sweets for dessert.

 

For their part, on New Year's Eve, hospitalized patients will dine on shrimp salad with scolds, salmon with seafood sauce with green asparagus and natural pineapple for dessert, Christmas sweets and lucky grapes.

 

On New Year's Day, the meal will consist of spinach Vol-au-vent with cod brandade, secret with piquillo muslin and assorted mushrooms and for dessert, whiskey cake and Christmas sweets.

 

Finally, on Three Kings Day, patients will have chocolate with roscón de Reyes for breakfast and lunch will consist of Christmas salad, rice "from the senyoret" and whiskey cake.

 

The General University Hospital of Alicante has prepared for Christmas Eve dinner mimosa eggs and cream of corn with chicken shavings and croutons, monkfish a la marinera and for dessert cheese flan and Christmas sweets. On Christmas Day, the meal will consist of Christmas broth with balls and a special salad with salmon, Christmas stew and a fruit cocktail.

 

On New Year's Eve, patients will taste a seafood cocktail and vichyssoise, Pedro Ximénez cheek with Parisian potato, and for dessert rice pudding and Christmas sweets and lucky grapes.

 

The New Year's meal will consist of a tub of pate with jam and Cádiz soup, cod in sauce or baked cod with baby carrot, and profiteroles with chocolate, compote or flavored yogurt.

 

The afternoon snack on January 5, patients will taste a typical roscón de Reyes with chocolate. And on Three Kings Day, the menu will be brandade of cod with sesame and black olive oil and covered soup, oven-baked pork tenderloin with apple compote and fruit in syrup, compote or yogurt.

 

At the Marina Baixa hospital, the Christmas Eve dinner will consist of a seafood cocktail, pork cheek, San Marcos cake and Christmas sweets.

 

During the Christmas meal, patients will taste broth with ball and turkey thighs in salt and a three-chocolate tart. And on New Year's Eve, the dinner menu will consist of seafood soup, pork tenderloin in sauce and profiteroles with hot chocolate for dessert.

 

The New Years meal will consist of goat cheese and walnut salad, baked leg of lamb and Black Forest tart.

 

And finally, the meal of the Kings day, the admitted patients will taste Iberian hors d'oeuvres, monkfish tails in sauce and fruit tart. For a snack, they will have hot chocolate and roscón de Reyes.

 

At the Elda hospital, the Christmas Eve dinner will consist of roasted pumpkin cream with cinnamon and clove oil, medallions of pork tenderloin with confit apple cubes and sesame, Café flan with cream and a Christmas assortment.

 

On Christmas Day, the menu prepared for hospitalized patients will consist of Christmas consommé with filling, donostiarra-style hake belly with a bouquet of aromatic tomato and pods, and for dessert, natural pineapple and Christmas assortment.

 

The New Year's Eve dinner will consist of a prawn salad with its "regañás", cod with gluttony and seafood sauce, chocolate cream arm, Christmas assortment and lucky grapes.

 

For the New Year's meal, it is planned to serve cream of mushroom with ham shavings, grilled pork secret with piquillo muslin and parmentier and whiskey tart and Christmas assortment.

 

The afternoon snack on January 5 will consist of chocolate and roscón de Reyes and the meal on Three Kings Day will be composed of a salad of nuts and cherry tomato, rice a banda and tiramisu cake.

 

The General University Hospital of Elche on Christmas Eve has planned a menu consisting of seafood cream, browned on the back with a garnish of wild asparagus buds, cheese cake and typical Christmas sweets. On Christmas the meal will consist of bouillon with balls and Christmas stew, turkey breast with Parisian carrot and natural pineapple.

 

For New Year's Eve dinner they have prepared queen bird cream, pork tenderloin with caramelized apple sauce accompanied by Parisian potato and chocolate cake. And the New Year's meal will consist of wild asparagus, endive salad with orange walnuts and pomegranate, rice from "senyoret" and hake loins with clams and prawns, and for dessert profiteroles with chocolate.

 

The breakfast on Three Kings Day will also be special and will be made up of hot chocolate and the traditional Three Kings cake.

 

At the Vega Baja hospital in Orihuela, the Christmas Eve dinner will consist of a Russian salad with prawns, cod with piquillo pepper sauce and a garnish of turned potatoes, a chocolate drink. And for the meal on Christmas Day, patients will taste consommé with balls, chicken ham with pineapple sauce and broccoli in its juice, Brazilian cake.

 

For its part, the New Year's Eve dinner will be made up of winter cream with tarragon, hake supreme with shrimp sauce and braised vegetables and San Marcos cake. On New Year's Day, patients will taste Dubarry cream with croutons, sirloin with red berry sauce and profiteroles with chocolate. On Three Kings Day, there will be no shortage of chocolate and the typical roscón de Reyes.

 

At the Alcoy hospital, patients will be able to taste egg delights at Christmas Eve dinner, vichysoisse with shavings of polo and croutons, monkfish a la marinera, curd with honey and Christmas sweets. And on Christmas Day, the planned menu will consist of a special green salad, Christmas soup with ball and Christmas stew, and fruit salad in syrup or pineapple in its own juice for dessert.

 

For New Year's Eve dinner, they have prepared a seafood cocktail, Parmentier cream, Pedro Ximénez cheek with Parisian potato and yogurt mousse. And on New Year's Day the food will consist of toast with pate and jam, Cádiz soup, baked pork secret with honey and rosemary, profiteroles with chololate.

 

The afternoon snack on January 5 is planned to serve chocolate and roscón de Reyes and the next day's meal will consist of Kings salad, soup covered with croutons, baked pork tenderloin with applesauce and Calatrava bread with caramel.

 

Finally, the patients admitted to the Torrevieja hospital, will taste Russian salad with prawns, cod with piquillo pepper sauce and turned potatoes and for dessert a glass of chocolate and cream.

### Valencia will complete the vaccination of over 60s before the end of the year and teaching staff before 10 January

The Department of Universal Health and Public Health has established a new vaccination strategy against the coronavirus to accelerate the rate of immunisation of the population pending receipt of the booster dose or that still do not have the complete schedule.

 

On the one hand, a priority objective is to offer vaccination with the booster doses to the population over 60 years of age or vaccinated with Janssen who have not yet received it before the end of the year.

 

On the other hand, people vaccinated at the time with the exclusive AstraZeneca regimen (double or single dose, in the case of having passed the disease), will be summoned to receive the booster dose before the end of the Christmas holidays, including the teaching staff and other essential staff. In total, 277,581 people have been inoculated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. The goal is that teachers can return to school with the full dose.

 

However, the rate of citation will depend on the particularities of each department (population profile, vaccination, geographic dispersion). In any case, the immunisation criterion will be the one that has always been applied in the Valencian Community, that is, the prioritisation of groups agreed by the Inter-territorial Council of the National Health System, which corresponds to first serve the population with the highest risk.

 

According to the Minister of Health, Ana Barceló, "our objective is to speed up vaccination as much as possible in the Valencian Community. For this reason, we have installed 47 stable vaccination points distributed throughout the Valencian Community and 149 vaccination teams, made up of health professionals, will take charge of immunising the population. "

 

To carry out this vaccination process, the Ministry of Health will summon by SMS or telephone call all the people who are part of any of these population groups (over 60 years of age, if they have received only the Janssen dose or the complete guideline with AstraZeneca).

 

Therefore, the user of any of these groups will receive a scheduled appointment and will have to go to the place indicated. In this case, you will be cited at one of the 47 permanent vaccination points or at a health centre, depending on the health department.

 

Once these groups have been vaccinated, Health will begin to appoint people over 50 years of age, and subsequently, people over 40 years of age (as the minimum interval for the booster dose is met) to administer to this population the booster dose.

 

Mobile drop-in vaccination points

 

On the other hand, in addition to the vaccination strategy with a scheduled appointment, the Ministry of Health continues to facilitate the possibility of vaccination without a previous appointment, but only to people pending a first dose or a second dose of the vaccine.

 

In this case, any person who is in this situation can go to any of the mobile vaccination points that are located in strategic places of population influx, and that have been installed to bring the vaccine to those citizens who by any reason they have not been able to be immunized against COVID-19.

 

These mobile points can be consulted on the social networks of the Ministry of Health, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

 

48 vaccination points with scheduled appointment

VINARÓS

· Hogar del Pensionista de Vinaròs

CASTELLÓN

· Hospital de Campaña de Castellón

· Pérgola de Castellón

LA PLANA

· Polideportivo Municipal La Vall d'Uixó

SAGUNTO

· Centro Cívico - Puerto de Sagunto

VALENCIA - CLíNICO

· Hospital de la Malvarrosa

· Hospital Clínico - Consultas Externas

VALENCIA ARNAU LLIRIA

· Centre Jove de Benaguacil

· Casa Nebot de Bétera

· Escuela de Adultos de L'Eliana

· Pabellón Multiusos de Llíria

· Espai Jove de La Pobla de Vallbona

VALÈNCIA - LA FE

· Hall Consultas Externas - Ricardo Trenor - Calle Alboraia

· Hall Laboratorio La Fe - Torre B

REQUENA

· Centro Salud de Requena

· Centro Salud de Utiel

VALENCIA HOSPITAL GENERAL

· Escuela de Adultos de Xirivella

· Centro de Mayores Benagéber-Alaquàs

· Centro de Salud Torrent II

VALENCIA - DR. PESET

· CIPS (Centro de Información y prevención del SIDA) - Valencia

· Centro Municipal de Mayores de Benetusser

LA RIBERA

· Sala de Exposiciones de Algemesí

GANDIA

· Centre Social Marcel.li Pérez del Grao de Gandia

· Carpa junto al Centro de Salud de Oliva

· Frontó Municipal de Ador

DENIA

· Hospital de Denia - Consultas Externas

ALCOI

· Hospital de Alcoi

VILA JOIOSA

· Auditori La Vila de La Vila Joiosa

· La Torreta de Benidorm

ALICANTE - SAN JUAN

· Lucernario Hospital de Sant Joan

· Centro Comunitario Entreplayas

ELDA

· Centro Polivalente las 300 de Elda

· Comparsa Piratas de Novelda

· La Pirámide de la Plaza de Toros de Villena

· Centro Municipal Clara Campoamor de Petrer

· Comparsa Estudiantes de Biar

ALICANTE

· Hospital General de Alicante - Lucernario

· Centro de Salud San Vicente II - gimnasio matrona

ELX

· Polideportivo El Toscar de Elche

ORIHUELA

· Centro Social de Mayores El Escorratel de Orihuela

· Bajos propiedad del Ayuntamiento de Callosa de Segura

· Palacio de Música de Almoradí

TORREVIEJA

· Pilar de la Horadada: Carpa Municipal recinto Ferial Raimundo Benedicto

· Rojales: Antiguo Centro de Rehabilitación sito en C/ san Isidro

· Guardamar: Escuela de Música, usado la vez anterior, Mercat, 2

· Torrevieja: Carpa de Biblioteca Pública Carmen Jalon, entrada por Vicente Blasco Ibañez

MANISES

· Polideportivo Albert Arnal de Manises

ELX-CREVILLENT

· Polideportivo El Toscar de Elche

### Quirónsalud specialists recommend extreme precaution and safety measures at Christmas family gatherings

Specialists recommend avoiding meetings if any of the guests has symptoms, not bringing more than two groups together and prioritizing outdoor meetings, among other measures



The specialists of Quirónsalud Murcia and Torrevieja recommend taking extreme precautions especially if you are going to be in contact with people at risk such as elderly people, heart patients, respiratory patients or those with neurodegenerative issues, cancer or immune issues to ensure that they are not placed at risk. Experts also advise that we avoid going to Christmas gatherings if we have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
When asked about PCR tests carried out on the day of the gathering or the day before, the specialists warned that, although it can greatly reduce the risk of contagion, it is not an absolute guarantee.
Among the most important preventive measures, the specialist in internal medicine at the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, Dr. Francisco Mora, recommends “avoiding meetings if any of the guests have symptoms, more than two cohabiting groups should not gather, opt for outdoor meetings where possible, keep a safety distance at the table, clean and ventilate common areas, have hydroalcoholic gel in key places in the house, wash hands frequently, remove the mask only when eating or drinking, and avoid sharing food with other diners ”.
In line with lunch and dinner presentations, Dr. María José Carpes, specialist at the Quirónsalud Murcia Hospital, advises “always avoid sharing dishes, present everything individually and avoid picking up food with your hands. Avoid appetizers that are put on shared plates and taken with the hands such as chips, nuts, olives, canapés, etc. ”
Regarding the number of recommended diners, the specialists ask that we all adhere to those allowed by the health authorities and avoid having more than two family groups to reduce contagion.

Family gatherings and children, how to avoid contagion?
Children tend to have less serious infections than adults and are mostly asymptomatic, although as Dr. Carpes from the Quirónsalud Murcia Hospital points out, “the fact that they do not present symptoms means that they cannot present a high viral load, although this is not synonymous with high infectivity. The infectivity will be determined by other factors such as the strength and frequency of the cough, which is usually less intense in children, as well as the proximity of the contacts or the ventilation of the environment ”.
“The measures” indicates Dr. Mora from the Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja, “would be similar to the recommendations for the general population. Among them is the recommended use of a mask in children over 3 years of age, being mandatory from 6 years.”

PCR or antigen, what is the most recommended?
The antigen test is characterized by being faster, but also by offering less sensitivity. “In theory,” explains Dr. Mora, “it is a good option to detect cases during the first week of symptoms, because it only tests positive when there is a high viral load. The problem is that if the infection is incipient, it is possible that hours later the viral load increases and that individual who has tested negative may be contagious. Therefore, it is not reliable enough in asymptomatic people. In this sense, PCR is a more sensitive test and offers more reliable results, so it would be the most convenient test. ”

### Christmas Changes to the Airport Bus Service (also shows changes to the Zenia Boulevard service)

Costa Azul have published changes to the timetable for the Torrevieja to Alicante-Elche Airport service for Christmas and New Year.



The timetable also covers the Zenia Boulevard service.

### Valencia Gets Green Light to Covid Passport Extension

The Fourth Section of the Contentious-Administrative Chamber of the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) has authorised the extension of the requirement of the so-called Covid Passport to include all hospitality venues, irrespective of capacity, as well as other establishments such as gyms or cinemas, circuses, sports facilities, and party venues where drinks or food are consumed.

These provisions are contained in the resolution of the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal dated December 21 and will come into effect at 00:00 hours on the day following their publication in the Official Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana (DOGV).

The Court considers that the extension of the measure in those spaces where it was already mandatory to present the Covid certificate is justified by the evolution of the pandemic.

Likewise, its expansion to new establishments and spaces is "suitable, necessary and weighted or balanced, insofar as it derives more benefits or advantages for the general interest than damages to other goods or values ​​in conflict," the Chamber states.

Said weighting of conflicting interests has already been examined by the Supreme Court, which has described the requirement of the Covid Passport as a "tenuous" limitation of certain fundamental rights that, when faced with the "powerful presence" of others such as life or health protection "provides an objective and reasonable justification for its adoption."

### Orihuela to Close Beaches on Christmas Day

If you're thinking of popping along to the annual Christmas Day gathering on the beach at La Zenia, think again, as Orihuela town hall has made the decision to close all the beaches of the municipality on Christmas day in the interest of safety, amid rising Covid infections.

The councillor for citizen security and beaches, Antonio Sánchez, says that “given the situation in which we find ourselves due to the pandemic and with the cases of positives on the rise, we must exercise extreme precautions and avoid situations that have negative effects,” whilst acknowledging the decision as regrettable, but responsibility forces the action.

This decision was adopted after a meeting chaired by Mayor Emilio Bascuñana and attended by councillors from different areas of the local government and will mean that the Christmas Day gathering frequented by the British population at La Zenia will have to be cancelled this year.

### Empty Hampers Wanted

If you're lucky enough to receive a Christmas hamper this year, you don't have to worry about what to do with the empty basket once you've inspected the contents.

The Parque Natural La Mata in Torrevieja has launched a special campaign asking for the donation of empty hampers, which they will then convert into nests for long-eared owls.

If you want to collaborate in this great initiative, you can take your empty Christmas baskets to the Interpretation Centre at the Natural Park in La Mata.

Once collected, the organisers will launch a further campaign to provide more information as to how they intend to transform the baskets into nests and their subsequent placement.

### Awards of the XII Young Entrepreneurs Contest

Councillor for Employment, Domingo Paredes, together with the Deputy Mayor, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, have presented the prizes to the winners of the XII Young Entrepreneurs Award:



 	1st prize 7,000 euro, awarded to: Alejandro Ramón Plaza Marcos, for the project: The Clothing Plan. Solidarity fashion.
 	2nd prize 3,500 euro, awarded to: José Cases Gabín, for the project: Level Up Academia.
 	3rd prize 1,500 euro, awarded to: David Ruiz Molina, for the project: Taller de Arquitectura

This initiative has been created by the Department of Employment and the Local Development Agency (ADL) to promote and support young entrepreneurs.
The objective of this municipal initiative is to create an adequate framework for the creation of new companies, at the same time as reducing youth unemployment rates and encouraging our young entrepreneurs.
In its twelve years of existence, it has sought to reward people with entrepreneurial initiative who have started a new business, providing support and backing for their new business activity, so that it serves as a stimulus for the creation of new companies and new jobs. in the field of the economy of the municipality of Torrevieja.
The announcement of the awards has a specific purpose: to promote entrepreneurship among Torrevieja society, promote social recognition of entrepreneurs, promote a positive image of the employer as a generator of wealth and employment, as well as the creation of companies and services related to the tourism sector, local commerce, new technologies, conservation and rehabilitation of buildings, environment, sports, leisure and free time.

### Prizes awarded to the winners of the XVIII Christmas Window Dressing Contest

On Tuesday, in the auditorium of the Torrevieja town hall, the Councillor for Hospitality, Commerce and Tourism, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, together with the Councillor for the Treasury, Domingo Paredes, presented the prizes to the winners of the XVIII Christmas Window Dressing Contest 2021:

1st prize 1000 euro, Joyería Hernández
2nd prize 800 euro, Óptica Mar
3rd prize 500 euro, Óptica Chantal
And the 5 second prize, valued at 200 euro each, have been for:
Farmacia Fragata
Farmacia Mª Carmen Cayuelas Sanchis
Covertoldo
La Media de Seda
Domti
The jury was made up of: Noelia Lozano, member of the Asociación de Comerciantes del Acequión; Fernando Guardiola, member of Apymeco and Enrique Pacheco, member of the Asociación de Comerciantes de la calle Zoa.

### Torrevieja Burglars Arrested

Three men have been arrested by the National Police in Torrevieja, suspected of being part of a criminal group dedicated to theft from inside homes.



The alleged members of the organisation are reported to have carried out their offences throughout the province of Alicante, carefully selecting their target homes. Officers recovered items stolen from homes in Orihuela, Santa Pola and Sant Vicent del Raspeig.

In the homes of those arrested, officers found a large amount of jewellery, tools for breaking into homes such as lock picks, and about 3,500 euro in cash.

The police have so far attributed a total of six robberies with force in homes to the gang.

The three detainees were placed at the disposal of the court which remanded them in custody.

 

### The Valencian Community is studying requesting the Covid passport on terraces

The Generalitat Valenciana is studying the requirement of the Covid passport on the terraces of the restaurants and bars, as well as the interior, according to the president, Ximo Puig.
This has been indicated by the president in statements to the media in Bétera, a day after the Interdepartmental Meeting that approved expanding the passport requirement in interiors and premises such as gyms. These measures still require the approval of the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community.
The president has defended the move when asked about the possibility of further expanding the restrictions due to the pandemic before Christmas, he has indicated that decision-making "has always been directly attached to the protection of health" and has highlighted "co-responsibility", which it has been "fundamental" throughout the crisis.
The president has indicated that they are working on "what issues could help overcome the pandemic": the acceleration of vaccination in all population segments, and the widespread use of the mask. In fact, he has recommended its use "at all times". 

### The Generalitat launches a campaign to help citizens prevent cyberattacks on home computers during Christmas

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Model has launched, through the Information Technology and Communication Security Centre of the Valencian Community (CSIRT-CV), an information campaign to raise public awareness of the importance of security in devices digital home and especially for the next few weeks.

 

Under the name 'Ten cybersecurity recommendations for home computers', the entity's experts will inform users of home devices for two weeks on how to avoid cyber risks that citizens face daily with the use of portable and mobile devices in which they store a large amount of personal and confidential information such as data on bank accounts or access to their personal emails.

 

The general director of ICT, José Manuel García Duarte, has stressed that this campaign is "vital, due to the significant increase in the consumption of portable electronic equipment since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when its use has become widespread. among the population, even in sectors that were not familiar with them. " In addition, Duarte has warned about the "increasing frequency and effectiveness with which cybercriminals are trying to access personal data not only of companies and institutions, but also of domestic computers, in which practically all the information of our homes. "

 

This campaign, which can be followed through the CSIRT and the Generalitat's social networks on Facebook and Twitter, will provide valuable and practical advice to consumers. In fact, the information capsules will be aimed, for example, at users who check their email in open network cafeterias while having a coffee, watching movies while waiting at the airport, connecting to a free Wi-Fi network or sharing their equipment with all the members of the family "given that they are potential targets of cyberattacks due to the vulnerabilities that affect these networks."

 

As Duarte explained, "the CSIRT-CV seeks to educate users about the dangers they run, so that they can take the appropriate measures to protect their equipment, the valuable information they have on them and even their own privacy".

 

Protect our digital information and privacy

 

The campaign will include the publication of a series of ten logical and physical protection measures that anyone can apply to protect their laptops and that "on many occasions, are not put into practice due to ignorance or simply, because they are not aware of the information. so valuable that we keep in them "have pointed out from CSIRT-CV.

 

Among these tips, CSIRT-CV explains how to promote security and our privacy in the use of applications and social networks, how to generate backup copies so as not to lose relevant information, or how to update the software of these devices, to navigate safely to through public Wi-Fi networks.

 

Another aspect in which the campaign will deepen is the importance of having quality and reliable antivirus or delving into encryption systems and secure passwords as a system to protect access to our electronic devices.

 

"This is a campaign of maximum utility and relevance at a time when a large part of the population is interconnected through these devices, which can make life much easier, but also pose a high risk to our personal and private information," he said. insisted by the ICT director. For this reason, Duarte asks citizens to take note of these tips, which will allow citizens to protect themselves against these risks.

### The Valencian Community assumes the commitment to lead the process to abolish prostitution in Spain

The Minister of Justice, Interior and Public Administration, Gabriela Bravo, assured this Tuesday that the Valencian Community "has assumed the commitment to lead the process to abolish prostitution in Spain" and for this "we will shortly present the proposals made from the Forum for the Abolition of Prostitution to adopt changes in state, regional and local legislation that sanctions the consumption of paid sex and guarantees comprehensive care for prostituted women."

 

This was expressed in his intervention at the presentation of the studies carried out by the University of Valencia (UV) and the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) on the situation of prostitution in the Valencian Community and on the perception of the phenomenon who have citizenship, respectively. The first was carried out by the professor of Sociology at the UV, Antonio Ariño, and the second by the professor of Criminal Law and director of the 'Crímina' Institute of the UMH, Fernando Miró.

 

"From the Valencian Community we want to be the first to work to reverse the situation and that, in the near future, we form part of the Corridor of decency of abolitionist countries", said Gabriela Bravo.

 

The UV report reveals that 1 in 5 Valencian men, over 18 years of age, (19.5%) claim to have paid for sex at some point in their lives and that the number of prostituted women among the three provinces ranges between 10,000 and 13,000.

 

The profile of these victims "of gender violence", according to the councillor, corresponds to a young woman, with little educational training, from a low social class and humble and vulnerable family environments and mostly foreigners. For Bravo, "this is a better understanding that 95% of prostitution victims are women and 99.7% of paid sex consumers are men."

 

The report has also drawn up a profile of the prostitution consumer that corresponds to a man, a habitual consumer of pornography and who meets "all the requirements to be considered a macho in his perception of the world" according to the minister, who also highlighted the fact that lesbian prostitution is non-existent "is proof that we are facing an institution where all injustices and violence against women converge. Prostitution supposes a mechanism of social control over women and the domination of a male sexuality that is especially aggressive and humiliating against her. "

 

The study has also detected that the Valencian Community is part of what Professor Ariño has defined as "the Mediterranean Corridor of Prostitution 2.0". This type of prostitution is defined as the one that is advertised in more than 52,000 advertisements on only six web portals that refer to more than 1,700 floors that are added to the 164 brothels that the State Security Forces and Bodies have identified as such among the three provinces.

 

For its part, the survey carried out by the team led by the UMH professor of Criminal Law, Fernando Miró, reveals that 37.2% of the 1,480 interviewed for the survey accept prostitution, although 7 out of 10 understand that, if they could choose, women would not choose to exercise it and that 8 out of 10 assume that prostitution victims suffer abuse and have no control over the activity they carry out.

 

By age group, the one that expresses the most rejection towards prostitution is that of those over 65 years of age and the one that congregates the most acceptance is that of adults between 35 and 44, in which only 36% are against it. On the other hand, despite the fact that prostitution in the street or in public spaces is the one that attracts the most general rejection, (81%) the percentage falls significantly when talking about prostitution in flats or on the Internet where it is not visible. As explained by the councillor Bravo, these data reveal that "The prostitution system has made an important part of society believe that making the problem invisible is equivalent to solving the problem".

 

For Bravo, these two field studies "are not an end in themselves, but rather the tools with which we are building an ambitious proposal to generate debate and build the legal and political framework that helped abolish prostitution and for which we need the commitment of all public powers and, of course, of civil society ".

 

According to the Minister of Justice, "we cannot accept being a democratic society in which there are women who are forced to sell their bodies in order to survive." For this reason "we must end the regulationist and denialist positions from the constructive argument and with the data contrasted by rigorous studies such as the ones we have presented."

 

For all this, the councillor has demanded "to join countries such as Sweden and France where the results of the abolitionist laws have given very positive results" while warning that we must work "to change mentalities" and, especially, "with young people to avoid that they can consider prostitution as another element of fun and leisure and go to brothels like someone who goes to the supermarket," she concluded.

### Education begins the construction works of the new CEIP Amanecer de Torrevieja with an investment of more than 6 million euro

The general director of Educational Infrastructures in Valencia, Víctor Garcia, and the representatives of the company Acciona Construcciones SA have today signed the act of commencement of works of the new CEIP Amanecer de Torrevieja in which the department of the minister Vicent Marzà will invest more than six million euro.



The event, which took place on the same municipal site of almost 9,000 m2 on Avenida de los Nenúfares, where the new school will be built, was also attended by the territorial director of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports in the regions of Alicante, David Vento, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, the Councillor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, and the educational community of CEIP Amanecer.

The general director of Educational Infrastructures, Víctor Garcia, stressed that "the signing is a key milestone because it opens the 14-month period of works that will make it possible for the investment of more than 6 million euro by the Department in Torrevieja to become a new school with which we not only take a leap in the educational quality of the municipality by ending the structural barracks, but we are also generating more than 150 jobs in the construction sector ".

The department of Minister Vicent Marzà put out to tender the construction of the new CEIP Amanecer for more than 6.8 million euro and an execution period of 14 months. 18 companies participated in a public tender won by Acciona Construcción SA, which has promised to do the work for just over 6 million euro.

The new CEIP Amanecer is the first stage of a plan to modernize the educational centres of Torrevieja in which the Department will invest more than 22 million euro. The second stage will be the demolition and construction again on the same plot of the CEIP Inmaculada Concepción, works worth 7 million euro that Educación de la Generalitat plans to put out to public tender during the first quarter of 2022.

In this sense, the general director has advanced that the Department has just awarded the contract for the rental and assembly of the temporary facilities that will house the 425 students of the CEIP Inmaculada Concepción while the works last: "We are going to invest more than one million euro in modern and comfortable temporary facilities so that the students and teachers of this school are in the best possible conditions until the construction of the new school is completed ".

The Regional Ministry and the City Council will coordinate the planning of the assembly of said provisional facilities on municipal land prepared by the council. "We are working so that the provisional school is ready before the summer with the aim that the transfer can be carried out as soon as the current course is finished and that the students begin the 2022-2023 course already in these state-of-the-art prefabricated classrooms", specifies the general director.

The forecast of the Ministry is that the construction works of the new Inmaculada Concepción CEIP will begin at the end of 2022. The construction period of the new school is 14 months, so if there are no unforeseen events, the centre would be finished in March 2023.

The rest of the investment will come via the 'Edificant' plan through an initial investment of the Ministry of 8.8 million euro in five actions that will be managed by the council and that will allow to reform and expand the institutes Las Lagunas, Torrevigía and Libertas, as well as the Virgen del Carmen and Cuba schools.

The general director of Educational Infrastructures has explained that the processing of these five delegations of powers is already in its final phase: "In the coming months, Education will program the investment annuities and will send the five proposals for the delegation of works to the Torrevieja City Council for its approval by the municipal plenary session ".

The new CEIP Amanecer will be a low energy consumption centre

The new CEIP Amanecer will be a two-line school (6 Infant classrooms and 12 Primary classrooms) that will have two free classrooms for Infant 2 years and a gym and dining room for 360 people in two shifts with its own kitchen.

The constructed area will be 4,311 m2 and the student will enjoy 5,904.33 m2 of outdoor spaces that include differentiated play areas between Infant and Primary, interior courtyards and landscaping, sports court, vegetable garden and porches.

It will be a completely accessible centre, since it will have an elevator that will connect the ground floor with the first floor, and it is already planned to install sustainable solar panels to generate energy for the centre’s consumption.

In this way, the new school will have a 35,200Wp photovoltaic generator, using a 33kVA inverter, with a 400V three-phase connection, connected to the internal supply network associated with the school, located on the roof of the Primary building. The total surface of the plates will be 176 m2.

The solar panels together with the high efficiency air conditioning systems, in addition to the fact that the entire lighting installation will be by low consumption LED lights, with sensors that turn off the lights in the common areas when they do not detect movement and regulate the intensity of the light. The interior light of the classrooms according to the input of sunlight, will make the new CEIP Amanecer an energy efficient centre (Category A) since its consumption of non-renewable primary energy will be 24.77 kWh / m2 per year and its emissions of carbon dioxide carbon of 3.71 kg of CO2 per m2 per year.

These standards of sustainable construction and low energy consumption will also be applied to the new CEIP Inmaculada Concepción, which will also have an electrical energy generation system through a photovoltaic installation and aerothermal equipment for the supply of sanitary hot water.

Like the CEIP Amanecer, the new Inmaculada Concepción will also be equipped with air conditioning by means of Air Treatment Units (AHU) for all teaching rooms with hot-cold capacity and ventilation, guaranteeing a correct renewal of the air in the classrooms.

The current school will be demolished and a new two-line school will be built on the same municipal plot of 6,092 m2 (6 nursery classrooms, 12 Primary classrooms), which will also have 2 free 2-year-old infant classrooms. The new school will have a gym and a dining room for 400 people in two shifts with its own kitchen.

In total, the constructed area will be 4,536.74 m2 and the surface area of the free spaces available to students will be 3,216.29 m2, which will include children's and primary school play areas, landscaping, sports court and porches.

### The surgical waiting list drops 13 days in a month and 26 in a year, and is the lowest since the pandemic began

The delay time to undergo surgery in a public hospital in the Valencian Community continues to decrease. Specifically, during the month of November, the total average delay to undergo surgery in Valencian hospitals is 94 days, 13 less than in October (107) and 26 less than in November of last year (120) . This is the shortest delay since the start of the pandemic, in March 2020.

 

This reduction in the average wait to undergo surgery is reflected in all health departments and is especially significant in Elda (-30%), La Ribera (-21%) and Gandia (-21%).

 

Regarding the specialties, the average delays have been reduced in all, including those with the most surgical requests: traumatology (21 days less), ophthalmology (-8) and general surgery (-11). The decrease in waiting days is considerable, in addition, in paediatric surgery, with a reduction in the delay of 14 days, maxillofacial surgery (-13), and plastic surgery, neurosurgery and thoracic surgery (12 days less waiting in each specialty ).

 

On the other hand, in November, the total number of people who were no longer on the waiting list was 28,013, that is, 2,022 more than in October.

 

In line with this improvement, in the last month, there has been an increase of 10% in the number of interventions programmed in the hospitals of the public health system, which have gone from 11,160 in the month of October to 12,254 in November.

 

Finally, the activity due to self-concert has increased by 15.3%, when health and non-health personnel, voluntarily and paid, lengthen their working hours to perform surgical activities. Specifically, the interventions by self-concert have gone from 2,819 in the month of October to 3,250 in November.

 

"These good data - warns the regional secretary for Health Efficiency and Technology, Concha Andrés - must be evaluated with prudence, since it is necessary to be very attentive to the epidemiological situation, which can condition the care activity, although in any case, they are always Urgent and non-delayed operations guaranteed.

 

In addition, an immense effort has been made to care for all people with non-COVID pathologies. Now, we face an unprecedented collective challenge and we will only overcome it together, all rowing in the same direction. "

### "A decent society has to banish machismo and violence against women"

The vice president and councillor for Equality and Inclusive Policies, Mónica Oltra, has stated that a decent society "has to banish machismo and violence against women, which is the most grotesque expression of machismo."

 

Oltra has made these statements on behalf of the Consell after the three minutes of silence held today before the Palau de la Generalitat in rejection of the murder in Torrevieja of María Elia.

 

"We are here - she has had an impact - because it is already difficult to contain the anger of women who will not be able to grow, live their dreams and of children who are orphans and, sometimes, orphans of hope."

 

The vice president recalled that María Elia was "35 years old and her whole life ahead of her to fulfil her dreams to be happy, to suffer, to dance, to cry. And she will not be able to do all that because sexist terrorism has taken her away from us." .

 

Likewise, she pointed out that with this silent concentration they also want to show solidarity with the daughter of María Elia, "aged three, who has been left without a mother. That girl had the right to grow up with a mother, to go through the stages of her life, life with her mother by her side, to spend her adolescence, to ask her and share the things that distressed her or that made her happy ".

 

"This girl also had the right to have a father who would not mistreat her and who would not inflict the greatest harm that can be done to a boy or a girl, which is to take away her mother," she added.

 

As Oltra has expressed, "it is worth it that we are here showing the unity of an entire decent society in the face of machismo, in the face of people who deny violence against women, in the face of that fascism that denies the evidence":

 

"It is worth getting together to tell each other that we are a decent society that is with the victims and confronts machismo and its violence," she reaffirmed.

### Torrevieja town hall has hired 156 unemployed people in 2021 through the different employment and training programs

The Local Development Agency (ADL) has received a total of 2,650,770 euro in grants for the hiring of 156 people in the field of employment and training.


The Councillor for the Economy and Finance and head of the Local Development Agency (ADL), Domingo Paredes, states that throughout the current year 2021, Torrevieja Council has received  a total of 2,650,770 euro in subsidies granted in terms of employment and training through different programs for unemployed people such as EMCORP, ECOVID, EMPUJU, EPLAYAS, FOTAE, ET FORMEN and FOTAV. Specifically, it has been possible to hire and offer dual training to a total of 156 unemployed people.
Through the EMCORP program, with a subsidy of 266,512 euro, 13 unemployed people of at least 30 years of age were hired for a period of six months.
Likewise, through the ECOVID program, of social initiative grants aimed at hiring people of at least 30 years of age, unemployed as a result of the situation caused by COVID 19, the council was able to hire 38 people for 12 months in 2021, with an investment of 752,138 euro. In addition, 38 more unemployed people under 30 have also been hired for 12 months through EMPUJU, with a subsidy that has amounted to 769,789 euro.
The Councillor for the Economy and Finance has also reported that in support of the Service for the Management and Control of Access to the Beaches of Torrevieja due to the health measures derived from COVID-19, it was also contracted through the EPLAYAS 2021 program, with a grant of 138,256 euro, 31 unemployed young people during the three summer months.
Finally, it is worth highlighting the hiring of 12 people from vulnerable groups who suffer greater difficulty or discrimination in access to employment (10 students, a director and a teacher) for a period of one year, through the Employment Workshop "Vides de La Mata ”with a grant of 241,358 euro. Likewise, through the T´AVALEM FOTAV Employment Workshop "Maestro Ricardo Lafuente", 12 people have also been hired thanks to the grant of 241,358 euro, also through LABORA.

### Ximo Puig announces a plan to accelerate vaccination with booster doses and plans to extend the COVID passport to all restaurants, cinemas and gyms

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced a plan to accelerate vaccination with 42 new stable points to administer booster doses to citizens and has also advanced that he will request authorisation from the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) to require the mandatory COVID passport to enter the interior of all types of hospitality and restaurant establishments, regardless of their capacity, as well as to access cinemas, gyms and sports centres of various kinds.

 

This has been explained by the head of the Valencian Government during his appearance, together with the Minister of Universal Health and Public Health, Ana Barceló, to explain the agreements adopted at the Interdepartmental Table for Prevention and Action against COVID-19.

 

The new stable vaccination points will enable 147 teams to administer the booster doses and will work by appointment, so that people will be notified by SMS or by phone. These points will be located in places such as sports centres, retirement homes or spaces integrated into hospitals, all with the aim of decongesting Primary Care and speeding up immunization.

 

The Conselleria de Sanidad Universal will make an appointment first to administer the booster doses to people aged 60 to 69 who still do not have it, those vaccinated with AstraZeneca and those immunised with Janssen. Later, it will continue with the age group of 50 to 59 years and, later, with that of 40 to 49 years.

 

In parallel, the drop-in vaccination points for the first and second doses will continue to operate. In fact, this week there will be 23 mobile points in operation.

 

COVID passport extension

 

On the other hand, as the president has emphasised, the endorsement of the TSJCV will be requested to demand the COVID certificate until next January 31 in all hotel and restaurant establishments, for which it is proposed to eliminate the exemption for premises that have a capacity of less than 50 people, and the requirement of this is also extended to all public places where people eat or drink, such as cinemas, multipurpose rooms, circuses and party venues.

 

In addition, the COVID passport will be necessary to access spaces with catering services in tourist accommodation, as well as sports facilities, indoor swimming pools and recreational centres for the elderly. In gyms, not only this certificate will be required, but also the permanent use of the mask.

 

"This is the response of the Valencian Government" to the evolution of the pandemic, awaiting the Conference of Presidents and Presidents convened for this Wednesday, in which the president will defend the need to adopt measures such as those implemented in the Valencian Community and it will listen to those raised in this forum for governance, within the objective of "generating credibility" in the public and in order to give a "joint impulse" to overcoming the pandemic.

 

"Safer spaces" and "more protected people"

 

With the reinforcement of vaccination and the extension of the COVID passport, the aim is to guarantee "safer spaces" and "more protected people", said the president, who has justified the need for these measures in which, in a month, infections and hospitalized people have tripled and ICU admissions are also almost triple.

 

"We have to adapt to the new scenario and change our mentality," said Puig, who has asked citizens for "prudence" to face these holidays, because, as he said, "we did not get to Christmas as we expected."

 

For this reason, he has asked for "common sense" and to celebrate Christmas avoiding crowds and massive family gatherings and fulfilling quarantines before contacts with positives.

 

The president has advocated, however, for "fleeing from scaremongering." "We are on alert, but not in a state of alarm," he said, and recalled that "at the worst moment of the pandemic - still without vaccines - we had 4,800 hospitalised, that is, seven times more than today, and 670 people in critical condition, that is to say, five times more than today ".

 

Confidence in vaccination

 

In this sense, he also wanted to convey a message of confidence in the effectiveness of vaccination, and stressed that, at the moment, 93.7% of Valencian men and women are already vaccinated. "On January 14, with the same incidence as now, we had 3,000 hospitalised," he recalled.

 

Given this, he considers it "crucial" to intensify vaccination with the reinforcement of the third doses, childhood vaccination, and the first doses to the most reluctant, and in this regard, he has reported that the 9 million doses administered have already been exceeded. "This means that we have 4.2 million Valencians protected with the complete guideline, and today we will exceed 1.3 million third doses in the most vulnerable population," he said.

 

He also pointed out that "in just 3 days, 50,000 Valencian children from 9 to 11 years old have already been vaccinated" and that this first phase will conclude on Wednesday and will resume after the holidays.

 

On the other hand, Puig has remarked that the entry into force of the COVID passport meant multiplying by five the number of people who have received the first dose, with 28,000 new people vaccinated in a week.

### Winners of the XVIII Christmas Window Dressing Contest 2021

The Councillor for Commerce in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, reports that the jury's decision for the XVIII Torrevieja Christmas Window Dressing Contest has been made.



The jury was made up of: Noelia Lozano, member of the Acequión Merchants Association; Fernando Guardiola, member of Apymeco and Enrique Pacheco, member of the Association of Merchants of Zoa Street.

The jury's deliberation has resulted in the following winners:
-1st prize: 1000€ Joyería Hernández
-2nd prize: 800€ Óptica Mar
-3rd prize: 500€ Óptica Chantal

And the 5 second prize, valued at 200€ each, have been for:
-Farmacia Fragata
-Farmacia Mª Carmen Cayuelas Sanchis
-La Media de Seda
-Domti
-Covertoldo

The awards ceremony took place this morning in the Plenary Hall of the townhall.

### The incidence of paediatric cancer remains stable and survival improves in the Valencian Community

Every year there are registered, on average, around a hundred cases of cancer in children under 19 years of age in the Valencian Community, in accordance with the Spanish registry of childhood tumours Reti-Sehop, which monitors the Haematology and Haematology units from Valencia. The incidence rate is maintained and survival, in general terms, improves thanks to advances in diagnosis and treatments. To make the cause visible, every December 21 the National Day of Children with Cancer is commemorated.

 

Specifically, the Reti-Sehop database has registered, between 1980 and 2020, a total of 3,095 cases of cancer in childhood and adolescence. The annual average, then, is around one hundred cases.

 

The incidence of cancer in childhood and adolescence (a name that includes numerous types of tumours that develop in children and adolescents from 0 to 19 years of age) has remained stable since 2000 and the medical staff of the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal y Salud Pública which analyses, among other variables, the frequency of this disease, does not observe an increase in diagnoses in children under 15 years of age since that year.

 

Experts relate this data to scientific advances that have occurred in diagnostic methods, with early detection and early initiation of treatments. This poses a promising challenge for research. In this sense, the main objective is now to try to reduce the physical and psychological side effects associated with them.

 

First cause of death between the ages of 5 and 14

 

Cancer in childhood and adolescence, in view of the data from the RETI-SEHOP registry, is a rare disease, but it has a significant impact on mortality. In fact, it is the leading cause of death between the ages of 5 and 14; and the second from 15 to 19 years (behind accidents).

 

On the other hand, the observed survival for all tumours is 91% at one year and 81% at five years, and there are no differences by age group or gender, but by type of cancer.

 

In this sense, the tumour groups with the best prognosis are thyroid, germ cell and gonadal carcinomas, Hodgkin's lymphoma and retinoblastoma.

 

However, in children, the most common cancer is leukaemia, followed by tumours in the central nervous system (tissues of the brain and spinal cord) and lymphomas (immune system).

 

Paediatric Oncology Network and Coordination Committee

 

The Valencian public health system has a Paediatric Oncology Assistance Network made up of the three hospitals with referral units in childhood and adolescent cancer: the General Hospital of Alicante, the Hospital Clínico Universitario de València and the Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe de Valencia.

 

This healthcare network guarantees rapid and coordinated access to diagnosis and appropriate treatment, while ensuring fair medical practice regardless of the patient's place of residence.

 

In addition, the Valencian Community also has a Coordination Committee for the Management of Assistance Care for Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Cases, the purpose of which is to agree on specific measures to be implemented in order to improve the survival results of childhood cancer. and in adolescence, and an Interdisciplinary Commission for the Assessment of Proton Therapy Requests.

 

Proton therapy is a special and sophisticated form of external radiation therapy that uses heavy particles (protons) instead of X-rays or electrons, which are generated in conventional linear accelerators. It allows a more localized release of radiation, enabling better dose distribution and unnecessary irradiation to surrounding healthy tissue. It is indicated above all in certain childhood tumours and in some brain tumours of adults.

### Culture allocates more than 1 million euro to remodel and build premises of musical societies

The Department of Education, Culture and Sports has announced grants to finance remodelling and construction of social premises of the musical societies of the Valencian Community in 2022. This call is made through the advance processing formula.

 

For this purpose, 1,100,000 euro are allocated, which will be distributed as follows: 750,000 euro for remodelling and rehabilitation works, reform, improvement, adaptation and modernisation of social premises in existing spaces and their facilities, and 350,000 euro for construction, expansion and fitting out of new spaces for social venues.

 

Applications will only be accepted that include investment projects whose material execution budget does not exceed 85,000.00 euro, and whose investments are executed as of January 1, 2022.

 

The aid is intended for private non-profit entities that, being legally constituted, have among their social purposes the dissemination, promotion or dissemination and teaching of music, and carry out at least the following artistic and training activities on a permanent basis: support of a non-professional instrumental group, either band or orchestra; support of a music school or school for students directly or through supra-municipal groups, or, failing that, actively collaborate in the integration of young musicians into their instrumental ensemble as an activity aimed at their musical training.

 

The deadline for submitting applications will be one month from the day following the publication of this call resolution in the 'Official Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana'.

### New Railway Museum will be installed in the city of Alicante

The Valencian Government, through the Department of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, will sign an agreement with the Alicante City Council and the Fundación de Ferrocarriles Españoles (FFE) to collaborate in the Project of the Railway Museum in the Valencian Community, which will have its headquarters in the city of Alicante.

 

With the aim of articulating this collaboration, the general director of Public Works, Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Roser Obrer, has met with the Councillor for Urban Planning and Heritage of the City Council, Adrián Santos, and the managing director of the Fundación de Ferrocarriles Españoles, José Carlos Domínguez Curiel.

 

This meeting was also attended by the Regional Minister for Territorial Policy, Arcadi España, highlighting that, "coinciding with the celebration of the European Year of the Railroad, it is undoubtedly the time to value a more sustainable mobility both for the transportation of goods and people ".

 

For the head of Transport of the Consell, "this initiative of a Railway Museum is the clear commitment of the Generalitat to claim this mode of transport that is part of our history, but that must be an essential element of the mobility of our present and future". In addition, he added, "it is not only a commitment of the Generalitat for the railroad and in this case, also, for Alicante, which, for the first time, the city will be the headquarters of a national museum".

 

The new Railway Museum in the Valencian Community, promoted by these three entities, will be installed in warehouses annexed to the Casa del Mediterráneo in Alicante and will have as its objective "the preservation and dissemination of railway memory and historical railway material, and, in particular, in relation to the one that will be part of the project to create the Museum at the headquarters of the town of Alicante.

 

Through this collaboration agreement, the Generalitat, the Alicante City Council, and the FFE express their interest in collaborating in all the activities and events that are necessary for the restoration, exhibition and use of historical railway material, in particular, of which use will be made of an endowment of historical railway material.

 

For the beginning of this collection, the FFE will give in favour of the Alicante City Council, the use and temporary storage of a historical vehicle, the Mikado locomotive. 141F-2401. This locomotive belongs to a series built for Renfe by various manufacturers between 1953 and 1960, which provided service throughout the Spanish network until 1975, the date of the official closure of steam in Spain, and is representative of the last series of steam locomotives built in our country, which was also the last series to serve in the steam era.

 

Likewise, to expand the provision of the future Railway Museum in Alicante, the three parties involved express their willingness to cede the temporary use and storage of other historical railway vehicles.

### The Generalitat activates the winter system with 664 staff and 176 vehicles for snowfall

The Generalitat has organised a total of 664 personnel and 176 vehicles that will be in charge of facilitating road accessibility and providing assistance to the 204 municipalities of the Valencian territory with medium or high risk of being cut off by the snow.

 

The regional secretary for Security and Emergencies, José María Ángel, and the general director of Public Works, Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Roser Obrer, have presented the Generalitat's device to deal with the snowfalls that may occur this winter.

 

Thus, José María Ángel has valued the role of the Valencian Agency for Security and Emergency Response "in coordinating the media of all the administrations present in the Valencian Community to reduce the problems that snow may cause in many municipalities of the Valencian Community ".

 

In fact, he stressed that "from the Emergency Coordination Centre the Snowfall Campaign Circular has already been sent to all municipalities, which includes the procedure for action, the campaign media and alternative communication systems to avoid isolation of people, especially those who may have relief difficulties ".

 

For its part, the general director of Public Works has explained that each zone of conservation of roads with risk of snowfall has the traditional operating means made up of a total of 16 snow ploughs in the Community and around 250 tons of flux, as well as a scalable add-on operation that allows you to add additional media. In addition, equipment for the production of brine to preventively treat the roads.

 

It has also indicated that the teams of the Department have cleaning schedules established in coordination with local administrations and firefighters consortiums so that the entire network can be enabled in a few hours, with special attention to low traffic interior roads where the plates of ice produce greater risk. The official meteorological monitoring is completed with other networks, such as that of the Ministry itself, which allows obtaining information closer to the road environment, as well as with the network of cameras in sensitive areas.

 

For this campaign there are, among all the administrations, 176 vehicles of which 99 are snow ploughs. This year the Generalitat will acquire three new shovels that will cover the areas of Sinarcas, Chelva and Titaguas, with which the figure will increase throughout the campaign to 102. In addition, another 77 auxiliary vehicles have been activated that were already deployed in a preventive manner ago a few weeks to act before the first episode of snowfall.

 

A total of 664 professionals will act preventively and to clear the roads and accesses of the municipalities with the highest risk of being isolated. Of these, 365 personnel belong to the Generalitat's Forest Fire Service; 84 to the Department of Territorial Policy and Public Works and 215 to the different services of the provincial councils - the highway brigades in the case of Alicante and Valencia and the fire brigades in Castellón. If extraordinary storms were to be faced, they would also be reinforced with resources from other areas.

 

Of the 204 municipalities likely to be isolated by snow, 82 present a high risk and 122 a medium risk. Most of them belong to the province of Castellón, which includes 42 towns that are located at an elevation higher than 800 meters above sea level, 42 are in Castellón, 26 are in Valencia and 14 are in Alicante.

 

The intervention protocols and the resources assigned are regulated in the Procedure for Action against Snowfalls, which is updated every winter and which specifies what corresponds to each administration and its coordination.

 

It also establishes the constitution of the Roads Coordination Centre, which is the body in charge of managing the different road cleaning tasks. It includes representatives of the different administrations with road competencies (General State Administration, Autonomous Administration and county councils) and provides for the integration of other basic units (Intervention, Sanitary, Supply) if the emergency requires it.

 

One of the most important actions of essential resources during snowfalls is to avoid isolation, which is why the Action Procedure for this risk establishes cleaning routes and storage points for salt and brine. 56 cleaning routes have been planned for the entire Valencian Community (17 in Alicante, 14 in Valencia and 25 in Castellón) and 42 storage points for salt and brine (8, 8 and 26 respectively).

 

At an organizational level, the Generalitat's Mobility Services Management Centre continuously monitors and the snow ploughs are equipped with a real-time communication system of their positioning. Likewise, the protocol is updated every year to establish certain traffic cuts at the accesses to the most severe winter spots, even before the onset of precipitation, when a red-level pre-emergency is planned. In this way, an attempt is made to minimize the problems of blocking the roads.

 

Another tool so that all people with relief needs can be attended to is the supply, by the Valencian Agency for Safety and Emergency Response, of portable radio stations from the Comdes Network. This equipment has been sent to all municipalities that do not have a Local Police to ensure communications with the 1 · 1 · 2 of the Valencian Community.

 

The road brigades in the case of the Alicante and València councils and the Castellón Firefighters Consortium in this province are responsible for cleaning the roads.

 

The Generalitat Fire and Forest Fire Service are also involved in the operation of cleaning roads and signalling roadblocks. In the case of the province of Castellón, they take charge of 9 of the 25 cleaning itineraries established throughout the province, dedicating themselves to the secondary network highways, roads and rural tracks.

### 98.9% of the groups of students end the third week of December without incident

During the third week of December, 98.9% of the groups have followed the face-to-face classes without any incidence having occurred. The health authorities have determined the confinement of 444 groups of 225 educational centres. This means that 88.5% of schools have concluded the week without any confined classroom.

 

The confinement of 292 groups of 125 educational centres has been determined. In addition, 139 groups from 63 educational centres have been misled and 152 groups from 100 centres remain confined from previous weeks. Therefore, the cumulative total of confined groups is 444 classrooms in 225 educational centres.

 

Among the school population of Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary, Baccalaureate and FP, 0.2% of active positives of the total number of students have been detected. With the application of protocols and security measures, Public Health has established preventive isolation, due to having been close contact with positives, of 1.1% of students.

 

Regarding the teaching staff, 0.4% of active positives of the total teaching staff have been confirmed. With the application of the prevention and protection measures of close contacts with positive assets, the preventive isolation of 0.3% of the teaching staff has been determined.

 

By regions, 86.3% of the educational centres in the regions of Alicante do not have any confined groups. 98.7% of the groups of students in these regions receive face-to-face classes with total normality.

 

During the past week, in the regions of Alicante, 130 groups from 58 centres have been confined, 60 groups from 23 educational centres have been confined and 51 groups from 35 educational centres remain confined for other weeks. Therefore, the accumulated total of confined groups in the Alicante regions is 181 classrooms in 93 educational centres.

 

In the regions of Alicante, 0.2% of positive cases have been registered in students. With the establishment of protocols and security measures, the preventive isolation has been determined, due to having been close contact with positives, of 1.2% of students.

 

Regarding teachers, in the regions of Alicante, 0.5% of positive active teachers have been registered. With the application of prevention and protection measures for close contacts with positive assets, the preventive isolation of 0.4% of the teaching staff has been determined.

 

In the Castellón regions, 87.4% of the educational centres do not have any confined groups. 98.4% of the groups of students in these regions do face-to-face classes without problems.

 

Over the past week, in the regions of Castellón, the confinement of 46 groups of 15 educational centres has been determined, 23 groups of 10 centres have been unconfined and 31 groups of 18 educational centres remain confined for other weeks. Therefore, the cumulative total of confined groups in the Castellón regions is 77 classrooms in 33 educational centres.

 

Among the students of the Castellón regions, there is 0.2% of positive active of the total of the students. With the establishment of protocols and security measures, the preventive isolation has been determined, due to having been close contact with positives, of 1.6% of students.

 

With regard to teachers in the Castellón regions, 0.4% of positive assets have been registered. With the application of the prevention and protection measures of close contacts with positive assets, the preventive isolation of 0.3% of the teaching staff has been determined.

 

In the regions of Valencia, 90.3% of the educational centres do not have any confined school group. 99.1% of the groups carry out face-to-face classes with total normality.

 

During the past week, in the regions of Valencia, the confinement of 116 groups of 52 educational centres has been determined, 56 groups of 30 educational centres have been unconfined and 70 groups of 47 educational centres remain confined, from other weeks. Therefore, the accumulated total of confined groups in the regions of Valencia is 186 classrooms in 99 educational centres.

 

Among the students of the regions of Valencia, there is 0.1% of active positives. With the establishment of protocols and security measures, the preventive isolation has been determined, due to having been close contact with positives, of 0.8% of students.

 

Regarding teachers, in the regions of Valencia, 0.3% of positive assets have been registered. With the application of the prevention and protection measures of close contacts with positive assets, the preventive isolation of 0.2% of the teaching staff has been determined.

 

It should be remembered that families can find out about the security measures established in educational centres through the website ' aulasegura.es '. The portal includes the safety, hygiene, protection and case management protocols established in educational centres to deal with COVID-19 and answers frequently asked questions that are generated. In addition, it has a call centre 900 300 555.

### Christmas entertainment in Torrevieja

This is the schedule of events organised by the town hall this Christmas in Torrevieja.

### "No child without a toy"

The Councilor for Security and Emergencies of the Torrevieja City Council, Federico Alarcón, together with the Councilor for Social Welfare, Tomás Ballester, and the vice-presidents of the APM Ángeles Guardianes (Alicante delegation) and the Brotherhood Motera “Dorsal Zero”, Juan Antonio Rodríguez and Andrés Cebrián respectively, have presented the campaign "No child without a toy", a Moto Papanoelada that will take place on December 18, starting at 6:30 pm.

The departure of this motorcycle caravan will depart from calle José Lorca García (Irish Pub Shanon) and will cross the main streets of the city following the itinerary: CV-95, c / San Policarpo, Av./Desiderio Rodríguez, Av./Doctor Gregorio Marañón, c / Ramón Gallud, c / María Parodi, Av./Libertad, c / Ramón y Cajal, Av./ de la Purísima, Curve del Palangre, Av./ de las Habaneras, c / María Parodi, c / Caballero de Rhodes. In the Plaza de la Constitución they will make a stop in front of the stage located in the square where they will deliver a present to the local authorities and will continue their route back to c / José Lorca García where they will perform a farewell act.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, toys must be new and in their original packaging. Toy collection points are: Irish Pub Shanon, Ciclos Acequión and Almadrava cafeteria (next to Carrefour Torrevieja). All proceeds will be delivered to the Department of Social Welfare, which, in collaboration with the local Civil Protection group, will deliver to the boys and girls from underprivileged families.
The vice president of the Ángeles Guardianes association has requested "maximum collaboration from all the residents of Torrevieja and businessmen for this charitable collection of toys for children in vulnerable situations." Finally, Juan Antonio Rodríguez also wanted to thank the Torrevieja City Council for its collaboration "which once again participates in this Christmas solidarity campaign".

### Ice Rink Open for Christmas

A covered ice rink opened in Torrevieja this week and will remain open right through the Christmas period.







Open from 11:00 in the morning until 2:00 pm, and again from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., the cost is 6 euro for 40 minutes.



You will find the ice rink near the port in the town where it will be located until 9 January

### Another Local Earthquake

At 02:36  this morning, another earthquake was registered by the IGN, Instituto Geografico National, although many residents also felt it.



The quake was only small, at 2.2 magnitude, just South West of Torrevieja and is the fourth in the area just this week.

### 5 ways to spot diabetes early

Early detection is key for managing diabetes and preventing complications caused by the disease. Experts at Quirónsalud advise that anyone with symptoms or risk factors should be screened.



Dr. Jorge Cid, endocrinologist Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja and Alicante said, “one of the main drawbacks of this disease is that the initial symptoms are hardly noticeable, specifically in the case of type 2 diabetes, so when they occur they are ignored or attributed to other health problems”.

 

Dr. Cid stressed how important it is to carry out routine medical checks to detect the disease, since undiagnosed diabetes can cause various health problems (kidney disease, vision disorders, heart problems and more).

Diabetes may due to the lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas and /or the decrease in its effect, according to Dr. Cid and, given that this hormone has the job of transforming carbohydrates in food into energy, its defect causes an increase in blood sugar.

 

Symptoms of diabetes

 

The specialist advises that there are five main symptoms to look for out:

 	Increased urge to urinate and feeling thirsty.
 	Weight loss. This symptom is more typical of type I diabetes and is usually accompanied by a continuous feeling of hunger.
 	Blurred vision. Excess glucose in the blood induces an increase in the loss of fluids from the body, including those that maintain the humidity of the lens of the eye, thus producing a sensation of dry eye.
 	Due to insulin deficiency cells cannot absorb glucose and are left without an adequate source of energy to carry out their normal functions.
 	Frequent infections. Diabetes reduces the body’s ability to eliminate pathogens.
 	

Rule out diabetes through a simple blood test

 

The Quirónsalud Torrevieja y Alicante expert explained that a simple blood test performed in the laboratory measuring the fasting glucose level, is sufficient for a diagnosis and with this the existence of diabetes in the patient can be either confirmed or ruled out.

 

“In the event that the diseases exists, the team of professionals work to find the most appropriate treatment to control it, in order to improve the health of the patient and avoid complications”, said Dr. Cid.

 

He added that, “a patient diagnosed with diabetes must lead a healthy life - diet and exercise being the first steps in the treatment of type 2 diabetes”.

Ultimately, the Dr. Cid was keen to stress that diabetes is a very common disease. According to the di@abetes.es study, 13,8% of Spaniards have type 2 diabetes mellitus, which represent around 5.3 million people. “Of them, almost 47% of total were initially unaware that they were suffering from the disease”, warned the doctor.

### Most Important Check-Ups for Women according to Age

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends undergoing at least one full check-up every four years before the age of 40. In the case of women, it is also necessary to consider that your body goes through significant changes as you age, so we advise applying preventive measures that could be essential for your health.



Stages of Women’s Health

 

During each stage, different factors need to be considered. Firstly, during their adolescence and twenties, “for women in this age group, it is important to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), as well as unwanted pregnancies, because most women are already sexually active,” explains Judith Catalá Serrat, a physician specialised in General Medicine at Hospital Quirónsalud Alicante. Doctor Catalá notes that during this stage, “it is also important to assess the consumption of toxic substances and eating habits, as well as undergoing to gynaecological controls and early detection tests such as cytology.”

 

 

Between 30 and 40 Years of Age

 

“At this age, programmed cytologies should continue, and women should get sonograms and mammograms if there is any finding during a physical examination,” states Doctor Yaquelin Popa, a Family Medicine Specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. At this age, women should also undergo blood tests to assess whether they have anaemia, or alterations to the kidneys, liver, thyroid or cholesterol.”

 

Between 40 and 50: Taking Greater Precautions

 

Between the ages of 40 and 50, the age at which women can contract diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, pre-menopause and cervical or breast cancer, among others, so women should enter a new preventive phase, warn physicians. To do this, “they must undergo an adequate examination that includes measuring blood pressure, weight, and body mass index, as well as a skin analysis, in order to rule out possible pathologies or melanomas,” explains Doctor Catalá. This is the age range at which we start screening programmes for breast pathologies with yearly mammograms, and we start to perform colorectal cancer prevention tests, taking a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) every two years.

 

After 60

 

Hearing and eyesight problems are two of the issues to consider after women turn 60. In this case, the specialists at Quirónsalud hospitals recommend annual check-ups with the ophthalmologist and the ear, nose, and throat specialist. At the same time, women over 60 are in a risk group for contracting the flu, due to which vaccinating the patient every winter should be considered. This age range is also when women should undergo control tests to check for the existence of osteoporosis, and measure calcium and kidney function; likewise, gynaecological sonograms and mammary examinations are recommended in order to rule out diseases in areas such as the ovaries or the uterus.

 

 

 

### Essential medical check-ups in men over 45 years of age

Medical check-ups are critical to health. This type of check-ups not only serve to know the state of our body, but also allow early detection of diseases that do not present symptoms.

A Generic Photo of a man and make doctor discussing a report. See PA Feature HEALTH Prostate. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/iStock. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HEALTH Protstate.

Another benefit  of having regular check-ups is to prevent some diseases from becoming chronic, as well as increasing the chances of treatment and cure.

Cardiovascular diseases, cancer and respiratory pathologies are the three main causes of mortality of Spanish men. In many cases, death could have been prevented if preventive care had been performed.

While in adolescence the revisions related to sexual health (sexually transmitted diseases, infections ...), in the elderly we focus more on bone, cardiovascular, digestive and urological problems. In this case, the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja explain which revisions are essential from the age of 45.

Medical check-ups for men from the age of 45

 	Prostate antigen test (prostate cancer) or PSA test. "Recommended every 2 years, except if there is a family history of prostate cancer, in these cases a check-up is advised more frequently," explain from the urology service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.
 	Gastroesophageal endoscopy. An annual test is recommended for those men who have reflux or other gastrointestinal
 	Recommended every 10 years, unless there is a family history of colon cancer.

On the other hand, the cardiology experts of Quirónsalud Torrevieja  advise greater cardiovascular control and recommend performing a stress test and an echocardiogram. "Another point to watch from the age of 45," the specialists emphasize, "is type 2 diabetes, since it is in this period when this disease begins to manifest itself."

5 tips to improve your health and quality of life

Taking into account that cardiological pathologies are the main cause of death in men in Spain, experts insist that “hypertension and cholesterol controls should also be more exhaustive from the age of 45, since the risk is higher".

To avoid cardiological pathologies, the key is to lead a healthy lifestyle. From  Quirónsalud Torrevieja they offer us some simple tips to avoid this type of pathologies.

 	No smoking.
 	Avoid alcoholic beverages.
 	Exercise regularly.
 	Maintain a healthy weight.
 	Eat a balanced diet. Avoid processed meats and sugary drinks in favour of legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

Applying these simple tips will improve your overall health.

Finally, experts recall the importance of other types of check-ups or check-ups once a year, such as ophthalmological, auditory and dental. So how to get vaccinated against the flu, from the age of 65, to avoid any type of complication.

 

### Another Torrevieja Earthquake

At 06:49 a.m. this morning a magnitude 2.0 earthquake strook Torrevieja.

The epicenter was in the area separating the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja and with hypocenter about 5 kilometers deep.







The earthquake was been felt by many but no damage to buildings or property has been reported.

### Quirónsalud presents the campaign "Our best faces to take care of you" to value the role of health workers in the care of our health

More than 400 health workers from Quirónsalud hospitals and medical centres in Valencia, Alicante, Torrevieja and Murcia participate in the campaign.
 	The soundtrack has been recorded by the Orchestra of Young Musicians of Torrevieja

 



Health has many faces: that of humanity, that of involvement, that of teamwork, that of innovation and many more. In the hospitals and medical centres  Quirónsalud of Valencia,  Alicante,  Torrevieja  and  Murcia you can see them all when dealing with our professionals.

How can we help you?

Thus begins the campaign that Quirónsalud, has launched under the name "Our best faces to take care of you"  with the aim of valuing and making visible the health personnel of Quirónsalud after a year of pandemic raising awareness in society about the importance of promoting the values that they consider fundamental in the profession and that are part of the Quirónsalud hospital group.  The campaign highlights the loyalty of our patients and the generation of trust from the human and emotional point of view.

The medical directorates of the Hospitals Quirónsalud Murcia, Alicante, Torrevieja  and  Valencia  explain that, "a very important part of health is the human factor, people. Therefore, in Quirónsalud we want to highlight the close, empathetic and, ultimately, human treatment of our professionals. They are the ones who, with their vocation, make patients feel in the best hands. Because we understand person-to-person health."

With this campaign Quirónsalud gives visibility to the faces of all those professionals, nurses, doctors, auxiliaries, technicians or guards who take care of patients. Because in his face and in his work all the values of Quirónsalud are reflected:

 

 	Humanity
 	Implication
 	Commitment
 	Passion
 	Innovation vocation
 	Teamwork
 	The effort 
 	Professionalism

 

More than 400 toilets and the collaboration of the Orchestra of Young Musicians of Torrevieja

The campaign has had the participation of more than 400 health workers from Quirónsalud  and consists of an exhibition of posters in hospitals and medical centres of the Valencian Community and Region of Murcia, a video piece in several languages that will be distributed in RRSS and issued in the facilities of the hospitals whose original soundtrack has been in charge of Adolfo Arronis  and has been recorded exclusively by the  Orquesta Joven de Torrevieja

 



 

 

Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia

 

Quirónsalud has eight centres in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia, forming a leading group that is at the forefront of medicine where people are the epicentre.

 

Quirónsalud is positioned at the forefront of private health in the Valencian Community and Murcia in terms of technological endowment, as well as in comfort and benefits for both the patient and the professionals who provide their services in their centres.

 

### PCR Tests Set To Be Scrapped For Returning Vaccinated Travellers To The UK

The UK government is reportedly set to end the need for fully vaccinated travellers to take expensive PCR Covid tests on return to the UK.



According to discussions by government officials, PCR tests could soon be scrapped for fully-jabbed inbound travellers coming from green and amber list countries.

It could take effect by next month, according to the Daily Mail.

PCR tests currently required on the second day after arrival will likely be replaced by lateral flow tests, which are much cheaper.

It is expected to be discussed at the Covid-Q committee which is made up of the PM, Chancellor, Heath Secretary and Cabinet Office Minister.

'I'm not going to make that decision right now, but I've already asked the officials that the moment we can, let's get rid of these kinds of intrusions. The cost that generates for families, particularly families just trying to go out and holiday, we shouldn't be keeping anything like that in place for a second longer than is absolutely necessary," Health Secretary Sajid Javid told Sky News.

Travellers would still be required to comply with testing rules of the country they are travelling to, although some popular holiday destinations in Europe do not require PCR test for fully vaccinated arrivals.

"This would be a significant vote-winner with consumers and the industry. It's exactly what we've been calling for because these tests have been expensive and too confusing," said Paul Charles, chief of The PC Agency.

"It's a significant move that would boost confidence and help the travel sector recover substantially. It would help airlines, tour operators, and hoteliers, and crucially, it would help the inbound travel industry which is in turmoil."

It comes amid closer scrutiny on PCR test firms, many of which are being looked at closely for price gouging and substandard service delivery.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has called for stricter oversight on test providers and 'wider sanctions.'

It issued a number of recommendations and the Health Secretary announced fixed fines of up to £10,000 for violations.

### Road closures this Saturday for La Vuelta cycle race

The La Vuelta Cycling Tour of Spain passes through Torrevieja this Saturday, August 21, so roads will be closed to accommodate the race.



 	Access to the municipal area from N-332.
 	Avda. José Samper García.
 	Carretera del Torrejón.
 	Avda. Alfredo Nobel.
 	Avda. Mariano Ruiz Cánovas.
 	Avda. De las Habaneras.
 	Calle Antonio Machado.
 	Calle Apolo (in opposite direction)
 	Calle Ramón Gallud (in opposite direction)
 	Avda. Gregorio Marañón.
 	Avda. Desiderio Rodríguez.
 	CV-95.
 	Roundabout of the Desalination Plant.
 	Exit to the N-332.

These streets will be closed on August 21 at the following times:

From 12:15 to 12:45.

From 1.30 p.m. to 2.15 p.m.

A tow truck will begin to remove the cars from the route at 10:00 p.m. Friday, August 20.

### The most common diseases of summer and how to avoid them

The most frequent pathologies for which patients go to the emergency room during the holidays are usually acute-onset external otitis and gastrointestinal problems as the main cause of admission, as stated by Dr. Juan Costell, head of the emergency department of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital.

Side view caucasian tired overheated woman in t-shirt using wave fan suffer from heat sweating, cools herself, closed eyes feels sluggish due problem no air conditioner at home at summer weather.

As for otitis, Dr. Costell explains that "otalgia with a history of recent bathing is usually the reason that causes greater care consultation. They are usually secondary external otitis by immersion in swimming pools or in the sea, as is usual at this time of year." This type of ear infection, caused by the action of moisture, produces an alteration in the epithelium of the external auditory canal, which in turn causes the germs that are usually in the duct to penetrate, causing the infection.

 

As for its symptoms, the doctor reports that "it manifests as a strong pain in the area and, if the disease progresses, suppuration and narrowness of the ear canal occurs along with a temporary hearing loss since the inflammation does not let the air through",

 

Dr. Costell recommends that, after three or four days, after the visit to the emergency room and treatment with topical antibiotic therapy, the patient should visit the otolaryngrine since this pathology can give many problems a posteriori and should be controlled.

 

In relation to gastrointestinal problems, Dr. Costell points out that, although the care demand is lower than in cases of otitis, the severity of the pathology may even require the patient's admission. "Acute gastroenteritis is usually accompanied by vomiting, increased number of bowel movements, diarrhoea, high fever and oral intolerance. Most of these problems in summer are due to food poisoning, the main danger being severe dehydration, especially in children and the elderly."

 

To prevent a picture of gastrointestinal problems in summer, hand hygiene is essential before preparing food and consuming, preferably, freshly prepared or refrigerated food, since the heat can alter its state.

 

 

Summer pathologies, what they are and how to avoid them

 

Although these pathologies are present all year round, as stated by Dr. José Luis Lasaga, head of  emergencies at Quirónsalud Alicante,  "it is in summer and during the holidays when they manifest themselves in a more recurrent way". To know what they are and how we can avoid the most common summer diseases, Dr. Lasaga indicates to pay attention to the following points:

 

 	Dermatological infections and other of these the most frequent are fungal infections and especially the so-called athlete's foot, which occurs after stepping on wet ground and previously infected by other people. "To prevent it," says Dr. Lasaga, "it is important to use flipflops both in swimming pools and showers and dry our feet very well. In case of infection, it will be necessary to use a topical antifungal treatment"
 	Diseases related to heat and prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate ventilation or hydration. "Its symptoms can range from muscle cramps, dizziness, loss of consciousness, to hyperthermia, hypotension, dehydration and death," explains the specialist of Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The doctor advises avoiding peak hours of sun, proper hydration and keeping the body cool.
 	Sexually transmitted diseases by increasing the possibility of isolated sexual contact without the use of adequate protective measures. To avoid them, Dr. Lasaga advises the use of condoms to minimise the risk of contracting these diseases. "If this happens, go to your doctor to perform the appropriate complementary tests and establish the appropriate treatment," says the specialist.
 	Bites of insects and other animals such as sea urchins, jellyfish, etc. In most cases they cause mild symptoms that are usually controlled with physical and anti-inflammatory measures, “although we must not forget that we must consult with your doctor or go to the emergency services without having symptoms such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled fever, dyspnoea or chest pain",  says Lasaga.

 

Finally, to spend a good summer without scares the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante recommend drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding the hours of increased sun exposure, use of adequate sunscreens, a balanced diet, washing hands frequently, and if we travel do not forget the medication if you need it and health reports, and in case of doubt consult with our usual doctors or go to the emergency services.

 

### Walking among birds

The lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja are an exceptional place for bird watching, but to begin to discover them it is necessary to open our eyes and ears, focus all our attention and, if we have the opportunity, be guided by an expert.

We are in luck! On Sunday August 22 we will have the activity " Walking among birds ", in which Faunatura's friends will accompany us to show us the enormous biodiversity that surrounds us.

Will we be able to discover the nightjar with its incredible camouflage? What animal “laughs” among the eucalyptus trees?

Do you want to come and discover it? Enter this link to receive more information and register for the activity .

### Opera returns to the Torrevieja Auditorium with 'Carmen'

Opera will return to the Torrevieja International Auditorium on October 21, at 9:00 p.m., with 'Carmen' , the work composed by Georges Bizet.



Considered one of the most popular operas in history. His narration and musical staging is vibrant and passionate. Its premiere was not without a certain scandal, it was not usual for the heroine of an opera to die on stage or have such impudence as the protagonist of Carmen.

The Opera 2001 company will stage this four-act tragedy in its original French version with Spanish subtitles. Tickets are already on sale on the website auditoriotorrevieja.com and in person on Wednesdays at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre , in Torrevieja, (11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), and at the auditorium box office for two hours before the performance.

### Rezum: Pioneering prostate treatment technology at Quirónsalud Alicante

Quirónsalud Alicante has employed the pioneering Rezum technique for treating benign prostate hyperplasia.  Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.



The Rezum technique is a minimally invasive, fast and safe procedure that does not require hospital admission.

The revolutionary treatment is now available in Quirónsalud Alicante Hospital’s Urology Department, allowing the treatment of BPH without impacting the patient’s urinary system or sexual function.

The technique lasts approximately 10 minutes, and is performed through the urethra under controlled sedation. The treatment consists of the injection of water vapour into the prostate, which causes tissue necrosis (cell death), solving the problems caused by the growth of the prostate in the patient and eradicating related symptoms.

The goal of the medical team of urology professionals at Quirónsalud Alicante and Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospitals is to treat BPH in the least invasive way possible.  Thus, the Rezum and green laser techniques employed by Quirónsalud are both effective and efficient.

What is benign prostate hyperplasia?

Prostate hyperplasia is benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland, and it is a common disorder in men. So much so that it affects more than 50% of the male population between 50 and 60 years of age, and up to 90% of men over 80 years of age.

Who is the Rezum system suitable for?

Treatment with the Rezum technique is indicated for patients with Benign Obstructive Hyperplasia who do not want to continue with the drug treatment and the secondary effects caused by the medication (impotence, decreased libido, hypertension…). It is also suitable for young patients; patients at high risk of bleeding; and with other illnesses or undergoing treatment for other conditions.

This technique represents a great advance in the treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia and a hope for men with this condition who are concerned about the preservation of the functions of their prostate.

Advantages of the Rezum technique

The benefits of the Rezum technique, as it is a minimally invasive technique, are many:

 

- Safe and effective procedure, reducing side effects.

- Low risk of bleeding and complications.

- Alternative to strong oral medication and traditional surgery.

- Administered under sedation.

- Short surgical time.

- It does not require hospitalization (outpatient regime).

- Progressive improvement of urinary symptoms with rapid recovery and

return to normal daily life.

- It does not produce sexual impotence or definitive urinary incontinence.

- Preservation of ejaculation in 95% cases.

To determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for the Rezum technique, they must first have a consultation with the urology specialist.

It is advisable for men over 40 years of age who feel discomfort, even minimal, to carry out an annual check-up with the urologist to rule out any type of problem.

Quirónsalud Alicante Urology Service

The Urology Service of the Hospital Quirónsalud Alicante has the team and the necessary technology to address diseases of the urinary and retroperitoneal system in men and women.

More information at info.alicante@quironsalud.es or by phone: 966 972 900.

### Five tips to take care of your heart in summer

Failure to comply with cardiovascular treatments increases by 20% during the summer and can cause the patient to suffer heart and cerebrovascular problems, a case of angina, infarction, heart failure and stroke. All this without forgetting the increased risk of kidney failure.



According to Dr. Luís González, specialist of the Integral Cardiology Unit of Quirónsalud Alicante, "all the precautions are few to enjoy a few days of rest without setbacks; thus, a poor  diet  with a lot of fats and salt, together with other factors such as tobacco abuse,     alcohol, decreased exercise on a regular basis, cause a lack of control of blood pressure".

In summer, the blood pressure values are lower than in the winter months, this is because in the heat there is a vasodilation to favour the loss of body temperature and as a result you have a lower blood pressure. Therefore, if a hypertensive person is exposed too much to the sun in summer and does not hydrate properly, they can suffer severe hypotension that in severe cases causes loss of consciousness and fainting.

According to Dr. González, "One of the medications used for the treatment of high blood pressure are diuretics and if you add the high temperatures of the environment, you lose more fluids, which is why it is vitally important that you take more fluids than is usual." What is most advised for this type of person during the heat is to drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruit and wear light clothing to favour the replacement of liquids that are lost with sweat and thus avoid dehydration or in more serious cases heat stroke.

Five keys to take care of your heart in summer

The holidays are the perfect time to do everything we cannot do the rest of the year, but our cardiovascular health does not have to suffer. However, it is advisable to take some precautions so that forgetting the routine of the rest of the year does not take its toll.

 

Carry on with medication.  Breaking the routine make us forget to take our medication, we always associate it with concrete actions such as breakfast, dinner, etc.

 

Caution with heat. The main causes of mortality during heat waves are related to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases. That is why it is not appropriate for us to spend a lot of time exposed to the sun in the central hours of the day.

 

Watch out for alcohol. Experts advise to maintain a healthy and balanced diet in summer just like the rest of the year. Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages can lead to heart rhythm disorders and a certain degree of contractionary insufficiency.

 

Caution with the chosen holiday destination. Cardiac patients can choose the holiday destination they prefer considering only that it is preferable to avoid countries with extreme temperatures and countries with height above 2,000 metres because if the heart is damaged you will have to work more.

As for the means of transport, we can travel in any form, but always considering that long journeys by plane increase the risk of suffering the syndrome of a deep vein thrombosis in the veins of the legs when we remain immobile for a long time.

 

Rest, important in summer. The first objective of the holidays is to rest, but it is common that we end up doing the opposite by sleeping fewer hours. Something that is not beneficial for our cardiovascular health. Lack of sleep increases blood levels of stress hormones, which increases blood pressure and heartrate.

 

 

 

### Quirónsalud consolidates its healthcare offering in the Alicante province with the opening of a new medical centre in Gran Alacant (Santa Pola)

Quirónsalud consolidates its healthcare offering in the Alicante province with the opening of a new medical centre in Gran Alacant (Santa Pola).

 

 	This is the fourth Quirónsalud centre in the province, joining existing locations in Torrevieja, Orihuela and Alicante city.

 

 	Quirónsalud is the leading hospital group in Spain and, together with its parent company Fresenius-Helios, also leads in Europe. It boasts more than 40,000 professionals in more than 125 health centres.

 



 

On July 1, the new Quirónsalud Gran Alacant (Santa Pola) medical centre was officially inaugurated. With this newest health facility, Quirónsalud continues to grow its offering in the province of Alicante, this being the fourth centre that the hospital group now has in the province in addition to its existing facilities in Alicante, Torrevieja and Orihuela. The group now offers the widest healthcare options to Alicante residents, international residents and tourists alike.

 

The opening of the new clinic in Gran Alacant is part of a strategic collaboration with the company NouMediterrani SA, owner of the Hotel AJ, on whose ground floor the new health centre is located, next to the Gran Alacant Shopping Centre, owned by Grupo ASA and Josman.

 

The Quirónsalud Gran Alacant medical centre is designed to offer comprehensive patient care for which it will have the main medical-surgical specialties, among which are: Pediatrics, general and family medicine, clinical and sports cardiology, general surgery and proctology, dentistry, gynaecology, traumatology, angelology and vascular surgery, neurology, otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, throat), dermatology and urology.

 

In terms of facilities, the health centre has a conventional radiology room, a rehabilitation and physiotherapy gym, a nursing office for medicines and injectables, a clinical analysis laboratory and a vaccination centre.

 

In the specialist Pediatrics Unit, Quirónsalud has a team of paediatricians from the Centro Creciendo, where a comprehensive approach is taken to physical and emotional health from birth onwards, led by Juanjo Saval (child psychologist) and Lucía Galán Bertrand (paediatrician).

 

The medical centre will be supported surgically at the hospitals that the group already has in the province, Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante.

 

Covid-19 tests in less than 12 hours near Alicante-Elche airport

 

The Quirónsalud medical centre has also launched its rapid detection point for COVID-19 (PCR, antigens, serologies, vaccination quantification, etc.), where it offers all diagnostic tests and results in less than 12 hours in a location that is It is only 15 minutes from Alicante-Elche airport. Opening hours from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. without the need for an appointment.

 

Quirónsalud Gran Alacant is a great choice for Covid-19 tests for residents and international tourists alike. Located on Avenida Finlandia 15 in Gran Alacant, just 15 minutes from the airport, it offers a personalised and no-wait service for all.

 

Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia

 

Quirónsalud currently has eight centres in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia and will open a new facility in the city of Elche this coming September, consolidating its position at the forefront of medicine where people are the epicentre.

Currently, Quirónsalud is developing a multitude of research projects throughout Spain and many of its centres carry out cutting-edge work in this area, considered pioneers in a variety of specialties such as oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology and neurology, among others.

 

### Amber list quarantine-free travel could start in late-July

Quarantine-free travel for fully vaccinated travellers could be approved before the end of the month.



The Times reports it could be given the green light to start by 26 July., citing a government official.

This is at the start of the busy school holiday period.

A decision with the EU about recognising the NHS app for travel is close.

It means EU member states would recognise the NHS app as a vaccine passport for travel, as well as additional Covid test status for countries that require it.

The agreement would exempt fully vaccinated people from quarantine when returning from a holiday in amber-list countries.

"No final decision has been made on timing yet. There are various issues that need to be worked through and we are waiting for public health advice," a government spokesperson said.

It would initially only apply to UK residents registered with the NHS but would later be extended to all EU citizens.

### Turtle Awareness Campaign Launched

In recent years, loggerhead turtles have chosen the beaches of the Valencian Community up to 8 times to lay their eggs, one of them, in the summer of 2015, in Torrevieja. But the attempts have been many more. For example, only in the Maritime District of Torrevieja that ranges from the mouth of the Segura river to El Mojón (municipalities of Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Orihuela and Pilar de la Horadada), the attempts have been a total of 6, having reached to locate, in the summer of 2018, a new born turtle. Two of these attempts occurred last year 2020 on the Orihuela coast, although neither of them were successful.



From this month of June begins the peak period in which loggerhead turtles can eventually go out to the beaches at night to spawn. This period ends throughout the month of October, where occasionally it is possible to find baby turtles from possible nests that had not been located during the previous months.

Torrevieja City Council has been carrying out specific information campaigns every year for all beach users (citizens in general, walkers, beach bars), for services such as beach cleaning services that operate at night and for Local Police and Guardia Civil. All this with the intention that, given the possibility of observing a turtle laying eggs on the beach, or its trace left in the sand when it returns to the sea, it is known to act correctly so that everything goes well.

Antonio Vidal, Councillor for the Environment and Beaches, has indicated that this year, in addition, they will be installed in the main accesses to the beaches, some posters alluding to the general protocol to follow, which begins by calling 112, and in the that includes a series of recommendations to avoid disturbing the animal while it spawns or attempts to do so, being essential not to approach, not make noise or dazzle the animal and avoid photographing it with flash.

By calling 112, a team of professionals is set up to attend the event, and in which the Ministry of the Environment, the University of Valencia and the Oceanogràfic of Valencia participate, as well as Torrevieja Council in its territorial area. Quick action is essential for the location of the nests and the protection of the eggs, in highly touristy beaches that the next day will be full of users. It also allows the collection of an important series of biological data on sea turtles (such as their genetic characterization or their tagging with satellite emitters) that ultimately contribute to a better understanding of the process of recolonisation and consolidation of new breeding beaches that is taking place during the last years on the shores of the Spanish Mediterranean.

Everyone's involvement and knowing how to act correctly can help consolidate Spanish beaches as a laying and breeding area for sea turtles.

### Major summer festival to take place

From June 31 to August 14, Torrevieja will host the first urban culture festival of the summer, for 14 uninterrupted days and in different spaces and outdoor venues of the city to bring live music, sports, gastronomy or street painting in its most current artistic manifestations. An event that aspires to become a benchmark with a multidisciplinary format in accordance with the needs to reactivate tourism, musical entertainment, culture and the need for socialisation that citizens are currently experiencing.



In addition, this first edition begins in a summer that is moving towards normality, with the progressive lifting of restrictions such as the possible goodbye to the mask in outdoor spaces or expansion of capacity at events.

With the name of Crazy Urban Festival, it has been presented this morning at the Ambigú Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja, in a press conference in which its programming and all the security measures that will involve the festival by the hand of the Councillor for Youth, Domingo Paredes, the head of organization for the production company SHIROTEN, José Ten, and for the technological platform expert in capacity control and traceability Safety Global, Ricard Sanz.

The festival will start with an 'Opening Party' on the 31st in the hands of prestigious DJs and which will be followed by different urban music actions in different parts of the city. In addition, the festival will also exploit its sports side with a week dedicated to the practice of water sports for beginners and lovers of surfing, or skateboarding: and another week in which the public will be made a participant in urban art, introducing them to the exciting and expressive pictorial language of graffiti or the skyline, which they will be able to practice in situ, and exhibitions that will fill murals and spaces in the city with this discipline of artistic expression.

Gastronomy will also be present to promote and activate sectors so affected by the crisis such as hospitality and commerce, through markets and traditional stalls and the performance of Carros de Foc, the innovative and avant-garde theatre company that makes sculpture works giant mobiles roam open-air spaces with choreography, balancing act, cloth and hoop acrobatics or rhythmic choreography with a fire fan and music.

The finishing touch will be the live performances at the Paseo de las Eras de la Sal in Torrevieja by 4 of the most prestigious and renowned artists of urban music, such as Prok, Locoplaya, on August 13, and Bad Gyal and Recycled J, on August 14.

The Councillor for Youth, Domingo Paredes, stressed that "the festival is a commitment that the Government team acquired in 2019 to carry out this type of concerts in summer and, in this unusual year, we wanted to carry it out, adapting it to health regulations ". Paredes added that the City Council's intention is for this high-class festival to take hold and become a project for the future that can attract all kinds of young people to our city. In addition, he concluded, "we intend with this type of events to energize the city and that for 15 days urban and youth culture is present in a large part of Torrevieja".

The safety device designed by the Crazy Urban Festival aims to guarantee the adoption of sanitary measures for the proper development of the festival, avoiding any type of sanitary risk.

During the entire festival, the technological platform, specialised in large events, Safety Global, will carry out an access control system that through QR systems allows to guarantee the traceability and identification of all the holders who buy their tickets to attend the events. scheduled with the largest number of attendees, especially the four announced live music concerts.

In the same way, it will apply the sectorisation of its spaces to guarantee safety distances in the public and the access control personnel and specialised personnel will be in charge of the correct use of gels, masks and temperature measurements by the attendees. Regarding the use of the bars or the public flows in the concerts, the device will be designed according to the news that may occur during the months of June and July.

On the other hand, and taking into account the favourable evolution of the pandemic and the magnificent data of the vaccination campaign, the operations and logistics of all the Crazy Urban Festival production intends to be considered in a dynamic way, in such a way that it is capable of adapt to the evolution of the health situation and the changes and new measures that the health administration can adopt.

In this context, it should be able to adapt to the elimination of the mandatory nature of outdoor masks, as well as to the distribution of spaces or the recalculation of the occupation of the surface and the facilities in which it is going to be developed. in accordance with the criteria that can be established on safety distances.

### Torrevieja launches new branding

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, accompanied by the councillor for innovation and modernisation, Ricardo Recuero, and the head of Grupo Antón Comunicación, Susana Antón, presented the new corporate image of the Torrevieja Council.



The mayor has assured that it is an important step for the entire local administration, which modernises its image in each and every one of its municipal areas. Eduardo Dolón highlighted that we are facing a new corporate visual identity that will be implemented as of today and has congratulated the work done by the winning company, which managed to win this contract to which 15 more merchants were presented, as well as the team of the Department of Innovation and the communication department of the Torrevieja City Council, which for several months have been working on this project.

After viewing a video, the mayor highlighted that with this new image they have tried to "enter the heart of Torrevieja", with all the symbolism that this entails for our city: modern, contemporary and entrepreneurial.

Susana Antón explained that the new corporate identity is an iconic textual set that is made up of a graphic element and a textual element. The graphic element encompasses the origin of the municipality with the representation of the watchtower (Torre-Vieja) that at its base forms a wave referring to the Mediterranean Sea that bathes the bay of Torrevieja, the lagoons of La Mata, and in its part ascending the salt mountains, iconic symbol of the city of Torrevieja.

The tower is composed in its upper part by three battlements, and in its upper central part a "square" that represents a window open to the world. This openness refers to the multiculturalism and welcoming that characterizes Torrevieja. The textual element is none other than the name "Torrevieja Town Hall".

The main colours of this new identity are blue (referring to the sea, a symbol of Levantine cities) and white, referring to salt. As a complementary colour, and as an addition when communicating, there is the colour pink, a clear reference to the peculiarity of the Torrevieja and La Mata lagoons, the salty lagoons.

### Torrevieja and Local News on Monday 31 May 2021

The councillor for urban services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has announced that, due to the high exposure to the marine environment of the Hombre del Mar monument, located on the Juan Aparicio seafront, and after inspection by the department of works and services, rehabilitation work has commenced. The work will see cracks repaired and subsequent filling with structural mortar of the pedestal that supports the figure, made up of pieces of reinforced concrete coated with mortar. Likewise, for the figure and the decorative pieces of the monument, a deep cleaning will be carried out with pressurised water, which will eliminate any aggressive deposition on the surfaces. Finally, a protective layer will be applied to the entire complex, thus providing greater resistance and durability to this historic Torrevieja monument.



Torrevieja council has awarded the Alicante Fair Institution (IFA) a contract to adapt the facilities of the International Auditorium as the venue for selectivity tests. This space is one of the few in which all the students who are going to take the test in Torrevieja can meet. The cost necessary to carry out the adaptation 17,000 euro. In the facilities around four hundred students from the five public institutes and the concerted centre will be examined on June 8 and 9.

Neighbours of the Los Balcones urbanisation have begun a campaign to collect signatures to demand Torrevieja council improves road safety on the CV-95 between the residential area and the urban area of ​​the town. The trigger for the petition was the death of a cyclist run over at the roundabout at the University Hospital and Los Altos on March 25, although the safety problems on the road, which can withstand the passage of up to 20,000 vehicles a day, has been dragging on for two decades.

The councillor for culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, has announced that given the success of the Festival Música y Sal in September last year at the Eras de la Sal, the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta" has launched a new event to take place in the same location in August. Artists performing will be Dúo Dinámico on August 22, Sidonie on August 27, La Pegatina on August 28 and Camela on August 29.

Torrevieja council has started the public notification period of its new ordinance regulating mobility and circulation. The text specifies for the first time in which conditions personal mobility vehicles -electric scooters and the like- can circulate; it leaves the way to authorise and regulate parking, although still in a very generic way; and includes innovations in the management of car parks for people with reduced mobility.

The women's youth team of the Torrevieja Salud-Mare Nostrum Handball Club has been proclaimed champion of Spain this Sunday, after beating Soliss Pozuelo in the final, by a resounding 22-14.

Part of the wall of the Punta Prima beach promenade has collapsed after the episodes of rain in recent days. It adds to the previous landslides in the access to La Caleta beach, with a sinkhole that has not been fixed for more than a year and a half, and the landslide on the cliff of Aguamarina beach.

Residents of the Jesuítas beach in La Torre del Pilar de la Horadada staged a protest on Saturday against the installation of a beach bar in the upper part of this coastal area.

A group of thieves has targeted three establishments of the Óptica Óptima group in Rojales, San Fulgencio and Santa Pola and seized glasses worth close to 100,000 euro, in addition to causing material damage, according to company.

The President of the Valencia Region, Ximo Puig, has announced a new weekly record for vaccinations with 351,000 administered. The objective is to finish the first week of June with 3 million doses given. Meanwhile more vaccines have arrived in Valencia. At 06:15 this morning a plane from Cologne landed at Manises Airport carrying 143,910 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. A second plane is expected on Wednesday.



The Valencia regional health authority has hired more psychiatrists and psychologists to fight depression which has seen an increase in younger people. The mental health department has increased by 16% to deal with the “avalanche” of problems derived from the pandemic.

### Summer School Registration Open

The councillor for social welfare in Torrevieja, Tomás Ballester, has announced the Municipal Summer School 2021, which will take place from July 1 to July 31 August in schools CEIP Salvador Russo (primary school students), CEIP Gratiniano Baches (kindergarten students) and CEIP Acequión (kindergarten and primary school students), for all children who in the 2020/2021 academic year have been enrolled in Infant or Primary Education, registered in Torrevieja or whose father / mother / guardian is registered in the municipality.



The Summer School returns to its original format, since the 2020 edition had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. It will run from July 1 to August 31 with a schedule from 09:00 to 14:00 hours and the entrance time for the "Early Bird" service will be 08:30 hours, and the exit for the dining room service It will be at 3:30 p.m. You can choose the monthly or biweekly.

As a complementary activity, there will be an excursion to the Parque de Lo Albentosa or Parque de las Naciones or Municipal Pool, every month.

A total of 315 places for recreational and sports activities and 270 places for dining have been offered. The registration period is until June 11, and must be done through the Electronic Office Electronic Office or at the Registry office (PROP) by appointment.

### Torrevieja and local news for Tuesday 25 May 2021

A woman allegedly stabbed her partner after an argument in Torrevieja. The incident occurred at around 6.30 p.m. yesterday in a building located on Avenida Diego Ramírez. The victim was taken to the University Hospital of Torrevieja by a paramedic ambulance.

The councillor for urban services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, reports that the repair works of the seafront on Avenida de los Marineros (Playa del Cura) have been completed and that they have been carried out as a result of the gap that was opened under the promenade seafront in front of the "El Timonel" building, after various storms in February 2020 and the continuous exposure of the wall that supports the promenade. The works, which have had the prior authorisation of the Provincial Coastal Directorate, have had a duration of one month and an investment of 10,000 euro.



The Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta" in Torrevieja has advised that the times of the beginning of the events scheduled for Friday, May 28, "Infarct, Do not go to light" by the humourist Santi Rodríguez, and the concert of Pasión Vega, on Saturday, May 29, will be at 9:30 p.m., not the times previously advertised.

Mass vaccination has started in the nine centres set up in the Orihuela Health Department, in Albatera, Almoradí, Bigastro, Callosa de Segura, Catral, Cox, Dolores, Orihuela and Redován. At these vaccination points, it is planned to administer the vaccine to the population between 51 and 59 years old and people over 66 and groups under 60 who have not yet received it, as well as the second dose in those over 70 years. They will then be the "vaccinadromes" chosen for the remaining ages to be vaccinated. The centre at Pilar de la Horadada also opened today, with 800 residents of Pilar and the Orihuela Costa summoned to attend.

The legal services of the Unified Association of Guardia Civil (AUGC) have achieved compensation of 3,655 euro for an officer who was attacked by a minor when he was caught during the theft of a home in Guardamar del Segura. AUGC took out a private prosecution in the juvenile court at the request of one of the two agents who intervened. Both were injured. One mild and the other required hospitalisation and medical follow-up.

The mayor of Almoradí, María Gómez, has presented the new 'Water Route', an 18-kilometre route that can be travelled on foot, although it can also be done by bicycle. It is a circular route, which can be done in different sections and for this, intermediate parking areas have even been planned. This way, you can plan the route over several days and take the opportunity to eat in any of the excellent restaurants in the municipality, or if it takes place on Saturday, the weekly market.

The Community Prevention Unit for Addictive Behaviours in Crevillente joins the celebration of the "Smoke-free Week", from 25 to 30 May, with the dissemination on municipal social networks of messages and billboards designed by the UPCCA's team, promoting World No Tobacco Day.

The Local Police in Elche arrested a 43-year-old man for injuring the person in charge of a tobacconist. According to information provided by the Local Police, the detainee managed to get hold of products from the establishment, located in Carrús, and then fled, causing injuries with a cutter to the person in charge of the premises after trying to recover the stolen goods. The man was transferred to the police station after his arrest.

 

### Torrevieja and local news for Monday evening 24 May 2021

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, accompanied by the Agamed manager, Jorge Ballesta, visited the works being carried out to the sanitation network on calle María Parodi this morning. The work, being carried out by Agamed, is part of the 2021 infrastructure plan.



The average waiting time for an operation in the University Hospitals of Torrevieja and Vinalopó, is 42 and 46 days respectively, "a figure considerably lower than the average of public hospitals in the Community Valenciana", according to the latest data published by the Ministry of Health. The surgical waiting list to be operated on in the hospitals of the Valencian Community stands at 127 days in April, which represents a reduction of 15 days compared to March, while the number of patients waiting to be operated is 61,387, which is 1,260 less than the previous month.

Parts of Torrevieja will experience power cuts on Thursday as routine maintenance work is carried out. The cuts will also affect parts of the Orihuela Costa on Wednesday. The disruption normally lasts no more than a couple of hours.

Torrevieja will have 16 new defibrillators installed in municipal buildings thanks to the acquisition of the semiautomatic units at the cost of 17,695 euro.

The Calibán Teatro company has started its 2021 tour in which its fourth stop will be the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. The Strange Couple is the story of Flora Ugarte, a middle-aged woman who has just broken up with her husband. Completely dejected and with nowhere to go, the idea of ​​suicide begins to haunt her head. Her lifelong friends are aware of the depression she has fallen into and one of them, Olga Martínez, offers to take her into her home until she is better. The only problem is that the two are like night and day. Olga is romantic, outgoing, and a complete mess. Flora is shy, homey and a complete obsessive-compulsive maniac. Conflict is served.

The senior team of Halcones de Torrevieja hockey team are champions of the Autonomous League after beating Alas de Sagunto 8-0 at the Cecilio Gallego pavilion, where the players Led by Christian Mader and Nacho del Rey were able to celebrate the title with the fans.

The Spanish Llaüt-Banco Fijo del Mediterráneo Championship, held at the Real Club Náutico de Denia, has proclaimed the team of veterans from the Torrevieja Rowing Club, Champions of Spain. The men's youth team also came away with bronze.

The province of Alicante has 30 new classrooms for two-year-olds born in 2019 for this next academic year, totalling 300 classrooms and a total of 5,800 places in all schools and nursery schools.

Nine people belonging to two criminal groups dedicated, allegedly, to the production and distribution of narcotic substances have been arrested by the National Police after a confrontation with knives on the beach of San Juan, when the participants started the brawl after a failed sale of marijuana.

A fire declared on Sunday in the Museum of Holy Week in Orihuela affected walls and ceilings, as reported by the Provincial Firefighters Consortium of Alicante. It is thought an electrical fault caused the fire. A similar event occurred in January.

Albatera fig producers started this year's campaign with great optimism, after the drop in production in 2020, which barely reached 600 tons. The current outlook is excellent, as it is expected to double last season's harvest to 1,500 tons.

During his meeting with the United Kingdom ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliot, the President of the Valencia Region, Ximo Puig, raised the possibility of territorialising the country for tourists who choose to travel to Spain, in order to facilitate their mobility to the Valencian Community. The President conveyed to the ambassador the good epidemiological situation of the Valencian Community.

The Regional Government has put out to tender the drafting of the project for the expansion and adaptation of the large esplanade of the Mirador del Moncaio, next to the N-332 and the roundabout connecting with the CV-895 del Campico. Among other actions, the regional administration contemplates the future use of this large space as motorhome parking, a type of public facility that does not yet exist on the Vega Baja coastline.

### Torrevieja and local news for Friday evening 21 May 2021

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, accompanied by the president of the Alicante Provincial Council, Carlos Mazón, announced this morning at the Madrid International Tourism Fair (FITUR) that the Regional Government has declared the Torrevieja Carnival a FIESTA OF AUTONOMOUS TOURIST INTEREST. The mayor has shown his satisfaction and thanked the heads of tourism of the region and congratulated the great family of the Carnival of Torrevieja, led by the president of the Association of Friends of Carnival, Francisco Pizana, and the councillor for festivities, Concha Sala, for the great work done to achieve this important achievement. The Torrevieja Carnival has become one of the most popular, participatory, and prestigious events on the wide festive calendar of Torrevieja.



The state meteorological agency (AEMET) has activated a weather warning for rain on Sunday 23 May. In our area, a yellow warning will be activated at 08:00 on Sunday due to the risk of accumulations of 60 litres per square metre in twelve hours. The notice extends throughout the extreme southeast of the peninsula.

Torrevieja council has put out to tender the drafting of the basic project for the expansion and fencing of the Local Police station. With a budget is 64,000 euro, it is the first step to carry out the work, which would have a subsequent allocation of more than two million euro. Only the drafting of the project at the time it is approved and will last for five months.

Orihuela council continues with the repair of roads affected by the torrential rains that occurred in September 2019 in Molins. The total cost of the action amounts to 1,485,797.99 euro, an amount subsidised at 50% by the Secretary of State for Territorial Policy and Public Function.

A motorcyclist was admitted to the General University Hospital of Elche after colliding with a container in the rural area of ​​Altabix, as reported this morning by the Emergency Coordination Centre. A paramedic ambulance assisted the rider before transferring him to hospital.

Local Police in Elche arrested a 45-year-old woman for robbing a food establishment with a pair of scissors. The detainee took advantage of the fact that the person responsible for the shop was alone to threaten her for almost 300 euro when they were closing. After the incident, the victim immediately alerted the police to what had happened. While a patrol was heading to the scene, the rest of the employees and the victim went out to search for the robber, catching up and holding her. The person implicated was arrested, acknowledging the facts before those present and was transferred to the police station.

Elche´s local government has awarded the contract for the installation of new traffic lights in five conflictive points in the urban area. The objective is to improve road safety in the municipality and the investment amounts to about 200,000 euro.

Two students from the El Palmeral school in Elche have discovered a fossil dating back several million years. They were watering the classroom garden when they found an unusual stone and reported it to their teacher. The fossil now remains in the paleontological museum, where it will be examined.

The councillor for social services in Pilar de la Horadada, Marina Sáez Martínez, has closed the "Introduction to the Spanish Language" course, organised by the PANGEA Office, in which 33 students have participated. This training has been carried out since March in municipal facilities, and due to demand, another session will start after the summer.

The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, confirmed today that UK nationals will be allowed to enter Spain from Monday. Speaking at the FITUR tourism event, the President also announced that the digital green certificate will enter into force in the EU from July, once it is definitively approved on June 7. The digital green certificate is "a mechanism or instrument for travel", free, universal, safe and reliable, which will operate through a QR code.

### Torrevieja and local news for Thursday 20 May 2021

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the president of the Alfonso X el Sabio University, Jesús Núñez Velázquez, have signed this morning in the meeting room of the Madrid university, a collaboration agreement to develop projects of cultural interest, training of professional activities and social innovation. For the mayor, the signing of this collaboration agreement has been an honour for what it means for a city with a great musical tradition and, especially, for its International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest.



The Torrevieja Health Department, part of the Ribera health group, has organised for the second consecutive year a virtual meeting for future resident doctors who must choose the postgraduate teaching centre in which they will take their residency. The objective of this initiative, which will have a reduced face-to-face capacity, is to publicise first-hand the characteristics of the health department, its facilities, existing specialties and the teaching on offer.

The Banco Obrero de Torrevieja organisation has announced that their next food distribution event will take place on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. on Calle Concordia number 22, five minutes from the Plaza de la Constitución. The organisation offers support to working families of the municipality and highlights the lack of support offered by the council to these families. The act is public, it will be the fourth open distribution they have made since it was founded in the town last December, since then they have managed to weave a neighbourhood network of support and work with which they manage to carry out weekly collections and food distributions to the beneficiary families registered in the organisation.

The Capella and the Escolanía meet again this Saturday, after more than a year, to offer the 'Concert of the Festa' or 'Misteri d'Elx'. The performance will be at the Torrevieja International Auditorium on May 22, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets on sale at www.auditoriotorrevieja.com.

From Friday to Sunday, radio-controlled sailors with their radio-controlled models will meet at the RCNT in Torrevieja for a mini regatta field at the IV Torrevieja International Meeting IOM. The event will bring together about 40 participants from 15 different Clubs, including sailors from France. The organisation is run by the Real Club Náutico Torrevieja, with the collaboration of the Sailing Federation of the Valencian Community and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation.

Almoradí will allocate the largest investment in its history to the development and improvement of the municipality. The works total 12 million euro and will affect a large part of the municipality, including districts and industrial estates, and focus on infrastructures, public spaces and roads.

The Guardia Civil, together with the Local Police, arrested two people on suspicion of the theft of jewellery, watches and other valuables committed under the well-known "hugging method", in the town of Crevillente.

Elche council has declared all its beaches “smoke-free” in order to protect the environment and human health. Esther Díez, councillor for the environment, stated that “with this action we are making a contribution to the natural space that our beaches make up”.

The President of the Valencia region, Ximo Puig, has announced a meeting with the British ambassador, Hugh Elliot, at the embassy in Madrid on Monday to “find an agreement that allows British tourists to return to the Valencian Community”. The president also announced that the vaccination of people over 30 years of age will begin in the month of July and that the immunisation process will continue without any interruption during the summer period.

### Torrevieja and local news on Wednesday 19 May 2021

The councillor for culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the manager of the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta", Miguel Fernández, have presented two important events that will be held this coming summer at the Eras de la Sal. On Sunday, August 8, the Spanish singer Antonio Orozco will perform at 10:00 p.m., presenting his new work Aviónica. Tickets, which will have a price of 25 to 32 euro, will go on sale tomorrow. Also, on Thursday, August 12, at 9:00 p.m., the children's group Pica-Pica will perform. Tickets, at a single price of 12 euro, also go out at the sale tomorrow, Thursday.



The knee unit of the Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Service of the Torrevieja University Hospital has performed a total of 531 total knee replacement surgeries in the last five years. Doctors Hugo Marquina and Antonio Sánchez are part of this unit and in this period, they have applied and improved a “Fast-Track” protocol for total knee replacement that optimizes and integrates patient care, obtaining an improvement in the quality of the procedure and its recovery and the therapeutic results.

The Tourism Department of Torrevieja council has launched a promotional campaign which runs until the end of June, which will be distributed in various media: local and regional television, digital media and especially on Social Networks, with special emphasis on national outbound destinations that show greater loyalty, such as the autonomous communities of Madrid, the Basque Country, Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla-León. The campaign has various 30-second spots appealing to the senses and emotions that the tourist resources of Torrevieja can awaken, showing them in an innovative and current way in colours: with impressive images of the pink lagoon in Las Salinas, a sunrise surfing in the coves, the green of the Natural Park to enjoy with the family and the blue of the sea.

The natural pools of the Juan Aparicio de Torrevieja promenade in Torrevieja will host the 8th SUP Open “Costa Invest” competition on Sunday, May 23, between 9:00 and 14:00.

Two seventeenth-century canvases from the Cathedral of Orihuela have been restored. The canvases The Immaculate Conception and Portrait of Bishop Esteve, both from the 17th century, will be presented tomorrow Thursday in the Orihuela Episcopal Cloister.

i-DE, Iberdrola's electricity distribution company, and Rojales council have agreed to bury the section of overhead power line that runs over the urbanisation and Ciudad Quesada golf course. The company will invest more than 1.3 million euro in the project, which will consist of the elimination of a 3.8-kilometre section of the 66-kilovolt (kV) overhead line and the elimination of the 18 supports, as well as the construction of a new underground line of more than 5.7 kilometres that will run through an area agreed with the council. The work will begin during the last quarter of the year, and will last approximately six months.

The Miguel Hernández University (UMH) in Elche is positioned as the leader of the Valencian Community in the creation of spin offs or technology-based companies arising on campus, according to the eighth edition of the Knowledge and Development Foundation (CyD) ranking. The UMH is the only one to position itself with the high-performance index in this area, among the Valencian public universities. The CyD Ranking analyses the results of 27 fields of knowledge and 2,998 degrees for 77 universities.

The president of the Alicante Provincial Council, Carlos Mazón, attended the inauguration of the International Tourism Fair -FITUR 2021- in Madrid today, to present the different proposals with which the Costa Blanca Board of Trustees promotes the sector. The Provincial Tourist Board sets itself to recover the national tourism, to rediscover the most emblematic corners and landscapes of the Alicante municipalities, as well as its gastronomy, its culture, or its sports. The strategy is to attract, in the short term, national tourists, although without ceasing to focus on attracting international travellers, through safe anticovid corridors.

The Regional Government is set to ask the courts to allow the curfew times to change in the next stage of relaxation of the rules, starting at 01:00, to allow bars to close at 00:30.

### Torrevieja and local news for Tuesday 18 May 2021

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the councillor for works and services, Sandra Sánchez, have visited the resurfacing works on various streets and avenues of the municipality, which began on April 5, and are currently in their last phase of execution. The total resurfacing action in this plan amounts to almost 50,000 square metres and its execution cost is 327,398 euro. The councillors have verified in situ the works that are being carried out in the Avenida de la Purísima (Playa del Cura) and adjacent streets. Sandra Sánchez highlighted the improvement in accessibility of the roads that are being resurfaced, whose works have consisted of milling the tread layer of the existing road surface, the resurfacing of the layer with hot bituminous mixture, and horizontal traffic signalling, as well as the elimination of elevated pedestrian crossings.



The AGAMED Board of Directors, chaired by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has approved a solution to end the problems in the drainage and sanitation network of the Torreta Florida urbanisation in the town. Specifically, the action seeks to resolve the lack of capacity of the drainage network in the area, which in episodes of torrential rains, also collects rainwater, and therefore makes it difficult for the network to perform its function correctly, with the problems that this also brings to the residents of the area. To carry out the work, the Board has approved the advance of the funds of the Investment Plan for a value of 2,447,851 euro.

Torrevieja council is planning the celebration of a series of activities that will mark, on the one hand, the memory of all the people who died of the Covid-19 pandemic and, on the other, the tribute to all the people who in one way or another have worked to mitigate the effects of this tragedy from the moment the safety regulations and restrictions came into effect in March 2020. The most relevant act will see the creation of an iron sculpture, symbolizing the embrace that society in general has been deprived of for so long. This monolith will be erected in a prominent space in Torrevieja as a point of remembrance both for the memory of the deceased, as well as a recognition of the effort that has been developed by so many essential and voluntary groups.

A 51-year-old man died in a workplace accident at the fairground near Torrevieja harbour on Tuesday. The incident occurred at around 09:30 when the emergency services were called to the scene where the man was dismantling one of the attractions. The Guardia Civil is investigating the circumstances which led to the tragedy.

A man said to be in his seventies died when his vehicle crashed into a workshop in the El Limonar urbanisation in Torrevieja on Tuesday morning. That incident occurred at around 10:00 in the morning.

Officers from the Guardia Civil arrested a resident of the town of Rafal for the alleged crime of theft, for stealing a total of 70 Yucca plants from the farm in Callosa de Segura that he has leased, in order to sell them for a price much lower than the market value. The recovered plants reach a height of between 90 and 190 centimetres, and a market value of between 540 and 1,140 euro each.

Two men, aged 24 and 34, have been injured, one of them by a knife, in a brawl that occurred in the urban area of ​​Almoradí.

On 29 May, the Department of Tourism in Almoradí has organised the 1st Plogging 'Ruta del Agua', which will take place in different sections of the newly designed walking route. It is a day of cleaning the trails along which this route is travelled, for which gloves and garbage bags will be given to its participants.

The Ministry of Education has proposed Wednesday 8 September as the start date for the next school year, 2021-2022. The date will be discussed this Thursday with union representatives.

The first weekend without a State of Alarm leaves 551 new coronavirus infections in the Valencian Community in 130 municipalities. The province of Alicante is the one that has registered the most cases since last Friday. In total, the Department of Health has added 269 infections in 53 Alicante municipalities.

### Torrevieja and local news for Monday evening

Fire fighters from Torrevieja, supported by colleagues from Almoradí, battled a fire on the first floor of a six-story residential building on Calle Los Molinos in Torrevieja on Sunday morning. The alarm was raised at around 05:30 on Sunday morning with Local Police and Guardia Civil officers carrying out an evacuation with several of the officers having to be treated for smoke inhalation. The fire was extinguished at about 06:30.



The Coral Bella Torrevieja choir, after two years of inactivity because of covid19, returns to the stage with new songs and a new musical director, Luis Aníbal Cano Pettersen, for a concert scheduled for Saturday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Palacio de la Música. Admission is free until all capacity is reached.

Hundreds of flamingos have arrived in the Torrevieja lagoon and now, hidden from view, are setting up nesting on the central butte of the wetland, just as they did last year for the first time. According to Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante (AHSA), the rains this spring and the drop in salinity have allowed an increase in brine shrimp, an arthropod that is the basis for feeding birds associated with hypersaline environments.

A warning was issued to sailors on Sunday to be on the look out for a lost grey whale which had been tracked from the Strait of Gibraltar. The whale, estimated to be about 8 metres in length, was expected to pass the Torrevieja coastline on either Sunday or Monday.

The Fishermen's Association, together with the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, have asked for help for the fishing sector. The EU's Multi-annual Mediterranean Plan limits their fishing days, leading to the loss of revenue. Pedro Carmona, president of the Fishermen's Association, commented to the mayor about the serious consequences of this plan, and that they need all the support to raise complaints to the EU so that they can carry out their work.

The Association of Hospitality Entrepreneurs of Torrevieja y Comarca (AEHTC) have launched the annual gastronomic event, Croquetting for Torrevieja, in which the main protagonist is the Spanish tapas as characteristic as the croquette, served by the bars and restaurants participating in this activity that will be held on May 21, 22 and 23 for the price of 3 euro with drink included, you can taste this tapa in the establishments that are involved in the event in order to promote consumption in the participating venues.

The councillor for sports in Torrevieja, Diana Box Alonso, together with representatives of the Torrevieja Cycling Club, announced the first City of Torrevieja Trophy "Chantal Optical Grand Prize" - XXVI Interclub Vega Baja, which will take place on Sunday May 23, at 10:00 hours. It is a relevant event within the cycling calendar of the Valencian Community, which in addition to promoting this sport also highlights Torrevieja to participating cyclists.

The regional government has highlighted the “absolute normality” with which the first weekend passed in the Valencian Community without a state of alarm. The tourist areas of the entire territory, both on the coast and inland, were busy after six months of restrictions and with spectacular weather, with temperatures more typical of midsummer. On the nights from Friday to Saturday and from Saturday to Sunday, 1,597 proposals for sanctions related to breaches of health regulations in the region were counted, with 735 in Alicante, 773 in Valencia and 89 in Castellón.

There will be 133 vaccination points across Valencia from May 24. Specifically, 101 municipal vaccination spaces will open their doors, joining the 32 points that are currently in operation. The Minister of Health stated, "these 133 vaccination points will allow speeding up the vaccination process in the Valencian Community. In fact, with this deployment of healthcare resources it will be possible to administer the vaccine to more than 400 people every three minutes”. Some 46 of the centres will be in the Alicante province.

The National Police arrested a 66-year-old man of Italian nationality in Formentera del Segura, who had a European Order of Detention and Surrender for extradition purposes issued by the Italian authorities, for an alleged crime of extortion and blackmail.

Orihuela will have a network of bike lanes that will connect several districts with the urban area. The City Council has already awarded one of the sections of the bike path that goes from Orihuela to Montepinar, which reaches the roundabout of the old CV-870. From that roundabout to the entrance to the urbanisation, the Alicante Provincial Council will take over, which has already contracted the project to execute more than 3.5 kilometres of bike lane.

The Department of the Environment in Orihuela has published the third edition of the book 'Flora Silvestre del Termino Municipal de Orihuela', the work of the Orihuela biologist Gonzalo Escudero Galante, featuring field guides to Cala de La Glea, Monte de San Miguel and Cerro del Agudo, in which the plant richness present in these natural areas is collected.

Orihuela´s Department of Culture has scheduled "safe activities, inside the museums with capacity control, and among which visits the theatrical, concerts and exhibitions stand out." Mar Ezcurra, councillor for culture, presented the schedule drawn up to celebrate Museum Day, which will run from Tuesday to Sunday.

A female soldier died in a tragic accident during exercise in Santa Pola on Friday. Artillery Sergeant Débora Grau, 33-years-old, was fatally injured in a freak accident while connecting an artillery shell to a lorry during a practice exercise.

Fire fighters attended a fire in the kitchen of the Hospital del Vinalopó in Elche on Saturday evening. The flames originated in a plastic waste container, affecting a room for washing. There were no injuries, and the situation was controlled at around 10:20 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

### Torrevieja and local news for Friday evening

In order to prevent speeding and reduce accidents, Torrevieja Local Police will be carrying out speed controls during this weekend of May 15 and 16, 2021. The main focus of their activities will be on calle Torrejón, Avda. Desiderio Rodríguez, Avda. Gregorio Marañón, Avda. Cortes Valencianas, Avda. París between Avda. Baleares and Avda. De la Mancha, Avda. De la Mancha and Avda. Alfredo Nóbel.



A man in his seventies has lost his life after being knocked down by a vehicle in the Urbanization El Chaparral on Thursday evening. The Emergency Coordination Centre received notice of the accident at around 17:15, indicating that the pedestrian was unconscious. Ambulance crews carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the man but there was no response, so they have only been able to certify his death.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced this morning that the Local Government Board has approved the budget which will enable various investment projects to happen. The mayor reported that, taking advantage of this opportunity and with the serious economic, social and health crisis that we are experiencing worldwide, it has been decided to create the ambitious Plan By and For Torrevieja in order to reactivate our economy, respond to the needs emerging at this time and make Torrevieja more attractive. The Plan By and for Torrevieja has a real investment of 79.3 million euro, from the remaining Treasury of 2020, which is incorporated into the current municipal budget, which will allow a deployment of very important investments. Among the items that have been incorporated, those concerning the creation and improvement of infrastructures stand out, including repaving and repair of the Levante Dam, repaving and repair of the Paseo de La Mata, drafting of the project and remodelling of Paseo de la Libertad, Polígono Industrial Casa Grande I and II and the remodelling of different green areas, amongst other projects.



The councillor for urban services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has advised that in the next few days construction works of the pedestrian route between the cul-de-sac near calle Joaquín García Sánchez, at the confluence with the Jardín del Mar III urbanisation, an area known as Doña Inés, will begin, due to the obvious need for transit through an area with a significant drop of 1.5 metres. The duration of the work will be one month and valued at 9,707.08 euro.

A young woman fell about 5 metres down the cliffs at Punta Prima on the Orihuela Costa on Thursday evening. The incident occurred at around 18:00 with the emergency services attending to rescue the woman on a nest stretcher. After recovering the woman, she was taken by ambulance to Torrevieja University Hospital about an hour after the fall.

Due to the popularity of the tribute concert that the band of the Musical Society "Ciudad de Torrevieja Los Saleroso" will carry out on May 22, in tribute to the great Italian composer, Ennio Morricone, a second performance will now take place. Tickets for the concert scheduled for 8:00 p.m. have sold out and so a second performance will take place earlier at 6:00 p.m., also at the Municipal Theatre. Tickets are free and can be collected at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre and at the Municipal Theatre box office one hour before this second concert.

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 53-year-old man in Crevillente, accused of trying to shoot another 53-year-old man in November 2019 in a rural area of ​​Orihuela, where he left him badly injured. The suspect was identified thanks to the DNA obtained by the Scientific Police and until now he had managed to evade capture. The victim was admitted to the ICU for several days because, in addition to being shot in each leg, was hit in the head.



A 44-year-old man was hospitalised after being stabbed on Thursday in the centre of Orihuela. The events took place after 5.15 pm in the vicinity of Avenida de la Vega. The National Police are investigating the incident.

The water cycle management company in Rojales, in collaboration with the Faunatura Association, has installed shelters for insectivorous fauna in the municipal area of ​​El Recorral Park. They are boxes for birds that feed on insects that affect pines, and the installation of shelters for bats that feed on mosquitoes.

### Torrevieja and local news for Thursday evening

The mayors of Torrevieja and Orihuela, Eduardo Dolón and Emilio Bascuñana respectively, held a telematic meeting with the Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, Arcadi España, to promote the project of the 'Orihuela-Torrevieja / Orihuela Costa Railway Route', prepared by the Department of Civil Engineering of the UA. At the meeting, the mayors of the two main towns in the region have expressed the importance for the economic and tourist development of this project, which will link the Intermodal and high-speed station of Orihuela with the area from the coast with Torrevieja / Orihuela Costa and that will serve not only these two municipalities but also the entire coastline of Guardamar, Pilar de la Horadada and even the north of the Murcia region such as San Pedro del Pinatar and San Javier. The cost of the project is estimated at 277.6 million euro, the amount of which is divided into infrastructure, superstructure, expropriations and Bigastro-Jacarilla, San Miguel and Torrevieja-Orihuela Costa stations.

The Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja will host the play “La Fiesta del Chivo” tomorrow, Friday, May 14 at 8:30 p.m., a masterpiece by the Nobel Prize in Literature, Mario Vargas Llosa, starring Juan Echanovea. The ticket price is 15 euro.



The mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, accompanied by the councillors of Tourism and Agriculture, Mariola Rocamora and Víctor Valverde respectively, announced the campaign that has been prepared for the 'International Flower Expo' to be held in Shanghai, from 21 from May to July 2, and where Orihuela will represent Spain. Valverde explained that the final touches are already being made to what will be both the Orihuela pavilion and the marketing and dissemination campaign. “We will have 500m² in a pavilion, designed by the Oriolana company 'Disena Studio', where we will see what Orihuela is surrounded by gardens because there is always flower in our fruit, vegetable and vegetable crops. We know that Chinese tourists are 'fanatics' of heritage and just as they go from Madrid to Segovia, Salamanca or Toledo they can come to our city to take advantage of the heritage potential that Orihuela has. It must be remembered that the cost of the stand construction and assembly is borne by the organisation and Orihuela does not spend a single euro”.

The Minister of Education, Culture and Sports, Vicent Marzà, has visited the Vega Baja to see first-hand various projects related to the areas managed by his department, such as the consolidation and enhancement of the remains of the Phoenician site of La Fonteta and the Rábita Califal de Guardamar del Segura, the construction works of educational centers in Pilar de la Horadada and the social integration initiatives of the Orihuela Deportiva Popular Soccer Club.

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport has launched a new intelligent system to save energy in one of the most unique facilities in the airport complex: the Automated Baggage Handling System (SATE). The installation of new software, with more advanced technology and greater benefits, will allow a saving of close to 1 million Kwh per year according to the estimates, the equivalent to the average energy consumption of 293 Spanish homes a year.

Local, national, regional police and the Guardia Civil will form the reinforcement team that will monitor the coast of the province this weekend, the first without a state of alarm and in which the arrival of some 200,000 tourists from other areas of Spain is expected.

The Generalitat Valenciana has conveyed its congratulations to Pilar de la Horadada council after the FEE has decided to grant the distinctive Blue Flag once again to six beaches in the municipality: Mil Palmeras, Jesuitas, del Conde, Puerto, Calas de Rocamar and Higuericas.

The city of Valencia registered a maximum temperature of 27ºC on Wednesday, the highest so far in 2021 and exceeding the 26ºC that the capital of Turia reached on January 29, as highlighted by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).

The Guardia Civil of Alicante has dismantled a criminal group of Lithuanian origin made up of six people dedicated to the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana. Settled on the Valencian coast, they had three large plantations in the towns of El Campello, la Nucia and Benidorm.

The twenty-fifth edition of the Vuelta Ciclista starts from May 28 to 30 in the province of Alicante. The competition is made up, for yet another year, of three stages that will cover a large part of the provincial geography. The cycle race begins on May 28 in the town of San Vicente del Raspeig and will conclude on May 30 in El Campello.

### Torrevieja and local news for Wednesday evening

After the successful nesting of the Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) in the Molino del Agua natural park last year, the Department of the Environment of Torrevieja council has redoubled the measures that had already been adopted by trying to make the use of the beaches compatible with the nesting of this species. The council has cordoned off areas to provide extra protection for the birds with visitors asked not to disturb them. With this latest intervention, the council  maintains its ongoing strategy of environmental conservation actions in urban or semi-urban areas.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the councillor for Culture, José Antonio Quesada, visited the Nao Victoria Foundation shipyard in Huelva where the Pascual Flores schooner is being restored. The ship, a symbol of Torrevieja's maritime heritage, is being restored to enable it to become an itinerant “ambassador” for the tourist and cultural promotion of the town, through different tours that it will carry out through different national and international ports starting in June.

Torrevieja has once again obtained six Blue Flags for the town´s beaches, which this summer will fly on playas de Cabo Cervera, Cala de las Piteras, Playa El Cura, Los Locos, Los Naúfragos and Torrelamata-Sur.

The Aquopolis water park in Torrevieja has begun a recruitment campaign for the summer season, looking to fill a variety of roles from lifeguards to shop assistants. Anyone interested can send their CV to rrhhaquopolistorrevieja@grpr.com

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced that next June will be the key month in the vaccination calendar in Alicante, Valencia and Castellón. The president stated that on 17 June the vaccination of the age group between 40 and 50 years will begin, and that during the first fortnight of the month, all those over 50 years old will have received at least one dose or they will already be fully immunised. Vaccination of people over 60 years of age is progressing at a good pace, with the aim that at the end of this month the entire population of this group is protected with at least one dose.

Turespaña has launched a new service within the Travelsafe microsite of the official tourism portal of Spain, www.spain.info, through which foreign tourists can consult the travel restrictions due to covid, as well as the entry requirements and departures to their respective countries. Travelsafe includes an information system, updated in real time, on travel restrictions due to the pandemic, which gives the information necessary to make a trip from 50 foreign countries to Spain.

The town of Los Montesinos registered an earthquake of 1.8 magnitude on the Richter scale on Wednesday morning, as reported by the National Geographic Institute. The earthquake occurred at 6:52 am this morning in the southeast of the town and at a depth of 2,000 metres.



The councillor for the environment in Orihuela council, Dámaso Aparicio, travelled to Valencia on Tuesday to demand the regional government find an urgent solution to eradicate "the invasion" of the Arizona cactus in the Sierra de Orihuela, which has also spread to Monte de San Miguel and the town centre.

The Crevillente department of the environment has joined the fight against climate change by subscribing to "A tree for Europe" action plan with the planting of sixteen native trees in educational centres in the municipality,

A 50-year-old man has committed suicide by jumping from the terrace of a building in Onda after he had stabbed and killed his mother who was suffering from Alzheimer’s.

The emergency services assisted an 85-year-old man and an 83-year-old woman, who have been affected by smoke inhalation during a fire that occurred inside their house in the Ensanche neighbourhood of Cartagena. The couple were transferred to the Santa Lucía hospital.

### Celebrating the Torrevieja May Fair

For the second consecutive year, one of the most popular events on the city's festive calendar, the May Fair, will not be able to take place. The situation of the COVID-19 pandemic dictates this, but despite everything, the Department of Festivities of the Torrevieja Council, has scheduled a souvenir gala and also as an announcement of its celebration for next year.



Councillor Concha Sala has indicated that the intention is that "next May 2022, if everything goes according to plan, we can celebrate our May Fair with many new features and as an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy Torrevieja and its fair atmosphere ". Sala has indicated that "so that we keep in mind these days that should be full of the joy and fun of our fair, we have programmed a symbolic gala with which we are going to pay tribute to our May Fair."

The councillor says this gala will take place next Thursday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Theatre. In it, the Municipal Dance School will participate, with its teacher, Nuria Girona, representing the dance academies that are the protagonists of the fair each year. The "Blanca y Verde" Choir of the Casa de Andalucía "Rafael Alberti" of Torrevieja and the Choir of the Andalusian Cultural Association of Torrevieja will also perform on the stage of the theatre.

Tickets to attend the gala will be free until full capacity is reached and may be collected from Monday, May 17 to Wednesday, 19, at the Municipal Theatre box office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on the 20th, two hours before the start of the gala.

### Torrevieja and local news for Tuesday evening

The month of April ended in Torrevieja with 10,412 people unemployed, 0.8% less than in March, which ended with 10,498 people without work, according to data from Labora. This increase has benefited the service sector, caused to a certain extent by the opening of establishments, as well as the extension of hours in the hotel and commercial sector that registered a decrease of 1.6%, which translates into 140 fewer people in unemployment. In the construction sector, unemployment rose 6.7%, representing 75 more people without work. The figures improve in those under 25 and the middle-aged population, while they increase in those over 45.

On 18 May, the Department of Education in Torrevieja will announce the School Admission Campaign for the academic year 2021 - 2022, a campaign entitled: "Torrevieja, a lot to choose from." You can apply for a place in the Infant and Primary Education schools from May 25 to June 2. Regarding Secondary Education and Baccalaureate, you can request a place from June 3 to 14.

The Association of Madrileños in Torrevieja, will offer a concert in the Auditorium of the Palacio de la Música next Sunday 16 May, at 7 in the afternoon, under the title "Madrid sings to San Isidro".

Almoradí council has given several talks to the students of the municipality's institutes on how to deal with flooding such as during the major floods of 2019. Among other things, they have explained the different causes of flood risk that exist, how to interpret the different maps contained in the Flood Action Plan and, most importantly, how students and their families should act in the event of a flood.

Caja Rural Central has convened the IV Rapid Painting Contest in the Historic Centre of Orihuela to be held on Saturday 29 May in the old part of the city. The contest has a great following, despite the last edition being cancelled due to the pandemic. Those interested in participating can register at contestpinturacrc@cajarural.com . The first prize will receive 1,500 euro, the second, 1,000, and the third, 600 euro.

The Valencian Community is the leader in Spain in the number of beaches and ports with Blue Flag this year, with a total of 153. This figure represents an increase compared to the last edition of the report, when there were 148. Orihuela continues to lead the ranking of beaches with the most blue flags in the Valencian Community. The municipality has revalidated its eleven badges, for the fourth consecutive year.

Elche town hall has received confirmation through the courts that their requirement for VTC (private hire vehicles with driver) vehicles must be booked an hour in advance is in fact legal. The confirmation is seen as a positive move by the licenced taxi drivers of the municipality.

Elche´s Vinalopó Hospital took delivery of a new MRI machine which had to be lifted by crane and passed through a window to reach the room where the service will be operating from.

The Local Police in Elche has been investigating the fraudulent use of parking spaces for the disabled. The most recent event was on 5 May when officers found a vehicle displaying a false blue disability badge.

The Guardia Civil has arrested a resident of Formentera del Segura for two robberies from homes with the residents inside. In one of them, the thief was surprised by the owner, who was attacked with the same tool that the suspect used to force entry. The 47-year-old man of Spanish nationality has been released on charges.



The Local Police in Valencia arrested an ONCE coupon seller after surprising him in the middle of a drug deal. The officers seized 30 grams of cocaine from the ticket seller.

In celebration of International Museum Day on 18 May, the Department of Tourism and Culture of Rafal council has organised various activities for this weekend with the aim of publicising the historic enclaves of Rafal and its origins, as well as the various artistic and cultural aspects of the municipality.

### Torrevieja and local news for Monday evening

Torrevieja felt a minor earthquake during Sunday night. The 1.7 magnitude tremor had an epicentre to the southwest of Torrevieja, near the salt lakes, and took place at 01:31 on Monday morning.



The Department of Innovation, Modernization and Transparency has launched, in the form of a minor contract with a duration of six months, a pilot service for monitoring co2 levels in the Town Hall and in its Registry offices (PROP). The CO2 levels and historical data in the facilities can be consulted at the address https://calidadaire.torrevieja.es/map . Likewise, through the screens and monitors installed for this purpose in the facilities.



Torrevieja council and i-DE, the distribution company of the Iberdrola group, have carried out a joint action to remove the medium voltage overhead line that crossed the parking lot of the University Hospital in the town. The company dismantled the installation, consisting of a 250-metre-long power line, as well as the two supports, which will free up space in the car park.

The contract for the drafting of the project, construction management and health and safety coordination of the Museo del Mar y de la Sal, a multipurpose venue, has been approved by the Local Government Board, with the main focus being the celebration of the International Habaneras Contest, as well as its complementary infrastructures and the surrounding urbanisation. The base budget for the tender for the drafting of the project of the plan amounts to 726,000 euro, comprising two annual payments.

The spokesperson for Ciudadanos (Cs) in Torrevieja, Pilar Gómez Magán, has proposed the creation of a municipally owned cemetery forest as a resting place for pets and its progressive expansion. "The planting of commemorative trees has environmental benefits, it is also a form of awareness to promote respect for animals and can even have benefits for tourism and the local economy," she said.

Torrevieja council has awarded a minor contract to buy computer equipment to all the members of the government board so that they can follow the telematic meetings. The contract is for 36 tablets at a cost of 17,785 euro and was approved more than three months ago, at the beginning of February, but the details of the agreement have only been made public in recent days.

The Orihuela Mountaineering Group (GOM), in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, has organised a cleaning day of the mountains that will be held on Sunday 16 May and to which all nature lovers over 12 years old can take part. The initiative will begin at eight in the morning and will end at twelve noon and will have, depending on the group, three meeting points: Pinar de Bonanza recreational area, Nuestra Señora del Pilar hermitage and the Montepinar Urbanisation to take a tour linear to the Cruz de la Muela. The aim is to carry out a cleaning day in the vicinity of the trails using gloves and rubbish bags, which the organisation will provide free of charge.

Members of the Alicante Provincial Firefighters Consortium carried out a total of six rescues this Sunday, none of which were particularly serious. However, as reported by the body, it is a record number of interventions in a single day, which coincides with the first day after the end of the State of Alarm.

The level of vaccination that will be reached in September will allow the celebration of regional and patron saint festivals. This was announced by the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig.

The president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, has described it as "very negative" that the United Kingdom has left Spain out of the list of safe destinations to travel, at the same time that he has announced a meeting with the British ambassador to try to change this position.

 

 

### Dealz Torrevieja opens tomorrow

The much anticipated Dealz Torrevieja store opens tomorrow, Tuesday.

Located in the Habaneras shopping centre, the store offers thousands of items, including some British favourites, at bargain prices.

### Torrevieja and local news for Friday evening

This week´s Friday market in Torrevieja was considered a success after the councillor for markets, Antonio Vidal, explained that with the gradual relaxation of Covid rules the Antonio Soria Park was back to 100% capacity. Vidal reported that there were previously 220 stalls (50% of the market capacity), but from this week there is now more than 480 stalls available. Some 6,000 people are permitted to attend, 75% capacity.

In the Local Government Board (JGL) held this morning, the contracting the acquisition, renting and maintenance of various vehicles for different municipal areas has been approved. Federico Alarcón, secretary of the JGL, has reported that there have been four lots that have been approved for the acquisition of these 41 vehicles, which includes cars, vans with roof rack, van adapted for transporting animals, large transport vans for goods, large van with roof rack and rear ladder, box trucks, box truck with boom, 9-seater vans for transporting people and 13 motorcycles. The cost of the acquisition of these vehicles through the renting procedure amounts to 694,340'85 euro (VAT included).

Wednesday 12 May is International Fibromyalgia Day. For this reason, a banner with the slogan "Our visibility depends on all of you" has been hung on one of the balconies of the Torrevieja council building by the NGO councillor, Concha Sala, the president of ASIMEPP (Integral Health Association, Mejoras Psychophysics and Psychosocials in Torrevieja), Maite Miralles, and representatives of the association and collaborating entities. International Fibromyalgia Day is commemorated every 12 May to give visibility to a disease that more and more people suffer, and which is classified as a "silent disease". The ASIMEPP association has prepared, to commemorate this day, a whole week of activities and conferences, as well as the reading of a manifesto on 12 May.



The councillor for justice in Torrevieja, Gabriela Bravo, has highlighted that, since it opened its doors in 2018, the Office of Assistance to Victims of Crime in Torrevieja has served more than 3,000 people, of which 68 percent were victims of gender violence. In this sense, the councillor has stressed that in the first quarter of 2021 the office has attended, on average, three people a day (268 cases) of which "two were victims of gender violence."

Yesterday morning, several neighbours of a building located on calle Ramón y Cajal in Torrevieja reported several pieces of material fall, detached from the cornice of the building. The residents informed the Local Police, who advised the fire service who attended to make the building safe with a hydraulic platform.

Some 120 students of the first year of the Degree in Architecture at the University of Alicante (UA) and their tutors (15 architects) participated in the workshop "Tupi or not tupi, that is the architecture" in Torrevieja on Friday. The workshop is included within the cycle of activities "Cooking Torrevieja" launched by the UA Headquarters and the Department of Education of the Torrevieja Council together with the UA Mediterranean Gastronomy Centre.

On Saturday 8 May, the fourth concert of the 2020-21 season of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra will take place at the Torrevieja Auditorium. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. where The 8 stations will be performed, a joint interpretation of "The Four Seasons" by Antonio Vivaldi and the Porteñas Stations by the Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla . As solo violin there will be the participation of the Austrian violinist of Russian descent Elena Denisova.

The Torrevieja Auditorium will host the recital 'De Bach a Falla', with the mezzo-soprano Carolina Alcaide and Sylvia Torán on piano. The concert will take place on 15 May at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at auditoriotorrevieja.com for 18 euro.

Orihuela joins the increasingly growing list of municipalities that decide to allocate a space on its coast for the enjoyment of pets. The wild and natural cala Cabo Peñas (known as Cala Mosca II), in Alameda del Mar, is now officially the first dog beach in the municipality after signing on Wednesday the file that authorises the access and stay of dogs, together with their owners, without time limits and throughout the year.

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, visited the Vega Renhace office in Orihuela this Friday, accompanied by its director Antonio Alonso, and by the Commissioner for the Vega Baja, Jorge Olcina, among other dignitaries.

Two people, a 58-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, were injured yesterday in a traffic accident in which a truck and several vehicles were involved on the A-7 motorway in Orihuela, as reported by the Information and Coordination Centre Emergency Department (CICU).

Two weeks after its official ceremony, and following a delay, the first submarine of the 80 series, the S-81 Isaac Peral Peral, was launched into the water on Friday. In the exceptional manoeuvre that lasted more than six hours and in which more than fifty technicians, engineers and workers from the shipyard in Cartagena participated, the ship's crew, made up of 32 sailors were involved.

 

### Torrevieja and local area news for Thursday evening

A spectacular fire occurred in a home on Avenida de Torreblanca in Torrevieja on Thursday afternoon, resulting in considerable damage to the house. The alarm was raised at 2:45 p.m. but thanks to the quick intervention of the fire fighters, it didn´t spread to the surrounding houses.



In recent weeks, a breeding colony of Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) has formed in the salt flats of Torrevieja, it is a species of seabird present throughout most of the year in the south of Alicante, although it does not normally reproduce. The Association of Friends of the Southern Wetlands of Alicante (AHSA) values ​​the colony positively, which according to AHSA could exceed 300 breeding pairs, since the only localities where it breeds in the Valencian Community: Albufera de Valencia and the Marjal del Moro, have suffered a significant setback in the last two years, losing half of the more than 1,000 breeding pairs that nested until 2019.

On May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre will host a Special Mother's Day Concert by the Youth Band of the Torrevejense Musical Union, under the direction of Adrián Vallejos. Admission will be free by invitation, which can be picked up at the UMT Headquarters in the Palacio de la Música - First floor.

From today, the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre will host the exhibition “Todos somos Uno” by the Municipal School of Painting of Torrevieja. The exhibition is made up of works by 37 students from the school under the supervision of their teacher and artist Mar García Torregrosa. Inside the exhibition are some 1,300 pieces, all different, including recycling cardboard that has been donated by a water factory in the manufacture of boxes for distribution. This exhibition stands out for working with recyclable elements, giving the idea of ​​taking care of our environment, our spaces, of seeing what we step on, of looking beyond what we have in front of our eyes, and of observing every corner.

A motorcyclist has been injured after suffering an accident in the Cabo Roig area of Orihuela, as reported by the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU). The incident occurred yesterday at around 7:30 p.m. A paramedic ambulance assisted the motorcyclist before he was transferred to the Torrevieja Hospital due to multiple injuries.

The Local Police of Crevillente now has a drone unit with the acquisition of two state-of-the-art devices. They will serve to support tasks such as the search and rescue of people in the natural environment, control large concentrations and implement new possibilities in terms of security in the face of any persecution or intervention in a neighbourhood, they say.

Guardia Civil officers attached to Alicante-Elche Airport have intercepted a package from Mexico in which there were 41 grams of the drug known as 'molecule of God' , which is a psychoactive compound Hallucinogen that can be found naturally in the skin of a specific type of toad and whose consumption is very dangerous since it causes alterations in the heart rhythm that can lead to the death of the person who consumes it. The substance was hidden inside some decorative objects to burn aromatic substances. It was in several small transparent plastic wrappers, pretending that it was crystallized incense. In an investigation carried out with the collaboration of the Tax Agency of the Customs area, it was determined that the recipient of the package was a resident of the Alicante town of Monóvar, who has been arrested.

A delegation from the International Handball Federation (IHF) visited the facilities of the Palacio de los Deportes in Torrevieja that will host the Women's Handball World Cup in December. The councillor for sports, Diana Box and the director general of works and services, Víctor Costa, received the members of the group led by Assem Elsaadany, IHF technical manager.

The ninth edition of the International Open-Spanish Spring Youth, Junior and Absolute Championship of Rescue and Lifeguard that will take place this weekend in the municipal swimming pool in Torrevieja has broken the attendance record with 41 Spanish clubs and 238 participants. By Autonomous Communities, Valencia is the one that contributes the most participants, with 62 athletes.

Dehesa de Campoamor will host the VIII Triathlon 'Playas de Orihuela' this Sunday. The maximum number of participants will be limited to 200 triathletes for the federated test and 100 for the Autonomous University Championship. The route consists of a first 750-metre swimming segment, continuing with a second 20-kilometre bicycle race segment and ends with a 5-kilometre run.

 

### Torrevieja and local news for Wednesday evening

The councillor for Social Welfare, Housing, Accessibility, Equality, Dependency and Women of the Torrevieja City Council, Tomás Ballester, has met with the director of the ONCE in the Vega Baja region, Vicente J. Vázquez, to discuss the different routes of understanding in favour of the blind or those with other disabilities. The representative of ONCE has commented on various issues related to people with disabilities, such as accessibility in streets, highlighting the importance of acoustic traffic lights for blind people and the adaptation of the pavement to the needs of people with disabilities. Accessibility to information, education and leisure has also been addressed; so that people with disabilities can enjoy attending concerts, exhibitions, as well as inclusive education.



Torrevieja council will authorise the occupation of complete sections of street and the closure to traffic for terraces of hospitality establishments for the high season. Last summer the municipality authorised several street blockages in the town centre. Those included Calle Zoa in the Plaza de Oriente, by an establishment that already occupies part of the public space of the square itself with chairs and tables -which prevents direct access to the underground car park and has caused neighbourhood complaints. – along with a section of calle Bazán in the Plaza de la Constitución, among others.

The spokesperson for Ciudadanos (Cs) in Torrevieja council, Pilar Gómez Magán, has proposed a new method of controlling pigeon populations, which is "ethical and in accordance with protectionist laws based on feeding them with corn grains impregnated with hormonal substances that inhibit the fertilization". According to the councillor, "this method has a favourable effect on the progressive and non-aggressive reduction of these birds." She explained that after the second year of application of the treatment, effects can already be observed, although it must be prolonged until the desired population is reached, "at which time the campaigns are reduced to only an annual control to keep the population stable," she said.

Torrevieja will once again celebrate "Europe Day", an annual celebration on 9 May, with the European Petanque Tournament, where a selection of European players will represent their respective countries, on May 8, from 10:00 am, on the petanque courts of the San Luis Urbanisation. The prizes will be delivered on May 15 at the "Gala of Europe 2021", where numerous artists from Europe will perform song and dance. The event will be on 15 May, at 7:00 p.m., at the Municipal Theatre.

Sunday 8 May is Global Bird Day. For the celebration, the Faunatura association has organised a series of activities in different environments of the province related to the visualisation of different birds. One of the events will be held at Cabo Cervera in Torrevieja, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. To attend you need to register through the email: Asociacionfaunatura@gmail.com.

Unión Comarcal Muntanya-Vinalopo-Vega Baja- has offered an assessment of the data on unemployment registered in the Vega Baja in the month of April, which has shown a decrease in unemployment by 189 people, which places the total number of unemployed in 33,279. The decline has partly been attributed to the Easter period.

Orihuela council, through the Department of the Environment, has joined the initiative "#UnArbolPorEuropa" which aims to ensure that each municipality plant at least one tree per year. The campaign is supported by the Office of the European Parliament, which supports this type of initiative that aims to achieve major sustainable development objectives.

Zenia Boulevard shopping centre is now the host of a machine that gives rewards for recycling. The Ecoembes Refund and Reward System (SDR), which reward the commitment to recycling cans and plastic beverage bottles, is the first in the entire Valencian Community, taking a step in its commitment to the circular economy and positive impact on the environment through recycling.

A 53-year-old motorcyclist has lost his life in a collision that occurred in Crevillente. Six other people, including an eight-month-old baby, have been injured in three traffic accidents that occurred on the A-70 as it passed through the municipality of Alicante and Elche, as reported by the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU).

### Torrevieja and local news on Tuesday evening

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the president of the Association of Southeast Naturalists (ANSE), Pedro García, have signed an agreement by which Torrevieja becomes part of the Network of municipalities for the adaptation of pollinators for change climate. The signing of the agreement was attended by the Councillor for the Environment, Antonio Vidal, and the municipal biologist, Juan Antonio Pujol. By joining this project, the Torrevieja Council complies with one of the sustainable development objectives and addresses the protection of wild bees.

Repairs have been carried out after a sinkhole appeared on Avenida de los Marineros, on Playa del Cura in Torrevieja after the 2020 storm. This storm caused a huge sinkhole in a section of the retaining wall. The detached sections of the seafront were demolished to stabilise it, filling it from the beach with stones and its subsequent shotcrete, until the wall was closed, in order to fill the gap with concrete from above. This work was the subject of a minor contract by the Local Government Board on April 1 at a cost of 10,000 euro.

Mar Ezcurra, Councillor for Culture and Youth in Orihuela council, has presented the children's programming that will take place every Saturday, until July, at the La Lonja de Orihuela Cultural Centre and at the Alameda Civic Centre del Mar, on the Orihuela Costa. All activities are free and with reduced capacity, strictly complying with sanitary averages. The program begins this Saturday and will run until June 26 and includes theatres, puppets and storytelling.



Orihuela will participate in the Shanghai Flower Expo 2021. From May 21 to July 2, the International Flower Expo will be held on Chongming Island, Shanghai, and Orihuela has been chosen to attend the event. Victor Valverde, Orihuela Councillor for Agriculture, has been a promoter of this project, so that the “Oriolan blooms can also shine in the Asian country”.

The mayor of Elche, Carlos González, has shown his satisfaction with the start-up of the new Advanced Life Support ambulance that has been incorporated in El Altet since January. "An absolutely essential service, promoted by the Government Team, which improves health care in this district where more than 5,000 residents live", highlighted the councillor, who attended the social centre of El Altet where said ambulance is located.

Guardamar del Segura has been preselected in two of the seven categories that recognize the SICTED (Integral System of Tourist Quality in Destinations) awards, promoted by the Secretary of State for Tourism and that value the improvement of the quality of the destinations. Specifically, the 'Best SICTED Destination 2020' and the 'Best SICTED Destination Improvement Project 2020'.

Two men have been arrested for attacking two officers from the Local Police in Elche. One of the detainees was causing problems in a hotel business when it closed, and the other is a minor who, under the influence of alcohol, punched one of the officers.

The Alicante Book Fair will take place in the Seneca square from May 21 to 30. The booths will be located outdoors and the program is complemented with workshops inside the old station and online activities.

The end of the state of alarm, this weekend, will not mean the end of all restrictions in the Valencian Community. This was the warning on Monday from the president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, who has opted to maintain the curfew, although he is willing, if the data and the advice of the experts advise, to delay the time at which the population must be at home. "All these issues will be subjected to analysis based on epidemiological reports," said Puig at a ceremony in Valencia. Meanwhile, representatives from the hospitality sector are asking for an extension of their closing time until midnight to allow for diners to eat in two sittings.

The month of May begins with a record arrival of coronavirus vaccines that has invited the optimism of the President of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, who this Monday took another step in the immunisation forecasts in the Valencian Community. In June, everyone over 50 will be vaccinated, said Puig after a meeting in Valencia on the criteria for the aid of the Resistir Plus plan.

### Torrevieja and local news for Monday evening

The secretary of the Torrevieja Local Government Board, Federico Alarcón, reported this morning that last Friday the start of the contract file was approved for the "drafting of the project and construction management, management of work execution and coordination of health and safety of the completion works of the “Pabellón Blanco” of the Torrevieja Sports City. The tender budget for this contract amounts to 42,350 euro. Federico Alarcón has indicated that the works of this multipurpose sports hall have been paralysed since 2015. The work, which could begin from July to end in November, includes closing the ceiling of the two rooms on the upper floor, the installation of safety railings on the stairs and the ascent areas to the upper floor. Likewise, the floor will be replaced with a cushioning material throughout the installation except in the entrance hall, in the changing room area and in the toilets, which will be done with another material to be determined.



The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services of the Torrevieja City Council, Sandra Sánchez, states that through the inspection work of the Public Highway carried out by the personnel of the Department of Works and Services, the repair project of numerous streets and avenues of the municipality of Torrevieja, in the 2021/22 annuity, in which different streets requested by citizens and that require repair have also been included. As a novelty in this new Resurfacing Plan, it should be noted that numerous specific repairs to the road have been included, some of them due to the simple deterioration of the asphalt layer and other sections are those affected by tree roots. In both cases, these are actions on small surfaces without the need to resurface streets in their entirety. Sandra Sánchez has announced that once this project was approved last Friday by the Local Government Board (JGL), the contract for the bidding of these resurfacing and repair works of streets and avenues throughout the municipality of Torrevieja will begin shortly. The base bidding budget amounts to 2,400,686 euro (including taxes) and the total resurfacing area is 276,800 square metres.



Fire fighters from around the area battled a wildfire on Saturday, close to the pink lake in Torrevieja, which resulted in homes having to be evacuated. The Guardia Civil is now investigating if the fire was started deliberately. Some 20 hectares of land was destroyed in the blaze.



The Guardia Civil located the body of a man who disappeared on Saturday in the bay of Torrevieja while practicing paddle surfing. The man was located at 11:55 a.m. on Sunday morning following a search in the area.

An octogenarian from the Orihuela town of Desamparados, who killed her husband in 2019 by hitting him with a ceramic plate on the head, faces 15 years in prison for a crime of murder. The woman, who was 83 at the time, is accused of killing her 84-year-old husband by hitting him on the head with a ceramic plate. The man was left lying on the ground with a bone fracture, several bruises, and a wound from which he was bleeding profusely.

The company awarded the maintenance, conservation and repair of roads and public spaces in Orihuela Costa has sent a letter, addressed to the contracting body of the council, in which it communicates its intention to suspend compliance with the contract if the debt of 255,378 euro isn´t paid. There are already four invoices outstanding, those for December, January, February and March, to which the fifth invoice, the one for April, will be added this week, so the municipal debt will exceed the 319,000 euro, plus the corresponding compensation for collection costs.

Mar Ezcurra, Orihuela´s councillor for culture, has presented "Música en primavera", a wide and varied program of concerts in which bands and musical associations from the municipality of Orihuela will participate. The festival includes 14 concerts that will be held on weekends, at 8 p.m., in the Teatro Circo Atanasio Die and in the Auditorium of La Lonja, in the Auditorium of San Bartolomé and on the Esplanade of Playa Flamenca in Orihuela Costa. All performances will be free to enter until full capacity is reached and will comply with all pertinent sanitary measures.

The Department of Agriculture of Orihuela Council has published 300 posters that will be distributed by the schools, institutes and supermarkets of the municipality to promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables, coinciding with the celebration in 2021 of the 'International Year of Fruit and Vegetables'.

This week´s there will be disruption to the power supply for maintenance work with the following scheduled: Tuesday - Elche, Gran Alacant, Orihuela and Santa Pola, Wednesday – Elche and Orihuela Costa, Thursday - Santa Pola and Torrevieja, and Friday - Alicante, Almoradí and Daya Nueva, as well as other areas throughout the week. The power cuts are scheduled to last for about 30 minutes.

### Torrevieja and local news for Friday evening

The councillor for NGOs and Volunteering of the Torrevieja Council, Concha Sala, together with the president of the ASIMEPP Torrevieja association, Maite Miralles, has presented the activities that will take place to commemorate the day of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, to be held on May 12. The activities will begin on Monday, May 10, and end on Saturday, May 15, with the most relevant day being Wednesday 12, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day, where the reading of the manifesto will take place.

Through their YouTube culture channel, the University of Alicante has released the short documentary “Artesanos de la Sal”. The documentary, available with English subtitles, describes the process of making the salinera crafts of Torrevieja, a tradition among the workers of the salinas, at risk of disappearance.

Orihuela will have three skate parks. This was announced by the councillors for Sports, Víctor Bernabéu, and Infrastructures, Ángel Noguera. La Aparecida, Orihuela Costa and the town of Orihuela will be the three sites that will host the tracks, of which "the first will be a reality in two months."

The Ministry of Health plans to begin vaccinating people between the ages of 69 and 66 (born between 1952 and 1955, included) from Monday. As with all groups that have already started the process, these people will receive an invitation by SMS or a phone call with information on when and where they should be vaccinated.

The Guardia Civil has detained four people in Alicante and Callosa d'en Sarrià, who were allegedly dedicated to sending large quantities of drugs, by parcel, worldwide. Officers intercepted a package at Alicante-Elche airport. The alleged perpetrators, of British and Argentine nationality, operated from homes in Callosa d'en Sarrià and Altea. Three of the four have been remanded in custody.



At a meeting held at the Town Hall, the problem of Gran Alacant´s postal service was discussed point by point to improve the service in the area. An agreement has been reached to submit to the Valencia Post Office a proposal agreed with the Santa Pola office regarding the adaptation and improvement of the facilities and the possibility of increasing the opening hours. It was also agreed by all parties work together to achieve a more efficient distribution, which is sometimes hampered by the numbering, signage and location of the urbanisations.

The Clot de Galvany natural park near Gran Alacant has introduced a species of white-water lily for its conservation. The white-water lily is a species that requires a lot of water for its conservation, and therefore is in danger of extinction.

A reminder that Saturday is a red day in Spain, Labour Day, with most shops and businesses closing for the day. Many of them will open their doors on Sunday however, a day when Mother´s Day is celebrated.

The nature and animal park Terra Natura Benidorm is going to pay tribute to the mother figure in the animal world and the role that females play in the care of the offspring on the occasion of the celebration of Mother's Day. This complex, dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and its dissemination, has prepared a special program of enrichment activities to commemorate the day.

The fishing sector of Santa Pola sees jobs in danger with the European restrictions of the Multi-year Mediterranean Plan that affects trawlers. The management plan for the conservation of demersal fishery resources (area in the sea where aquatic animals live, are deep waters or near the bottom of littoral areas) in the Mediterranean, continues its course and with it the ruin of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean, the fishermen declare.

MasterChef has entrusted the Mediterranean Sea salt brand Polasal, located in Santa Pola, to launch an exclusive range of salts. The new edition of the most famous culinary talent in the world has already started its broadcast on La 1 and its success is proof that cooking is in fashion. That is why Polasal from Alicante has launched a unique sea salt in the world, the MasterChef Polasal sea salt foam.

### Torrevieja and local news for Thursday

A thief entered the Farmacia de la Licendiada Mónica Córcoles Muñoz on calle San Policarpo in Torrevieja on Wednesday evening, robbing the shop of takings from the till. The Guardia Civil is currently checking CCTV footage to try to identify the culprit.

Belter Souls will be performing their 'Joyful!' show this Saturday 1 May, at 7:30 p.m., at the Torrevieja International Auditorium. A concert that will be the last performance of a national tour that has brought the young company many joys and with which it has achieved great success. Tickets are on sale for 20 euro.

Joyful - Belter Souls

After 17 years being taught in portacabins, the work to build Torrevieja´s Amanecer Public School has been put to tender. The specifications include an execution budget of 6.8 million euro and an execution period of 14 months.

The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, reports that the public lighting of the Plaza de Oriente has been reinforced by replacing two existing light points with two towers, 8 meters high, of galvanized steel with four projectors each tower, adding a total of 8 adjustable projector lights to illuminate the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús church.

The International Residents department of Orihuela town hall has organised a POST BREXIT WEBINAR for all the British nationals who live in Orihuela. The Zoom talk will take place on Monday 3rd May at 11:30 am, where you will be given useful information about living in Spain post Brexit and you will be able to clarify all the myths and rumours. The following day, Tuesday 4th May at 11:30 am, there will be a WEBINAR ABOUT TAXES for non-national residents in the municipality. It will be held in both English and Spanish and will include information about local taxes, which are paid through SUMA, such as contribution, road tax, income tax for residents, taxes to be paid as a non-resident and apartments for tourist rental. At the end of both talks there will be an opportunity to ask questions. If you are interested, you will have to send an email to residents@orihuela.es with your full name, phone number and email. They will send you the information on how to join the Zoom webinars.

Orihuela´s Department of Tourism has scheduled new tourist routes for the month of May, including the Miguel Hernández route: Life and Work, where the most emblematic places linked to the poet will be visited. During the tour, verses will be recited by members of the Orihuela Social Forum. There´s also the Andalusian Legacy Route, where the link between the  Palm Grove and North Africa will be explained. All tourist routes are completely free, complying with all health measures, directed by Official Guides of the Valencian Community. As of May, visitors who want to participate in tourist routes can reserve their place through orihuelaturistica.es from the "Reservations" section.

The Guardia Civil in Almería has arrested an Almoradí businessman accused of defrauding at least 50,000 euro by buying nuts and cashews from two companies in Huesca and Tarragona. The orders were made on behalf of a supermarket in the Almeria town of Pulpí that was oblivious to the deception concocted by the suspect. The person in charge of the Almeria supermarket denounced the scam because they had never made such orders.

The Guardia Civil has detained a 20-year-old male in San Pedro del Pinatar, a resident of Pilar de la Horadada, as the alleged perpetrator of four crimes of robbery with force. The man, who has a long criminal record, has been placed in preventive detention after being brought to justice.

Local Police in Elche have arrested five graffiti artists for causing damage to half a kilometre of Renfe train wagons. The police state the damages are of an economic amount that exceeded 215,000 euro.

Officers from the National Police have detained three people in the Madrid town of Alcobendas who are members of a criminal group dedicated to carrying out robberies in game rooms in Madrid and Benidorm, as reported this Thursday by the Higher Headquarters of the Madrid Police.

The Guardia Civil arrested a man accused of kidnapping and illegally detaining a prostitute in Valencia. The victim managed to flee when she jumped out of the car while driving on the V-30 and A-7, taking advantage of the fact that the alleged perpetrator reduced the speed of the vehicle.

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced that the Valencian Community will receive 401,400 doses of vaccines against COVID-19 next week, the highest weekly shipment since the immunisation process began four months ago.

The Navantia shipyard in Cartagena has decided to postpone the launching of the S-81 Isaac Peral submarine, scheduled for tomorrow, until next week due to the forecast of wind and the probability of rain for this Friday in the municipality.

Repair and improvement work has begun at the squash court in the Municipal Sports Centre in Torrevieja. The work consists of plastering and painting all the surfaces, varnishing the floor and conditioning the spotlights for perfect lighting.

The 50 best Windsurf & IQFoil sailors in the Valencian Community have an appointment this weekend at the Santa Pola Yacht Club. After the success obtained during the Spanish Youth Championship of these classes, which was held at Easter, the Santa Polero club has become a benchmark venue for high-competition windsurfing. That is why on May 1 and 2, it will once again become the epicentre of dinghy sailing, celebrating the Autonomous Windsurf & IQFoil Championship of the Valencian Community.

### THE LOCAL POLICE MODERNISES ITS OPERATING ROOM

The renovation is made up of a total of 12 monitors and three state-of-the-art equipment focused on emergency tasks, which are complemented by the 112 system.



The councillor for Security and Emergencies of the Torrevieja City Council, Federico Alarcón, reports that the Local Police of Torrevieja is modernising to adapt to new methodologies in the field of Citizen Security. In this way, the IT systems have recently been renewed in their OPERATING ROOM 092/112, with the adaptation of the operator positions and with a new position, called Room Manager.

After the adaptation of the TETRA radio systems (special mobile network for emergency services), the configuration of the room was completely renewed, creating independent positions for each operator and all this coordinated with the officer / coordinator of the room, where the ROMA system will take be introduced, which will be merged with the VYRIATO system, making the Operating Room the nucleus of security surveillance in public places in and around Torrevieja.



The renovation is made up of a total of 12 monitors and three state-of-the-art equipment focused on emergency tasks, which are complemented by the 112 system. Work is also being done on the incorporation of a video wall in the next few months, where all Information can be displayed on a multiscreen of about three-square metres.



It should be noted that the adaptation of the operating room has been carried out by the municipal services, using their own resources, more specifically with the departments of Police, Innovation and Services, all coordinated by one of our agents, both in its configuration and effectiveness, and in its economic costs, saving more than 5,000 euro to the public purse.

 

### Local news for Wednesday evening

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, participated in the Alicante Plaza forum on the Real Estate Market together with leading experts and companies from the Alicante province. Among the topics addressed were the market situation after a year of the pandemic and the future that arises, such as the need to digitize the sector, bet on new, more sustainable materials, and what will be the trends in the coming years.

The "Joaquín Chapaprieta" Municipal Institute of Culture will celebrate International Day of Dance tomorrow, Thursday 29 April, with two shows programmed that have been awarded at various festivals and contemporary dance awards: "Mulïer", on April 30 at 8:00 p.m., and "Vigor Mortis" on May 1, also at 8:00 p.m., at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.

The Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja will be the place chosen by the voices of Orfeón for its next performance, a Spring concert. The performance will be on May 30 at 8:00 p.m. The price of tickets is 10 euro.

The Orihuela Health Department has launched its new website orihuela.san.gva.es as an "agile and accessible communication tool aimed at users and patients as well as professionals." This means, according to the Generalitat Valenciana, the creation of a new information source for the department that provides health coverage to more than 168,000 inhabitants in the Vega Baja region.

After 22 years, the IES Tháder de Orihuela school will have a remodelled centre, without portacabins, for the next school year 2021/2022. The Local Government Board of the Orihuela City Council yesterday announced the award of the expansion works for 2,694,961 euro.

After rejecting an appeal, the Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) has confirmed the penalties of 14 and 18 years in prison for the couple who stoned a neighbour of Orihuela to death in mid-July 2017. The incident took place near the mouth of the Andarax river in Almería, in the El Bobar area.

As well as opening a new dog park, Bigastro Council begins an intense campaign regarding the possession of pets to combat faeces on public roads. A strict ordinance has come into force with significant penalties that can reach up to 3,000 euro to those who fail to clean up after their pets.

Crevillente town hall has launched the campaign "Què bonico és Crevillent, quan està net" to sensitise and educate citizens about the importance of their collaboration in maintaining the cleanliness and care of the streets, squares, garden areas and other public spaces in the municipality with the star of the campaign being a resident in the town.

A 41-year-old man was injured this morning when he fell from a scaffold in Elche. Emergency services were called at about 8:50 am to the construction site on calle Barrio de Sarabia. A paramedic ambulance attended and treated the man for multiple trauma before transferring him to the Vinalopó de Elche hospital.

Passengers on flights from the Republic of India to any airport located in Spain, must be quarantined for the ten days following their arrival, or during their entire stay in Spain if it is less than that period. This period may end earlier, if on the seventh day the person undergoes a diagnostic test for acute infection with a negative result. The Ministerial Order will take effect from 00:00 hours on May 1, 2021 for an initial period of fourteen calendar days, and may be extended if the circumstances that motivate it are maintained.

In the regional kickboxing championships held in Gandía, the Torrevieja kickboxing Club participated with 7 athletes and obtained 4 bronze, 2 silver and 1 gold medal.

Alicante Provincial Council will subsidise the Women's World Handball Championship to the tune of 720,000 euro, which will have one of its main venues in Torrevieja.

### Torrevieja news and local stories for Tuesday evening

The National Geographic Institute (IGN) registered an earthquake off the coast of Torrevieja last night. The seismic movement had a magnitude of 2.5 and a depth of 2 kilometres and occurred, according to the IGN notice, at 1:20 am.



The Department of Health and Pest Control of the Torrevieja City Council continues with the disinfection work around the municipality, this time in the areas of CEIP Culturas, in the Torreta III and Torreta urbanisations and in calles Jorge Manrique and Las Urracas. It should be noted that larval development work has been carried out in Los Balcones, on the margins of the CV-95 at the N-332. The department thanks all citizens for the information provided on different enclaves in which there is a massive amount of these insects and invite everyone to continue doing so.

A car driver was arrested on Monday night after crashing on a roundabout on the Orihuela Costa. The driver refused to undergo a drugs test and was subsequently arrested.

The Valencian cooperative supermarket chain Consum has begun to replace the handles of its shopping trolleys with special versions treated to combat covid-19. The company will change about 47,000 units in the coming months, with more than 91 percent units changed by July. The firm will also be replacing its shopping baskets with others that have been treated with a coating on the handle itself that kills COVID-19 to reduce its spread. In total, more than 14,300 baskets will be replaced.

The Guardia Civil, in two different operations carried out during February and March, has arrested two men, one of them in Santa Pola, and another in Benejúzar, as alleged perpetrators of several robberies with force committed, mainly in hotel and restaurant establishments in Gran Alacant, Santa Pola and Almoradí.

Redován Local Police arrested the alleged perpetrator of several robberies with force from vehicles in the municipality on Sunday afternoon. Some of these criminal acts had occurred in the vicinity of the Via Ferrata de Redován, which "had generated alert among people who go to practice sports in this unique space in Vega Baja," as reported by the town council.

The hospitality industry has joined in the pressure being put on the regional government to extend the curfew until 10:30 p.m. SOS Hostelería collective ask for a 30-minute margin so that customers can return to their homes without fear of being denounced for exceeding the curfew after the extension of the hours of bars and restaurants since Monday.

King Felipe VI will be in Cartagena on 5 May to inaugurate the Museo del Barrio del Foro Romano. It is the second official visit of the King in less than two weeks, after the Royal Family visited last Thursday for the launch of the submarine S-81 Isaac Peral.

Crevillente town hall has launched a grant scheme to improve accessibility inside homes. The Department of Social Rights and Human Development will offer subsidies of up to 7,000 euro to help with the installation of ramps and mechanical elements or the change from the bathroom from a bathtub to shower tray.

The Guardia Civil has arrested a man who is accused of a crime against public health for the cultivation of marijuana. The officers found 1,846 marijuana plants in their last flowering phase inside a warehouse in an industrial estate in Crevillente.

A cyclist has died after swallowing a bee. The 59-year-old man, who was traveling in a group, entered cardiorespiratory arrest as a result of the incident. Medics tried to revive him but could not save his life. The man was a resident of the Valencia town of Algemesí and ran a business in Alzira.

There will be disruption to the electricity supply in various areas this week with power being cut in Los Arenales del Sol and Santa Pola on Wednesday, Gran Alacant, Guardamar del Segura and Santa Pola on Thursday, as well as other local areas throughout the week.

 

### Local news from around the area for Monday evening

Four people, three men of 20, 33 and 45 years old along with a 40-year-old woman, have been injured on Monday in a traffic accident in which three cars and a van have been involved in Cox (Alicante), according to information from the Centre for Information and Emergency Coordination (CICU).

Work on new bike lanes in Almoradí began on Monday. It is an initiative that will unite pedestrians and bicycle users in the urban area with the districts of El Raiguero and Lomas de la Juliana, passing through the 'Las Maromas' Industrial Park, the town of Algorfa and the Tennis Club, and connecting with the ground zero of the river, part of the itinerary of the new Water Route also promoted by the Almoradí City Council.

The PP of the Province of Alicante has asked the regional government to delay the curfew until 10:30 pm to prevent citizens from having to leave the nightlife and hospitality venues earlier and so that the closure of 10 pm be more realistic. "This proposal would allow consumption in bars and restaurants until the last minute and then be able to leave with peace of mind, especially if you live in a nearby municipality"; they point out.

The president of the Alicante Provincial Council, Carlos Mazón, announced this morning the 'Aid Plan for the tourism sector of the Costa Blanca', an investment program that starts with 10 million euros and which becomes the largest contribution of the history of the Costa Blanca Board of Trustees to entities, associations, and municipalities of the province.

Petrer Local Police warn of an outbreak of robberies on public roads using the false hug method. In recent days, two robberies have been reported but, apparently by different people. The modus operandi consists of approaching older men with some excuse and seeking physical contact, reaching out to caress them, flattering them, to steal watches, jewellery and chains.

There´s a prewarning that many shops and businesses will be closed on Saturday to celebrate Labour Day, although many of them will open on Sunday instead, a day when mother´s day is celebrated in Spain.

The Real Club Náutico Torrevieja has obtained two silvers and a bronze medal in the international rowing open of Catalonia, which this weekend reached its fifteenth edition.

The municipality of Torrevieja continues to be a benchmark in hosting sporting events, not only at the autonomous level but also at the national level. This time the Municipal Swimming Pool located in the Palacio de los Deportes de Torrevieja will host the IX International and VIII Spanish Spring Youth Championship, Junior and Absolute Rescue and Lifeguard. The competition will take place on May 8 and 9.

### Torrevieja and local news for your Sunday evening

Local Police and Guardia Civil officers were called to break up a mass brawl that have broken out between a group of young people who, according to eyewitnesses, were of Algerian and Colombian origin. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the Paseo Juan Aparicio promenade.

Some 27 municipalities of the Vega Baja have been included in an aid plan to deal with the proliferation of insects. The Alicante Provincial Council will allocate 380,000 euro this year to collaborate with the municipalities of the province in carrying out treatments for the control of diptera-flies and mosquitoes. A total of 123 municipalities and smaller local entities will benefit from the grant.

Amended restrictions come into force across Valencia from Monday with 10p.m. being the closing time for practically everything in the Valencian Community. This is the next stage in what has been called "prudent de-escalation" by the President Ximo Puig. The curfew remains in place and it has been clarified that, despite calls for an extension, you must be at home by 10p.m. even though the time coincides with the opening of bars and shops.

The Ministry of Health plans to administer 249,743 doses of the four vaccines that are already authorised in the European market (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen) in the next seven days, a figure with which the department led by Ana Barceló would break a new record of inoculations in a week. The pace will therefore pick up again after slowing down slightly to 185,000 a week last week.

Fishermen in the area are reporting major problems with their catch due to a plague of Bluefin tuna in the area. The overpopulation of the tuna is resulting in other fish such as hake being significantly reduced as the tuna eats smaller fish. The tuna itself is subject to strict quota controls meaning the abundance of this type of fish is largely worthless to the trawlers.

The residents' association of Tabarca, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community, have complained that for the sixth year they have no regular public transport to Santa Pola that allows them to live normally and "like anywhere else" in the Valencian territory. The president of the Isla Plana de Tabarca association, Carmen Martí, states that the lack of public transport "makes it difficult to inhabit" the island because it prevents daily activities such as going to work, going to the doctor, shopping and even children going to school.

The Port of Cartagena is preparing to receive the so-called cabotage cruises, whose itineraries will be limited to national ports, due to the prohibition in Spain, which for now does not allow the arrival of passenger ships that carry cover international routes. Sources from the Port Authority stated that although "these cabotage cruises include both national and European tourists, they will only be able to embark in Spanish ports."

A Belgian fugitive accused of defrauding thousands of people, has been arrested in Alfaz del Pi. He was hiding in the province of Alicante after having fled from his country after an alleged deception in which he would have obtained more than 18 million euro.

A lucky resident of Crevillente is considerably better off this weekend after winning 61,700 euro in Saturday´s Bonoloto competition.

 

 

 

### Dealz set to open in Torrevieja Habaneras Centre

The Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja has announced that Dealz are set to open a branch in their centre soon.



As Habaneras themselves say, “Can you imagine a place where you can find millions of flavours and incredible products?”

Dealz will be offering a wide selection of products, including British favourites, all at discount prices when the Habaneras shop opens in May.

Dealz is one of the PepCo Group brands together with Poundland in the UK and PepCo in Central Europe. Dealz currently has more than 110 stores in the Republic of Ireland, Spain and Poland. The first store in Spain was opened in 2014 in Torremolinos, Malaga. Today they have more than 20 stores and in the coming years we will be many more.

Dealz's offering is designed to help families save money every day. Providing the great brands they love at the price they can afford, when and where they want.

### Some Torrevieja and local stories for your Friday evening

The seventh section of the Provincial Court based in Elche has shelved the case against the former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo for the multimillion-euro sale of properties in Almoradí. The investigation was opened by the Anticorruption prosecutor, Felipe Briones, in May 2005, 16 years ago.

The Guardia Civil has arrested six people (three men and three women) as alleged perpetrators of a multitude of crimes against property, belonging to a criminal group and falsifying documents committed throughout the entire national geography and other European countries. Part of the group was specialised in the theft of ATMs, which started from their location using trucks with a platform - Those arrested were located in several illegally occupied homes in Orihuela Costa.



San Fulgencio Local Police have prevented two robberies in the municipality in recent days. The first took place last Wednesday when, after being alerted by a neighbour the officers found three men trying to break into a safe in the La Marina urbanisation. The officers prevented the theft, but the three men ran away leaving behind a backpack which has been handed to the Guardia Civil for investigation. The second incident was on Friday a commercial establishment in the area of Sector VIII of San Fulgencio, with the arrest of two individuals for an alleged crime of robbery with violence and intimidation.

The municipal group Sueña Torrevieja has presented a motion to the plenary session of the City Council, motivated by the fact that due to the situation generated by the pandemic, it has caused an increase in sedentary lifestyle in society, proposing the creation of urban hiking routes that link with different enclaves of the town, making the use of bicycles compatible with hiking. The aim is to promote the routes and their information corresponding to each one of them (distance, time, altitude, etc.), with the proposal for Torrevieja to join the Spanish Network of Healthy Cities.

The Palmeral de Orihuela will have a new area for visitors on a plot located next to the Interpretation Centre. The initiative has been presented this morning by the Councillor for the Environment, Dámaso Aparicio, who has announced that next Monday they will proceed to the signing of the reconsideration act and, from that moment, the execution period will be one month.

An agricultural worker died on Thursday when he was struck by lightning on a farm in Murcia. A colleague at Fuente Alamo alerted medics who attended the scene but could do nothing to save the 45-year-old man´s life.

A Loggerhead turtle was rescued from shallow waters of Tabarca Island after if got into difficulties. The animal has suffered an injury to one of its fins and was transferred to the municipal aquarium for monitoring.

Elche town hall is renewing the fleet of vehicles used by the Local Police through a half-a-million-euro tender to provide 12 hybrid vehicles.

Alicante town hall will be closing parts of Avenida Villajoyosa on Sundays throughout May and June to allow pedestrians and sports people space to move freely with social distancing without being affected by traffic.

World Taichi and Chi Kung Day will be celebrated in Torrevieja on Sunday with a class being held at the natural pool of Paseo Juan Aparicio opposite the Vela Centro Restaurant, at 10.30 am on Sunday, April 25.

 

### A few local stories from Torrevieja and around the area on Thursday

Fire fighters rescued a man from the wreckage of his car after he´d crashed on a roundabout on the CV-905 main road at Los Montisinos on Wednesday night. The incident happened at around 10 p.m.

Acciona workers have carried out maintenance work and repainting of the balustrades of the Los Locos beach promenade in Torrevieja. The painting has given a touch of colour to this dilapidated public space in Torrevieja, which has been waiting for years for a comprehensive remodelling scheme.

Many shops in Torrevieja are participating in a mother´s day promotion. Between now and May 2 you can take part in participating shops and win part a raffle for 1,000 euro in prizes. The shops are part of the association of small and medium merchants (APYMECO) in the town and will be displaying a poster in their window giving more details.



The Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja y Comarca (AEHTC) in its desire to encourage consumption in the establishments that belong to the association, is launching a new gastronomic event in May, a competition called Croqueteando por Torrevieja, taking place from May 20 to 23. In this contest, the participants must make a traditional, signature or innovative artisan croquette, the ingredients being freely chosen by the different participating establishments.

The indoor swimming pool of the Palacio de los Deportes, hosts the FEDDI Spanish Swimming Championship from yesterday until tomorrow, Friday 23 April. Before the start of the Competition Day, the Deputy Mayor of the City, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, together with the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, thanked the organisation for its efforts to choose the city of Torrevieja and its sports facilities, for the celebration of this championship, one of the most important sports competitions in Spain.

Elche council has resumed aquatic activities for adults, with all sanitary measures. Registrations are made through the website of the City Council (elche.es) and the registration period is now open.

Ecologists are warning of damage to the environment caused by car rental firms at Alicante-Elche airport. The AHSA claim that more than one million square metres of land in the area is occupied by car rental businesses in the vicinity of the airport, pending legalisation, where there are more than 80,000 vehicles parked. The vast majority of those "rent a car" that serve tourists arriving at the Elche-Alicante airport are invading the Agua Amarga salt marsh hydrological basin. The group is asking that the cars be moved to a more suitable location in order to protect the delicate environment.

The fourth vaccine against the coronavirus finally arrives in the Valencian Community. A total of 14,600 doses of Janssen vaccine will begin to be administered on Friday after the unlocking on Tuesday by health authorities. This vaccine, which will be aimed at people between 70 and 79 years old, gives hope to accelerate the vaccination campaign, since it is only necessary to administer one dose for the person to be fully immunised. The 14,600 doses will double the number of people between 70 and 79 years old who are protected according to data provided by the Ministry of Health.

The Valencia regional secretary of Tourism, Francesc Colomer, held a telematic meeting with the consul of the United Kingdom in Spain, Sarah Jane Morris, asking that the Costa Blanca receive special treatment, as is the case with the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, when setting the prevention requirements against covid and the opening of safe corridors between the area and the UK when international travel is expected to resume as of May 17.

### Bench restoration work commences

The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services of the Torrevieja City Council, Sandra Sánchez, has advised that given the current state of deterioration of the existing benches on the Juan Aparicio and Avenida de los Marineros (Playa del Cura) beach walkways, conservation works have been contracted for these urban furniture elements that required urgent action, due to the fact that no maintenance work has been carried out in recent years.



The work takes in a stretch some 600 metres long and consists of the benches located on the edge of both promenades and 20 isolated benches on the Paseo Juan Aparicio. The duration of these works is one month and at a cost of 22,385 euro.

The works are mainly consisting of sanding and subsequent painting with a first coat of epoxy paint and a second coat of polyurethane paint on the metal bases. Sanding and subsequent painting in two layers with wood protection paint on the wooden seats and backs. Likewise, small repairs to metal bases or woods in poor condition are also included.

### Let´s go for tapas

The Councillor for Commerce and Hospitality of the Torrevieja City Council, Rosario Martínez, together with the president of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca (AEHTC), Joaquín Guillamó, and the member of the Board of Directors of the association and Ignacio Pastor, have presented the 6th Edition "Nos vamos de tapas", which will take place from April 15 to 18 and from April 22 to 25.



"Nos vamos de tapas" is an initiative that aims to promote associated establishments through a wide selection of tapas. A total of 23 establishments participate in this sixth edition and, due to the restrictive measures affecting the sector, the traditional format has been changed, adapting it to the current situation and avoiding crowds at all times. That is why this new format will present the tapas on the table, accompanied by two drinks, at a single price of 10 euro.

Customers, as in previous editions, will taste the elaborations and will be able to participate in a raffle by depositing the ballot that will be delivered to them at the establishment.

The raffle prizes, for the participating public are the following:

- Prize A: An experience box! A tasting menu dinner for the amount of 50 for two people offered by AEHTC.

- Prize B : An experience box! A tasting menu dinner for the amount of 50 for two people offered by AEHTC.

- Prize C : Android Smartphone offered by Torrevieja.com. A tasting menu dinner for the amount of 50 for two people offered by AEHTC.

- Prize D : Gift of a wine case. A tasting menu dinner for the amount of 50 for two people offered by AEHTC.

 

In the words of Rosario Martínez, this initiative is a strong commitment to the hospitality sector that has been so punished this last year, due to sanitary restrictions, and that needs a strong boost. "The association, and the establishments, are being very brave in launching this initiative, and I want to invite all Torrevieja residents, and the public who visit us, to enjoy our excellent gastronomy".

For his part, the president of the association, Joaquín Guillamó, thanked the Torrevieja City Council, through its Hospitality Department, as well as the Costa Blanca Tourism Board, for their support to celebrate this sixth edition, and the sponsor official, Vera Mañogil Hermanos, official distributor of Mahou.

The 6th edition is within the gastronomic calendar of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja y Comarca (AEHTC) that in previous years had been presented at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, and that this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the delay in the celebration of FITUR, it has not been able to appear.

### Warning from the National Police´

The National Police is warning of a new method practised by thieves to detect if a property is vacant before breaking in.



The thieves are placing glue strings between the frame and the door to locate possible empty houses.

If several days pass and they have not been broken, it means that no one has opened the door and the house is uninhabited, they warm.

This new method is more difficult to detect since they do not fall to the ground like the plastic devices previously used in this practice.

The police are advising vigilance and attention and if you see them glue strips similar to those in the image, then call the police on 091.

### New App for Booking Sports Facilities

The Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, announces that from today, April 9, 2021, a new mobile application for the reservation of sports facilities is available.



It is a pioneering application as it is available in 11 languages ​​(English, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, German, Valencian, Catalan, Basque and Galician), and is fully accessible.

The Torrevieja Sports City app is available for free for all mobile devices with iOS and Android operating systems. The main objective of this application is to make it easier for the user to manage reservations for facilities such as the swimming pool or the municipal gym, through a private space where you can view your reservations and receive notifications. In addition, users will have the latest news about the council, access the Accessible Guide, and even the weather conditions in real time.

Developed with an easy and intuitive interface, the user can choose the language you want and change it at any time. From the app you can also access the website (www.torreviejasportscity.com), consult and follow the council on their official profiles on social networks or even download documents. The app has a contact space with an interactive map with the location of the sports city, with information, characteristics and history of each of the facilities that make up the complex, as well as their hours of use.

The development of the mobile application has been carried out by the company CIE Informática, through a contract for the amount of 2,904 (VAT included) which includes the development, creation, publication on the official download platforms, the training of the team of the council, as well as 2 physical qrcode devices for the daily management of user reservations.

### Local Police Officer Amongst Drug Arrestees

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a number of members of an organisation that was dedicated to the planting and sale of marijuana, as well as the sale of cocaine.



In the arrests, which took place last month, one of the detainees is an agent of the Torrevieja Local Police, who is alleged to have used his position to facilitate the distribution of the drug.

Operation “Sanillo” began in September and ended successfully in which the Pilar de la Horadada Judicial Police Team arrested 12 members of a criminal organisation dedicated to the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana in occupied chalets in the region of the Vega Baja.

Due to the numerous investigations carried out in this operation, the agents were aware that, apart from the dismantled criminal group, a member of the Torrevieja Local Police could be involved.

Due to these indications, a new line of investigation was opened and with it the “Sanillo II” operation. The investigations immediately led to a neighbour of the aforementioned agent, with whom he had direct contact, and it was discovered that this person was engaged in the "retail" of cocaine and marijuana, selling the substances both at his home located in the town of Orihuela Costa, such as its distribution in the towns of Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja. These shipments were sometimes made by the Local Police agent, who, to get hold of the narcotics, went directly to pick them up at this house, even accessing the interior of the home when the resident was away, since they had the keys.

At the same time, the agent took advantage of being in a position of awareness of police controls, in order to give security to the movements of the neighbour when she went out to distribute the drug to her “clients”. On one of the occasions, while providing service and while the perimeter closure remained on weekends between some towns in the Valencian Community, dressed in the uniform and in an official vehicle, she came to travel to Orihuela Costa, to go to the home of her neighbour and transfer one of the detainees to his home in the town of Torrevieja, in order to avoid police controls and be reported.

As a result of numerous police investigations, the Guardia Civil was aware that in this address there was an important marijuana plantation grown "indoors", whose care and maintenance was in charge, in addition to the resident, of two more people. It was also possible to verify how on weekends the confinement rules were skipped, holding parties inside it, there being a constant drip of people entering and exiting, until the early hours of the morning.

Therefore, on March 18, the operation was exploited, for which the investigating agents also had the support of personnel from the Cynological Service (canine unit), and Citizen Security agents belonging to Torrevieja. This action has resulted in four people arrested, all males between 34 and 45 years of Spanish, Ukrainian and Italian nationalities, in addition to the 126 marijuana plants that existed in cultivation, numerous materials for their maintenance has been seized, 100 grams of marijuana leaves, 33 grams of marijuana buds, 20 grams of cocaine and another 247 grams of caustic soda used to "cut" it. In the same way, two vehicles have been requisitioned, 375 euro in cash, a compressed air pistol and a muzzleloader.

In the search, the agents were able to verify that the illegal plantation was in the basement of the house. In order to have access as little as possible and thus avoid the exit of odours to the public highway, the residents had mobile applications and surveillance cameras to control that the cultivation parameters were ideal.

Three of these detainees are charged with drug trafficking and belonging to a criminal group. The Spanish detainee, considered the leader of the organisation, in addition to these crimes, is accused of fraud of electricity. After being brought to justice, prison without bail is decreed for the Spaniard and freedom with charges for the rest. The fourth detainee was released after the investigation of the police proceedings.

Days later, specifically on March 22, the agent of the Local Police was arrested, to whom the crimes of drug trafficking, belonging to a criminal group and the omission of the duty to prosecute crimes were charged. After being brought to justice, release is decreed with charges and the prohibition of leaving the national territory.

### Drugs Busts in Torrevieja

Members from the local police special operations group, the G.R.O., have been conducting surveillance in the parks and gardens of the town.



In particular, the G.R.O. have been carrying out preventive work on the consumption and possession of narcotic substances. The officers have been carrying out searches and tests using their dedicated equipment, assisted by a specialised dog who is an expert in the detection of substances, resulting in a large cache of narcotics being taken off the streets.

### CMO Vaccination Centre Success

Monday saw the Torrevieja CMO social centre take on a different role as a mass vaccination centre.



Proteccion Civil volunteers were on hand with the local police to ensure the flow of people into and out of the centre was carried out in the safest way possible, as queues worked their way outside the centre.

According to preliminary reports, on the first day, everything has happened as planned and without incident.

### Torrevieja Apartment Fire

Fire fighters from Torrevieja attended a blaze at an apartment block on calle Ulpiano in the town on Tuesday afternoon.



The fire broke out in an abandoned building that has been occupied by squatters for some time. It is believed the fire was caused by a mattress being burned.

Neighbours raised the alarm and fire fighters quickly attended, extinguishing the blaze which affected several rooms in the apartment although no injuries were reported.

### Major Road Resurfacing Works in Torrevieja

The Councillor for Works and Services of the Torrevieja City Council, Sandra Sánchez, has advised that on Monday, April 5, 2021, the resurfacing work of various roads in the municipality will begin, with a total budget for the work coming to 327,398.17 euro (VAT included). The execution period will be two months.



Sandra Sánchez explained that the work plan has been coordinated from the Department of Works and Services with Local Police and Traffic, as well as with the Department of Transportation so that the condition has been minimal. It should be noted that all horizontal signalling works will be carried out at night so that the effect on pedestrians and road traffic is minimal.

The works will consist of milling the existing road surface to a maximum depth of 5 cm, resurfacing the layer with hot bituminous mix, horizontal traffic signalling, leaving the manholes and shafts at the level of the new grade. Registration of the services affected by the works, and the elimination of elevated pedestrian crossings in the different sections of action.

The work will take place as follows:

April 5, 2021: Start of repair work on the brazier in the roundabout at the Torrevieja University Hospital, which will consist of removing the pavement, filling with artificial gravel, compacting and resurfacing.

April 5 and 6, 2021: milling and resurfacing of Avenida Delfina Viudes coinciding with the Easter holiday period so as not to affect the entry and exit of CEIP Habaneras.

April 6 to 9, 2021: milling and resurfacing of calle Apolo, calle Zoa and calle Antonio Machado, which will involve detours in Public Transport.

April 19-20, 2021: milling and resurfacing of Avenida del Pacífico.

April 19 to 23, 2021: the milling and resurfacing of Ronda José Samper García will take place interspersed.

April 22, 2021: the milling of calle Camilo José Cela will be carried out, and on April 23, 2021 the resurfacing.

May 5, 2021: at night the milling and resurfacing of the CV-905 roundabout will be carried out, linking the Cartagena direction with the N-332 road.

May 6 and 7, 2021 : Milling and resurfacing work will be completed on Avenida de la Purísima.

### Castles Expo Opens in Torrevieja

The MARQ exhibition "Guardianes de Piedra. Los Castillos de Alicante" has been inaugurated in Torrevieja where, following its spirit of itinerancy, it will remain open to the public until June.



The Vistalegre Municipal Hall hosted the presentation of the sample that includes a selection of 84 fortifications in the province.

The inauguration was chaired by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and by the first vice president of the Provincial Council and deputy for Culture, Julia Parra. In addition, the event was attended by the director of MARQ, Manuel Olcina, the managing director of the CV-MARQ Foundation, José Alberto Cortés, the curator of the exhibition, José Luis Menéndez, and Manuel Villalgordo, representative of the Fundación Banco Sabadell, sponsor of the exhibition.

The proposal is structured in five routes that roughly coincide with the delimitations of the great Alicante regions: the Castles of the Inner Border centreed on the Vinalopó Valley, where Villena and the Castles of la Atalaya and Salvatierra have a special role; the Castles of the Mountain, which includes the regions of L'Alcoià-Comtat; the Castles of the Border of Fear that focuses on the defences of Las Marinas de Alicante; the Clau del Regne, which is located in L'Alacantí; and Los Castillos de Tudemir, which refers to the Vega Baja.

In addition, the project includes explanations of each of the 84 fortifications with small details and elements that can be found in them, as well as brief historical references.

 

### New Telephone Number for Urban Cleaning Department

The Department of Urban Cleaning of the Torrevieja City Council is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Mondays and Tuesdays, at the municipal offices located at Avda. Dr. Gregorio Marañón, nº 3.



Those who wish to contact the department by phone can do so by calling the new phone number 673 004 814, where they can report all kinds of incidents that have to do with glass containers, (yellow) recycling containers, organic matter containers, request for new containers or transfer or removal of existing ones, communication of all kinds of incidents with the cleaning of sidewalks, cleaning of roads, street cleaning, cleaning of beaches, incidents on furniture and belongings abandoned on public roads.

Finally, the mayor of Urban Cleaning, Carmen Gómez, recalls that the telephone number for the free collection of furniture and appliances is 966 70 23 90.

### Police Carrying out Speed Checks over Easter

Torrevieja local police will be conducting speed checks in various locations during the Easter period, using the latest Velolaser speed detecting equipment,



The speed checks will be conducted throughout the day at various times and will concentrate on the following locations:

Road next to Torrealmendros direction Torreta III.

Calle Efrén Gutiérrez Mateo in both directions.

Carretera del Torrejón road in both directions.

Avda. Desiderio Rodríguez in both directions.

Calle Gabriela Mistral in both directions.

Avda. Gregorio Marañón in both directions.

Avda. Cortes Valencianas in both directions.

Avda. París between Avda. Baleares and Avda. De la Mancha in both directions.

Avda. De la Mancha in both directions.

Avda. Alfredo Nóbel in both directions.

### 8 Seasons by Vivaldi

Torrevieja´s auditorium will host a concert by the symphony orchestra on 8 May, playing 8 Seasons by Vivaldi.



Ticket can be purchased at the OST office at 23 Blasco Ibáñez Street, every Monday from 10 am to 1 pm, on Wednesday at the Virgen del Carmen from 11.00 to 14.00, on the Auditorium website https://auditoriotorrevieja.com/ or two hours before the Concert at the Auditorium Box Office.

### Fun Fair Open For Business

Torrevieja´s fun fair, located in the harbour area of the town, has reopened this Thursday and will remain open until Sunday 18 April 2021.



The fair has reopened with special measures in place to protect against Covid and will close at 21:30 each night due to the curfew in place across Valencia.

### CMO Becoming Vaccination Centre

The CMO leisure centre in Torrevieja, the municipal building located next door to the Carrefour supermarket, is to me turned into a mass vaccination centre for the next stage in the battle against Covid.



An emergency contract was awarded by the town hall to install the required fittings in the centre to allow the vaccinations to commence from Tuesday, 6 April.

Some 4,000 doses are destined to be shot in arms of the next group of people called forward to receive their jab.

### Spain To Lift Entry Ban From UK On March 30th

Spain will on March 30th lift restrictions on arrivals from Britain that have been in place since December to prevent the spread of new coronavirus strains, government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero said today, Tuesday.



Passengers traveling to Spain from the UK will have to show a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before travel.

Restrictions on arrivals from Brazil and South Africa will be extended until April 13th but “not those with Britain” because the country’s vaccination campaign is very advanced, she told a news conference.

Since December 22th only legal residents or nationals of Spain and the neighbouring micro-state of Andorra have been allowed in by air and sea from Britain.

A similar restriction on arrivals from Brazil and South Africa came into effect on February 3th.

The only exception is passengers in transit, who cannot leave the airport nor remain there longer than 24 hours.

The British government on Saturday hailed its coronavirus vaccination program as “a huge success” after announcing half of the adult population had now received a jab.

The end of restrictions on arrivals from Britain will come into effect in the run-up to Easter Sunday, which this year falls on April 4th, traditionally a peak travel period.

### American Airlines Restarting Multiple Transatlantic Routes Including Madrid And Barcelona

In encouraging news for international travel, American Airlines is increasing its Summer schedule by restarting ten routes to the US from airports in the UK and Europe.

These include flights from major travel hubs including Barcelona El Prat, Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid Barajas, Milan Malpensa, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Rome Fiumicino.

As part of American’s alliance with Alaska Airlines, the carrier will also launch a new service from Heathrow to Seattle-Tacaoma International, commencing on 30 March.

 

The service will initially operate three times weekly, until 3 June, when the frequency will increase to daily.

American Airlines said it is committed to reopening travel safely and has been working directly with local and international government officials to establish acceptable travel protocols.

The carrier was the first in the US to introduce VeriFLY, a mobile health passport which helps customers understand and verify their travel requirements.

Customers can use the free VeriFLY app when travelling on American from all international destinations to the US and on all direct and connecting flights from the US to the UK.

American’s joint business partner, British Airways, is also trialling VeriFLY on flights from London to the US.

American Airlines Vice President EMEA Sales Tom Lattig said: “We will be here for when our customers are ready to fly. With cleanliness and safety top of mind, we have taken extensive steps to ensure it’s safe to travel including earning STAR certification from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council for our entire fleet of aircraft, and all of our Admirals Club lounges.”

### Spain Approves Euthanasia Law

Yesterday Spain became the fifth country in Europe to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia for long-suffering patients of incurable diseases and people with unbearable permanent conditions.



The Spanish parliament's lower house voted 202-140 with two abstentions on the final passage of the euthanasia bill.

MPs from Spain's left-wing governing coalition and other parties supported it, while conservative and far-right lawmakers voted against the legislation, vowing to overturn it in the future.



Spain became on Thursday the fifth country in Europe to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia for long-suffering patients of incurable diseases and people with unbearable permanent conditions.

The Spanish parliament's lower house voted 202-140 with two abstentions on the final passage of the euthanasia bill.

MPs from Spain's left-wing governing coalition and other parties supported it, while conservative and far-right lawmakers voted against the legislation, vowing to overturn it in the future.

"Today we are a more human, fairer and freer country," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted on Thursday.

"Thank you to all those who fought tirelessly for the recognition of the right to die with dignity in Spain."

The adoption of the bill marked the culmination of a long legislative journey that began three years ago and underwent several rounds of revision in parliamentary committees and in the Senate.

The law is expected to enter into force in mid-June. It comes after several emblematic cases in the country struck a deep chord in public opinion.

One of them was that of Ramon Sampedro, a quadriplegic man played by Javier Bardem in the Oscar-winning film "Mar adentro".

It is a victory "for the people who will be able to benefit from it" and also "for Ramon", said Ramona Maneiro, the friend of Sampedro who helped him to die in 1998.
'Homicide'
The Spanish Catholic Church has vehemently condemned the reform, comparing euthanasia to "a form of homicide".

Far-right Vox party said it would launch an appeal to the Constitutional Court.

About a hundred people protested against the legislation outside Parliament on Thursday, with some disguised as grim reapers and deploying a banner against the "government of death" to the sound of funeral drums.

The conditions for Spain's public health system to provide life-ending assistance will be strict under the new legislation.

The person - a Spanish citizen or resident in the country - must be "capable and conscious" when making the request, which has to be formulated "without external pressure" and renewed fifteen days later.

Doctors may reject the request if they deem the criteria are not met. They may also use a "conscientious objection" motive to refuse to perform the act.

In addition, the decision must be approved by another doctor and receive the green light from an evaluation committee.

### Iceland Opens Borders To All Vaccinated Tourists

Iceland has now swung open its doors to welcome all vaccinated travellers.



Beginning 18 March, all arrivals with proof of vaccination will be admitted, extending the policy worldwide from the previous rule allowing in only vaccinated travellers from the European Schengen zone.

It now allows citizens from major source markets the UK and US..

"Our experience and data so far indicate very strongly that there is very little risk of infection stemming from individuals who have acquired immunity against the disease, either by vaccination or by prior infection," said Iceland's Chief Epidemiologist Thórólfur Gudnason.

"When people are protected against the same disease, with the same vaccines that are produced by the same companies, there is no medical reason to discriminate on the basis of the location where the jab is administered."

Entry will be granted for those who have received vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, which includes the AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines.

Until now, a five-day quarantine period and a test at the border are required, except for EU vaccinated residents.

"The world has been through a lot in the past 12 months, and we are all hoping for a slow and safe return to normalcy. This also includes the resumption of the opportunity to travel," said Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir.

### New Analysis Of Lateral Flow Tests Shows Specificity Of At Least 99.9%

New analysis reinforces that lateral flow tests are accurate and reliable and have extremely low false positive rates.



 	New analysis of community testing data shows lateral flow tests to have a specificity of at least 99.9%
 	This means fewer than one false positive in every 1,000 lateral flow tests carried out

New analysis published today shows lateral flow tests (LFD) to have a specificity of at least 99.9% when used to test in the community and could be as high as 99.97%.

Following the roll-out of millions of LFD tests in the community which has provided real world data, NHS Test and Trace has been able to conduct further analysis of rapid testing using LFDs. New findings on their specificity, which is a measure of how good the test is at detecting true negative cases, show that for every 1,000 lateral flow tests carried out, there is less than one false positive result.

The analysis of LFD tests used data from community testing, rapid testing in educational settings and asymptomatic test sites. Rapid testing in these locations uses the supervised testing model. Supervised testing is where the individual being tested swabs themselves under supervision of a trained operator, and the trained operator processes the test and reads the result.

Around one in 3 people with coronavirus do not have symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus without knowing. Rapid testing using LFDs detects cases quickly – in under 30 minutes – meaning positive cases can isolate immediately, breaking chains of transmission.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
"This new data further confirms what we know – these rapid tests are extremely accurate and are helping dramatically curb COVID cases. On Monday alone, we conducted over 1.5 million tests.

Around one in 3 people who have coronavirus never show any symptoms but may still be infectious. This means they could be spreading the virus without realising it.
Rapid testing can help detect asymptomatic cases quickly, preventing the virus from entering schools, colleges or workplaces, and stopping outbreaks before they occur."

Dr Susan Hopkins, COVID-19 Strategic Response Director to Public Health England and Chief Medical Adviser to NHS Test and Trace, said:
"We know that up to one in 3 people who have coronavirus never show any symptoms but that does not mean they are not infectious. Using LFDs enables us to rapidly identify people in the population who are asymptomatic, with results produced in 30 minutes.

Lateral flow devices are effective at finding people with high viral loads who are most infectious and most likely to transmit the virus to others.
We’ve looked very carefully at the evidence that’s emerging from LFD tests that have been delivered at home and in testing sites over recent weeks, and real-life scenarios suggests they are at least 99.9% specific which means that the risk of false positives is extremely low – less than one in a thousand – which is a very good test."

Alongside the roll-out of the vaccination programme and following the ‘Hands, Face, Space’, regular testing is a vital tool to stop transmission as sections of society are reopened.

Regular, rapid testing is already well established for NHS and care home staff. The government has also confirmed twice-weekly testing using LFDs for free to all adults in households with primary, secondary school and college aged children and young people, including childcare and support bubbles. This is in addition to the 2 tests for all secondary and college students, secondary school and college staff per week.

So far over 3,500 businesses are signed up to offer workplace testing programmes, and over 14,000 have registered their interest in offering rapid testing, with many already rolling LFD tests out. As well as workplace testing programmes, adults can access rapid testing through community testing, which is now offered by all local authorities in England.

Testing using LFDs should be a regular habit. Clinical advice is to be tested twice a week every week, which is the same policy for NHS and care home staff.

### Heathrow Faces 23 days Of Strikes From Easter

Heathrow faces the threat of 41 strikes over 23 days starting over the Easter long weekend.



The series of spring walkouts by members of the Unite union as part of a long-running dispute are due to start on Good Friday (April 2) and continue until April 25.

The industrial strike action will involve engineering, airside operations, landside operations, fire service, security and central terminal operations.

Each sector will be taking seven days of strikes. At least one of the sectors will be on strike on most days, the union warned.

Heathrow has contingency plans in place and does not expect significant disruption due to limits on international travel in place until at least May 15.

The ongoing row has been triggered by the union arguing that London hub has “fired and rehired” its 4,000 strong workforce – an accusation denied by Heathrow.

Workers took their ninth day of strike action last week.

Unite tabled proposals in February in an effort to resolve the dispute but claimed the airport has failed to “fully respond”.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “These strike days are avoidable, yet Heathrow is not listening.

“There is a fortnight before Unite’s spring strike offensive begins and HAL (Heathrow Airport Limited) management could still resolve this dispute if it has the will to do so.”

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Every frontline colleague has accepted the new offer which pays above the market rate and London Living wage.

“Nobody has been fired and re-hired and indeed 48% saw no change or experienced a pay increase.

“In addition, we have also launched a business recovery incentive payment to all colleagues which offers a renumeration reward if the airport has recovered sufficiently in two years’ time.

“Despite losses of over £2 billion since the start of the pandemic, our approach has protected jobs and avoided huge swathes of compulsory redundancies.

“These strikes unnecessarily threaten further damage to the business, but nevertheless, we have activated extensive contingency plans which will keep the airport open and operating safely over strike days.”

### European Commission Lays Out Health Certificate Proposals

The European Commission has laid out proposals to create a Digital Green Certificate to facilitate “safe free movement” within the EU during the Covid-19 pandemic.



The Digital Green Certificate will act as proof a person has been vaccinated against Covid-19, received a negative test result or recovered from having had the virus.

It will record if a person has received a Covid-19 vaccine, and their results of PCR, NAAT and antigen tests. The EC said it was “non-discriminatory” because it was available both to those who are vaccinated and those who are not.

 

It will be available free, and in English, in digital or paper format and include a QR code to authenticate the certificate. It will be valid in all EU member states and open for Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, as well as non-EU citizens living in the bloc.

The EC insisted the measure was temporary and will be suspended once the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the end of the COVID-19 international health emergency.

It said it will build a “gateway” to ensure all certificates can be verified across the EU, and support member states in implementing certificates – but insisted “no personal data” will pass through or be held by member states.

Member states will remain responsible for deciding which public health restrictions can be waived for travellers in their countries, but will have to apply waivers in the same way to travellers holding a Digital Green Certificate.

Vice-President for values and transparency, Věra Jourová, said: “The Digital Green Certificate offers an EU-wide solution to ensure that EU citizens benefit from a harmonised digital tool to support free movement in the EU.

“This is a good message in support of recovery. Our key objectives are to offer an easy to use, non-discriminatory and secure tool that fully respects data protection. And we continue working towards international convergence with other partners.”

Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, added: “With the Digital Green Certificate, we are taking a European approach to ensure EU citizens and their family members can travel safely and with minimum restrictions this summer.

“The Digital Green Certificate will not be a pre-condition to free movement and it will not discriminate in any way.

“A common EU-approach will not only help us to gradually restore free movement within the EU and avoid fragmentation. It is also a chance to influence global standards and lead by example based on our European values like data protection.”

A statement from the EC noted that: “To be ready before the summer, this proposal needs a swift adoption by the European Parliament and the Council.”

The Digital Green Certificate was at the centre of a separate statement on the European Union’s plan to reopen the continent this year laid out ahead of a meeting of EU leaders on March 25.

In the tourism and hospitality sector, the commission proposes a voluntary ‘sanitary seal’ to be used by establishments and says this will also be “deliverable will be available” by the summer.

The EC also vowed to promote EU cultural heritage sites and cultural routes, as well as cultural events and festivals, through a social media campaign on sustainable cultural tourism and promote travel by rail, particularly to young people.

### Virgin Atlantic Makes Transatlantic Reopening Plea A Year After US Borders Shut

Virgin Atlantic is urging the reopening of UK and US borders to enable vital transatlantic flights to resume.



The call came exactly a year since the US closed its borders to UK and Irish citizens and the week that the airline secured £160 million in additional funding in the face of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

North Atlantic routes represented around 70% of the airline’s pre-pandemic network with 4.2 million passengers flown between the two countries in 2019.

The UK accounted for more than half of all transatlantic bookings in 2019 and the US point about a quarter with further demand made up from Europe and rest of world, supported by connectivity from South Africa, Nigeria, Tel Aviv and India.

The top three US destinations were New York, Orlando and Los Angeles with the carrier averaging 23 transtalantic passenger flights a day.

Virgin Atlantic and rival British Airways accounted for 54% of all transatlantic capacity.

However, only seven Virgin Atlantic flights a day now operate to the US, five of which are cargo only, after all passenger flying was paused at the peak of the pandemic between April 19 and July 20 last year.

Virgin Atlantic chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen said: “Safely reopening borders between the UK and the US is essential for the economic recovery and future success of Global Britain, boosting trade and tourism with our most important economic partner.

“One year on since US restrictions came into effect, the rapid roll-out of vaccinations in both countries is bolstering future bookings, further illustrating the pent-up demand for transatlantic travel.”

He reported an uptick in US bookings in recent weeks, as customers look to reunite with family and friends, reconnect with colleagues or consider holidays in the sun.

“Favourite destinations like Florida and iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco are performing well, particularly in the latter part of the year and into 2022,” Jarvinen added.

“Having served the US for over 36 years, we’re looking forward to flying our customers from Heathrow and Manchester as soon as soon as we’re able to, with one of the youngest fleets in the skies and an extensive network with our partners, Delta.

“Public health must always come first and we recognise the importance of protecting both the UK and USA from new strains of Covid-19.

“Therefore we’re working together across industry and government to develop a risk-based framework, based on science and data, to allow the safe restart of international travel at scale, providing customers with the confidence to book ahead and plan for the summer and beyond.”

### Jet2 Predicts ‘Sunnier Skies’ Ahead As Customer Confidence Rises

Customer confidence in travelling overseas this summer has returned strongly, according to Jet2 and Jet2holidays.



The UK’s second largest travel and airline group predicted “sunnier skies” ahead as it marked a year since the government first advised against all non-essential travel overseas in response to the Covid crisis.

Travel confidence has returned strongly over the past several weeks on the back of positive developments, according to the company.

“Our regular polling of thousands of customers shows that confidence has risen across all age groups. The number of customers booking flights and package holidays tells us that many people want nothing more than to get away this summer,” chief executive Steve Heapy said.

“The demand is there, and as ever we have been quick to respond to that, adding flights and holidays where necessary, to make sure we can take customers from our rainy islands to their favourite holiday choices to have the summer they deserve.

“The UK is the most advanced country in Europe when it comes to successfully rolling out a vaccine, and our destinations are very keen to welcome British holidaymakers back this summer.

“Ministers in destinations such as Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Portugal and Spain have shown how much they want to reopen to holidaymakers this summer, and this is great news for our customers.

“On top of that, the UK government has shown a clear ambition to reopen international travel in the coming months.

“We will assist the government in any way that we can to help achieve this, with safety as our number one priority. We, like everyone, look forward to April 12 when further detail is published.”

Heapy added: “The past year has been extraordinarily difficult for everyone. Although it has been a year since the first restrictions on international travel were introduced, we know that this means those well-deserved holidays will feel even more special when they return.”

The company refunded more than £1 billion in the past year to customers affected by travel changes during the pandemic.

Jet2 was recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority as the only UK airline to promptly provide refunds.

“It is no exaggeration to say that the pandemic represents the biggest crisis that the travel industry has ever faced,” Heapy said.

“Despite the events of the past year, some things have not changed. Since the first reports of Covid-19, every decision we have taken during this unprecedented period has been taken with our usual guiding principal in mind – putting our customers first.

“Our industry has been under the spotlight like never before, but our approach has resulted in praise from customers, consumer organisations, media and independent travel agents for our industry-leading and prompt refunding of over £1 billion to customers whose travel plans have been affected by programme changes during the pandemic.”

### Brussels Weighs Up Plan For Covid-19 Vaccine Certificates

Travel to and within the European Union this summer could be opened up if Brussels agrees plans today (Wednesday) for Covid-19 vaccine certificates.

The European Commission’s plan for a ‘digital green certificate’ will be a proof of vaccination, immunity and test results, preventing the need for quarantines or travel bans.
Spain, Greece, Italy and other Mediterranean countries will be able to agree bilateral deals with the UK or other countries after agreement with Brussels, based on vaccination and low infection rates.
The certificate would be granted to citizens who had either proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test, or proof of recovery from the virus for those who had contracted it previously, according to a leaked draft seen by the Financial Times.
Meanwhile, a global poll of more than 9,000 people by poll Amadeus revealed a “significant appetite” for digital health passports if they help to open up international travel.
Brussels officials have stressed the certificate would not be a ‘passport’ but a common system to help governments co-ordinate travel measures as vaccination programmes are rolled out across the bloc.
Tourism-reliant countries such as Greece have led the push for a common framework to facilitate travel ahead of the summer season.
EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “As summer is approaching, citizens need clarity on travel and tourism.
“That is why we need to quickly take a decision on the use of vaccine certificates also for non-medical purposes.”
If agreed, the digital document will show details of vaccination, a negative test or proof of recovery from the virus confirming immunity.
But EU governments are divided over the proposals which countries such France or Germany fear will discriminate against people who through no fault of their own have not yet been vaccinated.
Vaccination programmes are slow across Europe, with the EU some two months behind the UK.
Many Europeans will not have their first dose until the end of July, August or even later, The Times reported.
Mediterranean destinations, led by Spain and Greece, have told other countries that tourism is needed this year to save their economies and have threatened to open their borders to travellers unilaterally.
The EU’s proposal is subject to agreement from a majority of member states and the European Parliament.
Iata is one of several groups to have launched its own travel pass app.
President and chief executive Alexandre de Juniac told the FT he was worried European governments would struggle to co-ordinate reopening their borders in time for the summer season.
“In Europe some – let’s say, to be polite – weaknesses in the EU approach of the vaccination strategy have not strengthened the confidence of states,” he reportedly said.
The Amadeus study across France, Germany,  Spain, India, Russia, Singapore, UAE,  UK and US, found that 91% would be comfortable using a digital health passport  for future trips.

Around three quarters  (74%) of travellers would be willing to store their travel health data electronically if it enabled them to pass through the airport with fewer face-to-face interactions

Although receptiveness is high, the survey provides advice for both policy makers and the travel industry, that

However, travellers expressed  three main concerns including:

 	Security risks with personal information being hacked (38%)
 	Privacy concerns around what health information needs to be shared (25%)
 	Lack of transparency and control over where data is shared (30%)

When thinking about solutions that could help to alleviate concerns,  41% of travellers agreed a travel app would reduce their stress around travel  and 62% would be more likely to use an app to store their health data if a travel company partnered with a trusted healthcare company.

### Portugal And Mauritius Removed From UK’s ‘Red List’ For Travel

Portugal, including the islands of Madeira and the Azores, is to be removed from the ‘red list’ of countries from where visitors are subject to hotel quarantine restrictions from Friday.



Indian ocean nation Mauritius is also to be moved as of 4am on March 19 in rules that apply only to England.

While arrivals from these countries no longer have to quarantine in government-approved facilities, they do have to self-isolate at home for 10 days, taking Covid tests on day two and day eight after arrival. They can end their quarantine early through the government’s ‘test to release’ policy.

Those who arrive before 4am on Friday will have to complete the 10-day hotel quarantine.

A blanket ban on all non-essential travel from the UK remains in place as part of wider national lockdown rules.

The Department for Transport said the removals come “following evidence that shows the risk of importing a variant of concern from these destinations has reduced”.

Portugal was one of 16 destinations to which travel was banned in January in response to concerns over a new Covid variant originating in Brazil.

The DfT said that Portugal has now “put steps in place to mitigate the risk from its links with countries where variants have become a concern, and now has genomic surveillance in place”.

Four countries, meanwhile, have been added to the ‘red list’, which means travel bans are now in place for visitors from Ethiopia, Oman, Somalia and Qatar from 4am Friday March 19.

British, Irish and third-country nationals with residence rights (including long-term visa holders) arriving from these countries will be subject to hotel quarantine restrictions – and must take a test on days two and eight.

The DfT said the addition of these destinations “follows new data showing an increased risk of importation of variants of concern”, referring to those in South Africa and Brazil.

Visitors who have departed from or transited through these countries in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into England, the DfT confirmed.

A ban on commercial and private aircraft travelling from Oman, Ethiopia and Qatar will also be imposed from 4am Friday, excluding cargo planes.

The government said the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) produces risk assessments of the spread of variants of concern internationally, which include assessment of surveillance and sequencing capability, available surveillance and genome sequencing data, evidence of in-country community transmission of COVID-19 variants, evidence of exportation of new variants to the UK or other countries

More than 58,000 rooms on standby for the government’s hotel quarantine policy.

João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism Bureau, said: “We are delighted with the decision to take Portugal off the ‘red list’.

“We have been able to overcome a second wave of coronavirus, to reduce the infections levels to some of the lowest in Europe.

“The Algarve has always been a favourite holiday destination with British holiday makers and this announcement is a hopeful sign that we will soon be able to welcome them back in early summer.”

### Ryanair Extends Free Flight Change Policy

Ryanair is extending its zero flight change fee for all customers who book before June 30.



Passengers can move their travel dates twice at no cost until the end of October.

The move comes as the budget carrier looks to encourage summer flight bookings in the expectation of travel restrictions starting to relax as vaccination programmes accelerate throughout Europe.

Marketing director Dara Brady said: “The acceleration of the vaccine rollout programmes will see the high-risk/elderly groups vaccinated by the start of summer, which we believe will lead to an easing of travel restrictions and an increase of travel demand to the beaches of Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

“Many Ryanair customers will be taking their first holiday in over a year this summer, and to continue to provide as much flexibility and assurance as possible, we have extended our zero flight change fee for all bookings made before 30th June.

“Customers can now book flights for well-earned summer holidays knowing that if they need to postpone or change their travel dates, they can do so with a zero change fee until the end of October 2021.”

### Turkey To Welcome British Holidaymakers Without Vaccinations

Turkey is ready to welcome British travellers as soon as international travel from the UK is allowed.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said the country is prepared to accept Britons as Turkey will have all the necessary protocols in place to keep everyone safe.

"We are working with the British authorities to ensure these necessary processes are world-class and as up-to-date as possible," he said.

Proof of vaccination will not be required.

"After 15 April, we will look at the number of cases again, we will re-evaluate the situation and then decide if we will continue to require negative PCR test results from British citizens entering the country."

"I expect there will be no such requirement from British visitors as the UK Government is rapidly and impressively rolling out the vaccination programme for the whole nation, and a significant portion of the population will be vaccinated by early summer," Ersoy added.

Overseas leisure travel is currently banned until May 17.

Ersoy said Turkey will undergo a vaccination drive before the summer season which prioritises workers at hotels and other tourism operators.

Hotels and other accommodation providers in Turkey are required to meet compulsory Covid-safe standards.

There were more than 2.5 million visits by British nationals to Turkey in 2019.

### Ryanair Adds New Greece Routes

With UK travellers welcome in Greece from mid-May, demand for summer holidays has spiked.


Ryanair hopes to meet that demand, and announced three new Greece routes set to begin on 1 July, as well as extra frequencies on other sunshine routes to Greece.

The budget airline is launching flights from Stansted Airport to Santorini, Zakynthos and Preveza

It has also added five extra flights each week from Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester, Southend and Stansted to Corfu and Rhodes.

To mark the expansion Ryanair has a seat sale with fares available from £24.99 for travel until the end of October 2021, which must be booked by midnight Saturday, 13 March only on the Ryanair.com website.

"We are delighted to offer even greater choice, more routes and extra flights to Greece for our UK customers this summer. The UK Government's highly successful vaccination programme gives customers the confidence that travel will be possible this summer," said Ryanair's Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness.

"UK consumers can now choose from over 20 routes and five extra weekly flights at low fares."

The airline is now allowing up to two free flight date changes on all bookings should plans change.

The 'Zero Change Fee' is valid until the end of October 2021.

### France Eases Travel Restrictions From The UK And Six Other Countries

France is easing restrictions on travel to and from seven non-EU countries, including the UK. France placed restrictions on non-essential travel outside the EU at the end of January due to the emergence of Covid-19 variants.



Now travel is allowed to and from Australia, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, as well as the UK. France said it is 'no longer necessary to prove a compelling reason for travel' to and from the countries.

Arrivals are still required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result issued less than 72 hours before travel. Tourism Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne said the UK was included as the UK variant of Covid-19 is already widespread in France. Still, it will have little immediate impact on UK residents as no travel for leisure purposes is permitted from the UK until mid-May.

### Changes In Covid19 Measures In The Valencian Community

New measures were announced yesterday for more Covid19 relaxations  by the President of  the Valencian regional government Ximo Puig. The measures come into effect on Monday 15th March 2021 and last until the next announcement in 2 weeks time.



The new restrictions include




Bars and restaurants: These can now open indoor but only to 30% capacity, but outdoor terraces have been increased to 100% capacity. They must though still close at 6pm.

Sports facilities, gyms and swimming pools: These can open again but with only a 30% capacity.

Educational leisure: These can restart but with only 30% capacity and a maximum of 10 people.

Ceremonies: These have increased capacity of 30%, though with a maximum of 15 people indoors and 20 outdoors.

Public space and homes: This remains at a maximum of four people meeting in public and people meeting inside homes must be from the same household.

Shops: None essential shops  must close at 8pm. This excludes food, pharmacies, pet shops which can close at their normal times.

Perimeter closure: People can still not longer enter or leave the Valencian Community.

Night time limitations (curfew): This remains unchanged and people can´t leave their homes between 10pm and 6am except for work for to return to their home.






There measures therefore apply over Easter week and overrule the other general measures announced for Spain.

### Heathrow Airport Boss Bemoans 'Unacceptable' Hours-Long Border Queues

Heathrow Airport CEO Emma Gilthorpe told MPs the wait for processing at border points is at an 'unacceptable level' with waits of up to six hours. Gilthorpe told the Home Affairs Select Committee 'the level of complexity of the processes' is causing huge bottlenecks.



Due to specific protocols, all of Heathrow's self-service e-gates at passport control are currently closed. International arrivals must provide proof of a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before departure and a passenger form which contains details a hotel quarantine stay, or two test kits for at home quarantine.



Unions representing Border Force officials said the delays were partly caused by Covid restrictions requiring immigration officials to work in a bubble of 10.






They said this prevented more staff being deployed if the border was particularly busy.






But Nick Jariwalla, director of Border Force at Heathrow, said: "We are in a global health pandemic - it is illegal to go on holiday and people should only be travelling for very limited reasons.






"Unfortunately, a large number of passengers are continuing to arrive without having purchased their mandatory testing packages for the second and eighth days of quarantine in the UK.






"This causes delays as passengers may receive a fine or be subject to other enforcement action."






Mr Jariwalla said all arriving passengers had to purchase the testing package before leaving the airport.






"We make absolutely no apologies for this," he added. "Every essential check stops the spread of coronavirus in the UK.






"These people should not have been allowed to travel without their testing packages and we are following up with regulators and carriers to ensure the law is enforced."




'Unacceptable queues'




Speaking to the Home Affairs Select Committee, Ms Gilthorpe said that pre-Covid, the queues for EU arrivals were supposed to be 25 minutes, and 45 minutes for non-EU arrivals.






While she said she expected the length of waiting to go up during the pandemic, Ms Gilthorpe said the levels the airport was currently seeing were "unacceptable".







 	Passengers say seven-hour Heathrow queues inhumane
 	Some UK arrivals waiting nine days for Covid tests
 	What are the rules about travelling abroad?







While Ms Gilthorpe said the measures in place for quarantine hotels were running relatively smoothly, with a small number of passengers, she said the same could not be said for the border.



"We are seeing significant pressure on the border and we are seeing very long queues, and that is a worry," she said.






Although Ms Gilthorpe said she knew additional resources had been introduced, the issues were caused by "the level of complexity of the processes and the way resource is being deployed".






International arrivals must now provide proof of a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before departure to England and a passenger locator form which contains details of either a purchased hotel quarantine stay, or two test kits for at home quarantine.






She told the committee: "It is deeply frustrating as the operator of the airport when you have a queue full of people and you only have two desks open.






"It is rare to see all the desks manned and we have to find our way to how we make that happen so we can get that flow."






Heathrow's self-service e-gates at passport control are currently closed.






Airport rivals






Ms Gilthorpe said she hoped that by the summer, the gates would also be able to scan passenger locator forms and pre-departure testing results, but that had not yet been integrated into the system.






The Heathrow executive also warned that if the long queues continued after international travel is permitted. it could risk the country's economic resurgence.






"Heathrow is Britain's hub airport, it is the front door. We have to get our economy moving and we have to make sure we are capable of receiving people," she said.






"If you have a poor experience at the border, there's a risk you won't come back again. That traffic will go to Charles De Gaulle [airport in Paris], it will go to Frankfurt and we will miss out on that economic resurgence," she said.




Union action




The queue delays come as staff in the PCS union served notice of industrial action over rosters they describe as "unworkable".






This will involve a month of action short of a strike by hundreds of staff, including working to rule and an overtime ban.






The roster changes include ending the ability of staff to swap and request certain shifts, the union said.






In February, staff voted for strike action over the changes, the union said.





 

### Ministers Urged To Stick To May 17 Deadline For Restarting International Travel

Ministers are being urged to maintain the May 17 deadline for the resumption of international travel as laid out in the government’s Covid-19 roadmap.



A delay to the restart date will see airlines and airports continue to suffer, the government has been warned.

MPs on the Commons transport committee said that the initial target date of May 17 for restarting international travel should be confirmed to provide certainty for consumers and businesses.

“If the 17 May restart is delayed, airlines and airports will experience an extended period when people are not travelling, which will exacerbate the financial challenges that those businesses have faced over the past year, perhaps to critical levels,” the committee’s report said.

“The 17 May date for restarting international travel should be maintained provided that the four reopening tests that the government set out on 22 February are met.”

The call came as Spain joined other countries such as Greece, Cyprus and Portugal in indicating that it would reopen to vaccinated tourists from May.

Spain is considering the introduction of a health passport that would open the doors to those vaccinated.

Tourism minister Reyes Maroto said the country might start using the system to coincide with an international tourism fair due to take place in Madrid on May 19.

The transport committee’s report follows the new Global Travel Taskforce holding its first meeting on March 2.

“We have since heard that the taskforce will provide a report to the prime minister on 12 April 2021, rather than publishing a report to provide clarity for the aviation industry and the public,” the committee added.

It said: “The aviation industry thrives on certainty. In order to return passenger aircraft to the skies and to connect the UK to the world, a road map to restart international travel is urgently needed.

“The Department (for Transport) has not yet specified the standards that destination countries must meet on vaccine and testing capabilities in order to reopen for travel with the UK.

“In addition, it has not clarified whether such criteria will be flexible if the risk of transmission of new variants between vaccinated individuals is found to be minimal.

”The government must commit to publishing the Global Travel Taskforce report on 12 April to give consumers and industry the certainty that they need to plan for a summer 2021 restart for international travel.

“The publication of the road map should be accompanied by a statement to the House of Commons setting out next steps.”

The transport committee urged the Global Travel Taskforce report to clarify:

 	The criteria that destination countries must meet on vaccine and testing capabilities in order to reopen for travel with the UK, as well as the requirements that passengers will need to fulfil in order to travel abroad, including any relating to digital health certification;
 	when and how the current quarantine schemes will be phased out; and
 	how the government plans to support industry should variants or high levels of Covid-19 transmission affect the reopening schedule.

“It is disappointing that the timetable on the recovery plan for the aviation sector has slipped,” the transport committee added.

“The focus on the Global Travel Taskforce report for travel in summer 2021 should be the first priority. That said, the recovery plan should not slip further, and we will seek an update from the government on progress in early autumn.”
Transport secretary Grant Shapps told Times Radio on Wednesday that there were no “cast-iron guarantees” of overseas travel by a particular date, adding: “I would say that it makes sense to see how the course of the pandemic unlock proceeds. I am hopeful but, as with everything to do with this virus, you can’t say for certain.”
Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if it was too early to book a summer holiday, Shapps replied: “Yes.”

### Ryanair Rolls Out Covid-19 Travel Wallet

Ryanair has officially launched its Covid-19 Travel Wallet, where customers can upload details of Covid documents such as negative PCR tests, vaccination certificates.



The budget carrier, which has already said it would roll out such a system, said the wallet is only available in the Ryanair app.

The UK government’s Global Travel Taskforce is discussing whether a form of health certification will be implemented as travel resumes this summer, and EU leaders have also discussed the proposal of so-called ‘vaccine passports’.

Ryanair said it is “confident” the EU’s vaccine rollout programme will see the removal of current travel restrictions in time for the school summer holidays between June and September. It said its Covid-19 Wallet can be used “in the interim”.

The airline said: “Since EU governments won’t have a vaccine passport in place for this summer, Ryanair is mindful that additional Covid travel documents may be required by certain EU countries and Ryanair’s new C-19 Travel Wallet ensures passengers have all their Covid-19 travel documents saved and secure in one place to present at airports on their next getaway.”

Director of marketing, Dara Brady, added: “Many Ryanair customers will be taking their first holiday in over a year, adhering to new travel guidelines and this C-19 Travel Wallet allows customers to store all of their Covid documents such as PCR test results, passenger locator forms and vaccine certificates in the one location with zero fuss or paperwork to worry about.”

“We believe that once the high-risk/elderly population of Europe is vaccinated by the end of May or June, travel restrictions will be relaxed and air travel will experience a bounce back from pent-up customer demand that will see European families travelling again for well-earned Summer holidays to the beaches of Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece this summer.”

### Spain To Open Tourism When 30-40% Of Nation Immunized

Spain's tourism minister said Tuesday that the government plans to start reopening the country's tourism sector when 30-40% of the Spanish population is vaccinated against the coronavirus.



Speaking to local broadcaster Canal Sur, Maria Reyes Maroto said the government expects this could be achieved by spring and that she was "optimistic" about the summer tourism season.

"In April, we'll receive 5 million doses from Pfizer alone. Add that to the doses of Moderna, AstraZeneca and Jansen, which is just one dose and should be approved in the next few days," she said.

Within the EU, Spain is strongly advocating for "health passports" that would show whether or not a traveller has been vaccinated against COVID-19, taken a test or been infected in the past.

Last summer, Spain launched an aggressive international tourism campaign but the industry has been devastated by the pandemic.

At the moment, 1.4 million people in Spain have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the country has administered 4.8 million doses.

According to calculations by local daily El Espanol, if all the doses arrive as planned, everyone in Spain older than 45 years of age should be fully immunized by July.

Meanwhile, new infections in Spain remained low despite reopenings and the increasing dominance of the UK variant.

Spain's Health Ministry reported just over 4,000 new cases, although technical issues meant it did not include data from Catalonia.

Fatalities remained high, however, with nearly 300 more people reported dead from COVID-19. In total, 71,727 people have officially lost their lives to the disease in Spain.

### Spain Extends Restrictions On Travel From UK Until March 30th

Spain has extended travel restrictions from the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa until 6pm on March 30th.

The Cabinet on Tuesday agreed to keep the measures in place on air and sea arrivals from Britain, as well as on flights from Brazil and South Africa, due to concerns about coronavirus strains first detected in those countries.
At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, government spokesperson María Jesús Montero said that the only goal of this measure is to extend the restrictions for two more weeks in a bid to contain transmission of the new variants.
Restrictions on passenger travel from the UK by air and sea have been in place since December 22nd, following alarm over the B.1.1.7 strain of the coronavirus that was first detected in the English county of Kent. Spain introduced further restrictions on travel from Brazil and South Africa on February 2nd after more infectious variants of the virus were also identified in those countries. The measures were due to end on March 16th.
Under the rules, the only flights from these countries allowed into Spanish territory are those “transporting exclusively Spanish citizens and residents of Spain, as well as nationals and residents of Andorra, and passengers in international transit to a non-Schengen country with a stopover of under 24 hours and who may not leave the Spanish airport’s transit area.”

### UK Domestic Cruises ‘Given May 17th Green Light’

UK cruise lines will be able to restart domestic sailings on May 17, maritime minister Robert Courts has told a group of MPs.



The disclosure came as he appeared at a virtual meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Maritime and Ports Group (APPMPG).

The group tweeted: **NEWS** Maritime Minister @robertcourts announces the reopening of the domestic #cruise market in England on 17 May at tonight’s @APPMPG meeting.”

It then followed up by tweeting: “From repatriation procedures and risk mitigations to CV-19 protocols and the domestic vaccination programme, a great @APPMPG session w/ @robertcourts who delivered some much appreciated news. A pathway to the domestic cruise market re-opening on 17 May.”

A Department of Transport spokesperson subsequently told The Independent that the return of domestic cruises would be aligned to the reopening of domestic tourism and indoor hospitality, and confirmed the earliest date for that step was May 17.

The Independent said Courts told MPs that the government is working with the home nations to ensure the return of UK-wide domestic cruising, and believed the move will help the cruise industry restore confidence and showcase protocols designed to protect passengers and crew.

The Foreign Office continues to warn against international cruise travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, domestic cruises were outlined as the first step in the sector’s reopening by the Global Travel Taskforce last autumn.

The DfT spokesperson said: “We are committed to restarting cruise travel when it is safe to do so, and we are working closely with the sector to prepare for a safe and successful restart.

“The restart of domestic cruises in England will be aligned with the wider resumption of the domestic tourism and indoor hospitality sectors.

“As set out in the prime minister’s roadmap, the earliest possible date for this step is 17 May.”

Clia UK and Ireland director Andy Harmer said: “We strongly welcome the announcement that cruise will be included alongside the restart of other domestic tourism in the UK.

“The industry has been working with the government over the last year on health protocols which put the safety of our passengers and crew first. Many of these protocols have already been tested successfully where cruise has been able to operate elsewhere in Europe.

“The industry has long planned a phased restart for cruise, with domestic cruises representing the first stage of this plan.

“We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the government, including through the Global Travel Taskforce, in order to ensure the safe restart of international cruise in time for the summer season.”

P&O Cruises last week revealed plans to offer a series of short break and week-long UK sailings out of Southampton this summer.

The ‘ultimate escape’ programme, due to go on sale later this month, has been arranged “following recent government announcements”, the line said.

A number of other lines have also bolstered their domestic schedules, with Royal Caribbean saying it hoped the move would be a precursor to the swift return of international sailings.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We are delighted that the government has acknowledged that UK domestic cruise holidays can begin from May 17.

“Whilst it will take some weeks for us to restart our operations, we are very much lookng forward to welcoming guests on board this summer for our series of ‘Ultimate Escape’ staycations – UK coastal cruises. Details of these, with ships, dates and itineraries, will be announced later this month.”

### Melia Hotels Boss Backs UK-Spain ‘Safe Travel’ Corridors

The boss of Melia Hotels International has backed plans to create safe travel corridors between the UK and Spain.



Gabriel Escarrer, executive vice chairman and chief executive of Spain’s largest hotel company, called for destinations and source markets share “consistently thorough” security standards and controls.

He argued that travel restrictions have been enforced without any scientific basis, adding: “We know that transmission of Covid-19 takes place mainly internally and not through travel.

“Although the vaccination process is progressing steadily, especially in the UK, which is way ahead of the European Union, we all need to learn to live with Covid-19, as it is likely here to stay.”

The call came as Trailfinders founder Mike Gooley called on the UK government to state that when travel re-opens, those who have been vaccinated will be able to return to the UK, without test or quarantine, from all but high-risk countries.

In a company blog, he said: “Cyprus has joined the list of countries recognising that, for those who have been vaccinated, liberty should return. Cyprus will welcome vaccinated people as soon as the UK government frees us to travel.

“Greece and Spain have also put up a sign stating they will very soon be open for tourists and other countries will follow suit rapidly.

“This week the Thai tourist industry have lobbied their government to allow UK tourists from 1 July, along with people from other countries who are on top of their vaccine programmes.

“The fact the UK has done so well with our vaccine strategy is something to be applauded and an easing of restrictions for the travel industry, both here and abroad, is the dividend.”

Escarrer said: “We believe that the only way to enable safe travel is to create and share a cross-border Digital Health Pass, that certifies not only whether a traveller is vaccinated, but whether he/she has undergone the correct testing and at the same time, we must be able to audit and certify the destinations’ tourism value chain in its integrity, to make sure that destinations and source markets share consistently thorough security standards and controls.

“The United Kingdom is the most important feeder market for Spain, and for millions of British travellers, holidays to Spain are more than a just tradition, but part of their lives.

“What’s more, during this crisis we have fully realised that there is a contained demand among travellers, eager to travel as soon as restrictions are removed. Immediately after the Boris Johnson’s announcement to lift borders closure in May, the bookings skyrocketed for mainland Spain and its islands.

“The Spanish tourism sector has demonstrated that it is extremely safe and responsible – as far as we know, there have been no Covid outbreaks reported in Spanish tourism facilities whatsoever – and we truly believe that we’ll be able to progressively restore travel before this summer.

“Moreover, I am convinced that this summer, visiting Spanish holiday destinations will be a unique and a quite exclusive experience.

“With this in mind, we could not agree more with the proposal to create safe travel corridors between Spain and the UK and are hopeful that this will be implemented soon.”

He added: “Following one year of international lockdowns due to the pandemic, it has too often been the tourism sector that has suffered due to indiscriminate restrictions whether through border closures, quarantines etc., that have cause unparalleled damage to our industry and our economies as a whole.

“Therefore, we don’t only aim to restore the travel industry’s activity, but the freedom of individual travel, too.”

### Abta Chief ‘Optimistic’ Of May 17 Restart For Travel

The industry can be optimistic travel will restart from May 17 and travel agents and operators confident to take bookings on that basis so long as arrangements are protected.



That is the view of Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer, who suggested the caution of ministers and health officials about booking overseas summer holidays need not mean the earliest date for a resumption of travel won’t be met.

The government set May 17 as the earliest date for a restart in its roadmap announced on February 22.

Aviation minister Robert Courts said last week that the government aims for travel to resume “as soon as possible after May 17”, and deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam insisted there remains “great uncertainty” about overseas holidays this summer.

However, asked how confident he is of a May 17 restart, Tanzer said: “I’m optimistic and hopeful.”

He insisted: “If you take what the roadmap is built on, which is the vaccine roll-out, the evidence now is that it is cutting infection rates and taking pressure off hospitals, and those are the preconditions for that May 17 date.

“If we carry that on, [May 17] could be the time international travel reopens.”

Tanzer said: “The challenge for us is how we convert the success of the vaccine roll-out into meaningful change for the industry. That is where the [government’s] Global Travel Taskforce comes in.

“A number of different strands of work have to happen urgently for us to be able to convert large vaccination numbers into travel.”

In the meantime, he suggested “there are reasons why the government would be cautious”.

Tanzer argued: “They don’t want to give undertakings or assurances that they have to reverse because that would be embarrassing.

“They also don’t want people to change their behaviour at the moment. If they say ‘Yes, you will be fine to travel on May 17’ that would encourage a wider change in social behaviour that could put the tests [for reopening] at risk.

“So they will continue to be circumspect about dates and about reopening.

“But the bedrock on which that [May 17 date] is based – lower infection rates, lower pressure on the NHS, lower hospitalisations – is moving in the right direction.

“Nothing that has happened since the roadmap was announced has jeopardised that date.”

Some businesses are reluctant to take bookings for holidays soon after the earliest possible restart.

But Tanzer said: “If people are booking protected travel arrangements then there are protections in place in the event there are cancellations or you can’t deliver a holiday.

“A lot of members are giving flexible booking conditions anyway, recognising there is uncertainty, and the ability to move a holiday to later in the year if necessary is much easier than previously.”

He insisted: “We want the industry to get back on its feet quickly [and] customers want to travel.”

### Saga Cruises' Restart Delayed Until Late June

Saga Cruises has announced that it is pushing back its restart date from early May to 27 June.


In addition, the debut of the line's newest ship has been delayed again until late July.

Saga holiday operations will resume in mid-May.

"The health and safety of our guests and crew has been our number one priority and throughout the pandemic we have made all decisions with their wellbeing in mind," a statement from Saga said.

"Following the release of the government's roadmap out of lockdown, we have taken the decision to delay the resumption of our holiday and cruise operations until May 17 and June 27, respectively."

"As part of this decision, the inaugural cruise of Spirit of Adventure has been moved to 26 July. We have contacted all our guests who have been impacted by these changes and are discussing their options with them."

The enhanced health and safety protocols implemented for cruise operations remain on track and the line's policy of only accepting guests who have been vaccinated remain the same.

Saga became the first cruise line to mandate vaccinations for all passengers.

### Ryanair Returns To Belfast City Airport After 11 Years

Low-cost airline Ryanair will return to Belfast City Airport this summer after an absence of 11 years.



It has launched eight routes for summer 2021 connecting Belfast to popular summer destinations in Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Travellers can book flights to Malaga, Mallorca, Faro, Alicante, Barcelona, Ibiza, Milan, Bergamo and Valencia.

The airline said: “The UK’s highly successful rollout of their vaccination programme, which has seen almost 35% of the adult population of Northern Ireland already vaccinated, gives NI consumers’ confidence that summer travel will be possible.”

It has unveiled a seat sale, with fares from £14.99 for travel from June to October 2021, which must be booked by midnight on March 6.

Brian Ambrose, chief executive of Belfast City Airport, said: “The choice of routes offered by Ryanair will facilitate both city breaks and relaxing beach holidays for our passengers.

“Travel has been significantly restricted over the last 12 months and as the vaccine rollout continues at pace and the restrictions ease, we expect there will be considerable demand for these routes.”

### Transport Firms Made To Provide UK Travel Restrictions To  All Passengers

Transport operators will be required to provide passengers travelling to and from England with details of the government’s stay-at-home restrictions from Monday (8th March).



Passengers travelling by sea, air or rail to or from outside the Common Travel Area (including the UK and Ireland) will face a £200 fine if they do not provide evidence of their exemption from current blanket restrictions on non-essential travel.

Exemptions to the travel ban include some work, volunteering, education, medical or compassionate grounds and some weddings and funerals.

Transport companies such as airlines, ferry companies and rail operators must ensure passengers are given this government guidance, the Department for Transport confirmed this afternoon.

Operators must send a text or push notification to passengers travelling from England to tell them: “International travel from England is restricted – only travel if you have a legally permitted reason. You must carry a declaration form. Penalties apply.”

They must also ensure passengers receive government guidance that non-essential travel, such as for holidays, is not allowed; and that travel declaration forms must be carried by anyone travelling for essential reasons as these may be required at airports and ports. This can be done via email or over the phone.

Where passengers are checked-in online, operators are asked to include a check box for them to acknowledge everyone being checked-in has completed a travel declaration form.

Operators must keep records of the steps taken to provide the information in the required manner to passengers. These records can be requested by the Civil Aviation Authority, the Office for Rail and Road or the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

For those travelling to England, operators must update passengers on the guidance at the booking stage, at check-in, send a further notification 24 to 48 hours prior to departure to UK, and remind passengers on board the vessel, aircraft or train.

This include notification of UK entry requirements, including 10-day quarantine and proof of a negative Covid test taken within three days of departure to the UK, and a requirement to take a Covid test after two and eight days in the UK. The legal requirement to wear face coverings on transport must also be communicated.

The DfT confirmed that where travel sales are managed by a third party, such as a travel agent, the operator must show that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure the information is provided by the third party to the passenger.

If a booking is made by someone other than the passenger, it is sufficient that information is handed to the person making the booking.

Those travelling to the UK from 33 ‘red list’ countries remain subject to hotel quarantine restrictions for 10 days.

### Cyprus Tipped To Open Borders To Vaccinated Brits From 1st May

Cyprus will open its borders to vaccinated Britons from the start of May, say reports.



However, the UK government will not allow non-essential overseas travel until May 17 at the earliest.

The BBC reported that the Cypriot government said those who had received both Covid jabs could travel to the Mediterranean islands without restrictions from May 1.

The country’s deputy tourism minister, Savvas Perdios, said Cyprus would allow Britons who had been given vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency the right to enter without the need for a negative test or to quarantine.

Tourists would be required to have had their second dose at least seven days before travelling, the minister added.

The Times understands that Cypriot officials are examining ways to check that Britons are vaccinated, possibly including an app or letters from GPs.

Cyprus has already agreed a similar deal allowing Israeli tourists to enter the country from April 1.

### Andalucía Introduces Covid-19 Insurance For Tourists

Andalucía is to offer Covid-19 travel insurance to international visitors staying in regulated accommodation this year.



The region, one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations among Brits, has introduced its International Travel Insurance for non-resident travellers, which will be in place until December 31, 2021.

Cover includes medical, surgical and hospital expenses related to Covid, up to 4,000€, additional transportation and repatriation costs, plus the cost of an extended stay at regulated accommodation.

It comes as part of the Government of Andalucía’s tourism recovery strategy. The tourist reported a “surge in bookings” from the UK since prime minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap announcement last week.

Juan Marín, vice president of the regional government of Andalucía and minister of tourism, said: “The introduction of the International Travel Insurance for Andalucía has consolidated our preparedness to once again begin receiving tourists.

“Hospitality and tourism are vital to the local economy of Andalucía and the UK is an important source market for us; so it is with pleasure that we can confidently say we are in a position to welcome back our British visitors.

“The diversity of our tourist proposition coupled with the assurances that the International Travel Insurance brings to prospective tourists makes Andalucía a top choice for Brits planning their well-earned overseas holiday.”

### All Brits To Get Covid Vaccine In The Region

The Generalitat Valenciana will vaccinate all British residents in Alicante even if they are not registered on the Social Security system.




You MUST have a SIP card in order to be included on the list. If you don't have the "permanent" plastic SIP card you can still get the vaccine with the temporary SIP card. You can get a temporary SIP card by taking either the EHIC (European Health Insurance) or GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) to the medical centre along with your passport.



If you have changed your mobile phone number and email recently, make sure you update your contact information on the official website below. The mobile number MUST be Spanish and you can´t use the same one as someone else that´s registered there. Your health centre will contact you regarding your vaccination appointment.



http://www.san.gva.es/web/dgcal/formulario-de-contacto



You will need to enter your SIP number, date of when your SIP card was issued (if applicable) and date of birth. Once you validate the information, it will allow you to enter your contact details (mobile, house phone and email).

### British Airways Offers Covid-19 Tests For Just £33

British Airways is offering discounted test kits from government-approved Covid-19 testing provider Qured, at an ‘exclusive’ price of £33.



Qured will deliver rapid antigen tests to travellers, who can take the kits with them to be used anywhere in the world.

Following a video consultation with a health advisor, results are available in 20 minutes.

The health advisor will guide the customer through taking a nose and throat swab and processing the sample.

Verified results are available after 20 minutes, and the customer can download a ‘fit to fly’ certificate if the test is negative.

Qured said its test kits “remove uncertainty for customers who may be unsure how to source a pre-departure test while in a foreign country”.

BA customers have access to preferential rates with several Covid-19 testing providers offering a range of PCR, lamp, antibody and antigen testing options.

Before they fly, passengers due to fly on selected routes can upload their test results to the VeriFLY app – a mobile travel health passport. This will certify their test certificates before departure.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ chief executive, said: “Our teams were pleased to discover Qured, a unique new option which removes uncertainty and unnecessary expense for customers who may be concerned about sourcing a pre-departure test while away from home.”

Alex Templeton, Qured’s chief executive, added: “Our accessible rapid testing service takes the hassle out of finding a test abroad.”

The new travel health app VeriFLY is currently available to those who are eligible to travel between London and the US and Canada. It is also available on all inbound routes to the UK with BA.

The airline is in talks with all test providers to find ways to have test results automatically sent to the VeriFLY app, to make the process even easier.

The airline also continues to work on the development of the Iata Travel Pass.

### Spain Considers Offering Restriction-Free Entry for Vaccinated Brits

Spain’s government has unfolded its plans to create a “green corridor” for all citizens of the United Kingdom who have been vaccinated against the Coronavirus if the European Union fails to reach an agreement on vaccination documents.



Spain’s Tourism Minister Fernando Valdés has confirmed that the country is seeking to reach a mutual agreement with Britain in a bid to facilitate the travel process for the summer season.

Valdés stressed that he hopes its country would find an agreement with the European Union to start reopening its doors for tourists as soon as possible.

“For us, the British market is our main market. But obviously, since we are a member of the European Union, the solutions have first to be part of the discussions in the EU,” he pointed out, emphasizing that if such a deal could not be reached, the country’s government will start to find other solutions, such as green corridors with third countries in order to revive the country’s tourism sector.

The tourism minister also stressed that the reopening of the country to the United Kingdom’s tourists depends on the evolving vaccination programs; however, he highlighted that Spain might start to regain British tourists during this summer.

In this regard, the United Kingdom’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, said that British authorities are working on the need for a document in terms of “having had a vaccine to be able to travel to another country”.

Hancock said that if other countries urge the citizens to take a recognized vaccine to travel there, Britain is seeking to enable its citizens to be eligible to take that journey.

The United Kingdom’s health secretary added that the UK’s government is continuously working with international partners, including the EU  and other countries around the world, and according to him, “it’s obviously important to work.”

Last April, an European Union official confirmed for SchengenVisaInfo.com that the testing process would be the first requirement for persons who wish to travel to the Schengen Area, highlighting that once recognized vaccines start to rollout, they would become mandatory for all passengers.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism in Spain, Reyes Maroto, has also called on the European Commission to accelerate the launching of such documents in order to help the countries gradually get back to the pre-pandemic situation.

In January, Spain’s government announced that it supports some European countries’ initiative to impose vaccination certificates to make the travel process easier for persons who have been vaccinated against the Coronavirus disease.

President of the Tourism Board Juan Molas previously stressed that among the key points that would help Spain’s tourism industry recover from COVID-19 hard hit would be talent, personalization and digitalization.

Last year, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimated that Spain’ tourism industry could lose over 40 billion during the summer due to the COVID-19 situation, despite govt’s attempt to support businesses in this sector by allocating 14,445.4 million financial support to 111,080 companies in the tourism, culture and leisure sector, in August 2020.

### Travel To Resume Only ‘As Soon As Possible After May 17’

The government insists it is “leading” the way on the restart of travel in Europe and dismissed a suggestion that its Global Travel Taskforce is “a talking shop”.



But aviation minister Robert Courts confirmed travel will only resume “as soon as possible after” May 17.

Courts told MPs: “I can’t give you a blow by blow account of where we are, but we are driving forward on this.”

Appearing before the Transport Select Committee of MPs, Courts said: “I would push back on the suggestion we are in any way behind our international partners. We are leading on this.”

He also insisted: “I would reject suggestions that the Global Travel Taskforce is a talking shop. It’s about making this [restart] work as quickly as we can in a sustainable way.”

The taskforce, which is due to report to Prime Minister Boris Johnson with recommendations to restart international travel, held a first meeting with industry representatives yesterday (March 2).

The government has set March 17 as the earliest date from which international travel could resume.

Courts referred to travel restarting “at some point after May 17”. Asked by the committee to explain, he said: “I understand the requirement for as much certainty as possible. At this stage it would be premature to be too precise. We do need to work through some really quite complicated issues.

“We have said there won’t be any travel before May 17 and we’ll look at travel restarting as soon as possible after that.”

He insisted: “We don’t yet understand the extent to which vaccinations reduce transmission and every country will need to be happy with any system used.

“The second point is new variants. We have to guard against these. The science is still catching up.”

Courts argued: “We had the earlier Global Travel Taskforce but a number of things have changed. It’s critical we take stock and work closely with all our sector colleagues to make progress.

“All you are hearing from other countries is an intention to so something.”

He told MPs: “We’re looking at a suite of factors, building on the suite of measures already in place. We would like to see travel facilitated in way that is smoother, in a way that uses technology. I expect to see a suite of measures.”

Asked whether people can be confident to book summer holidays, Courts said: “We’ve seen this is an unpredictable virus. It is not possible to predict. It isn’t possible to tell individuals or families what to do.

“I suggest what people have to do is give themselves options, give themselves flexibility, look at booking terms, look at insurance.”

He confirmed the taskforce report would go to the Prime Minister for consideration before its recommendations are made public.

Courts said: “We will be laying out a plan in April and then looking to operationalise that. April 12 will be the date we report back to the Prime Minister. We then have a process of looking at the recommendations.”

He argued: “The date we should be concerned about is the date people are due to travel.

“The evidence looks promising but we want to make sure what is in place is sustainable. We have to be slightly cautious at the moment. This has to be robust.”

### TUI Cancels All Holidays From UK

Travel and tourism firm TUI has announced it is cancelling all holidays from the UK until mid-May amid ongoing coronavirus restriction across the country.


The news comes as leaders of the devolved nations begin plans to lead the UK out of lockdown.


Under current plans, 17 May is being targeted as the earliest possible date for foreign travel to resume, subject to a review in April.

In response to the roadmap announcement, TUI has now cancelled all of its holidays, including flight-only and accommodation-only bookings, from the UK TUI has cancelled all of its holidays from the UK due to depart on or before 16 May.

While the date for the resumption of foreign travel only applies to England, TUI’s cancellations will also apply to any departures from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The travel firm is also cancelling all holidays from the Republic of Ireland up to 5 April.

Additionally, holidays, including flight-only and accommodation-only bookings, to the following destinations due to depart on or before 31 October will not be operating:

 	Los Cabos, Mexico
 	Kvarner Bay, Croatia
 	Marella Cruises sailings due to depart on or before 16 May
 	TUI River Cruises sailings due to depart on or before 30 May
 	TUI River Cruises sailings on TUI Isla due to depart on or before 31 October

Customers who have been affected by the cancellations will be contacted by TUI regarding their holiday.

TUI has said it will be prioritising customers in departure date order over the next two weeks, and has advised those who have a booking to wait until they receive an email before contacting the company.

Anyone whose holiday has been disrupted will be offered the chance to move their trip to a later date, receive a credit note with an incentive, or cancel the booking completely in exchange for a full refund.

If you have booked a package holiday, you are entitled to your money back within 14 days in the event it is cancelled.

### Consumers ‘In Favour’ Of Flights Just For Vaccinated Passengers

Most Brits (61%) are in favour of flights which only accept passengers who have been vaccinated, according to a new survey.



The poll also found 74% of respondents felt it would be reasonable to be expected to wear a facemask on a plane, even after having had the vaccine.

And 79% also say they are happy for their vaccine details to be passed on to digital health apps, according to the survey by travel think tank Thrive.

Sania Haq, Thrive’s research director, said: “These findings suggest consumers are now conditioned to ongoing social distancing measures which reduce transmission and prevent the spreading of Covid-19.

“It is also clear that few are worried about any privacy issues regarding their vaccination details if it means they can seamlessly access other countries and travel for business or leisure.”

In Thrive’s survey of 2,105 adults, 90% said they intend to fly abroad at some point in the future, with 69% saying they would fly abroad this year if the vaccination programme is fully rolled out. This is up from 53% when last surveyed in December 2020.

The poll was conducted on February 23-24, shortly after the prime minister’s roadmap out of lockdown was announced.

Thrive is jointly owned by market intelligence company AudienceNet and communications consultancy The PC Agency.

It was established in 2020 to analyse data about the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Thrive’s findings are similar to a Skyscanner poll which found that 59% of respondents said they would be happy to carry digital health information, including testing results and vaccine information in the form of a digital pass, if it allowed them to travel again.

Only 8% of respondents said they wouldn’t carry digital health information for travel.

Hugh Aitken, flights vice-president at Skyscanner, said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic, travellers have shown they are willing to react and adapt to changing requirements in order to be able to travel safely.

“Contactless technology, like digital health passes, which promotes safety first, is clearly something travellers would be ready to embrace.”

### Spain Contemplates Bilateral Deals If EU Can´t Agree On Vaccine Certificates

Spain will consider a “green corridor” for vaccinated British tourists if there is no EU agreement on vaccination passports, the country’s tourism minister has said, as the European commission prepared to table a proposal for leaders this month.



Fernando Valdés said his government would seek to find agreement on a common system among the 27 member states to allow tourism to restart, but Madrid would probably open bilateral talks with non-EU countries if that failed.

“Right now we have discussions with our colleagues in the UK,” Valdés told Bloomberg TV. “For us the British market is our main market. But obviously since we are a member of the European Union, the solutions have first to be part of the discussions in the EU.

“And obviously if that cannot be reached, we will be thinking of other corridors like green corridors with third countries that can help us restart tourism flows.”

British tourists spent around £18bn a year in Spain in 2019, making it the most popular holiday destination for UK travellers, but numbers were down by more than 80% in the summer of 2020.

The UK’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, confirmed that discussions were under way with governments and the EU. “We are absolutely working with our international partners on the need for certification in terms of having had a vaccine to be able to travel to another country,” he said during a Downing Street press conference.

“If another country wants to say that you need to have been vaccinated with a recognised vaccine to travel there we want to enable Brits to be able to take that journey. So we are working with international partners, and the EU is part of those discussions, as are several other countries around the world, and it’s obviously important work.”

Hancock said it was crucial to ensure the scheme allows people to travel who have been unable to have a jab in time. “As I understand it from the details set out, the EU proposal is that certification includes both whether you’ve had the vaccine and also whether you’ve recently had a test so those who can’t get vaccinated yet, which is particularly important,” he said. “It matters that we get the details of this right for international travel.”

The European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said earlier that she intended to publish draft legislation on 17 March over a “pass” that vaccinated EU citizens could use to travel for work or tourism. Leaders will discuss the issue at a summit eight days later.

“The aim is to gradually enable them to move safely in the EU or abroad – for work or tourism,” Von der Leyen had told a meeting of German conservative politicians on Monday.

She later tweeted: “The aim is to provide: proof that a person has been vaccinated; results of tests for those who couldn’t get a vaccine yet; info on Covid-19 recovery. It will respect data protection, security & privacy.”

The move was welcomed by Spain, Portugal and Greece, and a spokesperson for Boris Johnson said the UK would be interested in discussing the concept with Brussels. The prime minister has said non-essential international travel could be permitted from 17 May if the infection rates continue to fall.

But the proposal for what Von der Leyen described as a “digital green pass” was described as “confusing” by Belgian’s deputy prime minister, who insisted that free movement was a right for all EU citizens.

Sophie Wilmès, who also acts as Belgium’s foreign minister, tweeted: “The idea of a standardised European system that allows each individual to gather pieces of information about one’s vaccination, Covid tests, etc, on a single digital document (certificate) is a good one.

### TUI Boss In 'No Doubt' About Merits Of Vaccine Passports

TUI is 'preparing intensively' for holidays to resume, with the European giant in talks with the key destinations of Greece, Spain and Cyprus.


Chief Executive Fritz Joussen predicted customers will be able to travel this summer, and declared there was 'no doubt' a vaccination passport would 'restore freedom to travel'.

"Travelling in Europe will be possible in summer 2021 - safely and responsibly," he insisted.

Joussen said TUI was working in 'close coordination' with Greece, Spain and Cyprus over how travel will resume, with discussions to be extended to western and eastern Mediterranean destinations in the coming weeks.

"The desire for holidays has been high throughout the pandemic," he said in a statement. "Demand and bookings are picking up after the UK government unveiled a timetable for an end to the Covid restrictions.

"Germany is also preparing to restart and exit the lockdown. It is clear that interest in holidays is turning into bookings and revenues again. "

He said southern European governments in particular have developed 'good concepts for the restart' of travel.

"The core of these plans are rapid tests, vaccinations and uniform proof of immunity,"  Joussen said.

"A European vaccination passport can help restore freedom to travel. There is no doubt about that.

"With a uniform EU certificate, politicians can now create an important basis for summer travel.

"As long as not everyone can be vaccinated, rapid tests are the second important building block for safe holidays.

"They are reliable and are now available in sufficient numbers."

### Airfares To Summer Hotspots Tumble By Up To A Third

Airfares to the UK's favourite holiday hotspots are up to a third cheaper than the last two summers, data from Skyscanner has found.




In the days after Boris Johnson announced the roadmap plan, Skyscanner said it witnessed a 'surge in bookings', with Spain, Greece and Turkey among the most sough-after destinations.

Research found current prices are up to 34% cheaper compared to summer 2020 and up to 31% lower than 2019 bookings.

Skyscanner Vice President, Flights, Hugh Aitken said: "Flight prices are historically affected by capacity, demand and seasonality, especially in the run up to peak summer holiday season in Europe.

"After a difficult 12 months for the aviation sector, airlines appear to be balancing capacity with future demand by pricing tickets attractively in order to entice people back to the skies.

"It is good news for UK travellers as our latest analysis shows that average prices on Skyscanner over the summer months are currently up to 31% lower compared to the same period in 2019."

The analysis is based on a return economy flights booked in February for travel in June, July and August.

Aitken said he expects prices to 'evolve' in the coming weeks as 'more clearer paths to recovery are charted out and network planners build in capacity and schedules to allow airlines to fly at scale'.

"We may see some price increases as demand returns," he said. "However airlines will likely continue to offer good value in order to meet this demand.

"We anticipate that airlines and online travel agencies will continue to offer flexibility with tickets as the market recovers and there remains a degree of uncertainty for those planning travel."

According to the Skyscanner data, Portugal is the best value destination with airfares 34% cheaper than summer 2020, and 23% lower than 2019.

Fares to Spain are currently up to 25% lower during summer than 2020, and up to 11% lower compared to summer 2019.

Average airfares to Greece are up to 30% cheaper than summer 2020, and 11% lower than in 2019, while Turkey is up to 27% lower compared to 2020, and 31% lower than 2019.

### Spain Extends Travel Ban

Spain has announced that the current travel restrictions on passenger travel by air and sea from the UK will be extended until 6pm (GMT+1) on 16 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), with the exception of Spanish nationals and those legally resident in Spain.




International transit through Spanish airports by passengers on flights departing from the UK is permitted on presentation of a negative PCR, TNA or LAMP test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival into Spain. See: https://www.gov.uk/foreign.../spain/entry-requirements...



If you are resident in Spain, you should carry your residence document (the green paper EU residence certificate or the new TIE), as well as your valid passport when you travel. If you are not in possession of a residence document, the Spanish government has formally confirmed to the UK government that UK nationals who were legally residing in Spain before 1 January 2021, and as such are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement, can present other documents to prove their residence status when entering Spain. See: https://www.gov.uk/foreign.../spain/entry-requirements



For full details please see our travel advice for Spain here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

### Surge in holiday bookings following road map to end lockdown

Airlines and travel firms are experiencing a surge in demand following Boris Johnson’s road map for how coronavirus restrictions will be eased.



The Prime Minister said on Monday that a Government taskforce will produce a report by April 12 recommending how international trips can resume for people in England.

Foreign holidays could be permitted from May 17.

In the hours after the announcement, easyJet said bookings by UK customers for the summer season were more than four times higher compared with the same period during the previous week.

The Luton-based firm’s holiday division saw an even larger rise, with demand up seven-fold.

The most popular destinations for this summer are beach resorts including Malaga, Alicante and Palma in Spain, Faro in Portugal and the Greek island of Crete.

August is the most booked month, followed by July and September.

### Don't book flights until travel picture becomes clear, Which? warns

Consumer watchdog Which? has warned travellers not to book flights until clarity emerges over international travel after revealing more than two million passengers lost money during Covid.


The warning came amid research which found people were left out of pocket after missing flights that continued to operate during the pandemic.

The watchdog said local Covid lockdowns or restrictions at destinations prevented many passengers from travelling.

But because the flights continued to operate they were not entitled to a refund.

Which? said 2.3 million people across the UK lost out, despite circumstances which meant they could not reasonably - or even legally - travel to their destination.

Anyone considering booking flights for this summer should hold fire, it said.

"Wait until the situation around international travel becomes clearer," Which? said. "And when the time comes, book a package holiday rather than a flight-only booking for stronger passenger protections, and only with a trusted provider that offers a generous and flexible booking policy."

Which? Travel Editor Rory Boland said: "For almost a year now, Which? has been hearing from frustrated passengers who've been left out of pocket for flights they were unable to take, often through no fault of their own, because the flight went ahead as scheduled.

"While some have successfully been able to claim on their travel insurance or through their bank, others have been left high and dry.

"With non-essential travel currently illegal, airlines must play their part in protecting public health by ensuring no one is left out of pocket for abiding by the law and not travelling.

"All airlines should allow passengers the option to cancel for a full refund, as well as fee-free rebooking options, while these restrictions remain in place."

Almost half of those who lost money said they could not travel because of national or regional lockdown rules which instructed them to stay at home.

Others were only given the choice of rebooking their flight or losing their money.

Which? said rebooking may have meant paying a significant fare difference if the new flight was more expensive.

Customers also faced the dilemma of 'trying to choose new dates without knowing when international travel is likely to resume again'.

Just over a quarter (27%) of those left out of pocket said they were unable to fly because of restrictions in place at their destination that would prevent them from entering the country.

Nearly four in 10 said they could not travel because the FCDO had advised against all non-essential travel to their destination.

"While those with package holidays would have had their bookings cancelled by the provider in these circumstances, entitling them to a full refund, many airlines continued to operate flights to countries with an FCDO warning against non-essential travel, on the basis that they needed to operate them as scheduled in order to facilitate essential travel," Which? said.

### Greece hopeful of 'semi-normal' summer as travel talks begin with UK

Greece Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis has spoken of his hopes of a 'semi normal' summer after confirming talks are underway between Greek and UK officials over ways to reopen travel.



He said 'technical discussions' have begun, with vaccination passports understood to be among the topics under discussion.

While at a preliminary stage, Theoharis said he was hopeful an agreement could be reached over how travel can resume between Greece and the UK.

"We certainly hope that by summer, with the vaccination programme underway and the UK one of the leading countries in that respect, the situation will be much better than now," he said.

"Hopefully, with the vaccination programme going forward and the summer limiting the spread of the disease we can have a semi-normal summer."


Speaking on BBC Radio 4, the Tourism Minister said Greece was in 'very preliminary' talks with UK officials over how travel could re-start.

He described the talks as 'technical discussions', adding he was 'very hopeful that we can reach some kind of solution'.

Asked about the introduction of vaccination passports, he said : "The logic is that we don't want to limit travel only to those who are vaccinated.

"But since we are currently mandating that before travelling somebody has to have a negative test result, obviously that is a waste of resources if people are vaccinated

"The need for this testing could be limited by the vaccination certificate."

For those people who have chosen to receive a jab, there may be no need for them to be tested 'again and again', he added.
He rejected fears that even vaccinated tourists can transmit the disease, suggesting the same risk applied for those who has tested negative.

"They are allowed to travel, and of course, a few minutes later or a few days later they could catch the disease and spread it. So the vaccination certificate is a step forward, not a step backward.

"We have to follow developments and we have to listen to the health experts and adjust our strategy as events unfold.

"Of course we can't set things in stone yet. It's a dynamic situation and we will continue monitoring.

"For the time being I will say things are not getting worse, but that could change, I recognise that."

### Nicola Sturgeon says overseas holidays are unlikely this summer

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says Scots are unlikely to be able to travel abroad this summer. She says they might not even be able to take domestic holidays this Easter. While school children will return to the classroom this month, there will be no wider relaxing of lockdown rules she says.




In an update to the Scottish parliament, Ms Sturgeon said there will be no wider relaxation of coronavirus restrictions north of the border before the start of March.




And she said that exit from social and economic restrictions will be “more cautious” than it was last summer, to ward off the risk of a new flare-up of Covid-19 and a return to lockdown.


“Getting children back to education may mean the rest of us living with some restrictions for longer,” she told MSPs.




The Scottish government is due next week to publish a strategic framework for the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions north of the border.




And Ms Sturgeon warned that it will not give the all-clear for families to book holidays.


“We are very likely to advise against booking Easter holidays either overseas or within Scotland, as it is highly unlikely that we will have been able to fully open hotels or self-catering accommodation by then,” she said.




“However, for the summer, while it’s still highly unlikely that overseas holidays will be possible or advisable, staycations might be. But this will depend on the data nearer the time.”

The first minister told the Holyrood assembly that her cabinet had agreed at a meeting this morning to make schools the priority for a cautious easing of restrictions.

### Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in England

How to book a place in a quarantine hotel and arrange coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you're travelling to England from a country on the banned travel list.



This guidance is for people arriving in England who have visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned (sometimes called the ‘red list’) in the 10 days before their arrival.

You should follow separate guidance if you’re travelling from a country that is not on the list where travel to the UK is banned.

You cannot travel to the UK if you’ve visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days, unless you’re:

 	a British national
 	an Irish national
 	anyone with residence rights in the UK

From 15 February onwards, everyone allowed to enter England who has visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days must:

 	quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel
 	take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of quarantining
 	follow the national lockdown rules

Providing false or deliberately misleading information when filling out your passenger locator form is an offence punishable by imprisonment. You could be fined up to £10,000, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both, if you do not provide accurate details about the countries you have visited in the 10 days before you arrived in the UK.

If you break the quarantine rules you may face a penalty of up to £10,000.

You should follow separate advice if you arrive in:

 	Scotland
 	Wales
 	Northern Ireland

Hotel quarantine: what it is
Everyone who arrives into England must quarantine for 10 days from the point of their arrival. The day of arrival in England will be treated as day zero.

To stop the spread of potentially harmful variants into the UK, more stringent measures are in place for people who have travelled from or passed through a country on the list where travel to the UK is banned (the ‘red list’) in the last 10 days before arrival.

From 15 February, you must quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel if you’ve travelled from or passed through a country on the list where travel to the UK is banned.
Who has to go into hotel quarantine
If you are a British or Irish national, or third country national with residence rights in the UK and you have been in or passed through a red-list country in the 10 days before your arrival, you will need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel, unless you’re exempt.

Travellers from countries not on the ‘red list’ must follow the guidance set out here.
What you need to do before you arrive in England
Before you travel you must:

 	take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test and get a negative result during the 3 days before you travel. You must take the test in the 3 days before the service on which you will arrive in England departs. For example, if you travel directly to England on Friday, you must take the test on the Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
 	book a managed quarantine hotel where you will quarantine. Your quarantine package will include your managed quarantine hotel, quarantine transport and your travel test package for COVID-19 tests on day 2 and day 8 of quarantine
 	complete a passenger locator form with details of where you will quarantine when you arrive. You must provide a quarantine package booking reference number to complete your passenger locator form



Due to a minor technical issue, the link to the booking portal in this guidance will not be available until later today. Please return to this page later if you wish to make a booking.


You will need to agree to pay for, and book, a quarantine package before you complete your passenger locator form (PLF) and board your return journey to the UK.

The package includes the costs of transport from the port of arrival to the designated hotel, food, accommodation, security, other essential services and testing.




Rate




Rate for 1 adult in 1 room for 10 days (11 nights)
£1750


Additional rate for 1 adult (or child over 12)
£650


Additional rate for a child aged 5–12
£325



For those facing significant financial hardship as a result of this charge, there will be an opportunity to apply for a deferred repayment plan when booking. This is only available for individuals who already receive income-related benefits, and you will be required to pay back your debt to the government in 12 monthly installments.

All package prices will be reviewed before the end of March and may change. While hotels normally set a zero fee for children aged under 3, we are setting this for children under 5 years old because they will not be tested. The proposed zero fee for children under 5 years old will mean that for the present the government will bear the costs of additional food and drinks consumed by arrivals aged between 3 and 5 years old.

You must not apply for deferred payment if you are not eligible. If you provide false information, or omit key information that has been asked for in your application, you will be committing fraud and liable for conviction.

If you have not arranged a quarantine package prior to your arrival in England, you face a penalty of up to £4,000 and will still have to pay for your quarantine package on arrival.
Where you can arrive
If you’re required to quarantine in a quarantine hotel you can only arrive in England at certain ports of entry. Currently these are:

 	Heathrow Airport
 	Gatwick Airport
 	London City Airport
 	Birmingham Airport
 	Farnborough Airfield

Other ports of entry may be added in the future.

If you have a pre-existing booking to a different port of entry on or after the 15 February it’s your responsibility to change it to one of the ports of entry specified above. After 15 February carriers will not be permitted to carry anyone who has been in a red list country in the previous 10 days to any other port of entry other than those specified.

If you’re required to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel and do not arrive in England at one of the designated ports of entry, you may face a penalty of up to £10,000 and will be charged for the cost of transportation to the nearest designated port or entry.
Arriving and transporting to a managed quarantine hotel
When you arrive in England you will need to provide your completed passenger locator form to Border Force officers alongside your passport and negative COVID-19 test result.

You will be escorted through the airport with other passengers who need to quarantine at a managed quarantine hotel. Your ‘quarantine package’ includes transport to your quarantine hotel (and back to the airport at the end of your quarantine).

You must only travel to your managed quarantine hotel by the transport specified in your quarantine package and not by public or private transport.

At the end of the quarantine period you will be transported to the airport you were collected from when you arrived in England.
Quarantining in a managed quarantine hotel
When you arrive at the managed quarantine hotel you will be required to quarantine in your room for 10 days. The managed quarantine hotel will provide your meals.

It is not possible to select a particular room at the managed quarantine hotel or to seek a higher standard room upon arrival.

You can quarantine with the people you travelled with and hotels will prioritise allocating larger or connecting rooms to families.

If you’re the parent or guardian of an unaccompanied child arriving in England, you can join your child in quarantine.

You cannot have visitors in quarantine, including friends or family, unless they are providing:

 	emergency assistance
 	care or assistance, including personal care
 	medical assistance
 	veterinary services
 	certain critical public services

If you have items delivered to you during the quarantine period, they will be brought to the door of your room by the managed quarantine hotel staff. Staff will try to bring the items to you in a timely manner. However, given the need to maintain compliance with COVID guidelines, deliveries may not be able to be brought to your door immediately when they arrive at the hotel.

The hotels selected for managed quarantine are able to meet the vast majority of requirements.

You will be able to seek medical attention, including for repeat prescriptions and/or if you need to fill a prescription

You will only be allowed to leave your room in very limited circumstances including:

 	to travel directly to leave the Common Travel Area
 	to fulfil a legal obligation including attending court or satisfying bail conditions or to participate in legal proceedings
 	to exercise but only with special permission from hotel staff or security. This is not guaranteed
 	in exceptional circumstances, such as:

 	seeking medical assistance where this is required urgently or on the advice of a registered medical practitioner
 	to avoid injury, illness or escape a risk of harm (for example situations such as fire or flooding, or cases where domestic abuse occurs within a group quarantining together)
 	to access critical public services including social services or services provided to victims (for example critical access such as for a child to see their social worker)
 	to access veterinary services where required urgently or on the advice of a veterinary surgeon (no animals other than guide dogs would be in a hotel quarantine)



Testing
You will need to take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2. This first test is designed to help identify any potentially harmful variants of COVID-19 at the earliest opportunity. You will not be allowed to shorten your quarantine period if you receive a negative test result, as you may still develop COVID-19. Tests will be taken in your own accommodation.

If you receive a positive test result on day 2, you must quarantine until day 12. If you are in quarantine with people you have travelled with, they will also need to quarantine until day 12.

If you receive a positive result for your day 2 test, you will not be required to take any further tests.

You will also need to take a COVID-19 test on or after day 8. If you receive a positive test result on day 8 you will be required to quarantine until day 18.

You will not be able to end your managed quarantine early through the Test to Release scheme.

Children under 5 will not be required to take the day 2 or day 8 test

You should order a test here if you develop at least one of these 3 coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms at any point:

 	a high temperature
 	a new, continuous cough
 	you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed

If you’re in quarantine with people you have travelled with you will need to quarantine when you receive a positive test for 10 days. In a group quarantining together this could mean:

 	person A: receives a positive test result on day 2 so must quarantine to day 12 (no day 8 test)
 	person B: needs to quarantine until day 12 also as a close contact of person A. If they are negative on day 2 they are still required to take a day-8 test. Person B receives a positive test result on day 8 so they will need to quarantine to day 18
 	person C: Needs to quarantine until day 12 also as a close contact of person A. If negative on day-2 test, they are still required to take a day-8 test. They receive a negative day-8 test result. Person C still needs to quarantine to day 18 as they are a contact of person B as well as of person A

If someone tests positive other people in the same room should be moved into another room if there is space available in the hotel.

If you do not take the tests you may face a penalty of up to £2,000.
Leaving managed quarantine
You will be able to leave quarantine when you have received a negative result from your day 8 test and have quarantined for 10 full days.

If you receive a positive result from either of your tests, you will not be able to leave managed quarantine until 10 days have passed from the date of the test.

If, despite a negative test on day 8, you develop new coronavirus symptoms on day 9 or day 10, this would trigger a further test and extended quarantine for 10 days, if the new test is positive.
Exemptions
A very small proportion of people arriving in England who have visited or passed through a red-list country will not need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation.

The full list of exemptions to managed quarantine is set out below.
Hauliers travelling from Portugal
Hauliers travelling from Portugal are permitted to travel to England and are exempt from managed quarantine.

You need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to England.

You do not need to take a coronavirus test before you travel to England.

You’ll need to show that your travel is part of your job, for example a letter from your employer, a consignment note or your operator’s licence.

This applies to:

Drivers of goods vehicles and other employees of community licence holders for the international carriage of goods who have been in Portugal in the 10 days prior to their arrival in England.
Defence personnel, visiting forces and government contractors
You do not need to complete the passenger locator form or to quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation. You will be exempt from the need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure, where it is impractical to get a test.

You’ll need to apply for a letter from the Ministry of Defence confirming you are exempt. You’ll need to show this letter to officials at border control on entry to England.

Applies to:

Defence personnel, visiting forces and government contractors who the Ministry of Defence has confirmed are required to deliver essential defence activities.

You’re required to follow all requirements when not conducting defence duties.
Border security duties – UK officials and contractors
You do not need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure.

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form or quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation – if you’re either:

 	required to undertake essential government work related to the UK border in the UK during the period which, but for this exemption, you would need to self-isolate
 	undertaking essential government work related to the UK border outside of the UK but required to come back to England temporarily before departing the UK to again undertake essential government work related to the border

You should use your official photo identification to demonstrate your status.

Applies to:

UK officials and contractors required to work on essential border security duties.
Border security duties – non-UK officials and contractors
You do not need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure.

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form or quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation – if you’re either:

 	an official or contractor of a foreign government, required to travel to England to undertake essential border security duties
 	in possession of a written notice signed by a senior member of your government confirming that you’re required to undertake essential border security duties in the UK during the period which, but for this exemption, you would need to self-isolate, and that that work cannot be undertaken while the person is complying with regulation 4
 	your deployment is pursuant to a standing bilateral or multilateral agreement with the UK government on the operation of the border controls within the UK

You should use your official photo identification to demonstrate your status.

Applies to:

Non-UK officials and contractors required to work on essential border security duties.
International escorts undertaking extradition work
You need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to England.

You need to take a coronavirus test before you travel to England.

You do not need to quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation.

Applies to:

Foreign police officers entering England in order to escort a surrendered person out of England.
Crown servants or government contractors
This exemption only applies to those certified by a department of the UK government as meeting the criteria set out below.

You’ll need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to England.

You will not need to quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation – if a relevant department of the UK government has certified that you are:

 	a crown servant or government contractor travelling to England for essential government work, or
 	returning from conducting essential state business outside of the England, or
 	returning to England where this is necessary to facilitate the functioning of a diplomatic mission or consular post of Her Majesty or of a military/other official posting on behalf of Her Majesty

The relevant department of the UK government will issue you with a letter certifying that you fall within one of the categories above and are not required to comply with the quarantine requirements. You should contact them directly for this and bring it with you to England.

If you’re working as part of a UK embassy, high commission, consulate or mission, the letter will normally be issued by the ambassador, high commissioner or their equivalent in the country you are travelling from (i.e. where you are working at post). You should contact them directly for this and bring it with you to England.

If you’re directly employed by the Ministry of Defence the letter will be issued through your chain of command in the country you are travelling from. You should contact them directly for this and bring it with you to England.
Exemption from coronavirus testing before entering England
You will be exempt from the need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure where you have been certified by a department of the UK government department as meeting the criteria set out below:

 	a crown servant or government contractor travelling to England for essential government work in the UK or is returning from conducting such work outside the UK
 	a person returning from conducting essential state business outside of the UK
 	a person returning from undertaking essential or emergency work outside of the UK, which has been certified by the relevant department as necessary to facilitate essential government work, or essential state business

The relevant department of the UK government will issue you with a letter certifying that you fall within one of the categories above and that you are not required to comply with the requirement. You should contact them directly for this before you depart and bring it with you to England. You may be refused boarding without this.

Possession of letters confirming exemption from the requirement to self-isolate for 10 days does not exempt the holder from presenting a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure.
Diplomatic missions, international organisations and conferences
You need to take a coronavirus test before you travel to the UK.

Neither you nor your family members or others dependants need to complete the passenger locator form.

Neither you nor your family members or other dependants need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel.

You, your family members and other dependants will need to quarantine in private accommodation

Before you travel, your mission, international organisation or conference will need to notify the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will issue a letter confirming exemption from the requirement to fill in the passenger locator form to show at the border.

Applies to:

Members of diplomatic missions and consular posts in the UK, officers, servants or representatives of international organisations, representatives at an international or UK conference granted privileges and immunities, and their families or dependants.
Representatives of a foreign country or territory or British overseas territories
You do not need to complete the passenger locator form.

You do not need to quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation – if it’s confirmed that you are travelling to England for official business that cannot be undertaken while in quarantine.

If your family members or other dependants travel with you, they will need to quarantine in private accommodation after they arrive in England.

Before you travel, your mission or a representative of your country or territory will need to notify the FCDO who will issue an exemption letter to show at the border.
Exemption from coronavirus testing before entering England
An exemption from the need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure applies, in exceptional circumstances, to:

Representatives of a foreign country or territory and representatives of the British overseas territories, travelling to England to undertake official business with the UK.

Before you travel, your mission or a relevant representative of your country or territory will need to notify the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The FCDO will assess your circumstances on a case by case basis. If applicable, the FCDO will issue you an exemption letter to confirm it has received the necessary confirmation, that you are travelling to the UK to conduct official business with the UK and that you are not required to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure.

Possession of letters confirming exemption from the requirement to complete the passenger locator form or the requirement to quarantine does not exempt the holder from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result prior to departure.
Circumstances not covered by this guidance
If you’re intending to travel to the UK in the next 7 days and facing a set of circumstances that are not covered by this guidance, please email you enquiry to dhsctesttrace.customerfeedbackteam@nhs.net.

### Travel from the UK to Spain Update

Spain has announced that the current travel restrictions on passenger travel by air and sea from the UK will be extended until 6pm (GMT+1) on 2 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), with the exception of Spanish nationals and those legally resident in Spain.





International transit through Spanish airports by passengers on flights departing from the UK is permitted on presentation of a negative PCR, TNA or LAMP test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival into Spain.



If you are resident in Spain, you should carry your residence document (the green paper EU residence certificate or the new TIE), as well as your valid passport when you travel.

The Spanish authorities have not confirmed whether other documents are being accepted as sufficient proof of residence to enable entry to Spain.



You are strongly advised to contact your airline before travelling to confirm your proof of residency meets the requirements of your airline.



For details of the restrictions and requirements for entry to Spain please see: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

### Grant Shapps deals MASSIVE double blow to travel

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged radio listeners this morning not to book summer holidays, adding that they were 'illegal'.



Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he said: "Please don't go ahead and book a holiday for something which at this stage is illegal."

Some listeners might have been confused by what he said and misled into thinking that even booking a holiday is illegal.

The Transport Secretary went on to say that it was too early to know whether we'll be able to travel this summer.

"You want to wait until that is clear before booking. Do nothing at this stage."

Vaccine passports

In what appears to be a Government u-turn, Mr Shapps also confirmed reports that he is discussing with other countries around the world the introduction of vaccine passports.

Last week, the vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi said vaccine passports would be 'discriminatory'. In a BBC interview he said that if people needed proof of their Covid vaccination to travel they would need to contact their GP.

However, it has since emerged that a technology company has been hired by the Government to develop an app to store personal vaccination details.

When questioned by the BBC this morning, Mr Shapps said that the Government had never ruled out vaccination passports for travel, he said it had only dismissed the idea of a 'passport' to enter venues in the UK.

He said he was talking to other countries, including Singapore about creating an 'internationally recognised system' for vaccination passports.

"When it comes to international travel, just like you have the yellow fever card I imagine in the future countries will want to know that you have had the [Covid] vaccine or a test."

His comments will could further dent bookings for future travel since customers will be reluctant to book until they know when and how they'll be able to get proof of their vaccination.

At the moment, people who receive their Covid inoculation aren't given any proof they've been jabbed.

His comments will also cause concern for younger travellers who won't be eligible for vaccines until beyond the summer, if at all. It seems possible they will have to continue to pay for multiple Covid tests, as will families with children, who won't be vaccinated.

### Britons returning from 30 countries likely to be forced into quarantine hotels

Britons returning from up to 30 countries are expected to be forced quarantine in designated hotels in plans to be announced by the Home Secretary later today.



Included will be those flying in from countries in southern Africa and south America, where new variants of Covid-19 have been detected.

The list is also thought to include Portugal due to its links with Brazil, which has a particularly high rate of Covid infections and where a new variant of the virus was first detected.

There is already a ban on international arrivals from these countries but returning Brits will have to isolate in hotels for up to 10 days before being allowed home. It is also understood they will have to pick up the bill, which is likely to be around £1,000 to £1,500 per person.

Details of the policy are due to be announced in the House of Commons later today by Priti Patel.

But airlines are warning that extending the UK's border controls to hotel quarantines will 'plunge the aviation and travel industry deeper into crisis'.

British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic have written to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson demanding 'an urgent roadmap for the reopening of air travel'.

"It is essential that a clear set of conditions are agreed allowing for the easing of all travel restrictions. This roadmap is vital for retaining consumer confidence and securing the future of UK aviation as we approach the critical summer trading period," they wrote.

"UK airlines cannot survive a second summer season without meaningful revenue."

International airline body IATA questioned if the quarantine was necessary. A spokesperson told the Independent: "Coming only two weeks after the government announced further restrictions at the border, new rules on hotel quarantine will plunge the aviation and travel industry deeper into crisis.

"There are several vital questions that need to be answered.

"What is the scientific assessment of the further advantage to public health to be achieved from mandatory hotel quarantine given a flight ban is already in place?

"What economic impact assessment has been drawn up, especially for the UK's global connectivity, the aviation industry, and vital air cargo arrivals such as vaccines?

"If ministers cannot answer these key questions, it damages public confidence that there is a coherent strategy for suppressing Covid-19 and a roadmap in place for returning to normal life."

### Shops to Close Early

The Generalitat announces the total closure of the hotel industry in the Valencian Community and the closure of commerce (including gyms and with the exception of essential services such as food, pharmacies) at 6:00 p.m., measures that will come into force this Thursday at 00.00 and for 14 days.

Ximo Puig has announced these new restrictions for Alicante, Valencia and Castellón and has also advanced that he will ask the Government to advance the curfew at 8:00 p.m.

### Valencia Decrees Total Closure of Hospitality

The Generalitat has decided to decree the total closure of the hospitality industry due to the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic in the Valencian Community, as confirmed by sources from the Presidency.

The 'President' of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, will appear to explain the new anti-Covid measures after the meeting of the interdepartmental commission for the prevention and updating of Covid-19 that was held this morning to analyse the latest data and Study the possibility of applying new measures, according to sources from the Presidency.

### UK rules on pre-departure Covid tests delayed until Monday

New rules requiring international travellers to take a pre-departure Covid test before arriving in England will be delayed until the early hours of Monday.



Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said last night the delay will give passengers more time to prepare.

The rules were originally due to be introduced at 4am tomorrow.

"To give international arrivals more times to prepare, passengers will be required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test before departure to England from Monday 18 January at 4am," he said on Twitter.

"Passengers must remember to complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving back into England. Anyone without proof of a negative test face fines of £500."

The Department for Transport also published more details of the test requirements, setting out that they must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

Assuming the test meets those specifications, travellers can take a PCR, LAMP or antigen test, the DfT said.

People returning from St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda will be exempt from the new rules until 21 January due to a lack of testing facilities on the Caribbean islands.

The regulations also apply to returning UK nationals, but not to those entering from Ireland, any other part of the UK, the Falkland Islands, Ascension and St Helena.

### BANNED FROM EU: APPLES, BEEF, CHEESE AND OTHER ITEMS YOU CANNOT TAKE IN BAGGAGE

The UK’s decision to leave the European Union means travellers face bans on a wide range of goods.






As a Dutch television report showed, border officials have been confiscating sandwiches from motorists arriving in the Netherlands from the UK – with one frontier guard telling a driver: “Welcome to the Brexit, sir.”




Many items are now prohibited from travellers’ baggage. These are the most significant rules.


What foods are banned?


“POAO” – products of animal origin –  and most fruit.




The ban on meat and dairy extends to items such as cakes that contain fresh cream and confectionery “made with high levels of unprocessed dairy ingredients”.




There is an exemption for powdered infant milk, infant food, and special foods required for medical reasons; they must weigh less than 2kg and be packaged, proprietary brand products.

Other specific exemptions are "olives stuffed with fish” and “pasta and noodles, if processed or cooked (but not if mixed or filled with meat or meat products)”.


Vegetables and most fruit are also banned – though bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians are permitted.




Fish weighing up to 20kg are permitted, though for the specific case of sturgeon caviar the limit is 125g.




“Products other than those described above which do not contain meat or milk (eg honey)” are limited to 2kg.



What about duty-free?
The prices of alcohol and tobacco for UK travellers outbound to the European Union have fallen, because all sales are now duty free. But there are now strict rules on what you can bring in to the EU: one litre of spirits and 200 cigarettes (though only 40 to Estonia and Romania).


“Other goods” are limited to a total of €430 (£390) for travellers by air and sea.



Fuel?



You can carry up to 10 litres in a portable container, in addition to the fuel contained in your vehicle’s tank.



What is the effect on trips to Northern Ireland?



The rules above apply for journeys from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.




The duty-free regulations only affect goods bought free of duty elsewhere – for example if you buy in Dubai, fly to Manchester and transfer for a domestic flight to Belfast, you will be limited to a litre of spirits, 200 cigarettes and £390 in other goods.



What does the government say?



On 1 January the Northern Ireland secretary, Brandon Lewis, tweeted: “There is no ‘Irish Sea Border’.




"As we have seen today, the important preparations the Govt and businesses have taken to prepare for the end of the Transition Period are keeping goods flowing freely around the country, including between GB and NI.”

### Pre-departure Covid tests to be mandatory in England from Friday

Mandatory Covid testing will be introduced for everyone arriving in England from 4am on Friday, the Government has confirmed today.



All visitors and all residents travelling back to England will need proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than three days before departure.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the test must be 'of a diagnostic-standard test' such as a PCR, but it said it could 'in some cases' include LAMP and lateral flow tests. Further details will be included in legislation to be published later this week.

Children under 11 are exempt, as are a limited number of other travellers including flight and international rail crew.

Those returning from St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda will also be exempt until 21 January due to a lack of testing facilities on the Caribbean islands.

The Government said the mandatory Covid screening is likely to remain in place until the end of the current lockdown, but it will be reviewed.

It said the measure was being introduced due to increasing instances of Covid-19 around the world, including the emergence of new variants.

Anyone arriving in England from a country not on the travel corridor list will also have to self-isolate for up to 10 days, even if they have proof of a negative Covid test, said the DfT. However, they can end their quarantine early if they have a second negative Covid test taken after five days of quarantine.

Airlines, train and ferry operators will be required to check that a passenger has proof of a negative test result before boarding and may ban any customers without a negative test, said the DfT.

Border Force will also conduct further checks upon arrival and there will be minimum fines of £500 for anyone caught entering England without a negative Covid test result.

Operators will also be fined for transporting non-compliant passengers.

Passengers travelling to England from Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey will be exempt.


Travel industry reaction

Airlines said the industry has been lobbying from pre-departure testing, but called for this to be a time-limited measure.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: "This is a national health emergency and Ministers need to act to keep the country safe.

"It is true that much of the sector has been lobbying for pre-departure testing - but this was always predicated on the Government removing or reducing the quarantine period at the same time.

"Now we have both quarantine and pre-departure testing. That's why this new policy needs to be a time-limited, emergency measure only, in place not a second longer than necessary, and with a proper review mechanism once lockdown comes to an end. We cannot afford for this to be baked in over the whole summer.

"The focus must be on returning travel to normal as quickly as possible and removing the need to quarantine or take a test as the UK population is vaccinated. Ideally, as the vaccination roll-out gathers pace and the most at-risk parts of the country are inoculated, we can start to see the economy, and travel, open up, which would enable the sector to have what will be a critical summer season for aviation."

### Ryanair and British Airways continue to refuse refunds for customers who can’t legally travel

National lockdowns in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make it illegal for anybody to undertake non-essential travel. Yet, British Airways and Ryanair continue to refuse to offer refunds for passengers who would have to break the law to take their flight.



When asked the UK’s five biggest airlines if passengers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can claim a cash refund if prevented from travelling by lockdown law. Jet2, Tui and easyJet confirmed they could, even if the flight is still operating. British Airways, however,  are not refunding customers for flights that are still operating. Ryanair didn’t respond to our requests for information, but its website says passengers can only rebook rather than claim a refund.

In December, the competition regulator launched an investigation into the refusal of airlines to offer customers cash refunds for flights they could not take because national, regional or local lockdown laws in the UK prevented them from travelling.

What you should do if your airline refuses a cash refund?

Make sure you ask for a cash refund, ideally by email. If the airline refuses or doesn’t communicate with you, then act before your flight takes place by accepting the voucher or rebooking that is offered. The fact that you have asked for a cash refund on record may put you in a better position to retrospectively claim your money, if the Competition and Markets Authority later acts and tells airlines to pay cash refunds.  You should also submit a complaint to the CMA.

 What easyJet, Jet2, TUI, British Airways and Ryanair say about refunds?

 EasyJet lockdown refunds.

EasyJet will offer refunds to all customers. It said: ‘We will be operating flights over the coming days focused on repatriating any customers who need to return to the UK. We urge customers needing to return to transfer onto these flights as soon as possible as options to travel after this date will be reduced. ‘We are contacting customers whose flights are cancelled with their options and all customers unable to travel as a result of the lockdown restrictions, whether their flights are cancelled or scheduled to operate, can transfer their flights to a later date for free, or receive a voucher or a refund. ‘Given the ongoing impact of the pandemic on travel, we continue to call for sector specific support such as has been provided to hospitality, where decisions have directly affected their ability to trade.  The same principle should be applied to aviation.’

 Jet2 lockdown refunds.

Jet2 has cancelled all holidays and flights until 11 February, with customers getting a full refund. It said:  ‘We have taken the decision to extend the suspension of flights and holidays up to and including 11 February 2021. Where customers yet to travel are affected by any programme changes, we have been repeatedly recognised for how we have been looking after them, and we will be automatically cancelling these bookings with a full refund. ‘For customers due to travel from 12 February onwards, we will provide another update closer to the time.’

 TUI lockdown refunds.

Tui too says flight and holiday customers can claim a full refund. It said: ‘As a result of the latest national lockdown measures announced on 4 January 2021 all TUI holidays will be cancelled. Customers due to travel from an English airport before mid-February will be contacted in departure date in order to discuss their options, which will include amending to another holiday with an incentive, receiving an ATOL-protected refund credit note with incentive, or cancelling and receiving a full refund. ‘All holidays from Scotland and Wales have been cancelled until 31 January with the same options. We will constantly review holiday cancellations in line with updated travel advice.’

 British Airways lockdown refunds.

British Airways is refunding customers whose flights are cancelled but not those where the flight is still operating. They must rebook or accept a voucher. It said:  ‘We are reviewing our flight schedule​ following the announcement of new national lockdown restrictions. Our focus is on keeping crucial air links open – transporting vital goods and ensuring people who are permitted to travel can continue to do so safely. ​As always, if a customer’s flight is cancelled we offer a range of options including a full refund.​‘We have issued more than 2.9m refunds, 1.9m vouchers for future travel and we continue to offer highly flexible booking policies to our customers during this unprecedented pandemic.’ For British Airways Holidays customers the policy is better. It says:  ‘Customers due to depart by 12 February 2021 will be offered a refund for their holiday. Our teams continue to monitor the situation and update our policy accordingly.’

 Ryanair lockdown refunds.

Ryanair didn’t respond to requests for comment.  The Ryanair website says customers whose flights have been cancelled can claim a refund, but not for customers whose flights are operating. Passengers can change the date of their flight, but will have to pay any fare difference, and only up to 30 April – when we may well still be in lockdown. It said:  ‘A small number of flights will operate to/from the UK primarily to facilitate UK passengers stranded abroad and to support passengers who need to travel for essential reasons. For passengers (booked on these operating flights) who do not wish to travel prior to 31st Jan 2021, Ryanair will facilitate a flight change, where no change fee will apply (any difference in fare will be charged), to any new date up to 30th April 2021. Any passenger whose flight has been cancelled can also move to these operating flights, subject to availability.‘

### Arrivals to England - including Brits - will need to show a negative test before entry

Passengers arriving from all international destinations will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result before departing for England to help protect against new strains of coronavirus circulating internationally.



Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that from next week inbound passengers arriving by boat, plane or train will have to take a test up to than 72 hours before departing the country they are in, to help protect against the new strains of coronavirus such as those seen in Denmark and South Africa.

Today’s (8 January 2021) decisive action is in response to the changes seen in the transmission of the virus both domestically and across the globe. Pre-departure testing will protect travel and will provide an additional layer of safety from imported cases of coronavirus on top of the mandatory 10 day self-isolation for arrivals, helping identify people who may currently be infectious and preventing them from travelling to England.

A negative pre-departure test reduces the risk of someone travelling whilst infectious, acting as another safeguard to prevent imported infections. Passengers arriving from countries not on the government’s travel corridor list must self-isolate for 10 days regardless of their pre-departure test result to provide further robust protection from those travelling from high-risk countries.

Prior to departure passengers will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to carriers, as well as their passenger locator form. The UK Border Force will conduct spot checks on arrival into England to ensure that passengers are fully compliant.

The move further bolsters existing protective measures which helped to safely enable international travel last year, with self-isolation for new arrivals and travel corridors remaining critical in reducing the risk of imported cases from high-risk countries.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said:
"We already have significant measures in place to prevent imported cases of COVID-19, but with new strains of the virus developing internationally we must take further precautions.
Taken together with the existing mandatory self-isolation period for passengers returning from high-risk countries, pre-departure tests will provide a further line of defence - helping us control the virus as we roll out the vaccine at pace over the coming weeks."

National lockdown restrictions which came into force on 6 January 2021 remain in place meaning everyone must stay at home unless travelling for a very limited set of reasons, including for work.

Permitted travellers will need to take their test up to 72 hours before departure, and this will apply irrespective of whether a country is on the travel corridor list. The government will set out the standards that these tests will need to meet and what proof passengers will need to present.

Passengers arriving into England who have successfully demonstrated a negative result prior to departure from a country not on the travel corridor list will still have the option to reduce the self-isolation period from 10 to as little as 5 days by paying for a test through the Test to Release scheme. The scheme requires a test to be taken on or after the fifth full day since leaving a country not on the travel corridor list.

Passengers will be required to show their negative test result before boarding, and transport operators will deny boarding if necessary. On arrival back into the UK, Border Force will check passengers test results through the current spot check regime, to ensure that individuals are compliant with the new rules, and passengers will be subject to an immediate fine of £500.

There will be a limited number of exemptions, including for hauliers, children under 11, crews and for those who travelling from countries without the infrastructure available to deliver the tests. Further exemptions will be set out on GOV.UK.

This follows the recent decision to temporarily suspend direct travel from South Africa to England after new evidence emerged from health authorities reporting an outbreak of a variant strain of coronavirus spreading to some local communities.

Those who travel indirectly from South Africa must self-isolate for 10 days.

All travellers will still be required to complete a passenger locator form before arrival into England. This is critical in being able to track the virus in case of any local outbreaks, and those who fail to complete a passenger locator form will be subject to an increased fine of £500.

### Ryanair warns it may axe all UK flights from the end of January

Ryanair may cut all flights from the UK and Ireland from the end of January as it blasted governments in both countries for their 'draconian' approach to Covid.




The drastic warning came as the budget carrier said the new lockdowns will see January traffic fall to under 1.25 million passengers, and plummet further to 500,000 in February and March.

The airline said it will 'significantly' cut its number of flights from 21 January and will operate 'few, if any flights to/from Ireland or the UK from the end of January until such time as these draconian travel restrictions are removed'.

Ryanair called on the UK and Ireland governments to accelerate the pace of the vaccine roll out.

It cited the example of Denmark which it said had vaccinated 40,000 people by 6 January while Ireland had vaccinated just 4,000.

The fresh cuts in flights will reduce traffic forecasts from 'below 35m' to between 26m and 30m passengers.

Ryanair said in a statement that vaccinations, rather than lockdowns, were the way out of the crisis.

"The WHO have previously confirmed that Governments should do everything possible to avoid brutal lockdowns, because lockdowns "do not get rid of the virus"," a spokesperson said.

"Ireland's Covid-19 travel restrictions are already the most stringent in Europe, and so these new flight restrictions are inexplicable and ineffective when Ireland continues to operate an open border between the Republic and the North of Ireland.

NPHET (Ireland's Public Health Team), which we believe has mismanaged many aspects of Ireland's Covid response (face masks, test & trace, international travel, care homes and meat factories), should now release a daily report of the number of vaccines administered in Ireland, and explain why they continue to run behind the vaccination rates of other similar sized EU countries.

Vaccinations rather than lockdowns is the way out of this Covid-19 crisis, and the sooner NPHET takes action to accelerate Ireland's vaccine rollout speed, the better."

### Fighting Crime Through WhatsApp

The Local Police and Guardia Civil are combining resources through a WhatsApp chat group, where retailers, hoteliers, taxi drivers and others with business interests can share information about suspicious or criminal behaviour in order to create a network of watchful eyes across the town.



Torrevieja already has one of the most advanced CCTV systems in the country, but nothing is more useful than people on the ground keeping watch, and that is what the group aims to achieve.

Known as the Prevecom system, which was presented by the councillor for Police and Commerce, Federico Alarcón and Rosario Martínez, along with representatives of the Guardia Civil and the Local Police, the system is intended to create several groups segmented by areas where participants can alert of risky situations and provide descriptions of suspects.

 

### Environmental Boost for Municipalities

The Alicante provincial government has launched a half-a-million-euro funding package to help municipalities turn back the tide of global warming.



Respect, care and protection of the environment is the message being prioritised by the Diputación and are calling on local councils to use the funding for investing in green areas around the municipalities.

The Committee on the Environment and Energy Saving has approved the distribution of the funds and locally we will see towns such as Albatera, Bigastro, Dolores, Guardamar del Segura, and San Miguel de Salinas all benefit, amongst others.

The money is aimed at the replenishment of existing green areas, as well as creating new ones, so that nature can then take over and feed from the environmentally rich areas around the otherwise urban zones.

There are also other grants available for those municipalities who would like to investigate ways of reducing pollution and dangerous emissions into the environment, with details about that element being prepared now, ready for publication in the next few weeks.

### Quirónsalud will perform free mammography tests for the early detection of breast cancer

Quirónsalud Alicante and Torrevieja Hospitals have launched a breast cancer prevention campaign by conducting free mammography tests to mark the world breast cancer day to be held on 19 October. Early diagnosis of the disease through mammography screening reduces the mortality rate by 15% to 20%. Mammography screening will be done from 21 to 25 October for women aged 40 and over who have not had a mammogram in 2019.
 
Additionally, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital centre is participating in the organisation of an information stand for the International Day against Breast Cancer, where we will offer advice on preventing this illness and the importance of early diagnosis. The forum will include the participation of members of the Asociación de Familiares y Enfermos de Cáncer de Torrevieja (AFECÁNCER, Spanish acronym for the Torrevieja Association of Cancer Patients and Family Members). In addition, in order to promote self-examination, Quirónsalud has created a guide, which will be printed and handed out at the stand.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the female population in Spain, making up 29% of all cancers; it is estimated that one out of every eight women will suffer breast cancer. The increase in cases is due to the aging of the population, since its highest incidence is in women over fifty, although the incidence in women under forty has risen by 10% in the last few years. The reason for this increase in cases may be due to lifestyle changes, a tendency to have less children, the increased age women have their first pregnancy, and a history of the disease in direct family members.

How to access the tests in each hospital centre:
 
The mammogram period will be October 21-25
 
Quirónsalud Alicante

Women interested to undergo the screening may request information at Quirónsalud Alicante Hospital from Friday, 18 October onwards from Monday to Friday. To book your appointment via phone, call 650 828 163 from 10 am to 2 pm, or send an email to info.alicante@quironsalud.es or visit the website http://www.quironsalud.es/alicante/es. Appointments are allocated until all slots assigned by the department are full through a medical prescription.

Quirónsalud Torrevieja
 
Women who are interested to undergo the screening at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital may request information from the hospital via phone, call 966 90 95 06 from 10 am to 2 pm, or send an email to prevencion.trv@quironsalud.es or visit the website http://www.quironsalud.es/torrevieja/es. Appointments are allocated until all slots assigned by the department are full through a medical prescription.

### Fifteen Hundred Fatalities around Dolores

Whilst insurance companies are still calculating the material costs of the damage caused by the recent flooding across the region, and friends and families still mourning those who lost their lives, the department of justice has already counted 1,450 animals that perished in the waters caused by the DANA.



The regional minister for justice, Gabriela Bravo, presented the startling account during a meeting at the Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre in Dolores. The centre, known as Cecopal, is tasked with coordinating the repair and recovery operation following the downpour which occurred between the 11th and 14th of this month.

Even though weeks have passed since the incident, a team of experts is still working in the area of Dolores, Almoradí, San Fulgencio and Daya Vieja, with 45 forest firefighters with two pumps, 8 veterinarians and 42 Protección Civil volunteers amongst them, with part of their role being the recovery of the dead animals.

The animals so far recovered have mainly been poultry, sheep and pigs, although there are domestic animals who were also caught in the catastrophe.

The next meeting of Cecopal in Dolores will be on Monday, when the decision to scale down the operation is expected to be made, although water has still not completely drained from many areas, most of which are being monitored by drones.

The organic matter is also being monitored to make sure that any public health risk is kept to a minimum, as there is a risk of the spread of disease, as well as ensuring insecticidal treatments that are being applied to ponds of stagnant water to prevent the proliferation of mosquito larvae.

Of course, the account and figures are only representative of the area around Dolores and the municipalities the emergency workers there are serving. The figure will be much higher across the entire region where animals have been seen in some places decaying for over a week, unable to be recovered.

### The King and Queen Set to Visit

The King and Queen of Spain are planning a visit to the area next week, set to see first-hand the devastation caused by the recent flooding.

Don Felipe and Doña Letizia visited the Canary Islands last week so see the damage caused by fires which swept through the forest areas, affecting more than 10,000 hectares of land.



The Royal couple flew by helicopter over the islands before meeting with the people on the ground, both those who had dealt with the firefighting, and those affected by the impact.

Next week, the King and Queen are planning a trip to this area, visiting Orihuela and Los Alcázares, to see the progress being made after the flooding, whilst the cleaning operation continues.

### Buzzing Around the Environment

Although the occasional rains of summer may have been a brief but welcome break to the continual hot and dry spells of previous years, the rain has brought an unpleasant legacy along with it.

The extra rain through August has added water to the ground, feeding plants and animals, it has added to the dwindling supplies in the reservoirs, and it has topped up the local lakes, a naturally beautiful site in the area, but the home to what many people consider to be one of the worst insects ever created by evolution or a god, the annoying little creature called the mosquito.

Nobody likes them, but they do perform a function in nature, as food if nothing else.

Last weekend, the beaches near Gran Alacant were as popular as we might expect at the end of summer, but the beaches soon emptied when a crown of unruly and uncaring blood-suckers turned up, as clouds of mosquitoes descended on the sandy area and scared the bathers away, with some people reporting receiving up to 60 bites.

The problem on the beaches of Arenales del Sol originated in the natural parkland at Clot de Galvany, home to many protected birds, where mosquitoes proliferate.

According to local neighbours, they have been denouncing the situation for years and asked to council to fumigate the area before the rains.

However, we must also remember that fumigation is poison. So the requests the human residents make to fumigate are as much a request to poison the land and the air that they breathe.

Not only that, the environmental impact of disturbing the ecosystem is potentially disastrous. A walk through the bird-rich area may reveal purple martins, swallows, geese, terns, ducks and migratory songbirds, but as all of these birds eat mosquitoes, the question of what would happen to them as their food source is killed off is of vital and potentially fatal importance.

How far does the impact of pesticides reach?

Bats too eat mosquitoes, and with bats being protected in Spain as they face extinction, we have to question the same, what impact removing or poisoning a food might have on them.

It is also important to remember that areas such as Gran Alacant were built around the natural environment of Clot de Galvany, that environment was there first, and is no doubt a selling point for property in the area, but when the natural lands are destroyed or the ecosystem disturbed, the chances of it becoming a desolate wasteland increases.

Torrevieja faces a similar dilema. As the homes and businesses were constructed around the natural park land, the human inhabitants took over. Those living closer to the lakes have again complained for years, and the town hall have contracted a private company to spread poison to control the annoyance, but environmentalists have already noticed a reduction in some species of birds visiting the area.

It will perhaps come as a surprise however that in Torrevieja it is the supposedly environmentally focussed Los Verdes who are kicking up a stink demanding fumigation, seemingly ignorant to any potential damage that pesticides can cause to the environment, other insects, animals, the food chain, and even humans.

In a press release, the “greens” have denounced the “dereliction of duties” of the now ruling Partido Popular government, and their lack of action dealing with the “pests”.

A “dereliction of duties” that the government hasn´t subjected residents to this, according to the GREEN party, Los Verdes!

Residents of most of the city are suffering from the proliferation of mosquitoes and cockroaches both in their homes and on the streets, they say, and have recorded complaints from La Torreta, Los Balcones, Via Verde, Acequión, amongst others, and they, “do not understand that in other populations, such as Alicante, there has been emergency fumigations to prevent the proliferation of these insects, especially after rains of recent weeks, while in our city has not taken action.”

There is a fear of mosquitoes within humankind, a trip to places such as Gandía will show huge publicity campaigns along the street warning of the dangers of the Tiger Mosquito for example, but for the majority, they are an often uncomfortable, sometimes painful annoyance.

Perhaps the solution is not a quick fix killing spree of poisoning the environment with chemicals, but a conscious approach to dealing with the problem might offer a more sustainable and equally effective solution.

Many towns who are concerned with ecology and sustainability are installing bat boxes near areas where mosquitoes live. In addition to mozzies, bats can help control the populations of beetles, moths and leafhoppers. Even the very presence of bats in an area can reduce insect populations as many insects can hear bats up to 100 feet away and will keep their distance from areas occupied by bats.

Moreover, this solution does not have to be in the hands of the authorities, you too can do your bit. For between as little as 10 to 30 euro, you could purchase your own bat box and install it at your home. Of course you will have to do a little bit of research to find the best location and method of operation, and it might not prove an instant success, especially as we must also remember that mosquitoes only form a small portion of a bat´s diet, but if more of these bat boxes were installed rather than spreading poison, even a small initial improvement is a bonus, not only as it provides a potential home for an endangered species, but it may well help to control the human´s intolerance of insects without the potentially poisoning consequences.

An environmentally sound method adopted by some administrations which help to preserve endangered species at the same time as controlling pests.

### Body Found in Torrevieja Home

A woman's body was found on Thursday in a house in Torrevieja. There were no apparent signs of violence or a disturbance and an autopsy is being carried out.



The woman was found in an apartment located on Calle San Pascual after the Local Police asked fire fighters to access the premises on account of a "strong odour" coming from inside.

After gaining access, firefighters found the body of the woman, aged 71 and of Spanish nationality, who apparently lived alone.

As is usual in these cases, the Guardia Civil has opened an investigation into the death, although they are expecting natural causes to be the outcome.

### Pedestrian Killed near Park of Nations

A woman, said by emergency services to be 68-years-of-age, was knocked down and killed on Tuesday near Torrevieja´s Park of Nations.



The woman was crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing when an articulated truck collided with her as it was leaving the N-332 main road on the slip road that leads to the main entry and exit route to Torrevieja.

A paramedic ambulance was sent to the scene but medics could do nothing to save the life of the woman who received fatal injuries in the incident.

The road was closed for around 3 hours whist the initial investigation was carried out, until the coroner approved the release of the scene.

The Guardia Civil have taken over the investigation and they subjected the Portuguese truck driver to a breathalyser test, which proved negative.

### Quesada in Fiesta

Although the event has already begun, this weekend marks the climax of the annual fiestas in Quesada, just down the road from Torrevieja, in honour of San Justo.



The mayor of Rojales, Antonio Pérez Garcia, has welcomed everybody to the event, which he describes as being for all the family and friends. That notion sums up the general mood, as everyone is indeed welcome to the party.

You can pick up the full schedule from the tourist information office, but on Friday night there is an international music group playing, “The New Wave”, with rock and pop music starting at 10:30 p.m., followed by a disco until 05:30 a.m.



Saturday is the most important day however, with bouncy castles set up in the main area on Plaza Blanca, before the carnival parade sets off at 10:00 p.m., with prizes on offer for the best groups taking part. Again, a disco will take over until 05:30 in the morning.

On Sunday there is a performance from the “Sofía Sánchez” school of dance, and rumba from “Arte Pallá”, fireworks at midnight, and the disco through the night once more.

 

### Mama Mia! Here we go AGAIN

If you´re a fan of the music of ABBA, then Torrevieja´s International Auditorium is the place to go for a spectacular event on 9 August.



Tickets are already on sale for Abba Live TV, a dramatized concert that honours the Swedish quartet, with discounts available for the “Friends” of the auditorium.

This show is billed as “not a simple tribute”, but an “unforgettable show”, as Abba Live TV creates a montage that begins the moment you enter the doors of the auditorium, where you are immersed into the feeling of being part of the recording of a television show, turning the stage into a set full of cameras, technical equipment and with a presenter, a charismatic showman, all ready to play their part in the magical illusion.

Abba Live TV is an unforgettable show, with a visually stunning staging, and dramatically fun, with incredible voices, impressive choreographies, comic moments and, above all, good live music.

The show starts at 10 p.m. on August 9, and with the show likely to sell out quickly, especially when word starts to spread, like jungle drums - Can you hear the drums - It´s a good idea to get your tickets early.

### This Week’s English Film at the Cinema in Torrevieja

The IMF cinema in Torrevieja shows one film in English (Original Version) every day of the week. Occasionally, there might be two on. The film in English is always scheduled for 18.00h.

 

This week, from Friday 19 July, the film shown in English is The Lion King (2019), with Donald Glover, Beyoncé and Seth Rogen.

 

Original title: The Lion King (2019)

 

Cast: Donald Glover, Beyoncé and Seth Rogen

 

Director: Jon Favreau

Running Time: 1hr 58 min

Release day: 19 July 2019

Genre: Animation, Drama, Adventure

Country: USA

 

Produced by: Walt Disney Pictures

Synopsis: Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother -- and former heir to the throne -- has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

 

Date: Friday 19 July – Thursday 25 July 2019

 

Time: 18.00h

 

Place: IMF cinema

 

Address: Polígono San José 10, Calle Francisco Alonso Lorenzo, 2, 03184 Torrevieja

 

Entrance: 7€ every day except Monday and Wednesday (spectators’ day) when it’s 5€. Tickets can be purchased online at entradas.com.

 

### Quirónsalud participates in the Euromelanoma Campaign

Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia and Centro Médico Quirónsalud Alicante are collaborating with the Euromelanoma Campaign, providing free mole examinations from June 25 to 28 in Valencia, and June 26 to 28 in Alicante. Those interested in undergoing these examinations must request a prior appointment at 960 019 852 in the case of the Valencia hospital centre, and on the website www.euromelanoma.org or at 915434535 in the case of Centro Médico de Alicante.

Every year, 5 thousand new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in Spain, together with 75 thousand non-melanoma skin cancer cases. “Melanoma is the skin cancer with the worst prognosis. However, if it is detected early, there is an 80% probability of curing it,” assures Doctor José María Ricart, Head of the Dermatology Service at Quirónsalud Valencia and the Instituto Médico Ricart, “additionally,” he adds, “complete information about melanoma is the most important prevention measure, since anticipating diagnosis reduced the possibility of it becoming mortal by almost 90%.” The dermatologist insists on the importance of having annual check-ups, since estimates show that four out of every ten Spaniards will get skin cancer at some point in their lives.
The symptoms presented by this type of skin cancer appear as an alteration in a pigmented lesion, which experiences a change in size, colour or shape. As Doctor José Carlos Pascual, Coordinator of the Dermatology Service at Centro Médico de Quirónsalud Alicante explains, “we use the “ABCDE” rule to detect possible skin cancer: A is a reference to asymmetry of the mole, B stands for irregular borders, C means several colours in the same lesion, D is a diameter above 6 mm, and E, perhaps the most relevant characteristic, evolution, in other words, the presence of changes in the mole over the course of weeks or months.” Doctor Pascual recommends performing self-examinations periodically, and in case of any doubts, consulting a specialist.
The physical examination performed by specialist physicians is currently the best mechanism for early detection of melanoma. As Doctor Ricart states, “a dermatologist has tools that increase diagnostic precision, such as dermatoscopy, which allows us to observe the microscopic structures of moles. In addition, in patients with multiple atypical moles, it is essential to have body photographs, due to which following up in the long term is essential, as it enables very close and careful control of the moles each person presents.”
The specialists at Quirónsalud recommend avoiding sun exposure during the hours of highest radiation, and alert about the consequences of sunburns, “because skin may forgive, but it doesn’t forget.” This is why they recommend always using an adequate sunscreen for each skin type, re-applying it every two or three hours, drinking lots of water, and wearing certified sunglasses and adequate clothing. The sun is the main risk factor for developing the disease. Doctor Pascual explains that having suffered more than three sunburns during childhood multiples the risk of melanoma appearing.” People with multiple moles or with a family history of melanoma are also at greater risk.
Spanish dermatologists have participated in this European campaign for the detection and awareness of skin cancer since the year 2000. At a European level, at least 33 countries intervene in Euromelanoma, and so far, over 450,000 free examinations have been provided.
 
High Effectiveness of Mohs’ Surgery in the Treatment of Skin Cancer
 
The Dermatology Service at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia is part of the small number of centres that remove skin tumours using Mohs’ Micrographic Surgery, which allows for an immediate examination of the scope of the lesion. “For the performance of this surgical technique,” explains Doctor Ricart, “the dermatologist extracts the tumour tissue and reconstructs the area; the pathologist analyses it through the microscope in order to identify all the cancer’s roots, and detect possible residual tumours that require further resection.” This surgery achieves a high percentage of healing, while also avoiding the destruction of healthy tissue.

### Cycle Tour on Pre-Tour Tour

Champion cyclists are working their way around the country at the moment, stopping off far and wide for photo calls, all as part of a promotional campaign to make sure everybody knows the importance of this year´s cycling tour of Spain, La Vuelta.



This year, the race is even more important for the local area of Torrevieja, as the event starts from the Salinas de Torrevieja on 24 August, before meandering through over three-thousand kilometres of terrain to finish in Madrid on 15 September.

"Cycling is a sport that stands and falls by its closeness", says Javier Guillén, CEO of La Vuelta. "That is why we seek to immerse our partners in the best experience they can have. Our intention is to retain our customers by conveying the emotion and passion we feel whilst doing the Vuelta," he adds.

### Beach Handball Returns to La Zenia

La Zenia beach will be taken over by a major sporting competition next month, as the beach handball competition, 'Arena 1000 Playas de Orihuela', takes place.



The event will run between the 5th and 7th of July on playa Cala Bosque in La Zenia in Orihuela.

According to the councillor who launched the event this week, Víctor Valverde, "This tournament is of major importance at the national level and is held in our city for the second year in a row which demonstrates the ability of Orihuela to organise events of great relevance. It places us on the national map for something positive and healthy, like a municipality that bets on sports. Beach handball is great fun, and I invite everyone to attend the championship because you will have a great time."

This national tournament, which is part of the Arena Handball Tour, will have 110 teams and the categories will be divided into infant, cadet, juvenile and senior, all with male and female competitors. In addition, the final will be broadcast live on TV, on the Teledeporte channel.

Last year, the 2018 competition saw 20 hours of live streaming through Teledeporte, with more than 200,000 viewers seeing the beauty of Orihuela´s beaches, and over 1,235,000 interactions on social networks.

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### Stargazing From the Heart of Nature

On Saturday, 22 June, the first Astronomical Encounter Experience will be held at the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja.



A full day of activities has been organised, coinciding with the Summer Solstice, with the whole family welcome to take part.

Starting at 10:00 in the morning, workshops will be held at the visitor´s centre at the park, and then at 5:00 p.m. there will be a conference about asteroids, artificial satellites and solar storms.

Finally, starting at 7:30 p.m. and running through the night, telescopes will be available in the car park near to the cemetery so that visitors can observe the various planets, stars and astronomical activities.

As always at the events held in the natural park, you are invited to bring along a picnic to enjoy during the break. You are also advised to wear appropriate clothing and be conscious that mosquitoes will be active, and so a repellent might be an important choice on the day.

### Submariners Visit Delfin

Submariners currently assigned to the “Mistral” vessel visited Torrevieja this week, in order to take a guided tour of the Delfin submarine which forms part of the museum exhibits in the town.



The current acting mayor, José Manuel Dolòn, and councillor Domingo Pérez Domingo Soler, welcomed the commander of the Mistral, Jorge Garrido Maestre, and the crew to the town hall, where gifts were exchanged before visiting the submarine which is located in the harbour.

For some of the crew it was more of a welcome home, as they had previously served on the Delfin before it was decommissioned and donated to Torrevieja to be part of the Sea and Salt museum.

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### Future Master Chefs from Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall is to give two scholarships to students to study the Master of Rice and Mediterranean Cuisine at the University of Alicante, to develop works based on the culture of salt and fishing and use of blue fish, products which feature in traditional Torrevieja gastronomy.



The councillor for Tourism, Fanny Serrano, announced the initiative, accompanied by the coordinator of the headquarters of the University of Alicante in Torrevieja, José Norberto, and the director of Gasterra, Josep Bernabéu, explaining that, "gastronomy is a fundamental part of tourism promotion, which is why we consider it very important to value the two star products of our gastronomy by rewarding work related to salt and blue fish from Torrevieja".

The main objective of the awards is to promote academic excellence and the talent of the students, as well as to generate knowledge about issues that are deeply rooted in the gastronomic culture of the territory and generate interest for the municipality of Torrevieja.

Eligible students will have to have developed their Master's Thesis at the University of Alicante and meet the requirement of being enrolled in the Master of Rice Mediterranean cuisine of the University of Alicante.

This master's degree, which soon opens its registration period for next year, has been supported by prestigious professionals related to the world of gastronomy, oenology, gastronomy journalism and nutrition. Likewise, the students have made training visits to spaces related to the Mediterranean food culture and have carried out their practices in restaurants that have Michelin stars in the province of Alicante.

Thanks to the agreement between the University of Alicante and the City of Torrevieja which has seen the establishment of the university offices in Torrevieja, several promotional activities are being carried out in the field of tourism together with the town hall, which promote the gastronomic, historical, patrimonial and cultural resources of the municipality.

The coordinator of the university headquarters in Torrevieja, José Norberto, has expressed his "gratitude" to the municipality of Torrevieja for having carried out the initiative. He also said that "this type of event show that collaborative work between different administrations always ends up paying off".

For his part, the director of Gasterra, Josep Bernábeu, said that "the future of gastronomy is training, so we would like to continue counting on Torrevieja and give continuity to this collaborative project in the future".

### Live from the Opera House

On Tuesday, the IMF Cinema in Torrevieja will be screening a very special performance, Romeo and Juliet - Live From The Royal Opera House In London.



Shakespeare's everlasting love story is known throughout the world. Since its premiere in 1965 with The Royal Ballet, Romeo and Juliet by Kenneth MacMillan has become a modern classical ballet.

The choreography captures the emotions of the young couple when they fall in love, despite the barriers that finally trigger the tragic end of the story.

Each replenishment provides opportunities for new dancers to interpret the ill-fated lovers.

The whole company brings the colour and action of the Renaissance Verona, where a busy market leads too quickly in a fight with swords and a family dispute gives way to a tragedy for both the mountains and the capulets.

With music by SERGUÉI PROKÓFIEV and choreography by KENNETH MACMILLAN, this unique experience in the plush cinema is one for all the family to enjoy, although it is over 3 hours long, so might not be suitable for the littlest ones.

The show starts at 20:15 and tickets are available from the cinema.

 





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### Cleaning the Sea

The Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja has launched a poignant display, coinciding with World Environment Day, of a shark ingesting plastic litter.

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Using the hashtag #YoSoyTorrevieja, the campaign aims at raising awareness of waste, particularly plastic, and the harm it does to the marine environment.

The Habaneras shark is made from wire mesh and is doubling us as a receptacle for plastic bottles, and once full, will seek to highlight the amount of deadly plastic marine creatures are investing, mostly thanks to poor disposal techniques of the planet´s human inhabitants.

The display has gone a step further and is promoting cycling as a more eco-friendly means of transport, and the use of bags for life, rather than disposable plastic. In addition, the centre is launching “Shark Patrol”, a group of volunteers who will take to the beaches and the sea and collect litter, although you don´t have to be a part of a group to do that, each and every one of us can do our bit by picking up or taking away just a single piece of litter each day, as well as our own of course.

The effects on the marine eco system may not seem to be on our doorstep, but the human destruction is going far deeper than plastic waste disposal, for an environment that needs to be so delicately balanced.

At the moment, chemists in the area are stocking up on jellyfish sting treatments in preparation for another invasion of the coastline this year. These creatures would not normally come so close to the beach, but as overfishing is reducing their natural food supply they are forced to move to different areas, and inevitably find themselves increasingly close to the shore.

We might feel that there is nothing we can do to help Mother Nature, but just the simplest f tasks can make a difference. Picking up litter, checking before you plant any new species that they are not invasive, shopping local to reduce our transport-based carbon footprint, using reusable bags, or not using any bags at times. Ask yourself, for example, do I really need a plastic bag for those bananas which already come with their own, natural, biodegradable packaging.

Every little helps and we can all play our part, meanwhile, go and visit the shark in Habaneras, ad remember that these beautiful creatures also live on our coastline, we don´t want to interfere with their home, any more than you would probably want them to interfere with ours.

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### Promoting Shopping in Torrevieja

Despite many local retailers suffering from the domination of the likes of the Habaneras and the Zenia Boulevard shopping centres in recent years, there has been a new revival of local stores in Torrevieja, and now, a major bank is getting behind small businesses with a campaign to promote their use.



“We believe in Torrevieja”, is the reassuring slogan of the campaign promoted by the Sabadell bank chain, an institution that took over the local favourite CAM bank, and others, following the financial crisis.

Now, through this campaign, they are offering prizes to shoppers just for using the local stores in the town.

For the whole of June, if you shop in any of the participating stores, you get the chance to enter a prize draw where you can win 3,000 euro to spend in the local shops. This campaign benefits everyone, the local businesses who get the chance to promote their local goods, and the shoppers who could win big, which in turn then helps the businesses again.

The shops participating in the event will display a sticker near the door, so keep a sharp eye out for them. Once you make your purchase or purchases you need to keep the receipt, as that is what entitles you to enter. You then have until the end of September to submit as many receipts gathered during June for the chance to win big.

It´s also a competition where no one leaves empty handed, as you get a specially commissioned shopping bag, featuring iconic imagery of Torrevieja, just for taking part, so long as you´re one of the first 1,000 to enter.

You can get more information from one of the participating stores, of on the dedicated website, creemosen.com/torrevieja

### Torrevieja is Best for Tapas

A recipe deeply rooted in the Vega Baja, prepared by a restaurant in Torrevieja, is the best tapas in the entire Valencia region, according to the judges ot the regional competition, Mejor Tapa MadeinCV.



The dish consists of gallo pedro, otherwise known as Zeus faber, from the Zeidae family, a deep sea pelagic fish with a laterally compressed body, served in a pot-based creamy stew and Jaime Rosell extra virgin olive oil, and was prepared by chef José Luis Cases from the Rincón de Capis de Torrevieja.

The competition, which officially closes on Sunday, is intended to “promote the culture of the Valencian region through gourmet products made with local produce.”

A total of 32 small bars and restaurants took part in the final of the competition, from a total of 60 that were shortlisted.

Second place went to a restaurant in Alicante, thanks to chef Carlos Quintillán from Restaurante El Suquet de Castaños, and third place went to Valencia, with a dish prepared by Rocío Landete from Bar Jera.

It is only the second time the competition as been held and with many of the finalists coming from the cities of Valencia and Alicante, for Torrevieja to place was credit to the skills of the chef alone, but to win puts the chef in the same league as last year´s champion, Alejandro Platero, from restaurante Saor in the regional capital.

The jury featured a combination of Michelin star-rated chefs, and gastronomy and tourism experts.

If you fancy sampling the dish from the winning chef José Luis Cases then you might have to book, as he will shortly be leaving for The Hague to participate in the World Tapas Competition, which will be held on June 27.

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### Come along to the May Fair This Weekend

Although nicknamed the “May Fair”, the FERIA DE SEVILLANAS 2019 started this week and runs right through the weekend in the port area of Torrevieja.

The area is set out with temporary bars serving local food and drink, where dancing and singing is the norm, accompanied by spectacular horse displays.

Throughout the weekend, there will be special performances taking place, but you are free to wander at any time throughout the day and enjoy this spectacular event.



Friday 31 May, 2019

20:30 - Performance by the Lola y Arancha Blanco dance centre.

21:30 - Performance by the Municipal School of Dance (director Nuria Girona).

23:00 - Performance by: LA HUNGARA.

 

Saturday 1 June, 2019

12:00 – Mass will be celebrated at theChurch of the Immaculate Conception, the MISA ROCIERA DE LA FERIA DE MAYO 2019, which will be accompanied by the choir from the Casa de Andalucía de Torrevieja.

13:00 - Parade to the fairground area, with horses, musicians, choirs and all attendees moving to the rhythm of Sevillanas.

The horses will remain in the fairground area until 17:00, with displays and carriages on show throughout the afternoon.

20:30 - Performance by the Soul Dance Studio Dance Academy.

21:30 – Performance from the PAYA, S school.

23:00 - Performance by: MANU TENORIO.

 

Sunday 2 June, 2019

12:00 - Horse and carriage displays will be showcased at the parade area throughout the afternoon.

20:30 - Performance by the EMBRUJO dance group from the casa de Andalucía.

21:30 – Performance by the Dharma dance school.

22:40 - Closing of the event.

23:00 - Performance of RAYA REAL

 

The whole event will be presented by Pepe Ruiz, a journalist and broadcaster with ONDA CERO VEGA Baja.

Dress to impress. See you there!

### Provisional 2020 Regional Fiesta Calendar Released

The labour and works committee of the Valencia government has approved the submission of the working calendar for 2020, which includes 12 public holidays to be celebrated across the region.



The final draft, which has been approved unanimously by the unions representing workers, as well as representatives of companies and business confederations, will now be submitted to the government for final approval before the end of the year.

The first holiday of the year, perhaps not surprisingly, will be New Year´s Day, 1 January, followed by 6 January for the Epiphany, or “Three Kings”.

In March, father´s day will be recognised once more on the 19th, with the celebration of the feast of San José. We move into Easter in April with the 10th being Good Friday, and Easter Monday, the 13th, also a holiday.

On the 1 May we recognise the rights of the workers with Labour Day, and then in June, the regional fiesta of San Juan will be celebrated on 24th.

Jumping forward through the summer we have the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15, then we have to wait until October for the Valencia regional holiday on the 9th, and then Spain´s national day, celebrated on 12th.

In December, we have the Day of the Immaculate Conception on the 8th, followed by Christmas day on the 25th.

There are of course the local holidays to add to this calendar, but as a basis for the Valencia regional holidays it seems likely that this will go through without any objection, as it follows an already established pattern.

### Torrevieja Brits Arrested in Drugs Find

Officers from the Guardia Civil working at Alicante-Elche Airport have arrested two people on the suspicion of offences against public health, after intercepting a massive amount of drugs.



The officers became aware of a shipment in January which was sent from Ireland to Torrevieja, via the airport. This shipment contained 5,640 zopiclone tablets; a medicine used lately to hypnotise and commit sexual crimes, as the drug causes psychrotrophic, hypnotic sedative effects, and is known to override the will of the consumer. The packages was intercepted at a control point at the airport, and so failed to reach its destination, but alerted the officers to people of interest.

The two people arrested as a result of the find are an Irish citizen, aged 62, and a British citizen, aged 47, both residents of Torrevieja, the latter arrested at airport security whilst trying to leave the country with a cargo of 9,150 tablets.

### Quirónsalud Opens New Centre in Alicante

From Monday, May 20, you may book an appointment at the Alicante healthcare centre.
The centre will open its doors on Monday, May 27, offering almost all medical specialisations, diagnostic tests, laboratory, and general, paediatric and gynaecological accident and emergency service.

The new Centro Médico Quirónsalud Alicante [Quirónsalud Alicante Medical Centre] will open its doors on Monday, May 27, and you are already able to book an appointment for practically all of its medical specialisations, diagnostic tests, laboratory and general, paediatric and gynaecological accident and emergency service. Quirónsalud Alicante is a high-resolution private medical healthcare centre that is part of Grupo Quirónsalud, which is present in 13 autonomous communities with over 100 centres. Quirónsalud is the leader in private healthcare, approaching people through experience and innovation, to offer each patient the most personalised care.
Centro Médico Quirónsalud Alicante is focused on health understood as prevention, diagnosis, treatment and healthcare education for the patient. A state-of-the-art digital hospital centre, associated with the main insurance companies, and with the vocation of offering integral, personalised and quality care, seeking the wellbeing of the patient and his or her family members.
They offer an image diagnosis service with the latest technology, to provide the best care for the patient, including x-ray equipment, 5D diagnostic gynaecological sonogram, echocardiogram (trans-oesophageal and trans-thoracic), heart rehabilitation and home monitoring for patients with cardiac devices, sports stress tests with oxygen consumption, Holter EKG, up to 72-hour early arrhythmia detection, 3D dental CT scanning and 2 endoscopy theatres. In addition, the centre will have a magnetic resonance machine (available in 2020), which will offer exceptional image quality of the human body thanks to cutting-edge software.
The centre is a building planned around the patient, with a lot of light and large spaces in all its areas, equipped with the latest technology. Additionally, the centre has a digital directory integrated into its system, which is automatically updated to include all the doctors available for consultation at any given time, and a shift management system to avoid long waiting times.
Quirónsalud Alicante is at the forefront of private healthcare in Alicante in terms of technological equipment, as well as comfort and benefits for both the patient and the processionals providing their services at the centre. We bet on a healthcare model in which the main goal is to care for people’s health, putting them at the epicentre of our activities. We offer a full service portfolio with the capacity to provide integral attention for the patient in all the different medical-surgical specialisations and diagnostic and therapeutic tests.

Incorporation of Professionals
Their policy is focused on having the professionals with the highest qualifications and prestige as allies, offering state-of-the-art technology, paying special attention to quality of care in an environment with a high level of comfort for our patients and their family members.
Over one hundred professionals in different department and areas have already come on board with Quirónsalud Alicante. The new personnel, which will grow before the end of the year, have received training about Grupo Hospitalario Quirónsalud, and have participated in group activities to help them quickly adapt to the culture and quality of care and services that Quirónsalud provides its patients.

Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and Region of Murcia
Centro Médico Quirónsalud Alicante joins 7 centres in the Valencian Community and Region of Murcia, to be part of a leading group at the forefront of medicine. We believe in a healthcare attention model in which people are at the epicentre, and which Quirónsalud now places at the disposal of all the people of Alicante, to offer them the best care for their health.
Further information at www.enlasmejoresmanos.com

### Orihuela and Montesinos to get Free EU WiFi Grant

The municipalities of Orihuela and Los Montesinos are amongst fifty towns across Valencia set to benefit from a European Union grant to allow the installation of free public WiFi.



The European Commission announced the results of the second wave of proposals under the WiFi4EU project, from which a total of 51 municipalities in the Valencia region will receive 15,000 euro towards creating free WiFi hotspots in public spaces such as town halls, libraries, museums, parks, squares and other places of public interest.

During the course of the next couple of weeks each municipality will be notified of the requirements of the grant, and invited to sign up to the project and provide the hotspots.

The full list of municipalities in Valencia set to benefit are:

Albalat dels Sorells, Alberic, Alborache, Alcora, Alcoy, Alginet, Altea, Andilla, Aras de los Olmos, Beniarbeig, Benicasim, Benifaió, Beniflá, Buñol, Burjassot, Canet d'En Berenguer, Carcaixent, Carlet, Castellón de la Plana, Chilches, Finestrat, Gandia, Gata de Gorgos, Gátova, Gestalgar, Herbés, Manises, Marines, Massalfassar, Los Montesinos, Mutxamel, Nules, Onil, Orihuela, El Palomar, Paterna, Peniscola, Quartell, Rafelbunyol, Real de Gandía, San Antonio de Benagéber, San Vicente del Raspeig, Sant Mateu, Senyera, Serra, Tales, Utiel, Valencia, Villar del Arzobispo, Villena and Xirivella.

### Surfing Torrevieja

Torrevieja´s councillor for beaches, Javier Manzanares, has begun the process of amending the municipal ordinance to allow surfing in an area of the town.



An area of the beach at La Mata is destined to be allocated as a surfing zone following an agreement reached with local surfers and the surf school.

The location is in the Avenida del Agua area, opposite a rocky area, and therefore not frequented by bathers, thus reducing any risks.

Manzanares said, "I have always shown that I am a man of my word and that I comply with my commitments, and this in particular was of great importance, since the practice of surfing is emerging in many places and is an impetus for the tourism that will have a very positive impact on our city".

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### Summer School Registration Open

Registration is now open for Torrevieja´s summer school with 300 places available in July and 163 in August, but if you want to sign your kids up you´d better hurry as the registration period closes next week.



The councillor for Social Welfare, Fabiana Ibarra, announced the opening of the registration period for Summer School 2019, explaining that the deadline is 31 May.

The activities themselves will commence on 1 July and registration can be done now though and should be carried out through the PROP office in the town.

Registration is open to all children who, during the 2018-2019 academic year, have been enrolled in Pre-school or Primary Education, who are registered in Torrevieja or whose parents or legal guardians are registered in the municipality.

Pricing depends on whether the family is entitles to a subsidy, and whether the child requires dining services, and can be broken down into a fortnight of monthly subscription, with 100% subsidy available in some cases.

Ibarra explained that "the participants will enjoy a vacation where educational aspects prevail, developed in a natural and relaxed environment that prioritises the creativity and spontaneity of the children".

Any information related to summer schools can be obtained through the Department of Social Welfare, located in Calle Torrevejenses Ausentes, number 39, or by telephoning 96 670 66 66.

### Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre Licence Granted

The Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre in Torrevieja has finally been granted an opening licence, after all relevant compliances have been satisfied.



The centre, which opened in 2005, had been operating without the necessary licence, which ensures safety and security protocols are in place, amongst other things, and suffered a closure to the public as a precautionary measure.

The councillor responsible for licence activities, Fanny Serrano, announced the signing of the document which allows the building to open as both an auditorium and training centre.

The PSOE councillor, who is part of the coalition government who took over the municipal administration in the last elections, ousting the then stronghold of the PP, also pointed out that “most” municipal buildings had been allowed to operate without the mandatory licences by the previous governments.

After discovering the fact through the municipal technicians, the current government restarted the procedures in mid-2016 to be able to grant the necessary opening licence.

In 2017, the local government approved the projects related to the management certification and completion of the facilities for the opening licence, as well as the emergency action plan and the acoustic audit, which were commissioned to adapt to the current urban regulations and enable the granting of the licence.

In November 2018, deficiencies were detected in the fire system which resulted in the temporary and precautionary closure of the property.

After its reopening, the processing of the opening licence continued and has finally been concluded.

Serrano noted that "it is much easier to grant the opening license to a building before its inauguration occurs than when you have to grant it when it has been in operation for many years where, in addition, the building itself has suffered wear and had been undergoing maintenance work throughout all this time."

 

### Alicante Beats April Airport Record

The number of passengers travelling Alicante-Elche Airport grew by 9.7% to over 1.3 million people in April, coinciding with the Easter holidays, while the regional´s capital, Valencia Airport registered an increase of 12.9%, with 752,055 passengers. During the first 4 months of the year, 3.9 million passengers travelled through Alicante airport compared to 2.4 million at the Valencia hub.



In total, 1,341,713 passengers used Alicante-Elche Airport in April, according to the state agency AENA, an increase of 9.7% compared to last year, with the majority being international travellers, 1,188,803 passengers, an increase of 9.1%, while domestic travel increased by 15.9% to 152,438 passengers.

Of the international traffic, the countries with the highest passenger demand in April were the United Kingdom, with 528,737 passengers; followed by Germany with 91,725; The Netherlands with 84,476; Belgium with 71,742; Norway with 70,789 and Sweden with 58,529 passengers.

In terms of operations, the Alicante-Elche Airport managed a total of 9,073 flights in April, 7.3% more than during the same month of the previous year, although we must remember that Easter week fell mostly into the March figures in 2018, whilst this year it was entirely in April.

The Alicante installation was one of the four that in 2018 once again surpassed the 10 million passenger mark, although in all cases with annual growth rates were well below that of the busiest airports. Thus, Málaga-Costa del Sol saw more than 19 million people (2.1%), Alicante-Elche almost 14 million (2%), Gran Canaria 13.5 million (3.7%) and Tenerife South more than 11 million (-1.8%).

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### Could You Run a Marathon?

Torrevieja town hall has issued notice of a tender which is open for the management of the half marathon sporting race in the town.



The councillor for Sports, Víctor Ferrández, stated that after spending the last two years preparing the requirements for the tender, in order to satisfy the necessary legal requirements, prospective bidders have until 5 June to submit their tender, with the documents and full information available on the town hall website, torrevieja.es.

However, it won´t be an easy race for the bidders to win, as the requirements are now stricter than ever for the company who will be awarded the almost 300,000 euro contract, as they will also have to provide four ambulances, two of them for patient transfer and two of providing life support, which is double the previous requirement, as well as the installation of a small field hospital with a doctor and medical support staff, in addition to the one physiotherapist required in the previous tender.

### Elche Firm Creates Employee Time Record System

All companies in Spain must comply with new legislation that forces records of employee working hours to be kept and audited.



In order to try to make this easier for everyone, a company from Elche has created a system which enables staff to book on and off duty with a phone call.

The system is designed to assist companies having to deal with new laws which force them to record the working hours of their staff. Workers can sign on and off duty from any device, whether it is a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

The company, Siptize, which is part of the Miguel Hernández University in Elche, created the system to allow companies to adhere to the new laws aimed at protecting the rights of workers with ease, whilst also making it simple for those workers to have their times monitored.

The worker makes a call at both the start and end of their shift, which is then recorded by the system that can provide a detailed report on the hours worked by each member of staff.

The spokesperson for the company, José Vicente Manresa, explained how the system cannot be distorted, “We ensure that calls are made from the workplace and the person who corresponds in each case,” and so the data is completely secure and in the hands of the worker who is recording their hours.

“Our aim is effective and simple solutions that comply with the new legislation,” Manresa concluded.

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### New Exhibition Opens This Weekend

A new exhibition opens this weekend, on until July in Torrevieja.



A new exhibition at the Vista Alegre hall in Torrevieja will showcase the work of Alejandro Carpintero.

Entitled, "El verano precintado", the inauguration takes place on Friday 10 May, 2019, at 8 p.m. and will be a feature at the centre until 7 July.

Alejandro Carpintero (Madrid 1981), holds a degree in Fine Arts from the Complutense University of Madrid. In 2006 he was awarded a scholarship by the University of Leeds Metropolitan Arts (Yorkshire, UK) and two of his works are permanently at the museum MEAM (European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona) and the Frida Kahlo Foundation.

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### Quirónsalud is the leader in patient care for international tourists and residents

Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Valencia Hospitals are benchmarks in the Valencian Community offering an international approach with “in house” translators, international admission and bilingual medical staff
 
Healthcare industry is one of the sectors with the most promising future in the economy of the Valencian Community. The rapid growth in recent decades in terms of training of human talent and infrastructure investments have made it to excel in the country and there is an ever increasing influx of Spanish and foreign patients seeking healthcare at our hospitals. The wonderful personal care, cutting-edge technologies and qualified healthcare personnel at hand stand out.
 
Quirónsalud hospitals are international hospitals of excellence, equipped with a team of highly qualified professionals and cutting-edge technology. We provide you a wide range of medical specialities, hence making us an internationally recognised multidisciplinary centre both in the field of oncology surgery as well as in the other medical and surgical specialities. Having cutting-edge technology, at present, we are the best equiped private hospitals in the Valencian Community. With over 25 years of experience, around 800 people have worked and are working every day to provide care to its patients. Given their location; Valencia located in the city centre and Torrevieja in the tourist town par excellence, they have become a benchmark for health tourism and foreign citizens who seek to settle in these places.

Total international guidance, a key feature for internationalisation
Hyperspecialisation, be it terms of treatments or in specific countries, as well as "Total guidance" of the entire hospital for the international patient, are the keys to the success to attract citizens from other nationalities who wish to undergo any kind of medical treatment outside their home country.
As pointed out by Francisco Fiestras, the managing director of Quirónsalud Levante Region, “Any hospital that wants to be an international facility must be oriented and set this way right from the beginning, what necessarily happens at an international admissions department that respects the culture of those patients, as “it does not make sense to treat a Russian or a French patient exactly in the same fashion.”
Fiestras, emphasises that we are dealing with international patients who travel, who seek excellent care, involving least bureaucracy; patients who have to find all the facilities for their transfer and treatment, which includes, for example, translation services, or the presence of a prior free flow of communication with them so that on the same day or arrival they may be able to undergo the necessary tests, their case may be assessed by the medical team, and if possible, to begin treatment on that same day.
This requires that care is absolutely oriented towards that type of patient, “all diagnostic tests are done based on a protocol so that everything is done on time, undergo clinical session with professionals to determine the treatment to be applied, and start it.”
At Quirónsalud, we can proudly emphasise that we have an international department open 24 hours a day to cater to patients in any language at any time of the day, our hospitals also have specific wards for international patients and offer a translation service with eight interpreters at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and five interpreters at Quirónsalud Valencia besides many other languages.



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### Gala Animalista in Torrevieja

On Tuesday, 30 April, the Virgen del Carmen centre in Torrevieja will host the first ever, “Gala Animalista”, paying tribute to the work of volunteers, collaborators and the security services and the work they do for animal welfare.



Torrevieja´s councillor for animal protection, Carmen Morate, launched the event, explaining how the aim is to recognise those who dedicate their time to animal welfare, "I invite all citizens, lovers and defenders of animals, all the followers of our social networks, the shelters, the adopters, the walkers, and especially the volunteers who in their day to day lives guarantee the welfare of the animals in the Municipal Shelter, to the first Gala Animalista”.

It might seem surprising but a dedicated department for animal welfare in Torrevieja was only set up n 2015, and so the event pays tribute to those who have been involved from the start and through the current administration.

The event starts at 8 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen centre on Tuesday evening and everyone is welcome to take part.

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### Urban Painting Competition on Now

Until Saturday, 27 April, Torrevieja will be hosting its first ever “Urban Beauty Contest”.



The artists 'Jacobo Palos Way', 'Chakan', 'M33', 'Kike', 'Eneko', 'Max501', 'Nego' and 'Dheser', will participate in the contest by showing their works of urban art in a total of 10 facades

A total of 13 facades entered the contest, so 3 have been eliminated.

All work must be completed by noon on Saturday when the jury will deliberate and determine the winners, announcing their decision during a workshop arranged by the University Headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja for the same day, from 10 am to 1 pm.

The jury is made up of professors from the municipal school of painting, local painters, specialists from the University of Alicante and technicians from the Youth Council. The artistic quality and the originality reflected in the work will be valued mainly.

The councillor for youth, Víctor Ferrández, explained how prizes of 1000 euro for first place, a second of 600 euro and a third of 400 euro, are all up for grabs by the remaining competitors. The workshop has been arranged by the Department of Youth together with the Headquarters of the University of Alicante in Torrevieja on Saturday to introduce urban art to young people aged between 12 and 17, and will take place on Paseo Juan Aparicio, in front of the CIAJ, from 10:00 a.m. until 13:00.

Those interested and interested should register for free on the website http://torreviejaua.eventbrite.es/.

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### Guardia Civil Exhibition at Zenia Boulevard

On 4th May, the Guardia Civil are holding an exhibition featuring some of their departments on the municipal car park next to the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre on the Orihuela Costa.



The event is part of the celebrations commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Guardia Civil, and will feature live displays from the dog section, a helicopter, and static displays from Tadex explosive specialists, mountain rescue teams, the fiscal and judicial police, divers, security services, and the traffic department, amongst others.

The event starts at 10:00 in the morning with the first dog show (Cinológico) at 11:00, and runs through the afternoon, finishing at 18:00 with the final display.



A similar exhibition was held in Torrevieja recently, although this location on the Orihuela Costa allows for more people to visit as there is ample parking at the shopping centre across the way.

 



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### School Damage Inspected Following Easter Storms

Torrevieja´s councillor for Education, José Hurtado, accompanied by technicians from the Department of Works and Services, visited the CEIP Romualdo Ballester school in order to assess damage caused by the heavy rain over the Easter weekend.
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The team checked the worst affected areas and, according to their initial assessment, are due to faulty performance by the company that was awarded maintenance of schools, rather than the reported worst rain in over 70 years being to blame.
However, Hurtado did say that the council are awaiting official reports from the architect at the Department of Works and Services and, once it is complete, will consider action against the company responsible for the maintenance.
The mayor of the city, José Manuel Dolón, reported that the rain this weekend had been the worst in 73 years, with over 200 litres per square metre falling in some areas, resulting in severe flooding, as seen in the video below.

### Mayor Meets New Hospital Director

In an informal meeting this week, the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolon, met with the new Managing Director of the University Hospital of Torrevieja, Eva Baró, and the medical director of Primary Care, Hipólito Caro.



The purpose of the meeting was for the mayor to meet the new management team of the hospital, after Dr. Baró replaced Dr. José Antonio Velasco.

During the relaxed meeting the team discussed various topics, such as the recruitment of medical personnel and the problems expected in the future as many of the current medical staff are heading towards retirement age.

 

### Easter Saturday Flooding - In Pictures

Many people in Torrevieja woke on Easter Saturday to find themselves isolated, as overnight rain brought extensive flooding to parts of the town, blocking off roads and resulting in emergency protocols to be launched.

Public transport was shut down, Easter parades cancelled, and emergency workers struggled to free people who had found themselves in difficulties in their vehicles, whilst many homes and businesses suffered flooding.

Some 200 litres per square metre of rain was recorded, resulting in some of the worse flooding in recent years, despite extensive work to try to minimise damage caused by the weather.


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		







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### International Cup 2019 Football Tournament in Torrevieja

Torrevieja has been chosen again for the celebration of the 'International Cup 2019' football tournament, where sport, coexistence, fun and training will be the order of proceedings in an event that takes place until Sunday, April 2.



On the local side, CF Torrevieja and the Promesas de Torrevieja CD will participate in the tournament with a total of 18 teams. The Councillor for Sports of the City of Torrevieja, Víctor Ferrández, has indicated that "about 1000 participants and about 2500 companions are expected, so the total number can be around 4,000 people, which will have a considerable economic impact and ensure great hotel occupation during these vacation days."

The schedules of all the participating categories and all the information related to the tournament can be found at the web portal http://torreviejacuplive.com.

### Mobile Phone Dangers Escalating

This week, we recognised the now global event to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, but still the message isn´t getting through to some people who are risking their own lives, and the lives of others, just to get noticed on social media, and it´s not just the drivers who are creating the risk.

The latest occurrence of social media madness has been recorded on a road in Fuerteventura, where footage shows a young man with his mobile phone in hand, opening the door on the passenger side of a moving vehicle, bringing his body halfway out, and recording the passing landscape as the background for his #selfie.
It was the passenger in a car that was following the vehicle that recorded the footage, as the vehicles travelled at speeds in excess of 70 kilometres per hour.
After recording his ultimate selfie, the man was seen struggling to get back into the vehicle in a situation that could so easily have had a very different outcome.


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Excerpt: This week, we recognised the now global event to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, but still the message isn´t getting through to some people who are risking their own lives, and the lives of others, just to get noticed on social media, and it´s not just the drivers …

### More Information for Tourists this Easter

The Valencia tourism department has increased coverage for the Easter period, by opening new temporary centres across the region, and ensuring the existing Tourist Information Centres are open at key times during the holiday.



This Easter, there are 26 additional, albeit temporary, tourist information offices, with 13 of them in the Alicante province, including in Torrevieja.

The new information points are located in the municipalities of Altea, Callosa d'En Sarrià, Calp (with two information points), Dénia, Elx (with two offices), Finestrat (two information points) , Santa Pola Gran Alacant, Teulada-Moraira, Xàbia and Torrevieja.

In addition, the existing offices will remain open throughout the holiday season, from Thursday through to Easter Monday in most cases.

Many shops will also be open throughout the holiday, as laws prevent them from opening on Sundays and fiestas don´t apply at key times of touristic value, such as Easter and the summer period.

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### Busy Roads This Weekend

You might think that the roads around Torevieja have been particularly busy over the last week or so, and they  have, but not as busy as they are about to become!



The second phase of the special Easter roads operation will begin on Wednesday across most of Spain, except in the communities of Valencia and Catalonia, when it will begin on the Thursday.

The second phase will end at midnight on Monday, April 22 with the return operation, that will take place from Saturday afternoon and will continue throughout the whole of Sunday and Easter Monday as the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Cantabria, Navarra, Basque Country, Castilla la Mancha and La Rioja all recognise Monday as a holiday.

For those areas where the Monday is not a holiday, many of them still give children and students a day off, and so the dynamic of traffic flow is significantly changed in many places.

The good news is that once the weekend is over, the roads will be quieter once again, at least until the summer season begins.

Easter is also seen as a benchmark for summer, in so much as if this period is busy, then it follows that the summer will be too, and as this year appears already to have seen a lot more tourists than last year, the summer of 2019 looks set to be a bumper one.

For more information on the Easter operation, and to see what the Guardia Civil will be up to to control the flow of traffic, or just for general information and advice about driving in Spain, visit the N332 website at n332.es, and for live traffic information, visit the DGT website at dgt.es.

### Torrevieja Arrests in VAT Fraud

Seven people have been arrested in Torrevieja, Benidorm and Alicante, alleged to be part of a group who defrauded 48,000 euro in VAT by importing German vehicles into Spain through their business located in Guardamar, but not paying the tax in either country.



 

The investigation began when officers from the traffic department became aware of a company based in Guardamar del Seguara registering two vehicles to the same person, and two days later transferred them again to third parties.

Following three months analysing documentation, officers from the GIAT group of the Guardia Civil identified seven people involved in what appeared to be a network of vehicle transfer and sale without the VAT being paid.

As well as manipulating documents to show that VAT had been paid, they also used names of other individuals who were not aware of the alleged scam, and falsified their signatures.

Upon becoming aware of suspicion, the company shut down in February, but commenced the same practice under another name, initially delaying the investigation, but not for long.

A total of 12 vehicles have been identified as having been imported without VAT being paid, resulting in the arrest of seven people, five men aged between 38 and 52, and two women aged 26 and 47, arrested in Alicante, Torrevieja and Benidorm.

All have been released on bail with charges pending. Of the 12 vehicles, 3 have been recovered, as they were in the possession of the arrestees, meanwhile, the other 9 have been identified and located and are pending instruction from the tax office as to whether these vehicles should be seized.

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### Talks to Explain Suma Tax Collection Services

The Suma tax management agency, who operate on behalf of the Provincial Council of Alicante, has launched an outreach program with the aim of explaining their services to foreign residents.



The agency collect municipal taxes such as those for waste disposal and vehicles, and issue bills which have to be paid preferably during the initial “voluntary” period, or afterwards when a supplement is added to the bill.

The first set of information sessions will take place this week, starting on Monday, 8 April in Rojales (10:00 a.m. at the Municipal Centre in Ciudad Quesada), Tuesday 9 in Alfaz del Pi (10:00 a.m. at the Casa de Cultura), Thursday 11 in Denia (10:00 a.m. at the Agencia Comarcal Marina Alta) and Friday 12 in Orihuela (10:00 at the Orihuela Costa town hall.

The talks, which will be in English, are intended to inform foreign taxpayers about their municipal tax obligations, and explain what Suma Tax Management does.

In addition, the talks will showcase the new Suma website, the content of which encompasses access requirements and utilities offered as well as the procedures that can be performed online.

The Suma website, www.suma.es, has an English version and also hosts content in different languages ​​(French, German, Russian) for helping as many people as possible with their bill payments.

Attendees will also be told about the telephone service, also in English, and what to do if you are struggling with your bills.

### Half Naked Body of Woman Found in Torrevieja

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the circumstances which led to the body of a woman being found in Torrevieja on Sunday morning.

The woman, believed to be around 30-years-of-age, was found dead and naked from the waist down on the steps of a building located in an industrial estate where numerous clubs are located on the outskirts of Torrevieja.

The town hall have condemned the death of the woman, and confirmed that a neighbour found the body on Sunday morning and alerted the local police, who in turn contacted the Guardia Civil who are now leading the investigation, although no further details are being released.

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### New Torrevieja Lidl Store Opens Today

Lidl is set to reopen its Torrevieja store on Thursday, after the shop closed in September for refurbishment, was raised to the ground, and is now a brand new building costing in the region of 3 million euro.

The new store has also created an additional 9 jobs and is part of a major investment strategy in the Valencia region.

Another new store at Burjassot opens on the same day, that one costing 5 million euro, but both investments are dwarfed by the 55 million being spent on a new logistics centre in Cheste, a location famous for its motorcycle race, amongst other things.

Lidl has been operating across Valencia for the last 25 years, creating 1,200 jobs and 70 stores.



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### Specialists recommend consuming traditional dishes albeit with controlled use of fat

Not eating food at home or excess protein in diets jeopardise the very basis of the Mediterranean diet

Spain has become the healthiest country in the world, as showcased in the Bloomberg Healthiest Country index, and much of the success is due to the Mediterranean diet, according to this organisation. “The reason why our diet is considered to be the healthiest worldwide”, according to Rocío Práxedes, dietitian-nutritionist from the Obesity Unit of Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital, “lies in the fat which we are renowned for, such as fat obtained from olive oil, fatty fish and nuts, as well as the proportions of food items we use to make our most traditional dishes where vegetables and legumes prevail over meat and fish.”

Although introducing traditional dishes in our menu such as gazpacho, paella, escalivada or bullit help to prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer or diabetes, the dietitian-nutritionist suggests adjusting the amount of fat that we add to each of these recipes to make them really healthy. “For example,” says the nutritionist, “when we cook a paella or any other dish that needs sofrito (sauté), we must remove fat from other meals of the day so as not to exceed the daily recommended use of four tablespoons of oil. The same applies if we prepare a Spanish omelette. We must also be careful while dressing salads and boiled dishes not to exceed that amount. More fat in the diet means more calories, and if we don't have a very active life, it will lead to body weight gain.” A tip, the specialist suggests to place that daily amount in a glass to administer it better and if any day we need more oil in the food to sauté, choose dinner based on the oil that is still left.

 

Pitfalls of the Mediterranean diet

Although the Mediterranean diet is considered the healthiest in the world, we make many mistakes every day while cooking, shopping or eating itself.  “One of the top principles of the Mediterranean diet,” says Carolina Pérez,  the nutritionist at the Obesity Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Murcia hospitals “is that the family eats together and without television, to encourage talking and exchange experiences and knowledge. However, the reality is that there are no kitchens without television and routines and schedules allow sharing few family moments.”

Another mainstay of its basis lies in the consumption of fruits, vegetables and greens rich in minerals, fibre, carotenoids, antioxidants and vitamins. According to the specialist, we should daily eat three pieces of fruit, a salad preferably at midday for lunch and heat-processed vegetables at night. “But unfortunately there are already many young people and children who do not meet these health standards for lack of example in their homes,” remarks the nutritionist.

The excessive consumption of protein is another mistake. “It seems that if we do not eat meat every day, we are not well fed,” cautions the specialist, “while it is nutritionally recommended to have twice weekly. We must remember that excess animal protein acidifies our body and promotes the occurrence of diseases, especially if they are processed meat products.”

Finally, the nutritionist advises healthy hydration throughout the day with a minimum daily intake of one and a half litres of water. “But increasingly we drink less water, or what is worse, we replace it with sugar-rich juices or carbonated soft drinks,” she concludes.

 

About Quirónsalud

Quirónsalud is the largest hospital group in Spain and the third largest in Europe. The group has more than 35,000 employees in 120 plus healthcare facilities, including 45 hospitals with 6,800 hospital beds. It employs the most advanced technology and a large team of highly specialised and internationally renowned professionals. Some of its facilities include Teknon Medical Centre, Ruber International, Quirónsalud Madrid University Hospital, Jiménez Díaz Foundation, Quirónsalud Barcelona Hospital, Dexeus University Hospital, Gipuzkoa Policlinic, etc.

The Group strives for the promotion of teaching (eight of its hospitals are university hospitals) and medical and scientific research (it has a Healthcare Research Institute under FJD, the only private research centre accredited by the State Secretariat for Research, Development and Innovation).

Likewise, its care service is organised in transversal units and networks that allows optimising the experience gained at various facilities and translating its research into clinical practice. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing more than 1,600 research projects across Spain, and many of its facilities play a leading role in this area and are pioneers in different specialities such as oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, and neurology, among others.

### N332 Needs Your Help

Once again, the N332 Road Safety Project has been nominated and shortlisted in a national award that recognises contributions to road safety.

The “Ponle Freno Citizen 2019” is awarded public vote, and so we need your help to support us.

Representing N332 once again is Francisco Javier Morales Herrera, the original founder of the project group, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer based in Torrevieja.

The nomination this year has been given thanks to the volunteers and supporters who helped to translate the Spanish Traffic Law eBook, which, as the nomination itself describes, aims to help foreign driver better understand our traffic regulations, hoping to reduce accidents and traffic infractions.

The three finalists are Aura Anahi Chávez López, Francisco Javier Morales Herrera, and José María Gracia.

Everyone at N332 acknowledges the tireless work the other candidates have undertaken.

Whilst travelling on a bus on the Llanes-Oviedo line, Aura Anahi noticed that the driver was in trouble and took control of the bus to bring it to a safe stop, avoiding serious injury, or worse, for the 16 passengers on board.

José María Gracia was a municipal worker who died in 2018, known locally as el ‘hombre semáforo’, he regulated traffic for 20 years in the Zaragoza town of Quinto, as the school crossing patrol, “lollipop man”.

Finally, we have Francisco Javier Morales Herrera, a Guardia Civil traffic officer who first devised and set up the N332 project, which developed into a Facebook page, a website cataloguing news and articles, outreach work within the community, and this latest major project, the translation of the Spanish Traffic Law into English.

Much as we do recognise the work of the others, and we respect the work that they do tremendously, we are asking now for your help to vote for Francisco, who is representing everyone behind the project who have taken it to where we are today.

Winning the award, which is nationally recognised, will help raise awareness of the need for such documents as the traffic law to be available in multiple languages, or at least English, as it is vital, in fact life-essential, that these safety-critical laws are understood.

The nomination alone adds strength to the project and our ability to lobby for important change like this, whilst still continuing to develop, whereas winning would prove our argument for the need of this to be done, across all platforms.

Voting is easy. All you have to do is visit the page of the organisers, at https://compromiso.atresmedia.com/ponlefreno/premios/2019/vota-ciudadano-ponle-freno-2019_201903205c923ea80cf24e4f1c6643ad.html (or visit n332.es where we have put a direct link to make it easier to remember). Then scroll down to where you see Francisco, dressed in the N332 red polo shirt, and click the fifth, the right-hand star in the row of five BELOW the paragraph that describes him.

Click to view slideshow.

You may of course read more about the other finalists and what they have achieved, and you may prefer to vote for them, but you only get one vote, so we ask that you use it to vote for N332, through Francisco, and help raise our profile even further.

Having already been nominated last year, N332 has already become recognised by the four main road safety charity groups in Spain, and the European Commission for Road Safety, but as this is a public vote, it is one of the most important that can be awarded.

We would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to vote, and again, we would like to take this opportunity to extend those thanks to everyone who worked on the eBook project, the translators, and the companies who continue to support our development, all of which the volunteers at N332 would not be able to do without. So thank you.

Excerpt: Once again, the N332 Road Safety Project has been nominated and shortlisted in a national award that recognises contributions to road safety. The “Ponle Freno Citizen 2019” is awarded public vote, and so we need your help to support us. Representing N332 once again is Francisco Javier Morales Herrera, the original founder of the project …

### Five Arrested in Fake Licence Scam

Officers from the National Police have arrested four people for being part of a group who would help people obtain a driving licence by fraudulent means.

The officers also charged a fifth person as alleged perpetrators of criminal offences including the disclosure of secrets, document forgery and crimes against the State Administration.



The arrests were made in Palma de Mallorca, following an investigation into the group who would assist foreign citizens who couldn´t understand Spanish in passing their theoretical test. The group would use technical and electrical devices to achieve this.

The investigators discovered that the examinees entered the examination room with a mobile phone camera, hidden under their clothes and with the camera at an angle to view the exam, so that another person located in the exterior of the Provincial Traffic Headquarters and expert in traffic matters, answered the questions through a headset.

After analysing all the data obtained, the officers arrested an examiner in situ at the time of the test and the expert who was reporting the answers. In addition, they detained two other people, the person in charge and another who was in charge of looking for people with problems in the comprehension and reading of Spanish, for which they would charge between 1,500 and 3,000 euro for the privilege.

So far, the detainees were all of Indian origin, but the officers then arrested a 61-year-old Spaniard whose job was to help them to pass the practical examination.

With the five people already charged, the operation remains open and new arrests are not ruled out.

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Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested four people for being part of a group who would help people obtain a driving licence by fraudulent means. The officers also charged a fifth person as alleged perpetrators of criminal offences including the disclosure of secrets, document forgery and crimes against the State Administration. The arrests were …

### Seat Belts Save Lives – But there is still a reluctance to use them

“…almost a quarter of vehicle occupants choose not to use a seat belt”

“…almost a quarter of the people aged 12 or over who lost their lives were not wearing a seat belt”
All this week, and through the weekend, the DGT is running an intensified surveillance campaign focussing on the use of seat belts, child restraint systems and crash helmets.



The campaign is running across much of Europe, overseen by the international traffic police network, TISPOL.

In Spain, all occupants in a vehicle must wear a seat belt, and this seat belt must be worn properly to be effective, and legal. If there isn´t a seat belt available, then a passenger cannot be carried. Children under 135cm tall must sit in the rear seats and in an approved child restraint system suitable for them. Crash helmets are mandatory on motorbikes and scooters for all riders.

The seat belt is the most effective passive safety element in vehicles and the one that has saved the most lives. According to the data of the ESRA project (Survey of Attitudes of Road Users), carried out in 38 countries, only 80% of people in Spain declared that they have used the seat belt as a driver during driving in the last year, 81% admit having used it as a passenger in the front seat of the car and just 70% as a passenger in the rear seats of the car.

The data shows that although its use is mandatory for all vehicle occupants, there remains a reluctance, with the data showing that almost a quarter of vehicle occupants choose not to use a seat belt.

Given that data, we can then compare that to road traffic incident figures, and we see that in 2017, the last complete year for which data is available, almost a quarter of the people aged 12 or over who lost their lives were not wearing a seat belt, the actual percentage being 24%, a remarkable comparison.

For its part, the World Health Organisation (WHO), also includes in its reports, the importance of the use of the seat belt and calls for countries to include the mandatory use of seat belts in legislation. Approximately 105 countries of the world population have laws that require the use of the seat belt by all occupants of a vehicle, but that is still only 67%.

If it is important that adults use seat belts, and is crucial in the case of children. Adults can make the choice; children learn by example and follow the instructions of the adult when it comes to such matters. In 2017, 5 of the 17 children under 12 years of age who were travelling in cars or vans were not wearing a seat belt, a fact for which the adults were ultimately responsible.

Spanish legislation requires that children under 135 cm in height who travel by vehicle, in addition to travelling with the child restraint system appropriate to their size and weight as required, must be seated in the rear seats of vehicles, except:

 	When the vehicle does not have rear seats
 	When all the rear seats are already occupied by other children of the same characteristics.
 	When it is not possible to install all the child restraint systems in said rear seats.

Only in these cases can children occupy the front seat of the vehicle, but always using the restraint system approved to their size and weight.

Child restraint systems must always be installed in the vehicle in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Excerpt: “…almost a quarter of vehicle occupants choose not to use a seat belt” “…almost a quarter of the people aged 12 or over who lost their lives were not wearing a seat belt” All this week, and through the weekend, the DGT is running an intensified surveillance campaign focussing on the use of seat belts, …

### Women and Constitution: the constitutional reform from gender-sensitive analysis

Tonight (Thursday), at 7:00 pm, you are invited by the Torrevieja Casino Cultural Society to a presentation on women and the constitution, organised by the University of Alicante in Torrevieja and the City Council, through the Department of Equality.



The conference will take place at the Casino Cultural Society of Torrevieja at 19:00 hours, and the presenter will be the Constitutional Law professor at the University of Alicante, María Concepción Torres Díaz.

Admission is free until full capacity.

The paper 'Women and Constitution: the constitutional reform from a gender-sensitive analysis' takes as reference on December 6, 2018, when the Spanish Constitution turned 40 years, and uses this emblematic date as a basis to make a disquisition about the need of a revision of the Fundamental Standard from the perspective of women as a constituent subject. In this way, it is intended to offer a reflection on how the law in general, and the constitutional law in particular, has thought (and thinks) of women.

Torres Díaz is also a professor of the Master in Ill-treatment and Gender Violence at UNED. She also teaches in the University Master's Degree in Law at the University of Alicante and is a practicing lawyer at the Murcia Bar Association. She is currently Secretary of the Feminist Network of Constitutional Law and Coordinator of the Teacher Network of Gender and Equality in Constitutional Law and Freedom of Beliefs. Among her many initiatives, she highlights her appearance in the Congress of Deputies before the Subcommittee on Social Network Studies integrated in the Internal Affairs Commission or her participation in the Working Groups and Commissions of the State Council for the Participation of Women for the preparation of the report. of the Strategic Plan for Equality of Opportunities 2013-2016 and 2018-2021.

### Update 1 to eBook – Spanish Traffic Law

As of January, 2019, the maximum permitted speed on secondary roads of Spain changed, and was reduced.

The idea was to simplify the understanding of the speed limits and, primarily, slow down vehicles on these roads where the most injury and fatal incidents occur.

You can read more about the change in the law by clicking here.

This table is a brief overview of the maximum permitted speeds on the roads of Spain.



If you have already downloaded the Spanish Traffic Law eBook, then this has changed in view of this amendment.

The principle change is ARTICLE 48 – Maximum Permitted Speeds on Roads Out of Town. In the eBook, these are pages 133 to 139.

You can click this link to go to the page where you can download the full eBook, either as a single file, or as different parts. Part 3 is the amended one.

Or, you can download the altered parts directly below, right click and choose SAVE FILE AS, or the equivalent, depending on your browser setting.

 	Spanish Traffic Law – Part 03 – Updated for January 2019 amendments
 	Spanish Traffic Law – Part 03 – Replacement pages 133 to 139 only of January 2019 update

Excerpt: As of January, 2019, the maximum permitted speed on secondary roads of Spain changed, and was reduced. The idea was to simplify the understanding of the speed limits and, primarily, slow down vehicles on these roads where the most injury and fatal incidents occur. You can read more about the change in the law by …

### Tiredness and Driving – A Deadly Combination

Tiredness, or fatigue, resulted in 177 deaths and 4,063 injuries, of which 589 were serious enough to require hospitalisation, in a total of 2,722 road traffic incidents in 2017, the last year for which complete data is currently available.



Of the total number of incidents, 2,722, the majority were on the secondary road network, the location where more serious incidents occur than any other road type. Of that total, 2,351 incidents with victims were on secondary roads, where there were 165 deaths and 3,574 people injured, of which 523 were serious.

July, August and September were the months of the year in which there more injury incidents due to fatigue than any other, whereas November, March, February and January respectively saw fewer incidents.

In terms of fatalities, the figure recorded month by month is very similar, although August and November stand out, both with 19 deaths. Similar to the number of incidents per month, February and March saw the least fatalities with 6 and 8 respectively.

Although the majority of fatigue related incidents occur during daylight hours of the working day, between Monday and Friday from 07:00 to 20:00, when there were 1,695 injury incidents which resulted in 105 deaths and 2,471 injuries the days with the highest number in a 24-hour period corresponds to weekends, and in particular Sundays, where there were 556 incidents, then Saturdays with 471 accidents, totalling 1,027, compared to 1,695 incidents between Monday to Friday.

The riskiest time of day is between 07:00 and 14:00, when 852 incidents and 70 fatalities were recorded.

Aside from the statistical data, fatigue is one of the most dangerous and common contributing factors to road traffic incidents, mostly because it is impossible to react to the situation until it is too late, resulting in very serious consequences.

Despite the risks, 55% of drivers in Spain admit to continue driving despite feeling drowsy behind the wheel, according to a study by Linea Directa which reveals 17 million drivers have suffered drowsiness behind the wheel and 8 million have experienced micro dreams.

Some of the habitual recommendations to fight drowsiness include resting well before undertaking a trip, and planning to avoid the most dangerous hours or long trips, especially at night. Make sure that you take a break every 2 hours or 200 kilometres travelled, do not tilt the seat too far back, ventilate the interior well, do not eat a large meal before driving, talk to your passengers and stay properly hydrated during driving. It is also important to try to avoid long and boring stretches, or take more frequent breaks, always respecting the rules of the road.

Excerpt: Tiredness, or fatigue, resulted in 177 deaths and 4,063 injuries, of which 589 were serious enough to require hospitalisation, in a total of 2,722 road traffic incidents in 2017, the last year for which complete data is currently available. Of the total number of incidents, 2,722, the majority were on the secondary road network, the …

### Volvo to Limit Car Speed

Volvo Cars has announced that the manufacturer will limit the maximum speed of all its vehicles to 180 kilometres per hour from 2020 to highlight the dangers excessive speed.



In addition to global, European and national initiatives, Volvo themselves have pledged to do whatever it can to ensure that nobody dies or is seriously injured in one of its vehicles. That pledge is not too futuristic, as the company has set 2020 as the deadline for achieving this.

However, it´s not only people inside the vehicles that the company is concerned about. They are also investigating how a combination of intelligent speed control and so-called “geofencing” technology could automatically limit speeds in areas where there are schools or hospitals for example.

“We want to start a conversation about whether vehicle manufacturers have the right and even the obligation to install technology in cars that changes the behaviour of their drivers, to address speeding, intoxication due to alcohol and drug use, or distractions,” said Volvo president and CEO Hakan Samuelsson.

The problem with speeding is that, above certain speeds, the safety technology in the vehicle and the design of intelligent infrastructure are not enough to prevent serious injuries and deaths in the event of a collision. For that reason speed limits are in force in most Western countries, although speeding is still “ubiquitous” and one of the “most common” reasons for deaths.

Volvo will present ideas to address the problem areas of intoxication and distraction at a security event in Göteborg (Sweden), which will take place on March 20.

This measure comes at a good time for Volvo. The Swedish manufacturer registered an increase in its global sales of 11.3% during the first two months of the year, reaching 93,863 units sold, compared to 84,369 units registered in the same period of the previous year, according to data published by the company.

The automotive firm explained that the sales growth was led by the “solid” performance of the Volvo SUV range, especially by the XC60, followed by the XC40 and the XC90. For its part, the new V60 and the S60 sedan, manufactured in the United States, also contributed to the increase in sales.

Technical stuff:

In the month of February, the company sold a total of 43,184 units, which translates into an increase of 5.5% compared to the 40,930 sold in the same month last year.

By region, the company’s European sales grew by 12.9% in the first two months of 2019, with 49,195 units sold, compared to the same period last year, when it posted sales of 43,571 units. The double-digit growth, as the company argues, was due to the “strong” demand for the XC60 and XC40 SUVs and the new V60.

In China, the company sold 2.2% more in the first two months of the year, up to 18,473 units, compared to the same period last year, when it posted a volume of sales of 18,489 units. In the month of February, however, sales in this region fell by 0.2%.

In the United States, sales reached 12,489 units in the months of January and February, 5.4% more than in the same period of the previous year, when it accounted for 11,850 units sold.

By models, the XC60 was the most sold in February, with sales reaching 12,630 units (in February 2018 they sold 10,308 units), followed by the XC40, with total sales of 8,176 units (in February 2018, 1,580 units were sold) , and of the XC90, with 5,752 units (in February of 2018 6,607 units were sold). The V40 and V40 Cross Country models registered sales of 4,196 units (in February 2018 they sold 6,109 units) and the new V60 Estate sold 3,849 units in February.

Excerpt: Volvo Cars has announced that the manufacturer will limit the maximum speed of all its vehicles to 180 kilometres per hour from 2020 to highlight the dangers excessive speed. In addition to global, European and national initiatives, Volvo themselves have pledged to do whatever it can to ensure that nobody dies or is seriously injured …

### Towing a UK Trailer Abroad – The rules are changing

From 28 March 2019, it is mandatory for certain trailers taken out of the UK to be registered with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).



Trailers with a gross weight of over 750kg used for commercial purposes, and those with a gross weight over 3,500kg which are used towed by private vehicles, must be registered and have the registration documents with the vehicle towing them.

The change is a long awaited compliance by the UK with the requirements of the UN 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which the UK has ratified. Although much of the UK´s traffic law already complies with the convention, the registration of trailers is one element which was outstanding. This will come into force on 28 March 2019.

In order to comply with the agreement, trailers that are used internationally in countries also covered by the convention must be registered, if they fall into the required categories. A full list of countries is available, along with more information, on the UK government website gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration, where you will see that you do not need to register trailers used in Spain, but you must register if you drive through France, and other countries, if you travel between the UK and Spain.

In order to try to make the process easier, and because there is expected to be a large number of trailers that fall into the categories, the DVLA has launched a new website, where the information on the trailer can be submitted, before the registration certificate is sent to you through the post, and an email confirmation, which will allow you to then have the number plate made which must be displayed on the trailer.

You can register your trailer, and find out more, here: gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad

Excerpt: From 28 March 2019, it is mandatory for certain trailers taken out of the UK to be registered with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Trailers with a gross weight of over 750kg used for commercial purposes, and those with a gross weight over 3,500kg which are used towed by private vehicles, must be …

### School Council Approved

Torrevieja´s Municipal School Council, chaired by the town´s Mayor José Manuel Dolón, met last week in an extraordinary session with the aim of renewing the board and welcoming new members who will oversee the educational needs of the municipal´s children.



The first point agreed was that the presidency of the Municipal School Council will remain the same, a post held by the Los Verdes, green party mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón. In addition, the school board member representing the town council will be the councilor for education, José Hurtado.

In addition to the political members, the rest of the school council is made up of experts and interested parties in the field of local education, including six representatives of the teaching and educational services fraternity from within the municipality, six parents of students who are schooled in the institutions, plus an additional four representatives of parents of students of other public centres (one of the FAPA Gabriel Miró of Alicante and three of the FAMPA Enric Valor of Alicante), as well as other parents from other local schools, public and private, and neighbourhood, trade union and administrative representatives.

Once the inauguration of the new members of the Municipal School Council took place, the secretary was appointed, a position that falls to María Victoria López, of the STEPV-Intersindical Valenciana, representative of the teaching staff.

The session concluded with the approval of the calendar of ordinary sessions for the 2019 calendar year, which in principle were scheduled for every third Monday of the month, every two months.

### Torrevieja in World First For Mobility Access

As the annual tourism exposition takes place, FITUR, promoting the values of Spain to the sector, Torrevieja has stood out by offering what they consider to be a world first, a chance for people with reduced mobility or physical restrictions to experience life on board a submarine.



The S-61 Delfin submarine was donated to the town´s Sea and Salt Museum by the Spanish navy when it was decommissioned in 2004. The submarine is one if the static displays of historic and replica artefacts within the museum network, which has already been visited by thousands of people wanting a taste of life aboard a narrow metal tube underwater.

With very limited space and cramped conditions, the sailors in service had to endure proximity clashes that could make life very difficult, especially in the event of some of them not getting along. Now, as a museum piece, friction and a life of weeks or months at sea are no longer a challenge, but getting visitors into and out of the ship is still no easy task, especially as the average tourist perhaps lacks the physical sleekness of the highly trained sailing personnel.

That challenge of opening the limited space to as many people as possible was one taken up by the town council, and now, S-61 Delfin has been adapted so that those with reduced mobility can also enjoy the tours.

It was during the recent FITUR event that Torrevieja´s councillor for tourism, Fanny Serrano, announced that the submarine had become the first of the world to be adapted to people with “functional diversity”. Serrano made the announcement accompanied by the Vice President and Minister for Equality and Inclusive Policies, Mónica Oltra, and the Regional Secretary of Tourism and President of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, Francesc Colomer, excitedly explaining the achievements of the collective group.

Although the full details of the adaptations were kept for another day, Serrano confessed that “the idea of ​​turning our submarine into an accessible showcase was developed in FITUR two years ago. When we saw the inclusive routes for the first time we thought that Torrevieja had to be there in some way, since we are a city that has always stood out for our hospitality, accepting and helping all kinds of people”.

The councillor wanted to emphasise that “the technical work has been extremely complex, but we believe it has been worthwhile and it is an action that places Torrevieja as a reference in terms of accessible tourism”, pointing out that “our submarine received more than 20,000 visits a year and thanks to this now it will receive many more”.

Serrano also reported that the town hall has received congratulations from the Navy and the Defence Staff, who have also asked that the details be shared in order to use the project as an example to other municipalities.

For its part, the vice president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Monica Oltra, stressed that the regional government aims to achieve “accessible tourism for each and every one of the people, without exception or exclusion”, understanding “accessibility as a right” of all, including sectors that have not been sufficiently taken into account, such as people with some type of disability, but also others such as childre or the elderly.

In this context, it was pointed out that through Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, the 'Strategic Plan for Accessible Tourism 2017-2019' has already been developed, which has a total of five strategic lines and 33 specific actions. The purpose of these new routes is “to implement true inclusive tourism in our territory and guarantee the enjoyment of tourism elements for people with disabilities on an equal footing”.

### Bowls Championships in May

Los Montesinos will become the bowls capital of Spain in May, as the town plays host to a championship tournament.



Some 2,000 people are expected to descend on the town to participate in the competition, which will take place between the 11th and 25th of May.

The councillor for Tourism and Sports in Los Montesinos, Ana Belén Juárez, launched the competition at the FITUR tourism event, explaining how, “Los Montesinos will become the centre of this sport because for two weeks we expect the attendance of the best players in Spain of this very peculiar sport that is English bowls. A sport, which is not well known in Spain but little by little it is becoming more so, especially in our area due to the large number of foreigners who choose our territory to have a house as a second home,”

As far as the competition is concerned, the 200 expected players will compete in different disciplines: singles, doubles, triples and quadruples, in categories of women, men and mixed. And they will have their finale on the 25th, which will be when the semi finals and finals of all the categories will be played, along with a final championship ceremony at the Greenlands Bowls Club in Los Montesinos.

The host club, which already hosted the Valencian Community Championship last September, covers an area of 40,000 square metres on which there is an 8-rink English bowling alley, and is already well known by local bowlers.

### Free TV in fro Hospital Patients

From 15 February, getting sick will now come with at least one bonus, patients in the province´s hospitals will be able to enjoy free TV in their rooms.



For the past 9 years patients have had to subscribe to use the service, although a few free channels were available, but from February the service will be free.

The benefits are that patients will, on average, save 24 euro on their stay, based on a six-day period of televisual entertainment.

Some of the money paid to the service went towards the maintenance, but the regional health body is in the process of drafting a document to renew and modernise the older televisions.

Major hospitals like Alicante General have around 450 televisions in use.

However, not all the local hospitals will offer the free service as those run by private entities will be free to change their rules as they are now.

According to the department of health, converting the service free of charge will cost more than 1.2 million euro per year in the twenty directly managed health departments of the Community, totalling 7,400 beds. The calculation is made from a unit price per team of 300 euro between the costs of replacement, amortization and the necessary maintenance.

Patients have considered it unfair that they had to pay for TV in the past, and don´t understand how or why the hospitals should be making money, especially as many of the patients are elderly and it is the only form of distraction they get whilst in hospital.

Patient groups point out that even prisoners get free TV.

### Collect your Extra Saving Cheques

Regular shoppers at one of Spain´s biggest grocery stores, the French owned Carrefour, are in for a treat this year, as the company has announced that saving cheques will be paid out six times this year, instead of the normal four.



What that means is that shoppers who have been accumulating points since the last payout can now collect what they have accrued.

However, you have to act quick, because you must use your savings before 7 March, 2019. If you don´t use them, you lose them!

The cheques available now are for savings accrued for the period between 22 November, 2018, and 3 January, 2019, so all of your Christmas spending bonuses, if you made any, are available for you to enjoy right now.

So don´t miss out, go and get your cheque and spend it before it expires, and if you´re looking for inspiration, chocolates are always nice. Our address is printed at the front.

### Seven Rescued from Torrevieja Inferno

A total of seven people were injured on Thursday in a house fire in Torrevieja, which had apparently been started intentionally.



According to the reports from the Provincial Fire Consortium, the fire was started by a man who had intended to commit suicide.

Amongst those injured are two fire fighters who attended the incident, and two young girls, said to be aged 5 and 9.

During the blaze, some fifteen people and five pets were evacuated from the building whilst the flames were brought under control.

The Guardia Civil received an urgent call on Thursday morning and two officers attended the building on Calle Dr. Mariano Ruiz Cánovas. The report started that a man had started the fire intentionally, and that he was suffering mental health issues, resulting in his intention to take his own life.

The officers broke into the building, for fear of the safety of the occupants, but were fought back by the flames, despite using several fire extinguishers in their heroic attempt.

The rescue involved creating safe passages trough the flames, and helping victim off the balconies and into the street.

The man who allegedly started the fire was also rescued and was subsequently arrested, although he was placed into the care of medical staff for psychological assistance.

In total, three fire tenders and sixteen fire fighters attended the scene from Torrevieja, along with three ambulances, one of which was a paramedic unit, and they treated a 43-year-old fire fighter who suffered a leg injury, another fire fighter who was also make an 42-years-of-age, suffering from arrhythmia, and the two girls were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

The other people treated by medics, all suffering from smoke inhalation, were two women of 31 and 46-years-of-ag, and a man of 76. All those who were treated at the scene were taken to Torrevieja hospital for further care.

As back up, units were also sent to assist from Orihuela and Almoradí. Everyone in the building, human and animals, were rescued by the collective effort.

 

### Carnival Time is Coming

This weekend, visitors to the FITUR tourism event have been treated to a preview of the parade, and now it´s time to get your feathers ready, your colourful frocks prepared, your drums and maracas tuned, and your scary costumes exhumed, because carnival is about to begin in Torrevieja.



The schedule begins on Saturday 2 February, with the proclamation and the coronation of both the Children and Senior Queens, and will finish on 2 March with the famous Night Parade and awards ceremony.

The mayor of Fiestas, Domingo Perez, Perez, who has described these festivities as "one of the great events held by his Council," wanted to highlight the great reception and participation of ensuring that "many people will attend all the planned events" both in the closed sites and, above all, on the street, "since the character of the Mediterranean makes us especially enjoy outdoor parties," he said.

and the new Board of Directors of the Cultural Association Carnival of Torrevieja, with its president at the head, Francisco Pizana Cutillas, announced today the details of the Carnival 2019 in Torrevieja, which will begin next Saturday 2 of February,

Francisco Pizana, the president of the Carnival Board, detailed the program, which begins on Saturday 2 February 2, at 9 p.m. at the International Auditorium, with the opening speech by the Cádiz-born Pepe Moreno Rodríguez, known as 'Pepe el Caja' and the coronation of Ángela Ferrándiz Gómez as Reina Infantil and Paola Fernández Saura as Reina Mayor, both of the comparsa 'Puerto Rico'.

The president of the Association, also reported the importance of the drag queen competition, which has now gained national recognition, and will take place on Saturday 9 February, at 9:30 p.m.

In the same way, between 4 and 5 groups will participate in the National Contest of Chirigotas "Ciudad de Torrevieja", on Saturday 16 February, among which the participation of the Chirigota de Beniajan stand out.

In reference to the parades of the Carnival, the Grand Carnival Parade Contest, which will take place on Sunday 24 February, along its usual route through the town centre, and is expected to see some 31 local comparsas take part.

The main night parade will be on Saturday 2 March, which as a novelty this year, will also be the Contest of Comparsas Foráneas, which will open this parade and which will start this year start at 7:00p.m. Likewise, there will be a grand finale to the Carnival with a party at the Plaza de la Constitución, where all the prizes will be awarded.

There will also be a special carnival day on Sunday 17 February, with bouncy castles and fun for all those taking part, with the hope of bringing everyone together as one, to support coexistence. There will also be a giant paella for 120 people in the Plaza del Sagrado Corazón (La Ermita). The Dance of the Third Age organised by the association will be held on Thursday, February 28 at the Municipal Leisure Centre.

Also as a novelty this year, although it was already foreseen some time ago, there will be a children's parade "The carnival of the cabbages", a small tour with sound-making vehicles, in which the opportunity will be given to the youngest of the cabbages, to wear their costumes. The parade will be on Friday 1 March, and will begin at around 5:00 pm from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, ending in the Plaza de la Constitución, where chocolate will be offered and there will even by monkeys and entertainment for the little ones.

More information, including the full schedule, will be available from the tourist information office and the town hall, where information on tickets can also be obtained.

### Portable Warning Lights May Become Compulsory

In the event of an incident or breakdown on the roads, we hopefully know the procedure to follow, donning our high visibility vest and placing one or two warning triangles protecting the vehicle, and then summoning help, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that this procedure is not enough.

Whether it´s because the rules are not being followed correctly, or if they are not being followed at all, the number of fatalities and serious injuries in the early part of an incident is of deep concern.

In 2018, two out of every ten people who lost their lives on the high capacity roads of Spain did so outside their vehicle. In total, some 60 people were killed whilst involved in some kind of emergency which they were dealing with, whether that involved placing the triangles or just because they hadn´t been seen, it is a figure that must be reduced.

So, the Ministry of the Interior wants to find out why the signalling of incidents and breakdowns is a problem, especially on motorways where 303 people died in 2018, 23 more than in the previous year. As we have seen already, 20% of these fatalities were “pedestrians”, who are not normally permitted on these roads, except to deal with an emergency, and is the only “negative” data provided by the Minister responsible for the department, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, along with the Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, when taking stock of the road incident rate of 2018.

The conclusion that these departments have come up with is that the 60 people who were killed had left their vehicles, equipped with the mandatory high visibility vest, and were in the process of placing the warning triangles, or were already fixing the damage or waiting for roadside assistance.

One of the plausible measures being considered to reduce these surprised deaths is to make the stricken vehicle even more visible, by means of a flashing orange light placed outside the vehicle, on a stable and flat surface, magnetised and with its own power, which would serve as a beacon which would be highly visible on vehicles where are at the roadside.



Such devices are voluntary at the moment, to be used in addition to the hazard warning lights on the vehicle and the mandatory warning triangles and high visibility vests, but the proposal would see them as mandatory for all vehicles to carry and use in the event of an emergency.



Of course, anything which has the potential to reduce road fatalities should be welcomed, but this is not without flaws in itself, as we have seen numerous police and Guardia Civil vehicles completely destroyed when they had stopped on the hard shoulder to assist other road users, these vehicles festooned with flashing lights and reflectors, and yet still a target for the distracted.

Although we know from historic data that the majority of serious incidents occur on the secondary road network, which is being targeted through such improvements as a reduction in the maximum permitted speed in some places, motorways are traditionally safer roads, partly due to their almost sterile environments, and their long stretches of straight sections and smooth curves. That said, complacency may be creeping in, as some 26% of the fatalities that occurred in 2018 were on these high capacity roads. It is worrisome that this figure continues to grow, with a 3% increase over 2017 last year, and 5% more than in 2011.

The orange beacon use would be consistent with the Ministerial Order PCI / 810/2018, published in the BOE on July 31, which ordered the homogenization of the blue colour as a warning indicator for all emergency vehicles and gave a period of two years for that change, and also introduced permission for different types of emergency warning lights being voluntary, from the traditional beacon style, to revolving LED equivalents.

Excerpt: In the event of an incident or breakdown on the roads, we hopefully know the procedure to follow, donning our high visibility vest and placing one or two warning triangles protecting the vehicle, and then summoning help, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that this procedure is not enough. Whether it´s because the rules are …

### Pedestrian Knocked down in Torrevieja

A man, said to be 73-years-old, was knocked down and killed in Torrevieja on Wednesday evening.



The incident occurred at around 19:45 on Wednesday evening.

An emergency medical crew attended the incident but could do nothing to save the life of the pedestrian.

An incident is underway to ascertain the details.

 

Excerpt: A man, said to be 73-years-old, was knocked down and killed in Torrevieja on Wednesday evening.

The incident occurred at around 19:45 on Wednesday evening.
An emergency medical crew attended the incident but could do nothing to save the life of the pe...

### Three Kings Parade on Saturday

This Saturday, the Three Kings will once again arrive in Torrevieja by boat, a scene which has become a tradition in the town, landing at 5:30 p.m. in the fishing port.



The Councillor for fiestas, Domingo Pérez, confirmed the arrangements in a press conference, explaining that their Majesties will spend about 30 minutes at the port greeting the well-wishers, before setting of to prepare for their usual tour of th town centre area.

The planned route is the same as previous years, travelling along calles Ramón y Cajal, Zoa and Ramón Gallud, with the expectation of arriving at the Plaza de la Constitución at around 8 p.m. where the children will be greeted by the kings, finally ending with a special reception at the Town Hall.

The entire route will be fenced off for security, after tragedy has struck too many times in the past, and the giving of sweets will be done by hand, rather than throwing them to the crowd. Grownups are asked to play their part by keeping a watch on children to make sure they don’t pass the security cordons.

The coumcillor also explained that this year there will be a number of side shows available to compliment the parade, and that one of the six has been provided by the Municipal School of Dance.

Before the Kings set sail for their evening parade they will have a busy Saturday before them as they will spend the morning visiting the residents of the residential care homes in the town, as well as the children in Torrevieja hospital.

For the technically minded, you might be interested to know that this year some 240 people will take part in the parade, distributing a ton of sweets, at a total cost of 80,860 euro.

Also, La Mata will have the Cabalgata de Reyes that will begin its journey from the Las Jarras Restaurant at 6 p.m. and end at the Plaza de Encarnación Puchol.

### Torrevieja Fire Station Opens its Doors on Saturday

We all hope that we never need to experience it for real, but have you ever wondered how fire fighters are able to cut victims from car crashes, or how dogs are used in rescue activities? These questions, and many more, will be answered in Torrevieja on Saturday when the fire station opens its doors to visitors and fire fighters perform a number of public displays.

Click to view slideshow.

In addition to showing some of the routines the fire fighters train for, the day is also being used to collect toys and gifts which will then be distributed to the less fortunate, in conjunction with the social welfare department of Torrevieja, the Cruz Roja and the University Hospital of Torrevieja.

The councillor for social welfare in Torrevieja, Fabiana Ibarra, explained that “the fire fighters had this wonderful idea and contacted Social Welfare to help them in the organisation, something we accepted immediately.” The councillor said that “the only thing we ask is that, as far as possible, the toys that are provided are neutral and are not gender stereotypes.”

The presentation this week also involved Borja Guirao, the fire fighter who devised the activity, and José Miguel Robles, sergeant of the fire station of Torrevieja.

Robles explained that “in addition to the solidarity initiative we want to take advantage of the event to offer an open day where different activities will be carried out so that people get to know us and what we do”. Among these activities, there will be an exhibition of extraction at 11:00 and another one by the canine rescue group at 12:00. There will also be a fire fighters uniform on hand for you to have your photograph taken dressed as a fire fighter.

The event takes place on Saturday, 22 December, at the Torrevieja fire station, starting at 11:00 and ending at 1:30 p.m., with toy collections throughout, although everyone is invited along to see the work of the teams who are on hand every day of the year for when we might need them, even though we all hope that we never will.



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Excerpt: We all hope that we never need to experience it for real, but have you ever wondered how fire fighters are able to cut victims from car crashes, or how dogs are used in rescue activities? These questions, and many more, will be answered in Torrevieja on Saturday when the fire station opens its doors …

### 2019 Red days and Local Holiday list

For the 2019 working calendar in Spain, there are eight working days which will be considered national holidays, including two which will form a “bridge” around a weekend, as both November 1, All Saints Day , and December 6, Constitution Day, fall on a Friday,

These are the national holidays of course, known as “red days”, and therefore we also have to add regional holidays, such as Valencia day, and local holidays which affect just the town which celebrates them.

The eight national holidays for 2019 are: Año Nuevo (New Year) on Tuesday 1 January, Viernes Santo (Good Friday) on Friday 19 April, Fiesta del Trabajo  (Labour Day) on Wednesday 1 May, la Asunción de la Virgen (the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) on Thursday 15 August, la Fiesta Nacional (Spain’s National Day) on Saturday 12 October, Todos los Santos (All Saints) on Friday 1 November, Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) on Friday 6 December, and Navidad (Christmas Day) on Wednesday 25 December.

In addition to these eight holidays, all the autonomous communities, with the exception of Valencia and Catalonia, celebrate Holy Thursday on 18 April, but Valencia does recognise Easter Monday on 22 April, as does the Balearic Islands, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Navarra, Basque Country and La Rioja.

As on January 6, the Epiphany of the Lord, falls on Sunday, the communities of Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Canary Islands, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Madrid, Murcia and Navarra and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla will move the holiday to Monday 7 January.

Plus, Sunday 8 December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, will move to Monday 9 December in Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Madrid, La Rioja, Ceuta and Melilla.

Despite missing out on the extension of those two holidays, the Valencia region does celebrate the día de San José on 19 March, also recognised in Galicia, Murcia, Navarra and the Basque Country, but not the day of Santiago Apóstol on 25 July, which will be celebrated in Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country.

Castilla-La Mancha will be the only community that celebrates the day of Corpus Christi on 20 June, while San Esteban on 26 December will be a holiday in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia.

In addition to the national and regional holidays, local holidays are also recognised. These can be checked with your local social security office, or the town hall. In Torrevieja, for example, in 2019, in addition to the list above, San Vicente Ferrer is celebrated on Monday 29 April, and Thursday 26 December is also a local holiday.

2019 Holidays in Torrevieja

 	Tuesday 1 January - Año Nuevo (New Year)
 	Tuesday 19 March - Día de San José
 	Friday 19 April - Viernes Santo (Good Friday)
 	Monday 22 April – Lunes de Pascua (Easter Monday) (Valencia Region)
 	Monday 29 April – San Vicente Ferrer (Torrevieja holiday)
 	Wednesday 1 May - Fiesta del Trabajo  (Labour Day)
 	Monday 24 June – Día de San Juan (Valencia Region)
 	Thursday 15 August - la Asunción de la Virgen (the Assumption of the Virgin Mary)
 	Wednesday 9 October - Día de Comunidad Valenciana (Valencia Region)
 	Saturday 12 October - la Fiesta Nacional (Spain’s National Day)
 	Friday 1 November - Todos los Santos (All Saints)
 	Friday 6 December - Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day)
 	Wednesday 25 December - Navidad (Christmas Day)
 	Thursday 26 December – Torrevieja local holiday

### Court Locks up Brits for Drug Distribution Network

Officers from the Guardia Civil have dismantled a criminal organisation which distributed marijuana to an exclusively English speaking patronage.



The arrests took place in Guardamar del Segura, Los Montesinos and Rojales, with four men, all said to be British national, arrested during the search of the homes.

The men have been remanded in custody pending a trial, as well as another one who was the subject of an international arrest warrant.

During the operation, 250 marijuana plants have been seized, along with 6 bottles of liquid cannabis, 250 grams of a substance known as ‘tucibi’ or pink cocaine, a pistol with ammunition, 10,000 euro in cash, 2 vehicles and a boat.

The investigation began in September when officers became aware of the distribution of ‘suspicious’ bags of compost from a house in Los Montesinos. The officers believed the items to be related to the cultivation of marijuana and set up observations.

The investigating officers then discovered that a number of smaller parcels were being sent from the property to Benidorm for distribution, these packages being identified as containing a substance known as the ‘monster’ type.

The four detainees, all British nationals aged between 31 and 64, and the fifth, wanted on the international warrant, have been remanded in custody by the courts in Torrevieja.

### J16 CD Torrevieja vs CD Thader. Our Time!

This coming Saturday 15 December at 18.30h at Torrevieja’s Nelson Mandela Stadium, CD Torrevieja faces CD Thader in the sixteenth match of the season.



The team managed to achieve an important victory in Villena by 0-1, not only for the three points they racked up, but also for the much-needed boost in moral to the team, who had been putting in 110% in their efforts to score goals and add winning points to their total. Our players now return to their home ground this Saturday to play against CD Thader, in a derby, in which CD Torrevieja will be looking to gain a second consecutive win.

We hope that you can all make it for this match on Saturday, when we aim to end the year at home with those three coveted winning points.

### Early Treatment and the Collaboration of Patients and their Environment are Key for Brain Damage Rehabilitation after an Accident

40% of the success in recovery from brain damage lies in the collaboration of patients and their family environments
Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been named a reference centre for the care of traffic accident victims in the province of Alicante
 
One of the most severe lesions that derive from traffic accidents is cranial trauma; it can cause cerebral haemorrhages in different areas and, therefore, functional and cognitive alterations in people. The key to success in the treatment of this type of lesion is found in earliness and intensity when submitting to treatment, in addition to having a multidisciplinary team and the collaboration of patients and their family environments, states Mirko Alavena, Neurology specialist and Coordinator of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Neurorehabilitation Unit.
As Doctor Alavena explains, “experience has shown us that it is important to start treatment as soon as possible, with intensive therapy in which the whole professional team works towards one recovery objective. The collaboration of patients and families also plays an essential role. In our experience, almost half of the success of rehabilitation from acquired brain damage depends on their active participation in the therapy.”
Personalised, Multidisciplinary Treatment
The most effective therapies for brain damage rehabilitation after a traffic accident are based on multidisciplinary work, in other words, a team of several professionals working with a common recovery objective: including a rehabilitation physician, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, neurological physiotherapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, speech therapists and social workers. “Each patient,” explains the neurorehabilitation specialist, “must have an intensive, personalised daily plan, with an average duration of forty-five minutes each, for hospitalised patients as well as outpatients, with the goal of recovering the damaged functions, increase those that are preserved, and adapt to the limitations that may derive from the brain damage.”
This type of therapy lasts a long time, with an average hospital stay of 2 to 3 months, and continues with outpatient rehabilitation. “The important thing is that families know that, when facing a brain damage lesion, there are alternatives for recovering autonomy; we have cases with 100% recovery, and others in which the patients managed to return to their daily lives with significant independence. It is also important to seek out patient associations and hospital centres, such as Quirónsalud Torrevieja, where the patient can find support and counselling with no obligations,” says Doctor Alavena.
Quirónsalud Torrevieja, Reference Centre in Alicante
Healthcare for traumatic brain injuries caused by a traffic accident is not included in the Public Healthcare service catalogue, since there is a third party that is forced to pay for it (the insurance company or the owner of the vehicle to blame for the accident, if he or she is not insured). This circumstance gives people the right to choose the hospital centre and physicians that will treat the accident victim.
Its recent entry into a covenant with UNESPA [Spanish acronym, Association of Spanish Insurance and Reinsurance Institutions] has turned Hospital Quirónsalud de Torrevieja into the only reference centre for insurance companies in the province of Alicante. In addition to dealing with all the administrative paperwork, the centre has one of the most cutting-edge neurorehabilitation Services for the attention of patient with brain damage in the province.

### Twenty Thousands Alcohol and Drugs Tests Per Day This Week

The DGT launched a special awareness campaign on Monday, aimed at alerting drivers to the dangers of having consumed alcohol or drugs before driving.



As part of the campaign, every day this week, including the weekend, the Guardia Civil Trafico will be conducting 20,000 tests on drivers, to ensure that they are safe behind the wheel.

The campaign coincides with the annual Christmas party week, when many office workers celebrate the festive season, some forgetting the dangers of having consumed alcohol or drugs, and taking to the road as a driver.

The campaign runs in conjunction with TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Organisation, and will see 25 countries across Europe enforcing the law through their own means.

In Spain, the campaign will also be supported by the local and regional police, many of whom will also be out carrying out enforcement checks with equipment provided by the DGT.

According to the Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, “the objective of this type of campaign is to make citizens aware that it´s not only alcohol that is incompatible with driving , but other drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, are psychoactive substances that have effects, in many cases lethal, when driving”.

In addition, he added that “the realisation of these preventive controls on the road is along with road safety education, one of the most effective instruments to dissuade the driver from getting behind the wheel if they have consumed any psychoactive substance.”

According to data from the DGT, in 2017 26% of the deceased drivers gave positive results in the tests of alcohol, and of these, 74% presented a rate higher than three times the maximum rate allowed, that is according to the post-mortem data from the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, as well as by the Institutes of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Murcia and Galicia,

Although data regarding drug use is relatively young, in terms of the number of years it has been collated, it is now clear that, according to the known data, more than 10% of all drivers have consumed more than the maximum permitted amounts of some form of illegal drug.

Drug use is taken very seriously by the DGT, which is why the penalties are so severe, in line with the penalties for habitual drinkers, or those with dangerously excessive levels of alcohol.

The presence of drugs that can affect driving is punished by a 1,000 euro fine and 6 points, however, it soon becomes a criminal matter rather than an administrative one when, “Driving under the influence of toxic drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances”, can be punished by, “Prison of three to six months or a fine of six to twelve months or work for the benefit of the community from 30 to 90 days, and deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.”

Excerpt: The DGT launched a special awareness campaign on Monday, aimed at alerting drivers to the dangers of having consumed alcohol or drugs before driving. As part of the campaign, every day this week, including the weekend, the Guardia Civil Trafico will be conducting 20,000 tests on drivers, to ensure that they are safe behind the …

### Has Your Bike Been Stolen from Around the Torrevieja Area?

If you’ve suffered the theft or loss of a bicycle in the Torrevieja and surrounding area, you could be in luck, as officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered more than 80 in the arrest of four thieves.



Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have arrested four men, three of Moroccan nationality, aged 20,38 and 42, and a fourth, aged 20, of Romanian nationality, who are under suspicion of being involved in the theft of almost a hundred bicycles.

A report from the Guardia Civil alleges that the men are involved in a series of crimes, some including robbery with force, as well as thefts, and belonging to a criminal group.

In total, it is believed that the men entered 62 buildings, including storage rooms, garages and homes. The officers have recovered 79 bicycles, 5 frames, and 3 helmets, with a value of around 40,000 euro.

During one robbery, the men stole so many bicycles they discarded some of lesser value to make space for more expensive models.

The Guardia Civil in Torrevieja has now assembled a catalogue of photographs of the bicycles they have recovered, which is available to view by anybody who has recently lost or had their bike stolen.

 

Excerpt: If you’ve suffered the theft or loss of a bicycle in the Torrevieja and surrounding area, you could be in luck, as officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered more than 80 in the arrest of four thieves. Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have arrested four men, three of Moroccan nationality, aged 20,38 …

### Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre Reopens Today

The mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has signed the decrees which will allow the reopening of both the training and cultural centres, and the auditorium, at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre in Torrevieja.



The Virgen del Carmen Centre reopens, 7 December, 2018



The centre will be able to reopen on Friday, after being closed down amid safety concerns last month, and will open its doors to the public at 4p.m., resuming its cultural schedule.



On November 30, it was necessary to temporarily close all the dependencies of the centre when two serious faults were detected in the fire system. Today, after completing the file on the works that have been necessary to guarantee the security of the fire system, the mayor has proceeded to sign the decrees that left the activities suspended. 



In order to rectify the faults, the work required a series of replacements and corrections to the fire fighting system. The engineer who drafted the activity project of the cultural centre has issued a report certifying that after its repair, fire measures are now effective for the normal development of the activity. Once this certificate has been received, a municipal technician has issued a second report confirming that it is possible to carry out the activity in safe conditions, which is why they have proceeded to issue the corresponding legal report and the signing of the decrees that allow the reopening of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre from this afternoon.



The mayor's office apologises for the closure, and the inconvenience caused, but must also be praised for acting with the safety of those who attend as their primary concern.

### More than 20 Rescued from Boats off the Coast

The Maritime Rescue Service, supported by the Cruz Roja, have rescued at least 22 people who were travelling in boats off the coast of Torrevieja, intending to reach Spain from Africa.

 

At least 4 of the people rescued are women, plucked from two boats by the Salvamar Mirfak rescue boat, before being transferred to Torrevieja where they will receive humanitarian help from the Cruz Roja.

According to the medical staff on the scene, many of those rescued were displaying symptoms of hypothermia and had to be treated for the condition.

The boats were initially spotted at around 8:30 this morning by a fishing boat, who alerted the authorities of their presence, some 30 miles south of Torrevieja.

### Costa Blanca Tourism Up Again

The Valencia region welcomed 8,278,401 foreign tourists between January and October, 2.5% more than in the same period of the previous year, with the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries as the main origin of those tourists.



The figures are recorded by the National Institute of Statistics in their latest report, released today, which also shows that in October alone there were 5.3% more than last year, with a total 855,849 people visiting the area.

Nationally, Spain received almost 73.9 million foreign tourists in the first ten months of the year, which represents an increase of 0.5% compared to the same period in 2017, after a year-on-year increase of 5% in October, with 7.6 millions of visitors, showing how the Valencia region, and the Costa Blanca in particular, is of great importance.

The origin of the tourists lies firstly with the United Kingdom, with 16.7 million, although that is actually 2.2% fewer; France, with 10.3 million, 1.3% more, and Germany, with a similar number to the French market, although, in this case, it is a decrease of 4.8%.

However, in October, the evolution of the British market was positive, with a rise of 4.6% (1.7 million tourists) and the German market, with an increase of 0.1% (1.2 million), while that France grew by 8.6% (912,542).

In the first ten months, the market that grows the most is the U.S., with an increase of 10.2% (2.6 million tourists) and 23.4% in October, followed by Portuguese, with increases of 9, 7% (2 million) and 21.5%, respectively, and Russia.

Catalonia remains the main autonomous community destination, with 17.1 million international arrivals, despite a fall of 1.2%, followed by the Balearic Islands, with 13.5 million, 0.2% less, and the Canary Islands, which recorded the largest decrease, from 3.5%, to 11.3 million.

The Region of Valencia registered 2.5% more tourists this year (8.3 million), after a rise of 5.3% in October, and Andalusia, 0.9% more (10.5%). million) in the accumulated and 2% more, in the tenth month.

### Cruz Roja Flag Day

If you’re out and about in Torrevieja on Friday, be sure to keep an eye out for Cruz Roja members, who will be offering flags for those who support them with a little donation.



The teams will have information tables set up, one at the Plaza de la Constitución and one near the Hombre del Mar on the sea front promenade, open from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

If you give them any money, they will give you a little flag sticker to wear, showing that you have supported them, and the money will go towards projects supporting children in the community.

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### Arrest in Major Drug Investigation

Three people have so far been arrested, with other detentions looming, after an investigation by the National Police led to the breakup of a major drug supply network.



The arrests have followed weeks of investigations, resulting in a van being intercepted in Torrevieja, and sixteen thousand euro in cash being found, along with half a kilo of cocaine.

The arrest in Torrevieja was in addition to a raid in Elda, coordinated by the National Police, based in Elche, who had become aware of the network that would distribute narcotics throughout the Alicante province.

Those involved in the network had “perfectly defined” roles within the organisation, with one responsible for purchasing, another for distribution to the street-level network, and the thirs for transporting the drugs.

The vehicle used in the distribution had a special compartment created, hidden in the glove box, so as to avoid detection through routine, basic checks. The hidden compartment was cleverly created and spring loaded, so as to conceal the drugs.

After the first arrest, the other members of the group became “more cautious” with their distribution, but still continues the operation, and so the police added more resources to the investigation, resulting in the further arrests.

The three people are facing charges of being part of a drug trafficking and distribution network, whereas the investigation remains open as other people are also being investigated for the same.

### Mayor calls for Political Unity

In Thursday’s commemorative events recognising 40 years since the birth of Spain as a constitution, the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, advocated "working not only to maintain the constitutional consensus, but to expand and improve it."



The head of Torrevieja council stands experienced in supporting unity, as he himself is from a lesser supported group, and stands at the top of a council run through consensus and collaboration, mostly.

The politicians were joined in a flag raising ceremony by members of other political groups, the security services and representatives from schools, public offices and residents who were celebrating the annual act.

In his speech, possibly his last one as leader of the government as elections in May are likely to mean a change to the political canvas, Dolón spoke of values in that "the Constitution was the integrating result of a consensus very difficult to reach at that historical moment". That is why "it was the result of the agreement between the different political and social forces of an era in which we decided to win and succeed together, leaving aside our differences for the good of all, and making political and personal renouncement to find that great common denominator that is called coexisting in freedom ".

 

### Torrevieja on Tourism Barometer of Social Media

The Valencia regional tourism department has published the results of this year’s social media barometer, which shows Torrevieja amongst the most talked about destinations throughout the first six months of this year.



It’s the eleventh time the results have been published, a system which trolls through the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube looking for mentions of areas in the region.

Valencia city is top of the list, followed by Benidorm and Alicante. The regional capital scored 55,141, whereas Torrevieja had 27,298, a figure which is the number of followers on Facebook alone.

Santa Pola also scored well amongst the mid-range sector, and if you’re thinking that maybe Orihuela didn’t do so well because nobody could spell it, the likes of Benicàssim and Berenguer were in the same group.

On Twitter, Valencia is tops once again with 32,360 followers, Alicante is second with 20,469 and Elche is in third place with 12,503. Benidorm is still hanging in just over the 10k group with 10,008, and in the below 10,000 sector Torrevieja and Santa Pola feature once again (still no Orihuela).

As for Instagram, guess who’s top? Yes, Valencia, with 16,916 folllowers, Benidorm in second with 15,607, and Alicante in third with 14,789. In the below 10,000 sector, Torrevieja and Santa Pola are there again, along with Elche. We’ll not even mention Orihuela (oh, too late).

YouTube, the video platform taking over the visual lives of younger people, has offered a surprise, no not that Orihuela features, but in that Valencia is not top. On the video platform, Peñíscola is the leader with 2,403,852 viewers, way ahead of Valencia with 640,265, and Alicante which has 471,205. Torrevieja is somewhere in the list with 189,991, and Santa Pola with 114,061, whereas Orihuela, oh, we did it again!

Anyway, these results were for the first half of the year, you can change it by taking pictures, videos, or just writing about how wonderful the local area is, using hashtags, such as #Orihuela, and sharing your experiences with the rest of the social media world.

### Eleven Arrests in Drug Network Break Up

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested eleven people, one of them a minor, believed to be part of a criminal network which distributed drugs through a tapas bar.



Those arrested are accused of crimes against public health and drug trafficking, and have been remanded in custody, with the exception of the minor who has been placed in the care of a family member.

Nine raids were made across Torrevieja, including three outlets, two bars and a booth, with 183 grams of cocaine, 200 grams of hashish, hashish acorns and uncut substances, and more than six thousand euro in cash seized.

The officers were fist aware of a woman in her sixties who opened her bar every day at 7 and, despite her innocent appearance, performed a key role in the network. The woman is amongst those arrested, along with a 34-year-old woman and four men, aged, 17, 22, 33 and 40. The other arrests were made as part of the group outside the immediate area.

### Legal Action Against Torrevieja Municipal Theatre Designer

The local government of Torrevieja has approved a proposal to initiate legal action against the architect who directed the work of the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja, Antonio Marquerie.



The spokesperson for the government, Fanny Serrano, said that, "we have approved the filing of legal action that corresponds to the interests of the City Council to understand that the architect who designed the works of the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja he has broken his obligations."

The problem lies in the refusal on the part of said architect to present the end-of-works certificate of the actions carried out in the Municipal Theatre, which has caused it to remain closed to the public since 2015, as it does not have the report which is mandatory for obtaining the necessary opening license.

"The property meets all the requirements regarding safety, but we lack that end of work certificate that prevents us from granting the opening license," explained Serrano.

In this regard, the deputy mayor also pointed out that, "the OCA hired by the Popular Party, regardless of municipal technicians, clearly stipulates that without this certificate will not issue a favourable report, so the theatre cannot be opened".

In addition, since June 11 of this year, the head of the urban planning service reported, after recapitulating the background, that there was no other solution than to take legal action.

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### A Shopping Trip Back in Time

Do you ever wander down the local high street and think that you are walking in the footsteps of many who have moved in the same direction, to the same location, but across years, decades and even centuries before? If you have, and you’re in Torrevieja, you will love a new exhibition that starts today in the Palacio de la Musica.



“Comercios antiguos de Torrevieja y su publicidad” is the title of the exhibition that opens on Friday, 23 November, at 8:00 p.m., offering a glimpse into the past through commerce, shopping and retail.

This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the past and is definitely worth a look, comparing a world before mobile phones, contactless payment, automatic tills, when retail was all about the humans, those who served and those who loyally shopped, creating a community within a small space and time.

### Gender Violence Awareness Events

Councillor for Social Services, Women and Equality, Fabiana Ibarra, has launched an awareness campaign which will run from today until November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.



"We do not want this date to be just a commemoration, and that is how we transmit it throughout the year, developing intense work from the Department for prevention and information to the citizens," explained Ibarra, continuing, "the program we have designed for this year aims for us to be aware of the road to be followed to end this scourge, which is education and prevention."

Talks, debates, theatre, dance, sports activities, concerts, workshops, exhibitions are all lined up in the awareness schedule, including a workshop 'For the right to a life free of gender violence', carried out in collaboration with the University of Alicante.

There are also two exhibitions that will host the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. The first one will be an exhibition of murals made by students from the different schools of Torrevieja and will be open between November 23 and 27. The other, entitled 'I have no owner' will take place between November 28 and December 11 and will be the work of the artist Diana Raznovich.

The full program will be updated daily from the Facebook of the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Equality, but here are a selection of planned events:

NOVEMBER 21, 2018

Presentation of the SCAN project.

 	Attention, information and awareness of gender violence, together with the presentation of the project of assisted therapy with animals for women victims of gender violence.

NOVEMBER 22, 2018

Yoga workshop aimed at women.

 	Yoga to reduce stress and improve the quality of life.

Self defence for women.

 	Basic seminar where the general concepts of self defence are explained.

NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Roundtable discussion and information on gender violence.

 	Presentation of the 24H Women's Centre of Torrevieja, operation and resources available to them.

NOVEMBER 24, 2018

Concert by Ana Martí.

 	Memorial commemoration day for the elimination of gender violence.

NOVEMBER 25, 2018

Guided sports activity

 	Sports physical exercise guided by professionals of the Club Náutico de Torrevieja.

Dance dramatized.

 	Dynamic dance memorial day for the elimination of gender violence. Representation of the musical theme "Una Puerta Violeta", Rozalén

Theater on the street "Féminas. Women move the world. "

 	Commemorative theatre day for the elimination of gender violence.

NOVEMBER 30, 2018

Workshop "For the right to a life free of gender violence: concept, identification and guidelines for its approach ", by Mª Concepción Torres Díaz.

 	Conceptual and normative approach to gender violence.

FROM 23 TO 27 NOVEMBER OF 2018

 	Exhibition of murals made by students of schools in the municipality on gender violence.

FROM NOVEMBER 28 TO DECEMBER 11, 2018

 	Exhibition "I have no owner" by Diana Raznovich.

### Fatal Collision at Santa Pola

A woman, said to be 56-years-old, died on Tuesday after the vehicle she was in was involved in a collision with a bus on the N-332 near Santa Pola.

The incident occurred at 15:46 at kilometre point 93.4 near to the Gran Alacant urbanisation in the Alicante direction towards El Altet. Another three vehicles were said to be involved, along with the bus which was marked up as for school transport, but no other injuries were recorded.

Fire fighters initially managed to rescue the woman alive from the wreckage, but she is said to have lost her life during the transfer from the scene to Elche general hospital.
The N-332 remained closed for some time and vehicles were diverted as the incident was being dealt with by the emergency services.

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Excerpt: A woman, said to be 56-years-old, died on Tuesday after the vehicle she was in was involved in a collision with a bus on the N-332 near Santa Pola. The incident occurred at 15:46 at kilometre point 93.4 near to the Gran Alacant urbanisation in the Alicante direction towards El Altet. Another three vehicles were …

### Major Fuel Stations to be Forced to Offer Electric

As the government advances plans to make motoring more energy efficient, it is now set to accelerate plans that will force over a thousand filling stations to offer electricity charging points.

The plans are already in place to ban the sale of cars that emit CO2 by 2040, however it has now been revealed that in order to remain on emission reducing target, some 220,000 charging points will be required a decade sooner, by 2030.
The draft law is now being written which speeds up those plans, with a target of 27 months for initial compliance, which will mean some 1,200 filling stations having to have electric points installed, thus becoming ‘electrolineras’, almost immediately.
It is filling stations considered to be ‘super- gas stations’, in other words, those that sell more than 10 million litres of fuel and therefore have a turnover of around 15 million euro. They tend to be in the best areas of cities or on busy highways. Therefore the Government wants to install electric chargers with a minimum power of 22 kW , so that cars can access a fast charge.
If the fuel companies fail to comply, they face fines of up to 30 million euro, sanctioned with a very serious infraction of the Hydrocarbons Law. Repsol and Cepsa have a 30% and 13% share of the market respectively.
In the nine months after the approval of the law they will have to have the plan ready. From there, they would have to have operational services with the capacity to supply renewable electricity, which will require them to make agreements with the electricity companies.

Excerpt: As the government advances plans to make motoring more energy efficient, it is now set to accelerate plans that will force over a thousand filling stations to offer electricity charging points. The plans are already in place to ban the sale of cars that emit CO2 by 2040, however it has now been revealed that …

### Worrying Trend will See More Pedestrians, Cyclists and Bikers Killed

Analysis of data from recent years suggests that since the birth of the automobile, in 2020, more vulnerable road users will be killed on Spain’s roads than the occupants of four-wheeled vehicles.

The information comes from the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), which suggests that by following the current evolution, there will be more pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists killed than those less vulnerable.
,The Director General, Pere Navarro, shared the information during the launch of the latest campaign, “Nothing is worth more than a life”, focused on addressing and finding solutions to the problem.
Coinciding with the weekend’s commemoration of World Traffic Victims Day, Navarro pointed out that in 2008 the vulnerable users who died were 40 percent of the total and last year they had already accounted for 46 percent.

Excerpt: Analysis of data from recent years suggests that since the birth of the automobile, in 2020, more vulnerable road users will be killed on Spain’s roads than the occupants of four-wheeled vehicles. The information comes from the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), which suggests that by following the current evolution, there will be more pedestrians, …

### Obesity-Related Diabetes raises the Likelihood of dying from a Cardiovascular Disease

Obesity-related diabetes can raise the likelihood of dying from a cardiovascular disease six fold, states Doctor Carlos Sala, Head of the Obesity Unit and Specialist in Metabolic Surgery at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia.

The origin of type-2 diabetes, the most common type of the disease, is found in multiple factors, with the most significant ones being excess weight, physical inactivity and poor nutrition. Lifestyle changes, a sedentary life and a movement away from the Mediterranean diet have caused an increase in excess weight and obesity in the population. This disease does not usually have any symptoms during the initial phases, “which often causes diabetes to be diagnosed years later, when it has already affected the organism and caused complications,” explains Doctor Guillermo Negueruela, Endocrinology Specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, “because if glucose levels remain high, diabetes-related illnesses begin to appear.”
Obesity increases the risk not only of type-2 diabetes, but also of severe illnesses such as dyslipidaemia, high blood pressure, coronary disease, stroke, sleep apnoea, etc., which create a very high cardiovascular risk, multiplying the risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease times six. “All this evidence leads us to consider type-2 diabetes and obesity a single disease, and to teat them jointly,” declares Doctor Sala.
In the world, it is estimated that 400 million people suffer from diabetes, of which 90% have type 2, “a number that has increased four-fold in the last 25 years, and will reach 600 million people by 2035. The 55 million diabetics living in Europe will become 70 million in just over fifteen years,” forecasts the specialist.
A Possible Cure for Diabetes
 
People with obesity have a risk of suffering from diabetes three times greater than those who are not obese. Diabetes, like obesity, can be cured with surgery, and the data are clear: over 70% of patients with obesity that undergo a metabolic or bariatric surgery intervention cease to be diabetic. “The effectiveness is immediate in patients with type-2 diabetes, who usually stop using insulin and medication in the weeks after the intervention,” explains Doctor Juan Luján, Head of the Digestive System Surgery Service and the Obesity Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud de Murcia.
Metabolic surgery for weight loss is indicated for obese patient with a body mass index over 40, or over 35 if there are related comorbidities. However, “due tot he world diabetes and obesity epidemic, which has started to be known as diabesity, for the past decade, we have been focusing interventions on the resolution of type-2 diabetes, even in patients with excess weight or grade I obesity, who are not yet morbidly obese, but suffer from type-2 diabetes,” clarifiesDoctor Carlos Sala.
Quirónsalud Torrevieja with Prevention
 
The Torrevieja Diabetics Association [Asociación de Diabéticos de Torrevieja] and the hospital centre will host an informative table on diabetes prevention next Wednesday, November 14, from 10 to 14 hours. The appointment will be on Paseo de Vista Alegre (in front of the Torrevieja Casino).
Additionally, Doctor Guillermo Negueruela, Endocrinologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, together with the Torrevieja Diabetics Association, will offer a talk on Wednesday, November 21, about diabetes prevention and control titled “Advances in Diabetes Treatment.” The talk will be held at the city’s Casino at 19:30 hours, and entry will be free.

### Category F Tyres Banned from Sale

In a bid to further reduce the environmental impact of vehicles on the roads, the sale of poorly performing tyres has been outlawed.



All tyres for sale in Spain follow the European Standards for safety rating. As of November 1, the sale of tyres which are in the “F” category for roll resistance, and which are intended for use on passenger cars and vans, have been prohibited.

Roll resistance directly influences fuel consumption of the vehicle, and therefore, its pollutant emissions, especially that of greenhouse gases. The lower the resistance, the lower the consumption and, according to the Tyre Manufacturers Commission, “up to 20% of fuel consumption is related to this factor.”

According to Jose Luis Rodriguez, president of the Commission, “the prohibition to sell these less efficient tyres in the European market highlights again the informative work and the protection of the consumer interests of the tyre Label”.

The special tyre labelling system came into force on July 1, 2012. Its objective was to inform the consumer by means of colours, symbols and letters, of the roll resistance, the braking grip on wet roads and the sound level of the tyre, helping consumers to choose the tyres that provide the best performance for their vehicle, but that are also safe, durable, efficient and respectful to the environment.

The sale of “G” rated tyres, in other words the least efficient, was already outlawed in 2014.

The Professional Organization of Tire Specialists (OPEN) insists that tyres are the vehicle’s only contact with the road. They ensure that the adherence and direction that the vehicle travels in is the one desired by the user and also cushions imperfections of the road. At the same time, they insist on the need for adequate maintenance of the tyre, including pressure and depth.

According to a study by the University of Edinburgh on vehicle gases, it was stated that 2/3 of the particles emitted by a vehicle are due to tyres, vehicle maintenance and roads. OPEN underlines that “the use of efficient tyres could represent a decrease of 50 litres per 10,000 kilometres in the use of fuel.

There is a transitional period for garages which have stock of these Class “F” tyres, in that those manufactured before November 1, 2018, may still be sold for a period of 30 months, i.e. up until May 1, 2021.

Excerpt: In a bid to further reduce the environmental impact of vehicles on the roads, the sale of poorly performing tyres has been outlawed. All tyres for sale in Spain follow the European Standards for safety rating. As of November 1, the sale of tyres which are in the “F” category for roll resistance, and which …

### Speed Limits Look Set to Reduce Soon

When the new Director General of the DGT took over, Pere Navarro vowed to turn around the increase in road traffic injuries and fatalities, as he had done whilst previously in the post.



Recently, the DGT has reverted back to hard-hitting advertising campaigns on TV and in print, showing the reality of what is left behind after a serious incident, and what those who have to deal with the aftermath have to put up with.

Practical improvements were also on the cards, as was the intention to rush through legislation as quickly as possible.

It is now believed that the first such change is set to be rushed through for January, which would see the maximum permitted speed limit on some 7,000 kilometres of secondary roads reduced from 100 kilometres per hour to 90 kilometres per hour.



In the final draft of a document prepared by the Ministry of the Interior and Traffic, it is stated that “this Royal Decree will come into force on January 2, 2019”.

However, it is important to note that the time specified is subject to change as, no matter the intention, there is still a minimum time for legislation to work its way through the system and become law, and so, unless something changes, the specified date is unrealistic.

That said, the point is that the DGT, under the management of Pere Navarro, is set to implement significant change to the laws that should make the roads safer for all, so long as those laws are adhered to.

However, also on the cards are more radars, fixed and portable, stricter penalties for such things as mobile phone use, and more resources to allow the Guardia Civil, police and the DGT to enforce the laws and penalise those who still choose to ignore the dangers on the roads.

Excerpt: When the new Director General of the DGT took over, Pere Navarro vowed to turn around the increase in road traffic injuries and fatalities, as he had done whilst previously in the post. Recently, the DGT has reverted back to hard-hitting advertising campaigns on TV and in print, showing the reality of what is left …

### Major Earthquake Drill in Torrevieja on Wednesday

On Wednesday, 14 November, an earthquake will hit the area with its epicentre in Torrevieja. Luckily, it is only a drill, part of continual operations that ensure the emergency services are trained and equipped should such an event occur, as was the case in 1829 when much of the area, including Torrevieja, was destroyed by a major earthquake.



Public buildings, including schools and colleges, will also be taking part in the drill, so that children are also well prepared should anything like this ever occur again.

The local emergency services will be first to attend the scene, closing roads as necessary and implementing the first protocol for such an event, which is of special importance as Torrevieja and the surrounding area is in the centre of a seismic zone.

As the simulation continues, additional support will be called upon, which will include the UME, the military emergency and rescue services, who will also be on hand to assist.

A total of 775 emergency workers will be involved in the scenario, more than ever before, from 25 agencies who will train for the emergency, including municipal groups, consortiums of fire fighters, forest fire fighters, security services, civil protection volunteers, Cruz Roja UME, and students, amongst others.

The 6 secondary schools and the 13 elementary and junior high schools of Torrevieja will be involved, with self-protection activities being practiced by 4,840 students and 452 secondary school teachers; and 7,061 children and 388 nursery and primary school teachers.



The areas which will be hit hardest by the quake will be Colonia San Esteban, Archivo Municipal, Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja and the Recinto de Ferias y Mercados, with the purpose of putting into practice the damage assessment protocols in buildings and infrastructures, transfer of works of art, and problems with the supply of water, roads, electricity, gas and telephony, as well as the care of people who lose their homes.

For this purpose, a total of 170 “extras” (students of the Leonardo da Vinci Intitutes of Alicante, IES of Elda and Les Alfàbegues de Bétera) will simulate the groups of affected family members, who will be assisted in a temporary shelter camp.

As for the implementation of rescue protocols for people trapped and buried in the rubble, it will be held in a practice field in the town of Algemesí, where one of the neighbourhoods of Torrevieja most affected by the earthquake will be simulated.

If you see any of this activity, like in a real emergency, remain calm, listen to the instructions given by those in authority, and act on their instructions immediately. Although this is a simulation, the necessity for acting as if it is a real emergency is crucial, therefore, please avoid standing around and just watching, if you are not told to leave the area, just move on as normal and let the emergency services do their job.

Similarly, the roads around the area may be affected by closures and emergency diversions. Again, take notice and act on the instructions given, leaving the area immediately if told to do so, and, if you are not planning to be in the area as normal, please avoid the area. If you see emergency service vehicles approaching, try to make a clear path for them to proceed, if you can do so safely.

If you do want to follow the activities, rather than standing around and getting in the way, there is a hashtag set up for social media, so you can monitor pictures and videos from home as the emergency unfolds. Just follow #gransimularco2018 to do this.


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Excerpt: On Wednesday, 14 November, an earthquake will hit the area with its epicentre in Torrevieja. Luckily, it is only a drill, part of continual operations that ensure the emergency services are trained and equipped should such an event occur, as was the case in 1829 when much of the area, including Torrevieja, was destroyed by …

### Health Advice at the Zenia Boulevard

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja will install a space dedicated to health in La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre from November 12 to 17, at which, in addition to offering information, visitors may actively participate in different workshops focused on the prevention of different diseases.



Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja will install a space dedicated to offering healthcare information, from November 12 to 17 between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in La Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre. Visitors who come to this space from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.will also be able to participate in the prevention workshops led by prestigious specialists from Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

On November 12 and 13, visitors can take part in the breast self-examination, key for early diagnosis of breast cancer workshop; on November 14 and 15, there will be workshops on dermatology to follow up on the spots on our skin and distinguish them from possible melanomas or skin cancers; finally, on November 16 and 17, we will have a cardiology workshop with advice to care for and monitor cardiovascular health, one of the main causes of death in Western countries.

### Trucks May be used to Fight Mobile Phone Use

This week, the DGT is running a special campaign on secondary roads, the location of the majority of fatal and serious incidents in Spain, which focussed on the main contributing factor to road traffic collisions, inappropriate speed, driving too close, alcohol and drugs, and not wearing a seat belt or using a mobile phone.

It is the latter two problems that the new director general of the DGT, Pere Navarro, is increasingly concerned about, as both factors seem to be spiralling out of control. At the  Forum for Sustainable Urban Mobility in Bilbao, he said, “We must avoid the feeling of impunity and the laws must be complied with.”

To try to turn the social acceptance of using a mobile or not wearing a seat belt, the DGT has reverted back to harder hitting advertising campaigns, showing the reality of how grave incidents can be, and the aftermath that the families and friends of those who have been killed or seriously injured have to cope with, all innocent victims of the phenomena.

An extra piece of equipment being considered by the DGT to try and combat the problem takes a leaf out of the book of the UK traffic police, with the introduction of trucks and unmarked vans travelling on the road network looking out, particularly, for drivers using a mobile or vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt.

The elevated position of the driver in these vehicles offers a point of view not available in a car, as it is much easier to see what is happening when looking down, a situation proven by the Pegasus equipped helicopters and the newly tested drones. Moreover, these vehicles often go unnoticed by those drivers committing the offences, and so enforcement can be easier, thus halting the menace.

In the UK, this form of surveillance has been active for two years and has already shown its effectiveness, with more than 4,000 sanctions being imposed on distracted drivers. The majority of those sanctions, two thirds of the total, are for mobile phone use, but other behaviours have also been detected, such as applying makeup, eating or rolling cigarettes.



As revealed by the balance from the DGT for 2017, distracted driving accounted for 32% of the causes of fatal incidents, ranking first over inadequate speed (26%) or alcohol consumption (12%).

It is believed that two vehicles are currently operating on the roads of Spain, and a currently under test conditions in order to evaluate the possibility of mass introduction, but if the success of the UK is anything to go by, this will prove to be a valuable addition to the arsenal of weapons which are constantly increasing to try to keep us all a little safer on the roads.

Excerpt: This week, the DGT is running a special campaign on secondary roads, the location of the majority of fatal and serious incidents in Spain, which focussed on the main contributing factor to road traffic collisions, inappropriate speed, driving too close, alcohol and drugs, and not wearing a seat belt or using a mobile phone. It …

### Exclusive promotion, advance sale 2X1 for the CD Torrevieja – Elda Industrial CF match

Club Deportivo Torrevieja is launching a special promotion to tie in with the next match against Elda Industrial CF, which takes place this Sunday 11 November at 17.00h in Torrevieja at the Nelson Mandela grounds.



From Thursday, you can obtain two tickets for the price of one for Sunday’s match, which is an extremely important one, as another win will mean CD Torrevieja are back in the running for the play-offs at the end of the season.

This special offer only applies to tickets sold in advance and will not be available on the day of the game.

To purchase your special promotion tickets for the game on Sunday (8€ in total), you must visit the Club’s head office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, 56 bajo, during opening times, which are as follows:

 	Thursday: 10.00h to 13.30h and 17.00h to 20.00h
 	Friday: 10.00h to 13.30h

On Sunday, the ticket office at the Nelson Mandela stadium will be open, however, tickets purchased there will be at the usual price of 8€ each.

So, with such a good offer and the team now on a winning streak, they need your support more than ever! Come on, let’s get behind them!

### J11 CD Torrevieja vs Elda Industrial CF. May the path of success and triumph continue!

This coming Sunday, 11 November at 17.00h at Torrevieja’s Nelson Mandela Stadium, CD Torrevieja faces Elda Industrial CF in the eleventh match of the season.



After the resounding and brilliant victory in Alicante against Hércules CF B, CD Torrevieja return to their home ground this week with more confidence than ever as they try to secure another win. If they beat their opponents on Sunday, that will be the third victory in the last three games.

And, another victory would also put Kiko López’s students back in the running once again for the play-offs at the end of the season.

Salineros, we hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, your team needs you more than ever now!

### Dramatised Walks through the Salt Lakes

This weekend, there will be two dramatised walks through the salt lakes of Torrevieja, with theatrical performers taking guests on a tour of the historic and beautifully natural area of the Costa Blanca.



The walking talks will take place on both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 November, departing at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., under the title, "A walk through the salty history of the lagoons", and having been organised by the headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja.

Hand in hand with the cultural association Ars Creatio, the participants will travel in time to discover the key moments and personalities that place the lagoons of Torrevieja and La Mata into the history books.

Booking is essential as places are limited and more information can be obtained from the tourist information office or the visitor’s centre at La Mata.

### Another Gang of Highway Robbers Locked Up

Officers from the Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, have arrested four alleged members of a group who would pose as police officers on the AP-7 motorway between the French border and the Valencia region, in order to stop and then rob vehicles, mostly targeting tourists, in service areas and lay-bys.



The report states how the arrests were made last week and those arrested are charged with two crimes of robbery with violence, two with force, one of causing injuries, three of usurpation of public functions and three counts of crimes against road safety.

The officers had investigated reports since August of this year, but are keeping the file open for other reported incidents for which this group may be responsible.

The group would cover up to 700 kilometres per night during their raids, moving along the motorway network until they could identify their victims.

The thieves, of Bosnian origin, falsely identified themselves as police to gain the trust of the victims, but if they did not follow the orders or resist, they resorted to force and violently attacked them.

The victims of the group were mostly foreign tourists who could be in possession of large amounts of cash when on vacation. During the investigation, the officers found evidence that the group were involved in seven events that occurred between August 18 and October 12, and also discovered that they were using a warehouse in an industrial area of ​​the metropolitan area of ​​Barcelona as a temporary residence and to hide their booty.

After a surveillance and monitoring operation, the officers detained the four members of the group in Barcelona. During the raid of the warehouse the officers located more than 3,000 euro in cash in different currencies and denominations.

The officers later thanked the diligence of the motorway operator, Abertis Autopistas , which has collaborated in the investigation through their video surveillance systems.

The detainees, who have different backgrounds, were brought before the courts in Girona.

Remember, if you have any doubt as to whether a vehicle trying to stop you on the motorway is genuine, you can call the emergency coordination centre on 112, reporting the vehicle’s registration number, and they can confirm if it is real and, if not, summon help. There is also a video on the N332.es website which explains how to identify unmarked police vehicles in the hope of reducing this kind of crime where unscrupulous criminals prey on innocent victims.

 

Excerpt: Officers from the Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, have arrested four alleged members of a group who would pose as police officers on the AP-7 motorway between the French border and the Valencia region, in order to stop and then rob vehicles, mostly targeting tourists, in service areas and lay-bys. The report states how the …

### New Buses take to the Streets

Torrevieja’s councillor for transport, Javier Manzanares, showed off the two new buses that will be carrying passengers around the town, as he was taken around the vehicles by the operations manager of the Avanza Group, Luis Gonzalez.

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"These new vehicles will allow us to offer a better urban transport service to users," said Manzanares. Each bus has 49 seats, as well as a double ramp, with the aim of facilitating access for people with reduced mobility, "a crucial aspect for this government team that we wanted to promote," said Manzanares.

The new vehicles will also have a real-time locator via GPS, which will allow information about the next stop inside the bus to be included, and also have internal LED lighting as well as WIFI.

The investment of the two new vehicles exceeds 500,000 euro and are in operation from today.

Javier Manzanares thanked the company in charge of offering the service, and "the willingness they have shown to this City Council to work hand in hand to improve the service provided in Torrevieja." In this regard, he announced that the new buses "are just part of a package of improvements that will come in the short term and that will further enhance the urban transport of the city, and, "the important thing here is the users, so they should be focused on each and every one of our efforts".

For his part, the operations manager of the Avanza Group, Luis González, stressed that "these new buses are the result of our commitment to the city." In this sense, he assures that "it is just one more step in the process of improving the service that we want to be developed progressively".

### Special Campaign to Focus on Secondary Road Dangers

Oncde again, all this week, and through the weekend, an intensified campaign is running focussing on one of the areas of the Spanish road network where more fatalities and serious injuries take place, conventional roads.



In 2015, there were 23,729 injury incidents on conventional roads, in which 971 people lost their lives, almost 3 people for every day of the year, a figure which saw 14 more people die than the year before. In addition to the deaths, 3,780 people were injured to such a degree that they required hospital attention. Sadly, this figure isn’t declining, but has seen an increase according to the more recent data which is being collated.

As a result, the DGT looks at these roads with a watchful eye, hoping to educate drivers of the risks associated with these roads, and how driving attitude must change in order to reduce the number of incidents.

During the week-long campaign, which runs through to Sunday, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by colleagues from the local and regional police, will be monitoring the road network, paying close attention to three of the most common contributing factors to road traffic incidents.

The campaign will focus specifically on inappropriate or excessive speed, consumption of alcohol and drugs, and distractions such as using a mobile phone. In addition, the officers will be monitoring for incorrect overtaking, driving too close, the wearing of seat belts, child restraint systems and crash helmets, and that the driver´s and vehicle´s documentation are correct and valid.

In addition to an increase in roadside checks, the DGT´s helicopters will be in the air monitoring traffic, including those fitted with the Pegasus detection equipment, capable of monitoring speed, incorrect driving practices and the wearing of safety systems, all from a distance far beyond detection by the driver, and the new drones will also take to the sky to keep a watchful eye. The DGT has once again given fully equipped traffic monitoring vehicles to some local police forces, including Torrevieja, allowing for local police to be better equipped to monitor the roads under their jurisdiction.

 



Of the 165,000 kilometres of major roads, some 149,500 kilometres are on sections classed as conventional. They pose a significant risk for a number of reasons including hills and bends, the necessity to invade the opposite on-coming lane in order to overtake, and junctions which pose a major risk when traffic joins or leaves the main carriageway.

Some of the most dangerous sections of roads have been identified by the DGT and carry additional warnings, many of the most dangerous sections are already focussed on by patrols, in addition to this intensified campaign.

 

Excerpt: Oncde again, all this week, and through the weekend, an intensified campaign is running focussing on one of the areas of the Spanish road network where more fatalities and serious injuries take place, conventional roads. In 2015, there were 23,729 injury incidents on conventional roads, in which 971 people lost their lives, almost 3 people …

### Grand Christmas Fayre for ECCH

Next Saturday, 10 November, Casa Ventura in Torrevieja will be the location of a Grand Christmas Fayre where the organisers hope to raise money that will go towards providing a better festive season for the children at the Elche Children's Care Home.



There will be plenty of stalls selling lots of lovely goodies to kick start your Christmas shopping, they say, and the Elche Children's Care Home volunteers will be there with a tombola, selling charity Christmas calendars and also brand new children's clothing up to 12 years for only 1 euro each.

It is all set to be a great event for a great cause, so get your Santa hat at the ready and pop down to Casa Ventura, San Luis, on Saturday.

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### Volunteers Needed to Help Recover Wine Route

Thanks to a collaboration with the AKI diy shops, there will be two days dedicated to environmental volunteering at the La Mata natural park, with the hope of preserving one of the most emblematic routes of the Park, "La Ruta del Vino", or Wine Route.



The route has become particularly special to those who have experienced it as it showcases the importance of the vineyards and how they contribute to the biodiversity of this natural space.

Sadly, because of constant acts of vandalism that this route suffers during the summer, it has become necessary to organise a volunteering day, which has then been extended to two days over two weekends, in order to repair the damage and prepare the route for more visitors to enjoy, whilst allowing those who take part time to enjoy the wonder of the landscape that these vines provide.

The days set aside are Saturday the 17 and 24 of November, starting at 10:30 from the visitor’s centre at the La Mata park, but if you want to help out registration is a must.

To register for this free and rewarding activity, you must email parque_lamata@gva.es giving your full name, and the number of people in your group, as well as indicating if they are adults or children, as even the little ones can get involved, although probably not too young as they might get bored easily. You must also indicate which of the days you would like to attend, and a contact telephone number.

By the way, if you are not planning to take part but are considering visiting the park on the day, you need to be aware that the visitor’s centre will be closed during the activity as everyone will be out helping out.

### Life Guards Help Thousands this Summer

The company operating the life guard service on the beaches of Torrevieja has reported that their teams assisted thousands of people throughout the season.



Life guards are contracted to a private company in Torrevieja, and operate from June 15 to September 15, with two periods, “average” and “high” season.

During the summer period, a total of 3,173 interventions were conducted, mostly of a minor nature and the affected party not requiring further assistance.

In June, 196 people were assisted, mostly being due to jellyfish stings or minor injuries, but there were also 4 resuscitations which required a transfer to hospital. In addition, there were 9 rescues with assistance at sea.

July was busier than June with a total of 1,044 people assisted on land, 10 people resuscitated and taken to hospital, and 25 rescues at sea.

In August, the figure continued to increase with 1,627 people assisted on the beaches, 16 resuscitations and a total of 54 rescues at sea.

Finally, in September, 89 people were treated on the shore, 8 people were revived and 17 bathers had to be taken care of at sea.

These were not the only activities the life guards conducted, as they were also involved in what is known as "social assistance", involving such activities as assisting to locate lost children and some elderly people.

The staff on the beach also assisted those with reduced mobility use the facilities, with a total of 512 people being helped into the sea and 200 being transported in a specially adapted vehicle.

 

### Third Year for Cat Castration Campaign

Torrevieja’s councillor for Animal Protection, Carmen Morate, has reported that the provincial government of Alicante has offered a grant on more than ten thousand euro to Torrevieja to help control cat colonies in the town.

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In total, 10,252.50 euro has bene awarded, and so, "During the past week and this, the feeders that deal with the cat colonies - organized by the association Project CES (Capture, Sterilization, Drops of Torrevieja) - have worked together with the 8 veterinary clinics that requested the College of Veterinarians of Alicante participation in this simple but effective project. The castration of street cats is the only ethical solution that also gives long-term results ", explained the councillor.

It is the third consecutive year that Torrevieja has been awarded the grant and launched the initiative to deal with environmental problems caused by overpopulation.

With this grant 150 cats can be castrated, and identified by a small cut on the tip of the ear - the females on the right and the males on the left. A number that adds to the 59 cats were castrated at the beginning of the year, so that by the end of 2018 more than 200 cats will have been neutered in Torrevieja, with a grand total exceeding 1,500 cats.

### Sunday Zumbathon - Beat Cancer Dancing

On Sunday, the sports city n Torrevieja will host an energetic event with a serious result, as participants are invited to “Beat Cancer Dancing”, at a charity Zumbathon.



The event will be held on Sunday, November 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Sports City, with all proceeds going to benefit the association of relatives of those who have cancer, AFECÁNCER.

If you would like to participate, the cost is just ten euro and you get a welcome pack that includes a t-shirt, backpack, flannel and water.

Plus, there will be a raffle with some fantastic prizes available to those who take part.

Registration can be made at the AFECÁNCER offices, located at Calle Molinos nº9, calle San Luis.

### Spoon Week Begins on Monday

If you haven’t heard of Spoon Week yet, you have missed out on one of the most popular gastronomic events in Torrevieja, now set to celebrate for the sixth time from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 November, 2018.



Think beans, pulses, stews, think winter-warmers, think those perfect dishes granny (or the male equivalent) used to make, that’s what Spoon Week, or Semana de la Cuchara 2018, to give it it’s slightly more romantic sounding name, is all about, as traditional dishes are served by participating venues belonging to the hospitality association.

Spoons are provided, all you have to do is tuck in and enjoy the traditional local and national dishes on offer.

### Check Your Keys!

As cars get more advanced, the technology sometimes replaces manual tasks normally performed by the driver, which sometimes takes away the element of apparent responsibility and the need for vigilance.
Although the keys to the vehicle may not fall into that risk category, there are other problems associated with them that we have to be aware of.
In recent weeks, we have seen a number of occasions where children have been locked inside vehicles. On each occasion, the child had to be rescued by fire-fighters and was uninjured by the ordeal. However, particularly in the summer months, each of these incidents could have had a much more serious outcome.
The woman said that it was the little girl, just one year old, who took the keys from inside her mother’s purse. As the mother was about to take her out of the car, the girl pressed the button on the remote control key, closing the doors, becoming trapped inside.
In a second incident, the vehicle automatically locked the doors with a child inside, leaving the adult on the outside.
Some modern vehicles warn the driver to remove the key from the ignition before leaving. This includes carrying seemingly simple operations such as fuelling the vehicle.
There is also another risk associated with newer cars which has been identified by security experts.
Some cars no longer have a traditional key to allow access and to start the vehicle, but rather a remote control ‘fob’. This simplifies the operation for owners, but has been identified as a potential risk as some technologically savvy thieves have been able to clone them and then take the car unhindered.
This cloning has sometimes been carried out at the owner’s home, when the fob has been left near to a door for example, and the thieves have been able to use equipment to scan whilst outside the property, copy the information from the fob and take a vehicle without alerting the property occupants.
The thief’s transmitter pings the car’s locking system, impersonating the vehicle’s key. The locking system responds, sending a signal which the key fob is supposed to pick up. The thief who sent the original ping forwards the response to a second thief who is near the house. The second thief then forwards the response to the key fob which then relays back the correct response, which then works its way through the mini network back to the first thief’s equipment and onto the car, which then unlocks the doors and allows the engine to start.

In order to avoid this, much like traditional key warnings, the advice is to always keep the fob far away from doors, windows or other easily accessible locations, storing it well out of reach of prying equipment. Traditional keys were often kept in bowls or on hooks near a front door, with the thieves able to fish them out by hooks through the letterbox. The same warnings still apply, but the fishing technique has evolved.
Keep your keys safe at all times, away from thieves and children, they are your responsibility and they are literally the ‘key’ to your possession that nobody should be allowed to access.

Excerpt: As cars get more advanced, the technology sometimes replaces manual tasks normally performed by the driver, which sometimes takes away the element of apparent responsibility and the need for vigilance. Although the keys to the vehicle may not fall into that risk category, there are other problems associated with them that we have to be …

### J9 CD Torrevieja vs Aspe UD

This coming Sunday, 28 October at 11.45h at Torrevieja’s Nelson Mandela Stadium, CD Torrevieja faces Aspe UD in the ninth match of the season.



This is an important match for the Salineros as it will be the first match the team plays led by the new coaching staff and Kiko López at the reins. And with renewed hopes, the team are determined to win so they do not lose their place in the top half of the league table.

The Club would also like to remind everyone that the period in which you can acquire your 2018/19 season ticket is still open, and all you have to do is come to the head office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56. Alternatively, you can purchase them online through the Club’s website at www.clubdeportivotorrevieja.com. Season tickets cannot be acquired from the stadium ticket office.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, Let’s go Torrevieja!

### Kiko López and Paco Guillén will lead the CD Torrevieja first team

Club Deportivo Torrevieja has reached an agreement with Joaquín López Martínez (Montpellier, 1971) better known as Kiko López, to become the new coach of the first team. López has strong ties with the neighbouring municipality of Los Montesinos as well as with our city, and he comes highly recommended by the Club’s sports director Juanjo Fernández.



As a UEFA PRO football coach, Kiko López posesses the highest coaching qualification obtainable from the footballing sphere, above that of the Licencia UEFA A and Licencia UEFA B titles. Kiko López has an outstanding professional career, working with Real Madrid CF for 10 years and training top teams in countries such as China, Tunisia, Kuwait and the Under-17 and Under-19 teams for Bahrain.

Working alongside Kiko, the Club has appointed Francisco José Guillén Llamusi (Elche, 1976) “Paco Guillén”, who will work as assistant coach. His most recent success was ensuring the promotion of CD Almoradí into the 3º División in the 2015-2016 season.

CD Torrevieja welcomes both coaches to the Club and wishes them the greatest success in their work.

### Carnival 2019 Plans Revealed

The councillor for fiestas in Torrevieja, Domingo Pérez, accompanied by the vice president of the Cultural Carnival Association of Torrevieja, César Berná, and the creator of the 2019 poster, Ana Cutillas, presented the provisional Carnival 2019 program in a press conference, announcing the start date on 2 February, presentation of Queens between dawn on March 2 and the early hours of March 3, when the infamous night parade will take place.



The councillor began the conference by congratulating the new leadership of Carnival 2019 and talked about the collaboration of the council with the association. "The carnival is one of the most important and admired festivities in the city of Torrevieja. Last year, a member of the jury told me 'keep in mind that you have a jewel in your hands'. I'm going to listen to him. From the council, we will do everything possible to make Carnival 2019 even better than the previous one," he said.

César Berna explained that a new website dedicated to the Carnival 2019 festivities has been created. "The page is a window to the world of the Carnival of Torrevieja. An opportunity to be known," he said, specifying some of its contents such as the programming schedule, registration instructions and the rules of the contests.

The vice president has also highlighted the most important acts of the new programming. The Carnival parties will begin on February 2 with the proclamation and the presentation of the Queens in the International Auditorium of Torrevieja at 21:00. They will continue on Saturday, February 9, with the National Drag Queen Contest. Bern has explained that, "this year women will be able to participate in the contest responding to the many requests of torrevejenses who have asked that they can do so," he said.

The carnivals will continue with the National Chirigotas Contest on Saturday, February 16 in the Auditorium. The next day, Sunday February 17, the III edition of the Carnavalera Day will take place. On Sunday, February 24, there will be the Grand Parade of the 2019 Carnival Contest, a tour from the Plaza de María Asunción to calle Clemente Gosálvez. In addition, two specific activities will be organised, such as the Carnival Party for the Elderly People on February 27, and the Children's Parade "El Carnaval de los Coles" on Friday, March 1.

On Saturday March 2 there will be a great parade from the Plaza de María Asunción to calle Clemente Gosálvez and the great carnival night parade 2019.

During the press conference, the artist Ana Cutillas, who designed the poster for this year, was grateful to be a participant in the Carnival. "The 2019 Carnival poster is related to the one from the previous year. It is painted in acrylic. For me it was a challenge to design it, especially because it is for the carnival parties in which I have always participated a lot," she concluded.

By the way, on the subject of Halloween, the vice president of the Carnival association added that there will be a makeup contest that will be rewarded with cash prizes this year.

### Paella and T-Shirt Competitions Launched

The councillor for fiestas, Domingo Perez, has launched a series of contests, including one for paella and another for t-shirt designs.

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Participants will have to submit their application in the PROP office, and only the first 80 entries will be allowed to participate in the contest, the rest will be able to share their works of paella art at the fairgrounds and markets at the Parque Antonio Soria, but will not be eligible to enter the contest.

The councillor explained that registration will open on November 6, and that participation is expected to be huge, as last year there were 185 registered, remembering that this year there are only 80 places, there could be more than double the participants.

If paella isn’t your thing, but you fancy entering the t-shirt competition, then you could participate with, preferably, a witty or even shocking slogan.

The shirts must contain some allegory or allusion to Torrevieja, such as the city's coat of arms, city monument, etc. The rest of the design will be up to you.

The competition is open to all, including previously registered groups, and you can enter by email to fiestas@torrevieja.eu, or by phone on 670 501 100, detailing the group's name and contact information.

You still have some time to work on your ideas, as the registration period for this from November 20 to 27, so get thinking and designing.

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### The Day of the Library

Torrevieja’s councillor for culture, Domingo Pérez, has announced the program dedicated to the Day of the Library, 2018.



The Carmen Jalón Municipal Library will receive attendees in its courtyard on October 24 with activities aimed at all audiences.

Starting at 6 p.m., the program begins with a musical opening by the Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Torrevieja, with works by M. Mangani, Tchaikovsky and Stamitz interpreted by the musicians J. Garres Pérez and Natalia Khomyak.

At 6:30 p.m., the new publication by the writer Hugo Valero Muñoz will be presented, "Pajarito". Coming from San Miguel de Salinas, he is also a bassist in several Spanish orchestras and will speak about his psychological thriller with Pelayo Mellado.

Finally, there will be a dramatization by La Cueva de Melpomene of the work of R.L. Stevenson, "The strange case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", one of the most successful works by the writer.

Torrevieja, which has three public libraries, the Carmen Jalón Municipal Public Library, the Diego Ramírez Library and another one in Torrelamata, has been celebrating this cultural day every year.

### World Day Against Breast Cancer

The association of relatives and cancer patients of Torrevieja (AFECÁNCER) has commemorated World Day Against Breast Cancer by reading a manifesto and displaying a panel with messages of solidarity in support of the many women, and some men, who have overcome or are surpassing this disease.

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The rally, held in the Plaza de la Constitución, had municipal support and assistance from the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, the councillor for Social Welfare, Fabiana Ibarra, and the councillor for Hospitality and Commerce, Manuela Osuna.

The mayor thanked family members, volunteers and all those who "care that people suffering from the disease feel supported" and acknowledging that "Science and medicine are doing everything possible to alleviate and eradicate the disease, meanwhile, we have to make an effort to be more supportive of the women who suffer so that they feel accompanied and loved in their struggle," he added .

Manuela Osuna, who was operated on for breast cancer a few years ago, wanted to give encouragement to women suffering from this disease. "Life goes on. Do not be afraid, there are many associations that help us, protect us and encourage us to move forward. If I could overcome it, you can too," said the councillor.

A manifesto has been presented to support patients suffering from affliction. "In this fight you are not alone. The cancer can be overcome. Fighting against cancer has taught us that any embrace can be much more powerful than any drug against depression ", was read in the square.

In addition, there was an information table with support services on offer: information, wigs and breast prosthesis bank, financial aid for patients at risk of exclusion, home and respite support, group therapy, psychological support for patients and family, among other things.

The Plaza de la Constitución has also had a panel, run by the hospital Chiron, in which messages of support have been placed - dedicated to the sick - as "Force and a lot of energy" or "You are not alone. Count on us".

### Autumn Cultural Schedule Published

Torrevieja’s councillor for culture, Domingo Perez, has presented the schedule for the autumn cultural calendar, offering a range of events which includes concerts, exhibitions and cultural and leisure events for the months of October , November and December.

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More events will be added to the calendar as the season progresses, but the schedule already includes such anticipated concerts like the one to be held this weekend, the saxophonist of worldwide prestige Ray Gelato, who will perform on Sunday, October 21, at the Palacio de la Música, performing what the councillor himself described as "extraordinary" jazz music.

During the season, the Vista Alegre exhibition hall will host the exhibition "Painters from Alicante" with works by artists such as Manuel Balaguer, Manuel More Calabuig and Vicente Rubio, among others. "The painters from Alicante will meet in a show. Whenever outside artists come, they congratulate us for the facilities in the room. It is appreciated by everyone," said the councillor.

Pérez also detailed the schedule of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, and has paid special attention to the concert by Rosario Mohedano and Felipe Garpe, who will perform at the International Auditorium on November 17, at 9:00 p.m.

Also during November, he mentioned the X Science Week with the participation of women scientists and the programming entitled "New materials for the generation of energy", which will run from November 12 to 16. "Whenever scientists and professors come to our city to give lectures, we admire their knowledge and the ease they have to communicate," said the councillor.

In addition, the councillor highlighted the theatrical visit "A walk through the salty history of the lagoons of the Natural Park of Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata", by Ars Creatio, which was scheduled for this Sunday and that has been postponed, due to the rain forecast, until a new date to be set later.

You can pick up your full schedule at the tourist information office, or from the town hall, and get involved in the events which are making Torrevieja the cultural envy of many a neighbouring municipality.

### Calls for Young Entrepreneurs

The Department of Employment and Local Development in Torrevieja has launched a competition aimed at young entrepreneurs, “Premios Jóvenes Emprendedores 2018”.



The contest is aimed at young people under 35, which aims to "reward people with entrepreneurial initiative, linked to the city, who have developed or launched a business project," said Víctor Ferrández, the councillor responsible for launching the event.

For those eligible to enter, there is a prize fund of 12,000 euro, divided into three prizes: a first prize of 7,000 euro, a second prize of 3,500 euro, and a third 1,500 euro.

More details can be obtained at the Agencia de Desarrollo Local, the ADL office in Torrevieja.

Ferrández stressed that this contest is "intended to facilitate support for entrepreneurs who start their business, so that it serves as a stimulus for the creation of new businesses and new jobs in the field of the economy of the municipality of Torrevieja, as well as promoting entrepreneurship among the society of Torrevieja, and promote the cooperative and social economy, among others. The deadline for submission of applications ends on October 29, 2018 at 2:30 p.m.

 

### Get your Midriff Out and Belly Dance!

This weekend in Torrevieja, the “Festival Orient el Hob” begins. What is it? It’s the International Belly Dance Competition.



Launching in the Hotel Fontana on Friday (19th) evening, the Festival Orient el Hob will see dancers from around the world descend on Torrevieja, all hoping to be crowned the best in their field.

On Saturday, the event moves to the Virgen del Carmen centre, where guest performers such as Teodora Boncheva from Bulgaria, Aruna Nalini from the Netherlands, and other international belly dance stars will be gyrating.

After the weekend spectacle, the event will close with a special gala on Sunday at Las Columnas restaurant in Torrevieja.

For more information, including ticket details, pop into the tourist information office in Torrevieja.

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### Bird Spotting in Torrevieja

Towards the end of this month, Torrevieja will be a haven for bird spotters, as the Birding Festival Humedales del Sur de Alicante returns to the Parque Natural de la Mata.



The dates for your diary are the 26, 27 and 28 October, for an event dedicated to the world of birds and ornithological tourism organised by Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, Parcs Naturals of the Valencian Community and the town Council of Torrevieja, with the ornithological and the conservationist tourism sector and in which guided routes, children's workshops and specific talks will be offered.

The councillor for tourism, Fanny Serrano, presented the event this week, accompanied by the Mayor of neighbouring Los Montesinos, José Manuel Butrón, the Mayor of Guardamar del Segura, José Luis Sáez, the councillor for Tourism in Rojales, Edelmira Andréu, from Pilar de la Horadada, Pilar María Samper, and Javier Blasco on behalf of the company awarded the contract for the organisation of the event.



The festival will begin the afternoon of the 26th at the Torrevieja Casino with a lecture by Odile Rodríguez de la Fuente, Carlos de Hita and Beltrán Ceballos, people of recognised prestige in their respective fields.

On Saturday October 27, the esplanade of the Interpretation Centre of the Natural Park of the Mata will be the place to go as a variety of tents and stands will be set up, offering all kinds of activities, workshops and information about the world of birds and the natural parks of the south of the Comunitat Valenciana.

On Sunday 28, guided tours of the three wetlands will be offered: La Mata, El Hondo and Salinas de Santa Pola, all arranged by the respective experts from the Parcs Naturals and the ornithological tourism guide companies.

At the presentation ceremony, Fanny Serrano said that this type of tourism has enormous potential with some 10 million ornithological tourists in Europe, "a very specialized tourism, concerned about environmental and quality values", seemingly despite travelling across the continent and adding to the environmental burden by doing so, but continuing to point out the importance of the "seasonality" offered by this type of tourism because you can see birds all year round.

Alicia Arenas, on behalf of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, was in charge of presenting the II Ornithological Tourism Conference of the Valencian Community that will take place on October 26th at the CdT. Arenas pointed out that the objectives of this day are to debate and value the development of ornithological tourism in the Region, by sharing experiences of ornithological tourism promotion from the point of view of administrations and private companies in national, autonomic, provincial and local levels; as well as for contributing the vision from the tourist and environmental scopes of the administration of the tourist sector and of the conservationist organizations. These days are aimed at professionals and prior registration is necessary. (alicantebirdingfestival@espaisimbiosi.com).

For his part, the mayor of Los Montesinos, José Manuel Butrón, has shown his satisfaction at the fact that an initiative of this type is developed with the boost of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana. The Mayor explained that his municipality is working on the creation of hiking trails in collaboration with Torrevieja and has also advocated value actions related to the flora of the Park.

In his speech, José Luis Sáez, said in relation to bird watching tourism that it is "doing a good job in Torrevieja and the region," with municipalities that have already been at important fairs and is already beginning to see the fruits. For Sáez this event will also serve to "put in the showcase the ornithological potential of the region".

Javier Blasco indicated that the Natural Park of Torrevieja and La Mata is "a privileged place for bird watching for international tourism, but we must add a value. You have the resource, and that tourism must be a conservation tool. "

The full schedule, in Spanish, is available here:

https://birding.comunitatvalenciana.com/birding-festival-comunitat-valenciana

### Eleven Births in One Day

The University Hospital of Torrevieja has broken its own record for baby births, with a total of eleven little-ones making an appearance in 24 hours.



Of the eleven babies born, eight were boys and the other three were girls, obviously. All babies and mothers are reported to be doing well and receiving the best possible care.

Torrevieja has become a centre of attention for mothers with the hospital’s website being a reference for new parents across the country, but for those locally registered it offers more advice and even interactive elements that allows for everything from appointment reminders to workshops and seminars available to future parents.

The maternity unit offers private rooms and a midwife service for aftercare that continues the quality service offered by the hospital to the homes of those new parents who take up their care from the experts at the hospital, who now have their work cut out with this batch of new arrivals.

### The Night of the Moon

Find a dark spot, away from light pollution, and look up to the stars, for they tell a story of long ago, a time before you and I, a time when mankind could never dream of what we have today, and a time we seldom reflect to, as the modern pace of life takes over and we sometimes forget the beauty of the canvas that surrounds us, as nature paints the landscape before us.

Or, just join in this Saturday, 20 October, celebrating the Night of the Moon, an annual event organised every year by NASA, that aims to bring observation with telescopes of the Moon to the whole world.



Weather permitting, Torrevieja will play a part in this lunar spectacle, through a collaboration between the council’s Department of Environment with the headquarters of the Alicante University in the municipality, the Proyecto Mastral y Astroingeo de Alicante.

Torrevieja, specifically the Eras de la Sal, itself a site steeped in history, will be one of the more than 500 observation points that will be located in different parts of the world to observe our satellite in a growing phase with a telescope.

Starting at 8 p.m., two telescopes will be available, completely free to use, to allow observers to look directly at the moon, an image which will also be projected onto a screen, whilst experts talk about some of the curiosities of its surface, with its seas and craters.

Who knows, there may even be a yet unidentified surprise that pops up during the three-hour event, which will conclude at 11 p.m.

### World Mental Health Day in Torrevieja

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Torrevieja’s Centre for Rehabilitation and Social Integration, CRIS, or Centro de Rehabilitación e Integración Social, was the location for the reading of the proclamation, "Inclusive education, positive mental health", in collaboration with ADIEM, in which the mayor of the town, José Manuel Dolón and the councilor of the Presidency and Government, Domingo Soler took part.



The Mayor began by thanking the associations, relatives and patients who took part and encouraged all attendees to continue fighting to address the problem. "We have to assume that mental illness is part of our society. It is not a question of health but of coexistence and acceptance. We have to shake hands with everyone and make an effort for the people who suffer from it," he said.

The mayor has also indicated that it is necessary to change the pace of life to which society is subjected, "increasingly hasty and stressed in which there is no place for reflection," in his words.

The centre also hosted various recreational activities, which included the reading of the proclamation in Spanish, English, French and Lithuanian. "The commemoration of World Mental Health Day celebrates 26 years. We believe that mental health is an integral part of health. All people can suffer some type of disorder throughout our lives," they read.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 each year, and for the 2018 campaign, the World Health Organisation focused on young people and mental health in a changing world.
“Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognized and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. Many adolescents are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness.”

### Semana Santa Museum Nearing Completion

The mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, along with the councillor for culture, Domingo Pérez, and the President of the Board of the Brotherhoods, Ignacio Suárez, visited the Semana Santa Museum in Torrevieja this week, to see for themselves how the installation is progressing.


			
				
			
			
				
			
		


The attendees toured the different floors of the museum, including the basements, and inspected the spaces intended for the exhibition.

Whilst there, Ignacio Suárez has been making measurements in order to determine if the dimensions of the different rooms are adapted to the needs of the Brotherhoods.

After the visit, the mayor said that the meeting has taken place in a "cordial and relaxed" atmosphere in which a fluid dialogue has been maintained on the different issues that have been raised by the board of the entity.

Both parties have agreed that they will maintain contact in order to ensure an adequate collaboration.

### Renewal Work for Street Lights and Cobbles Approved

The Local Government Board has approved the report, appointed the technician and started the dossiers corresponding to two of the subsidy lines granted by the Diputación to the town to make financially sustainable investments in infrastructure.



The first project put in motion is the renovation of public lighting of partial plan 22 "Casa Grande", for which 63,286.50 euro will be allocated.

The second project is somewhat more controversial, as it includes the ripping up of cobbled streets and resurfacing them. This might not seem like it is a particular project of note, but the streets are those which were cobbled in 2010 by the then government of the Partido Popular, which immediately caused problems due to the poor quality of the work, having to be redone numerous times, and causing the streets to look like war zones in places.

The work will see junctions between calle Caballero de Rodas and Ramón Gallud from Patricio Pérez to Rambla Juan Mateo and Chapaprieta, and calle Azorín from calle Ramón Gallud and Avda. de la Libertad, including resurfacing of Ramon Gallud from Gregorio Marañón to calle Apolo. For this repair work, a subsidy of 226,954.57 euro has been received.

The work will begin as soon as possible as the financial structure is already in place.

### J7 CD Torrevieja vs Benferri CF. Return to the path of victory!

This coming Sunday, 14 October at 17:30h in the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Torrevieja, CD Torrevieja faces Benferri CF in the fifth match of the season.



The squad return to their home ground this week, and while they remain undefeated, their main intention is to return to the path of victory after three games without a definitive win. A victory would therefore help them move closer towards a chance of ending the season in one of the top qualifying positions with a chance of ascending at the end for next year.

The Club would also like to remind everyone that the period in which you can acquire your 2018/19 season ticket is still open, and all you have to do is come to the head office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56. Alternatively, you can purchase them online through the Club’s website at www.clubdeportivotorrevieja.com. Season tickets cannot be acquired from the stadium ticket office.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, Let’s go Torrevieja!

### Autumn Workshops and Events for Young People

The councillor for young people in Torrevieja, Víctor Ferrández, has presented the 2018 autumn youth activity schedule, aimed at young people from 12 to 35,  and held mostly in the Centro de información y animación juvenil (CIAJ).



The councilor explained that there are more than 25 activities available, which include leisure events, employment and training courses and workshops.

The councillor said that the program "is very complete and varied" and highlighted the most important activities. "We continue to work to respond to the demands and concerns of the youths in our city and we believe that with this new programming we respond to these demands, both in youth leisure as well as in training, education and employment," he said.

Among the activities, which also include a special focus for Halloween as requested by a large number of young people, there will be the II "Terrerífico" horror short film contest, a trip to Port Aventura, which according to Ferrández, has sold out already, horror cinemas and other workshops.

In addition, another event has been added to the celebration is a party, in collaboration with the Asociación Esquina Amarilla, named, 'Torrevieja Nocturna', on the 26th - at the CIAJ - and on October 27 - at the Parque del Molino del Agua - from midnight.

This year, World Smile Day will be commemorated for the first time with the Instagram contest "Smiling Moments" and the screening of the comedy "Lord give me patience" on October 11 at 5:30 pm at the CIAJ. Ferrández also listed activities that repeat from previous years, such as the Junior Gymkanica of Fiestas Patronales, which will be held on December 1.

Apart from these entertainment events, the mayor has also expressed the importance of training courses and job placement, such as the PICE program of guidance and training for employment, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Alicante, aimed at young people enrolled in the Youth Guarantee scheme.

The autumn program is completed with an awareness campaign against gender violence for young people, training courses for the unemployed of the ADL, free legal advice for young people - thanks to the lawyer who was incorporated through the employment program - courses of the IVAJ and the collaboration with the university headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja, of which stand out a "Course of cómic" and the Hackaton 2018, a marathon of programming and tourist destinies, that were already a success last year and that generates a lot of networking between young IT workers and engineers. In addition, this season the meetings of the youth participation group "La Hora Joven y Universitaria" continue.

Finally, the mayor has encouraged all young people to participate in the activities of the CIAJ, located on Paseo Juan Aparicio 5. The registration period is now open. Those interested can go to the social networks of Concejalía de Juventud or through the telephone number 965 714 072 or via WhatsApp 606 055 291.

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### Public Lottery for Training Courses Today

On Wednesday morning, a public lottery will be held to choose 30 students who will be added to two training courses, one to learn Russian, the other looking into installing solar power systems.



The courses, organised by the ADL employment agency will offer 40 hours in the basics of the Russian language, and a 25-hour course for installing photovoltaic systems.

Each course has places for 15 students, with anyone welcome to apply for the draw, which will be made at 9 a.m. at the office of the ADL in Torrevieja.

### Vehicle Thefts Out of Control

The theft of a motor vehicle is one of the most distressing and costly losses that an owner can suffer, not only because of the fact it can affect anybody, but because it can happen at any time and at any place.

Like most countries, the theft of a vehicle is not considered a priority by the security services, not because of a lack of desire to investigate and penalise those involved, but largely because of a lack of resources available and other priorities taking over, and the number of incidents taking place on a regular basis.
According to sources at the Ministry of the Interior, in 2017 more than 42,000 vehicles were stolen in Spain, a total which translates to 116 every day.
Statistically, some 28 percent of vehicle thefts are detected, the vehicles returned to their lawful owners and suspects dealt with, but that sadly leaves 72 percent undetected. Most of the offences are by organised groups, who then ship and sell the vehicles abroad with false registration and documentation.
Despite the majority of crimes being organised, it is not only high end vehicles which are the subject of theft. In fact, all types of vehicles and models are affected, and, despite those stolen to order, the thieves usually do not have too many objections to stealing any vehicle they have at their disposal regardless of the model or brand.
Cars and vans are not the only vehicles at risk. Motorbikes are too. As a result, more owners are opting to purchase modern anti-theft systems for their motorcycles. These anti-theft devices are often in the form of an anchor device that guarantees the motorcycle will not move from the place where it is left and, therefore, effectively prevents the theft by a third party .
That said, it is often victims of this type of theft who later turn to devices for their subsequent replacement vehicle, as they don’t want to go through a similar experience ever again, a situation which could have been avoided if the devices were installed in the first place.
Despite the concerning figures that only one out of every four stolen vehicles are recovered, it is still a necessity to report vehicle theft to the authorities. Reporting is essential for an investigation to begin and to prevent traffic infractions or even crimes committed with the vehicle from pointing to the lawful and innocent owner.
The only advice is to always ensure that your vehicle is locked with nothing on value on show. If you have one, always keep vehicles in garages or install anti-theft systems. As well as traditional alarms and anti-theft devices, there are also more modern devices such as those which monitor the vehicle’s location by GPS, and link to smartphones apps. The app can be alerted to such movements as the vehicle being taken at certain times or from certain places, and even if the vehicle travels to different areas or above a certain speed, thus also allowing monitoring of driving of family members for example.
Keep your vehicle locked and secure, and if the worst case does happen, report it as soon as possible.

Excerpt: The theft of a motor vehicle is one of the most distressing and costly losses that an owner can suffer, not only because of the fact it can affect anybody, but because it can happen at any time and at any place. Like most countries, the theft of a vehicle is not considered a priority …

### Reduced Speed Limits and More Radars Promised

Following a tragic summer on the roads of Spain, another disappointing buck to the trend of reducing fatalities, it is becoming increasingly clear to the DGT that a lack or responsible action by drivers can only be combated through further enforcement.
Spain’s newest anti-speeding tool, VELOLASER
The Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, is making it very clear, that the only way of dealing with the growing problem is by forcing more responsible driving and, for those still not prepared to slow down, more chance of them being hit in the pocket through fines.
During the latest meeting of the Road Safety Commission of the Congress, Pere Navarro has proposed to unify at 90 kilometres per hour maximum speed limit on all secondary or conventional roads, as these roads are the location for the majority of serious and fatal incidents, in  fact some 76% of all fatalities are on this type of road. Currently, on roads with a hard shoulder of 1.5 metres or more, the limit is currently 100 kilometres per hour.
Slowing down secondary roads is not a new project, Pere Navarro himself acknowledged that his predecessors had tried without success. We are one of the few countries in Europe (along with Romania, Poland, Ireland, Germany, and Austria) with the highest limit is 100 kilometres per hour. In most European countries, the maximum limit is 90, and some it is 80 kilometres per hour.
However, to demonstrate that this measure works, Pere Navarro gave France as an example, where after three consecutive years of increase in deaths, after the lowering of the maximum limit to 80 kilometres per hour, the number of incidents was reduced by 8.4 percent in May, 9.3 in June, and 5.5 in July.
However, reducing maximum permitted speed limits is only successful if drivers then abide by the change. Still, one of the leading contributing factors to road traffic incidents, one of the #Fatal4, is inappropriate speed. Therefore, along with a reduction in limits, additional enforcement is also promised.
Whilst still feeling the need to apologise, Pere Navarro suggested increasing the number of radars for speed control. “Sorry, but it is the only way we have,” he said, before comparing the 7,200 devices in the United Kingdom and 4,000 in France, with just 1,000 in Spain. He already promised this action upon resuming his duties at the DGT, “if we want to advance in road safety we have to increase the number of radars”.
Such increases require investment of course, which is one of the benefits of those already caught, who may not be aware that such devices as radars are self funding, with money raised through fines in Spain being invested in such devices and other road safety initiatives.

As for the quantity, as Pere Navarro used France as an example, to match the number of radars per capita, Spain would need over a thousand more radars, to being the total up to 2,800. Using the UK as a comparison, Spain would have to increase the number of radars to 5,200.

The country with the highest rate of radars per million inhabitants is Belgium with 206, Finland with 169 and Sweden with 135. Currently, Spain with just 19 per million inhabitants is way down that list, although the figure doesn’t include the mobile units operated by the DGT and local and regional police.

Excerpt: Following a tragic summer on the roads of Spain, another disappointing buck to the trend of reducing fatalities, it is becoming increasingly clear to the DGT that a lack or responsible action by drivers can only be combated through further enforcement. The Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, is making it very clear, that the …

### Eleven Men Rescued from Small Boat

Eleven people have been rescued from a small boat which was located some 400 metres off the coast of Torrevieja,



The Cruz Roja attended the small boat and brought the eleven men to safety. With this latest boat, it brings the total of 20 people who have arrived in the south of Alicante this week.

The men, all seeking a better life than in their home country, risking their lives in doing so.

 

### Flooding Could have been Avoided with Proper Plans

For year, residents on one area of Torrevieja have had to put up with severe flooding, whilst the rest of the municipality has foot the bill through taxes. Now, it looks like both of the problems could have been avoided if the previous government had ensured that proper plans were in place, or at least listened to the opposition (now in government), who voted against it.

Flooding in 2012

The Directorate General of Roads has reported that they must "Suspend and paralyze all the construction works of Sector S-6" (Villa Amalia) because "it does not have a favourable sector authorisation from the Ministry of Development", as reported by the Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón,  at a press conference, who has described this situation as "very serious and unacceptable" and derives from the approval in full of the Partial Plan in 2011 with the votes of the absolute majority of the Partido Popular, with the of both Los Verdes (whom the current Mayor represents) and the PSOE (now ruling in coalition) being against the plan. Meanwhile, the APTCe abstained.

The mayor explained that in 2011 the Popular Party should not have approved this Partial Plan that lacks the mentioned sectorial report, which is both binding and obligatory, and the reason why the Directorate of Roads indicates that "they must suspend and paralyze all construction works within Sector S-6, so long as there is no authorisation for the Urbanisation Project by the Ministry of Development on the matters of its competence".

The report on which this stoppage is based also points out that "The whole of Sector S-6 Villa Amalia is flooded, given that the lack of a network of stormwater sanitation and all the runoff from it is concentrated in the area of ​​public domain of the National Highway N-332, generating a serious drainage problem in it."

At this point, José Manuel Dolón stopped to explain a political point, in that the Partido Popular "has used falsehood and deception to attack the Municipal Government" in reference to which the PP was denying that the plot of this sector qualified as school ground in which the parents of CEIP Amanecer students wanted the new school to be built, after the Ministry rejected it for that reason (due to its nature of flooding). Dolón has insisted that it has been a way to "manipulate and deceive people".

The residential area that is affected by this request to cessation does not have "any corrective acoustic media" and, in addition, is affected by the "design project and construction project of the duplication of the Torrevieja variant on the N-332 road, currently in drafting".

The mayor explained that he requested a report from the municipal technicians once they had been aware of "this very serious issue" that is going to suppose "brutal damage to the City Council, but moreover, could seriously affect innocent people who have bought properties in the area, trusting that the town hall would play their part in ensuring the correct procedures and plans are applied, actions which the Mayor has described as, “almost criminal.”

The Mayor is now waiting for the municipal report to "see what measures we have to take", whilst Dolón clarified  that, "the Direcotate of Roads have competence to act and to paralyze the works" and he went on to explain how the City Council will communicate the current situation of this sector "with an urbanisation that in some areas is already fully consolidated and that they act within their skills, they can paralyze the construction".

For years, residents have had to endure flooding in their homes, a situation which has not only affected them, but every resident of the municipality who have shared the burden of cost. "The lack of rainwater infrastructure in that urbanisation and It has cost the tax payers 301,000 euro, costs  assumed by the City Council, through the Agamed joint venture, the channelling and storm water evacuation that as a consequence of the execution of the infrastructures of the urbanisation were accumulated in the avenida de Desiderio Rodríguez, in front of the urbanization la Veleta and the connection with the CV95, works that were executed in 2017”.

 

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Introduces Virtual Reality Headsets to reduce Pain Perception in Paediatric Emergencies

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has introduced virtual reality headsets in the care provided to children by its paediatric emergency service. The use of these devices, personalised for each child, plays a role in the reduction of their perception of pain and anxiety when undergoing procedures such as taking blood samples or reducing fractures and luxations, among others.



These devices work by keeping the child’s attention on something other than the procedure applied during their care. As Doctor María Mínguez Head of the Paediatric Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, explains, “with the introduction of this medium, we hope to see multiple benefits for the patient. Among the advantages of virtual reality headsets, we can include quicker sample extraction, a lower number of failed attempts at sample extraction due to better patient collaboration, a lower need for anaesthetics, and the effect of retrograde amnesia in the child’s memory, who will not remember this as a traumatic episode, favouring a positive predisposition for future visits to a healthcare centre.”

Among the procedures initiated by the Paediatric Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, we can highlight the training of all personnel to improve empathy with parents and family members, an improvement in communication and information regarding the technique to be performed, adapted to the patient’s age and comprehension level, the active participation of parents and children during procedures, the use of pain scales and their registration in the case history so we can observe their evolution, and the use of a positive reinforcement after each of the interventions, among other measures.

All these actions are extremely beneficial, both for the minors and their families, and for healthcare personnel. “Children do not suffer needlessly, so their memory of their stay in the hospital is no longer painful; we improve their level of anxiety and, with this, that of their parents and family members,” explains Doctor Mínguez. “Additionally, different studies have shown that the implementation of these techniques reduces the length of hospital stays and increases patient’s perception regarding quality of care,” she adds.

### Local Police had a Busy Summer this Year

The special operation group of Torrevieja’s local police, El Grupo de Refuerzo Operativo (G.R.O.), have had a busy summer dealing with a variety of interventions from forgeries to possession.

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The unit, which operates as a unique and dedicated team, have planned and executed a total of 17 special operations, in addition to their routine duties, including dealing with illegal street vending resulting in 12 detainees for crimes against industrial property with a total of 11,047 counterfeit items seized, which would have a street value of 220,860 euro on the black market. These products will be destroyed in the upcoming weeks.

In addition, the G.R.O. conducted 24 traffic and security verification points, resulting in a total of 7 arrests, 48 ​recorded offences for possession or consumption of banned substances, and almost a 100 other individual offences, with a total of 39 people arrested by the group for crimes related to documentary falsehood, hatred, industrial and intellectual property, vehicle thefts, road safety, threats with weapons, gender violence and attempted homicide as well as a pirate taxi operating in the area.

In addition, the group collaborated directly with the Guardia Civil in the investigation, location and subsequent arrest of a driver who was driving at 230 kilometres per hour. 

The group also collaborated with Civil Protection of Torrevieja, Guardia Civil, fire service, courts, and other units of the Local Police of Torrevieja, and with the University of Murcia, given that a student of the Degree in Criminology, the first of its promotion with diploma, invested 80 hours of work in which he verified and accompanied the Group in a multitude of services. The experience was qualified by the inspector Juan Carlos García, responsible for the G.R.O., as "incredible to have been a reciprocal teaching experience".

### CONFIRMED - CD Torrevieja has sacked the first team’s coaching staff

The Club has decided not to continue employing the services of the coaching staff for the first team and will immediately relinquish the current contract, which would have seen them training the team until the end of the 2018-2019 season.

Taking over the coaching role provisionally will be sports director Joaquín Badimón Aymerich, who will sit on the bench this coming Sunday in La Murada for the match against Orihuela CF B.

### Twelve Immigrants land in Torrevieja

Medical staff from the Cruz Roja have met a boat carrying twelve immigrants which landed at Cala del Moro in Torrevieja on Tuesday.



The Guardia Civil report that the twelve are all male and of legal age, all saying that they are from Algeria.

A local resident alerted the Guardia Civil at around 10:30 of the boat, with both the Guardia Civil and border patrol teams being sent to assist in the arrival.

This is the fifth boat which has arrived off the Alicante cost since Sunday, with arrivals intercepted at Orihuela, Pilar de la Horadada, Calpe, and Benidorm, amongst other sightings and landings.

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### October is Tyre Safety Month

Once again, as the winter is fast approaching, N332 RoadWatch are supporting what was a U.K. based campaign focusing on one of the most crucial elements of a car, one which is so easy to check, and yet one which is so often neglected, as we join in with recognising that October is TYRE SAFETY MONTH.

TyreSafe’s latest campaign reveals it’s actually the summer months when Britain’s motorists are more likely to be involved in a tyre-related incident.
As well as on our websites, n332.es and RoadWatch.eu, you can get a whole wealth of information from the official website, tyresafe.org.
The key message for this year’s campaign, taken from tyresafe.org, is:
The need for the annual tyre safety campaign in October has once again been underlined by the research carried out by the TyreSafe team and the evidence collated. TyreSafe and tyre safety awareness depend on support to drive the change in attitudes needed to help reduce the number of tyre-related incidents on our roads.
Checking your own tyres is not as difficult as you might think, and we have created a short video that shows you how to perform some basic checks, recorded at the Bosch Service Centre at Autos Direct in San Miguel de Salinas.
You should perform these checks at least one per month, maintaining the tyre pressure when you do, and with just a few minutes of dedicated time, you could be saving a lifetime of worry, or worse.
Take a look at the video, which, as well as being on our websites, n332.es and RoadWatch.eu, is on YouTube where you can also subscribe to our channel, and see how easy it is. Of course, if you don’t want to check them yourself, it does mean getting your hands a little dirty, then pop along to Autos Direct in San Miguel and let one of the mechanics there check for you.



Autos Direct will also be bringing us some special offers right through this month, exclusive to N332 followers, so keep checking the website, n332.es, for those, or visit their website, autosdirect.es, and be sure to follow them on Facebook for their latest vehicles and news.

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Excerpt: Once again, as the winter is fast approaching, N332 RoadWatch are supporting what was a U.K. based campaign focusing on one of the most crucial elements of a car, one which is so easy to check, and yet one which is so often neglected, as we join in with recognising that October is TYRE SAFETY …

### Earthquake Drill Preparations Underway

Initial plans and preparations are underway for an earthquake emergency drill, which is set to take place on November 14.



Last week, the local coordination centre, CECOPAL, was the location where the first working meeting took place in order to start the formal preparations for the drill.

The meeting, chaired by the mayor, José Manuel Dolón, is part of the plan which began some time ago, and included other council departments, such as the councillor for education, Jose Hurtado, as schools will play a large part in the event, as all children will be taught how to react to an emergency, in the hope that a real one never takes place.

The security services were also involved, including the councillor for security, Javier Manzanares, the Local Police, Provincial Fire Department, Proteccion Civil, Department of Health, Agamed, local radio amateurs and others. 

During the meeting, a first review of the working documents were presented, and an exchange of opinions was made, all aimed at organising the response at the local level to a serious seismic event.

The denominated #GranSimulacro2018, proposes to activate the Special Plan of the Seismic Risk to evaluate certain resources, capacities and practices of response to a simulated earthquake that will take place on Wednesday 14 November, in Torrevieja, under the direction of the Valencian Security Agency and Emergency Response (AVSRE). Torrevieja, which has a Municipal Territorial Plan (P.T.M.), has also been chosen because it is a municipality with a high seismic risk and history and has a size that allows circumscribing the action to its municipal area.

The simulation aims to help achieve a medium-term municipal objective: the drafting of the Municipal Action Plan against Seismic Risk (PAM-SIS), while the AVSRE has incorporated the proposal made by the City Council into the design of the simulation exercise: where the schools of the municipality are involved. The approach has two main objectives: evacuation to the playground of students and teachers as a measure of self-protection; and the notification after the event to the school community.

The mayor, explained that the council, "is working on the preparation of the drill and, beyond that, the construction of a community more resilient to a severe earthquake. The general objectives of the #GranSimulacro2018 is to include the activation of the response to the emergency at the municipal level and the activation of the self-protection plans in the schools and educational centres," he said. 

During the drill, the 'Horizontal Communications Procedure' will be activated and preferential use will be made of the COMDES Radio Network. In addition, the dissemination of the response to the emergency among the population will be exercised. Given the type of event - immediate damage after the earthquake - local practice is considered vital.

The mayor has acknowledged that "the scope of the exercise for the City Council is very ambitious. The AVSRE proposes the council do a complete exercise with the 'Recognition Groups' and participate in the rest of the exercises providing human resources, and facilities," he concluded.

This is not the first time such an exercise has taken place in Torrevieja, and history has already recorded devastation in the area from a real seismic event, and so the importance of this drill being credited with the respect it deserves is paramount.

### World Tourism Day Conference - Making the most of new technology

Professor at the University of Alicante, Marco A. Celdrán, chaired the conference "New Scenarios for the Planning of Tourism", which was held in the casino of Torrevieja, an initiative of the Department of Tourism in Torrevieja, in recognition of World Tourism Day.



The coordinator of the University Headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja, José Norberto Mazón, intervened at the beginning of the conference to present the professor to the public and thank the council for organising the event.

Professor Marco A. Celdrán, the first to defend a doctoral thesis in Torrevieja, has made a synthesis of his research work, explaining what has been the evolution of tourism according to the technologies of different stages. To summarise his thesis, he highlighted four sections: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their influence on tourism; What the academic world says about this Smart Tourism scenario, that is, intelligent tourism; ICT with the greatest impact on destinations; and The focus of the intelligent tourist destination, its strengths and weaknesses. Finally, he gave some examples of strategies to benefit from this innovative type of tourism.



"Mass tourism began in 1950, at the same time as some economic and technological improvements," said Celdrán, adding that currently, Spain is one of the leading countries in the development of smart tourist destinations.

The professor explained, tourism has gone through different stages, the first, with the use of servers that did not offer an effective interaction between tourists and destinations, the later stage, which has been characterised by the appearance of the Internet and the first navigators that improved that interactivity, since they allowed tourists to consult each other on the destinations offered.

Current tourism is closely related to new technologies. "We can know tourist products and opinions through different technological platforms in real time," said Celdran, listing various channels, such as social networks, web pages, mobile applications, other sites of interest such as TripAdvisor or Booking.com. "These new sites offer numerous forms of data, like the accumulation of tourists in a certain place. For example, in the summer season of Torrevieja the agglutination of people occurs on the promenade or on the beaches," he added.

New technologies allows personalised records of the experiences of tourists and travelers who become prosumer tourists, that is, tourists who consume experiences, but also produce them through their opinions. Subsequently, these reviews are taken advantage of by tourist destinations to offer better services, according to the professor.

Finally, Celdrán mentioned some limitations and solutions to improve the application of these technologies in a tourist destination, which above all, falls on the governance that should be responsible for intelligent strategies to take advantage of these new possibilities. In fact, some locations in the Valencian Community already use these, such as Torrevieja, Denia, Benidorm or Valencia.

After the conference there was an excursion to the Salinas on the tourist train and a guided tour of the town.

### A Fashion Festival for the Home and Body in Alicante

With an ambiance to rival fashion-focused locations such as Paris, Milan or Rome, Alicante will play host to the most beautiful designs of the moment for the next couple of weeks, starting off with the Mercado Diseno Alicante.

The old bus station on Plaza Seneca is the location, the 5th, 6th and 7th of October the dates, for a range of items for the home, from lighting to fabrics, as well as workshops and free concerts throughout the event.
Then, from the 9th to the 14th, the activity moves to the harbour area, when a fashion market takes over the boardwalk to the north side.
In the shadow of the Santa Barbera castle, in la Plaza del Puerto (Opposite the Hotel Meliá), a wider range of good will be on offer in areas dedicated to fashion, footwear, accessories, home, sports, optics, and a gourmet area.
The best stores in town will offer their best deals, all in one place, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with free activities planned for every day.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a bit of gastronomic diversity, on Saturday, 6 October 2018, from 09:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., there is also a specialist Vegan Sweet market, offering samples of goods from small organic farmers and artisans of Alicante.
The location for that event is calle Jacinto Maltes on the corner of calle Julio Antonio.
If it’s a liquid diet you prefer, then we also have the III Oktobeerfest, which is on from the 6th to the 9th of October, on avenida Del Doctor Rico.
By the way, a little advanced notice, the 5 Vegan Fest Alicante, 2018, is scheduled to take place on the 20th and 21st of October. More details on that nearer the time.

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Excerpt: With an ambiance to rival fashion-focused locations such as Paris, Milan or Rome, Alicante will play host to the most beautiful designs of the moment for the next couple of weeks, starting off with the Mercado Diseno Alicante. The old bus station on Plaza Seneca is the location, the 5th, 6th and 7th of October …

### Belt Up! Seat Belt Campaign Starts Monday

Starting on Monday, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seat belts and child restraint systems in vehicles.

In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, with some 194 of the 822 people in cars and vans who lost their lives, not wearing a seat belt, despite knowing the importance of doing so.
The object of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of the use of seat belts and child restraint systems, to prevent injuries caused during a serious incident. The use of seat belts and the SRI reduces the chances of death by almost 50 percent in the case of an incident. The seat belt is both useful and mandatory for any journey, long or short, urban or interurban, and in both the front seats as in the rear.
Statistically, approximately 25 percent of fatalities on roads do not use seat belts. This percentage exceeds 30 percent when it comes to urban roads.
In addition to the officers on patrol during the campaign, the new cameras and detectors are in place across the country watching for seat belt use, and the Pegasus equipped helicopters will be watching form the sky..
The latest roadside cameras take a series of pictures. The images are electronically sent to a control centre which then processes them and sends a sanction to the vehicle owner who then faces a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

It is the aim of the DGT to reduce this figure to zero by making the use of seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems 100% for all vehicle occupants.
The focus of the campaign will not only be those who should know better about looking out for their own safety, but also those who should be looking out for those more vulnerable, namely adults who carry children in the vehicles.
In 2014, 2 out of the 14 children under 12 years who died in cars or vans were not wearing any safety device at the time of the incident. In addition, 9 out of 82 seriously injured, and 107 of those who suffered minor injuries were not correctly restrained. From that data, 118 children suffered unnecessary injury or death as a result of the supposedly responsible adults not showing due care.
On account of the seriousness that the DGT takes such actions, traffic officers can immobilise a vehicle if a child is found to be travelling without the correct restraint system in use.
It is also important to remember that children under 135 centimetres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles and must be properly restrained by a device appropriate to their height and weight.
The proper wearing of seat belts and restraint systems is also vital to their correct use. All occupants in a vehicle must wear a seat belt, whether they are in the front or the back, although some people incorrectly believe that wearing a seat belt in the back is not necessary, it is, and it is also mandatory. If a person in a rear seat is not wearing a seat belt they are 8 times more likely to kill the person in a seat in front of them.
Wearing a seat belt is statistically proven to half the risk of death if involved in a collision as it also helps to distribute the force of the impact across the body and not directly at more vulnerable parts of the body. A seat belt prevents the occupant being ejected from a vehicle, saving them from more serious injury.
 

Excerpt: Starting on Monday, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seat belts and child restraint systems in vehicles. In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, …

### Russian player Bezhonov brings new level of competitiveness to the squad

CD Torrevieja has signed a deal to bring Andrey Bezhonov (Moscú, 1995) to the Club, after an agreement was reached by both parties. Bezhonov will play in the left mid-field position although he can also play on the right side of the pitch as well. He stands out as a quality player, for his speed and his superb attacking ability.



The Russian player comes to Torrevieja from the Catalan Preferente league, where last season his team, Can Vidalet CF, finished in third position. Before that he played with Anzhi, Dinamo Bryansk and Khimik Koryazhma in Russia, Shakhtjor Soligorsk in Belarus and Ilukstes NSS in Lithuania.

This player is without a doubt one that will considerably strengthen the team and increase its competitiveness.

Welcome Bezhonov!

### Ángel is the New Coach for the CD Torrevieja Youth Team

CD Torrevieja have appointed a coach for the youth team for the forthcoming season, which is about to start. The new coach is Ángel Rubió Manzanaro, better known as “Angel” (Torrevieja 1985).



The young trainer from Torrevieja, has a Level 1 Coaching certificate and already has extensive experience after training other youth teams including CDM Orihuela Costa, CD Montesinos and Torrevieja CF.

The Club wishes him and his new team all the luck and success in this new and exciting joint venture.

### How Much is Too Much?

Local Police in Seville sanctioned a driver for a number of offences, a driver who had originally thought that the angels-of-bargains were shining down!

The officers observed the driver of a light passenger van talking on their mobile and so decided to stop the vehicle.
They then noticed that the vehicle, which was displaying novice driver identification plates, as well as a Baby on Board sign, appeared overloaded.
The driver said that they had been taking advantage of the IVA free day (tax free day) at the local supermarket, and so stocked up with 442 litres of beer.
The offences were reported and it would appear that the angels-of-bargains had now moved on.




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Excerpt: Local Police in Seville sanctioned a driver for a number of offences, a driver who had originally thought that the angels-of-bargains were shining down! The officers observed the driver of a light passenger van talking on their mobile and so decided to stop the vehicle. They then noticed that the vehicle, which was displaying novice …

### J5 CD Torrevieja vs Benidorm CD

This coming Sunday 30 September at 17:30h, the fifth game of the season will be disputed between CD Torrevieja and Benidorm CD at the Nelson Mandela grounds in Torrevieja.



After the setback that took place at the José Díez Iborra stadium for the final match of the season, which prevented our team from gaining the leading position, this Sunday’s match in our home ground is all about getting even! At least in sport, each weekend gives you a new opportunity to turn things around.

The Club would also like to remind everyone that the period in which you can acquire your 2018/19 season ticket is still open, and all you have to do is come to the head office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56. Season tickets cannot be acquired from the stadium ticket office.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, Let’s go Torrevieja!

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### Water Firm Buys Electric Cars

The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party , whose position also sees him sit as Chairman of the Board of the joint-owned water supply company Agamed, accompanied by the company's manager, José Manuel Nadal, visited the new fleet of electric vehicles that the company has acquired, with the aim of reducing pollution.



The company has presented the three vehicles that it will replace throughout this year, and with which it is expected to reduce 8.9 tons of CO2 per year. Although the forecast has been marked for the next five years, during which they expect to replace a total of 12 vehicles in 2019 and, in subsequent years, the goal is to eventually replace the entire fleet of diesel with electric.

The Mayor stated that the move is "great news" that will contribute to make "our environment cleaner and healthier" and stressed that "Agamed has a serious commitment to the environment that not only becomes visible with the acquisition of these vehicles but also throughout the year at the hands of the City Council, with the help of different councils, with initiatives to disseminate the values ​​required for the care and recovery of our planet."

Nadal explained that the new vans are equipped for the work of maintenance operations in the water networks and facilities, and "have been selected according to criteria such as autonomy, load and technical performance. They have a range of up to 200 kilometres and a power of 60 hp. In addition, although the economic cost at present is significantly higher than the cost of a conventional diesel engine, the environmental and sustainable benefit is much higher, since they produce zero CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. "

Nadal also detailed other actions that reinforce the environmental commitment of Agamed and that each year it is increased, in addition, support for numerous activities throughout the municipality shows their commitment to Torrevieja, such as, for example, the annual concert will be held in the Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja on Friday.

In addition, the company organises workshops and awareness sessions for schoolchildren and the general public on the responsible use of water, carries out numerous annual repopulation of trees in the municipality of Torrevieja, and collaborates with associations and local entities in initiatives related to environmental awareness.

### Which is the Cheapest Supermarket where You Live?

A consumer association, the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios, or OCU, has released its annual study that looks at the prices of everyday products sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets across Spain.

The aim of the report is to compare prices, partly to show an unfair balance towards the consumer, but more importantly perhaps for us, it shows us where our money goes furthest.
One of the general trends observed through the national study is that Mercadona is a favourable grocery store, and given the company´s ethos for looking after staff through profit share and bonus schemes, it looks like everyone´s a winner in the chain that forms one of the largest companies in the country.
Locally for us, for the Alicante province, top of the shops is relative newcomer Supeco, on Carrús Av Novelda in Elche, whereas in Murcia it´s Alcampo, located in the Thader shopping centre, across the way from Ikea.
If you´re not local to us, have no fear, we have the full list below. All that remains now is for us to dust down our Dale Winton costume and prepare you for action, because, let us not forget, next time you´re shopping and you hear the beep, think of the fun you can be having on Supermarket Sweep (other TV game shows are available).

– Albacete : Alcampo, Av Illustration 51
– Alicante : Supeco, Carrús Av Novelda (Elche)
– Almería : Mercadona, Ingenio s / n
– Ávila : Mercadona, San Nicolás 2
– Badajoz : Carrefour, JM Alcaraz and Alenda s / n
– Barcelona : Consum, Av d’Icària 160-170
– Bilbao : Mercadona, Doctor Espinosa Oribe, 2A
– Burgos : Tifer, Vitoria, 264 – PI Gamonal
– Cáceres : Maxcoop, La Roche Sur Yon, 8
– Cádiz : Cash Fresh, Luis Milena, 19 (San Fernando)
– Castellón de la Plana : Alcampo, N-340 km. 64.5
– Ciudad Real : Carrefour, Av de Europa, 45
– Córdoba : Cash Fresh, Malante Island – Bº Arroyo del Moro
– Cuenca : Alcampo, N-400, km 178.5
– Gerona : Consum, Ultoria 11
– Granada : Dani, Plaza Doctor López Neyra 2 (the cheapest in Spain)
– Guadalajara : Mercadona, Captain Arenas, 15
– Huelva : Cash Fresh, San Sebastián 4
– Huesca : Mercadona, Ramón and Caja 90
– Jaén : Dani, Twelve Apostles 8
– La Coruña : Family, San Vicente 46
– Las Palmas de Gran Canaria : Alcampo, GC-1, km 8 (Telde-La Mareta)
– León : More and More, Covadonga 5-7
– Lérida : Mercadona, Baró de Maials 6
– Logroño : Alcampo, Camino de las Tejeras 4
– Lugo : Mercadona, Av de A Coruña 189
– Madrid : Alcampo City, Antonio López 109-111
– Malaga : Mercadona, Algarrobo s / n
– Murcia : Alcampo, Juan de Borbón s / n (Churra)
– Orense : Carrefour, Aira de Fonsillón s / n
– Oviedo : Alcampo, AS-17 km 47 (S Martín del Rey Au.)
– Palencia : Mercadona, Av de Madrid 24
– Palma de Mallorca : Mercadona, Aragó 26
– Pamplona : Alcampo SUP, J. Beubza 13 Bº Rotxapea
– Pontevedra : Carrefour, San Blas s / n
– Vigo : Alcampo, Grove 1
– Salamanca : Carrefour, Augustinian Recollects 1-35
– San Sebastián : Alcampo, Atigarrako Bidea 4A (Oiartzun)
– Santa Cruz de Tenerife : Alcampo, Sta Cruz-La Laguna, 7B (S Cristobal)
– Santander : Mercadona, Julio Jaurena s / n
– Segovia : Mercadona, B. Gracian 12
– Sevilla : Cash Fresh, Médicos Mundi s / n
– Soria: Mercadona, Eduardo Saavedra 54
– Tarragona : Mercadona, S Pedro and V. of Hungary 44
– Teruel : Mercadona, Pza de la Guardia Civil s / n
– Toledo : Alcampo, CM-4003 Toledo- Bargas
– Valencia : Consum, Av del Puerto 79-81
– Valladolid : Mercadona, Av de Burgos 25
– Vitoria: Alcampo Supermarket, Arana 27-29
– Zamora : Tifer, Av de Galicia 147
– Zaragoza : Alcampo, Pza de Utrillas 6


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Excerpt: A consumer association, the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios, or OCU, has released its annual study that looks at the prices of everyday products sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets across Spain. The aim of the report is to compare prices, partly to show an unfair balance towards the consumer, but more importantly perhaps for us, …

### Free Winter Beach Activities

Torrevieja’s councillor for Employment, Víctor Ferrández, held a press conference this week, in which he explained a series of free activities taking place on the beaches during the winter months.



The reason why it was the employment councillor presenting these activities, rather than sports or tourism, is that these event are also an opportunity for local people to secure work, as they are all run by a a group who are involved in an employment workshop, where they are learning the skills and qualifications to point them on to a new career in the tourism sector.

The councillor explained that the project will provide numerous benefits to those interested in taking part. "It is an offer of sports and leisure activities that promotes health, the enjoyment of the outdoors, which takes advantage of the natural resources of the municipality, in this case the beaches, and encourages socialisation," he said. In addition, it encourages healthy life habits and promotes teamwork, he explained.

This initiative will be developed during the months of October, November and December, at Playa de los Náufragos. With its Blue Flag and ISO quality certificate, both very important factors for tourism, it is the ideal location for the activities. "It is wide, easily accessible and is equipped with sports elements," said the councillor.

Registration is completely free and you can even sign up for more than one activity. This can be done at either the ADL or in the main tourist office in the town centre. The activities are open to anyone over the age of 18, but there is a planned limit of 750 people in total, so early registration is advised, as always.

The activities will be offered for each month during two days a week, Monday and Wednesday (with the exception of holidays), from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. divided into two sessions: from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. the first and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. the second.

So, what's on offer? In October there will be salsa from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. and yoga from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. In November, pilates in the first shift and Zumba in the second shift, and in December, functional training and maintenance gymnastics, respectively. The councillor has clarified what functional training consists of: "machine-less exercises that promotes strength and endurance to perform daily load activities or different postures in a correct manner and without harming the body."

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### Free Friday Concert in La Mata

There is hardly a more picturesque place, nor a more romantic setting, than watching the sun go down as the birdsong in the Natural Park of La Mata is echoed by classical music on Friday, 28 September, as the latest edition of “Música en el Parque” takes place.



It´s the fourth time the musicians have gathered to perform their scores, including, this year, a special playlist created by the chamber group of Torrevieja´s symphony orchestra, the Grupo de Cámara de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Torrevieja.

The councillor for the environment, Fanny Serrano, accompanied by the manager of Agamed, José Manuel Nadal, launched the event in a press conference, explaining how the fourth edition of this free event, which takes place at the picnic area facing the lagoon, is likely to be busier than ever, but, “we can only have 100 chairs”, on account of it being a protected area, however, since it is an open place, many more people can come to listen to it. Likewise, because of both space and environmental concerns, care sharing is encouraged or even walking or cycling to the event.

The councillor pointed out that the concert time has been set at 6:30 p.m. so that the end coincides with the sunset over the lagoon, which will allow attendees to take some extraordinary images and memories whilst they listen to the music.

The manager of Agamed presented the line-up prepared by the OST: Rondeau from the suite "Abdelazer" and Lascia ch'io Pianga from Handel; Air from the Suite for Bach Orchestra No. 3; Divertimento K 136Mozart -I. Allegro and II. Walking-; Largo (Winter) by Vivaldi, Palladio by Karl Jenkins -I. Allegro-; Life is a beautiful adaptation of Adolfo Arronis; Moon River by Mancini, Oh Sole Mine by E. di Capua (Adapt Iryna Lazaryeva); Oblivion of Piazzolla; and El Choclo (tango) by A. Villoldo. He will act as violin first, Stanislav Tkach, as second violinist, Víctor Manuel Antón Ferrández, as Viola Leticia Cámara Merino and violoncello Iván Pérez Izquierdo.

### New Booklet to Promote Tourist Routes

The councillor for tourism, Fanny Serrano, showed off a new booklet at a press conference this week, a guide that offers information about the various guided routes that can be enjoyed throughout the winter season.



The guided routes have been more popular than ever this summer, resulting in an extension to their contract, and now, throughout the winter, Torrevieja is being highlighted as a location for tourists to visit and enjoy during the cooler months.

This initiative continues to offer free guided visits at both in the centre of the town, delving into its traditions and customs, as well as the beautifully scenic Natural Park of Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja, providing information on ecotourism and urban routes.

Amongst the ecotourism visits, visitors can enjoy a general stroll through the natural park of the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja, an ornithological route that teaches visitors to recognise the fascinating birds that take refuge in the Natural Park, as well as the route through the vineyards and salt lakes to learn more about the history of the generations of winegrowers or the tradition of the salt lakes, the crafts and industrial history.

As for the town centre, there are visits to the Museum of the Sea and Salt; to the monumental setting of Eras de la Sal, where salt was stored and transported; to the Casino, one of the most representative buildings in the city; and finally, to the floating museums that show the life of the sailors aboard the submarine S-61 Dolphin and the Albatros customs patrol boat.

The new informative material also contains the schedule of the routes for the 2018-2019 season, the way in which you can register, and the itinerary of the urban routes.

The leaflets are available at the tourist information offices in the town, but if you want to jump ahead and register, you can visit the website: www.turismodetorrevieja.com/ecorutas.

### Support Project Planned to Reduce Truancy

Torrevieja´s Municipal Commission of School Absenteeism, chaired by the mayor, José Manuel Dolón, held a meeting this week in which final approval was given for an innovative project which aims to reduce school truancy.



The councillor for education, José Hurtado, explained that October 30 is the date when the project will begin, and will, hopefully, reduce absenteeism rates.

The councillor explained that, “it has been possible to urgently propose the approval of an innovative educational project, determined by schools, which manages to motivate absentee students.”

The Mayor, José Manuel Dolón, has been pushing for the go ahead for the scheme, which also includes a monthly review to monitor the effectiveness, and offer suggestions for improvements.

Hurtado pointed out that, “the fundamental objective is to diagnose, as best as possible, the causes of absenteeism in order to propose solutions”.

The first phase of the project has already begun, which looks at those children of school age who have not enrolled in education, the age for compulsory education being from 6 to 16.

### Tourists Continue to Enjoy Torrevieja

The councillor for tourism, Fanny Serrano, detailed various aspects relating to the data collection in a press conference, which, amongst other things, show how the tourist information offices have received a total of 11,265 visitors, and water consumption indicates a population equivalent to almost half a million people during the summer months.



Serrano said that the number of inquiries that are made in the tourist offices mark “a change of trend” in the way in which tourists demand information, a consolidation of the French market and an increasing use of apartments and homes for tourists offered through collaborative economy platforms.

In terms of occupancy levels, taking into account the objective data on water consumption and rubbish collection, the visitor numbers remain very similar to last summer with a “slight decrease in solid waste but with an increase in water consumption”.

The councillor stressed that they have “noted a change in the way in which tourists demand information”. The request are now reducing in person, and in fact there is a decrease in personal requests in the offices, which is compensated by the information that is offered by alternative channels such as the touch screens that can be used 24 hours a day. During the months of July and August, they were used by 7,558 people.

Despite this change, the tourist information offices of Torrevieja have welcomed a total of 11,265 visitors in July and August, with 65.23% of them being international tourists, and 34.77% domestic. The busiest day was the 17 August, when the main office on Paseo de Vista Alegre received 366 visitors.

Looking at visitors to the offices, in domestic terms, Madrid is still the lead source of tourists, 32.2%, followed by local visitors with 18.4%, País Vasco with 8.7% and Castilla y León with 8.3%. In terms of international consultations, the British top the list this year with 24.8%, but followed closely by the French with 23.4%. The rest of the tourists come from Sweden, Belgium, Germany, among other countries. The tourist office has generally been able to communicate in Spanish and to a lesser extent, in English, French and German.

During his conference, Serrano has also highlighted the success of the various guided tours that have been organised in the city, such as the ecology of the Natural Park of Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata, 17 night routes, all of which were fully booked. In addition to guided tours of the city that have received a great reception from both the native and foreign tourists. Since March 16, 34 visits have been made in Spanish and English with a total of 927 people.

The councillor also explained that the hotels of Torrevieja, those of a three and four star rating, have reached an occupation level of 85 percent in July and August, a figure that drops to 63 percent in hotels of a lower rating. The hotel data compares to that of official tourist apartments, which also received 85 percent occupancy, although no data can be given for those apartments not registered.

Despite the figures collated through the tourism officers, Serrano points out that the statistical data that really confirms the number of visitors, whether residential or temporary, are those for water consumption and waste production.

In June, over 4.1 billion kilos of waste were produced, with a slight decrease compared to the previous year of -0.22%, in the month of July, a total of 5.7 billion was collected, a drop of -0.67 from the previous year, and finally, the month of August,  of 6.2 billion kilos of waste was taken away, a difference of -3.77% on the previous year. Although each month saw a decline on last year, the councillor states that the drop is so insignificant it should be considered that Torrevieja has experienced, “hardly any change”, compared to 2017.

In terms of water consumption, 29,174 cubic metres were consumed in June, 38,215 cubic metres in July, 42,304 cubic metres in August, and 29,711 cubic metres estimated for September. Thanks to these figures, it could be estimated that Torrevieja has had a population equivalent to 291,741 inhabitants in June, 382,154 inhabitants in July, 423,045 in August and 297,115 in the first weeks of September.

“This year, there has been about half a million tourists and visitors”, the councillor said, beginning to sum up the season, also applauding such developments as the visits to the salt works, a novelty which began this year and will continue until October due to demand. In fact, the tourist train which visited the salt works had 3,013 passengers in July, in August there were 8,814 people on board, including members of the team here, and so far in September, 3,005 visits, a grand total, so far, of 14,832 people who have been given the opportunity to walk where few were allowed before, to the top of the salt piles which are already an icon of Torrevieja, and can now be referenced by those visitors, who can say with pride, I have walked on that!”

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### Quick Fix for Rain Damaged Beaches

The councillor of beaches in Torrevieja, Javier Manzanares, has highlighted “the speed and solvency with which the beaches in the town have been fixed”, after heavy rain, “caused serious damage, both in the loss of sand and the furniture on the beaches,” he said.

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The councillor also wanted to highlight that the main reason for such prompt action was that the town hall were prepared and, thanks to the foresight from the Department of Beaches, some 14,000 cubic metres of pure beach sand that was stored for years was moved into place thus bringing the beaches back to a quality standard within just 24 hours.

“I have always said that for the City Council the beaches should be a priority, their care and maintenance throughout the year are important for citizens and the tourists that visits us. I want to thank the workers of our beaches for the enormous work they do and have done, especially in the last 48 hours,” re reiterated.

In total, some 600 cubic meters of sand have been supplied to the beaches of El Cura, Los Locos and Los Náufragos in the last 48 hours. Water pipes have also been fixed, furniture has been replaced on the beaches and the environment has been conditioned to them. “On Saturday we had the beaches destroyed and today they are in perfect conditions to enjoy”, whereas the workers are continuing to repair the rest of the municipality´s beaches, which should be back to full working order today.

### Autumn Equinox at La Mata Natural Park

For many, the equinoxes are just a passing of time, when one season turns to another, but for many others, they are a spiritual time, one where a higher state of consciousness brushes the past away and clears a route for the next chapter in the story of life. Whatever your feelings on this shifting time, where better a place to experience it than surrounded by the very fabric that make up our literal world, the beauty and awe that is nature herself.



On the 22 of September, from early evening until late, the natural park of La Mata is the location for a guided talk that sees in the autumn equinox.

Local associations Projecte Mastral and Astroingeo are collaborating to create an activity aimed at participants knowing the meaning of the autumn equinox, where day and night have the same duration.

Unfortunately, the official tour is already fully booked, although you can join the waiting list by emailing parque_lamata@gva.es, but as many of our readers may struggle to understand the talk given in Spanish, it is an occasion that you could set up your own evening of spiritual or enlightened relaxation.

Get the family together, although the very little ones may find it a little boring, pack a picnic blanket, some food and drink, anti-mosquito spray and park in the car park next to the visitor centre, then take a short stroll along the public footpaths until you reach the picnic area. But don´t sit here unless you really need to. Keep to the paths, but go just a little bit further. Put your blanket on the ground, set out your places and lay under the stars knowing that the night and day or of equal lengths, and the nights will start to get longer, the days shorter, and bid farewell to summer.

With not even so much as a book to distract you, certainly no television, no newspapers, and certainly no telephones, just you and those you care about, stop, look at each other and talk. Remember events together, laugh, enjoy, think about a good time, a better time, just be together.

Those on the guided walk will be able to look through a telescope to see Jupiter, Mars, the Moon and Saturn, but in an area where there is no light pollution, just look up, see for yourself, a view that has travelled from a time long before you were born, the stars we see today are from the past, and so we look to the future, and enjoy this moment together.

At the end, remember to take all of your rubbish away with you, and maybe walk hand in hand back to the car, because you have just experienced something very few make the effort for in this modern world, quality time together.

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### Daniel Plaza welcomed as new chief executive of CD Torrevieja

CD Torrevieja, as part of the restructure of its management and organisation system, has welcomed Daniel Plaza Montero to the management team as the new chief executive of the Club. The Catalán athlete, who made Torrevieja his home many years ago, was officially welcomed to the Club earlier on today in a presentation that was filmed and attended by members of the local press. The ceremony took place at the Club’s head office in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56, bajo in Torrevieja.



Also present, and officially introducing Dani Plaza to the media, was sports manager Juanjo Fernández Nova, the main advocate and supporter of the former councillor for Sport’s addition to the club.

During the press conference, Daniel Plaza Montero talked about the Club’s short-term objectives, and how excited he was at becoming a part of the new venture and carrying out his varied roles that this new position entails.

Without a doubt, CD Torrevieja has found the support of an excellent sports manager with years of experience, commitment, high standards and huge passion for sport.

### Police Rammed by Drug Traffickers

Officers from the National Police were forced to give chase to a fugitive vehicle through the streets of Elche (Alicante), after the car rammed them at a checkpoint in an attempt to evade detection.
 

 
The officers were involved in a routine checkpoint when a vehicle was seen acting suspiciously on approach. Apparently noting the presence of the police, the vehicle accelerated towards them at high speed and rammed through the barricades.
Officers, who are specially trained to deal with such an incident, immediately gave chase through the streets, where the suspect vehicle “zigzagged” at high speed through any obstacle in its path, ignored red lights and traffic signs, and failed to stop when requested by the officers in pursuit.
However, it wasn´t long before the vehicle led the officers into a dead end, and so the suspects became hemmed in by their own navigational failures.
The officers approached the suspect vehicle, when the two occupants made one final bin for freedom, this time on foot, attempting to kick and stamp the officers and kick their vehicles, which were blocking the escape route, before the police successfully restrained and detained them.
The two people detained, both male and of Algerian and Spanish nationality, aged 25 and 32 respectively, were arrested by the officers who then carried out a search of the vehicle. The officers seized a bag containing more than half a kilo of marijuana hidden on the underside of the front passenger seat.
The detainees have been made available to the courts in Elche, the passenger charged with a crime against public health and driver for two crimes against public health, traffic safety and damage to the police vehicle.
“Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Fear” – This incident is a reminder that sharing the location of police checkpoints only helps to serve those who are not acting within the law. Had this vehicle´s occupants been warned, they might never have been caught. Never warn about checkpoints.

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Excerpt: Officers from the National Police were forced to give chase to a fugitive vehicle through the streets of Elche (Alicante), after the car rammed them at a checkpoint in an attempt to evade detection.     The officers were involved in a routine checkpoint when a vehicle was seen acting suspiciously on approach. Apparently noting …

### Family Drug Supply Business Shut Down

A family-run drug supply business has been shut down in Torrrevieja, with a 61-year-old grandmother being the eldest, along with her 16-year-old grandson and her daughter (mother of the 16-year-old boy).



The boy was the face of the operation, first selling drugs to his classmates, then expanding his sales network to other young people in the town.

The investigation began in April when officers from the Guardia Civil were made aware of the drugs being sold to students in the local school. The substances that the minors bought were marijuana, hashish and, sometimes, cocaine, so the officers instigated an investigation with the support of the Office of the Children's Prosecutor of Alicante.

The principal suspect was a young man, 15-years-old at the time, who was studying at the same institute, although as the investigation progressed he was expelled for disciplinary reasons, unrelated to drug trafficking.

At the start of the investigation, the sales circle the boy operated in was “quite small”, according to the investigators, however, once he was expelled his entrepreneurial skills developed and he started to expand to other young people in the town.

In the four months that the investigation lasted, the officers discovered that the boy was no longer alone in his business, and had also started to employ the skills of other family members, as he got his mother and grandmother involved, selling from the family home, which then became the centre of the operation.

Like all good businesses, a structure had to be put in place, and so mother became the purchasing manager, in charge of buying the narcotic substances, storing them and hiding them at the home. In addition, she was the one who monitored the market and fixed the sale price, so that her son could be left to focus on sales, most of which were to minors.

In general, he made sales by order, travelling to deliver the goods to the buyer, having made contact via phone or message.

Granny was apparently “aware” of all of the activities, and collaborated on some occasions to make certain sales.

Once the investigators had sufficient evidence to accredit the accusations, they decided to detain these three people, and made a search of the home. Inside they found more than 160 grams of marijuana, arranged in doses for sale, several grams of cocaine, cash and five mobile phones used to contact customers.

The granny and mum were brought before the courts where they were remanded in custody, whereas the child, now aged 16, was placed under the protection of the Office of Minors in Alicante.

### Get Off Your Phone!!!

The DGT will launch a special campaign this week, aimed at clamping down on one of the primary contributing factors to road traffic collisions, using a mobile phone whilst driving.

The campaign will start on Monday 17 September, running all week and through the weekend, with officers from the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues in the regional and local police, launcing special checkpoints around the road network, as well as monitoring from the air, fron both helicopters and drones.
During the campaign, a charitable organisation will be lending their support to officers trying to raise awareness of the dangers of mobile phone use whilst driving, which is the ASPAYM federation who deal with people with spinal cord injuries and physical disabilities, a real risk in road traffic incidents.
Mobile phone use has become one of the major contributing factors to road traffic incidents, one of the infamous “Fatal Four”, which still remains a problem, mostly due to the development of smart phones and a need to stay connected to our social media.
Spain already has a network of smart cameras aimed at combating the plague which haunts road users. These cameras look for things like vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts, and those using a mobile.
The action of “using a mobile phone” is also seemingly confusing for some, including here in Spain. Just because it is not near your ear, or you are holding in on “speaker” does not constitute safe practice, you are still using your mobile. The same applies to updating social media or using WhatsApp, the actions still cause distractions and are not allowed.
We must also remember that in Spain, the use of Bluetooth earpieces and headsets is also banned whilst driving. The only safe way of using a mobile is by having a true hands-free device in the vehicle, although still can still be a distraction.
Currently, if you´re caught using your mobile phone in Spain you face a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

Excerpt: The DGT will launch a special campaign this week, aimed at clamping down on one of the primary contributing factors to road traffic collisions, using a mobile phone whilst driving. The campaign will start on Monday 17 September, running all week and through the weekend, with officers from the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues in …

### Five Rescued from Trapped Vehicles

Overnight storms that continued into the morning caused significant surface water, which peaked at its problematic stage a little before 8:00 in the morning.

Five vehicles became trapped on the road between the Carrefour supermarket and Aquopolis water park in Torrevieja, all rescued by fire fighters based just down the road.

Across the region, there were 30 rain-related incidents that the rescuers were called to, although only another three resulted in their intervention.

A van carrying two people became trapped in a tunnel in the Valencia town of Catarroja, a family travelling in their car became trapped as their vehicle sunk into the ground, wheels spinning in the mud, in Alfafar, and in Manises, fire fighters assisted in a house rescue.

In addition to the rescues, lightning struck a tree in Cox which caused a fire, this took Orihuela fire fighters two hours to extinguish.

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### COMARCON18 is This Weekend

Now in its sixth year, the ‘Conference of Alternative Leisure of Torrevieja, ComarCON18’, will be held on September 15 and 16 at the Palacio de los Deportes in the town.



Torrevieja´s councillor for youths, Víctor Ferrández, presented details of the event at a press conference this week attended by the coordinator of the university headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja, José Norberto Mazón, and the vice president of the region, Alejandro Sesma.



ComarCON is considered to be amongst the top three alternative leisure events in the country, and it’s free to get in, a fact that Ferrández has said is a “reason for pride”. The councillor highlighted the three basic principles of this event are, “free admission, the large number of activities on offer, which are very wide and varied, and the promotion of associationism”.

Ferrández explained that, “you can enjoy more than 150 different activities and more than 120 table games in 23 hours of fun, without interruption, and, this year, you are even welcomed to camp overnight.


			
				
			
				
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The doors open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, staying open until 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the varied activities taking place at the Sports Palace, the outdoor area and in the parking lot, as well as in one of the artificial turf pitches.

Ferrández said that this year the space available has increased, as has the capacity within the Palace of Sports “for which security has increased and we will have ambulances, among other improvements”.

Ferrández has also reported that the costs are very similar to those of last year, when it was possible to reduce them by 50 percent, thanks to the collaboration of the association La Comarca and the headquarters of the UA.

José Norberto Mazón explained that for several years the University of Alicante has organised Unicómic, a conference on comics, that this year will celebrate its 20th edition. Through Unicómic we will have references in the world of comic fans, and with ComarCON, the aim is to organise talks, workshops and other events, including celebrity appearances.

“We will have Joan Tretze, renowned cartoonist and scriptwriter of the role-playing webcómic ‘El sistema D13’, Román López Cabrera, who has published several comic books about local author Miguel Hernández, and won comic awards, also working for Marvel, Ulises Ponce (UPL), who has published his works in several magazines and newspapers throughout Spain, arriving at the international level to design the covers of ‘Angry Birds’, a global phenomenon”, explained Mazón.

There is also an educational element to the event, where establishments and courses are highlighted to those interested in developing through the graphic or storytelling medium, such as the Higher Polytechnic School of the University of Alicante, who offer a degree course in Multimedia Engineering where, among other things, there is training in the development of video games. In fact, many of its graduates have created their own companies and are working successfully in this field. “This is the case of Inverge Studios, which will join us in the ComarCON, winners of the Sony PlayStation Talents Game Camp project through the Lanzadera business accelerator, where they are developing the video game ‘Effie’ under the PlayStation brand,” said Mazón .

The vice president of the association La Comarca, Alejandro Sesma, said that ComarCON is already among the three largest free entry events in Spain, with figures that place it as a fully consolidated event. “In the last edition, we had more than 6,000 attendees and in this edition we think we will reach 8,000”, Sesma said, as the most important element of this event is “living together, participating, laughing and having fun”.

Sesma also stressed that this macro event serves to give support and visibility to local artists, such as is the case of Daniel Cabezas, author of the poster announcing this year's event.

The event takes place on 15th and 16th September, 2018, from 10:00 to 20:30 at the Palacio de los deportes in Torrevieja.

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### Do You Know the Latest Changes to Traffic Law?

In a world in which we have to adapt to technological advances which are developing at an alarming rate, traffic laws also have to change constantly to keep up with many of these advances.
Not only that, roads appear to be becoming more deadly, with a once declining trend in deaths and serious injuries, these now seem to be on the increase again, and so governments must act, as if education hasn´t worked, enforcement is the only option.
What changes have been implemented this year so far? What can we expect soon? These questions, and others are answered in the latest presentation by the N332 team, who are starting touring the local area with the Road Safety Roadshow.

Between now and the new year, we are taking bookings to visit various social and community groups and give a talk on road safety.
If you represent a group, and can get at least 50 people together (more is better) at your local venue, then get in touch if you would like us to add you to our schedule.
We already have some bookings for the season, and are talking with other group representatives, but we are always happy to visit more.
If you are interested, send us an email to news@n332.es and we can start the process and add you to our schedule.
By the way, this is a new presentation again for 2018/2019, and so if we have visited you in the past, we are happy to return, just get in touch with us again.
This season we are also pleased to be supported by Spain´s leading property sales and rental company, Casas Espania, who are providing the vehicles that enable our volunteers to visit the locations. Click the link to learn more about them.
We look forward to visiting you this autumn and winter period, and updating you on the latest changes.

Excerpt: In a world in which we have to adapt to technological advances which are developing at an alarming rate, traffic laws also have to change constantly to keep up with many of these advances. Not only that, roads appear to be becoming more deadly, with a once declining trend in deaths and serious injuries, these …

### Santa Pola Mirror Smashers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating a trend which is starting to spread through social media, where plaudits are earned by smashing vehicle´s mirrors and posting the results of both the act and the damage on the internet.

So far, three people have been arrested in Santa Pola (Alicante), all of them male, two of them technically children, on suspicion of nine offences of causing damage to vehicles, according to a statement from the Guardia Civil.
The evidence suggests that the three young men, two of them 17 and the third 18, caused damage to vehicles by smashing the mirrors, and then disseminated videos through social networks, which of course led to a “massive disapproval from the owners”.
So far, nine vehicles have been identified as being damaged, the repair of two of them already costing more than 1,600 euro.
On Sunday, September 9, several vehicles parked in the street were damaged, mostly in the mirrors, and videos recorded on mobile phones showed what appeared to be the identified arrestees kicking the vehicles and then bragging about their actions.
Eventually, realising the backlash that spread through social media and that the Guardia Civil were investigating the offences, the suspects, “decided to voluntarily present themselves at the offices of the Guardia Civil in Santa Pola, where they were arrested on suspicion of up to nine offences of causing intentional damage.
After giving their statements, the three were released and the case referred to the courts in Elche, and, in the case of the younger two, to the Juvenile Prosecutor in Alicante.
The overall assessment of the damage is yet to be determined, and will be based on expert analysis of the damage, but so far, it is known that the figure is, “more than 1,600 euro for the repair of two of the vehicles,” according to the Guardia Civil, and will increase once the other 7 have been assessed, although the investigators have not ruled out identifying more vehicles.

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Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating a trend which is starting to spread through social media, where plaudits are earned by smashing vehicle´s mirrors and posting the results of both the act and the damage on the internet. So far, three people have been arrested in Santa Pola (Alicante), all of them male, two …

### Workshops for 'Third Age' Residents

Torrevieja´s councillor for older residents, Fabiana Ibarra, has presented a range of courses and workshops especially aimed at the more mature, which this year introduces a new program of free introductory swimming workshops.

Inscription already began in July, but many international residents were not aware of what was available, and so the town hall is trying to remedy that by extending the invitation through a press conference which details some of the available courses

You can subscribe to any of these workshops throughout September, with the administration office being open from 09:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., via the town hall, with the courses starting on 1 October. All of these courses are completely free, and presented by qualified professionals who give their time voluntarily.

Most of the activities will be held at the San Pascual Centre, including gymnastics, pottery workshops, crazy needlecraft, relaxation and meditation, and painting workshops For the more energetic, perhaps you might fancy dance classes, including the romantically charged tango, amongst others, which will be held at the Municipal Leisure Centre.

This year, the registration process has been simplified, and if you want to enrol for more than one class, you only need to submit your documentation once, whereas on previous occasions you had to provide the information to each and every course you wanted to enrol in.

This year, there will also be swimming workshops, which will take place at the Palacio de los Deportes twice a week, lasting between 45 and 60 minutes in class. Those interested will have to register at the sports centre for these courses, and must submit a medical report indicating that you are suitable for water activities

Other courses of interest include Self Defence, organised by the Department of Equality and Social Welfare for all audiences. “This is not for teaching people who want to learn to fight, but all those who want to know how to act in a dangerous situation," said the councillor. This workshop will be given twice a week, Monday and Thursday, in the morning and afternoon schedules.

The Department of Equality has also created workshops to tax the brains of the mature, including a series of memory games, specifically designed for those ho live alone or have difficulty socialising, and there are even courses aimed at encouraging integration, such as events organised in association with the Rumanian representative groups, and a Spanish course for foreigners, step-by-step crafts and a Sevillanas course.

For those people living in La Mata, some workshops will be held at the Polivalente de la Mata centre, such as gymnastics, dancing, etc, and there are even more courses still awaiting confirmation, which means that this year the schedule is more divers and varied than ever before, with something for everyone to challenge the body and mind, and provide a social outlet for the attendees.

For more information you can visit the individual centres mentioned, or the town hall, and if you´re on Facebook you can check out and like toe Facebook page dedicated to the “third age” residents in Torrevieja, which is concejalía tercera edad Torrevieja, as well as the official town hall website, www.torrevieja.es.

### J3 CD Torrevieja vs FB Redován CF. Haciendo equipo!

This coming Sunday 16 September at 17:30h, the next home match, the third in the season, between CD Torrevieja and FB Redován CF will take place at the Nelson Mandela grounds in Torrevieja.

This will be the second match of the season to take place at home, in what is expected to be a thrilling 90 minutes between these two rivals. As you can see, if you’ve been following the football action so far, the CD Torrevieja team is fast-becoming a stunning group of players that we know are going to bring us plenty of exciting matches that are sure to keep us thoroughly entertained for the whole of the season.

The Club would like to remind everyone that you can now get your season tickets, if you haven’t done so already, from the head office in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56, bajo. It is not possible to obtain them from the ticket office at the stadium.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, Let’s Go Torrevieja!

### Tourism Academics Highlight Torrevieja

Torrevieja will host the final phase of the fourth International Congress of Residential Tourism on Saturday, with a round table of discussions to explore domestic opportunities.

The councillor for Tourism, Fanny Serrano, chaired a presentation, accompanied by the Professor of Sociology of Tourism at the University of Alicante and coordinator of the Congress, Tomás Mazón, and the coordinator of the headquarters of the UA in the city, José Norberto Mazón.

The international congress will be held from September 13 to 15, with free admission, in the Assembly Hall of the Germán Bernácer building of the University of Alicante. José Norberto said that the educational centre has always opted for research on tourism issues, despite the fact that residential tourism has been questioned by academics for years.

Tomás Mazón, who has worked in the tourism sector since he was 14, said that this fourth congress is different from the previous ones. If before the academics thought that a resident cannot be a tourist and vice versa, this concept is changing now. After several years of research, the professor assures that the economic crisis will continue to "lash out" those municipal councils that do not empower the sectors of construction and real estate.

"I think you have to keep betting on brick because it feeds you, and first you have to think about the stomachs and families, and then everything else," said Mazon. The professor explained that the area of ​​the Vega Baja is a magnet for European citizens, especially for early retirees and retirees, for many reasons, such as the weather, the safety of the streets and public services, in addition to the proximity of airports that connect directly with several European cities.

This year's international congress has an inaugural conference by Daniel Hiernaux, 2017 National Tourist Research Award from the Mexican Academy of Tourism Research (AMIT), with thematic tables and presentations on the different issues related to residential tourism, such as talks on non-labour immigrants, health as a tourism product, foreign media, residential tourism, key for territorial growth or urban planning and tourism territorial planning.

Regarding the events that will be held in Torrevieja, on September 15, international speakers will visit the city to learn about one of the main destinations of residential tourism guided by the Geography Professor Fernando Vera Rebollo. After the tour, a round table will be held at the Nautical Club with the participation of Fanny Serrano, the professors of the UA, Armando Ortuño Padilla and Tomás Mazón and the professor of the Universitat de les Illes Balears Salvà Tomàs, when they will discuss the new opportunities and at the same time the problems of residential tourism.

### Back to School for 11,000 Pupils

A total of 11,227 students continued their educational journey in Torrevieja this week, enrolled in the 2018/2019 academic year calendar.

Councillor for Education, José Hurtado, who was joined by the representative of the School Councils, Carmen Sempere, provided data on the enrolment, whilst also emphasising that classes have begun with "total normality."

In the 12 infant and primary schools, 1,842 students aged between 2 and 5, which is 15 more than last year, joined the school ranks. There was an increase of 72 pupils in the primary school group, now with 4,615 students.

Some leaving it to the last minute, Hurtado explained that there had been about 190 requests for late registration but that "practically all of them have already been assigned a school. The figure is very similar to the one that occurred last year, with 186 requests”.

As for high school students, there are 879 in the Baccalaureate -719 in the daytime and 160 in the night-; 155 in Basic Vocational Training; 469 in Professional Training of Medium Degree; and 282 in Professional Training of Higher Degree. The total number of students who have started in Secondary Education amounts to 4,770.

Hurtado also reported that, in the case of secondary education, "the number of applications that have been submitted after the deadline is 110", and all are already assigned a centre. For this reason the councillor said that "in mid-October we will be able to provide more specific and comparative data with more accuracy."

Hurtado highlighted that the current ratio of 25 students per classroom in Infant and Primary is being progressed, a figure that was implemented by the Ministry of Education last year "because when the crisis occurred and rationalisation measures were established, there was so much damage to the municipalities in many services and especially education, one of the rationalisation measures was to increase the ratio to reduce the teaching staff, among other things, and what has been done now is to establish the ratio in 25 in these levels of Infant and Primary. "

Hurtado said that in the infants group, there is even a reduction on the ration, with 23 being the established norm by the current Torrevieja council "if there is a child with special needs in a classroom”.

In Primary Education the ration has not yet been fully achieved, "but progress has been made with respect to the previous year as there is no classroom that exceeds 30 students."

### Town Hall Gives Green Light to Traffic Signal Contract

In the latest meeting of Torrevieja´s council, the tender for the contract for the maintenance of the town´s traffic lights was approved, which will see the town´s signals receive a much needed overhaul.

The four-year contract, which has an option for it to be extended, is valued at a total of 626,380 euro for the duration.

The traffic signals were not the only plan given the green light, approval has been given for the start of the project, with a technician already being appointed, for the contracting of works to for creating a museum environment at the historic Eras de la Sal enclosure.

As is always the case in the monthly meetings, urban planning irregularities were discussed, this time resulting in eleven demolition orders being approved for installations that failed to seek planning permission.

### Quirónsalud offer free early detection prostate cancer tests

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja   launches a new edition of the free campaign for early diagnosis of prostate cancer on the occasion of the world day of this pathology, which is celebrated on September 15. The initiative consists of carrying out free PSA tests and consultation with the urologist with prior appointment requests to males from the general population and patients from the hospital centre aged 45 and over, and from 40 years if they have a family history.

Thanks to the PSA, which is measured in a simple blood test, the specialist can establish the value of this protein synthesised by the prostate, whose value increases in the presence of a tumour. As explained by Dr. Sven Petry, head of the Urology Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. "The fact that the tumour cells produce it in greater quantity can determine in which people it is more probable to find this type of cells and decide to investigate or not the presence of these cells, by means of a prostate biopsy, depending on the potential benefits and risks that may derive from their diagnosis and treatment. " PSA levels increase with age, so that men without prostate cancer will have higher PSA values ​​as they get older: "If at forty-five years old we consider a normal index a value of less than 1.5, until sixty-five years old this index of normality moves to 2.5 and so on," explains the specialist.
 
The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among the population about the importance of prevention and early detection for a good prognosis of this disease. The intention is "to inform and raise awareness in society about prostate cancer, since there is a low perception of the risk of suffering from it. Curing prostate cancer is possible if it is detected early, "explains Dr. Petry.

90% of cases can be cured

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the world in men and the first in incidence in Europe. Each year about 25,000 new cases are diagnosed in Spain, of which between 20% and 30% are patients who have relapsed in the disease. "However, when detected early, this tumour can be cured in 90% of cases," cautions Dr. Petry. Prostate cancer, except for advanced stages, rarely produces any symptoms; hence the importance of PSA, which allows the early detection of this disease in asymptomatic patients.

How to book a test

It is not necessary to go on an empty stomach and it will be performed at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The analytical period will be from September 10 to 14th and interested persons may request information from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. Calls will be made through telephone 966 90 95 06, in the email prevencion.trv@quironsalud.es or through the web http://www.quironsalud.es/torrevieja/es.
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### Summer Fatalities Increased by Fifteen Percent

During the summer months of July and August, 259 people lost their lives on the roads of Spain, 34 more deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 15%.

In July, 2018, there were 127 deaths due to traffic incidents on interurban roads, which showed an increase of 6 deaths compared to July last year. In the month of August, 2018, 132 people died in a traffic related incident, 28 more than in August of last year.
In terms of those who were injured to such an extent that they required hospitalisation, 491 people were injured in July and 413 in August.







Since the beginning of the period of monitoring, the summer of 2001, the data shows how there were 845 deaths in that first year. In the summer of 2010, there were 362 deaths, and 2014 saw the record low of 220 deaths, although still far too many. Since the year 2012, the number of deaths in the summer has varied in the range of between 220 to 260, thus averaging 240, and so this year´s 259 is well over that average number of deaths.
AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITIES OF SPAIN.
With respect to comparison of this year with the summer of 2017, the autonomous communities that have seen an increase in the number of deaths have been: Comunitat Valenciana (+13), Galicia (+11), Aragón and Castilla y León (+7), Canarias (+6), Catalonia, Comunidad Foral de Navarra and Basque Country (+3) and Región de Murcia (+1).
Andalusia, Principality of Asturias, Illes Balears, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Comunidad de Madrid and La Rioja presented decreases in regards to the number of deaths in traffic related incidents in the summer of 2018 in respect of 2017.

ACCUMULATION FOR THE YEAR
Since the beginning of the year until the 31 of August, 799 people have lost their lives, 24 more than in the same period of the previous year.
 
CHARACTERISTICS OF INCIDENTS

Distribution of deaths by type of road:




Deceased (24h)

2017


2018


Differences 2018/2017



Highways and motorways

51


61


10



Roads

174


198


24



Total

225


259


34




*76% of fatalities were on secondary roads.

Distribution of deaths by type of incident:




Deceased (24h)

2017


2018


Differences 2018/2017



A front-end collision

64


53


-11



Side-impact collision and frontolateral

28


40


12



Rear-end collision and multiple

22


13


-9



Leaving the road

77


108


31



Rollover

6


1


-5



Hit a pedestrian

16


24


8



Another type

12


17


5



Without specifying

0


3


3



Total

225


259


34





Distribution of incident types on interurban roads:





Distribution %


Road conventional. Year 2018



A front-end collision

29%



Side-impact collision and frontolateral

15%



Rear-end collision and multiple

2%



Leaving the road

37%



Rollover

1%



Hit a pedestrian

10%



Another type

5%



Without specifying

1%



Total

100%




• Distribution of deceased by means of displacement:



Means of displacement

2017


2018


Differences 2018/2017


Percentage distribution



Pedestrians

15


23


8


9%



Bike

7


8


1


3%



Moped

7


6


-1


2%



Motorcycle

54


52


-2


20%



Vulnerable users

68


66


-2


34%



Rest

157


193


36


66%



Total

225


259


34


100%




• Distribution of deaths according to age:




Age group


2017


2018


Dist % 2018


Differences 2018/2017



Up to 14 years

5


5


2%


0



15 to 24 years

30


35


14%


5



25 to 34 years

36


47


18%


11



35 to 44 years old

44


40


15%


-4



45 to 54 years old

43


40


15%


-3



55 to 64 years

39


40


15%


1



65 to 74 years

14


22


8%


8



75 to 84 years

8


16


6%


8



85 years and over

6


8


3%


2



Unknown

0


6


2%


6



Total

225


259


100%


34



65 and over

28


46


18%


18





Safety devices:

29 people killed in passenger cars were not using a seat belt at the time of the incident, which represents 23% of the total number of deceased in that type of vehicle.
Regarding the use of helmets, 1 moped rider and 2 other motorbike riders were not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. In the case of the cyclists who died, all of them used a helmet.
The 5 children under the age of 12 years who died in passenger cars, or vans were using safety accessories.
DISPLACEMENT
During the months of July and August, there have been 88.5 million long-haul journeys by road, with an average of 2.8 million daily journeys, which represents an increase of 1% in respect of the journeys that were recorded last summer (87,7 million).
In July, there were 42.3 million long-distance movements, a decrease  of 1% compared to July of last year.
In August, the increase was of 3% compared to the same month of the previous year. Specifically, in August, there were 46.3 million trips compared to the 44.9 million registered in August last year.
PREVENTIVE CAMPAIGNS
During the summer months, the DGT has deployed an intense activity of supervision and control of movement through different campaigns and actions.
During the two summer months, there were four special campaigns where they have intensified the surveillance of motorcycles, vans, speed and alcohol and other drugs.
The first of these campaigns saw the intensification of the surveillance of the conditions and manner in which motorcycles move. The officers from the Guardia Civil controlled 14.680 riders, who are responsible for 393. 80% of complaints on conventional roads.
The second of these campaigns had as its goal the intensification of the surveillance of the conditions and movement of vans. In five days, traffic officers detected 136 drivers of vans with the presence of alcohol or drugs in their body, 98 of them testing positive for alcohol and 38 for different types of drugs. In total, 37,200 people in vans were checked, of which 3,151 (8.5%) of drivers were reported for violating some form of traffic law.
In August, the month in which additional displacements are produced by road, the officers intensified checks on excessive or inappropriate speed, mainly on secondary roads. During that week (6 to 12 August) more than 380,000 vehicles were monitored, and 18.312 were reported by driving at speeds higher than permitted.
During the bridging holiday of August 15, there were increased controls on alcohol and other drugs, performing more than 64,500 tests. In three days, 1.133 drivers were detected behind the wheel having consumed some form of psychoactive substance.
VULNERABLE AND INAPPROPRIATE SPEED
The Director General of Traffic has noted that the data invites us to concentrate efforts on the roads, in the control of speed and distractions, and in the protection of vulnerable users.
Before the end, the Director General of Traffic has thanked “the effort and dedication of those who work every day for a safer mobility (agents of the Traffic Group of the Guardia Civil, staff of the Traffic Management Centres and helicopter patrols, as well as all the staff of the services and maintenance of roads, and emergency services). He also wanted to thank the majority of drivers for their prudence and responsibility that they put behind the wheel”.

 

Excerpt: During the summer months of July and August, 259 people lost their lives on the roads of Spain, 34 more deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 15%. In July, 2018, there were 127 deaths due to traffic incidents on interurban roads, which showed an increase of 6 deaths compared …

### Judge Awards 100k Compensation after Town Hall Failings

A judge in Elche has condemned Torrevieja town hall to pay 95,816 euro from public money to a Local Police officer for psychological and moral damages caused by the previous government, run by the Partido Popular and mayoral contestant Eduardo Dolón, failing to prevent “years” of harassment in the workplace.

The 38-year-old officer was forced to transfer to another town as a result of the abuse, and so, having not had his case dealt with by the current Vice President of the Provincial Government, Eduardo Dolón, who lost the elections in Torrevieja for his party, was forced to file a complaint with the courts.

The court upheld the complaint, stating that the town hall, then under the PP rule, failed to even recognise the existence of workplace harassment, nor the transfer of the officer, for which damages of nearly a quarter of a million were modified to just under 96 thousand, based on the confirmed medical reports accompanying the case.

The judge acknowledges that the council, at the time under the control of Eduardo Dolón, “despite being aware of the facts”, acted with “carelessness and absolute neglect" at the time. The court also acknowledges that the evidence provided by the officer, who began working for Torrevieja Local Police in 2010, proves how the town hall were warned from the beginning of “administrative irregularities” consisting of a lack of control of cash for fines or systematic inspections in certain locations.

When the officer complained about the apparent and potentially fraudulent activity that went all the way to the top of the police chain, he began to suffer “irregularities” such as shift changes without warning, denial of holidays, imposed shifts, personal insults and other abuse, none of which were dealt with by the most senior of management, Eduardo Dolón.

The public must now fund that abuse and neglect and, although the officer has been correctly compensated through the courts, this is the latest case to come to light against Eduardo Dolón, who recently tried to oust the current mayor, José Manual Dolón, and is set to try to return as the head of the PP, and obtain the post of mayor once again in the next elections in the early part of next year.

### Six Arrested in La Mata Market Clampdown

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested six people in Torrevieja, all men aged between 31 and 52, on suspicion of crimes against industrial and intellectual property, after they were involved in the sale of counterfeited goods.



The investigation began after items were identified on the weekly Wednesday market at La Mata. Officers, dressed in plain clothes, were able to move freely and undetected through the market, observing fake goods for sale on stalls, and some spread on blankets on the pathway.

Amongst the products on sale were falsely branded sports shoes, handbags and purses, shirts and underwear, as well as movies and music in CD and DVD format. On the products, the officers could clearly see the embroidery and logo characteristic of known brands, and of a high quality so as to easily pass for genuine items, although the vast majority lacked packaging and labelling.

During the seize, officers recovered items with an estimated sale value of 70,000 euro, including a thousand garments and counterfeit clothing, and more than 330 CDs (CD and DVD) containing films and music without authorisation for duplication and subsequent sale.

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### Truck Driver in Lucky Blaze Escape

The driver of a truck laden with vegetables is no doubt counting his blessings after surviving a major incident involving his vehicle late on Friday night.

The fire service report that they were called to a vehicle blaze off the A-7 motorway, between Alicante and Elche, at around 02:45 in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The truck, carrying vegetables, left the A-7 motorway on a bridge and ended up on the EL-20 road below, after falling several metres, then bursting into flames.
The driver managed to escape the wreck uninjured, despite the severity of the incident.
The road was closed until around 06:30 whilst the wreck was cleared and the road was cleaned.

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Excerpt: The driver of a truck laden with vegetables is no doubt counting his blessings after surviving a major incident involving his vehicle late on Friday night. The fire service report that they were called to a vehicle blaze off the A-7 motorway, between Alicante and Elche, at around 02:45 in the early hours of Saturday …

### Road and Traffic Disruption Plans on Saturday Evening

Torrevieja Local Police are implementing measures of improvement and fluidity of traffic on Saturday evening, 8 September, between 20:30 and 22:00 that will be in place in the port area, for the celebration of the road-running race “II Legua Nocturna Port of Torrevieja”.



The event may depend on weather developments during Saturday, as heavy rain is forecast for the whole weekend.

-The access to the seafront and the port area will be closed by Faleria avenue and Paseo Vistalegre at approximately 8:30 p.m. Access to Vistalegre Parking and the garages will be possible through calles Ramón Gallud and Patricio Pérez.

-The road closure will affect drivers who intend to access the seafront and port area from Avenida Gregorio Marañón in the north and calle San Policarpo.

- Between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., it will not be possible to access Paseo Vistalegre or Avenida de Libertad, nor to the public car parks located in the port area, Marina Salinas, or Vista Alegre parking.

- In the same time slot, from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the departure of vehicles from the port area and the parking lot will be restricted to those authorised and controlled by the local police or Proteccion Civil officers. The exit of the port area by authorised vehicles can be made by avenida libertad, calle ramón y cajal or avenida libertad and calle rambla juan mateo.

- Between 8:30 p.m. and 8:55 p.m., access to the port area can be done through calles Ramón Gallud and María Parodi along Avenida la Libertad at the roundabout located in front of the Casino.

- The taxi stop on Avenida la Libertad will be affected between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on account of the closure of access, and by calles María Parodi from calle Pedro Lorca. Taxis will be available from the ranks at calles Ramón y Cajal or Rambla Juan Mateo.

- The departure of the Tourist Train at 9:00 p.m. will not be affected. The 10:00 p.m. departure also shouldn´t be affected, but this may depend on any delays in the start and end of the event.

- Bus access to the stop by the interchange on avenida Faleria will not be affected.

- Access to Miguel Hernández Plasa, Virgen del Carmen Centre and Plaza de Oriente public car parks will not be affected.

### Other Healthier Ways to School

In addition to the car or school bus there are other ways of getting to school, ways which may offer a healthier alternative such as cycling or walking.

If you are cycling, remember that when you are on the road, your bicycle is a vehicle just like any other. That means that the laws that apply to car drivers, for example, also apply to cyclists.
You are not allowed to ride through red lights and you mustn´t use a mobile phone when cycling. In addition, the use of headphones, or anything that covers or plugs into the ear like headphones, is prohibited, and so you can´t listen to music either.
It is also mandatory that your bike has a bell and always, without exception, wear a helmet.
Be courteous on your bike, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and allow plenty of room if you are passing parked vehicles, looking out for anything or anyone who may be crossing between, and for car doors opening.
Be seen. Wear high visibility clothing. This is mandatory during times of poor visibility, such as darkness or rain, as is lights, but it is also advisable at all times. Also remember that the maximum number of cycles allowed side by side is 2, and only when no other vehicles need to pass. If there are other vehicles on the road, you must be in single file.
The same applies to walking. Be seen and walk in single file if no pavement exists.
If walking in a group at night, you must also use lights at the front and back.
Always be ware, alert and careful, and your journey to school can be healthy and fun, but always trying to make it as safe as it can be.

Excerpt: In addition to the car or school bus there are other ways of getting to school, ways which may offer a healthier alternative such as cycling or walking. If you are cycling, remember that when you are on the road, your bicycle is a vehicle just like any other. That means that the laws that …

### Advice for those not on the school run

As we head into September and the great “back to school” event, we must also consider those not on the school run, or those without children who may now have a different experience on their journey than of late.

All road users must be reminded that traffic will increase at certain times of day as parents and guardians resume the school run. It is normal for traffic to increase in the mornings because of this, which in turn can result in delays. The same situation applies at the end of the school day, but at what time? Often, in Spain, schools operate a less robust timetable, adapting to such things as weather conditions and light, and so the school day often varies from season to season. All non-parents can do to prepare for this is be aware of the changing timetable and allow extra time for all journeys.
You will also now see more buses on the roads, those buses operating on the school run will display a pictogram which shows the type of service they are operating. This is not only useful for parents and guardians for spotting school buses, but acts as an indication to all road users that the service is a school bus, carrying children, and is therefore subject to a restricted speed, the maximum permitted speed must be reduced by 10 kilometres per hour, and, when it stops, children may wander into the road, so they must be given more space and attention.
If you approach a school bus which has stopped, slow down and take it easy, being extra observant and giving the bus more room than you might with other vehicles. There is a chance that some children may be late and run into the road to catch the bus, or those leaving the bus might wander around, oblivious to their surroundings, and so vigilance is crucial.
If a bus is indicating to pull out, let it. There may be a temptation to try to pass the bus, but courtesy is key, so please give way, if it´s safe to do so.
 

Excerpt: As we head into September and the great “back to school” event, we must also consider those not on the school run, or those without children who may now have a different experience on their journey than of late. All road users must be reminded that traffic will increase at certain times of day as …

### Model Boats on Night Navigation Exercise

Starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, the 10th edition of Radio Navigation, organised by the Naval Modelling Association of Torrevieja, will take place on the lake at the park of nations.

The park is the ideal location for such an event, as the lake is a scaled down replica of Europe, including flags representing the countries, and so miniature boats sailing through the calm waters lends an air of near realism to the proceedings.

The participating model captains will show off their skill with their radio controlled boats, with prizes for the best decorated and illuminated boats.

 

### Paella in La Mata on Sunday

On Sunday 8 September, La Mata will be host to a paella competition. Taking place in the main square, just opposite the church, contestants will prepare this traditional peasant dish, with the hope of being crowned champion cook of the rice-based dish.

There will be prizes awarded for the best in each of the competition categories, with the contest set to be a fierce food fight for the right to be rice champ.

As well as the3 competition, which starts from 9 in the morning, there will also be bouncy castles, Zumba, and salsa classes (the dance, not sauce).

A fantastic, fun-filled, food-packed day waits, at the La Mata fiesta.

### On the School Run

If you are taking your children to school by car, remember that children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed in the front seats. There are one or two exceptions, which you can read about on the website, n332.es.

All occupants must be secured in the vehicle, by means of a seatbelt, or specially designed retention system suitable for them, that includes children. Those of a younger age must have a suitable seat which must be secured.
All objects must also be secure in the vehicle. That not only means their school bags, lunchboxes and football kit, but also that school project they have to take in, nearer the end of term.
When you arrive at the school drop off point, remember that the laws still apply to you, the same as any other driver. You are still not allowed to double park, block entrances, or park in an illegal place with your hazard lights on just because you are dropping off your children for school.
You must choose a safe, convenient and legal place to drop off your children. Where possible, ensure that they exit the vehicle on the pavement side, still warning them to be aware of their surroundings before opening the door. They may hit a pedestrian, item of street furniture, or another object, so they should be taught to be aware and alert before opening the door. If they have to leave on the road side, vigilance is even more important, they must check it is totally safe before opening the door, and must move to the pavement as soon as possible.
Remember, when you are about to pull away, pay extra attention to your surroundings too, including rigorous checks of your blind spots, as there could be children or other road users appearing from anywhere.

Excerpt: If you are taking your children to school by car, remember that children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed in the front seats. There are one or two exceptions, which you can read about on the website, n332.es. All occupants must be secured in the vehicle, by means of a seatbelt, or specially …

### Back to School on the Bus

As many parents and guardians prepare to send their little ones and not-so-little-ones off to the next stage of their educational development, it time once again to think about how to stay a little safer on that journey to and from school.

Every day, 230,000 students use buses to go to and from school, and with around 17,000 buses (some 40% of the entire private fleet) used as dedicated transport vehicles on the school run.
Generally speaking, using a bus for school transport is a safe means of travel, however, we can all consider how these vehicle occupants can become vulnerable, and hopefully, by being aware, avoid possible problems and injuries on the journey.
On the bus, if seatbelts are provided, they must be used. According to several studies, the use of a seatbelt whilst in a bus would reduce fatal injuries by 90% in the event of a head-on collision or rollover, since, correctly fastened, they prevent the passenger being projected from their seat and reduces impacts on the chest, abdomen and legs.
Since October 2007, all new buses must have seatbelts fitted, although that still leaves a lot of the fleet without seatbelts, many of those over 11 years old. The government has this year progressed a proposal to guarantee that all buses used on school runs must have seatbelts, although, as with all legislative changes, if this does become mandatory it is likely to take many years, at which time the antique fleet may also have been replaced with newer vehicles in which seatbelts are mandatory.
Trips from home to school can be a good time for the adult accompanying children to remind them of some messages about road safety, such as:

Never stop behind the bus.
Wait for the driver’s signal and always cross at least three metres ahead.
Inside the bus, stay seated and with the seatbelt on, if it is installed.
Do not run when you get to the bus, or when leaving.
Obey the driver and the monitor.

In addition, parents should check the safety of the buses in which their children are travelling, and try to lobby the school to only hire buses with seatbelts and check that a monitor accompanies the children during the journey.
During late September, there will be an awareness campaign focussing on seatbelt and child restraint use, and the use of seatbelts on school buses (where fitted). The Guardia Civil, DGT, local and regional police will all be working together to check on these vehicles and the use of seatbelts, although in fairness, they should not have to enforce any laws which are designed with one single aim, so save lives.

Excerpt: As many parents and guardians prepare to send their little ones and not-so-little-ones off to the next stage of their educational development, it time once again to think about how to stay a little safer on that journey to and from school. Every day, 230,000 students use buses to go to and from school, and …

### Orquesta Sinfónica de Torrevieja Presents the 2018-2019 Schedule

The Orquesta Sinfónica de Torrevieja, or Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra (OST), has presented its annual program for the 2018 to 2019 season.

Violinist Stanislav Tkach, President of the OST, Pelayo Mellado, Torrevieja councillor of culture, Domingo Pérez, the and OST director, José Francisco Sánchez.

The schedule was presented in the company of the councillor of culture, Domingo Pérez, the President of the OST, Pelayo Mellado, and its director, José Francisco Sánchez, along with violinist Stanislav Tkachm who, as a novelty, will direct a new series of four concerts of Chamber Music.



 

Domingo Pérez was the first to present the work of the OST, emphasising its cultural contribution to the city of Torrevieja. "Having a group that is in charge of both, as the orchestra's directors do, is an irreplaceable aid and always offers a cultural proposal of the first order," said the councillor, praising the orchestra for the great reception they have at their concerts , "We all know the amount of the people who listens to them assiduously."

 

In turn, Pelayo Mellado explained that this season is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra. To celebrate these ten years, the association has announced a new program consisting of six concerts with prestigious European artists. In addition, a book is being published that includes the history, which will be presented on October 24th.



Regarding the concerts, the program has been designed with the public in mind and will have a classic repertoire like the first of them, on October 27, with music by Tchaikovsky and Dvorak, and a concert for flute and orchestra by the soloist Jordi López, who will play Mozart and Schubert on December 2. There will also be two concerts to celebrate the New Year and Three Kings on the 5th and 6th of January with waltzes, polka and Spanish music. On March 2 a concert will be held in honour of the Nordic audience with the music of Grieg.

In spring, the OST has prepared a much-requested concert, taking place on April 6, with popular movie soundtracks such as Memories of Africa, Jurassic Park, Gladiator, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The program will end with a concert of Spanish music with preludes and interludes of Zarzuelas on May 11.

José Francisco Sánchez wanted to thank the board of directors, the musicians and the sponsors for the work throughout the years. "This orchestra started as a chamber group, a quartet that I had the illusion to improve, with the goal of achieving a dream and filling the Torrevieja International Auditorium. This dream has been fulfilled. We have more than twenty concerts doing it ", he said.

Pelayo Mellado and José Francisco Sánchez also wanted to thank the original resident audience, especially from countries such as Germany, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, as well as Torrevieja, who have begun to attend concerts more frequently.

Apart from the programming of the OST, the cycle of four concerts of Chamber Music has been organized in the Auditorium chamber room, which has 420 seats in total and "very good acoustics", in the words of Mellado. "We have put some very affordable prices, about eight euro per ticket and seven euro for the members." The president also reminded all concerned that this year a bus service has been launched to take attendees to the auditorium with stops at Eras de la Sal, Hotel Fontana and BP Gas Station, a very useful service for all retirees and seniors who live far from the place.

The violinist Stanislav Tkach, director of the new cycle, has detailed the dates and the programming of the four concerts, ensuring that in his trips to 22 countries he had never met such a welcoming audience. In fact, this project has been made to grant the numerous requests of the public who also asked for chamber music. The cycle opens on September 15 at 20:00 with a selection of works by Beethoven and Shostakovich. The second concert, with compositions by Mozart, will be on January 26. The third, April 20, will be held to celebrate Holy Week with music by Handel, Vivaldi and Bach, and in the last one, on June 8, there will be performances by Mozart and Haydn.

Finally, Mellado clarified that the tickets for the concerts can be purchased every Monday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and in the afternoon, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the headquarters of the entity, on calle Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, 23.

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### Fantastic Exhibition at the Vista Alegre

The Vista Alegre exhibition hall is hosting a beautiful exhibition of artwork which reflects life from the beauty of the environment which surrounds us, often unnoticed, but always in our paths and our past.

Manuel Menárguez has a degree in Fine Arts from the Faculty of BBAA. of San Carlos, Valencia, specialising in mural painting. He is also an interior architect and designer qualified from the Federación Internacional de Arquitectos de Interior en el Colegio Nacional de Diseñadores, and is deputy for the Escuela de Artes Aplicadas y Oficios Artísticos, Valencia.

He has had practical experience receiving mosaic training in Ravenna, Italy,restoration and stained glass in Paris, France and specialisation of works of art in Spain.

From 1986 to the today, he has created more than thirty individual exhibitions in international cities such as Tokyo, New York, Paris, Miami, and also domestic locations such as Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Granada, Orihuela, Murcia, Cartagena, Lorca, Molina de Segura and Alcantarillas, as well as participating in numerous group exhibitions.

 
In each work, I reflect on the environment and the degradation that human beings are irremissibly subjecting it to. We destroy each other, in an excessive desire for self-liquidation.

We do not realise that our time is short, it always turns, it flows and the present is so brief that we cannot grasp it, it escapes us.

"Nobody appreciates time, they use it carelessly, as if it were free"

When I create my works, I always think we should dedicate our efforts and intelligence to find our essence, but we are not cloaks of it, why do not even create the future, the end of tomorrow inexorably becomes today. We live the reflection of what we are and not of what we could be.

My work is of an ethnic, primitive contemporaneity, in which wood and stone coexist forming a whole.

I let intuition, experience, and inner silence flow in each work.

"Life will flow in silence ... .. with everything will come death, which, whether you want or not, you have to deliver"
 

www.mizar21artdesign.es

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### CONFIRMED - Jesús completes the goal-keeping line-up

CD Torrevieja has closed a deal to sign Jesús Dueñas Sáez (Catral, 1995) to the club. Jesús plays in the position of goalkeeper.

The goalie joins us from Atlético Catral CF where he has spent the whole of his sporting career, after training with the junior teams of Elche CF and Kelme CF.

Welcome Jesús!

### CD TORREVIEJA 18-19 SEASON TICKETS | THIS IS YOUR TEAM!

TIMETABLE AND CD TORREVIEJA 18-19 SEASON TICKET POINTS OF SALE:

 	Start date: Thursday 30 August.
 	End date: End of October.
 	Point of sale: The offices in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56, bajo.
 	Times: Monday from 17:00 to 20:00h, Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 to 13:30h and from 17:00 to 20:00h and Friday from 10:00 to 13:30h.

SEASON TICKETS FROM 50€, THE PRICE INCLUDES:

 	League matches.
 	15% discount on merchandise.
 	25% discount on tickets.
 	Free entrance to friendly matches.
 	Discount on PLAY OFF matches.

In addition, the CD TORREVIEJA SEASON TICKET CAMPAIGN also has special promotions and important discounts for families, associations, over 65s, members of supporters’ clubs, disabled and the long-term unemployed. Under 14s gain FREE entry. But that’s not all, we also have a fan card for 30€ which gives a 25% discount on the price of entry tickets and 15% discount on merchandise.

You can find detailed information in the form of an informative dossier on our website in the season ticket section.

Web: www.clubdeportivotorreviejacom

#EsteEsTuEquipo!

### Diesel to be Taxed in 2019

The president of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, has advanced the preliminary draft of the state budgets for 2019, which includes a tax on diesel fuel.

During a radio interview with Cadena SER, Sánchez has said that the tax on diesel is part of the overall plan of sustainability and environmental protection, rather than a mere money making exercise. Sanchez indicated that there is an important challenge, which is climate change, for which, “Everything that has to do with the country’s energy transition and sustainability, such as private mobility, which is highly polluting, will translate into an increase in tax,” although he went on to add that this tax will not affect transport professionals.
Sánchez was also questioned about the ongoing dispute within the “hyper-regulated” taxi sector, and the problems where private hire vehicles, or “rental vehicles with driver” (VTC), in which “nothing is regulated”, to which the President commented that he wishes to find a “balance point”.
The number of VTC vehicles, those of firms such as Uber and Cabify, are increasing closer to the numbers of marked taxis, despite the officially agreed ration of one VTC to three taxis, on account of additional licences are being granted through court cases, in some areas the balance has become of huge difference.
The ministers responsible believe that this problem requires a solution, “although not definitive, that at they at least introduce rationalisation, fairness and equity in the treatment”, which happens because it is the autonomous communities, and not the central government, that regulate this sector in their respective territories.
In this sense, Sánchez said that the taxi sector was “reasonably” satisfied with the measures announced by the Executive, which will materialise from the Ministry of Development in the “next few” days.
Facing other taxation questions, the President of the Government avoided ruling on whether there are plans to create a new tax on banks, as he had initially indicated, but he did confirm that the Government’s proposal is a tax on financial transactions.
On the other hand, Sánchez insisted that there is a “great” margin to increase the revenue from Corporate Tax and for large companies to contribute more. He has reiterated that the Corporation Tax must have a minimum rate of 15%, because “this is fiscal justice”.

Excerpt: The president of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, has advanced the preliminary draft of the state budgets for 2019, which includes a tax on diesel fuel. During a radio interview with Cadena SER, Sánchez has said that the tax on diesel is part of the overall plan of sustainability and environmental protection, rather than a mere …

### Overnight Earthquake at La Mata

Measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale, a minor earthquake rumbled Torrevieja in the early hours of Monday morning, in the midst of an overnight thunder storm

With its epicentre touching on the salt lakes in La Mata, Torrevieja, an earthquake measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale rumbled through Torrevieja and the surrounding area in the early hours of Monday morning.

The earthquake was registered at 03:38 and triggered sensors in neighbouring towns as well as Torrevieja.

### Check your Card Statement if you Shopped at Carrefour

A consumer watchdog has confirmed that super-sized supermarket chain Carrefour double charged consumers for card purchases due to a computer error.

The problem occurred across their chain of store in Spain on August 6, 2018, and the company has said that the error was spotted and rectified a few days later.

However, if you did purchase anything on August 6, you are advised to check your statements and ensure that a refund has been issued.

A number of concerned shoppers have contacted FACUA, the Consumers in Action group, complaining about the glitch. One reported, "I made a purchase on August 6 for a total of 108 euro and on the 23rd I realised that I had been charged again that amount with the same concept."

Another complained, "I went to the store where I made the purchase to get the amount back but the only thing they did was fill out a document where they left a record of what had happened, I had to come back a few days later and talk to a person in charge of the centre to get my money back, in cash."

Those affected have also reported the lack of communication by the company, and have said that they only discovered that they had been charged again when checking the statements of their accounts and cards. Similarly, some have said that they have not yet been given a solution and the money has not been returned.

However, when challenged by FACUA, Carrefour assured them that they had been "punctual" in returning the money, as of Monday, August 27, they “have begun to make the returns".

### Alicante Octobeerfest – 5 to 9 October 2018

Alicante is the first local location to publicise Octoberfest, with the third incarnation of their now annual celebration of the liquid refreshment known as beer.

Playing with the words, they have named their celebration Octobeerfest, which does sum up everything about October and beer in one word, very clever (Although we think they should name the city ALEicante for the month too (hmm, maybe not).
Anyway, back to the details. The event is taking place on October 5 to 9 on Poligono de San Blas, which you probably already know is located on Avenida Del Doctor Rico, and is set to be awash with beers from around the globe.
Of course, other Octoberfests will be available, and we will seek those out for you during the rest of this month, but at least the first weekend is covered with the III Octobeerfest Alicante (click to visit Facebook event page for more details).

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Excerpt: Alicante is the first local location to publicise Octoberfest, with the third incarnation of their now annual celebration of the liquid refreshment known as beer. Playing with the words, they have named their celebration Octobeerfest, which does sum up everything about October and beer in one word, very clever (Although we think they should name …

### The Last Busy Weekend of Summer 2018

As summer 2018 is about to come to a close, this weekend marks the last busy weekends on the roads.

Starting at 15:00 on Friday, the DGT is preparing for an estimated 4.2 million journeys by road this weekend, in a special operation that will run until midnight on Sunday.
Operation “Retorno del Verano” will see most of the remaining domestic tourists return from the coastal and mountainous regions to their inland homes.
The main concentrations of traffic, will follow a few basic profiles:

Tourists returning from to large urban centres, which will happen all weekend, especially on Sunday.
Typical trips for a summer weekend to beaches, and leisure and retail areas.
Displacements towards other European countries of habitual residence.

 
As always during busy weekends like this, the special operation will see a number of protocols implemented to provide a smoother flow of traffic.
This will include:

The installation of additional and reversible lanes with cones at the busiest times on the main access roads to large cities.
The restriction of the movement of vehicles of dangerous goods, special transport and trucks in general and those that transport certain goods in certain sections, dates and times.
The paralysis of road works on the roads and limitation to the holding of sports events and other events involving the occupation of the road.
The provision of recommended alternate routes according to origin and destination, to avoid the downtown area, which is the one with the highest intensity and the design of itineraries from the coastal area to Madrid with distances and travel times.
The intensification of speed controls, with special attention to large excesses carried out by foreign vehicles, with the aim of reducing the incident rate caused by driving at inadequate or excessive speeds. The controls will be made at the roadside and from the air.

 
All available staff will be on duty throughout the weekend, including:

Around 6,000 traffic officers from the Guardia Civil who will ensure safety on the road, assist drivers who need it and monitor that safe driving is carried out, according to the rules of the road.
More than 600 officials and specialised technical personnel of the DGT in the seven Traffic Management Centres.
More than 13,000 employees of conservation and exploitation companies of the Ministry of Public Works and the rest of the road’s licensees, as well as personnel from the emergency services.

 
Despite all of the measures being put in place, there is one factor still outside the direct control of the DGT, the actions and attitudes of individual drivers. It is important to be aware that the roads are shared spaces, and the responsibility for safe movement lies with every single road user.
According to the Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, “the device we have prepared, will have real meaning if all the different road users are aware of the responsibility we have when we get on the road… The actions we take on the road have a direct and chained impact on other road users, therefore prudence and respect for traffic regulations is essential.”
BE PREPARED
You should plan your route before leaving, allowing extra time for your journey than you might think. You can follow the DGT on Twitter for up to date travel information, @informacionDGT and @DGTes, and monitor live traffic, updated every few minutes, at www.dgt.es.
Take breaks at least every two hours, and as soon as you start to feel tired, as fatigue and sleep whilst driving are a continual cause of incidents.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when driving. Although alcohol limits exist, the best advice is always to consume zero if you´re driving. Alcohol and drugs both can have deadly consequences.
Respect the maximum permitted speed limits on each road and maintain the safety distance with the preceding vehicle.
Keep all the occupants of the vehicle secure, ensuring they wear a seatbelt on all journeys, remembering also that children under 135 cm in height must sit in the rear seats and with an appropriate child restraint system.
Pay special attention to motorcycles, and cycles, as they are especially vulnerable, especially on curves and on secondary roads. Motorcyclists and cyclists, remember to adhere to the rules too.
Remember that if you are going to overtake a cyclist, the law requires that you keep a minimum lateral separation of 1.5 metres as you pass, and you must not endanger or hinder the progress of cyclists.

Excerpt: As summer 2018 is about to come to a close, this weekend marks the last busy weekends on the roads. Starting at 15:00 on Friday, the DGT is preparing for an estimated 4.2 million journeys by road this weekend, in a special operation that will run until midnight on Sunday. Operation “Retorno del Verano” will …

### It’s the start of the new season! CD Torrevieja vs UD Horadada

The first match of the new football season will take place this Sunday 2 September at 19:00h at the Nelson Mandela stadium in Torrevieja between CD Torrevieja and UD Horadada.

The club face this derby with a new lease of life, renewed expectations for the 2018/19 season, and a whole new plan of action, not only for the first team but for the reserves and Under-18s as well. The management are planning not only for the short term but are thinking hard about medium and long-term measures too.

In addition, the season ticket campaign has been launched, and anyone interested in purchasing their can do so from the Club’s office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56, bajo.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela. Let’s go Torrevieja!

### Los Secretos and Kiko Veneno perform in Eras de la Sal

On Friday 31 August, starting at 10:30 at night, the very popular Los Secretos music group will be performing as part of an end of summer concert line up, supported by Kiko Veneno.

This live music event will be taking place at one of the most emblematic places in Torrevieja, the Eras de la Sal outdoor concert arena, just by the main promenade.

For more information and tickets, visit https://www.horizonte-musical.com/events/los-secretos-kiko-veneno-eras-la-sal-torrevieja/ and get yourself down there for the end of summer event like no other.

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### Vandals desecrate RBL memorials to brave British soldiers

There was outrage amongst members of the Royal British Legion as a cross to fallen war heroes and an RBL time capsule were found to have been vandalised in recent attacks in both Torrevieja and Mil Palmeras.

In La Siesta, just outside the Parish Church, the marble base of the cross standing in the RBL Memorial Garden has been damaged by someone using a heavy object. It appears to have been dealt several heavy blows with a hammer, as a result of which the rectangular base has been smashed causing several thousands of euros worth of damage.

The vandalism was first noticed by Pastor Keith Brown, the Chaplain of the Royal British Legion in Spain North, who regularly visits the monument to pay his respects. “I was absolutely mortified” he told the Leader, “when I first saw the destruction that the vandals had caused. Although I have asked around, nobody seems to have any information about the incident so there seems to be little that we can do. I will be speaking to my fellow priests at La Siesta Church, along with the President and Chairman of the Torrevieja RBL branch to see how we can stop it from happening again”.

Branch President Gillian Burden said that the police had been informed and quotes were now being sought for its repair.

Meanwhile, in a second incident in Mil Palmeras, it was the RBL time capsule that was attacked which sits alongside the Remembrance Garden in the forecourt of the Catholic Church Capilla de las Mil Palmeras.

The thick glass cover for the plinth, which protects documents, photographs and CD’s, remembering the formation and the early history of the Orihuela and Costa District Branch, was badly damaged. That too seems to have been struck a series of heavy blows with a hammer, although the two incidents are not thought to be related.

Committee member Eddie Coleman, who first noticed the smashed capsule, was hard at work repairing the damage on Thursday, removing the glass and covering the plinth with a temporary top until such time as a new cover can be ordered.

Mr Coleman also said that when he was carrying out the repair he also found evidence of drug usage by the side of the monument.

One local resident who’s property overlooks the Remembrance Garden in Mil Palmeras, said he was aware of a large group of youths sitting around the monument earlier in the week and, although he heard glass breaking, the youngsters were running off as he was able to get to his window.

The chairman of the Orihuela and Costa Branch said “There is sense of indignation and shame against the vandals who have trampled the memory of the men and women who fought for our freedoms, but we will make good the repairs and we will move on. Local people have been so supportive and respectful to both branches over the years. I am sure they will share in our outrage.”

Yes we know that our plinth has been smashed, it was done about 6 weeks ago.  We have been in touch with the police but not expecting much from them. We are waiting for quotes to come in from various firms re repair.  I didn't know that yours was smashed as well.  It must be someone who doesn't like the British.  Let me know what you are going to do about yours.

### Catch Habaneras on TV on Saturday

The vice president of the Municipal Board of Habaneras, Domingo Soler, has announced that the Spanish national TV broadcaster, TVE, will broadcast the International Habaneras Contest on their LA2 channel on Saturday, September 1.

There had been rumour and controversy surrounding this year´s television broadcast, which Soler hoped to silence, whilst explaining that the event is “the largest tourist, social and cultural event that is made in Torrevieja, there is no other like it, it has been televised for many years and this year too.”

However, Soler also explained how it had not been easy, “We have been working in silence since May to get it televised, the difficulties we have experienced are the history that I am left with”, referring to the change of the State Government that has affected the negotiation.

The 64th edition of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition, which was held from July 22 to 28, was attended in the contest phase by twelve choirs from eleven countries - Spain, Ukraine, China, Serbia, Romania, Belarus, Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, Macedonia and the Philippines.

If you don´t want to know who won, do not read on. The Philippine 'University of Philippines Singing Ambassadors' walked away with first prize, he Belarusian female choir 'The Girl's Choir Raniza' were in second place and the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga Choir of Colombia came third, along with the vocal group 'Amitié'.

### Wednesday Market at La Mata Moving

The weekly market at La Mata will move to its new home from next week, Wednesday 5 September, as announced by the councillor for markets, Javier Manzanares, today.

Manzanares has reported that the market will be located on Avenida de Francia, between Avenida de los Daneses and Avenida de los Suecos, on Avenida de los Holandeses, between Avenida de Inglaterra and Bélgica, and on Avenida de los Suecos, between Avenida de Bélgica and Inglaterra.

According to the councillor, the new location has been studied in detail and is defined as “a central point of the district, an area that is comfortable because of its size and accessibility to all citizens and visitors, since it has two bus stops only a few metres away from the downtown area and the urbanizations”.

The Mercadillo de La Mata has an emergency action plan (PAE) for any incident that may arise and will have the same number of plots as at present, 160, each of them retaining the same amount of space, a total of 893 linear metres. The positions have been distributed by public lottery, and two areas have been distinguished: food and the rest.

The councillor explained that all salespeople know where they have to be placed next week and what is the location, as well as the plot number that corresponds to each one. In addition, he recalled that with this transfer a request that had been formulating "for years" from the State Heritage has been fulfilled, moving the market from the potentially dangerous parking lot which is located on the Acequión Canal water outlet, and feared of collapse if used by this road traffic.

### Bragging Social Media Speeder Investigated

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating a 19-year-old resident of Torrevieja for a crime against road safety, after he took to social media bragging about driving at 240 kilometres per hour.

The Spanish national allegedly posted a video on social media showing his BMW vehicle travelling at 230 kilometres per hour on the A-35 motorway as it passes through Vallada in the Valencia province.
The video, which was recorded by somebody else in the vehicle, went viral and was seen be officers from the Local Police in Torrevieja, who identified the male, “without a doubt”, as he had been arrested on a number of occasions for other offences.
The Local Police officers brought the facts to the attention of the Guardia Civil, who immediately began to locate the driver and vehicle.
Investigators were also able to identify the precise road where the footage was filmed, and identify elements which would allow them to calculate the exact speed and location.

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Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating a 19-year-old resident of Torrevieja for a crime against road safety, after he took to social media bragging about driving at 240 kilometres per hour. The Spanish national allegedly posted a video on social media showing his BMW vehicle travelling at 230 kilometres per hour on the A-35 …

### Fran Caballero to Provide Versatility at CD Torrevieja

CD Torrevieja has signed Francisco Caballero Torralbo (Elche, 1994) to the club, after both parties reached an agreement. Fran Caballero is a defender, who stands out for his versatility as he isable toplay in several positions equally well. He also brings commitment, speed and great passing skills to the game.

The Elche-born player joins CD Torrevieja from UD Ilicitana, where last season he scored two goals in 11 matches. He had joined the Elche club at the beginning of February straight from Atlético Puertollano. Before that, he spent two previous seasons at UD Ilicitana. He’s definitely a player to count on.

Welcome Fran Caballero!

### Download the Free Torrevieja Hospital App

NOTE: This is an historic article. This app no longer works for health services in Torrevieja since medical services were reverted back to public management.

The Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja has launched a mobile app which allows patients to view their data, history and results on their mobile phones, as well as booking appointments.

In addition, the app can be used to confirm you have arrived at the hospital for a pre-booked appointment, without having to queue to join the admission process. Moreover, the app is available in English.

The aim of the app, according to the hospital, is to improve the experience of patients within the hospital. In order to benefit, users must be registered with the YOsalud Portal and then download the app, Yo Salud, from the Play Store.

Once registered with your SIP details, when the patient arrives at the hospital, “you will receive an automatic notification which tells you which consultation room to go to without having to confirm your arrival”.

In addition, once in the waiting room, the application notifies the patient directly on the phone when to enter the consultation room.

You can download the app on your mobile or tablet by visiting the web pages www.torrevieja-salud.com / www.vinaloposalud.com from any computer.

Once downloaded, enter your personal information: SIP, mobile phone number, health centre and date of birth. This information is then verified in the patient database, with full security guaranteed, and you receive an SMS with a password that will allow you to access the information through the app.

 

### CD Torrevieja vs UD Horadada. The new season is about to get underway!

The first match of the new football season is set to take place on Sunday 2 September at 19:00h at the Nelson Mandela grounds in Torrevieja between CD Torrevieja and local rivals UD Horadada.

The club face this derby with a new lease of life, renewed expectations for the 2018/19 season, and a whole new plan of action not only for the first team but for the reserves and Under-18s as well.

The management is about to launch the season ticket campaign, and you will be able to purchase them from the stadium ticket office on the day.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela. Let’s go Torrevieja!

### CD Torrevieja inaugurates its head office supported by fans

More than 100 people attended the inauguration of the new CD Torrevieja head office that took place on Thursday evening. Among those present were the newly crowned Queen of Salt, Cira Gualdo, and her maid, Alba García; PP councillors, Carmen Gómez, Sandra Sánchez and Inmaculada Montesinos; C’s councillor, Pilar Gómez Magán and Pablo Samper from “Sueña Torrevieja”, as well as the president of the PP’s Nuevas Generaciones, Domingo Paredes.

Unfortunately, and despite sending a personal invitation to every member of the local government, not one turned up, or even sent a reply excusing their absence. Some of the Club’s sponsors offered extra support, such as Ramón from the “Huertano” restaurant, who put on a special dinner to celebrate the event. From the various associations and groups that were invited, the vice-president of Apymeco, Tomás Viuda, was there, as was the president of the “Globus” association, Anna Semenova, who will introduce CD Torrevieja to the five thousand plus Russian residents that belong to the group, encouraging them to support the club. And, of course, the evening would not have been the same without the presence of Antonio Sala Buades, tireless CD Torrevieja chronicler, or photographer Joaquín Carrión, who attends every home game with his equipment to visually report on each match.

The event was a huge success, with the whole squad present, together with Club staff including Juanjo Fernández, Claudio Fabián, Juan Antonio, Matilde Serapio and others, who were there to welcome guests and answer any questions. Many commented on the fantastically positive atmosphere within the Club and said that they were looking forward to the start of the season so that the team could continue to show off all the hard work and excellent results that have been displayed so far during this pre-season period.

The new football kit was also on display for the first time at the event, and information about the season tickets for 2018/2019 will be posted to the website in the next few days.

One of the reasons for CD Torrevieja opening the head office in Calle Caballero de Rodas 56 was so that it could physically become a part of the city and its society. At the same time, residents can come to the office to ask for information, find out what’s going on and get to know the Club at closer proximity.

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### Juanmi, more power added to CD Torrevieja front line

CD Torrevieja has confirmed the signing of Juan Miguel Béjar Fernández (San Vicente del Raspeig, 1994) to the club, after both parties reached an agreement. Juanmi plays in the position of striker but can also play as a left midfielder. He plays well from behind, is clever on the pitch and has a powerful left-foot kick.

He spent last season with Atlético Puertollano in the Preferente group of Castilla La Mancha and stood out as one of the best attackers of the team. As a youngster, he trained with the FC Jove Español under-18 team, and then in the junior category with Alicante, Villajoyosa and Kelme, finally being signed by Mutxamel where in his first year as a senior, he scored a “hat-trick” in the Regional Preferente group.

Welcome Juanmi!

### Bicycle Use reduces Heart Attack Risk

Specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja state that the bicycle improves the immune system and prevents back and joint pain

 

Riding a bicycle reduces the risk of suffering a heart attack, according to specialists at the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The use of a bicycle has several important health benefits, saysDoctor Juan Luján, a specialist in cardiology at the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja: “it is one of the most complete activities that helps to prevent back pain, protects the joints and improves the circulatory and immunological system, as well as maintaining good mental health.”

 

According to a survey by the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU, Spanish acronym for the Organisation for Consumers and Users), the number of people using a bicycle more than once a week has grown in the past four years, to 47%. In addition, the number of people riding a bicycle to work has doubled, going from 6.8% to 11.9%, according to the latest Barómetro de la Bicicleta [Bicycle Barometer] issued by the Dirección General de Tráfico [General Transit Department].

 

Cycling is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise, with a very low risk of injury. Doctor Juan Luján, states, “In physical medicine and rehabilitation, it has been proven that cardiovascular exercise on a bicycle lowers the risk of heart attack, since it promotes an improved resistance to insulin, lowers blood pressure, increases the contractile capacity of the thorax and promotes a significant improvement in the balance of lipids in the body, lowering bad (LDL, Lipoprotein A) and raising good cholesterol (HDL).”

 

 

When riding a bicycle, we exercise the upper and lower parts of the body, performing a very complete workout, which is particularly indicated for people with weight problems or cardiovascular diseases.

 

Below, we explain some of the benefits of switching to two wheels:

 

 

More Pedalling, Less Heart Attacks

 

Riding a bicycle lowers the risk of heart attack by 50%: cycling raises your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure, so the heart saves resources. In addition, it lowers bad cholesterol, while increasing the amount of good cholesterol, which protects our blood vessels. Therefore, blood vessel flexibility improves, plaque accumulation becomes less frequent, and the risk of artery calcification is lowered.

 

 

A Good Posture prevents Back Pain

 

Depending on the type of bicycle we use, we must choose the recommended posture. The bicycle seat is our weight-bearing point so, depending on what height we adjust the seat at, we will not only be more comfortable, but benefit our back as well. In general, we recommend adjusting the seat so our body is leaning forward, so that the back muscles are engaged and the core stabilised. Cycling strengthens the lumbar region and prevents the appearance of herniated discs.

 

 

Exercised and Protected Joints 

 

Some cardio exercises, such as running, overload the joints, especially the knees. On a bicycle, however, 70-80% of the body’s weight is supported by the seat. This way, the joints exercise, but they are protected from harsh impacts and overloading. When the joints work under low pressure, energy and nutrition can be spread to the cartilage more easily. These long-term benefits prevent arthrosis.

 

A Stronger Immune System

 

Cycling favours the mobilisation of phagocytes, the cells that devour bacteria in our body. This mobilisation also aids the destruction of bacteria and cancer cells, which makes it a good therapeutic complement for cancer and AIDS patients.

 

 

A Small Effort with a Large Reward 

 

It’s not necessary to invest too much time to feel the results of cycling on your body. With only 10 minutes of cycling a day, you can feel the results at a muscular level, in your blood flow and in your joints. With 30 minutes, you can feel heart benefits, and 50 minutes stimulate the fatty acid metabolism.

 

A Healthier Mind

 

When cycling, the brain’s oxygenation improves and it produces more endorphins, “the happiness hormones”, which are produced in greater amount during exercise. In addition, it has been proven that people who ride bicycles suffer less from depression and other psychological conditions.

 

About Quirónsalud

 

Quirónsalud is the most important hospital group in Spain, and the third largest in Europe. It can be found in 13 autonomous communities in Spain, has state-of-the-art technology and offers over 6,500 beds in more than 100 healthcare centres, such as Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Hospital UniversitarioDexeus, Ruber, Centro Médico Teknon, Hospital La Luz, Policlínica de Guipúzcoa, Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, etc., as well as a huge team of highly qualified professionals of international prestige.

 

We promote teaching (seven of our centres are university hospitals) and medical and scientific research (we run the FJD [Spanish acronym, Jiménez Díaz Foundation] Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria [Healthcare Research Institute], the only private research centre licensed by the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación [Ministry for Research, Development and Innovation]).

 

Likewise, our healthcare service is organised in units and crosscutting networks that allow for the optimisation of accumulated experience at difference centres, and the clinical application of our research. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing many research projects across Spain, and many of its healthcare centres carry out cutting edge work in this field, as pioneers in different specialisations such as radiology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, neurology, oncology and sports medicine, among others.

### La Vuelta 2018 may Disrupt San Javier Airport Traffic

A stage of the La Vuelta 2019 cycle race will start at Torrevieja´s salt lakes, meanwhile, this year´s race will hit Los Alcázares and San Javier this week.

On Thursday, 30 August, a rapid stage of the race will cover much of the Murcia coast, from south to north.
The race will pass through Loa Alcázares, along the dual carriageway which passes the emergency centre, near to urbanisation Oasis, before heading to San Javier along the N-332 as it runs parallel to the AP-7 motorway.
The roads will be closed in the area, which may affect access and egress so Murcia-San Javier airport, so if you are heading for a flight, allow extra time for your journey.
Incidentally, the route will not pass through Los Narejos as was previously planned.

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Excerpt: A stage of the La Vuelta 2019 cycle race will start at Torrevieja´s salt lakes, meanwhile, this year´s race will hit Los Alcázares and San Javier this week. On Thursday, 30 August, a rapid stage of the race will cover much of the Murcia coast, from south to north. The race will pass through Loa …

### Speeding Drugged Driver Caught

The provincial police of La Rioja arrested a resident of Logroño, after he was clocked travelling at 180 kilometres per hour through Estella.

According to a report from the Policía Foral, the events took place at dawn, when a routine patrol witnessed a passenger car travelling at excessive speed.
The police activated their lights and siren and followed the vehicle, which ignored them for several minutes until finally stopping at the junction with the Navarra highway, in the Merkatondoa area.
The driver, a 35-year-old resident of Logroño, said that he had not stopped earlier because he was scared, as his driving licence had already been withdrawn.
The officers then subjected the driver to a drug test, which confirmed that he had used cannabis, amphetamines and methamphetamines.
The driver was reported for a crime against road safety, and administrative offences.

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Excerpt: The provincial police of La Rioja arrested a resident of Logroño, after he was clocked travelling at 180 kilometres per hour through Estella. According to a report from the Policía Foral, the events took place at dawn, when a routine patrol witnessed a passenger car travelling at excessive speed. The police activated their lights and …

### Murcia Amongst Cheapest for Holiday Rentals

Murcia is the second cheapest destination for holiday apartment rentals in September, according to wimdu.es.
The portal has calculated that the cost for an apartment in September in Murcia is just 17.26 euro per night, only slightly higher than the cheapest location, Cáceres, at 16.71 euro per night, taking into account the collaborative economy.
In third place is Merida at 18.78 euro per night. Burgos would occupy the fourth position, with an average of 19.73 euro, while in the fifth place top destination for sun and sand, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where the average rates are around 19.79 euro.
According to the data, other cheap sun and beach destinations are Torrevieja and Santa Pola, where the collaborative economy accommodation rates are between 20 and 26 euro per night.

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Excerpt: Murcia is the second cheapest destination for holiday apartment rentals in September, according to wimdu.es. The portal has calculated that the cost for an apartment in September in Murcia is just 17.26 euro per night, only slightly higher than the cheapest location, Cáceres, at 16.71 euro per night, taking into account the collaborative economy. In …

### Woman Rescued after Cliff Fall

Fire fighters were called to rescue a woman who had fallen from a cliff at the coves of Torrevieja on Saturday.

The woman, said to be in her fifties, had fallen in the La Higuera cove at around 11:00 in the morning.

Three rescue units and a paramedic ambulance attended the scene with fire fighters lifting her back to the top on a stretcher, before the ambulance took her to hospital with several contusions to the knee and hand.

### Lifeguard Simulation at La Mata

The beach rescue services serving Torrevieja carried out a mock rescue on the beach at La Mata. in which a practice emergency arose where a victim had suffered the effects of drowning.

The councillor for beaches, Javier Manzanares, witnessed the event and spoke of his pride in the way the emergency services worked together, saying, “We have organised a drill, which we usually do every year, to account for the reaction time of both the rescuers and the arrival of the ambulance, the local police and the transfer to the hospital, which once again has been certified so we can be sure our beaches are safe”.

In the simulation, a victim located almost 150 metres from the shore and having suffered a heart attack in the water, showed signs of suffering the effects of drowning. The rescuers followed a series of steps to save his life, from first response to hospital transfer, ensuring that established protocols were met at every stage.

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### La Vuelta 2019 to Start Stage in Torrevieja

The 2019 Tour of Spain cycle race, La Vuelta, will start a time trial at the Salinas in Torrevieja, and will have three stages in the province of Alicante, according to an announcement by the spokesperson for the organisers, Javier Guillén.



“The province of Alicante is a cyclist's paradise, with sea, mountains, harbours and plains and a climate that fits perfectly with the practice of cycling,”, Guillén said in his address at a presentation on Friday in Málaga, on the Costa del Sol.

It is not just sporting enthusiasts who are said to benefit from the race, the economic impact on the tour visiting Alicante is estimated to be around 3 million euro, with around 250,000 euro per night spent accommodating and serving the teams as they stay in the various locations around the province.

There is a secondary income too, as the race is broadcast on Spanish national and international television, with 365 million viewers worldwide, not forgetting the impact on social media with the official website generating 4.4 million visitors, and so the areas the race visits are showcased on one of the biggest platforms available where the scenery and benefits of the area are represented, thus generating, according to the organisers, interest for tourism.

### Just When You Think Things Can Only Get Better!

When the driver of a delivery van was involved in a minor collision in Navarrés, the driver didn´t realise his day was about to get a whole lot worse.

As the tow truck was in the process of recovering the van, it suffered some kind of failure, resulting in the van, which had already suffered front-end damage, rolling backwards off the truck.
As the van gained speed, it headed towards a brick wall, which it then promptly destroyed before becoming embedded and stopped by the building it surrounded, the local Guardia Civil barracks.

Luckily nobody was injured in either of the incidents, other than a few explanations having to be given as to how the vehicle became so unfortunately jinxed.

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Excerpt: When the driver of a delivery van was involved in a minor collision in Navarrés, the driver didn´t realise his day was about to get a whole lot worse. As the tow truck was in the process of recovering the van, it suffered some kind of failure, resulting in the van, which had already suffered …

### Police Awarded for Bravery

The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has reported that three officers o of the Operational Reinforcement Group (G.R.O.) of the Local Police of Torrevieja have been awarded the Cross of Police Merit with Blue Distinction by the Generalitat Valenciana for their intervention in a bank robbery.

The officers intervened in a bank office in Torrevieja, when a man, apparently armed with a pistol, kept the bank manager at gunpoint then tried to escape with the money in October, 2017.

The awards have been granted to the Inspector S-04, and the agents A-165 and I-085 who managed to free the manager, an action that is worthy of the aforementioned distinction awarded for "directing or executing successfully a service of extraordinary difficulty or importance in which relevant professional or civic qualities have been demonstrated".

### Daniel Plaza, new chief executive of CD Torrevieja

After a complete restructure of its management and organisation system, CD Torrevieja can now announce that Daniel Plaza Montero will join the club as its new chief executive. The Catalan athlete, who made Torrevieja his home many years ago, began his extensive sporting career by becoming the Spanish champion in every walking category that he entered. He participated in four World Championships, three European Championships and in three editions of the Olympic Games, excelling in his chosen discipline and becoming a role model for his country after achieving numerous medals during his career. It was precisely in Barcelona in 1992 that he achieved the highest accolade possible; Olympic Champion in the 20km walk. Dani Plaza thus became the first ever Spaniard to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games in this discipline and in athletics.

Dani Plaza was elected Councillor for Sport and Education by the former government of Torrevieja. During his time in office, he worked hard in creating the city’s municipal sports centre and making it what it is today. Partly thanks to him, Torrevieja now has seven tennis courts, six padel courts, a new municipal gym, three football pitches with artificial grass and a semi-Olympic outdoor swimming pool. Not only this, but he also introduced the grants that are awarded to various sports clubs and elite athletes within the municipality. But his merits don’t end there, as he also founded the city’s Municipal Sports Council.

Without a doubt, CD Torrevieja has bagged a spectacular sporting manager, which is evident from his experience, commitment, values and passion for sport.

Welcome Daniel Plaza!

### Chamber Music Concert by Symphonic Orchestra of Torrevieja

The Symphonic Orchestra of Torrevieja will be holding a chamber music concert in the International Auditorium in September.



The music of Beethoven and Shostakovich will meander through the halls as the orchestra takes to the stage on 15 September.

The concert will start at 8 p.m., when you can enjoy Stanislav Tkach and Pedro Vasylevsky on violin, Leticia Cámara on viola and Zourab Kalatouzichvilli on violoncello.

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### Adopt a Dog with Habaneras

The animal shelter in Torrevieja is almost always at or over capacity with abandoned or lost animals looking for a new forever home.

On August 25, two lives can change, yours and one of the animals looking for a home, as the Habaneras shopping centre hosts a special pet adoption day, in association with the municipal animal pound.

Information on the animals will be available from 10:00 in the morning, right through the day, until 9:00 p.m., and at 7:00 p.m., there will be a special parade of animals in the shopping centre.

For more information you can visit the shopping centre, or check out their website page, habaneras.es, or search Habaneras on Facebook.

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### Cruz Roja Making Beaches Accessible to All

According to a statement from the Cruz Roja, 14,955 people with reduced mobility have used specially adapted access points along the beaches of the Costa Blanca and Valencia region this summer.
To that figure, we must also add those who have visited beaches served by private contractors. The Cruz Roja look after a total of 28 of the 85 access points located in 46 coastal municipalities of the region, which covers 80% of the coast.
Compared to last summer, the Cruz Roja figures show a considerable increase from the 10,532 who were helped in 2017.
“The presence of the Red Cross on beaches allows us to exercise our commitment to the most vulnerable people, in this case with reduced mobility, facilitating their bathing in the sea,” according to the vice president of the organisation in the Valencian Community, Francisco Galvañ.

Excerpt: According to a statement from the Cruz Roja, 14,955 people with reduced mobility have used specially adapted access points along the beaches of the Costa Blanca and Valencia region this summer. To that figure, we must also add those who have visited beaches served by private contractors. The Cruz Roja look after a total of …

### Judge Rejects Dog Beach Appeal

A judge has dismissed a precautionary claim made by the community of owners of properties adjacent to Cala del Moro in Torrevieja, which aimed to suspend the use of the beach by dogs.

The residents had requested the precautionary measure within the contentious-administrative appeal filed against the town hall that had made two beaches, Punta Margallo and Cala del Mal Paso as useable by dogs accompanied by their owners.

The court has rejected the appeal as there is “no irreparable damage” to the community, because the permission for dogs to use the beach is only temporary, and only for this year.

In the appeal, the residents had asked the court to suspend the use of the beach by dogs, as they are being deprived of continually using the beach in a way they had been doing so far.

The beach for dogs has survived this appeal, but the courts will revisit the case after the summer.

### Free Driver Eye Checks in Torrevieja

Before the summer we reported on a network of opticians who were offering free eye tests specifically aimed at drivers. Now, thanks to their collaboration with N332, we are pleased to tell you that Clinica La Siesta in has extended the campaign, and will offer checkups at the clinic in Torrevieja.

From the results of a recent survey, it was revealed that more than two million drivers recognise that they have vision problems, and despite that, “two out of three drivers consider that their vision affects their road safety”.
The study highlights that most drivers recognise that their vision has worsened in recent years, and they notice it especially at night (30%), and when it comes to clearly seeing road signs (17%)
The test, specifically created for drivers, differs from the prescription test as it looks for the most typical problems that cause issues for drivers.
For more information, you can contact the clinic direct by phone on 966 78 41 95, WhatsApp on 692 13 41 36, or via their website, clinicalasiesta.com, and the entire team at the clinic speak English, so you don´t have to worry about the language barrier.
The clinic is located in the La Siesta urbanisation in Torrevieja, on Calle Rossini, where they have ample parking available and are just off the main road which links Torrevieja with Quesada, turning right if you are coming from Torrevieja centre at the roundabout after Hiperber supermarket where there are two Chinese restaurants.

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Excerpt: Before the summer we reported on a network of opticians who were offering free eye tests specifically aimed at drivers. Now, thanks to their collaboration with N332, we are pleased to tell you that Clinica La Siesta in has extended the campaign, and will offer checkups at the clinic in Torrevieja. From the results of …

### Saturday is 80th Anniversary of Torrevieja Bombing

Although every year on August 25, Torrevieja remembers those killed by the fascist bomb attack in 1938, this year marks a special date, as it is 80 years since the attack.

On August 25, 1938, Italian fascist bombers, by order of Franco, bombarded the civilian population of Torrevieja, causing 19 deaths and numerous injuries.

It was a time during the Spanish Civil war, when the planes dropped 60 bombs onto the city, ripping through 25 homes and causing serious damage to buildings in the town centre and the port area, leaving 19 people dead and 45 injured, 25 of whom were civilians and 20 military.

Although shrouded in secrecy throughout history, like much of the Franco era, these days the horrific incident is remembered annually by those who religiously attend to reflect on a past time and remember those involved.

The fight still continues against fascism, and this memorial will never forget the event, or those affected by the past, or the future.

On Saturday at noon, a memorial gathering will take place on Paseo Marítimo Juan Aparicio, at the Hombre del Mar monument, where information on what happened will be displayed, along with relatives of those who were killed remembering their loved ones.



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### Airport Access Road Widening takes Step Closer

The scheme for widening the access road from the N-332 and motorway to Alicante-Elche Airport has taken a step closer to becoming a reality.

Owners of properties and businesses bordering the roads have been notified that activities to claim the land necessary for the widening will start in September.
The scheme will take land away from a number of residential properties, and some car hire companies that serve the airport.
From the signing of the contract to commence the project, the contractor has 34 months to complete the works which will double the number of lanes on the N-338 road, widening the road onto the airport side, from the N-332 to the A-70, just short of 5 kilometres, excluding around 800 metres at the airport link itself.
The works will cost 18.5 million euro, 36% lower than the contract tender target, and includes 4 viaducts, 2 overpasses, 2 underpasses and 2 cattle tracks.

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Excerpt: The scheme for widening the access road from the N-332 and motorway to Alicante-Elche Airport has taken a step closer to becoming a reality. Owners of properties and businesses bordering the roads have been notified that activities to claim the land necessary for the widening will start in September. The scheme will take land away …

### Eight Injured in Kamikaze Collision

A total of eight people were injured on Saturday night after a kamikaze driver, travelling in the opposite direction, collided with other vehicles on the M-30 in Madrid.

According to the preliminary investigations, which are ongoing, the driver allegedly travelled on the M-30 from kilometre 2 as far as kilometre 21, where the vehicle collided with four others.
As a result of the impact, the 52-year-old driver was semi-trapped and needed to be extracted by fire fighters, before being taken to the Clinical Hospital of Madrid with a less than serious prognosis.
One of the victims, a 31-year-old male, was totally trapped in his vehicle due to the force of the impact, resulting in fire fighters having to use various techniques in order to extract him. He was taken to the Gregorio Marañón Hospital with various injuries.
Six other people were also injured, four of whom were members of the same family, which included a child around 14 years of age.
The M-30 was closed for a time as a result of the incident, as the vehicles involved were dispersed over several metres.

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Imágenes de la intervención en el #accidente de #M30 @BomberosMad @SAMUR_PC @policiademadrid @MadridCalle30 pic.twitter.com/8qj4R6lBfT
— Emergencias Madrid (@EmergenciasMad) August 19, 2018

Excerpt: A total of eight people were injured on Saturday night after a kamikaze driver, travelling in the opposite direction, collided with other vehicles on the M-30 in Madrid. According to the preliminary investigations, which are ongoing, the driver allegedly travelled on the M-30 from kilometre 2 as far as kilometre 21, where the vehicle collided …

### International Festival of Bands

The International Festival of Bands will take place this week at the Eras de la Sal.

The two-day event will be held on Thursday and Friday, August 23 and 24.

Entrance is free for the concerts that start at 10 p.m., so it will also me nice and cool by the time the bands take to the stage.

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### Sunday 19 at 19:00, CD Torrevieja vs UCAM Murcia CF B

This Sunday 19 August at 19:00h, our team CD Torrevieja will face UCAM Murcia CF B at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Torrevieja in another pre-season friendly.

The club would like to thank UCAM Murcia CF B for their willingness to travel down to Torrevieja and take part in what will be the fifth pre-season friendly played by our club.

Below are the results from the matches played so far:

CF La Nucia 3 CD Torrevieja 1

Three-way tournament: EDM Churra 2 CD Torrevieja 0 and CD Torrevieja 0 Crevillente Deportivo 0

CD Torrevieja 1 Yeclano Deportivo 1

CD Montesinos 1 CD Torrevieja 2

Without exception, all the clubs that CD Torrevieja have played in the above pre-season friendlies are currently positioned in categories above that of our own.

The match on Sunday is set to be another important test for the team led by Manu Sánchez and will lead up to the start of the new season on 2 September and the match against UD Horadada at 19:00h at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

### Super Nanny to the Rescue

Fancy a break from the kids whilst you do your shopping? Habaneras has the answer!

Every Sunday and from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm you can give yourself an instant injection of calm and tranquillity as Super Nanny is on hand to look after the children in the Kids Area at Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja.

For more information, visit their website, habaneras.es, or download their app.

### Vegan Day in San Juan

VEGAN DAY is being celebrated today in San Juan, Alicante, as part of the areas Vegan Fest promotion, aimed at raising awareness of a growing trend in Spain for an animal-free diet.
This event hopes to be a meeting for both seasoned experts and those who want to know veganism and antispecism more closely, through talks, cooking workshops and information booths, products and food.
Accompanying visitors on this adventure will be David Román, president of the Spanish Vegetarian Union UVE, Daniel Blanco and Pablo Vidal of Gente Reverde, Mónica Valenciano of Santuario Espíritu Libre, Eva Benet Graduate in history and feminist, Aitor and Andy from Vegan Roots.
Admission is free and you can find out more information on their Facebook event page.

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Excerpt: VEGAN DAY is being celebrated today in San Juan, Alicante, as part of the areas Vegan Fest promotion, aimed at raising awareness of a growing trend in Spain for an animal-free diet. This event hopes to be a meeting for both seasoned experts and those who want to know veganism and antispecism more closely, through …

### Catalá brings up CD Torrevieja’s right flank

CD Torrevieja can now confirm the addition of Héctor Catalá Martínez (Elche, 1994) to the club, after reaching an agreement with the player. Héctor plays in right-back position. He stands out for due to his experience, strength and excellent aerial game.

Catalá joins CD Torrevieja straight from SF Benidorm CF where last season he was a fixed player on the pitch. After having trained in the junior categories of Elche CF, he made it into Preferente in 2013/2014, and thanks to a spectacular season, he was signed to Crevillente Deportivo where he played three consecutive years in the 3º División with the club.

Welcome Catalá!

### Juanpe, goalkeeper with a bright future

CD Torrevieja has closed the deal on signing Juan Pedro Navarro Valverde (Murcia, 1998) to the club, after both parties reached an agreement. Juanpe plays in goal. His strengths include his excellent reflexes and his ability to position himself well. He is a great prospect for the future.

The Murcian player trained in the Santomera CF youth team and comes to Torrevieja from CD Plus Ultra in the Murcian Preferente league, where last season he was on the verge of ascending into the 3º División. Despite his young age (19 years), he was named the best goalkeeper in the Preferente league for the whole of Murcia, based on his youth career with Ranero CF and ADM Lorqui in First Division.

Welcome Juanpe!

### Akapo, five-star midfielder for CD Torrevieja defence

CD Torrevieja has signed another new player in the form of Javier Akapo Martínez (Elche, 1996) to the club. Akapo is a midfield player. He stands out for his excellent long balls, good passes, speed and impressive aerial power.

The 21-year-old footballer has come from UD Ilicitana where last season he had an important role to play in the team’s successful campaign. Akapo also has experience of playing in the Third Division, after forming part of the CD Binéfar team in 2016-2017, during which he played 27 matches, 19 of them as captain.

Welcome Akapo!

### Millions Invested in Costa Blanca Beaches

The regional government has spent two million euro on improvements to the beaches of the Costa Blanca this summer.
The investment has seen the installation of a 100 changing rooms, 48 playgrounds, 12 accessible bathing areas, six technological palms and 10 kilometres of fencing.
The changing rooms have been installed across the region with 37 in the Valencia province, 31 in Castellon and 32 across Alicante.
The technological palm trees are devices that allow for recharging of mobile phones and provide publicity opportunities for the tourism department.
Some of the local beaches which have gained from the investment include Torrevieja, Santa Pola, Guardamar, Pilar de la Horadada and Orihuela, amongst others.

Excerpt: The regional government has spent two million euro on improvements to the beaches of the Costa Blanca this summer. The investment has seen the installation of a 100 changing rooms, 48 playgrounds, 12 accessible bathing areas, six technological palms and 10 kilometres of fencing. The changing rooms have been installed across the region with 37 …

### Birdwatching Around the Costa Blanca

The Tourism Department of the Valencia Regional Government are attending an ornithological event in the UK, to showcase what the region can offer specifically to birdwatchers
The event, Birdfair, is held at the Rutland Nature Reserve in Egleton, and is taking place from today, 17 August, until Sunday.
The world renowned event brings together more than 400 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors, and, therefore, is an “unbeatable scenario for any ornithological tourism initiative that seeks to make itself known to an international audience”, the Government said in a statement.
Valencia boasts 40 protected zones around the region, offering a wide diversity of birds to be observed, some of great interest for any British or European amateur, since they are absent or practically absent from their avifauna (Bonelli’s eagle, reddish-brown teal, White-headed duck, crabeater, Black wheatear , bee-eater, common calandria, montesino scribe, verderón serrano and others).

Excerpt: The Tourism Department of the Valencia Regional Government are attending an ornithological event in the UK, to showcase what the region can offer specifically to birdwatchers The event, Birdfair, is held at the Rutland Nature Reserve in Egleton, and is taking place from today, 17 August, until Sunday. The world renowned event brings together more …

### When will the roads be busy this weekend?

This weekend sees one of the busiest on the road network, as many of the domestic tourists drive back to their inland homes.

A special operation to improve traffic flow will be taking place throughout the weekend, with all available traffic officers on duty to assist. There will also be an increase in speed and alcohol and drugs checks, with officers on the ground supported by the DGT´s helicopters and drones.
Here are the anticipated hot times when it would be better to avoid driving, so as to avoid the busiest times.
Friday, August 17, 2018: being a normal working day, the time of the displacements will start at 15:00, which also coincides with the start of the special campaign, with departures from large cities starting to get busy. Traffic will also be busy from mid afternoon and until midnight in coastal areas.
Saturday, August 18, 2018: Queues are expected between 08:00 and 15:00 at the exit of the urban centres and access roads from the coastal areas.
Sunday August 19, 2018: The access roads to the coast, beaches and retail areas during the morning will be particularly busy. However, the problems will begin in the afternoon with the return of those who have enjoyed the weekend and their vacation days at the entrances to large urban centres. The most unfavourable time will be from 06:00 to 12:00.
If you do have to travel this weekend it is best to avoid the busiest times, allow plenty of time for your journey, remember to take plenty of breaks if going long distance, and obey the law, including speed, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding alcohol, drugs and distractions.
Have a safe journey.

Excerpt: This weekend sees one of the busiest on the road network, as many of the domestic tourists drive back to their inland homes. A special operation to improve traffic flow will be taking place throughout the weekend, with all available traffic officers on duty to assist. There will also be an increase in speed and …

### Loose Objects in the Car

A persistent question that often arises is about loose objects in the car, such as a whether you´re allowed to carry a shopping bag on the back seat.

All items in a vehicle must be secured, whether that be the occupants, or goods that are being transported, including shopping.
The reason for this is simple. In the event of a collision, loose items keep moving, and they keep moving at the speed you were travelling at the time of the collision, increasing in force.
Let us look at some simple examples, based on a vehicle travelling at 50 kilometres per hour.
A set of keys, which may seem insignificant, weighing say 40 grams, if they impact at 50 kilometres per hour, the equivalent weight is that of 500 grams. In other words, if a set of keys are left on the parcel shelf, when your vehicle travelling at 50 kilometres per hour is involved in a collision, if those keys hit you, it is the equivalent of being hit with a 500 gram weight.
Let´s look at a few other insignificant objects. A torch or an umbrella weighing around 400 grams would be the equivalent of a 5 kilogram weight. A tennis racket weighing 800 grams would be the equivalent of a 10 kilogram weight.
The same applies for animals. They must also be secured in transit. Not only for their safety, but yours as well. In terms of our examples, a dog which weighs 20 kilograms would convert to the equivalent of 250 kilograms at impact, the equivalent of just under 4 adult humans.
These examples show how weight and force can have an impact, in the hope that it may explain why it is important to secure all items in a vehicle. Although a shopping bag may not seem important, when the items become loose and fly around the vehicle, they act as projectiles which could so easily have a fatal impact.

Excerpt: A persistent question that often arises is about loose objects in the car, such as a whether you´re allowed to carry a shopping bag on the back seat. All items in a vehicle must be secured, whether that be the occupants, or goods that are being transported, including shopping. The reason for this is simple. …

### Putting your Feet up on the Dashboard

It´s that time of year again when many of us are filled with dread at a common sight on the roads, one which might appear to be “cool”, but one that has potentially deadly consequences, putting your feet up on the dashboard.

If you are seen then there is an offence, “Failing to maintain the proper position in the vehicle”, which can refer to passengers with their feet on the dashboard, drivers with their arms out the window, or any other situation where proper posture is not maintained.
The fine is 80 euro, the consequences, much harsher.
There are many reasons why this rule is important. For example, in the event of impact, the injuries sustained by a person with their feet on the dashboard are nothing less than horrific.
It is extremely easy for a body to be thrown forward in an impact, with the seatbelt unable to do its job, resulting in significant injuries as the legs are thrown through the windscreen. In cars with airbags, they are no saviour in this situation. Airbags deploy at speeds for higher than most vehicles travel, even up to 200 kilometres per hour. If your vehicle is involved in a relatively low speed impact and the airbags are deployed, your legs will be crushed by an object, the airbag and dashboard, travelling at up to 200 kilometres per hour.
The same goes for instances where limbs have been lost or severely injured on account of them protruding from the vehicle, let alone the reduced visibility as mirrors are obscured or false signals potentially given to other road users. Plus, the seats in a vehicle are designed to give maximum protection, and comfort, and not being correctly positions poses a risk, and can hinder visibility by the driver.

Excerpt: It´s that time of year again when many of us are filled with dread at a common sight on the roads, one which might appear to be “cool”, but one that has potentially deadly consequences, putting your feet up on the dashboard. If you are seen then there is an offence, “Failing to maintain the …

### Child Rescued from Locked Car as Dad goes for Tapas

The Police in the Madrid town of Alcorcón, rescued a child who had been left in a car during the hottest time of the day, whilst the father had gone for tapas.

 
The incident occurred on Saturday when the 15-year-old had been locked in the car, with the windows closed, and “in full sun”.
 
According to the City Council in a statement, it was the child himself who raised the alarm, banging on the windows of the car, which alerted several people who called the emergency services.
A Municipal Police patrol attended and rescued t child, with the help of staff from a local mechanical workshop.
The father of the child, who then returned to the scene, explained that he had only just gone to the bar to take a “pincho of cod”.
The now faces charges of a crime of negligence, according to the statement.
The Municipal Police have issued the reminder once again that a car in full sun can exceed 49 degrees in a period of 20 minutes, when the outside temperature does not exceed 29 degrees, and so you cannot leave people or animals locked inside vehicles.

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Excerpt: The Police in the Madrid town of Alcorcón, rescued a child who had been left in a car during the hottest time of the day, whilst the father had gone for tapas.   The incident occurred on Saturday when the 15-year-old had been locked in the car, with the windows closed, and “in full sun”. …

### The CD Torrevieja reserve team will be managed by Claudio

CD Torrevieja can confirm that Claudio Fabián Arturi (Buenos Aires, 1971) will be joining the club at the start of the new season as the new coach for the CD Torrevieja reserve team.

Claudio is a National Level 3 and UEFA Pro coach, with experience in 1º Regional and 2º Regional.He has also trained Under-18 teams (Infantiles and Alevines) and also boasts a successful career as a professional footballer, having played in the 1º Division and 2º Division in Uruguay, Chile, Columbia, China and Spain.

The main objective for the reserve team will be to train the players so that they reach the standard of the A-team, and to play to their best ability.

Welcome Claudio!

### CD Torrevieja powers its midfield with Nana

CD Torrevieja has confirmed that midfielder Nana Kwaku Obeng (Ghana, 1998) has been signed to the club, after reaching an agreement. Nana has a good, well-rounded midfield game and a lot of potential.

The African player trained in several of the major clubs in this area, including Elche CF, Hércules CF and Real Murcia CF. He joins CD Torrevieja from Real Murcia CF where last season he played in the reserve team, although a great deal of his training was carried out with the first team.

Welcome Nana!

### The Benjamín team will be coached by Pablo

The youngest category of aspiring footballers within the CD Torrevieja club – the Benjamines (Under 10s) - now have their very own coach to train them when the season starts. The club will use the services of Pablo Andreu Mañogil (Torrevieja, 2001).

The young coach from Torrevieja will not only manage the Benjamín category of players, he will also form part of the junior team’s coaching staff as well.

Pablo is extremely excited to have this opportunity to form part of the coaching staff at the club.

Welcome Pablo!

### Police Collect Rubbish from Sea

The Maritime Unit of the Local Police in Torrevieja have been collecting rubbish from the sea, so far collecting half a ton of waste.


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		


Environmental councillor, Fanny Serrano, explained that "90% of the waste that exists in the Mediterranean Sea is plastic, especially microplastics, and in summer it increases by 40%, therefore, any initiative that is carried out to help alleviate the effects that this causes, is welcome.

Serrano also introduced Aldolfo Rodríguez and Jerónimo Manzanaro, two of the members of the Maritime Unit, who have voluntarily carried out the work

The head of the Unit, Adolfo Rodríguez, detailed the waste that had been collected up until August 5 in this summer campaign in his area of ​​work, which goes from the beach of La Mata to Punta Prima, and which represents a total of 785 units.

Among them are 375 plastic bags of various sizes; 228 bottles, cans and plastic cups; 7 drums; 4 pieces of network; 26 pieces of rope and pipes; 81 pieces of greenhouse plastics and large pieces of plastic; 64 samples of polystyrene, other containers, wrappings and non-biodegradable plastic elements; 20 cleaning cloths; and 28 objects of another type, all of which are of human origin and could have been properly disposed of.

The members of this patrol, formed by Rodríguez and Manzanaro, began this work last year because they patrolled the beach area and saw plastic in the sea and considered that it had to be collected. "We saw a foreign family that were collecting rubbish and we thought that we could do that," said Rodriguez, who commented that last year they saw plastics "entangled with the propellers of the boats." This year the initiative has been joined by another patrol formed by Rubén León and Antonio Alarcón and they have extended the collection to another type of waste that people throw into the sea.

The Maritime Unit is responsible, among other issues, for dealing with episodes of pollution, control of discharges or recovery of marine fauna, "Last year we rescued a wounded gull hooked with plastics," said the police, to which the councillor added that "the damage that is being done to the marine fauna is enormous, 80% of what the turtles eat is plastic, and also the fish eat it and that comes to us through its consumption. It is essential not to throw plastic in the sea and, in addition, if you are in the sea and see something floating, please pick it up because a tiny effort of each one of us can make a huge result", concluded Serrano.

Rodriguez has stressed the need to create this environmental awareness and has recommended that everyone who goes out to sail, should carry a bag to put inside the waste that should be discarded when they reach port in its corresponding container.

### Tragedy as Baby Dies Locked in Car

A 10-month-old girl died on Friday, after being left inside a car for eight hours, in the sun.
 
The tragic event took place in the Mallorcan town of  where the girl´s grandfather had parked the vehicle at 7 in the morning, leaving the child sleeping in the car.
It wasn´t until after three o’clock in the afternoon when the 56-year-old grandfather remembered the child and so returned to the car where he found her displaying no signs of life.
The man, of Spanish nationality, called the emergency services for help but there was nothing that could be done to save the life of the child.
According to the initial autopsy, the girl died because of the high temperatures inside the vehicle. The man was taken to Manacor hospital suffering from an anxiety attack.
With this tragedy, there are now eleven people who have died in Spain due to the summer temperatures.

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Excerpt: A 10-month-old girl died on Friday, after being left inside a car for eight hours, in the sun.   The tragic event took place in the Mallorcan town of where the girl´s grandfather had parked the vehicle at 7 in the morning, leaving the child sleeping in the car. It wasn´t until after three o’clock …

### La Union Concert in Torrevieja Postponed

The concert by the pop group La Unión, which was scheduled to take place at the Eras de la Sal on Saturday night, has now been moved to Monday, according to the cultural department at the town hall.

No reason has been given for the move but those requiring a refund are told to do so through the channel where your tickets were purchased from.

The concert will start at the same time as scheduled on Monday, 13 August, 2018.

### CD Torrevieja strengthens its defence by signing Elche-born Jorge Mojica

CD Torrevieja can now confirm the signing of Jorge García Mojica (Elche, 1995) to the club, after an agreement was reached by both player and management. Jorge Mojica plays in the centre-back position. His strengths include his power, aggressiveness and great kick-offs.

The Elche-born player joins the club from SF Benidorm CD, where he was one of their best players last season. After training with Kelme Juvenil, he ascended to Preferente in 2014/2015, playing an important and successful role with CD Alcoyano B where he stayed for two seasons. From there he went to Callosa Deportiva CF in Preferente and then joined Muro CF, who play in the 3º Division.

Welcome Jorge Mojica!

### Raúl spearheads the team with quality and speed

Football club CD Torrevieja has finalised a deal to sign up Raúl Romero Jiménez (Elche, 1997), who will join the Club for the new season. Rulo can play in any of the attacking positions. His best qualities are his speed, his dribbling and his ball-kicking skills.

The Elche-born player joins the Torrevieja club from UD Ilicitana, where last season he was one of the star players in green and white and most important members of the team. He comes with the backing of coach Manu Sánchez, who has spent the last two seasons training him.

Welcome Raúl!

### Other Major Changes to Traffic Law – Summer 2018

In addition to the ruling regarding all emergency vehicles using blue flashing lights, the Ministerial Order published at the end of July, also includes other important changes to traffic laws and regulations:

Blue rear licence plate for taxis. The licence plates of taxis of up to nine seats will have the bottom of the plate of the rear license plate coloured blue, with the characters in white. The front license plate will remain white and the characters will be black.
Holders of vehicles registered prior to the entry into force of this order will have a period of one year to change the current rear registration plate to the blue one.
This change is driven by the approval in 2016 following the increase of intrusion and piracy in the public transport of passengers of vehicles of up to nine seats. In this proposal, then approved unanimously, the Government is urged, at the request of the collective of taxi drivers, to carry out the necessary actions to, in the shortest possible time, modifying the traffic regulations (Annex XVIII of the General Regulations of Vehicles) relative to the registration plates in order to provide a specific colour (blue) for the licence plates.
Some European Union states such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Greece already have this type of different licence plate.
 
Luminous device for vehicles immobilised on the road: Annex XI includes the possibility of placing on the outside of the vehicle, when it is immobilized on the road by accident or breakdown, a self-powered orange light device, with autonomous power, high visibility and that is stable on a flat surface. This new luminous device is included as an optional element, next to the existing warning triangle, which is still mandatory.
 
Shared Vehicle: The General Vehicle Regulation incorporates in its annex II the definition of a vehicle for shared use, a vehicle for rental without a driver that is dedicated to a concatenated and intensive use by an undetermined number of users within a defined service area. It must be available, at any time, to be used through the use of mobile applications.
The vehicle of shared use supposes a complement of the systems of urban public transport, introducing in addition a greater efficiency in the employment of the vehicle, reducing the congestion of the traffic, the occupation of the public road and the polluting emissions.
In addition, the distinctive “V-26 Sharing Badge” is established. A device that will allow public administrations, mainly municipalities, to identify this type of vehicle and adopt measures that favour its use as an alternative to the vehicle for private use and urban public transport.
Each public administration may establish the obligatory nature of the use of the shared use badge. It should be placed in the upper left corner of the windshield of the vehicle and, if it does not have a windshield, in a clearly visible place.
 
Environmental Distinctive: The General Directorate of Traffic has classified the vehicle fleet through strict environmental criteria, assigning each vehicle a category within the created environmental scale. Five categories of vehicles were created: 0 emissions, ECO, C, B and A. and for the first four an environmental label was designed, with the same name as the category to which it belongs, leaving category A without distinctive.
What this Ministerial Order does is to incorporate a new section in Annex II of the aforementioned Regulation, in which, in addition to the classifications of construction, use and service criteria for the vehicles registered, it is added to the Vehicle Registry the E classification corresponding to criteria due to its polluting potential.
Likewise, Annex XI “signals on vehicles” is modified to add a new signal related to the different environmental distinctions assigned to each category of vehicle according to its polluting potential, with the denomination of “V-25 Environmental Distinction”.
This distinction will allow public administrations, especially municipalities, to identify vehicles and adopt environmental measures related to traffic management. Likewise, each Public Administration may establish the obligatory nature of the use of the environmental badge.
The badge should be placed in the lower right corner of the vehicle’s windshield and, if it does not have a windshield, in a clearly visible place.
 
Pick-up vehicles: The definition of pick-up vehicles is introduced in the General Vehicle Regulations: vehicle whose maximum mass is not more than 3,500 kg, in which the seating positions and the loading area are not located in a single compartment.
These vehicles are characterised, for the most part, by having the peculiarity that the part destined for the merchandise is separated from the cabin and normally open.
Until the approval of this Ministerial Order and in the absence of a proper classification in the definitions of the General Vehicle Regulations, pick-up vehicles had been classified until now as a truck-type vehicle. From now on, and in order to facilitate their identification and control, they will be assigned the numerical code 17 in terms of their classification by construction criteria, for their annotation in the Vehicle Registry.
 

Excerpt: In addition to the ruling regarding all emergency vehicles using blue flashing lights, the Ministerial Order published at the end of July, also includes other important changes to traffic laws and regulations: Blue rear licence plate for taxis. The licence plates of taxis of up to nine seats will have the bottom of the plate …

### The Return of the 50 Euro Scam

Periodically we have to repeat warnings about scams, and then they go quiet for a while, only to return once the scammers think we´ve forgotten about them, this time it´s the return of the “50 euro scam”.

One thing, before we explain the details of this scam, remember, above all, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
It certainly is in the case of this scam. Let us paint a picture. Innocent victims board the vehicle, perhaps in a supermarket car park, or after a pleasant day at the beach, the occupants might be distracted, talking about the joys of the day they´ve just had. As the driver sits in the vehicle, starts the engine, secures the seat belt and carries out full observations before moving off… What´s that? A 50 euro note secured under the windscreen wiper? Can it be? Could this day get any better?
Now, as we pause our idyllic scene, of course the day can get a lot better, but not at this moment, because this is where the scammers take advantage. The 50 euro note is fake, a poorly printed copy that´s not easy to determine from a distance. But the idea is that the driver is so pleased with the potential find, they leave the vehicle, engine running, to collect their booty, at which point the scammers jump into the car and drive off, yes, often with other occupants on board initially, with even children having been taken in this way in previous robberies.
We first became aware of this scam in 2014, but it´s not the only one of this type. Prior to this, a handwritten note on the back window was a favourite, or sometimes just an innocent flyer.
The advice, as always, is to take a brief walk around your vehicle every time you return to it. Check basics such as wheels, tyres, lights, and windows, removing anything like flyers (placing them in a dustbin of course), the fuel filling cap is in place (more about that another time), and looking for any obvious signs of damage to the vehicle. This is a good habit to get into every time, no matter how briefly you may have left your vehicle.

Excerpt: Periodically we have to repeat warnings about scams, and then they go quiet for a while, only to return once the scammers think we´ve forgotten about them, this time it´s the return of the “50 euro scam”. One thing, before we explain the details of this scam, remember, above all, if something seems too good …

### II Vegan Tapas Route in Alicante

Following the success of the first event last year, between the 17 and the 24 of September, Vegan Fest Alicante will be arranging the second Vegan Tapas Route in the city.
Much like a typical taps route that many towns now host, this edition has one unique speciality, in that all of the food served is suitable for vegans.
Although attitudes are starting to change and the range of products available growing constantly, being vegan or vegetarian in Spain is not one of the easiest life choices to be made, and so events like this not only make it easier for animal conscious food lovers to eat with peace of mind, it also raises awareness of the need to offer dishes catering for an ever growing number of people who eliminate animal products from their diet.
You can follow the event on Facebook, just look for “II Ruta de la Tapa Vegana en Alicante”, and get up to date information on the bars and restaurants taking part.

Excerpt: Following the success of the first event last year, between the 17 and the 24 of September, Vegan Fest Alicante will be arranging the second Vegan Tapas Route in the city. Much like a typical taps route that many towns now host, this edition has one unique speciality, in that all of the food served …

### Alicante Tattoo Convention in November

Between November 23 and 25, Alicante will host its first ever tattoo convention.
Taking place in the IFA exhibition centre, close to Alicante-Elche airport, the weekend is expected to attract the best tattoo artists and piercers from around the globe, coming together to showcase their unique style of art, with the human body as their canvas.
Details of the event are still being put together, such is the early warning, but make a note in your diary, or ink it to your hand, because this is one event that tattoo lovers will not want to miss.
 
s,

Excerpt: Between November 23 and 25, Alicante will host its first ever tattoo convention. Taking place in the IFA exhibition centre, close to Alicante-Elche airport, the weekend is expected to attract the best tattoo artists and piercers from around the globe, coming together to showcase their unique style of art, with the human body as their …

### 27 Kilos of Drugs Found in Airport Suitcases

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 48-year-old man at Alicante-Elche Airport, as he was about to catch a flight to Eindohven (Netherlands) with 27 kilos of marijuana hidden in two suitcases.
The Guardia Civil report that it was specialist officers from the Office of Fiscal Analysis and Research (ODAIFI) who located the drugs in the suitcases when they were checked the cargo hold of a plane to Eindhoven.
According to the ODAIFI officers, in addition to customs control tasks, they carry out investigations of risk analysis in community flights without customs control. During that test, they perceived the characteristic odour of marijuana that seemed to come from two identical suitcases, which were set apart from the rest of the luggage.
One of the officers inspected the cases and the labelling and identified the passenger who was already seated on the plane which was preparing for takeoff.
The officers removed the passenger and luggage from the aircraft and, once the cases were opened, found 24n plastic enclosures with a substance inside, later confirmed to be marijuana.
The total weight of the drug amounted to 27.32 kilograms of marijuana, the market value being in the region of 40,000 euro.
The passenger was arrested and taken to court, charged with a crime against public health, and entered in custody.

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Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 48-year-old man at Alicante-Elche Airport, as he was about to catch a flight to Eindohven (Netherlands) with 27 kilos of marijuana hidden in two suitcases. The Guardia Civil report that it was specialist officers from the Office of Fiscal Analysis and Research (ODAIFI) who located the drugs …

### Suicidal Woman Saved in Last Minute Dash

Guardia Civil officers from Torrevieja managed to save the life of a suicidal woman at the weekend, reaching her with moments to spare.

The woman, a Spaniard aged 34 and living in Torrevieja, had phoned her relatives to say goodbye. They in turn called the Guardia Civil who arrived at the home, forced entry, and found the woman hanging by the neck from a ceiling fan in one of the rooms.

The officers noticed she had blue lips and bluish complexion, and immediately grabbed her to ease the pressure on her neck, whilst another attempted to untie the sheet.

After releasing the woman they practiced CPR on the ground where the woman managed to recover vital signs and was taken to hospital by medical staff.

The officers have been praised for their rapid intervention which saved the life of the woman who will now be treated at Torrevieja hospital.

### Focus on Speed Ahead

August is the summer month in which there are more road trips than any other, with a forecast of more than 45.7 million trips.
With the aim of ensuring the safety of travel, the DGT will carry out two special surveillance campaigns. The first of them against inappropriate speed: During the week of August 6 to 12, there will be an increase in checks on the compliance of speed limits. It will mainly focus on conventional roads, which is where the established limits are most violated and where more fatal incidents are registered. The controls will be done from both the air and on the road, with fixed and mobile radars
The second campaign will be monitoring the consumption of alcohol and drugs at the wheel. During the 13th, 14th and 15th of August, preventive controls will be increased, since they are days in which many towns celebrate their patron saint festivities.
Safer roads are the responsibility of everyone. Attitude, courtesy and respect are called on from all road users, irrespective of the vehicle being driven, as attitude is the number one defence against road traffic incidents.
When on the road, respect the rules of maximum permitted speed, taking into account the road, vehicles and conditions, avoid distractions completely, such as mobile phone use and even music, driving requires 100% concentration. Although there are established limits for alcohol, it is best to avoid it all together if you are going to drive, drugs should also be avoided, and you should check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are on prescribed drugs.
Vehicle maintenance is also a crucial element of road safety. Make sure your vehicle´s lights are clear and working, same with the windscreen, and that you have plenty of screen wash in the tank. Check your tyres regularly for signs of wear and for any signs of damage.
If you are on a long journey, take a break every two hours or so, more often if you do feel tired and stop until you are refreshed enough to continue, irrespective of any delay you may incur.
All vehicle occupants must wear a seatbelt and children under 1.35m must be seated in the back, and in a seat suitable to them.
As well as respecting speed limits, also remember to respect the minimum distance between you and the vehicle in front. Invading this safety distance is aggressive, unacceptable and considered most serious, as it causes so many incidents.
 

Excerpt: August is the summer month in which there are more road trips than any other, with a forecast of more than 45.7 million trips. With the aim of ensuring the safety of travel, the DGT will carry out two special surveillance campaigns. The first of them against inappropriate speed: During the week of August 6 …

### Employment Advice for Disabled People in Torrevieja

On Saturday, for the second day, an information truck trailer will be parked in Torrevieja on Saturday offering help and advice to those of reduced ability to find work, whilst also encouraging companies to hire those with disabilities.

The ONCE Foundation is responsible for the exhibition, which will be parked on the Plaza de la Constitución on Saturday, under the encouraging slogan “No te rindas nunca”, or “Don´t give up, ever”, offering advice to find work for people with disabilities.

The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, called a meeting prior to the arrival of the truck with the councillor for Social Welfare, Fabiana Ibarra, and the employment technicians and associations working with disabled people in the town, as well as business owners.

Dolón believes in the need to support the disabled people of Torrevieja and especially those who are unemployed, and was therefore keen to maximise the exposure of the event, especially to associations and businesses.

Several workshops will be held on how to face job interviews, the development of the CV, acquire communication skills to interact with colleagues or enrolment in job boards. But above all it has become clear that the intention of the foundation is to maintain contact and to hold periodic meetings with the associations to maintain active information of both applicants and those offering employment.

The trailer will be installed in the Plaza de la Constitución on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Although the plan is focused mainly on unemployed people with disabilities aged between 16 and 29 years, the meeting has ensured that it will try to serve all people although they do not meet the age range.

The technicians, Antonio Esquiva and Jesús Ganado, have also asked for the involvement of businesses and traders and their associations to come to the truck to learn the advantages they can obtain by employing people with disabilities and to teach them the tools that allow them to publish their offers of employment on the platform www.portalento.es

### The 40th Torrevieja Tennis Tournament Starts Saturday

The Ciudad de Torrevieja Tennis Tournament, which reaches its 40th anniversary this year, starts today.

The event was first announced earlier this week by the councillor, Víctor Ferrández, and the organisers, the President of the Torrevieja Tennis Club, Antonio Tafalla, the Director of the tournament, Humberto Zuleta and the referee, David Pérez.

The councillor said that it is an "authentic joy" to present a tournament with 40 years of life, "the sporting tournament dean of Torrevieja thanks the efforts of the club itself and the sponsors." He also stressed that his career and the number of participants is a competition that puts Torrevieja on the "map" in the world of tennis, and also has a solidarity aspect with the delivery of food to the local association Solidarity Food.

David Pérez detailed various aspects of the tournament in which the participation of some 350 athletes is expected. In addition to the promising and senior categories of the tournament itself, the categories Benjamin, Fry, Child, Junior, Absolute and Veteran will also be disputed - in this case it has been established + 35, + 45, + 55, + 60, and +70 in male category and +35 and +50 in female-. As for the prizes, he has detailed that there are 3,200 euro in cash and 2,000 euro in sports material for the finalists of the promise categories.

The tournament begins today, Saturday, June 4, and the final phase is scheduled to begin as of Thursday for the 16 categories. It is expected that players from the area will travel to the town, as the championship is scoring for the official ranking of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation.

Throughout the hearing there have been words of thanks to the sponsors by the Club president, who has cited them expressly and has also referred to the solidarity aspect of this appointment with the "generous donation of Dialprix to Food Solidarity " He also had words of thanks to the City Council of Torrevieja and the Department of Sports, for the support they receive and has expressed his desire to "not disappoint."

The Tournament Director explained how it has evolved in its 40 years of history and has cited major milestones to become "one of the most important in the Valencian Community and has become a reference for regional players," he said.

### Bus Running to Torrevieja International Auditorium for Events

Torrevieja´s councillor for transport, Javier Manzanares, announced that a bus service run to the International Auditorium on days when concerts, events and activities are taking place.

This will satisfy "many users who demand public transport to the Auditorium on days in which events take place", said the councillor, who also detailed the schedule by saying, "the frequency of the line will be 25 minutes."

This bus will make stops at the Eras de la Sal, Fontana, BP Gas Station (Cortes Valenciana) and the Auditorium. In the next few days, the full schedules will be published that will cover one hour before the start of the shows and one hour after.

"We fulfilled a request from many users who want to go to the Auditorium and did not have the means... The extensive programming and activity of this cultural space makes it necessary for urban transport to arrive at the door. This line is already included in the urban transport project of the city", clarified Manzanares, as the bus schedule had already been arranged prior to the auditorium being opened for events.

### 17% of traffic accidents can be due to excessive temperatures

Heat has consequences on the driver´s behaviour similar to that of alcohol intake

Torrevieja / Valencia. July 27, 2018. The August exit operation causes 150,000 injuries per year in Spain due to traffic accidents, with a special impact on young population. In fact, 17% of traffic accidents may be due to excessive temperatures, according to studies conducted by Prevensis, a company specialised in the analysis of driver’s behaviour. When the car temperature reaches 30 ° C, it increases by 20% the risk of making mistakes while driving and reduces the reaction time by 22%.
Experts from the hospitals Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Valencia warn that heat affects the capabilities and behaviour of the driver. According to Dr. Ignacio Garcia, Traffic Unit specialist and assistant to the medical management at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, “the excess of  temperature that we capture in our body surface is transmitted to an area of ​​our brain, the hypothalamus. This gland, in addition to regulating our body temperature, fulfils other functions as a control of our moods,it modulates sleep and allows the ability to react to certain unexpected circumstances.
The heat excess affects the functions of said gland and is capable of causing failures in driving, which manifest as fatigue, drowsiness, aggression and even diminishes the ability to concentrate and the attention, reducing the reaction times before a certain circumstance.
Dr. Alfredo Pérez Cortada, Traffic Unit specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja warns that, “we should avoid to travel the hottest hours, it is better to do it early in the morning or at the end of the afternoon, but always with daylight. ”
In addition, an interior car temperature between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius is just as dangerous as having drunk five beers. With this heat, the driver stops perceiving between 15 and 20% of traffic signals and their mistakes increase up to 35%.
Whiplash is the main injury caused by traffic accidents
The injuries that can occur in a traffic accident are multiple and varied, mostly low and medium intensity. According to Dr. Juan Costell, Head of Emergency at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, “50% of these injuries occur in the spine by the mechanism of so-called whiplash, followed by dorsal and lumbar injuries that represent 34% of contusions produced at vertebral level “. In addition, “the musculoskeletal and spinal injuries require the involvement and coordination of different specialties that may be needed throughout the recovery process, either by cure or by stabilisation of the injury”. For this reason, the Traffic Unit houses includes a group of medical experts in this area that deals with pain and allows the patient to start recovery and mobility sooner.
Traffic accidents, due to the forces of acceleration and deceleration, can produce acute injuries or complicate pre-existing injuries. The assessment and implementation of an early treatment is essential to minimise the physical consequences that occur in traffic accidents. Dr. Costell states that “from the medical point of view, it is important that each patient involved in a traffic accident goes to an urgent medical assessment, whatever the seriousness of their injuries is.” It is advisable to go to a specialised Traffic Unit  that includes the first emergency visit, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests (CT, magnetic resonance, ultrasound or laboratory), consultations with specialists, rehabilitation treatment, intensive care and, if necessary, urgent surgery. In addition, the traffic units of the hospitals Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Valencia advise patients about their right to personalised attention for a complete rehabilitation, perform the relevant procedures with the insurance company and manage all medical reports for an adequate treatment.
Tips for safe driving

Sufficient rest: do not start the trip if you have not rested properly. It is also recommended to take a break every hour and a half to stretch. Stop as soon as you feel tired.
Eat light meals and do not drink any type of alcoholic beverage, including low alcohol.
Wheel right position: the legs should be slightly flexed and the backrest adjusted for the wrists to reach the top of the steering wheel.
Use comfortable and loose clothing as well as adequate footwear.

 

Excerpt: Heat has consequences on the driver´s behaviour similar to that of alcohol intake Torrevieja / Valencia. July 27, 2018. The August exit operation causes 150,000 injuries per year in Spain due to traffic accidents, with a special impact on young population. In fact, 17% of traffic accidents may be due to excessive temperatures, according to studies …

### All Emergency Vehicles will have Blue Lights

After many years of discussion and disagreement, on 31st of July, 2018, it entered into law in Spain that all emergency vehicles will use flashing blue lights.
The reform is published in Ministerial Order PCI / 810/2018, published in the BOE, modifying several Annexes to the General Vehicle Regulations -RD 2822/1998- among which is Annex XI, regarding the signal V-1 Priority Vehicle.
Until the publication of this reform, blue lights were restricted to the exclusive use of the security services, such as the police or Guardia Civil, with other priority vehicles, such as those used by the fire service or ambulances, would use flashing orange lights.
The flashing orange light is still used, and is carried by slow moving vehicles, those which constitute an obstacle in the road due to being stopped or parked or driving at a low speed while performing a service or work on the road. Previously, this situation generated some confusion amongst some road users by not clearly identifying the vehicles for fire fighting, health care and civil protection as priority vehicles in emergency service that also have priority.
Now, blue lights are reserved to signal all priority vehicles in emergency services and the orange for vehicles that constitute an obstacle in the road, which contributes to improving safe mobility.
The change also puts Spain on a par with the existing regulations in most of the States of the European Union, in which the luminous device of the priority vehicles is blue, in particular those of France and Portugal, which are the countries in which It is common that, in emergency situations, Spanish priority vehicles enter these countries and vice versa.
With the aim that this change can be made progressively, the Ministerial Order grants a period of two years for the owners of the affected vehicles to change the orange colour of their lighting devices to blue.

Excerpt: After many years of discussion and disagreement, on 31st of July, 2018, it entered into law in Spain that all emergency vehicles will use flashing blue lights. The reform is published in Ministerial Order PCI / 810/2018, published in the BOE, modifying several Annexes to the General Vehicle Regulations -RD 2822/1998- among which is Annex …

### Burglary Gang Arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the national Police have arrested ten members of a gang based in Torrevieja who are believed to be responsible for burglaries in the region of Murcia, specifically in capital city, Murcia, Cartagena and Mazarrón, Cieza in Adra (Almería) in Elda (Alicante) and in the provinces of Malaga and Valladolid.

The ten members of the gang, all of Croation nationality, used their base in Torrevieja to plan and execute the raids on homes using a variety of techniques, including the so called “slip” technique, as well as forcing locks.

The gang used different vehicles, which they had parked in different streets in the town, to enable them to avoid detection.

The gang had a clearly defined structure for their operations, including women, adept at opening doors, using rudimentary tools such as cut plastic bottles, cans or cut X-rays. Previously they used a screwdriver to increase the clearance between the door and he frame, allowing them to slide pieces of plastic into the gap more easily, adopting the “slip” method.

Meanwhile, the men would carry out surveillance on the outside of buildings. The thefts were perpetrated when homeowners had not activated all security elements of the doors and gates.

The investigation began last April when there was a robbery at a home in Cartagena, after which the officers were able to identify various members of an organisation dedicated to committing burglaries throughout the Spanish geography. After analysing all the data of the alleged perpetrators, agents arrested seven members of the organisation in Torrevieja and, in parallel, in Malaga they proceeded to arrest "in flagrante" three other people, who had just committed a robbery in the city. Seven of those arrested are men and three are women.

During house searches, the officers recovered jewellery from various robberies and investigators are taking the necessary steps to ascertain the origins and to return them to their rightful owners.

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### There’s still time to register for the CD Torrevieja Junior football team

The period to register for the CD Torrevieja youth football team for all ages, without predetermined selection and without excluding any child is still open.

To register and get more information, there are a number of options available:  send an email to (direccionfutbolbase@clubdeportivotorrevieja.com) or alternatively, visit our main office in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56 in Torrevieja, during the following times:

➡ Monday from 17:00 to 20:00

➡ Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00

➡ Friday from 10:00 to 13:30

☎| Telephone:

➡ 965 719 699

### Kids Spot Injured Turtle

Two children on board a fishing boat spotted a "clearly weak" turtle near the mouth of Torrevieja´s International Marina on Wednesday, which resulted in an adult passenger of a recreational craft calling the 112 emergency coordination centre who immediately implemented a rescue protocol.

The turtle, which are an endangered species, measured about 20 centimetres and is estimated to be around 4 year-of-age.

They were told to wrap 'Dipsy', now named by the children, in a wet towel before returning to shore where the creature was to be transferred to the ARCA rescue centre of the Oceanogràfic Sea and Environment Department to be treated as it presents "epibiontes, which generally denotes poor health".

This latest discovery serves to remind us all that if we see a loggerhead turtle to leave it alone, and summon the emergency services who will act immediately to save and protect these creatures who are becoming a more frequent visitor to the Mediterranean coast.

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### Harsher Penalties for Phone Use Promised

In his first major interview since taking back the role, the new Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, announced a variety of changes being investigated which he hopes will start to reverse the trend of road fatalities.
The first major change is for harsher penalties for talking on a mobile phone whilst driving. Navarro stated that an increase in the loss of penalty points, doubling to up to six is currently being studied.
Navarro said that “since 2016 distractions are the first cause of fatal accidents ahead of alcohol and speed,” a particular problem has become the “excessive or inappropriate use of the mobile phone.”
“It is not our problem, it is widespread throughout Europe and we must give it visibility and importance,” he said.
Whilst talking about the possibility of banning hands free systems, Navarro clarified that “it is as harmful to talk with the hands-free because of the distraction as having the phone in your hand”.
“Those of us who work in road safety say that hands-free has not been a good idea, what happens is true that the novelty, technology and the companies behind us passed over everyone,” he said.
Regarding GPS navigation, Navarro has indicated that he would like it if they detected that the vehicle was in motion and so do not permit reprogramming of an address.
“We ask, we suggest, we request it but we return to the same thing, it is such the power of the industry and the novelty that we could not achieve it,” he stressed.
He is sure that mobile manufacturers will install a “car mode” that some phones already have incorporated because “they have a certain responsibility to everyone around this business”.
“Those who make their living with mobile telephony are going to have to move, it’s what is called corporate social responsibility, you have to do something to address the problems that may have created excessive and inappropriate use of your business”, he considered.
However, there are currently no plans of reducing the rate of alcohol because in other countries in Europe where a zero limit is set, they still have a lot of problems, “major players such as Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands have the same rate as us”.
The DGT is also looking at alternatives to the warning triangle, after a spate of incidents because occupants of a vehicle have been overwhelmed following a breakdown and lack of visibility.
All of these plans are currently only open to a discussion stage, although it is clear that reforms will be implemented as the trend for road-based deaths has to decline, and with the driver seeimingly reluctant to play their part, legislation looks set to be the only way forward.

Excerpt: In his first major interview since taking back the role, the new Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, announced a variety of changes being investigated which he hopes will start to reverse the trend of road fatalities. The first major change is for harsher penalties for talking on a mobile phone whilst driving. Navarro stated …

### Joan Manuel Serrat Cancels Concerts

Scheduled to perform in Torrevieja on August 2, Joan Manuel Serrat has been forced to cancel part of his "Da Capo Mediterranean" tour on advice of doctors.

Dr. D. Pedro Claros, Medical Consultant otolaryngologist, made a diagnosis of acute laryngitis and dysphonia and prescribed strict professional vocal rest for two weeks after which he will be evaluated clinically.

The list of cancelled concerts is Sitges (July 31), Torrevieja (August 2), Tarragona (August 4), Porta Ferrada (August 6), Starlite (August 8) and Jerez (10 August).

Serrat is expected to resume his tour on 8 September in Palma de Mallorca, subject to the medical assessment.

 

### Prosecutors Ask Police to Investigate Mobile Use Before Traffic Incidents

Combining statistical data from the DGT and the National Institute of Toxicology, there has been a consistent growth in road traffic incidents in Spain since 2015, compared to the previous descending trend from 2005.
According to the research carried out by both institutions, the main causes are the deliberate violation, by drivers, of road traffic legislation that is in place to protect the life and physical integrity of everyone.
According to statistics, inappropriate speed is present in 30% of traffic incidents that occur on Spanish roads. It is fair to say that almost all drivers will exceed the maximum permitted speed on all journeys. But the data shows that distractions caused by the use of mobile phones are the main cause of incidents on Spanish roads.
Whereas penalties for using a mobile phone can vary depending on the severity of the resulting incident, it is still the case that many drivers underestimate how much their concentration is diverted by using a mobile, especially since their use has also undergone a stark transformation from the times of a simple conversational tool to the more frequent use of social media and messaging, through voice, text and photographs.
Such is the distraction caused by these devices, even the use of hands free is  being investigated as this too seems failing, not only as many drivers believe that simply holding the device on speaker constitutes hands free, which it does not, and the use of in-ear devices are already banned.
The special public prosecutor of Road Safety, Bartolomé Vargas has suggested de-linking the increase in the incident rate due to the increase in the number of journeys, but rather to driver attitude.
Vargas sent an official letter to the traffic police of the national territory to investigate mobile phone calls before traffic incidents, so that they can be taken into account as “serious imprudence” due to the inattention of the driver. This would entail prison sentences of between one and four years – as reckless homicide – in addition to the loss of the licence for another six; and if they are injuries, the penalty can be up to three years, with the deprivation of the licence for four years.
Vargas was questioned whether the investigation of the latest movements of the mobile could go against the Law of Data Protection, to which he replied that it required, “a legal examination… something we are working on.” He stressed that the inquiries will only be made in the event of an incident, culminating in a report that details the duration of a call, the frequency of use in the journey in which the incident occurred or even if they have used apps such as WhatsApp. At the moment there are other ways, such as the testimonies of witnesses. Vargas put the use of the mobile in a high position when it comes to analysing “the main cause of accidents” and denied that the increase in deaths in traffic incidents “is due to the improvement of the economic situation or the number of trips. “it is an excuse,.” He says, “It was one of the factors that the DGT pointed out in its 2017 accident balance, a year in which 1,830 people died, 20 more than in 2016, 141 more than in 2015.” Our country has gone from being the fifth country with the lowest road casualties in Europe to the eighth in four years (with a rate of 39 deaths per million inhabitants)”. The Public Prosecutor’s Office considers that of the 600 road deaths that occurred due to them leaving the road, “a good part” was caused by the use of mobile phones.
Last year alone, more than 88,000 complaints were made for handling these devices and 33,800 for other distractions at the wheel. The hands-free or the navigator puts in the spotlight the connected car, which requires these and other tools to operate fully, and in turn is the passport for the achievement of the autonomous vehicle.
In 2017, 81,951 convictions were issued for road traffic offences, of which one in three was serious enough to constitute a crime related to road safety.
Of all the sentences, 51,085 convictions are for driving offences under the influence of alcohol and toxic substances. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics, one third of the drivers who died in Spain during the past year, around 600 people had consumed alcohol or some type of narcotic drug. E l 75% of them had an alcohol level to 1.2 g / L and 49% exceeded 2 g / L.
Around 90% of the total sentences are dictated in accordance which allows immediate compliance with the 55,890 penalties recorded for the deprivation of the right to drive and 2,075 driving licence losses.
The commitment of society is crucial to end the “quintet” of death, that is, use of the mobile phone at the wheel, speeding or previous consumption of alcohol, drugs and psychoactive drugs.

Excerpt: Combining statistical data from the DGT and the National Institute of Toxicology, there has been a consistent growth in road traffic incidents in Spain since 2015, compared to the previous descending trend from 2005. According to the research carried out by both institutions, the main causes are the deliberate violation, by drivers, of road traffic …

### Pensioner Drowns in Torrevieja

A man, said to be 68 years of age, died on Sunday morning as an apparent result of drowning in the sea in Torrevieja.

The emergency services received the call at around 08:30 and dispatched a paramedic unit to the scene, but there was nothing that could be done to preserve the life of the man.

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### Cyclist Killed near Moncayo

A cyclist, said to be a 62-year-old Ukrainian, was killed on Sunday morning whilst cycling on the N-332 in the Moncayo area, between Guardamar and Torrevieja.

The man, a resident in Rojales, was hit by a vehicle said to be driven by a 24-year-old girl. A paramedic ambulance was sent to the scene but could do nothing to preserve the life of the cyclist, whereas the car driver was taken to Torrevieja hospital suffering from shock.

An investigation is underway to determine the facts which led to this latest tragedy.

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Excerpt: A cyclist, said to be a 62-year-old Ukrainian, was killed on Sunday morning whilst cycling on the N-332 in the Moncayo area, between Guardamar and Torrevieja. The man, a resident in Rojales, was hit by a vehicle said to be driven by a 24-year-old girl. A paramedic ambulance was sent to the scene but could …

### The CD Torrevieja Club’s offices are up and running

The new CD Torrevieja headquarters located in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56 Bajo in Torrevieja are now up and running, and have the following opening hours to attend to members of the public:

➡ Monday from 17:00 to 20:00

➡ Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00

➡ Friday from 10:00 to 13:30

☎ | Telephone:

➡ 965 719 699

Work is still being carried out on the club’s new offices, both in terms of the corporate image and at an organisational level, nevertheless at a good, steady pace. A few days ago, the club’s name and logo were added to the front of the new HQ.

The HQ will be used for various purposes, including the club’s offices, the shop (which we hope to inaugurate soon) and not forgetting a meeting point and information hub for all the fans and for anyone that would like any information about the club or needs to carry out any club-related paperwork etc.

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### This Weekend sees the next Summer Operation on the Roads

From Friday and through the weekend, the DGT will apply a series of measures to regulate and monitor traffic during the next summer period, with the Special Operation 1º of August, which will take place until August 1.
This weekend marks the first central point in the holiday period when some of those who took an early vacation return to their inland homes, whereas more who are about to begin their holidays head to the coastal and mountainous regions, mixed in with more people just set about enjoying a weekend break. In all, during the period from July 31 to August 1, there will be an estimated 3.2 million journeys made.
The main congestion will appear in the exits of the big cities, as well as in the main access roads to the coastal areas. This pattern will intensify during Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. The roads most affected will be those around Madrid, Castilla la Mancha, Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia and Andalucía. Late in the evening, the congestion problems will be transferred to the places of destination, such as the coast.
In addition to domestic tourist trips, Spain is also a transit country for millions of travellers from different European countries who return for holidays to their places of origin in Africa. This weekend is one of the most critical in terms of the Paso del Estrecho operation, so it will be frequent that the roads leading to ports will intensify.
As many of them move by road, the Government has been launching, for years, the special Paso del Estrecho operation, which has been in place since June 15. Among the measures and services included in this device are the Rest Areas of Horcajo de la Sierra (Madrid) and Valdepeñas (Ciudad Real) as well as the information areas of Oyarzun (Guipúzcoa), Loja (Granada), Villajoyosa (Alicante) and Ribera de Cabanes (Castellón). These service and information areas are enabled by the DGT so that citizens travelling through Spain from north to south can rest from driving and make a safer trip.
To minimize the possible complications that may occur, the DGT will install traffic regulation measures that will favour the circulation of vehicles in the most conflictive areas. To this end, additional lanes will be installed, through cones, on the main access roads to major cities, and the movement of dangerous goods vehicles, special transport and trucks with a maximum authorized mass of more than 7,500 kg will be restricted.
In addition, the DGT has designed routes according to destination, for those drivers who need to move from one area to another on the peninsula and who do not wish to pass through the centre, which is the area that generates the greatest quantity of vehicles.
From the air, the DGT will monitor both conventional highways and high capacity roads with the 10 helicopters available and with 5 drones that are distributed throughout the field of action of the DGT.
The material means are complemented by the human resources that the DGT has: more than 800 officials and specialised technical personnel that serve the Traffic Management Centres; all available traffic officers of the Guardia Civil, and more than 13,000 employees various road service companies, as well as the emergency services, both medical and fire fighters.

SPEED, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
August is the summer month in which there are more road trips than any other, with a forecast of more than 45.7 million trips.
With the aim of ensuring the safety of travel, the DGT will carry out two special surveillance campaigns. The first of them against inappropriate speed: During the week of August 6 to 12, there will be an increase in checks on the compliance of speed limits. It will mainly focus on conventional roads, which is where the established limits are most violated and where more fatal incidents are registered. The controls will be done from both the air and on the road, with fixed and mobile radars
The second campaign will be monitoring the consumption of alcohol and drugs at the wheel. During the 13th, 14th and 15th of August, preventive controls will be increased, since they are days in which many towns celebrate their patron saint festivities.

Excerpt: From Friday and through the weekend, the DGT will apply a series of measures to regulate and monitor traffic during the next summer period, with the Special Operation 1º of August, which will take place until August 1. This weekend marks the first central point in the holiday period when some of those who took …

### CD Torrevieja Schedule of pre-season matches

Since starting their training programme on 23 July, the team, under the charge of Coach Manu Sánchez, now knows when their pre-season friendlies will take place, and against which teams. What lies ahead now is a month of hard work and intense training in order to get them into the best shape possible, both mentally and physically, for when they compete in the league at their highest level.

Below is the provisional calendar of friendly matches for this pre-season period for the CD Torrevieja team, which actually begins this Saturday 28 July in La Nucia.

 	CF La Nucia – CD Torrevieja, Saturday, 28 July at 19:00, Estadio Camilo Cano (La Nucia)
 	Triangular Crevillente Deportivo – EDMF Churra y CD Torrevieja, Wednesday,1 August at 19:00, Estadio Montesico Blanco (San Miguel de Salinas)
 	CD Torrevieja – Yeclano Deportivo, Wednesday, 8 August at 19:00, Estadio Nelson Mandela (Torrevieja)
 	CD Torrevieja – UCAM Murcia B, Sunday, 19 August at 19:00, Estadio Nelson Mandela (Torrevieja)
 	UD Petrelense – CD Torrevieja, Tuesday, 21 August (Time to be confirmed), Estadio El Barxell (Petrel)

The times and locations of these friendly matches might be changed by the coaching staff, sports management or others, giving prior notice of any changes that might have to be made.

### Woman Rescued from Torrevieja Crash Car

A woman has been injured after her car rolled over several times on calle Desiderio Rodríguez in Torrevieja.

The victim was trapped in the vehicle, according to the Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante who attended the scene to enact a rescue at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.

The driver was taken by ambulance to Torrevieja hospital. The reason for the crash is being investigated.

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### Puerto Rican artist Noriel to visit Torrevieja

With a career spanning just six months, Puerto Rican artist Noriel has already positioned himself as one of the first and most successful urban-style singers and composers, and he´s coming to Spain for a tour in August, including a performance in Torrevieja.

The 24-year-old has already worked with some of the most prominent producers in the urban genre, and other great artists such as Maluma, Arcangel, BabyRasta and Almighty.

Within a few months, his song “Duro y Suave” (Hard and Soft), with American singer songwriter, Leslie Grace, has had almost a hundred million views on YouTube.

In August, the young star will be touring Spain, playing in locations such as Benidorm (August 17), San Javier (August 10), and Torrevieja (August 11), appearing at Sala Noisse, Industrial estate Casagrande, amongst others.

Tickets are available from ticketmaster.es and from Fnac, Carrefour and Halcón Viajes.

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### Prison Sentences a Decade after Sexual Assault

Three men have been sentenced to four years in prison for molesting, as a group, a girl in a car parked in the car park of a nightclub in Torrevieja.

The sentence confirmed each participant of a crime of sexual abuse and continued intercourse, but applies mitigation due to delays during processing.

The incident occurred during the early hours of August 24, 2008, when the defendants, who had been released on bail since the incident almost a decade ago, met the victim in a disco and persuaded her to accompany them to a vehicle, where she was stripped naked and the men took turns to have intercourse.

The court in Elche says the girl was affected by alcohol intake and other substances that could not be determined during the investigation, which “overrode her will to prevent and understand what was happening.”

According to the court reporting, while one of the accused abused her in the car, his friends invited other young people who were in the car park to join in, with expressions like “Come in, there's free beer”, and “come on, she doesn´t know anything”, amongst others.

Some acquaintances knew the victim because they were from the same village, and saw that she was not aware of what was happening and tried to intervene, later reporting as witnesses.

The next day, the victim, who did not remember anything was taken by a family member, who had also witnessed the incident, to the health centre and then the Guardia Civil to report what had happened.

The victim had to undergo treatment and contraceptives to prevent possible sexually transmitted diseases for several months and remains, “afraid to go out alone on the street,” according to the court´s finding, which provides compensation of 30,000 euro from the assailants.

### Confused Kamikaze Driver Causes Crash

A vehicle travelling in the wrong way along the AP-9 motorway near the Pontevedra town of Vilaboa on Saturday morning collided with another car resulting in three people being injured.
According to the 112 emergency coordination centre, the incident occurred at 09:54 on Saturday morning at kilometre 134,600, in the Crecente direction.
After receiving the alert, the Guardia Civil were immediately despatched from Pontevedra, along with emergency medical teams.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 74-year-old driver, who was driving in the Vigo direction, had stopped off at a rest area. However, when resuming the journey, the driver joined the AP-9 in the opposite direction, the Pontevedra direction, and ended up colliding with another vehicle.
Three people suffered minor injuries in the crash, the 74-year-old driver two people who were in the other car.

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Excerpt: A vehicle travelling in the wrong way along the AP-9 motorway near the Pontevedra town of Vilaboa on Saturday morning collided with another car resulting in three people being injured. According to the 112 emergency coordination centre, the incident occurred at 09:54 on Saturday morning at kilometre 134,600, in the Crecente direction. After receiving the …

### RoadWatch Issue 14

The latest edition of N332 RoadWatch is out now, with all of the latest from across Spain and beyond.
You can read this issue FOR FREE by scrolling down to page. Alternatively, you can purchase and download a PDF version, which helps support the project, and means you can keep a copy with you on your computer, tablet or mobile.
To purchase the PDF, click the button below…
 
Buy Now
 
In this issue there are 60 pages of great articles, including:

Former Head of Traffic set to Return to the DGT 4
Avoiding the Safety Car Effect 6
Add yourself to our mailing list 9
Renting a Car – Your European Rights 10
Truck Drivers Getting Younger 14
Congress Agrees to Warnings of Santa Pola Black Spots 16
Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ‘58” – An Exclusive Birthday Tribute to the Fiat 500 19
When is it Okay to use the Horn? 28
Focus Aims at Motorbike Frequented Roads 30
Cyclists Advised over Responsibilities 32
My British Registered Car has an Expired MOT. Can I get an ITV done in Spain instead? 34
What happens if you have a crash and your ITV is not in order? 36
Will My Petrol Tank Explode in Hot Weather? 40
A Study Reveals that a PET Scan with Glucose Helps to Predict Tumor Behavior 46
Driving Across Europe – Maximum Permitted Speed Limits 48
Motorway Driving Lessons in the UK 50
Dogs Die in Hot Cars 51
How is your Eyesight? (FREE Eye Tests for Drivers) 52
The MOT Changed in May 54

So make sure you don´t miss out and get fully up to date with the latest traffic and travel news, and be sure to follow n332.es and roadwatch.eu for the latest from Spain and Europe respectively. 
Once again, to purchase your own PDF, click the button below, or continue past that to read it here for free.
Buy Now



 

Excerpt: The latest edition of N332 RoadWatch is out now, with all of the latest from across Spain and beyond. You can read this issue FOR FREE by scrolling down to page. Alternatively, you can purchase and download a PDF version, which helps support the project, and means you can keep a copy with you on …

### Ride the Free Zip Wire at Habaneras Shopping Centre

The Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja has become a regular haunt for many a shopper looking for a bargain. Situated on the outskirts of the town, nest to the Carrefour hypermarket, the centre has direct links to the main road network and has ample parking both over and underground.

Throughout the summer, from Thursdays to Sundays, visitors can take an altogether different view of the centre, flying through the air, quite literally, on their Zip Wire installation.

From one corner of the centre to the other, flying over the main plaza, you can get a view of the shoppers and stores below, over all three floors, as you zip along the high wire.

Moreover, you are not only welcome to shed your fears and take to the air, you are invited to do so for free.

So, how daring are you? Zip down to Habaneras this weekend and find out, and, remember, as it is now the summer season, the shops are also open on Sundays.

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### Drugged Driver Arrested after Knocking Down Five Pensioners and Fleeing the Scene

A 39-year-old man surrendered himself to police in Jaén after a search was launched to find him in connection with an incident in which 5 elderly women were knocked over by a car.
The incident occurred at around 22:30 on Avenida de Andalucía in the city of Jaén, after the 112 emergency coordination centre received numerous calls reporting several people being knocked down on a pedestrian crossing.
Emergency services were immediately sent to the scene and discovered that the driver had already fled, leaving five women, aged 65, 74, 80 and two women aged 70, suffering various traumas and injuries, being treated at the scene, before being taken to hospital for treatment. Three of the women were later discharged, leaving two admitted with multiple fractures.
The vehicle was unable to stop in time due to the high speed at which it was being driven. According to witnesses, the car attempted to stop and skidded for “a long time”, which alerted people who were in a nearby terrace, but was unable to avoid the women on the crossing.
Data collected from the scene revealed skid marks in excess of 40 metres, indicating the high speed at which the vehicle was driving and the lack of control in the attempted stop.
The man who was wanted by police in connection with the incident presented himself, accompanied by his lawyer, at Jaén Police Station, where he was charged with a crime for driving under the influence of drugs and reckless driving.

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Excerpt: A 39-year-old man surrendered himself to police in Jaén after a search was launched to find him in connection with an incident in which 5 elderly women were knocked over by a car. The incident occurred at around 22:30 on Avenida de Andalucía in the city of Jaén, after the 112 emergency coordination centre received …

### Little Red Riding Hood at the International Auditorium Torrevieja

If you´re looking for something particularly entertaining that is unusual, a break from the norm, and in a great venue, then this is the perfect performance to satisfy your desires.

Little Red Riding Hood, the Crazy Version, is the latest production by the Cartagena company, La Murga Teatro. This performance is part of the national tour of the show, which reaches Torrevieja International Auditorium on Saturday, 11 August, starting at 8p.m.

The production includes Pedro Alejandro Villalba and Raquel Torres in the lead roles, with soundtrack by Miguel Ángel Marín, the technical direction of Jesús Martínez and the script and direction by Alfredo Ávila.

Little Red Riding Hood, the Crazy Version of the story, is a fun way for all the family to get to know the classic tale. Two storytellers clash when they come to the theatre to tell the same story to the children. This curious coincidence makes both characters have to share the show and its characters and the fun situations that are presented. Who will be the wolf? Who will be Little Red Riding Hood? A fun, nonsense and different version of the story plays out to the audience.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uji28H6AWKg[/embedyt]



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### Holidays are Coming!

Although the phrase "Holidays are coming" might be associated with a different time of year, there is a vehicle heading to town, not carrying a fizzy drink, but rather the keys to minds, hearts and souls, as the Language Bus is heading to Torrevieja.

Sempre Teua is a concept launched by the Valencia Ministry of Education, Research, Culture and Sports, which aims to “build bridges” through language, and will tour the beaches of Valencia during August.

As well as the bus, two planes will skim the coastline, dragging banners which promote phrases important to the campaign, whereas the bus offers a more grounded approach to the dissemination of words, with goody bags, leaflets and information to take away, and workshops for the kids.

Torrevieja is set to see the bus visit on August 26th, subject to confirmation nearer the time, with a full schedule planned before the tour finishes at the end of the month.

A total of 20,000 beach bags will be distributed from 4th to 26th of August in several beaches of the Valencian territory. On the weekend of August the 4th and 5th, it is the beaches of the Malva-rosa and Patacona of Valencia which will kick the tour off, followed by Alicante city on the 11th and the 12th of August.

On the 18th, it will be the beaches of Moncofa who will play host to the word-party, followed by Santa Pola on the 19th. Next on the tour schedule will be Alcossebre on the 25th, and Torrevieja on the 26th, all subject to confirmation however.

The website for more information is websiempreteua.gva.es and you can follow the campaign through social networks, Twitter and Facebook, searching for the user name @SempreTeua.

Tweets by sempreteua 

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### Edu to Boost the CD Torrevieja Team’s Attack

CD Torrevieja has finalised the deal to incorporate Eduardo José Julián Alarcón (Crevillente, 1995) to the club, after both parties reached an agreement. Edu can play in several positions including second striker, centre midfield, right midfield and even left midfield. His versatility, great technique and the fact that the opposition’s goal is always at the forefront of his individual strategy makes him stand out.

The 23-year-old originally from Crevillente trained in the junior teams of Elche CF but joins CD Torrevieja from 3º Division Crevillente Deportivo where he was the team’s Captain since joining them last season from FB Redován CF after Jornada 25, where he had spent a season and a half playing some of his best football. Prior to this, he had also spent two seasons with 3º Division Crevillente Deportivo.

Welcome Edu!

### Dogs Die in Hot Cars

Murcia police rescued a dog which had been left inside a vehicle at the Nueva Condomina shopping centre.

Luckily, the dog survived, whilst the owners will be dealt with on suspicion of offences of the mistreatment of animals.

Always, at this time of year, the warnings are the same but still not realised by some. Dogs Die in Hot Cars.

Remember, if you see a dog in this position, call the police immediately, or use the 112 emergency number.

Another myth that is shared in connection with this subject is that if you take action and break into a vehicle yourself you will not face charges. This is not true. You must call the police and they will take action. You must not intervene yourself directly.

Excerpt: Murcia police rescued a dog which had been left inside a vehicle at the Nueva Condomina shopping centre. Luckily, the dog survived, whilst the owners will be dealt with on suspicion of offences of the mistreatment of animals. Always, at this time of year, the warnings are the same but still not realised by some. …

### Lunar Eclipse Observation Day

The Asociación Astronómica de Universidad de Alicante, the astronomic group at the University of Alicante, is arranging an observation night on July 27 when the lunar eclipse can be watched from La Mata Beach.

The free event will take place from 6:30 in the evening until around 1 in the morning.

The total lunar eclipse will occur when the Moon will pass through the centre of the Earth's shadow. This will be the first central lunar eclipse since June 15, 2011. Since it will occur near apogee, this eclipse will also be the longest total lunar eclipse in the 21st century.

You can get more information from their Facebook event page, Observación Eclipse Total de Luna.

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### Watch the Sunset over the Blue Lagoon

August is one of the best months to enjoy the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja, and get to know nature with family or friends. That's why the park offers a simple 3 kilometre walking route for the whole family to enjoy, in which you can experience a unique environment and, as a final touch, enjoy one of the images difficult to forget, both for its beauty and its uniqueness, the sunset over the lagoon of La Mata.

The walk is free, but registration is required, and it is likely to be popular. Already, some of the previously advertised guided walks are full.

The date of this short, introductory walk is August 23, 2018, setting off at 8:30 p.m. from the Information centre of the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja.

To book your place, you should email parque_lamata@gva.es, giving the name and surname of all those taking part, and a contact telephone number of the party lead name.



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### Solidarity and the Stars

This is a great event which also offers the opportunity to help, and to observe the Tears of San Lorenzo in a very special environment, surrounded by the magic that nature can offer.

Where better to watch shooting stars than the Natural Park of La Mata, a location known for its natural beauty, but also where there is no light pollution. Plus, if that´s not enough, you can also help those in need at the same time

In collaboration with Proyecto Mastral and Astroingeo, the La Mata natural park will be the location of a nocturnal activity, "Estrellas Solidarias", a unique event where the focus leaves the beauty of the natural land, and heads skyward to light that has travelled billions of miles from a time long ago, observing shooting stars, planets and the unknown that the heavens have to offer.

The guided walk begins at the visitor´s centre at La Mata Natural Park at 8 p.m. on August 12, 2018. Here, the group will meet, perhaps enjoying a sandwich or two, which you are welcome to bring along, before the action begins at around 11 p.m. as the telescopes point to the shy and reveal the delights from the barely-known.

So, now we move onto the solidarity part. As well as having an evening of fun and education, you are also invited to help those in need. Once again, participants are asked to bring some non-perishable food, especially Magdalena muffins and juices, which will then be donated to "Alimentos Solidarios Torrevieja".



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### The CD Torrevieja Junior Team is Beginning to Take Shape

Earlier this week, the club’s management team headed by Juanjo Fernández and Joaquín Badimón, together with the coaching staff of the Junior team, which is made up of Moncho (Head coach), Antonio (Assistant coach) and Pablo (Tactical skills coach) met up with 75% of the squad that will make up the CD Torrevieja Junior team this coming season.

In this first big meet, the players got to find out first-hand what the short and medium-term plans are for the club, who hopes to train players to the standard at which they can then form part of the first team in the not-too-distant future.

The sport’s management and the Junior team’s coaching staff will continue to work tirelessly on a daily basis in training the youngsters. The basis of this training includes information, communication, organisation and teamwork.

### Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested in Málaga

A man wanted in connection with a sexual assault in Torrevieja has been arrested in Málaga.

Guardia Civil officers arrested the 44-year-old man in the Churriana area Málaga on suspicion of a crime of sexual assault on a child under 13 year of age.

The incident occurred in June in Torrevieja, when the man, a resident of Málaga, allegedly groomed the 13-year-old girl by befriending and chatting on a social network.

After gaining her trust, according to the reports, he began to ask her to send photographs showing her “most attractive side”, until he suggested the pictures became more explicit, which she refused.

The refusal led the man to exploit her vulnerability by threatening to publish the photos he already had on social networks, and even rape her if she didn´t do what he asked.

On a day in late June, the man came from Málaga to a nearby shopping centre, to fulfil the threats. When he was there, he called the girl and insisted that if she did not come to the shopping centre, then he would publish the photographs.

The girl submitted to the threat and attended the centre, where the man took her by bus to an apartment he had rented expressly for that day and apparently sexually assaulted her.

At the end, he left her abandoned on the floor and went back to his place of residence.

The girl asked for help at a nearby bar to get to her home, where she told her mother what had happened and together they went to the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja to report the incident.

Once the case information was collected, the Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil took charge of the case and initiated the necessary investigations. After two weeks of investigations and analysis of the events, the officers knew with certainty the identity of the alleged perpetrator of the sexual assault, and his home.

The officers moved to Churriana to proceed to arrest the man where they found sufficient evidence to confirm that the man was in Torrevieja the same day of the incident.

From the house they seized two mobile phones, which are being analysed to see if he has committed further crimes of this type, meanwhile the man was brought by the officers to the courts in Torrevieja, where he was remanded in custody.

### Two Children Arrested for Throwing Object at Guardia Civil Car

Two minors were detained by Guardia Civil officers a little after midnight on Sunday, after a patrol vehicle suffered damage caused by the impact of a “blunt object” on the windscreen as the vehicle was moving.
The smashed windscreen
The incident occurred as the vehicle drove along the N-352 towards 
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                    , towards the border control point which separates Spain from Morocco.
The vehicle suffered serious damages to its front windscreen, in the area where the driver requires most visibility to proceed, although the expertise of the driver avoided a more serious incident, as the vehicle was also travelling at a moderate speed.
A second patrol vehicle, which was proceeding just behind the one that was attacked, saw, “without any doubts” the suspected authors of the criminal act, who immediately tried to flee the scene.
The officers were able to intercept the two minors after a short chase, being at all times observed and visually controlled by the officers, who then accompanied the children to their family home located on Avenida Argentina.
The parents have been duly informed of the facts committed by both children, which has also led to the identification of them and their guardians. The Guardia Civil found it evident that the attack was directed “specifically against members of the Corps during the development of the service”, since the vehicle attacked is a two-coloured SUV labelled with Guardia Civil insignia.

Excerpt: Two minors were detained by Guardia Civil officers a little after midnight on Sunday, after a patrol vehicle suffered damage caused by the impact of a “blunt object” on the windscreen as the vehicle was moving. The incident occurred as the vehicle drove along the N-352 towards , towards the border control point which separates …

### More Cyclists Charged with Drink Driving

Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil in Pontevedra have charged two cyclists, in separate incidents, for drink driving offences.

The first case was in the municipality of Portas when officers received information about a male cycling on the N-550 showing signs of being intoxicated.
Following up the reports, a patrol soon located a cyclist in the Barosa area matching the description of the one reported, making his condition more suspicious by “zigzagging” along the road in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic.
The officers stopped the cyclist who identified himself as a 29-year-old resident of Barro , who was tested for the presence of alcohol to which he failed a breathalyser with rates of 1.15 mg / l and 1.05 mg / l, when the maximum permitted limit is 0.25 mg / l.
The second incident was in the ​​Torneiros area of the municipality of Mos . On this occasion, a patrol carrying out preventative checks observed a man cycling on the EP-2402, and when the man approached the control area his behaviour became erratic he cycled with “an imprecise trajectory”.
After being intercepted and subjected to alcohol tests, suspicions were confirmed. In this case, the 49-year-old male who was riding the bicycle, a resident of the town of Mos, gave breathalyser readings of 1.18 mg / l and 1.13 mg / l in first and second test respectively.
In both cases, the facts were reported and each can face fines of 1000 euro, in addition to the immobilisation of their vehicle.
Once again, these cases serve as a reminder that not only are cyclists vulnerable road users who need protection, cyclists are also subject to the same rules and laws as any other vehicle on the road. Despite the dangers and their vulnerability, as recent report showed how one in four cyclists tested positive for alcohol.
Although the best advice is to never consume alcohol or drugs when driving, or riding a bicycle, the maximum permitted alcohol limit for normal drivers undergoing a breathalyser test is 0.25mg / l.

Excerpt: Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil in Pontevedra have charged two cyclists, in separate incidents, for drink driving offences. The first case was in the municipality of Portas when officers received information about a male cycling on the N-550 showing signs of being intoxicated. Following up the reports, a patrol soon located a cyclist in …

### Bus Driver in Dramatic Bridge Crash Rescue

Fire fighters in Madrid rescued the driver of a bus when his vehicle crashed through the safety barrier and was left suspended off a bridge.





The bus was working a shuttle service from the Mad Cool Music Festival when it crashed on the M-11 motorway in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The incident occurred when the vehicle suffered a side collision when it was heading to the festival from the Plaza de Castilla.
The fire fighters rescued the driver from the vehicle, who had suffered a minor injury to his arm, by using a crane in the rescue operation.

Excerpt: Fire fighters in Madrid rescued the driver of a bus when his vehicle crashed through the safety barrier and was left suspended off a bridge. The bus was working a shuttle service from the Mad Cool Music Festival when it crashed on the M-11 motorway in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident occurred …

### Girl Rescued from Drowning in Torrevieja Pool

A 7-year-old girl was hospitalised on Sunday after suffering symptoms of drowning in a swimming pool in Torrevieja, as reported by the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre.

The incident occurred at around 15:30, when the centre received a call for help over the girl who had been rescued from the water but showing signs of drowning.

A paramedic unit was sent to the scene and treated the girl, who had already regained consciousness, before she was taken to Torrevieja hospital for further treatment.

### Boost to Tourism in Regional Promotion

The Valencia regional government is investing almost 100,000 euro in three groups aimed at promoting the area´s family, food and activity values.
A grant of 35,000 euro is going to the Turismo Familiar de la Comunitat Valenciana, an association which creates and promotes activities for families. Their funding will be used for the production of literature and publicity to promote the “diversity” of the region´s destinations.
In addition, the tourism board has granted 30,000 euro to promote the Valencia region as a gastronomic destination, particularly to support the third “Gastrovegabaja” fair, which will be held in September.
Finally, another 30,000 euro has been granted to the Asociación Comunitat Valenciana Activa who will promote activity tourism.

Excerpt: The Valencia regional government is investing almost 100,000 euro in three groups aimed at promoting the area´s family, food and activity values. A grant of 35,000 euro is going to the Turismo Familiar de la Comunitat Valenciana, an association which creates and promotes activities for families. Their funding will be used for the production of …

### How is your Eyesight? No, really? (FREE Eye Tests for Drivers)

It might seem like an obvious statement, but visibility is one of the most important factors when driving. This time, we are not talking about being seen however, but rather the ability to see.

Over time, our eyesight can deteriorate. It is very common, but the biggest problem often is that the deterioration is subtle, taking time to worsen. Often, when we do have an eye test and put spectacles on for the first time following a test, the difference is astounding, because we hadn´t realised how bad our eyes had got, over time.
Given the importance of being able to see well, more than 1,000 opticians all over Spain will carry out a free vision test as part of a review campaign to try and get people seeing better when driving.
From the results of a recent survey, it was revealed that more than two million drivers recognise that they have vision problems, and despite that, “two out of three drivers consider that their vision affects their road safety”.
The study highlights that most drivers recognise that their vision has worsened in recent years, and they notice it especially at night (30%), and when it comes to clearly seeing road signs (17%)
Another of the main risk factors, especially when travelling long distances, stresses Tomás Santa Cecilia, director of road safety group RACE, is the lack of rest: “You have to stop every two hours or 200 kilometres.” However, 72% of drivers admit that they never make a stop, a figure that reaches 80% in the case of those over 56 years.
Another danger is glare. About 80% of the participants in the study claim to have suffered temporary blindness due to glare, and three out of four indicate that this situation has affected their road safety. However, half of drivers do not wear polarized sunglasses when driving.
The Dean of the College of Opticians-Optometrists, Juan Carlos Martínez, states that “the advice is to conduct a review on an annual basis.” In order to remind ourselves that “vision is a key aspect in terms of road safety, at the same level as the use of the seat belt and helmet in the case of motorcycles.”
Grupo Essilor, a firm which works in the optics sector, together with the FIA ​​(International Automobile Federation), the RACE (Real Automobile Club of Spain) and CEPSA, have launched a campaign which will run during the summer months (July and August), during which drivers who stop at any of Cepsa’s service stations will have information available with recommendations to review and protect their vision.
Until July 31, more than 1,000 opticians from all over Spain will carry out a free vision test. Those interested can perform a visual test, created specifically for this campaign by the deans and coordinators of the 13 Faculties of Optics and Optometry that are in Spain.

The examination takes into account the current legislation in force regarding psychophysical aptitudes for driving and analyses all the visual aspects that directly affect driving, such as stereopsis (ability to see in 3D), the visual field, and sensitivity to contrast or intraocular pressure, in addition to checking if there is any latent pathology that may be affecting the user’s visual capacity.
This Vision and Life campaign is supported by the DGT and the DIA Association of traffic accidents. You can check online for participating opticians by visiting, visionyvida.org/conductores/, where you can also find more information about eyes, vision and driving.

Excerpt: It might seem like an obvious statement, but visibility is one of the most important factors when driving. This time, we are not talking about being seen however, but rather the ability to see. Over time, our eyesight can deteriorate. It is very common, but the biggest problem often is that the deterioration is subtle, …

### Torrevieja Man Arrested for Torching Car in Insurance Scam

A 66-year-old resident of Torrevieja has been arrested by the Guardia Civil on suspicion of fraud, after he allegedly set fire to his own vehicle in order to claim compensation for the damages on his car insurance.
The Spanish resident of the town is accused of the crimes of attempted fraud and arson, after he is said to have faked the theft and destruction of the 20,000 euro vehicle.
The investigation began after officers were made aware of the car having been burnt out on a public road. Informing the registered owner, he was surprised by what happened, claiming to have parked his car in the garage of his house, and so it must have been stolen.
After identifying and confirming that the vehicle was his, the owner accompanied officers to the Torrevieja Guardia Civil barracks where he filed a complaint of theft and damage to the vehicle.
The man then set about claiming on his insurance, and visited his insurance brokers, “several times” in the days following the incident, each time asking for the compensation for his loss.
As the days passed, the man´s demands became more agitated, with him first acting with “bad manners” and later in a “threatening tone”, even hitting the desk of the insurance agent during one of his visits.
As the vehicle was the subject on an investigation, the officers continued to gather evidence and statements of what had happened, and eventually concluded that as the evidence given by the owner “began to incur numerous contradictions” which “did nothing but endorse the evidence obtained by agents” that “he was committing insurance fraud”, and so he was subsequently arrested.

Excerpt: A 66-year-old resident of Torrevieja has been arrested by the Guardia Civil on suspicion of fraud, after he allegedly set fire to his own car in order to claim the insurance. The Spanish resident of the town is accused of the crimes of attempted fraud and arson, after he is said to have faked the …

### Torrevieja Resident Arrested on Drugs Run

A 41-year-old resident of Torrevieja has been arrested by the Guardia Civil as a suspected drug trafficker, after he was stopped in a hire car with 40.8 kilos of marijuana in his possession.

The vehicle was intercepted on the A-92N in the Granada area of Baza, when officers had been involved in a routine checkpoint arranged under a drugs prevention operation which has been investigating and controlling the trafficking routes from North Africa since 2013.

The vehicle had been stopped as it was driving towards Puerto Lumbreras (Murcia), after officers had observed the vehicle committing a traffic violation.

As the vehicle was stopped, the officers noted that the driver was alone, and there was a strong smell of marijuana coming from inside.

When the officers searched the boot of the car they found nine large bags filled with the narcotic substance.

Having then checked the documentation of the suspect, the officers found that he had been stopped in April, carrying 100 kilos of marijuana.

### Don't Panic over Frozen Veg Scare

Calls not to panic have been issued after nine people are reported to have been killed across Europe by contaminated frozen vegetables.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued an alert over the products, stating that the outbreak, which has been traced to a factory in Hungary, has affected products sold in countries such as Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom, and has been attributed to a total of 47 cases of infection since 2015, nine of which have ended with the death of the person affected by this disease.

However, as the report also says, these products, which are sold through the Aldi and Lidl supermarkets, have not yet been identified as having been sold in Spain.

The products that have been marketed in some supermarkets throughout Europe have been exposed to a contagion by a bacterium called 'Listeria monocytogenes' responsible for listerioris. This disease causes fever, nausea, muscle aches and diarrhoea, but in the most serious cases can end up being deadly.

According to the EFSA, the source of the contagion has been located in a production plant located in Hungary, which was already subjected to disinfection and cleaning operations after suffering different health alerts in the past.

The EFSA analysis suggests that it is the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes that has been reproduced in the samples taken in 2016, 2017 and 2018, which indicates that the bacterium has managed to survive the efforts to eradicate it permanently. Not being able to determine specifically the chain of production that has been affected, the factory has stopped its activity.

### Calls to Ban Dogs from Approved Torrevieja Beach

As Torrevieja town hall issued notice that dogs are now officially permitted on one of the beaches in the town, pet owners rejoiced that their furry friends could finally go with them to enjoy some fun in the sun.



Torrevieja is one of the towns on the Costa Blanca which is trying to set the tone of inclusivity, whatever sector of society you represent, and dog owners have longed for an official beach, seeing their dreams realised this summer.

However, although the celebrations may have been quiet, the protests are now starting to become more vocal, with the residents of Cala del Moro starting a petition to reverse the decision, thus having dogs once again banned from the beach.

The neighbourhood group fronting the petition say that they are representing the owners of the 150 properties in the area, and have arranged protests to make their complaints visible, the first held at noon on Wednesday, the second expected at 7 p.m.

The complaint is based around the dogs being allowed to move freely, without being tied or muzzled, and as children, babies and people of all ages use the beach, they consider it inappropriate, and also complain that the owners will not be able to stop the dogs from defecating where they choose, “where we put our towels, or where children make sand castles.”

One representative claims that they have, “met many who do not collect faeces and who scold and insult us when we call them to attention,” whilst the community says that it has, “nothing against animals, but there are many kilometres of beaches where there are no homes,” and so they ask the town hall to choose one of those beaches instead.

Meanwhile, across Spain, and in fact the world, images of the mess left behind on beaches by humans are being shared through social media, many of which are used to highlight the discrimination dog owners face, as them and their animals do not make anywhere near as much mess as many of the humans who have no respect for the surroundings, the environment, or the beaches, and leave litter, food, cigarette and smoking paraphernalia, and a whole range of items cluttering up the natural areas which touch the sea already tremendously polluted by mankind’s ignorance of environmental responsibility.

### Obra De Dios with Mariano Peña

Friday, August 10 from 10pm - International Auditorium, Torrevieja

Well-known film and television actor, Mariano Peña, becomes the Lord of the Universe in the comedy that has triumphed in New York. Obra De Dios, or Work of God, written by David Javerbaum and directed by Tamzin Townsend, a co-production of Txalo Producciones and Pentación Espectáculos. Bernabé Fernández and Chema Rodríguez-Calderón complete the cast of this critically acclaimed production.

The Lord of the Universe, creator of Heaven and Earth, visits us in the theatre to rewrite his ten commandments. At last the answers arrive to all those questions that we ask ourselves from the beginning of our era. Why did God create Adam? Was Eve really a sinner? How many animals did Noah put in the ark?

The authentic story never told of the protagonists of the Bible: Jesus, Abraham, Moses and Steve Jobs. Everything you always wanted to know answered by the king of space and time and his faithful archangels. We only assure you one thing ... you will not stop laughing.

### The Saint Petersburg Ballet in Sleeping Beauty

The Saint Petersburg Ballet, directed by Andrey Batalov, will be performing the award-winning Ballet, Sleeping Beauty, in Torrevieja´s International Auditorium in August.

With music by Tchaikovsky, and original choreography by Marius Petipa, the St. Petersburg Ballet is one of the oldest schools in the world, with almost two and a half centuries of history, and characterised by the value of cleanliness and purity of the movements, with one goal, to be perfect.

The date for the event in Torrevieja is Tuesday, 7 August, 2018, starting at 10:00 p.m.

Sleeping beauty is a ballet by Piotr I. Tchaikovsky, in a prologue and three acts. It premiered in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. The libretto is by Ivan Vsevolozhsky based on the story "The Sleeping Beauty of the Forest" by Charles Perrault, although Tchaikovsky and his librettist worked with the Brothers Grimm version to situate the plot of his ballet. The ballet also presents other characters from the fabulous universe of Perrault, such as Puss in Boots or Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf. The original choreography is by the great French choreographer Marius Petipa.

This ballet tells the story in which King FlorestánXXIV and the Queen have invited all the fairies to the christening of their daughter, Princess Aurora, to be their godmothers. While they arrive with gifts for the baby, they are interrupted by the presence of Carabosse, the evil fairy. She is angry at not having been invited and gives Aurora a spindle, announcing that one day the princess will prick a finger with it and die. The Fairy of the Lilacs, who has yet to offer her gift, promises that Aurora will not die, but will fall into a deep sleep from which she will be awakened by the kiss of a prince. And so it will happen on her 16th birthday.

This amazing spectacle is one not to be missed, and with the International Auditorium being the perfect place to host the stunning show, it is a must for any social diary.

Tickets can be purchased from the official auditorium website, auditoriotorrevieja.com/eventos/el-ballet-de-san-petersburgo/



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### Pensioner Dies at La Mata Beach

A pensioner, said by the emergency services to be a 78-year-old male, died on Tuesday morning at La Mata beach.

The man was said to have shown signs of having suffered a heart attack, and so emergency medics were sent to the scene.

Despite attempts to revive the man, there was nothing the emergency crews could do to save his life and he was confirmed dead a little after 10:30.

### Michael Jackson comes to Torrevieja

The music of Michael Jackson will fill the halls of the Auditorium of Torrevieja, when the musical, "Michael´s Legacy" comes to town.

The date for this spectacular event is Friday, August 17, when attendees will share in the passion of the King of Pop with a musical show already seen by more than 200,000 people.

Get your tickets early as the show is bound to be full, as a thriller of a night is had by all. You just can´t beat it.

### Major Earthquake Drill in November

Torrevieja has once again been selected as the location for an emergency simulation, where a major earthquake will hit the area on November 14, 2018.

The market compound will become the central point for the emergency coordination, where the police, emergency services and military staff will converge before enacting the rescue and evacuation drills required as part of the simulation.

Municipal buildings, including schools, will all take part in the simulation, with pupils being taught the correct way to act should a real earthquake ever hit the area again.

Much of Torrevieja was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1829, with many residents losing their lives. A similar evacuation exercise was held in the area recently, and although this simulation may be quite close to the last one, experts do say that there is no cause for alarm, it is however important for the emergency services to be able to deal with situations by means of training exercise like this.

This simulation will be based on an earthquake with enough intensity to collapse buildings, damaging basic services such as sewage, telephony and electricity, causing a total failure of telecommunications.

You will be able to follow the progress of the simulation through its own social media hashtag, #gransimulacro2018, which will become active on the day of the drill, November 14, and will have updates prior to the launch, once further meetings have been held.

### A Study Reveals that a PET Scan with Glucose Helps to Predict Tumor Behavior

The PET scan is a highly tried and tested imaging technique for studying the spread of cancer. It allows doctors to detect a tumor in its early stages and to discover, with great accuracy, exactly what organs are affected.  Therefore, it is an indispensable tool to be used before proceeding to the surgical removal of a tumor. Results from PET scans help with a better treatment approach and increase the chances of a cure.

Doctor Aurora Crespo, head of the Nuclear Medicine Unit of the Oncology Department at Quironsalud Torrevieja Hospital,working with a Multidisciplinary Oncology Professorship at UCAM, has presented her thesis in which she analyzes the genes that contribute most to FDG uptake in PET scans for patients with metastatic tumors. The study’s conclusions reveal that the technique of using a PET scan with glucose helps to predict a tumor’s behavior when faced with chemotherapy. To accomplish the aforementioned, microarray gene expression (MAGE) has been used in combination with PET scan imagery.

The thesis is based on the preferential consumption of glucose by cancer cells and how a glucose-based radiopharmaceutical would concentrate specifically around malignant tumors. “When a case of cancer progresses,” the doctor explains, “secondary tumors –or metastases– can crop up.” To undertake this process, the tumor cell needs more energy than the normal cell, and that energy is obtained primarily through the metabolism of glucose (glycolysis). In general, the tumor cell uses more glucose than the normal cell because it needs more energy to meet its goal.The most novel contribution of Dr. Crespo’s work has consisted of designing a genomic signature identifying the genes responsible for an increased consumption of glucose as a result of metastasis, allowing for the in-depth study and understanding of the most relevant metabolic pathways that participate in glucose uptake.

“Active tumors retain the radiopharmaceutical known as FDG, a radiolabeled glucose, which allows for distinction in the PET image from the rest of the healthy tissues. If, in the first few days of treatment, that signal turns off, it means that the treatment is affecting the tumor and is going to end up destroying it,” explains the doctor. Thus, if the treatment is not effective, it can be interrupted in order to avoid toxicity and seek another, more effective approach.

The results of Dr. Crespo’s study have shown that glucose (FDG) can mark cancer’s biological, metabolic, and proliferative activity. Thus, the PET scan can provide valuable information to determine whether a case of cancer will respond well to treatment or not. If the chemotherapy is going to be effective, it is going to be possible to see decreased FDG uptake on the PET scan and, thus, predict whether a tumor will respond well to treatment just a few days after having given the first dose.

This early response allows us to predict results and, just a few weeks after administering treatment, to see if the tumor is responding to the drug that has been used. Taking into account that, currently, the response to treatment is determined two or three months after starting chemotherapy, these results are quite encouraging.  

The Importance of the PET Scan in Cancer Treatments

Several studies have shown the great clinical impact of the PET technique in oncology, a fundamental tool in the diagnosis of cancer because it identifies where the disease is located and how widespread it is. In patients with colorectal cancer, lung neoplasm, malignant melanoma and lymphoma, this technique may change the therapeutic strategy to be followed in up to 40% of the cases. Thus, this metabolic technique helps doctors to select the optimal treatment for each case, reducing the number of aggressive diagnostic procedures and avoiding unnecessary surgeries.

Excerpt: The PET scan is a highly tried and tested imaging technique for studying the spread of cancer. It allows doctors to detect a tumor in its early stages and to discover, with great accuracy, exactly what organs are affected.  Therefore, it is an indispensable tool to be used before proceeding to the surgical removal of …

### Focus Aims at Motorbike Frequented Roads

The DGT is carrying out a special focus on roads frequented by motorbikes at weekends
The surveillance will be carried out at the roadside and from the air to verify that all drivers respect the rules
The campaign is about raising awareness to improve the coexistence between drivers of two-wheeled vehicles and other drivers


The presence of motorbikes on the roads, especially on weekends and especially in the months of spring and summer, has lead to the DGT to increase surveillance on Saturday and Sunday in order to ensure that all drivers on these roads do so in a responsible and respectful manner, especially as two-wheeled vehicles are more vulnerable.
The campaign had already begun and this weekend marks the third time the focus has taken place, and will continue through to September, during which the traffic officers of the Guardia Civil will monitor the roads from both the ground and the air, with the DGT´s helicopters watching from the sky to ensure that drivers of all vehicles, including the motorbikes themselves, respect established road safety regulations, improving their own safety and that of other users.
In order to support the campaign, the presence of traffic patrols will increase on stretches of roads where motorbikes are known to frequent.
In 2016, the last year with consolidated data, the percentage of motorcycles in the vehicle fleet was 10%, that is 3.2 million motorcycles and the number of motorbike riders amounted to almost 5 million, of which 85.5 % had obtained their driver’s licence before the regulatory amendment of 2009, and only 1.6% of the total obtained theirs after the reform.
It should also be kept in mind that holders of category B driving licences, with 3 years driving experience, can also drive motorcycles covered by the A1 permit (up to 125 cc). Although the exact number of drivers who fall into this bracket is not available, it has been found that 714,777 holders of a B licence owned a motorcycle up to 125 cc. In 2016, 57% of all motorcycle registrations were for vehicles with a displacement of less than 125 cc. Therefore, these figures need to be added to those above.
Regarding incidents, 24% of the total number of incidents with victims, that is, 25,944 incidents, involved a motorbike. Of those incidents, 343 motorcyclists died. On interurban roads there was a reduction of 5% in the number of motorcyclists killed, whilst on urban roads, 27 more bikers lost their lives than in 2015.
The risk of death from a traffic related incident is 17 times greater for motorcycles than for cars. In addition, 95% of the fatal traffic incidents involving a motorcycle, the rider is the one who died.
The most frequent infractions recorded my motorcycle users were: inadequate speed (18% of cases), invasion of the opposite lane and anti-regulation overtaking (18%). In the case of drivers of other vehicles, the most frequent infractions were those related to non-compliance with the priority rules (32% of cases).
Although the use of the helmet is mandatory in both urban and interurban roads, in 2016, 15 people who lost their lives after travelling by motorcycle did not use this safety device, an object that often avoids death.

Excerpt: The DGT is carrying out a special focus on roads frequented by motorbikes at weekends The surveillance will be carried out at the roadside and from the air to verify that all drivers respect the rules The campaign is about raising awareness to improve the coexistence between drivers of two-wheeled vehicles and other drivers The …

### Swimmer Rescued at Playa del Cura

A swimmer was rescued from the sea at the Torrevieja beach of Playa de Cura on Friday, showing signs of having suffered cardiopulmonary arrest, unconscious and with signs of drowning.

The lifeguards rescued the swimmer at around noon, who were then joined by a paramedic ambulance, with rescuers managing to revive the elderly man at the scene.

Once stable, the man was taken by ambulance to Torrevieja hospital for further treatment.

### Shopping Nights in Torrevieja

If the thought of going shopping in this sweltering summer heat fills you with dread, have no fear as Torrevieja has the perfect antidote, with their latest "shopping nights" promotion.

On Friday July 13, 2018, many of the shops in Torrevieja centre will open their doors from 8:30 p.m. until midnight, so you can shop till you drop, or drop of to sleep.

The participating stores will have special discounts to entice you and the town hall are putting on various sideshows to distract and entertain you, making this a unique and fun-packed activity for all the family to enjoy.

Plus, for the first time, in Plaza de la Constitución, there will be various stands and stalls with even more special offers and promotions, so make sure you don´t miss out on those extra bargains during this special night.

### Greatest Hits of Pop Opera

The Greatest Hits of Pop Opera will be echoing through the halls of the Torrevieja International Auditorium on Sunday, as Orfeón de Torrevieja to celebrate its XI anniversary.

The concert starts at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, 2018, with musical director Mario Ignacio Bustillo Martínez putting together a program that includes a musical journey that goes from the most famous arias and choirs of the operatic repertoire of Verdi, Puccini, Bizet and Gershwin to the most exciting hits of Abba, Beatles and Earth Wind and Fire, going through great successes of Ibero-American music, some brushstrokes of liturgical music, to "the beloved Havana people who identify us and accompany us wherever we go", says María Jesús García, president of the entity.

The chosen arias will be delivered by the voices of María Jesús García (soprano), Antonio García Seva (tenor), Francisco Andreu Lafuente (tenor), Jorge Pacheco Marín (tenor) and Boris Zavodov (baritone). Garcia has described the concert as "a unique opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening full of the best music in the world."

### Torrevieja and Valencia work Together for Soccer Summer School

Torrevieja´s councillor for Sports, Víctor Ferrández, along with the President of the Torrevieja Football Club, Manuel Antonio Ballester, and the Schools Coordinator of Valencia Football Club, Toni Navarro, presented the summer soccer school that will take place in the Sports City from the 9th to the 14th of July.

The councillor said that the collaboration on this year´s summer campus is the result of “good work being developed by the Torrevieja Club de Fútbol”, and said that it is a “great opportunity for the children of Torrevieja to learn from the best”, specifically highlighting the future benefits as they “take into account the agreement that the Valencian Club” is “going to receive children at risk of social exclusion” who have been included through the work of the Department of Social Welfare.

Navarro detailed that the campus is aimed at children between 6 and 16 years and will convey the club's objectives and values “​"such as solidarity, companionship or healthy habits, the objectives are sporting but also for personal development with education an integral part through sports, and in this case of soccer.”

The activities will take place throughout the day and there will be 5 technical-tactical training groups, socio-educational activities, nutrition talks, and another related to the responsible use of social networks.

The price will be 320 euro per child and 295 for the students of the Torrevieja School Football Club. Ballester detailed how the price includes all expenses, breakfast, meals and snacks, in addition to the tickets to the water park in which they will spend one of the days. In addition, they will receive kits to ensure that all children are equal, and they will also receive a diploma after completing the campus.

For more information, visit the website www.torreviejacf.com and send an email to campusvalencia@torrevieja.com or call 655767047.

### The 64th Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía Event will take place from 22 July

Famed the world over, twenty choirs will participate in the 64th edition of the Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía which will take place in Torrevieja from 22 to 28 July, 2018, in the historic Eras de la Sal enclosure.

The president of the Municipal Board of Habaneras and Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, accompanied by the vice president, Domingo Soler, presented details of the event which “identifies our city with culture and that makes us international, since more than a hundred choirs have asked to participate in the contest phase and these, which have been selected by the Technical Commission, are the best".

Domingo Soler highlighted that of the thirteen choirs participating in this phase, twelve countries are represented: Spain (2), Venezuela, Ukraine, China, Serbia, Romania, Belarus, Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, Macedonia and the Philippines.

The host of the event will, once again, by Elena Sánchez, of TVE, adding another national symbol to the proceedings.

Promotional videos have been produced which will be shared through social media and a television advert campaign has also been initiated, with specific material for Instagram and Facebook being part of the overall marketing mix.


Schedule
Sunday 22 July, 2018

Opening Gala' in which six local choirs will perform (Coro y Orquesta Maestro Ricardo Lafuente, Masa coral 'José Hódar', Agrupación Coral 'Manuel Barberá', Coral Torrevejense 'Francisco Vallejos', Coro 'Maestro Casanovas' y Orfeón de Torrevieja') and the hymns will be performed along with the Unión Musical Torrevejense.

Monday 23 July, 2018

A guest choir from outside the competition group will perform.

Tuesday 24 to Friday 27 July, 2018

Contest evenings. Four nights in which thirteen choirs will participate

Tuesday 24 July, 2018

 	La Coral de Trabajadores de la Universidad de Los Andes (Venezuela),
 	Tavor Chamber Choir (Ucrania),
 	The Choir of Bieijing University of Technology (China)
 	KUD Branco Cvetkovic Belgrado (Serbia).

Wednesday 25 July, 2018

 	Corul Cantarad Arad (Rumanía),
 	The Girl's Choir "Raniza" (Bielorusia)
 	Orfeón Universitario Puebla (México).

Thursday 26 July, 2018

 	Coro de la Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga - UNAB (Colombia),
 	Xolo Voces Blancas Murcia (España)
 	Maranatha Christian University Choir (Indonesia).

Friday 27 July, 2018

 	Female Chamber Choir Sv. Zlata Meglenska (Macedonia)
 	Grupo Vocal "Amitié" Asturias (España)
 	University of Philippines Singing Ambasadors (Filipinas).

Saturday 28 July, 2018

The contest will close with the Grand Coral Gala with the participation of a selection of the participating choirs and the Awards Ceremony.

### Bats – Good or Evil?

A guided walk is offered through the La Mata Natural Park (Torrevieja, Alicante), looking at bats in their natural environment. Are they good, or are they evil?
Bats have sometimes been the victims of bad press, through films depicting them as blood-thirsty night creatures, but sometimes a symbol of good against evil, albeit with the help of a human, under the guise of Batman, but what is the truth? Are bats good, or are they really evil?
Human beings have a tendency to fear the unknown, and we subsequently assume that unknown to be bad, dangerous or harmful. That is exactly what has happened with bats and other animals that, the cinema and the false beliefs of humans, have brought them to the brink of extinction.
That is why, on this occasion, the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja will host a guided walk that will dispel the false myths and legends about bats, through an activity framed within the latest evening stroll through the natural parkland.
During the walk you will get to know bats a little better, their world and their customs, as well as their “superpowers” of which, we humans, we can learn to improve our own traits and at the same time preserve this fascinating species in danger of extinction.
The activity will consist of a small talk at the Interpretation Centre, in Spanish, followed by a field trip to detect the presence of bats in the park.
Since it is an evening activity, you are also invited to bring your sandwiches to enjoy in the natural park at night, just like our friends do bats.
So, do you dare face the bats?
Here is your initial briefing:
Date:  Thursday 12 July, 2018
Place: Interpretation Centre of the Natural Park
Start time: 7:00 p.m.
Audience: Any age.
There are limited places and so registration is compulsory by emailing parque_lamata@gva.es, giving the number of people you are booking onto the talk, the names and surnames of those taking part, and how many are adults or children. You must also provide a contact telephone number for the party lead member.
Recommendations: mosquito repellent, comfortable clothes and tied shoes, torch, drink and sandwich if you want to dine at the end of the activity. Batman costumes are not required.

Excerpt: A guided walk is offered through the La Mata Natural Park (Torrevieja, Alicante), looking at bats in their natural environment. Are they good, or are they evil? Bats have sometimes been the victims of bad press, through films depicting them as blood-thirsty night creatures, but sometimes a symbol of good against evil, albeit with the …

### An Evening Stroll through La Mata Natural Park

Health is not only the absence of illness, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. There are many personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine the health status of a person, and in this guided walk through the natural park of La Mata, the organisers hope to make you a little more “aware” of this.
The walk is an accompanied route in which we will not only learn about the scientific evidence of the benefits that nature offers to health and wellbeing, but we will experience it in that same natural environment.
This activity already took place in April and was well received, and so the walk has been put to offer once again, so that more people can benefit from this type of initiative.
Places are limited and so booking is essential. Chances are the places will go quickly too, so you need to move quickly if you want to reserve your spot.
At the end of the walk, you can enjoy your own supper under the natural moonlight, to refresh the inner body as the outer has been experiencing throughout.
The date: July 24, 2018
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Place: Information Centre at the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja.
The walk is recommended for adults only.
To reserve your place, email:  parque_lamata@gva.es, giving number of places needed and name and surname or all those being booked on.
Recommendations: Mosquito repellent, comfortable clothes and tied shoes, drink and something to eat at the supper at the end of the walk.

Excerpt: Health is not only the absence of illness, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. There are many personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine the health status of a person, and in this guided walk through the natural park of La Mata, the organisers hope to make you a little …

### Will My Petrol Tank Explode in Hot Weather?

The question over the spontaneous combustion of fuel tanks in cars in hot weather is yet another tale that goes viral through the internet, with warnings generally suggesting that if you fill your tank it might explode in the heat, or if you don´t fill your tank it might explode in the heat, yes, both are contradictory, and yes, both are nothing more than an internet myth.

The latest incarnation of t story has come about after a message went viral, through Facebook and WhatsApp, which claimed that the Pakistani State Oil Company had issued a warning, which they were quick to deny through their official social media channels.
 
Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has announced that filling fuel tank to its full capacity poses no threat of any kind to the cars or its passengers.
PSO made the statement after a Whatsapp message went viral over the past few days. The message falsely claimed that PSO had warned the public against filling fuel tanks to the full capacity in light of increasing temperatures.
Auto igniting temperature of petrol is way above the highest temperatures during summers in Pakistan. Filling your fuel tank to its full capacity poses no threat of any kind neither to the car nor to its passengers and is deemed completely safe and beneficial to the running of the car. #EveryJourneyBeginsHere #PSO #Publicservicemessage
 
As far as an internet search tells us, the fake story began in 2011, when false posts warned of the false dangers of filling your tank.
The thought of your car exploding if you put too much fuel in it (or not enough fuel in it) is terrifying, but there is no basis in science to the claims, and no evidence that suggests it is anything other than speculative scaremongering.
First of all, the science bit. If fuel were able to auto-ignite, in other words for it to combust without any kind of trigger or spark, is around 495ºF, or 257ºC. Even though we may be baking in temperatures in excess of 30 degrees in places, this is somewhat lower than the temperature required for the fuel to ignite unaided. Assuming of course we are referring to our cars being driven on this planet.
So, what about the second problem, the build up of gasses and them igniting? Well, there is a science bit to that too. Modern fuel tanks must have the ability to vent pressure. Since the early 1970´s, cars in America had to include a system called EVAP, or Evaporative emissions control. The device collects excess fuel vented from a tank and, when conditions are correct, returns it to the tank.
So, the bottom line. It´s a myth, a hoax, a rumour, your car´s fuel tank is not at risk of spontaneous combustion whether it is full, empty, or anywhere in between. Of course you must still take all precautions when refuelling and remember that there are a number of offences in Spain which can be taken into consideration if you don´t take proper care at fuel filling stations, so heed those warnings, and not he rumours of the internet.

Excerpt: The question over the spontaneous combustion of fuel tanks in cars in hot weather is yet another tale that goes viral through the internet, with warnings generally suggesting that if you fill your tank it might explode in the heat, or if you don´t fill your tank it might explode in the heat, yes, both …

### Calls to Save Water as Reserves Remain Low

Water reservoirs in the Valencian Community are at the some of the lowest levels in the whole of Spain with its reservoirs at 30% and 34% of its capacity in the Segura and Júcar basins respectively, according to the latest data from embalses.net.

Meanwhile, in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula there are places where the water volume is double that of Valencia, all above 62% of its capacity and in some cases even exceeding 80% and 90%, after a spring in which floods hit places in Aragon following the River Ebro overflowing.
In the last week, Júcar has lost 19 cubic hectometres and the Segura 7, although this is the common trend throughout the country.
In the Alicante province, the water reserve is currently 27% (03/07/2018), although that is higher than Almeria where the current reserve is just 11%. Murcia meanwhile has 21%.
The reservoir at Torremendo, officially called Embalse La Pedrera, is currently at just 23.17% of capacity, lower than the 31.3% of capacity a year ago and considerably lower than the 51.14% capacity 10 years ago.

Despite this concern, water levels are higher than the same period in 2017, collectively 52% higher and 68% higher than the same period 10 years ago. Across Valencia, the reserve is 34% higher than the same time last year and 42% higher than 10 years ago.
Transfers resumed in April with water moving throughout the country to maintain a balance where possible, although demand in the summer is high and with warmer temperatures already showing and no apparent breaks for consistent rain expected, the only option is to try to reduce and save water, before areas find themselves in a forced situation of drought.

Excerpt: Water reservoirs in the Valencian Community are at the some of the lowest levels in the whole of Spain with its reservoirs at 30% and 34% of its capacity in the Segura and Júcar basins respectively, according to the latest data from embalses.net. Meanwhile, in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula there are places where …

### Bather Drowns at Los Locos Beach

A 78-year-old bather has drowned on the beach of Los Locos in Torrevieja on Tuesday, according to the Emergency Coordination Centre.

Operators received a call at 10:45 saying that an unconscious bather had been removed from the water at the beach, and so they immediately sent a paramedic unit to assist.

Although medics attempted advanced resuscitation on the man, there was nothing they could do to save his life.

### Former Head of Traffic set to Return to the DGT

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is set to have a new leader at the helm, Pere Navarro, who actually returns to the role he held between 2004 and 2011.

Navarro will replace Gregorio Serrano as the head of the DGT, as the council of Ministers confirmed his appointment at the end of last week.
During his previous tenure at the DGT, working under the government led by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the DGT implemented such innovations as the driver’s licence for points, a measure promoted by Navarro himself, which led to a drastic reduction in the number of deaths on the road.
In particular, the points system alone is attributed having been responsible for reducing the number of traffic and road related deaths in 2011 for the first time in 50 years.
Navarro was also involved in the creation of the Road Safety Commission in the Congress of Deputies, as well as the introduction of stricter speed limits in order to save fuel during the petrol crisis, where conventional roads saw a speed limit reduction, as did motorways, where the network saw a reduction to 110 kilometres per hour, both limits being revoked was the crisis had eased.
On his return to the DGT, Navarro will find a difficult task ahead once more. After more than a decade of reductions, in 2016 the number of road traffic related fatalities grew again, a trend which has not yet shown signs of easing, but rather continues to increase. In fact, in his absence, and under the tenure of the Rajoy government, the number of deaths began and continued to rise after the continuous decade of falls.
Gregorio Serrano faced criticism over his management of the chaos caused by snowfall that isolated thousands of drivers on the AP-6 last January. His predecessor, María Seguí, left the organisation after former Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz withdrew his support and opened an urgent investigation into the financing of research projects where her husband worked, an investigation that was later shelved.
Navarro, who was born in 1952 and is originally from Barcelona, left the DGT upon Mariano Rajoy and the Partido Popular taking government. When he left the DGT, Navarro went to Rabat as employment counsellor at the Spanish Embassy in Morocco.
There is no doubt that his appointment will lead to drastic changes. Navarro has remained convinced that the number of victims can be reduced again. He believes that the maximum permitted speed on secondary roads must be reduced to 90 kilometres per hour and that a specific safety plan for motorcycles, for both riders and other road users, must be introduced.
Navarro also considers that a good road safety policy goes hand in hand with a “good mobility policy”. In a recent interview, he said how, “we have to talk about the way we move, to order to do it in a sustainable, reasonable and safe way.”
Currently, Navarro is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pons Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness of road safety, social progress of business innovation, and the dissemination and defence of Intellectual Property, amongst others.

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is set to have a new leader at the helm, Pere Navarro, who actually returns to the role he held between 2004 and 2011. Navarro will replace Gregorio Serrano as the head of the DGT, as the council of Ministers confirmed his appointment at the end of last week. …

### YOUTH FOOTBALL | CD Torrevieja invests in an experienced coach for the Youth team

CD Torrevieja now has a coach for its Youth team, who will start training with the young players at the beginning of the next season. This position goes to Ramón Ordax Mayor, better known as “Moncho” (Murcia 1981), who had up until now coached the Torrevieja CF Juvenil B team. The coach, born in Murcia capital but adopted by the residents of Torrevieja, takes on his new position after achieving sixth place in the First Regional Youth League.

Moncho is a Level 2 coach with extensive knowledge about local football. He will bring a lot of experience, enthusiasm, hard-working ethics and professionalism.

The Torrevieja coach will be working with his own team, which is made up of Manolo Andreu as second coach and Pablo Andreu as strategy coach.

The Club wishes them the best of luck in this exciting stage of the CD Torrevieja Youth Team’s journey.

### Avoiding the Safety Car Effect

During special operations, as was the case this weekend with the first major road traffic movement for summer, more traffic patrols can be seen on the road. However, sometimes the sight of these patrols can cause unnecessary delays, through a phenomenon known as the ‘Safety Car’ effect.

Often, when drivers see a Guardia Civil or police patrol, they instinctively feel a reluctance to overtake, even though there may be two or more lanes, the way is clear, and there is no obvious reason not to pass, some drivers feel a fear and automatically ease back. All too often, this is unnecessary.
Of course, it is true that if you are caught breaking the law, speeding for example, then it would be natural to assume that a patrol would stop you and deal with the offence committed, but under normal driving conditions, if you are abiding by the law, there is no reason for you to be stopped.
As you go about your journey, you don´t know what the patrol is doing. Maybe they are intentionally driving below the speed limit, maybe they are making observations along the road, who knows what they are dong, and, actually, it´s none of our business.
If you see a patrol ahead and they are driving normally (remember, traffic cars have blue lights illuminated all the time, so that is not an indicator of a problem), look at you and your own actions. Are you driving within the law, within the speed limit, allowing the correct distance, etc, in other words, do what you would do with a normal car. If it is safe, legal and convenient for you to overtake, then do so. Treat the patrol vehicle like you would any other.
If the patrol does not want you to pass, they will signal you to stay back, by using flashing lights, a matrix sign, or flags. If there is not an emergency, you may pass, if it is safe, legal and convenient to do so.
Safety cars are used on race tracks to slow down racers because of a problem ahead. The roads are not race tracks, there are no safety cars. If there is a problem, you will know about it. If everything looks normal, then it is.

Excerpt: During special operations, as was the case this weekend with the first major road traffic movement for summer, more traffic patrols can be seen on the road. However, sometimes the sight of these patrols can cause unnecessary delays, through a phenomenon known as the ‘Safety Car’ effect. Often, when drivers see a Guardia Civil or …

### Do you want to play in the CD Torrevieja youth team?

JUNIOR FOOTBALL - If you are a young football star, or if you know someone who is, why not get in touch with CD Torrevieja, as they are looking for members of their youth team.

For more information, or just to apply, you can visit theirmain office in C/Caballero de Rodas, 56, in Torrevieja.
Main office opening hours: Monday from 17:00 to 20:00. Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00. Friday from 10 to 13:30.

Alternatively, send an email to: inscripcionfutbolbase@clubdeportivotorrevieja.com

### Local players Eneko and Lewis join the reserve team

CD Torrevieja has the first two members of their reserve team in place in the form of local under-23 players Eneko y Lewis, who both came from Torrevieja FC at the end of last season.

The reserve team for CD Torrevieja will play the forthcoming season in the Second Regional Division.

The two young players were able to gain a lot of valuable experience and training last year by playing in a demanding category, which will help them as they enter a new phase in their career (Lewis, 17 matches and 1345 minutes and Eneko, 5 games and 187 minutes).

Both players will join the reserves team with the possibility of being promoted to the first team.

No doubt, the coaches from both teams will be keeping a close eye on their progress.

### Centre midfield Álvaro Más, joins CD Torrevieja

CD Torrevieja has reached a deal to sign up new player Álvaro Más Huertas (Alicante, 1992), who will join the Club for the forthcoming season. Álvaro occupies the position of centre midfield. He is known for his leadership abilities, ball control, excellent team work and his experience.

The 26-year-old player from Alicante, comes to CD Torrevieja from UD Ilicitana, where he enjoyed a great season as one of the team’s key players. Más has previously played for Quintanar del Rey, Orihuela CF and FC Jove Español, all Third Division clubs. He went on to make his debut for Second Division Hércules CF in the 2013-2014 season.

Welcome Álvaro!

### Right-back Germán will continue to don blue and white for the next season

Germán Andrés Acuña Julio (Columbia, 1992) is all set to play another season with CD Torrevieja, after both parties agreed to renew his contract with the club. Germán plays in the position of right-back and stands out for his speed, energetic bursts across the pitch and his personality in the game.

Germán joined CD Torrevieja towards the end of last season and his good performances on the field were noted by the coaches, convincing them to keep the Columbian player on for another year.

The South-American player has former experience playing for teams such as the Boca Juniors (Columbia), Lotería de Táchira (Venezuela) and UD Ciempozuelos (Spain).

Germán stays!

### Three Arrested in Torrevieja after Crime Spree

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested three people for being part of a criminal organisation, suspected of being responsible for up to 16 thefts from shops in less than a week.
The group, who lived together in the same house in Torrevieja, targeted stores in Elche, Orihuela Costa, Sant Vicent del Raspeig and Alicante, and stole items such as cell phone chargers, hard drives, external batteries and even food.
After committing a robbery, the trio would separate so as to evade capture, although they hadn´t anticipated being caught separately. This was the case with the first detainee, a 48-year-old man, who was arrested while driving the vehicle used to commit a crime. Inside the car, officers located objects identified as stolen from up to seven different stores, and several tools to circumvent the alarms. Once he was brought to court however, he was released with charges pending.
The officers continued with the search of the other two, who in the two days after the arrest of their partner, are believed to have continued their campaign, committing thefts in nine more establishments.
The officers soon caught up with them and arrested these last two, aged 25 and 61, as alleged perpetrators of a crime of belonging to a criminal group.
After being taken to court, they too have been released with charges pending.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested three people for being part of a criminal organisation, suspected of being responsible for up to 16 thefts from shops in less than a week. The group, who lived together in the same house in Torrevieja, targeted stores in Elche, Orihuela Costa, Sant Vicent del Raspeig and Alicante, …

### Centauro Car Rental Celebrates 45 Years in Service

Spanish car rental company Centauro is celebrating 45 years serving visitors to Spain, with an expansion of their fleet to reach 20,000 vehicles.
So far this year, the company has opened six new offices at key locations, four in the main airports in Italy, one in Portugal and one in Barcelona.
In a statement, the company reveals that this is not the end of their 2018 year expansion, “We are very happy to be able to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Centauro Rent a Car in one of the sweetest moments in the history of the company. Operating for the first time in Italy has been a milestone for and we continue working with the same enthusiasm as the first years to expand our presence in new national and European destinations throughout this year, these new operations will allow us to grow both in terms of employment and fleet,” said the company’s CEO, Erik Devesa.
The company, founded by the Devesa family, started its activity in 1973 in the Costa Blanca town of Benidorm, with a fleet of just six cars, all of the tiny Seat 600 model, and began its internationalisation in 2015. During its first 25 years it developed its business in the Valencian Community, including a base in Torrevieja where the property boom helped them serve a new wave of international investors, and in Murcia. Two decades later, in 1998, the firm extended its horizon towards new national tourist destinations, such as Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Jerez or Seville. That same year it became the first national vehicle rental company to launch an e-commerce platform.
In 2017, David Devesa moved over as sole administrator of the company, making way for his brother Erik to take over the role as President. The other members of the board are subsidiaries of the venture capital fund, Portobello Alfa SL, Portobello Beta SL and Portobello Gamma SL were appointed directors, in addition to Burley Inversiones, which is also owned by the fund manager, and as a non-advisory secretary, Ramón Cerdeiras, a State attorney on leave of absence and one of the founding partners of Portobello.
The family are also involved in other tourism based companies in Benidorm. Amongst others, Fadesik manages the Aparthotel Levante (the first business launched by their father, Francisco Devesa), fuel filling stations in Benidorm, and a travel agency, Viajes Dinamic SL.
Centauro Rent a Car has 14 offices in Spain distributed in the main tourist destinations of the coast (Mallorca, Ibiza, Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Murcia and Malaga), urban (Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Seville) and airports and high-speed train stations, in addition to establishments in Italy and Portugal.

Excerpt: Spanish car rental company Centauro is celebrating 45 years serving visitors to Spain, with an expansion of their fleet to reach 20,000 vehicles. So far this year, the company has opened six new offices at key locations, four in the main airports in Italy, one in Portugal and one in Barcelona. In a statement, the …

### Family Financially Compensated after Stroke Detection Failure

The health department has agree to pay 93,000 euro in compensation to the family of a woman who died from a stroke that had not been detected at Torrevieja Hospital.
The money will go to the husband and three children of the woman, as decreed by the Superior Court of Valencia (TSJCV) in a judgement dated June 15 and made public this Friday.
The woman died on January 9, 2014 because of a cerebral stroke that had not been diagnosed eight days earlier, on January 1, when she went to the emergency room of the Hospital in Torrevieja after having fallen after fainting.
The patient, aged 65 and with a history of hypertension, showed clinical signs of malaise, nausea and vomiting, intense headache and a marked weakness. Doctors discharged the patient with a diagnosis of dizziness and prescribed medication, without carrying out further tests.
Six days later, on January 7, the doctor examined the woman, because she still had headaches and her right eyelid had dropped, and so referred her to the emergency room of the Hospital Universitario de Vigo. There she was subjected to various cranial tests which uncovered a brain injury. Although it was operated on immediately, she fell into a coma and died within two days.
After analysing various expert reports contributed to the cause of death, the court concluded that there is no doubt that there was “a bad practice in the Hospital of Torrevieja”, specifically in the emergency department because no evidence that the victim “correctly anamnesis” was practised. Anamnesis is medical jargon which means to collect data of the clinical history of a patient in order to make a diagnosis. “Given the characteristics of this malpractice and evolution suffered by the patient to the fatal outcome, considering the room that we have a case of lost opportunity,” say the judges. The court cites in support of his thesis the report of an expert witness for the plaintiffs, whereby SAH (subarachnoid hemorrhage, one causing stroke) “has a 70% mortality rate if not treated early,”.

Excerpt: The health department has agree to pay 93,000 euro in compensation to the family of a woman who died from a stroke that had not been detected at Torrevieja Hospital. The money will go to the husband and three children of the woman, as decreed by the Superior Court of Valencia (TSJCV) in a judgement …

### Endangered Turtles Tracked by Technology

The appearance of turtles on the beaches of the east coast of Spain is becoming an every increasing phenomenon. Members of the Oceanogràfic foundation from the City of Arts and Science in Valencia describe how in 2014 there was a nesting in Alicante, a year later on the beach of Torrevieja (Alicante) and in 2016 in the sand of Sueca (Valencia). In all of these cases, members of the public had reported the turtles and so ensured their protection whilst they went about the natural development of this endangered species.
This week, scientists and experts from the environmental department were able to delicately intercept a turtle on a Valencia beach and fit her with a tracking device so they can monitor her progress as she tries to find a nesting ground.
Members of the public reported spotting the turtle trying to nest in the sand of Port Saplaya, in Alboraya (Valencia). They instantly alerted the 112 emergency coordination centre who dispatched a response team comprising of representatives of the University of Valencia, the Ministry of the Environment, and members of the Oceanogràfic foundation sent to investigate.
The 74-centimetre long female turtle showed intent to spawn on he beach by starting digging a nest in the sand. However, she failed due to water coming into the hole and so, before being returned to the sea, the team were able to carry out blood tests and an ultrasound to verify the mother was in good health, and then they installed their devices before she returned to the sea to find a more suitable location.
If you spot a turtle on the beach, stay away. Avoid making eye contact, stay out of its field of vision, do not walk or disturb the tracks in the sand, and call 112 to report what you can see. The emergency centre staff speak a variety of languages and are prepared for such occurrences, so don´t be worried, just call them and do your bit to help these amazing, though endangered creatures.

Excerpt: The appearance of turtles on the beaches of the east coast of Spain is becoming an every increasing phenomenon. Members of the Oceanogràfic foundation from the City of Arts and Science in Valencia describe how in 2014 there was a nesting in Alicante, a year later on the beach of Torrevieja (Alicante) and in 2016 …

### San Miguel Delays after Truck Overturns

A truck overturned on the AP-7 motorway on Friday morning, resulting in delays to the local road network.
Fortunately, the three people injured in the incident, three men aged 24, 25 and 61, suffered only minor injuries.
An emergency ambulance and a paramedic unit were sent to the scene near the Alicante town of San Miguel de Salinas where they treated the injured before transferring them to Torrevieja hospital.

Excerpt: A truck overturned on the AP-7 motorway on Friday morning, resulting in delays to the local road network. Fortunately, the three people injured in the incident, three men aged 24, 25 and 61, suffered only minor injuries. An emergency ambulance and Read Full Article...

### Renting a Car – Your European Rights

Although there are no specific EU rules on car rental, when you rent a car in another EU country you also enjoy your fundamental rights as a consumer. This includes:

right to clear information
right to a fair contract
access to alternative dispute resolution in case of conflict with the company

When renting a vehicle, you have to distinguish between rental companies and intermediaries or mediators. Intermediaries do not rent vehicles, but reserve them with the rental company on behalf of the consumer. In case of conflict, the rental company is exclusively responsible for executing the contract, unless the latter says otherwise.
Right of limited cancellation
If you have reserved a vehicle through the internet, telephone or mail in the EU, you do not automatically have the right to cancel the reservation and ask for a refund of the amount paid, although perhaps the general conditions of the contract with the rental company allow it.
The rental of vehicles is not included in the EU regulations that establish a reflection period of 14 days.
Principle of non-discrimination
Vehicle rental companies are free to set their prices and conditions in different EU countries based on their costs and other factors. Now, if you rent a vehicle – either online or by going in person to a company branch – European rules prohibit discrimination based on nationality or country of residence.
Example
Stefanie, a German citizen, wants to rent a car in Ireland. The price indicated on the company’s website is 70 euro.
But when Stefanie gives her address to the company, the price increases to 140 euro. The reason given is that he is not an Irish resident.
As it seems unfair, Stefanie goes to the European Consumer Centre, which convinces the company to comply with European standards.
Before booking, inform yourself!
Before booking a vehicle, make sure you have understood the conditions correctly. The main aspects that you should notice are:
Insurance coverage
All rental vehicles must be covered by civil liability insurance against third parties, valid in all EU countries. The insurance must be included in the rental price.
In addition, you can obtain coverage for other risks: injury to the driver, damage to the vehicle, theft of the vehicle or your personal effects, vandalism or legal defence.
Make sure you know what damage your insurance covers. This must appear in the general conditions of the rental contract.
Driving a rented vehicle in another country
If you want to drive a rented vehicle in several countries, you must inform the company when booking the vehicle. If you are authorised to take the vehicle to another country, you can ensure that you carry the documentation in order, as well as insurance and coverage in the event of a breakdown.
If you live in the EU and rent a vehicle in a non-EU country, such as Switzerland, special rules apply when driving through EU countries.
If you want to use the vehicle inside and outside the EU – for example, to travel from Switzerland to France, Germany, Austria or Italy – you must first inform the rental company. This can ensure you are provided with a vehicle registered in the EU that complies with the community customs regulations. In Switzerland, most rental companies provide EU residents with cars with EU registration that comply with EU customs regulations. Anyway, it is convenient to check if it is the case of the rental company that you have chosen.
In addition, the rental company must ensure that the vehicle complies with the customs and traffic regulations of the country for which you are going to travel. For example, in many countries winter tires are mandatory for certain months of the year.
If you drive in other EU countries, check the information on road safety.
Validity of driving licence
If you want to rent and drive a vehicle in another EU country, you should also check if your licence is valid in that country.
For more information about your rights as a European citizen, visit the official site of the European Community, europa.eu.

Excerpt: Although there are no specific EU rules on car rental, when you rent a car in another EU country you also enjoy your fundamental rights as a consumer. This includes: right to clear information right to a fair contract access Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja Celebrates New Blue Flag

Torrevieja´s councillor for Beaches, Javier Manzanares, was amongst other municipal representatives to collect the blue flags awarded to beaches across the coast of Spain.
Torrevieja has something to celebrate this year after regaining Blue Flag status at Cabo Cervera.
The town now has six Blue Flags awarded to th beaches of Los Locos, El Cura, Cala Piteras, La Mata Sur, Los Náufragos and Cabo Cervera.

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s councillor for Beaches, Javier Manzanares, was amongst other municipal representatives to collect the blue flags awarded to beaches across the coast of Spain. Torrevieja has something to celebrate this year after regaining Blue Flag status at Cabo Cervera. The town now has six Blue Flags awarded to th beaches of Los Locos, El Cura, Cala …

### Five Drones will Patrol the Roads this Summer

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has announced that as part of this year´s special summer traffic monitoring operation, they will have five drones watching the roads from the air, in addition to the usual fleet of helicopters, planes and ground patrols.

Spain´s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, made the announcement this week as he explained the additional plans put in place for this summer with the aim of making the roads safer for all during the summer, when 89.3 million trips are forecast, 2% more than last year.
The drones are destined to operate primarily on conventional roads, where 80% of those killed in traffic collisions occur. Strengthening support for the island communities, one of the ten helicopters will be watching over the Balearic Islands, whilst one of the five drones, will operate from the Canary Islands due, according to the minister, to the increase of displacements in both archipelagos. For the moment, the minister has pointed out that unlike the Pegasus equipped helicopters, the drones will only be dedicated to traffic monitoring, not enforcement (yet).
You can read more about the different types of drone in use in the last edition of RoadWatch eMagazine (click this link to read it for free).
During the presentation, the minister was accompanied by the undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Isabel Goicoechea, and the General Director of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, amongst others.
The governmental representatives detailed how this year they anticipate approximately 43.6 million trips in July, whilst in August, it is expected that there will be close to 45.7 million journeys by road.
As always during the summer the operation is spread over the entire period, operating in blocks of two weeks, based around the usual vacation period, with traffic initially leaving the inland and city areas to head towards coastal and mountainous regions at the beginning, returning at the end, and in the middle, a combination of both. Meanwhile, during the entire holiday period, the leisure areas will see more local journeys taking place, often by drivers a little unsure of their surroundings and facing a busier period themselves, thus making driving often a more stressful experience than it should be.
The Three Special Operations
During the period, there will be three special operations. The first one will begin this Friday, June 29 at 3:00 p.m. and will last until 12:00 p.m on Sunday, July 1. During this weekend, it is anticipated that 4.4 million trips are planned. The second operation will be from July 31 to August 1 and the third will begin on August 31, extending to September 1 and 2.
The ministerial team continued to explain that during the summer, road surveillance will be reinforced every weekend as well as on 14 and 15 August, due to the changeover of the fortnight vacation, and the celebration of numerous patron saint festivities.
In addition to the summer traffic operation, there will also be the usual, “Operation Paso del Estrecho”, which will take place from June 15 to September 15, adding another 700,000 road trips, usually with heavily laden vehicles, planned.
During the entire summer period, the minister has asked for “safety”, “confidence” and “solidarity” with other road users. “We do not only play with our own lives, but we play with the lives of others,” said Grande-Marlaska, who says he is “worried” about road traffic incident figures. “We carry a weapon when we drive, it is an extremely dangerous element,” he warned.
The advice is always the same. Allow extra time for your journey, however long or short, stay calm at all times, maintain a safe distance and adhere to the rules of the roads, such as maximum permitted speed limits. Never consume alcohol or drugs before driving. Switch off your mobile phone completely and give 100% concentration to the task of driving.

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has announced that as part of this year´s special summer traffic monitoring operation, they will have five drones watching the roads from the air, in addition to the usual fleet of helicopters, planes and Read Full Article...

### Going Abroad – Be Prepared

If you are planning to drive abroad this summer, it pays to be prepared, and one of the easiest ways to be is by using the European Union´s official app.
Use the European Road Safety App to find all important road safety rules before going abroad or while on the road in Europe. Entertain your passenger(s) with two fun games about road safety.
The app features road traffic rules in the EU (as compiled by the European Commission).

You can get more information and visit country specific details here:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/index_en.htm
For Spain, this is the direct link:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/spain/index_en.htm
 

Excerpt: If you are planning to drive abroad this summer, it pays to be prepared, and one of the easiest ways to be is by using the European Union´s official app. Use the European Road Safety App to find all important Read Full Article...

### Two Cyclists Killed on Saturday

Investigations are underway to determine the causes of two road traffic incidents in the Valencia region which have resulted in two cyclists being killed.

The first incident occurred just after 11:00 on the N-332, between the Alicante towns of Guardamar del Segura and Santa Pola, in the La Marina area of Elche.
The 51-year old male cyclist left the road along the right hand side and fell into the embankment.
An emergency ambulance took the cyclist to hospital in Elche where he died as a result of the incident.
Meanwhile, a 50-year-old cyclist was involved in an incident at around 15:45 on Saturday on a road located within the municipality of Alcossebre in Castellón. A paramedic attended this incident by helicopter, but emergency services could only confirm the death of the rider.

Excerpt: Investigations are underway to determine the causes of two road traffic incidents in the Valencia region which have resulted in two cyclists being killed. The first incident occurred just after 11:00 on the N-332, between the Alicante towns of Guardamar Read Full Article...

### Felipe Zea - First Cornerstone of the New CD Torrevieja

In a press release issued by the club, CD Torrevieja have stated their pride in welcoming new signing Juan Felipe González Zea (Columbia, 1987) to the club after an agreement was reached by both parties.

Felipe Zea will play in the right midfielder position, although he is also able to hold an attacking midfielder position as well. Zea stands out for his speed, explosiveness and his great vision in every game.

The Columbian footballer played semi-professionally up until 2012 in his native country, but also went on to play in other countries such as Argentina in 2013, Columbia again in 2014 and Hungary in 2016. On coming to Spain in 2012, he formed part of the City of Benidorm Football Club where he progressed through various stages, two promotions to Preferente and became one of the Club’s most representative players.

As the club say, "Welcome Felipe Zea!"

### Plans for N-332 Widening Scheme Project Officially Awarded

The end of traffic chaos on the N-332 coastal road as it passes Torrevieja has taken the next step of becoming reality as this week the Ministry of Development has confirmed the road widening project with the publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) of the draft plans.

As previously reported, the tender advanced in May, finally becoming a reality following the change in government at both the regional and local level, and has now been formalised with the publication in the BOE.
The company that will carry out the work is a consultancy specialised in transport projects, Consultrans SU, with a contracted offer of 492,000 euro, half of the initial tender price of 986,000 euro, tax included.
The execution period is 18 months, which takes us to December 2019. When the project is approved, it must pass the environmental impact assessment and, if it succeeds, the Ministry of Development must tender, if it has a budget, the award of the construction of the widening and duplication to a double-lane dual carriageway for the eight kilometres which pass Torrevieja, with an estimated investment of around 40 million euro. Thus, the actual widening work could begin in the last stretch of 2020, assuming all goes to plan.
The completion of the work will be a huge relief for the residents, businesses and visitors to the area, all of whom are tired of the matter seemingly becoming a political points scoring argument, rather than support for the resolution. Even now, the now opposition Partido Popular have criticised the current administration, keen to forget that the original delays were due to problems caused by their lack of action whilst in office.

Excerpt: The end of traffic chaos on the N-332 coastal road as it passes Torrevieja has taken the next step of becoming reality as this week the Ministry of Development has confirmed the road widening project with the publication in the Read Full Article...

### Man Arrested for Attempted Child Abduction at Alicante Bonfires

A 51-year-old man, of Spanish nationality, has been arrested for allegedly trying to abduct a 10-year-old girl during the bonfires in Alicante, the National Police have reported.
The events took place around midnight yesterday during the Hogueras fiesta, when the man, taking advantage of the fact that the city is celebrating the parties, told the child to come with him to accompany him to a private fire being held by some relatives.
According to the police, the man is a regular customer of the business run by the parents of the child, and during the journey changed the initial motive given to the victim and went on to tell the child that he was going to take her home to play with his kids.
However, the girl suspected the man’s intentions and ran away when he wasn´t looking, running to a nearby celebration room where she met several people.
She told them what was happening but, even so, the man continued his efforts and claimed that he was trying to protect the girl and he was her uncle, and that the little girl had to go with him because he was going to take her to her parents.
Following the refusal of the people of the party to believe the man, he left. Twelve hours later he was arrested as an alleged perpetrator of a crime of illegal detention, according to the police.

Excerpt: A 51-year-old man, of Spanish nationality, has been arrested for allegedly trying to abduct a 10-year-old girl during the bonfires in Alicante, the National Police have reported. The events took place around midnight yesterday during the Hogueras fiesta, when the man, taking advantage of the fact that the city is celebrating the parties, told the …

### New Flights from Alicante to London City Airport

Budget airline Ryanair has announce a more direct service from Alicante form 2019, flying direct into London City airport.
The airline will offer five links a week between Alicante and the city of London, supporting their current UK schedule with this new route. Currently, Ryanair flies to 42 cities across Europe from Alicante.
More routes are being added to their schedule, including connections with London Southend Airport and Reus (2 weekly flights), Malaga (5 weekly flights) and Palma (4 weekly flights).
Ryanair currently carries 131 million passengers a year, operating more than 2,000 daily flights from 86 bases and connecting more than 220 destinations in 37 countries. The airline has a fleet of more than 430 Boeing 737 aircraft and is adding a new order of 240 additional Boeing 737s, which will allow it to reduce its fares and increase passenger traffic to 200 million a year by 2024.

Excerpt: Budget airline Ryanair has announce a more direct service from Alicante form 2019, flying direct into London City airport. The airline will offer five links a week between Alicante and the city of London, supporting their current UK schedule with this new route. Currently, Ryanair flies to 42 cities across Europe from Alicante. More routes …

### Tragedy as Toddler Killed by Mother in Parking Incident

A 21-month-old girl has died after being run over by a vehicle driven by her mother when was carrying out a parking manoeuvre in Guadalajara.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when the mother was parking her car on calle Constitución de Guadalajara in a car park near to the Alvar Fáñez de Minay college.
The child was initially taken to a clinic in the city and later transferred in an ICU at Niño Jesús Hospital in Madrid, where she tragically died on Sunday.
An investigation has been launched by the Local Police of Guadalajara who are reporting to the Judicial and Scientific sector of the National Police.

Excerpt: A 21-month-old girl has died after being run over by a vehicle driven by her mother when was carrying out a parking manoeuvre in Guadalajara. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when the mother was parking her car on calle Read Full Article...

### Latest Drink and Drug Driving Figures Show Alarming Results

From data collected during the latest special campaign monitoring for the misuse of alcohol or drugs behind the wheel, the DGT has revealed the alarming state of the number of drivers detected.
Portable drug testing kit
The campaign, which ran from the 4th until the 10th of June, revealed that every day 450 drivers were detected having consumed alcohol or drugs, almost 19 every hour. Of course, more alarming is the fact that to this figure we must consider those drivers who were not detected.
During the week-long period, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic police stopped 173.783 drivers and subjected them to alcohol and / or drugs tests. The progressive increase in drug controls is a consequence of the high percentage of drivers who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol, since, according to the latest report on the Study of the Prevalence of drug and alcohol consumption of vehicles in Spain (EDAP ), 12% of randomly chosen drivers tested positive for alcohol and drugs above legal limits.
Regarding the drug tests, of the 4,469 tests that were done on drivers who had displayed signs or symptoms of having ingested a substance, committed a violation or being involved in an incident, 1,461 were positive, which is 33% of the total. Among the drugs most commonly used by these drivers are cannabis (1,047 cases), cocaine (498 cases) and amphetamines (178 cases).
With regard to alcohol, 174,689 blood alcohol control tests were carried out and 1,774 drivers tested positive. Of these, 1,547 were detected in preventive controls, 130 after having committed an offence, another 90 for being involved in an incident and 7 more for presenting obvious symptoms of alcohol intake.
Of the 1,774 drivers who tested positive for alcohol, 239 have had their cases presented to the courts for exceeding the rate of 0.60 mg / l in exhaled air. In addition, cases against 11 drivers have been brought to justice for refusing to carry out alcohol tests.
To both of these figures, once collated, we must also add the number of controls and detections carried out by local and regional police, who supported the Guardia Civil during the campaign.

Amongst the more unusual cases during this campaign occurred in Burgos when traffic officers reported an ambulance driver who had picked up patients for transfer to the University Hospital. Whilst travelling on the N-234 road, the driver tested positive for amphetamines and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main constituent of marijuana.
In Murcia, in the ​​Santomera service station, the driver of an 18-ton articulated vehicle was driving five times the maximum rate of alcohol(remember, all maximum permitted alcohol rates are lower in Spain than the UK for example, but professional drivers have even stricter limits).

Excerpt: From data collected during the latest special campaign monitoring for the misuse of alcohol or drugs behind the wheel, the DGT has revealed the alarming state of the number of drivers detected. The campaign, which ran from the 4th until Read Full Article...

### How to Act if Another Driver Harasses you on the Road

Road rage or harassment can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. In an ideal world, we would all drive in a safe, courteous and legal manner, maintaining a safe speed and distance, allowing other drivers to proceed if appropriate, staying calm and concentrating on the task of driving. But, in reality, we don´t live in an ideal world.
All too often we see or experience the same, the bad practices of driving too close, overtaking with hostile and insulting gestures, closing gaps to prevent vehicles from joining the traffic flow in front of us, all of which can be sanctioned with fines, the loss of points and, in the worst cases, even prison, so why does it happen?
Driving can create extreme situations that end in aggressive decisions. Even a simple delay in a car not driving off when the lights turn green can be enough to prompt an aggressive reaction, at least according to a study by Preventis, as if we didn´t know, with a survey of 1,000 drivers, that revealed that 40% of Spanish drivers are very disturbed by traffic incidents and only 17% say they remain unchanged.
Te first and most important advice to avoid being a victim of an escalating incident is to not engage in any way. Avoid eye contact, stay calm, don´t react, and, if possible, leave the road as soon as you can to escape from the situation, stopping and calming down if necessary. Having a passenger note the registration number of the vehicle may prove useful, but not to antagonise the situation, still, do not engage in any way.
You can report the behaviour later to the Guardia Civil, and, if you have dashcam footage for example, you can show that to the officers afterwards, you do not need to engage or get involved at the time, you can report it at the earliest convenience.
In the event of the situation appearing to continue, even though you have tried to escape, you can call for assistance by dialling 112 immediately, reporting your position, but still avoiding eye contact and not engaging with the other people involved.
 
The Guardia Civil will take action if they feel it necessary, but in any case will at least have a record of the incident should it happen again in the future.
 
Actions such as insulting other drivers, cutting them up, being immersed in a fight, or crashing into another vehicle and fleeing, are traffic safety infractions covered by the Penal Code.
Specifically, the act of insulting other drivers is a violation as established in article 18 of the General Circulation Regulations, “the driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain his own freedom of movements, the necessary field of vision and the permanent attention to driving … ». The mild insults are punishable in the criminal code with a fine of 10 to 20 days taking into account the personal and economic circumstances of the defendant, and the non-payment may entail the fulfilment of prison.
Safety distance is key to avoiding most collisions that occur. In addition, according to recent studies, 21% of drivers on Spain´s roads do not respect it.
The regulations explain that the safety distance is that which allows the vehicle to be completely stopped in case of emergency and sudden braking without colliding with the preceding vehicle, taking into account the speed, braking conditions and instantaneous adherence.
The regulations state that every driver must keep a safe distance to stop the vehicle completely in case of emergency without hitting the vehicle in front.
For this space to be correct, we must be aware of traffic conditions that can change constantly and that the same references do not work if driving in dry, wet, with high traffic density, so that the minimum distance varies, without forgetting, of course, the degradation of the tires or the braking system.
In any case, safety distance results from adding two other distances or factors:

Reaction time: The time it takes from when the driver detects an obstacle until making the decision to brake. In optimal conditions it is usually 0.75 to 1 second.
Braking distance: The distance the vehicle travels from when the brake pedal is pressed until the vehicle stops. To be as low as possible, we must take the car in good condition, which includes tyres, braking system, cargo, etc. Car maintenance is basic.

In normal circumstances, the trick of ‘half a metre’ can be valid: when we drive behind a vehicle, we will multiply 0,5 for each kilometre per hour we go. This simple operation will give a safe reference in metres. For example, if we drive at 100 km / h, it would be 50 meters that we should maintain approximately.
Another trick is more complex, as we can multiply the number of tens of our speed by itself. That is to say, if we go to 120 km / h we multiply by 12 to obtain 144 metres of distance. As you can see, a slower operation to do it mentally, taking into account the other factors to pay attention to while driving.
However, by far the simplest of all tricks is the ‘two second rule’. It is still not an exact science, and may not allow for precise calculations, but the two second rule is the easiest as you simply need to identify a point of reference for the vehicle in front to pass, and then count at lest 2 seconds until you reach that same reference point. Look out for any fixed object, a tree, a lamppost, a bus stop, and ten when the vehicle in front passes it, say to yourself, “only a fool breaks the two second rule”, calmly and slowly, and if you pass the same point before you have finished the sentence, you need to back off further. Remember, in wet weather, stopping distances are at least doubled, and in icy conditions they could be up to 10 times more.
On the motorways in Spain, it is better to allow for a minimum of 3 seconds, leaving the two second rule for other roads. The simple phrase, “1101, 1102 and 1103”, spoken normally, usually takes 3 seconds to complete. Remember, the more time, the greater the distance, the better.
 

Excerpt: Road rage or harassment can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. In an ideal world, we would all drive in a safe, courteous and legal manner, maintaining a safe speed and distance, allowing other drivers to proceed if appropriate, staying Read Full Article...

### Lions Runners Reported for Driving Offences

A number of drivers participating in the annual Lion´s Run car race have been reported for a variety of offences for speeding, and drink or drug driving offences.

The internationally renowned annual race of high-end vehicles began in Paris on the 6th of June, and is set to end in Ibiza. This non-competitive event normally lasts 8 days and is regularly checked to ensure traffic regulations are adhered to in the countries through which it runs.
During checks arranged by the Guardia Civil traffic police in both the Valencian Community and the Community of Aragon, vehicles were monitored during their Spanish leg of the route.
In the Aragon region, 9 vehicles were reported for excessive speed, with one of them detected driving at 202 kilometres per hour.
In the Valencian Community, as a consequence of the operation, 29 high-end vehicles were checked, and as a result, 9 drivers were reported for speeding, 5 of which gave a positive result due to the presence of drugs in the body, and 1 for exceeding the legally established blood alcohol levels.
Also, two complaints were made for infractions to the general driving rules, one of them for reckless driving when the driver removed half of the body of the vehicle to film it. Also a foreign driver was denounced for possession of marijuana.

Excerpt: A number of drivers participating in the annual Lion´s Run car race have been reported for a variety of offences for speeding, and drink or drug driving offences. The internationally renowned annual race of high-end vehicles began in Paris on Read Full Article...

### Road Rage Victim Dies in Hospital

The suspect believed to be responsible for stabbing a 31-year-old man in a road rage incident at the weekend was remanded in custody by the courts on Thursday.

The 31-year-old victim, Daniel F.C. from Alicante, died on Saturday at the Hospital La Fe after six days in an induced coma after an altercation during a traffic discussion in the service area of ​​the A-7 in Benifaió.
The aggressor fled with his vehicle on the motorway in the direction of Albacete, but was arrested two hours later in Algemesí by a traffic patrol of the Guardia Civil. The detainee, who has several criminal records, confessed to stabbing his victim during the incident.
The violent events occurred around 10 am on June 4, when the two drivers stopped their vehicles next to a gas station, got out of the cars and discussed why the offender had made several manoeuvres, such as braking and lane changes, which bothered the young man when they were driving on the A-7.
Daniel, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, pushed the other man without realising that he was holding a small knife. After an argument, the 55-year-old perpetrator slashed a knife in the left side of the young man when he placed his hands on his chest to push him away.
The deadly aggression was recorded by a video camera at the gas station. The victim did not realise at the time that he had been stabbed. The prick with the knife was very fast and Daniel hardly felt any pain. A nephew of the armed individual also got out off the vehicle to confront the young man, although this second man did not participate in the aggression. Daniel’s girlfriend got out of the car then to try to calm things down, and the four people calmed down after a few moments of great tension and nervousness with insults and serious threats.
The two men hurriedly climbed into a Class A Mercedes and continued on the A-7 towards Albacete. The couple also went to their vehicle to leave, and it was at that precise moment when Daniel discovered that he had a knife wound on his left side. The knife had pierced the heart of the young man, who was still walking without being aware of the fatal injury he had received.
When he entered the gas station to ask for help, Daniel lost consciousness and fell into the arms of his girlfriend. The victim was bleeding. The girl asked an employee at the service station to call 112. As Daniel’s life hung by a thread, a patrol of the Local Police of Benifaió responded to the emergency call and proceeded urgently to the scene.
After just a few minutes, the first responders arrived at the service station. After evaluating the situation and the serious state of the man, the police officers decided to get the victim into their patrol car to urgently take him to the nearest medical centre.
Shortly after, the Guardia Civil arrived and took charge of the investigation, launching an urgent operation to locate and arrest the perpetrator.
Whilst a paramedic ambulance took over the care of the victim, transferring him to the La Fe Hospital in Valencia, the description of the vehicle and suspect were disseminated to all the patrols that they were on duty in the province of Valencia.
The search operation paid off as around 12 o’clock, just 2 hours after the incident, a Guardia Civil traffic patrol spotted the suspect vehicle leaving the A-7 motorway at Algemesí, and proceeded to stop the car. The officers ordered the two men to get out of the vehicle whilst they searched and identified them. The prime suspect cooperated with the officers and acknowledged that he had stabbed the young man when he pushed him after the traffic discussions.
The officers found the bloodied knife in the pocket of the man’s pants, so they detained the individual for a crime of injuries and then they transferred him to the Guardia Civil barracks in Almussafes, where he was detained until the next day, when the judge ordered the assailant to be imprisoned when they informed him of the serious condition of the victim.
After six days in an induced coma, Daniel died at the Hospital, despite medical efforts. The man imprisoned as alleged perpetrator was informed that he will be prosecuted for a crime of homicide. The court of Carlet (Valencia) ordered this detention in prison on Thursday.

Excerpt: The suspect believed to be responsible for stabbing a 31-year-old man in a road rage incident at the weekend was remanded in custody by the courts on Thursday. The 31-year-old victim, Daniel F.C. from Alicante, died on Saturday at the Read Full Article...

### Police Intercept Drugged Driver at 128kmph

The Municipal Police of Pamplona have caught a drugged-up driver who was travelling at 128 kilometres per hour on a road where the maximum permitted limit was 50.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night at 9:00 pm, when a mobile radar was set up on Avenida de Pío XII, at the junction with the Vuelta del Castillo.
Once intercepted, the driver, a young man of 22 years of age, was subjected to a drugs test, which proved positive.
On account of the seriousness of the offences, the driver has been reported for a crime against road safety for which he must appear before the courts.

Excerpt: The Municipal Police of Pamplona have caught a drugged-up driver who was travelling at 128 kilometres per hour on a road where the maximum permitted limit was 50. The incident occurred on Wednesday night at 9:00 pm, when a mobile Read Full Article...

### Three Times Over the Limit Cyclist Reported

A cyclist has been reported by the Guardia Civil for being almost three times over the maximum permitted alcohol limit.

The cyclist was riding on the CM-4124 road near the Ciudad Real town of Bolaños de Calatrava when the officers stopped the rider and carried out the breathalyser test.
Cyclists are reminded that they are governed by the same rules as any other vehicle on the road and, therefore, are prohibited from riding with more than the prescribed limit of alcohol in their system.

Excerpt: A cyclist has been reported by the Guardia Civil for being almost three times over the maximum permitted alcohol limit. The cyclist was riding on the CM-4124 road near the Ciudad Real town of Bolaños de Calatrava when the officers Read Full Article...

### Highway Robbers Arrested

Another group of heartless robbers, who would target innocent victims on the A-7 motorway, mostly tourists, have been arrested by the Catalan police.
The group are believed to have been responsible for more than 50 highway robberies, targeting service and rest areas along the motorway network.
So far, 15 people have been arrested, all natives of Kosovo and with various backgrounds in different European countries such as France, Germany and Italy.
They used high-end vehicles to ensure a quick escape after committing the crimes or to flee from the police in the event of being discovered. So far, investigators have been able to associate this group with around 50 crimes committed in the 6 months that the investigation has taken place, although it still remains open to others.
The gang would use various techniques to rob innocent victims of valuables and money from inside parked vehicles after distracting their occupants. One of his most common tricks was to warn the victims that they had the flat tire and pretend to help them.
The arrests were made on June 6 in the towns of Castelldefels, Badalona, ​​Barcelona and Vilanova i la Geltrú. Those arrested are accused of being the perpetrators of the crimes of theft, against traffic safety, forgery and a robbery with intimidation.
One of the detainees was alerted to the police operation and escaped on the motorway in the direction of Valencia, but was followed by the police who stopped and arrested the suspect in Vilanova i la Geltrú.
Between them, the detainees have accumulated hundreds of police records, some having already been arrested in 2013 for similar offences.

The investigation, which has lasted almost six months, took place with the collaboration of the company Abertis, which manages the motorways, and began at the end of last year when the police were aware that there had been a theft of 27,000 euro at km 120 of the AP-7.
During the investigation, the officers proved that the detainees have a very high degree of specialisation, perfected over the years. The members of the organization have defined roles and choose victims mostly of foreign origin, because of the large amounts of money they often carry in cash for their vacation.
They acted in three groups, but they were coordinated and directed by four bosses. The dismantled organisation had the established base in Catalonia and was nourished by itinerant components that took advantage of such times as the summer season, in which there is a greater influx of foreigners on the highways. Subsequently, to avoid being stopped by the police, they left Spain for a while and continued to operate in other countries.
All of them used falsified documentation on a regular basis to identify themselves when they were detected by police officers, as well as renting the vehicles in which they were travelling.
Of the members of the gang investigated, only six have stable domicile in Spain, while the rest were staying temporarily in Catalonia, in several hostels and hotels of different towns during the period they intended to commit thefts. Other members of the group continuously changed the homes where they resided to make detection more difficult, while those who lived in stable homes had taken very advanced security measures to avoid being detected and followed.
The group acted in two ways to identify their victims. The main ‘modus operandi’ was the “pincharuedas”, which consists of a member of the gang puncturing a tyre on the victim’s vehicle and then following the vehicle until the victim had to stop on the hard shoulder, at which time the perpetrators also took advantage of the disabled vehicle to subtract the objects from inside.
However, in most cases, and given the degree of specialisation acquired by the band, they no longer needed to puncture the wheel of the victims’ vehicle. Simply, once having detected the vehicle they wanted to assault, they urged the driver to stop on the hard shoulder or in the same service or rest area of the highway, making the driver believe there was a problem in the vehicle. Once stopped and with the excuse of providing assistance, the authors distracted the victims while taking advantage of the objects inside the vehicle.
 
N332.es has created a helpful video explaining how to identify a real Guardia Civil unmarked vehicle to help prevent similar distractions. Remember, ig you are ever in any doubt if a vehicle trying to flag you down is real, immediately dial 062 if you speak Spanish, or 112 for other international languages, and the emergency control centres will either be able to advise you of the validity of the vehicle, or summon help straight away.

Excerpt: Another group of heartless robbers, who would target innocent victims on the A-7 motorway, mostly tourists, have been arrested by the Catalan police. The group are believed to have been responsible for more than 50 highway robberies, targeting service and Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja Killer Accepts Murder and 20 Years in Prison

Following a change of direction in the trial in Alicante, a man accused of murdering his partner and sandwiching the body in a meter room in an apartment block in Torrevieja (Alicante) in 2016 has accepted a sentence of 20 years in prison.
The agreement was announced on Tuesday by his lawyer Carlos Martin Borromeo, who said in a statement on Tuesday that the suspect, John Charlie Leiva,  had asked to modify his story, stating that he did intend killing, Johana Bertina PG, accepting, in full, the factual story formulated by the prosecution.
The suspect admitted that he strangled Johanna Bertina PG on the terrace of the family home, on calle Ramón y Cajal in Torrevieja. He did so after surprising her after cornering her and taking advantage of his greater physical build, without giving the victim any chance to defend herself, according to his new testimony.
The woman had previously told a friend of her intention to return to Chile with their two children, a girl and a boy of 14 and 8 years today, because she could no longer bear the arguments and ill-treatment.
After the crime, the confessed murderer took the body from the rooftop of the building to the meter room and hid her body by covering her with cement and bricks. The body was discovered on 17 August, over two months later, in an advanced state of decomposition, and the accused was arrested the same day by the Guardia Civil.
In exchange for his confession, the prosecution have agreed to reduce the sentence to 20 years from 25, which should be handed down later in the week following the decision by the jury and the ruling by the judge.
 

Excerpt: Following a change of direction in the trial in Alicante, a man accused of murdering his partner and sandwiching the body in a meter room in an apartment block in Torrevieja (Alicante) in 2016 has accepted a sentence of 20 years in prison. The agreement was announced on Tuesday by his lawyer Carlos Martin Borromeo, …

### My British Registered Car has an Expired MOT. Can I get an ITV done in Spain instead?

This is a very common question, and also one which has caused some confusion amongst the owners of foreign registered vehicles, but the simple answer to the question is no.

The technical inspection certificate for a vehicle is only valid when issued in the country of registration, in the case of this vehicle, the MOT certificate issued in the U.K. If your MOT has expired, you must make arrangements for the vehicle to be transported back to the U.K. for a test to be carried out, remembering that from the moment the MOT expires, you are not able to drive the vehicle on the roads in Spain.
Many people have reported taking their foreign registered cars to ITV stations and having an inspection carried out, and certified, so how is this possible? Well, the simple answer is this. You may take any vehicle to an ITV station and the inspectors will indeed conduct a test and issue a report. However, if you look closely at this report, on the top, it states that it is a “voluntary inspection”. In other words, it has no legal standing in Spain.
You may be concerned about a fault with your car, or you may just want a mechanic with superior knowledge to check your car for faults, which is why the inspectors will carry out examinations on any vehicle. But again, the point is that these examinations, on foreign registered vehicles, are voluntary and have no legal standing.
So, you may of course take your British registered car to an ITV station, assuming your MOT is valid when you drive there, and you will be inspected at your request, but this ITV certificate does not, in any way, replace the requirement for the vehicle to return to the UK in order for it to be subject to your mandatory MOT inspection.

Excerpt: This is a very common question, and also one which has caused some confusion amongst the owners of foreign registered vehicles, but the simple answer to the question is no. The technical inspection certificate for a vehicle is only valid Read Full Article...

### Brit Arrested in Torrevieja in Child Porn Network Investigation

A British resident of Spain was arrested in Torrevieja, and is amongst 24 people detained across Spain as part of a National Police investigation into the distribution of child pornography.
Arrests have taken place across Spain, including 4 in Madrid and 3 in the Alicante province, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior on Sunday.
In Granada, two detainees were a man and his stepdaughter, who would first identify their prey and then the 30-year-old girl would allegedly seduce them into sending pictures of a sexual nature.
In Guipúzcoa, a man of Pakistani origin was believed to have been hacking into the accounts of his neighbours in order to share paedophile material, which also led the investigators to uncover a network dedicated to the promotion of illegal immigration, also resulting in the arrest of three Algerians.
The investigation began after officers became aware of people sharing this type of file through social media. After identifying the people who created the profiles, they were subjected to surveillance, which subsequently resulted in their homes being searched, resulting in thousands of images of children were recovered.
The British suspect, who was arrested in Torrevieja, also had his house searched, in which the police uncovered thousands of images relating to child sexual abuse of a graphic nature.
The other two people arrested in the Alicante province were brothers, one of whom being an evangelical pastor who declared that he was in possession of the images in order to better understand the phenomenon of paedophilia and better help those with such inclinations.
In Barcelona, a Ghanaian citizen was arrested on suspicion of distributing images of black girls, and another of Pakistani origin who is accused of distributing images of children of a homosexual nature.
In Madrid, an Ecuadorian citizen, who worked as a food monitor amongst children, and a teacher of children with special needs were both detained.
In total, 24 people were arrested across Spain during the entire operation in Guipúzcoa (4), Madrid (4), Alicante (3), Barcelona (2), Granada (2), A Coruña (1), Asturias (1), Palma (1), Seville (1), Cádiz (1), Navarra (1), Pontevedra (1), Valencia (1) and Las Palmas (1).

Excerpt: A British resident of Spain was arrested in Torrevieja, and is amongst 24 people detained across Spain as part of a National Police investigation into the distribution of child pornography. Arrests have taken place across Spain, including 4 in Madrid and 3 in the Alicante province, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior on …

### Cyclists Advised over Responsibilities

The DGT has sent a message through their social media platforms trying to reach out to cyclists to be aware of their behaviour and responsibilities on public roads.

The aim was to advise cyclists of their responsibilities, but not in a manner that should allow for suspicion other than the facts that these rules are there for the safety and security of all road users, including the cyclists themselves.
Although many cyclists do of course abide by the law, there are some who ignore it on a regular basis. In Granada, for example, complaints against to cyclists have doubled in a year.
The first points raised are over visibility. Wearing a reflective vest is mandatory during times of poor visibility, and it is advisable at all times.
When a cycle is on the road, it is a vehicle just like any other, and the rider must abide by the same laws, including the maximum permitted alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre in blood or 0.25 milligrams per litre in expelled air.
At pedestrian crossings, you must get off the bike to cross. Cyclists are not permitted to ride across pedestrian crossings any more than a car can. It is also important to remember that the pavement is for pedestrians, unless cycles are expressly permitted.
Using headphones or a mobile phone is expressly forbidden when driving a car, but the same also applies when riding a bicycle, the same rules apply remember.
We have also compiled a list of another ten of the most popular mistakes that can result in infractions, all punishable by a fine, and here in no particular order
When a circular sign notifies cyclists of the presence of a cycle lane, it is mandatory for cycles to use it, not the main carriageway of the road. The only exception being for high powered racing bikes.
Bicycles must have both front and rear brakes, and both must be working.
As mentioned, the use of headphones connected to music players or other devices is prohibited.
You must signal your intention to manoeuvre, and wear a helmet. In the city it is mandatory for children under 16 and it is compulsory for everyone on the roads outside city limits.
Any manoeuvre must be signalled in advance and performed in sufficient space.
On roundabouts, cyclists in a group have priority when on the roundabout, provided that the lead cyclist has already entered the roundabout.
Lights at the front and rear are mandatory.
When on a one-way street, cyclists must always flow in the direction of the traffic
A bell is mandatory on a bicycle.
In areas where cycling is permitted, pedestrians must be given adequate space and clearance.

Excerpt: The DGT has sent a message through their social media platforms trying to reach out to cyclists to be aware of their behaviour and responsibilities on public roads. The aim was to advise cyclists of their responsibilities, but not in Read Full Article...

### Three Arrested in Torrevieja for Property Scams

Three people have been arrested in the Alicante town of Torrevieja, suspected of conning foreigners through a scam involving real estate and documentation.
The three people, two men aged 47 and 50, and a woman aged 34, were arrested by the Guardia Civil after the investigation revealed that the trio, two of whom were domestic partners and the third a lawyer, are alleged to have earned the trust of their victims and then con them out of significant amounts of money for services never performed, or charged at a significantly higher rate for services which are either free or cost a minimal amount.
For example, the team would charge 800 euro for the processing of a foreigners identity number (NIE), 3,500 euro for a solvency certificate, and even taking up to 30,000 euro for deposits on properties for sale.
Many of the deposits were taken without the express consent of the owner, or without the deposit being transferred to them, and in some cases taking multiple deposits for the same property.
Once the money was collected, the client relationship was then disregarded and the money not returned, with many of the victims reluctant to file complaints due to the apparent complexity of doing so, and of the case.
Thanks to the intervention of the investigators, the group only managed to defraud around a dozen people on this occasion, although they have been subject to similar investigations previously.
The three people were remanded in custody, although one was released on bail, and will appear in court charged with offences of real estate fraud, falsifying documentation, fraudulent processing of official acts and of being part of a criminal gang, facing prison for their actions.
 
 

Excerpt: Three people have been arrested in the Alicante town of Torrevieja, suspected of conning foreigners through a scam involving real estate and documentation. The three people, two men aged 47 and 50, and a woman aged 34, were arrested by the Guardia Civil after the investigation revealed that the trio, two of whom were domestic …

### Flights cancelled as Italy goes on strike again

Airlines are warning of cancellations and delays tomorrow due to more strikes in Italy.
National strike action is due to take place on Friday and will affect Air Traffic Control and ground handling services.
Ryanair said it has been forced to cancel a number of flights on Friday and is also expecting delays to flights to, from and over Italy.
“Ryanair calls for immediate EU Commission action to prevent more ATC strikes and staff shortages disrupting the travel plans of Europe’s consumers this summer, and we also encourage all customers to sign A4E’s online petition, Keep Europe’s Skies Open,” it said.
EasyJet said it was expecting a number of cancellations and potential delays.
British Airways said the strike would impact flights to and from Rome, Venice and Milan Linate.
“Some flights could face disruption, which is beyond our control, and we recognise that you may not wish to travel as a result. We have therefore introduced a more flexible rebooking policy to help affected customers travel on alternative dates and avoid the strike action,” it said.
BA said it would also be using larger aircraft on other services to and from Italy to help any affected customers from cancelled services.

Excerpt: Airlines are warning of cancellations and delays tomorrow due to more strikes in Italy. National strike action is due to take place on Friday and will affect Air Traffic Control and ground handling services. Ryanair said it has been forced to cancel a number of flights on Friday and is also expecting delays to flights …

### More than 200 Subsidised Jobs Offered to Young People of Torrevieja

Thanks to subsidised funding, more than 200 unemployed young people may find jobs in Torrevieja, so long as they sign up quickly.
A grant, which exceeds one million euro, was awarded in 2017 and implies a maximum recruitment of up to 153 young people, 67 qualified people (with a degree or higher) and 86 unskilled workers (who must have at most ESO or the specific qualification in some specific cases such as the lifeguard posts).
To qualify, you must be between 16 and 29, and can find yourself working for Torrevieja town hall on a 12-month contract, at least. 
In all cases they must be registered and appear as active beneficiaries, and registered in the SERVEF of Torrevieja as unemployed. In addition, they must be enrolled in one of the occupations that are available.
However, those who are interested in finding work placements must sign up at the Local Development Agency and SERVEF before June 8, where more information is also available.

Excerpt: Thanks to subsidised funding, more than 200 unemployed young people may find jobs in Torrevieja, so long as they sign up quickly. A grant, which exceeds one million euro, was awarded in 2017 and implies a maximum recruitment of up to 153 young people, 67 qualified people (with a degree or higher) and 86 unskilled …

### Truck Crash Closes Elche Motorway

An articulated truck, loaded with melons, overturned, crashed and burst into flames, blocking the A7 motorway in the area of the Elche university.

The incident occurred at around lunchtime on Wednesday, resulting in the truck blocking the entire motorway in one direction.
Footage and images from the scene showed the cab of the truck on fire and help being rendered to injured parties by the roadside.
Despite the dramatic images, nobody was seriously injured in the crash, the two occupants of the truck escaping before the blaze took hold.
An investigation is being carried out to ascertain the cause of the crash, whilst fire fighters tackled the blaze, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department worked through the afternoon to try to get the motorway reopened to traffic as soon as possible.

Excerpt: An articulated truck, loaded with melons, overturned, crashed and burst into flames, blocking the A7 motorway in the area of the Elche university. The incident occurred at around lunchtime on Wednesday, resulting in the truck blocking the entire motorway in Read Full Article...

### Congress Agrees to Warnings of Santa Pola Black Spots

Thanks to lobbying by the Ciudadanos political group, the government has agreed to plans to eliminate infamous black spots on N-332 at Santa Pola.

National spokesperson for the group, Pepe Cano, presented the plans to the Commission on Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility to carry out works to improve road safety on the N-332 road in the Santa Pola area, after a number of incidents over recent years.
Pepe Cano confirmed that the plan for the improvements “has been supported by all groups, except the PP”, but warned that, “these projects have been pending implementation since 2006, twelve years already. Neither the PSOE nor the PP have done anything, one more example, very typical of bipartisanship, of not executing budgets although what is at stake is security.”
The local coordinator in Santa Pola, José Antonio Aibar, justified the urgency of intervening in this way, in which 4 fatalities have been registered since 2016, “the last one a 44-year-old biker last February and in 2016 a 17-year-old boy who was hit by a truck due to the lack of hard shoulder,” he reported. Specifically, at kilometre 88 of the N-332 there have been 24 incidents since 2009, three of which have taken place in the last nine months “without the competent authorities having reacted correctly despite the danger of that point”.
Cano has specified that the proposal includes the installation of vertical signage in the sections leading to kilometre 88 of the N-332 and extend it to the rest of the black points of the national roads in order to inform drivers to exercise caution in these areas. They also requested the immediate carrying out of conservation and maintenance works on the N-332 as it passes through Santa Pola in places such as the acceleration lane of Gran Alacant towards Alicante, the incorporation of Gran Alacant to Santa Pola and the underground passage of the entrance to Santa Pola, in order to improve road safety. “From Cs we are satisfied to have obtained a majority support. Now we hope that these necessary interventions will not be delayed anymore,” the deputy pointed out.
José Antonio Aibar also celebrated the great support obtained by the proposal and added that “something that draws much attention is that the PP does not support the improvement of the N-332, although it announced in 2017 that it would include the budgets of 2018 a plan to make improvements to the black spots, which finally has not happened”.

Excerpt: Thanks to lobbying by the Ciudadanos political group, the government has agreed to plans to eliminate infamous black spots on N-332 at Santa Pola. National spokesperson for the group, Pepe Cano, presented the plans to the Commission on Road Safety Read Full Article...

### Skateboarding May Be Allowed on Pavements in Madrid

Skateboards may be permitted to be used on pavements, bicycle paths and other pedestrian areas of the city of Madrid, according to the final draft of the new Sustainable Mobility Ordinance, which will be approved on Thursday by the Government Board.

The document, whose main points were already announced last February, allows skateboards to travel under the same rules as skates and scooters without motors, since in the initial proposal of the ordinance its use was exclusively for sports, which meant it was restricted and limited to specifically designated areas. 
“They will be able to go on the pavements at the pace of the pedestrians, who will always have priority, they will not be able to do jumps or acrobatics,” municipal sources point out, however, for skateboards restrictions may be established for safety reasons on specific routes, for example, on bicycle paths that have a steep slope.

Excerpt: Skateboards may be permitted to be used on pavements, bicycle paths and other pedestrian areas of the city of Madrid, according to the final draft of the new Sustainable Mobility Ordinance, which will be approved on Thursday by the Government Read Full Article...

### Tobacco, Cause of Deathfor One in every Ten Adults

The link between tobacco and canceris direct, and the disappearance of the first would render some tumours, including lung tumours, uncommon, states Doctor Dick Pasker, pneumology specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. In addition, according to the World Health Organization, tobacco use is directly related to deadly diseases such as lung and larynx cancer, the ninth cause of death around the world.

Doctor Pasker advises both habitual smokers and former smokers to undergo periodic check-ups. As the pneumologist notes, “when lung cancer is detected in time, and the patient received immediate treatment, the cure sate rises to 92%. Without early diagnosis, most lung cancer patients end up dying. The objective of the check-ups is to detect illnesses related to tobacco use in their early stages, in order to solve the `problem before there’s no chance of a cure.”

Tobacco is linked to over 25 diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as different types of cancer; additionally, nicotine is a drug with an addition rate as high as heroin. Among all these diseases that are fundamentally related to tobacco, Doctor Pasker highlights COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). “This disease,” the specialist explains, “is characterised by difficulty getting air into the bronchi, and symptoms such as suffocating while walking or increasing activity level, cough and expectoration increase as the years go by. It is important to detect it in time, because it is an irreversible progressive disease.” The pneumologist added that, “COPD cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can help control its symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. Forecasts show that this problem will increase. This is why it is so important.”

 

Know Tobacco’s Risks

 

According to the specialist, these are some of the health risks of using tobacco:

 	The damage caused by tobacco is not restricted to the lungs; the risk of tumours affects all the organs it comes into contact with, especially the mouth, often forgotten, and it is determinant in cardiovascular diseases.
 	Cancer is not the only damage tobacco can cause to the lung. Emphysema and COPD are two irreversible processes directly linked to tobacco.
 	Tobacco negatively affects male and female fertility, as well as the conception process.
 	Women who smoke have higher risk pregnancy, and their babies also suffer negative consequences during the pregnancy and after their birth.
 	Children are the most vulnerable of passive smokers, and tobacco is the most determining preventable risk factor in childhood respiratory diseases.
 	Smokers sleep less, and their sleep quality is worse.
 	The addiction caused by nicotine is the main obstacle in the process of quitting, but once it is overcome, there are immediate visible benefits, such as skin quality.

 

 

About Quirónsalud

Quirónsalud is the most important hospital group in Spain, and the third largest in Europe. It is present in 13 autonomous communities, has the most advanced technologies, and offers over 6,500 beds in more than 100 centres, such as the Fundación Jiménez Díaz [Jiménez Díaz Foundation], Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Ruber, Centro Médico Teknon, Hospital La Luz, Policlínica de Guipúzcoa, etc., as well as a great team of highly specialised professionals of international prestige.

 

We work on teaching promotion (seven of our centres are university hospitals), and medical-scientific research (we have the Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la FJD [JDF Healthcare Research Centre], the only privateresearch centre with accreditation from the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación [Ministry for Research, Development and Innovation].

 

Likewise, our assistance service is organised in units and crosscutting networks, which allows us to optimise the accumulated experience of our different centres, and the clinical application of our research. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing many research projects throughout Spain, and many of its centres perform cutting edge work, and are pioneers in different specialisations, including cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, neurology, oncology and sports medicine, among others.

### Pets Permitted to Visit Patients in Hospital

Ina pioneering scheme in Spain, patients having to stay in hospital for treatment will at least be able to gain some comfort by their pets being allowed to visit them at their bedside.
The scheme has been devised through a collaboration between the College of Veterinarians of Alicante and Ribera Salud, and has been tested in the hospitals of Torrevieja and Vinalopó in Elche.
To qualify for a hospital visit, the patient must first obtain consent from the doctor in charge of treatment, and a certificate from a vet.
As reported by the company in a statement, this new protocol, developed as a response to the request of the patients themselves, has been under trial for some time, and is applied to the University Hospitals of Torrevieja and Vinalopó (Elche). It is the only such service in mainland Spain, with the only other being the Dogspital program at the Hospital de Ibiza.

Excerpt: Ina pioneering scheme in Spain, patients having to stay in hospital for treatment will at least be able to gain some comfort by their pets being allowed to visit them at their bedside. The scheme has been devised through a collaboration between the College of Veterinarians of Alicante and Ribera Salud, and has been tested …

### Portuguese Man O War Threat Easing

After days of beach closures, the imminent threat to bathers over the invasion of Portuguese Man O War along the Costa Blanca appears to be easing.
Councils along the coastline have started to remove prohibition notices, with the popular resort of Torrevieja being the latest to lift the ban along the La Mata stretch, which had been closed since the 19th of May, as a precaution.
Municipal sources confirmed that as from 09:00 on Tuesday morning the 2 kilometre stretch of beach had reopened.
Concerns had been raised along the entire coast after a number of these creatures were found both washed up on the beaches and swimming in the sea close to the shore. There had been instances of bathers being stung, although no serious injuries were recorded.
In a neighbouring municipality, the local police posted a picture on their social media feeds showing how small these creatures can be, highlighting one next to a car key, as many visitors wrongly believed them to be of considerable size and easily noticeable, whereas the image showed the real reason why many beaches were also closed and being patrolled, not just the sea.

The siphonophore hidrozoo secretes a toxic substance urticante and, after reaching the Mediterranean from the Atlantic through the Strait of Gibraltar, in recent weeks has been displaced by wind turning from north to south to hit the coast. 
Bathers are still advised to check and note warning on beaches, both signs and the flag colour, with red flags prohibiting bathing, yellow flags indicating caution, which could be flying for any actual reason, although the aim is simply for the protection of visitors to the beaches.

Excerpt: After days of beach closures, the imminent threat to bathers over the invasion of Portuguese Man O War along the Costa Blanca appears to be easing. Councils along the coastline have started to remove prohibition notices, with the popular resort of Torrevieja being the latest to lift the ban along the La Mata stretch, which …

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Excerpt: Thanks to the support from our sponsors, we are now able to open the doors to allow more members to join the N332 / RoadWatch mailing list. Please, if you have already signed up, do not worry, your details are Read Full Article...

### The most common infractions committed by motorcyclists

Motorcycles are an increasingly popular form of mobility, offering a fun alternative to the car, with benefits for the environment, for increasingly difficult parking places, of economic advantage, but also often resulting in drivers suffering some of the most serious injuries of all road users.
That said, the choice is still a popular one, especially at weekends, and during holiday periods, but many riders are apparently unaware of some of the most common infractions committed, or the subsequent penalties.
The penalty for acting carelessly on a motorcycle can cost between 10 and 30,000 euro as a fine, according to the experts of Multayuda, with the most common ones being forgetting documentation and not having complied with certain administrative procedures.
To try to assist bikers in becoming more aware of their responsibilities, they should hopefully be better equipped for safer riding, at least that is the hope of the Wiquot company, who has drawn up a list of the most common motorcycle fines, including negligence such as forgetting when to renew the ITV or changing the tyres.

The most common fines on motorcycles

Forgetting to carry a driver’s licence. This oversight can result in a 10€ fine and must be submitted before 5 days to an office where the agents indicate. However, not having a driving licence can constitute a criminal offence, and so it is possible that the driver could have to spend a night in the cells until confirmation can be obtained.
Expired license. Not having renewed the licence carries a fine of 200€.
Forget passing the ITV. This procedure is obligatory and not doing so carries a fine of 200€. Not only that, once the ITV has expired, the bike cannot be ridden on the roads until the ITV is passed, and so alternative arrangements, such as with a grua, must be made to transport the vehicle to the testing station.
Not having updated address changes. The correct driver’s information must appear on the driver’s licence. If you have not notified the changes to the DGT you can be fined 80€.
Not wearing a helmet. This carries a fine of 200€ and the withdrawal of 3 points of the driver’s licence. In addition, in the case of carrying another person and it is the passenger who is not wearing a helmet, it is the driver who will be held responsible and sanctioned.
Not having renewed the insurance. The fine for this infraction can range between 601 and 3,005€. In addition, it will mean the immediate immobilisation of the motorcycle.
Chaining the motorbike to street furniture. Beware that parking next to a street lamp or a road sign, for example, as this can result in a 30€ fine.
Parking on pavements and pedestrian squares. You may only park on sidewalks that are more than 3.5 meters wide. Doing so in public places will be sanctioned with a 30€ fine and in any place that obstructs the passage of pedestrians has a fine of 200€.
Dirty number plate. As with cars, the fine can be 200€. In addition, putting stickers or other type of ornaments in the licence plate is not allowed and carries a penalty of 80€.
Washing the motorbike in the street is prohibited and may result in a fine between 30 and 3,000€.
Refuelling inadequately. Putting fuel in the motorbike whilst the lights, the engine or the radio are on, as with cars, carries a penalty, in this case, the fine is 80€.
Parking on the sand on the beach can be one of the most expensive fines. For example, a parking lot in the sand of Roquetas de Mar (Almería) resulted in a fine of 30,505€, as it is a protected area.
Turning back. Stopping when passing a detour and turning back can cost 200€ and the withdrawal of 4 points of the licence.
Spinning or skidding wheels carries a fine of 100€.
Driving with worn tires is sanctioned with a fine of 200€.
Driving on the hard shoulder without cause is fined at 200€.
Driving without an appropriate licence. Holders of a full car licence may ride a motorbike up to 125cc. But driving a motorcycle more powerful or outside the scope of that permitted by the licence may result in a fine of 500€ and 4 points withdrawn from the licence, and another 200€ for the owner of the motorcycle. In addition, driving directly without a licence, such as never having held one or when withdrawn by the courts, may result in a prison sentence. In this case, the prison sentence can be between 3 and 6 months and will be accompanied by a fine and community service 1 to 3 months.

Excerpt: Motorcycles are an increasingly popular form of mobility, offering a fun alternative to the car, with benefits for the environment, for increasingly difficult parking places, of economic advantage, but also often resulting in drivers suffering some of the most serious Read Full Article...

### Fifteen People Evacuated from Torrevieja Fire

Around fifteen people were evacuated from their homes in Torrevieja on Sunday after fears for their safety were raised following a forest fire in the naturalpark of Lagunas de la Mata.

The fire started at around 15:45 near the junction of Miguel de Unamuno and Pablo Neruda and resulted in 1,500 square metres of natural parkland being destroyed.

Eight fire tenders attended the incident, as well as medical staff who assisted in the evacuation, although the fire was successfully controlled around an hour after the fight begun.

Picture thanks to Alicante Fire Consortium

### Guardia Civil Exhibition in Torrevieja

http://youtu.be/NT9q8OvBh4w

The Guardia Civil held an exhibition of their vehicles and law enforcement tools in Torrevieja.

### Guardia Civil Exhibition in Torrevieja Today

Members of the Guardia Civil are at the marina area of Torrevieja today, displaying a range of tools and vehicles used in law enforcement.



There are static displays throughout the afternoon and demonstrations during the event.

It is free to visit and worth popping along to explore some of the hidden elements of this safety and security orientated corps.

### Red Light Jumping Cyclist has Bike Confiscated

A cyclist in Elche (Alicante) had his bike confiscated this week, after a Local Police patrol observed the cyclist riding through a red traffic light.
The officers observed the infraction on Tuesday in the city centre and proceeded to process the cyclist for committing a traffic offence. Upon speaking to the cyclist, the officers became concerned over the well being of the cyclist and proceeded with a drug test, which tested positive for cannabis.
In the interest of safety, the officers confiscated the bike and processed the cyclist for the additional offence of driving under the influence of drugs, in addition to the traffic light offence.
Cyclists are reminded that when they are on the road they are a governed by the same laws as all other vehicles, and so traffic law must be observed at all time.
Last month, officers from the Guardia Civil fined a cyclist one hundred euro for exceeding the peed limit on the CV-675 road, which links the Valencian towns of Barx and Gandia. A speed control detected the cyclist travelling at 77 kilometres per hour on the road where the maximum permitted speed was 60.

Excerpt: A cyclist in Elche (Alicante) had his bike confiscated this week, after a Local Police patrol observed the cyclist riding through a red traffic light. The officers observed the infraction on Tuesday in the city centre and proceeded to process Read Full Article...

### RoadWatch Issue 13

Welcome to the latest edition of RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine FOR FREE at the end of this introduction post, or just scroll to the bottom if you prefer to skip this part. You can also purchase and download the PDF to your own device by clicking the button here…

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We have got lots to talk about in this issue, but first you might have noticed our new look. We have focused more on our main name, RoadWatch, in order to allow us to expand our coverage to feature a wider range of articles, not only covering Spain, but (eventually) the rest of Europe, and to allow us to expand the rest of our features to include interesting articles from our partners, which we hope will also be of use and service to you.
We are still part of the N332 Road Safety Project, which is why we are “In Conjunction with N332” on the cover, and so we have lots of articles of interest to driving in Spain, from carrying a bike to getting older, and an in-depth look at both speed and wearing seatbelts.

As always, we also give you some more secrets from the hidden treasure trove of tools available to the Guardia Civil to help in the quest for safer roads, and a detailed look at the mini eye-in-the-sky, drones.
From the world of motoring we have some great features this month, including the amazing beauty of our cover model, and a look at classics for sale.
As always, you can find more information on the websites, n332.es, and RoadWatch.eu, where you can get the latest articles constantly updated. You can also subscribe to our newsletter by clicking the link on the site, and be the first to hear about the latest issue of RoadWatch, when we publish it.
For now, enjoy this edition and stay safe.





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Excerpt: Welcome to the latest edition of RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine FOR FREE at the end of this introduction post, or just scroll to the bottom if you prefer to skip this part. You can also purchase and Read Full Article...

### The Braking System

The vehicle´s braking system consists of a series of elements that work together to stop the vehicle.
Every time the brakes are applied, the system works together to provide effective friction in order to slow, and hopefully stop, the vehicle.
The braking system is fundamentally similar on all vehicles, however, there are significant differences in each make and model, a lightweight and less powerful vehicle does not have the same requirements to stop as a sports car capable of high performance, or a large SUV, which will exceed two and a half tons of weight in running order, for example.
The manufacturer looks for the best compromise between the effectiveness of the brakes and the price of the set at the time of its development. If we want to improve its effectiveness, brands usually have the option of more powerful equipment, which also might well increase the price to the consumer.

What it costs to brake by type of vehicle
The braking distance depends on many variables: condition and temperature of the road surface, tyres, shock absorbers, weight plus load and, above all, the speed of the vehicle. In addition, it will not be the same in a compact car as an SUV, which almost doubles in weight, or a sports car.
Types of brake: disc and drum
Currently, the automotive industry uses two main types of brakes: disc and drum. Almost all cars and motorcycles always mount discs on the front axle, while the drums are used on the rear axle of the basic versions of the lower segments, the most economical ones.
The base, in any case, is the same, with the same components in the main system through a circuit that allows the force to come by the pressure of the fluid.
The disc brakes have a disc attached to the hub of each wheel and are more effective and powerful, evacuating heat better. Its diameter depends on the weight of the car, its benefits … and what we can afford.
The drum system is more economical and, although it offers a greater friction surface, it does not have the same capacity as the discs and dissipates the heat that occurs with friction. The drum is attached to the bushing and inside it go the shoes, on which the pressure is exerted.
Prices
As in any maintenance work, the price is variable in each province or workshop.
Brake pads. The pads can be purchased from about 15 euro, but the average cost of assembly in the workshop is around 105 euroin each axis, due to the complexity of the work.
Discs. In the disks, the variations are more evident, because these are specific for each car model, and cost from about 180 euro, to which we must add the cost of changing the pads.
Brake fluid. In the case of brake fluid, the average price is around 57 euro.
Pipes. The pipes are not very expensive, from approximately 20 euro, but when replacing them you have to change the circuit fluid too.
As the braking system is one of the most important safety systems in the car, caution must be exercised before attempting to perform any work yourself, leaving it to the professionals is often the best option.

Excerpt: The vehicle´s braking system consists of a series of elements that work together to stop the vehicle. Every time the brakes are applied, the system works together to provide effective friction in order to slow, and hopefully stop, the vehicle. Read Full Article...

### Did you feel the latest earthquake?

Torrevieja and the surrounding area shook on Friday evening with an earthquake centred just off Pilar Dr la Horadada.



The 3.4 magnitude tremor (originally recorded at 3.2 but later upgraded based on reports submitted) was felt across much of the southern Costa Blanca with many people taking to Facebook to discuss the latest rumble.

If you felt it, you can report your experience to the experts which allows them to better understand and plan such incidents in the future.

You can enter your information via this link.

### The Drugs Don´t Work

“Alcohol, cannabis and cocaine, the drugs that most affect driving”

Ignacio Bayón is the President of the Fundación de Ayuda contra la Drogadicción (FAD), and well equipped to speak about the dangers of drugs and addiction.
In an interview with the DGT´s own road safety magazine, Bayón makes it clear how drugs and driving don´t work.
Is there awareness of the risk that drugs carry at the wheel?
Undoubtedly, prevention campaigns have had a positive impact on the population. Information about the risks of drug use and coping is known to the majority of the population.
How can the use of drugs be prevented at the wheel?
You have to work from the risks, the benefits and the social context that leads to that behaviour.
Are controls effective to prevent consumption?
Control measures are always necessary but not sufficient. The most important thing is to educate young people from a preventive approach and work on the motivations and individual and social attitudes that produce problematic consumption.
Social networks, new technologies … Are they more effective than traditional media?
Undoubtedly, especially for younger age groups and users of these networks, who no longer use traditional media to inform themselves. The ‘influencers’ are key to prevention.
What is the substance that is thought to affect driving the most?
I would not quote only one substance. In my opinion, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine.

Excerpt: “Alcohol, cannabis and cocaine, the drugs that most affect driving” Ignacio Bayón is the President of the Fundación de Ayuda contra la Drogadicción (FAD), and well equipped to speak about the dangers of drugs and addiction. In an interview with Read Full Article...

### The Little Eye in the Sky

During the May holiday traffic operation, the DGT set about testing another vigilance device, one small enough to fit in a briefcase, but powerful enough to monitor a larger stretch of road that ground patrols ever could, their very own unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or DRONES as we like to call them.

The DGT currently has five drones: 1 Phantom 2, 1 Phantom 4 Pro, 1 Matrice 200 and 2 S900 units, with plans to buy another seven, as announced by the Director General of Traffic in a recent state budget.

The drones which were put to the test have a range of approximately 500 metres, operate at a height of 120 metres and offer 2 hours of autonomous flight, which gives an immediacy to their mobilization, operational flexibility and multipurpose use of the services to be provided.

According to Gregorio Serrano, “The incorporation of these unmanned devices to the aerial surveillance services of the DGT will contribute to better traffic management, greater protection for vulnerable groups (cyclists) and a better service in special operations, such as competitions for motorcycling, Paso delEstrecho or the device this weekend.”
The DGT is accredited by the State Air Safety Agency as an operator of remotely piloted aircraft systems. Likewise, the Helicopter Unit of the DGT is a pilot training organization for the issuance of basic and advanced certificates for drone piloting.
 
Meet the Drone Family
The DGT currently owns two drones from the Phantom brand, the company renowned for selling the most vehicles to the professional community. The DGT has one Phantom 2 and one Phantom 4 Pro, which stands out mainly due to its integrated high definition camera, its recording mode with stabilizer and its positioning and transmission system with GPS. In addition, the WiFi connection also allows the Phantom drones to fly higher than others in the same category.
There is also a Matrice 200 in the fleet, with high performance engines, coupled with 17-inch propellers, ensuring a stable flight in winds of speeds up to 35 km / h. The new dual battery system heats the batteries automatically on flights at temperatures below zero, and offers a 7 kilometre maximum operating distance, with 38 minutes of flight. The device is well insulated, ensuring resistance to water and weather, so it can fly in all kinds of environments. The downside, it is a much more expensive device than conventional drones.
As for the S900, this is a simple flying device with much more power than the small and manageable Phantom, being the ideal option for those professionals who want to take to the air, with a camera attached, in the shortest time. It only offers 18 minutes of flight, but is ready to go in an instant.

Excerpt: During the May holiday traffic operation, the DGT set about testing another vigilance device, one small enough to fit in a briefcase, but powerful enough to monitor a larger stretch of road that ground patrols ever could, their very own Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja

http://youtu.be/M_9dccwqRB0

### Unmarked Motorbikes for the Guardia Civil

The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano,has announced plans to research adding unmarked motorbikes to the Guardia Civil’s fleet of vehicles.

The traffic department of the Guardia Civil already use unmarked cars on some speed monitoring campaigns, and during other enforcement activities such as monitoring the use of seatbelts or mobile phones whilst driving. Unmarked cars can also be used on covert surveillance.
This latest announcement would see traffic officers taking to the streets on unmarked motorbikes, which would not only allow for greater monitoring of vehicles, it would mean that deployment is both quicker and more adaptable to a variety of roads.
The unmarked bikes would not only be able to monitor cars and larger vehicles, their size and speed would also allow for better monitoring of the activities of more vulnerable road users, such as motorbikes and cyclists, both of whom have equal rights on the roads, but also equal responsibility to abide by the same laws.
Unmarked and discreet motorbikes are already deployed in countries such as the UK, where officers not only patrol on street bikes, but also off-road, tackling crime and offences in more rural areas cross-country.

The UK has also gone the opposite way in terms of covert enforcement, with a number of forces using unmarked HGV cabs to monitor and police the roads.

One of these vehicles took the head of the Highways Agency, who provided the vehicle, on a recent example drive, during which 6 drivers were seen using their mobile phones on the motorway and dealt with accordingly.

The enhancement of new equipment for the Spanish traffic law enforcement teams has seen compact speed, alcohol and drugs monitoring equipment being made available for the patrol bikes and adding these unmarked bikes to the fleet will ensure that those who choose to ignore the dangers are dealt with quicker, making the roads safer for all.

Excerpt: The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano,has announced plans to research adding unmarked motorbikes to the Guardia Civil’s fleet of vehicles. The traffic department of the Guardia Civil already use unmarked cars on some speed monitoring campaigns, and during other Read Full Article...

### Portable Drug Testing  Kits

One of the latest additions to the Guardia Civil´s road safety toolkit has been the portable drug testing kits.

Like the latest breathalysers and speed cameras, the kits are small enough to be carried in the panniers of motorbikes, as well as in the other vehicles operated by the corps.

Upon suspicion of a driver having consumed drugs, a saliva test is taken, which is then put into a secure part of the portable machine for analysis.
Within minutes, the results are presented to the officers which will either determine the all clear, or if any kind of drug has been consumed, and to what level.

A second sample of saliva is also taken and sealed into a specific unit which can then be used for evidence.
The whole process from start to finish takes just minutes, allowing innocent motorists to be on their way with little inconvenience, and for those who have consumed drugs to be dealt with immediately, thus instantly reducing the risk to other road users.

Excerpt: One of the latest additions to the Guardia Civil´s road safety toolkit has been the portable drug testing kits. Like the latest breathalysers and speed cameras, the kits are small enough to be carried in the panniers of motorbikes, as Read Full Article...

### The Integrated Patrol

In a pioneering model of road traffic policing across Europe, the Guardia Civil now operates the first vehicles under the banner name of the “Integrated Patrol”.

The Integrated Patrol is a new surveillance model which sees motorbikes equipped with all of the tools required for both surveillance and enforcement, key to reducing incidents involving some of the most fatal contributing factors to road traffic collisions and serious injuries or fatalities.
The motorbikes are equipped with portable breathalysers, evidential drug testing kits, and the new Velolaser portable speed monitoring equipment. Collectively, the officers on the bikes are able to monitor for the correct use of seatbelts, mobile phone use, alcohol and drug use, and speed, all from the equipment carried with them.
Surveillance and monitoring can be set up in the minimum of time, and on roads where other vehicles may not previously have been able to operate.

Once again to clear up a common misconception however, the equipment is carried with the motorbikes and is not fitted to it. IN other words, the motorbikes do not have radars and cameras fitted to them which can be used when they are moving. All of the equipment is carried in the panniers until it is used.

Excerpt: In a pioneering model of road traffic policing across Europe, the Guardia Civil now operates the first vehicles under the banner name of the “Integrated Patrol”. The Integrated Patrol is a new surveillance model which sees motorbikes equipped with all Read Full Article...

### Carrying a Bike Behind your Car

It is not uncommon to see cars carrying bicycles on cars, often on frames specifically designed for this purpose, but it is not always clear how the bike should be carried, and, more importantly, what additional signs or signals might be required.
There are two main points we must keep in mind when carrying a load at the rear of the vehicle, firstly, our lights and number plates must be clearly visible, and secondly, we must be conscious of whether the load, a bike in this case, protrudes from the rear and the sides of the vehicle. For other loads, we must also be conscious of whether it protrudes from the front, and the height, but on this instance, we are talking about carrying a bike at the rear of the vehicle.
So, the first thing to do is to buy a suitable carrying frame that will not only fit our bicycle, but must also securely fit to our vehicle. We must then attached additional lighting at the rear that replicates our vehicles own, rear lights, indicators, brake lights etc, and our number plate.
Once we have our frame secure, we must then consider the load itself, in this case our bike, and how it fits on the secured carrying frame.
In the case we are dealing with, which is that of passenger cars, depending on the width occupied by the load that protrudes from the rear, you may have to display one or two additional warning signs, the V-20.

The V-20 is a square panel (50 by 50 centimetres) with diagonal and alternating stripes of white and red.

If the transported object (our bicycle in this case) is less than the maximum width of the vehicle from the rear (including the rear-view mirrors), a single V-20 signal will be placed (at the end of the load and perpendicular to the axis of the vehicle).

If the transported load protrudes longitudinally occupying the entire width of the vehicle (including the rear-view mirrors), in other words, if our load is wider than the car, including the mirrors, the car will have to carry two V-20 signals in the rear, placed transversely at each end of the load in such a way that the red and white stripes form the geometry of an inverted “V”.

This provides important information to drivers approaching from the rear. If one sign is visible, drivers know that the load protrudes only to the rear. If two signs are visible, in the inverted “V” form, then approaching drivers know that not only does the load protrude from the rear but is also wider than the vehicle carrying it.
Use all the anchor points that the signal has in order to hold it in place, preferably using elastic belts or tensioners. The use of plastic clamps is not recommended. Hold the signal and the load tightly, as far from the wind as possible.
In terms of the load protruding from the rear, the regulations state that it may protrude 10% of the length of the vehicle if the load is divisible, whereas if the load is indivisible, it can exceed the length of the car by 15%.

Excerpt: It is not uncommon to see cars carrying bicycles on cars, often on frames specifically designed for this purpose, but it is not always clear how the bike should be carried, and, more importantly, what additional signs or signals might Read Full Article...

### Getting older, Staying Mobile

There´s no escaping it, we are all getting older. No matter what our current physical or mental age might be, there will come a time when our abilities start to deteriorate, often unnoticed, and we need to take steps to ensure that although we may be getting on in years, we can still be mobile and live life to the full.

Aging affects our ability to move, whether as pedestrians, drivers or on public transport. Many of these changes occur slowly, progressively and often almost imperceptibly. And not in the same way for everyone. In Spain there are currently 8.6 million people over 65, 18% of the population that, if the trend continues, by 2030 it will be 30%.
In terms of road safety statistics, the DGT registered more than 12,000 traffic collisions in 2016 where people over the age of 65 were involved, accounting for 12% of the total figure. There were 513 fatalities in the over 65 age group, over a quarter at 28% of all deaths, and more than 1,500 senior citizens were seriously injured, some 16% of the total.
Heterogeneous group
Once the retirement age is reached, we find a very diverse group of people, conditioned by the physical deterioration of their age but with very variable personal circumstances. Road safety specialists emphasise the importance of raising awareness within the senior society of their own limitations, as well as that of their environment, in which the family, the primary care physician and society play a fundamental role. “It is essential that they are aware of these deficits and compensate them. Their limitations do not incapacitate them, but they do condition them,” says Enrique Mirabet, a physician and member of the Spanish Society of Traffic Medicine (SEMT).
Restrict yes, limit no.
Currently, European policies tend not to limit the validity of the driving licence due to age, but to restrict driving at certain times of the day or in certain areas. “The assessment of the elderly must be individualised, since there is a great variability in their psychophysical conditions,” explains Elena Valdés, medical advisor of the DGT.
“We must analyse each case individually, assessing damages and benefits because it is that person who is driving, taking into account their physical limitations but also their personal circumstances, and their mobility needs,” says José Ignacio Lijarcio, researcher at the University Institute of Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), an entity that has recently developed the Health Road Barometer for the Elderly (SAVIMA), in which they investigated the incident rate and health of the elderly and developed a medical guide for professionals in recognition centres.
So, where do we limit to the mobility of the elderly? “We do not have an equal limitation for everyone, it depends on each person. Years ago a man of 70 was an old man. Today there are 85-year-old people who are very healthy,” says PilarCervelló, doctor and president of the Valencian Association of Recognition Centres.
Continuing with restrictions.
In 2017, 690,000 medical examinations were made of people over the age of 65 in Spain: 81% were declared fit and able to continue driving, the others presenting visual, perceptive-motor and hearing problems, for which the most frequent types of restrictions were to shorten the periods of validity of the licence and subsequent re-examination to below 5 years, and the limitations to driving in certain areas and at the daytime.
Review periods. Roadway health specialists consider that certain changes are necessary in the current drivers’ reviews: “Examinations for those over 70 should be done every two years instead of every five. The Administration should expand the protocols for them,” says Lijarcio. For Enrique Mirabet, you also have to “check the age from which a person is considered ‘older’. That point of definition was set many years ago. A 65-year-old driver 20 years ago is nothing like a current one.”

Excerpt: There´s no escaping it, we are all getting older. No matter what our current physical or mental age might be, there will come a time when our abilities start to deteriorate, often unnoticed, and we need to take steps to Read Full Article...

### eCall now Mandatory

As of the end of March, 2018, all new cars and vans must have the eCall automatic emergency call system installed.

The calls from the system is free and has coverage throughout Europe. The system is activated automatically when the airbags are deployed, establishing a voice communication with the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre.

The call carries an indicator that clearly identifies that it is an eCall call, giving it the highest priority. This is, “One of its most important characteristics,” says Ana Blanco, deputy director at the DGT and co-chair of the eCall European Implementation Platform.

This call can also be generated manually by the driver or by one of the occupants of the vehicle, by simply pressing the SOS button carried by the vehicles equipped with the system.

All data
The operator receives the information with the exact place where the incident occurred, the type of vehicle, with its license plate, make, model and type of fuel (if it is electric or petrol, for example), among others.
This is “essential data,” explains Blanco, “because they facilitate the work of the rescue services, which know from the start what equipment they should carry.”
Saves lives
According to the GMV consultancy, it is estimated that the eCall has the potential to save 2,500 lives a year in Europe when it is introduced in all vehicles, as well as reduce the severity of the consequences of those injured by traffic collisions between 10 and 15 %.
I do not have it, what do I do?
If your vehicle does not have an eCall device and you have an emergency, remember you can call 112. Calls to 112 are free, operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and allows for geo-location of the call. When you dial, the GSM network (Global System for mobile communications) passes the call to the nearest emergency centre. This service is accessible from any landline or mobile phone, even if the mobile is blocked or without entering the PIN number and without coverage. Moreover, the operators at the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre speak a variety of languages, including English.

Excerpt: As of the end of March, 2018, all new cars and vans must have the eCall automatic emergency call system installed. The calls from the system is free and has coverage throughout Europe. The system is activated automatically when the Read Full Article...

### Speed Kills!

Speed, whether excessive (above established limits) or inappropriate (within limits but not adjusted to the conditions of the road, vehicle or driver) is a problem for road safety in many countries as established by the Organization for Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Conference of Transport Ministers (ECMT).
According to both organisations, half of all drivers drive at an inappropriate speed and 20% in excess of the established limit by 10 kilometres per hour.
Not respecting the speed limits is a fundamental element that determines the greater or lesser incidence in road accidents, and the severity and degree of injury of the victims in the event of a traffic accident. In addition, in the case of fatal incidents, in 21% of them, speed was a concurrent factor.
In 2016 (the last year with consolidated data) more than 350 people died on the roads in incidents in which speed was one of the concurrent factors.
For this reason and because awareness to respect the speed limits is essential to reduce the incident rate, the Directorate General of Traffic collaborates with all Europe-wide campaigns of awareness and monitoring of speed on the roads, usually carried out simultaneously in almost thirty countries that make up the International Organization of Traffic Police (TISPOL), of which the Traffic Group of the Guardia Civil is a member.

In addition to the Guardia Civil, local and regional police also get involved in these campaigns, with the DGT offering equipment, such as their own marked vehicles, to police forces in order to assist them in combatting one of the riskiest road-based dangers. Particularly as on urban roads across the country, including in cities, pedestrians are the users who suffer the most deaths where speed is the main contributing factor.

SPEED REDUCTION
As a result of the reluctance for many drivers to realise the dangers of excessive speed, the DGT is investigating an overall reduction in the maximum permitted speed limit on conventional roads, which, if approved, will see many of the current limits reduced by 10 kilometres per hour on most roads.
According to Gregorio Serrano, director general of the DGT,“the idea is that all of these roads have a speed limit of 90 km / h, a limit that the owners of these roads could change to the levels they consider reasonable,”, continuing, “The scientific evidence and the accidents that occur every day on our roads lead us to conclude that reducing speed is a necessary measure if we want to reduce the accident rate and the pain of thousands of families.”
According to several studies, a decrease of 1% of the average speed of a road, produces a reduction of 4% in fatal collisions (Nilsson). On the other hand Elvik showed that reducing the speed limit by 10 km / h implies a reduction of 2.5 km / h in the average speed. Taking into account both authors, it could be affirmed that reducing the speed limit by 10 km / h would imply a decrease in mortality of around 10%.
Not respecting the speed limits is a fundamental element that determines the greater or lesser incidence in road traffic incidents, and the severity and degree of injury of the victims in the event of a traffic collision. In addition, in the case of fatal incidents, in 21% of them, speed was a concurrent factor.

ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY
Although not without the inevitable incident, given the early, yet fast development of the technology, advanced systems to assist the driver, and make the roads safer are already being implemented in vehicles, and on the road network.
Advanced driver-assistance systems, or ADAS, are systems to help the driver in the driving process. When designed with a safe human-machine interface, they should increase car safety and more generally road safety.
Most road traffic incidents occur due to the human error. Advanced driver-assistance systems are systems developed to automate, adapt and enhance vehicle systems for safety and better driving. The automated system which is provided by ADAS to the vehicle is proven to reduce road fatalities, by minimizing the human error.
Safety features are designed to avoid collisions by offering technologies that alert the driver to potential problems, or to avoid collisions by implementing safeguards and taking over control of the vehicle. Adaptive features may automate lighting, provide adaptive cruise control, automate braking, incorporate GPS/ traffic warnings, connect to smartphones, alert the driver to other cars or dangers, lane departure warning system, automatic lane guidance, or showing what is in blind spots.
According to a study by the DGT, “Report and analysis on the influence of driving support systems on road safety and its application for the classification of vehicles”, the widespread implementation of such assistance systems in national vehicles would reduce the severity of incidents by 57% and avoid a figure of 51,000 collisions, and their consequences.
Many of the ADAS available on the market have been grouped according to the different types of incident (collision, run over, exit …) and many of them automatically reduce the speed of the vehicle if they detect a collision risk such as FCW (Frontal collision Warning); AEBS (Automatic Emergency Braking); SLI (Speed Limit Indicator) or ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control).

Excerpt: Speed, whether excessive (above established limits) or inappropriate (within limits but not adjusted to the conditions of the road, vehicle or driver) is a problem for road safety in many countries as established by the Organization for Cooperation and Development Read Full Article...

### Van Related Incidents Show Startling Increase

A report conducted by Fundación Linea Directa, in collaboration with the University Institute for Traffic Research and Road Safety (INTRAS), has analysed, in depth, 445,000 road traffic incidents with victims between 2011 and 2015, in which 750,000 drivers were involved and a total of 41,000 vans, as well as more than 940,000 incidents dealt with by the Línea Directa insurance company between 2011 and 2017, involving 23,000 vans.

The startling conclusion of the report that looked into both sets of data is that there has been an increase of 41% in traffic incidents involving vans in the five-year period. These incidents resulted in the loss of 935 lives and another 4,600 people being seriously injured.
The situation is especially serious in cities, where the number of injured has increased by 94% and the risk of suffering a fatal incident is 35% higher than in cars. To the worsening of this serious problem for road safety, very little studied so far, several factorshave been contributed. In the first place, the very nature of the Spanish business fabric, in which there are more than 3.1 million freelancers. Secondly, the significant increase in the number of motorists who rent a van without preparation, generally to move or carry a load for a single journey, such as moving house, or buying furniture, and, finally, the boom of electronic commerce,
Type of incidents involving vans
The predominant type of incident in which vans are involved in are usually multiple-vehicle collisions, usually with the vans colliding with the rear of cars ahead. Typically, the driver of the most likely van involved in this sort of collision is male between the age of 35 and 45, with some considerable driving experience.
As for the most common type of road, there is still a slight predominance of highways and motorways over the cities, although this difference is narrowing in recent years. As for the time and date, incidents with vans usually occur mid-morning (between 12 and 1 pm), on Fridays and during the months of July and October.
According to data from the DGT, the vans involved in the collisions are often old and in poor condition, with 60% more faults than cars, mainly with their tyres, brakes and steering. A problem that is aggravated by the age of the van fleet on the roads, which averages 16 years of age, 20% older than the average fleet of cars. In addition, in 2 of every 3 collisions involving vehicles in the opposite direction, the responsibility is with the driver of the van. The reasons for this is thought to be due to their long working hours and, above all, in the stress generated by the need for punctuality of deliveries.
Accidentalness by Autonomous Communities
In the study carried out by the LíneaDirecta Foundation, an incident map of this type of vehicle has also been drawn up comparing the different regional van incident rates for each 1,000 vehicles of this type (whose average is 4.7 in the last analysed year of 2015). With this in mind, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Asturias are the territories with the highest proportion of van incidents, while Cantabria and Navarra are the regions with the least number of incidents of this type.
Regarding the evolution by territory, the regions with the worst evolution of the rates for every 1,000 vans involved in the incident are the Canary Islands, where these losses have increased by 170% since 2011 and Murcia, with a rise of 145%. On the contrary, those that have had the best behaviour have been Cantabria and the Basque Country.
What do the Spaniards think of the delivery people?
To complete the study, Fundación Línea Directa has conducted a survey of 1,202 drivers and 304 professional distributors from all over the country in order to analyse the general perception of Spaniards about this group.
According to the survey, 55% believe that delivery drivers fail to comply with road safety regulations more frequently than other drivers. In addition, 81% of motorists believe that delivery drivers “park their vans anywhere”, and 72% believe that, “they are very distracted, especially by their GPS and mobile phone”. However, the vast majority of people sympathise with the drivers, as 69% think that these behaviours have worsened with the rise of e-commerce. As for the most supported solutions: the installation of tachographs, as in trucks and coaches, improving the use of loading and unloading areas, or create a specific licence for vans are the most popular.
Occasional drivers
What also emerges from the demographic study is that Spaniards are not properly prepared to drive these vehicles. In fact, 81% of occasional vans drivers are unaware of the safest way to load cargo, 75% ignore the speed limits of these vehicles (which is lower than that of cars in many instances) and 46% never secure their load.

Excerpt: A report conducted by Fundación Linea Directa, in collaboration with the University Institute for Traffic Research and Road Safety (INTRAS), has analysed, in depth, 445,000 road traffic incidents with victims between 2011 and 2015, in which 750,000 drivers were involved Read Full Article...

### Save the Children

In the recent special surveillance campaign which monitored the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles, the Guardia Civil identified and stopped 161 children who were at risk, as they were not secured in the vehicles by any kind of restrain system.
Of those children who could potentially owe their lives to vigilance campaigns like this, 54 were in the front seats of the vehicle, where they would not be permitted even if they were restrained, and 107 were in the back.
This data is of particular concern to the General Directorate of Traffic, as one of the objectives set out in the Road Safety Strategy approved by the Government for the years 2011-2020 is to ensure that no child loses their life by not sitting in a seat suitable to its weight and height, and so believes that further education and enforcement measures are needed.
During the week in March, the officers monitors 424,266 vehicles, in which they detected 2,631 infractions of drivers or passengers who did not use the statutory retention system.
To this data we must add the controlled vehicles in the many municipalities, whose local police had joined the monitoring campaign.
In addition to the 161 children who were traveling without any type of retention, another 2,470 adults were also found to not be wearing a seatbelt, 77% of whom did so on conventional roads, where 8 out of 10 deaths occur.
According to Gregorio Serrano, director of the DGT “this data does nothing but confirm the importance that all administrations have of continuing to monitor the use of the security device that have saved more lives and continue insisting on educating from the earliest ages on the benefits that contributes its use”.

A LIFE INSURANCE
The seatbelt is a basic and fundamental element of road safety, a life insurance. For this reason, its use is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle and on all types of roads. In addition, the correct use of it is essential to fulfil the purpose for which it was created.
Children below 135 cm in height, in addition to traveling with the child restraint system appropriate to their size and weight as the standard requires, must be seated in the rear seats of vehicles, except:

When the vehicle does not have rear seats
When all the rear seats are already occupied by other minors of the same characteristics
When it is not possible to install all child restraint systems in said rear seats.

Only in these cases, can children occupy the front seat of the vehicle, but always using the restraint system approved to their size and weight.
In the surveillance that is made from the air with the helicopters available to the DGT, it is appreciated how many occupants of the vehicle drive without wearing or making the correct use of the seatbelt.

Excerpt: In the recent special surveillance campaign which monitored the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles, the Guardia Civil identified and stopped 161 children who were at risk, as they were not secured in the vehicles by any Read Full Article...

### Motorbikes and Mopeds get Eco Ratings

 
Motorbikes and mopeds represent 15% of the total road fleet.
55% of all motorcycles and mopeds are classified as Zero, Eco, C or B.
The placement of the badges is voluntary and those interested can obtain them from the post offices.
If you want to know what environmental label corresponds to your vehicle, you can check the website, dgt.es.
 

Following on from a similar incentive with cars, the Dirección General de Tráficohas now classifiedmotorcycles and mopeds according to their polluting potential, thus fulfilling one of the measures of the National Plan for Air Quality and Protection of the Atmosphere (Plan Air).
Theplan states that both particles and nitrogen dioxide are the main source of emissions in large cities, and so the aim of the plan proposes the classification of vehicles based on the levels of pollution they emit.
This classification, like the one previously carried out, aims to positively discriminate vehicles that are more respectful to the environment and to be an effective instrument in municipal policies, both restrictive of traffic in episodes of high contamination, and to promote new technologies through benefits, both in fiscal terms, or relative to mobility and the environment.
The classification of vehicles is recorded in the national registry of vehicles with the DGT and can be accessed in real time by bodies with competence in terms of mobility, road safety, taxation or the environment.
The four levels of cataloguing are:
Two-wheeled or three-wheeled mopeds: Two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle, fitted with an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cm3, if it is internal combustion, and with a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 km / h.
Light quadricycles: Four-wheeled vehicles with a mass under vacuum of less than 350 kg (not including the mass of the batteries in the case of electric vehicles), a maximum speed per construction not exceeding 45 km / h with an engine displacement less than or equal to 50 cm3 for combustion engines, or a maximum net power less than or equal to 4 kW for other types of engines.
Two-wheeled motorcycles: Two-wheeled vehicles, without sidecar, equipped with a motor with a cylinder capacity greater than 50 cm3, if it is internal combustion, and / or with a maximum speed per construction exceeding 45 km / h.
Motorcycles with sidecar: Three-wheeled vehicles asymmetric with respect to their longitudinal mid-axle, fitted with a motor with a displacement of more than 50 cm3, if it is internal combustion, and / or with a maximum design speed exceeding 45 km / h.
ACQUISITION OF THE DISTINCTIVE
Owners of these vehicles can acquire the environmental badge in the post offices. The placement of the badge is voluntary, as with cars, but it is recommended to stick it in a visible place to facilitate the identification of the vehicle and benefit from the advantages that the different authorities can establish for your vehicle with respect to benefits to the environment.
CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
The less polluting light vehicles have been classified according to emission levels based on European homologation data. Likewise, the criteria of this classification are the result of the work led by the DGT and in which the Madrid City Council, the Barcelona City Council, the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia (RACC), the National Association of Manufacturers Automobiles and Trucks (ANFAC), National Association of Companies of the Two-Wheel Sector (ANESDOR), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourismand other organizations have participated.
 
 
 

Excerpt:   Motorbikes and mopeds represent 15% of the total road fleet. 55% of all motorcycles and mopeds are classified as Zero, Eco, C or B. The placement of the badges is voluntary and those interested can obtain them from the Read Full Article...

### Category B Licence Vehicle Permission Extension

Holders of Spanish driving licences who are qualified to drive category ‘B’ vehicles (passenger cars), and with at least two-years driving experience, will be able to drive an additional type of vehicle without extra examinations.

The DGT has announced that category ‘B’ licence holders will now also be permitted to drive goods vehicles, so long as this vehicle is of an ‘eco’ environmentally friendly type, and no more than 4,250 kilos , as reported by the Directorate General of Traffic to the Business Organization of Logistics and Transport (UNO) organisation.
Ordinarily, the regulations require a category ‘C’ licence to be held for this type of vehicle with more than 3,500 kilos of Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA), but this new exemption allows for car licence holders to drive heavier goods vehicles so long as it is an ecological vehicle that do not exceed 4,250 kilos.
The reason is that the DGT realises that this type of vehicle can often be heavier on account of the additional weight caused by batteries required to fuel the vehicle, and have reacted to calls by the logistics sector to make the change in order to compensate for this.
For the general secretary of UNO, Francisco Aranda, the move is “a fundamental decision to encourage the use of ecological vehicles in the Spanish logistics sector, to encourage the expansion of the use of this type of vehicle in the sector and eliminate the barriers that existed for it”.
This latest amendment to the regulation is in addition to the one already approved that adapts the regulations to allow alternative fuel vehicles, such as natural gas, liquefied gas, electricity or hydrogen, to increase their Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA) by up to one tonne. .
According to Aranda, this measure also moves towards regulatory harmonization within the framework of the European Union and follows in the footsteps of other countries such as Sweden and Germany.

Excerpt: Holders of Spanish driving licences who are qualified to drive category ‘B’ vehicles (passenger cars), and with at least two-years driving experience, will be able to drive an additional type of vehicle without extra examinations. The DGT has announced that Read Full Article...

### Busy Roads for May Day

The National holiday celebrated on the 1st of May, the day of the worker, this year falls on a Tuesday, which means that many workers will actually take advantage of a long weekend break, especially as Wednesday is also a holiday in the Madrid community.
A special traffic operation is in place for the period, which will see 7.4 million trips, with coastal and mountainous regions being the most popular destinations.

The main movements will take place out of the large urban centres, affecting the transit of vehicles, especially from the interior to coastal areas of the Mediterranean and the south of the Peninsula, as well as tourist mountain areas or second residences.
The most unfavourable times to travel will be between 4 pm and 10 pm on Friday, April 27 and between 9 and 2 pm on Saturday.
The return to the inland areas is likely to occur mainly during the afternoon of Tuesday in all the Autonomous Communities except in the Community of Madrid. For this reason, congestion problems can occur on the main roads that channel the return movement to the big cities.
On Wednesday, May 2, a working day in all communities except the one in Madrid, there will be the usual movements during peak hour of entry and exit to large urban centres.
In the Community of Madrid, short-haul trips will be made to leisure and recreation areas close to urban centres. In the afternoon, there will be a return of the festive period and may present problems of circulation in the main roads that flow back into Madrid.

Excerpt: The National holiday celebrated on the 1st of May, the day of the worker, this year falls on a Tuesday, which means that many workers will actually take advantage of a long weekend break, especially as Wednesday is also a Read Full Article...

### ITV Changes to Start in May

Changes to the mandatory ITV vehicle safety testing procedure will come into force in May.
Users of vehicles who suffer a failure or negative result will be able to go to a different test centre for the retest, as long as the faults have been rectified.
ITV test centres will be obliged to have diagnostic reading tools that can be connected to the on-board computers of the vehicles. This way it will be possible to detect if malicious software has been installed that alters the operation of the Airbag, the catalysts, or the particle filters.
Likewise, reviews should also be made in greater depth on the security elements. In the past, this would involve physical tests of the seat belts, but from now on the electronic elements that are accessed through the computer on board the vehicle will also be checked.
These changes will result in many improvements to the system, but this is not the end of the proposed reforms, with many more expected to be implemented soon.
The DGT announced the creation and propagation of a database of vehicle movements and history, which will then be checkable by future interested parties.
The technology behind this scheme would see cameras installed around the road network, and at the entrances and exits of towns and cities, which will record the registration number of vehicles as they pass. The infrastructure for this technology is already in place in some towns.
However, in the future, the database will also link to the ITV test reports, recording faults or issues, and will collate information from traffic incidents, crashes and repairs.
The maintenance schedule will not initially be mandatory, but will be based on a technological platform that will collect the digitized workshop sheets that record all the operations that are done on the vehicle. Because not all workshops have the appropriate computer technology, a deadline will be given for them to adapt.
In addition, to make drivers aware of the need to pass the ITV (between 1.5 and 2 million vehicles are currently believed to be on the roads without a valid certificate), the DGT will deploy intensive campaigns which will be repeated periodically.
At the moment, when speed detecting radars detect a vehicle that exceeds the speed limits, it automatically checks if the ITV has been passed and if it has mandatory insurance in place.
Now, according to Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of the DGT, it is a matter of taking one step further and will not only be controlled through the radars, but also with the licence plate readers that are installed in the vicinity of the roads and other points of the road network.
When they detect that the vehicle has not passed the ITV or if it went for an inspection and failed, the DGT will automatically send a warning. If, on the second occasion, appropriate action has not been taken, the DGT will automatically issue a fine.

Excerpt: Changes to the mandatory ITV vehicle safety testing procedure will come into force in May. Users of vehicles who suffer a failure or negative result will be able to go to a different test centre for the retest, as long Read Full Article...

### Emergency Simulation around Murcia

Between the 23rd and 25th of April, an emergency simulation will be taking place around Murcia.
The simulation will involve the evacuation of areas including schools, to ensure that emergency protocols are in place should a real situation occur.
There will be a lot of activity from the emergency services, including some from the military bodies, but this is just a drill and is nothing to be alarmed about.
The activities will be spread across the area with a focus on different locations on different days.
Roads around the area may be closed at short notice and traffic may be delayed. Extra vigilance is also advised.
If you are in the area please try not to interfere with the emergency services as their training during these events is paramount for saving lives.

Excerpt: Between the 23rd and 25th of April, an emergency simulation will be taking place around Murcia. The simulation will involve the evacuation of areas including schools, to ensure that emergency protocols are in place should a real situation occur. There Read Full Article...

### Extra Speed Control Checks Around Europe This Week

All this week, until Sunday 22 April, traffic police across Europe will be paying special attention to one of the #fatal4 contributing factors to road traffic incidents, inappropriate speed.

In Spain, the plan is for the Guardia Civil to carry out about 700,000 controls before the end of the campaign, which will, for the first time, involve the new portable radar equipment, Velolaser.

Innapriopriate speed is not only oneof the four main contributing factors in road traffic incidents, it is also present in one in every five road fatalitles.
Speed, whether excessive (above established limits) or inappropriate (within limits but not adjusted to the conditions of the road, vehicle or driver) is a problem for road safety in many countries as established by the Organisation for Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Conference of Transport Ministers (ECMT). According to both organisations, half of all drivers drive at an inappropriate speed and 20% in excess of the established limit by 10 kilometres per hour.



Not respecting the speed limits is a fundamental element that determines the greater or lesser incidence in road accidents, and the severity and degree of injury of the victims in the event of a traffic accident. In addition, in the case of fatal incidents, in 21% of them, speed was a concurrent factor. In 2016 (the last year with consolidated data) more than 350 people died on the roads in incidents in which speed was one of the concurrent factors.
For this reason and because awareness to respect the speed limits is essential to reduce the incident rate, the Directorate General of Traffic has joined the Europe-wide campaign of awareness and monitoring of speed on the roads that will last until Sunday 22 of April. This campaign is carried out simultaneously in almost thirty countries that make up the International Organization of Traffic Police (TISPOL), of which the Traffic Group of the Guardia Civil is a member.
In addition, as usual, local and regional police will join in the campaign on urban roads across the country, taking into account that in cities, pedestrians are the users who suffer the most deaths where speed is the main cause.
As a result of the reluctance for many drivers to realise the dangers of excessive speed, the DGT is investigating an overall reduction in the maximum permitted speed limit on conventional roads, which, if approved, will see many of the current limits reduced by 10 kilometres per hour. You will be able to read more about this, and other developments soon to be implemented in tackling speeding vehicles, soon.
On Monday, the press were invited to one of the first controls to see the new Velolaser in use, and, as if to prove how these controls are aimed at helping road users and reducing incidents, the attendees were slightly distracted at one point as the officers assisted a young mother and her children across the road.

Excerpt: All this week, until Sunday 22 April, traffic police across Europe will be paying special attention to one of the #fatal4 contributing factors to road traffic incidents, inappropriate speed. In Spain, the plan is for the Guardia Civil to carry Read Full Article...

### April 15 is the Day of the Cyclist

April 15 has been recognised as the Day of the Cyclist.

Although the origins of this day are somewhat historically disturbing (revolving around the creation and transport of hallucinogenic substances during the Second World War), and not to be confused with World Cycling Day (also known as WCD is held annually on the 17th of September internationally), it is a good day to remind ourselves of the need for vigilance, respect and responsibility surrounding some of the most vulnerable road users, cyclists.
Drivers should always remember to give plenty of room for cyclists, indeed a minimum separation of 1.5 metres is always required when overtaking.
When overtaking cyclists you are permitted to cross the lateral solid white lines, so long as no vehicles are approaching in the opposite direction. If they are, keep well back until clearance can be ensured.
Cyclists can help themselves by remembering that when you are riding a bike you are in control of a vehicle, and as such are governed by all the same traffic laws as other road users. You cannot ride the wrong way down a one way street, ride through red lights, consume alcohol above the permitted limits, or drugs, etc. You too must also respect other road users by only riding at a maximum of two abreast, moving to single file if traffic is wanting to pass, not riding on pavements unless permitted, and in that case giving pedestrians a similar wide berth.
The roads are shared environments where all vehicles (including bicycles which are a vehicle as we have reminded once again) have equal rights to be present. We must respect that and act accordingly. Space, patience and courtesy are the most important traits of good driving attitude.

Excerpt: April 15 has been recognised as the Day of the Cyclist. Although the origins of this day are somewhat historically disturbing (revolving around the creation and transport of hallucinogenic substances during the Second World War), and not to be confused Read Full Article...

### What is the Speed Limit in Spain?

All roads in Spain have a maximum permitted speed limit. However, that limit not only varies depending on the characteristics of the road, but also the type of vehicle.
As always when we talk about this subject we must offer the same reminder however, the maximum permitted is exactly that, a maximum, it is not a target and the actual safe speed may be much lower depending on the road and weather conditions.
That said, here is the overview of the generic maximum permitted speed on the roads by vehicle type, unless signs say otherwise.
PASSENGER CARS AND MOTORCYCLES
The maximum generic speed for cars and motorcycles on motorways and highways is 120 kilometres per hour. On secondary roads, the maximum permitted speed is either 100 kilometres per hour or 90 kilometres per hour depending on the width of the hard shoulder. In towns and cities the maximum permitted speed is 50 kilometres per hour.
BUSES
Buses, and other vehicle derivatives that have been adapted, must not exceed 100 kilometres per hour on motorways and highways. On conventional roads, the maximum permitted speed is reduced to 90 kilometres per hour, as long as it has a paved shoulder of 1.5 metres or more in width or more than one lane for traffic in any direction. On other conventional roads out of town they cannot exceed 80 kilometres per hour. In the event of a bus carrying standing passengers (where permitted) the maximum permitted speed, whatever the type of interurban road, is 80 kilometres per hour.
TRUCKS
On motorways and highways, trucks, articulated vehicles, tractors and vans cannot exceed 90 kilometres per hour. On conventional roads outside of towns, the maximum permitted speed is 80 kilometres per hour and 70 kilometres per hour, depending on the width of the hard shoulder.
SPECIAL TRANSPORT
Any vehicle which falls into this category, namely a bus carrying school children and displaying the yellow school bus sign, or a vehicle carrying goods classed as dangerous, the maximum permitted speed must be reduced by 10 kilometres per hour.
TOWING A TRAILER
The maximum permitted limit on motorways and highways is 90 kilometres per hour when towing a light trailer (which has a maximum mass less than or equal to 750 kg) and 80 kilometres per hour when towing a non-light trailer (greater than 750 kg). On conventional roads with a hard shoulder of 1.5 metres or more the maximum permitted speed is then 80 kilometres per hour, and on other interurban roads the limit is 70 kilometres per hour.
QUADS, TRICYCLES AND BICYCLES
Vehicles with three wheels or “quads” have their speed limited to 70 kilometres per hour on any type of road where they are permitted to drive.
Cycles, two and three wheeled mopeds and light quadricycles have a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour where permitted.

Excerpt: All roads in Spain have a maximum permitted speed limit. However, that limit not only varies depending on the characteristics of the road, but also the type of vehicle. As always when we talk about this subject we must offer Read Full Article...

### Which is the Best Lighting?

There are three main types of vehicle illumination available, halogen headlights, xenon headlights, automatic headlights, etc, but which offers the best option?
In recent years, new technologies have appeared that have been a major step forward in terms of illumination, improving the capacity and lighting quality. Normally, cars are equipped with a basic lighting system, which does not mean that they are insufficient. On the contrary, the evolution of lights in vehicles is already evident from the recent developments and models on the market.
However, if we do make a decision to improve our vehicle´s lighting, we not only face a potentially large bill, it may not even be possible as changing the vehicle characteristics may result in difficulties with the ITV test, so caution must be exercised before the investment. In fact, a visit to the ITV station may also be prudent to check before you proceed.
That said, we can still consider the options available in order to make an informed decision before we proceed, with the knowledge of the different types of lighting available.
The Three Main Systems
There are three main types of optics in vehicles. Halogen headlights are still the most common and, in most manufacturers, offer good lighting capacity, showing the evolution of a system with a long journey in the automotive industry. Xenon headlights have become the first alternative to give a greater field of vision, with a clearer light and greater range. But it is the LED headlights that show the greatest possibilities to apply more advanced technologies.
New vehicles already have daytime running lights, even in the lower segments, both for the front and, in many cases, the rear optics, and most of these are formed by LED lights. LED lights offer longevity in their life, are easier to handle, and offer the best options for adaptive adaptive lighting, taking us another step closer to the autonomous car.
In recent years, automatic headlights have been installed in some vehicles. These lights turn on and off autonomously in dim or light environments respectively, and more recently are able to adapt their position when crossing with other vehicles, without the driver having to operate them (they use sensors or a camera at the height of the rear-view mirror).
Another alternative is adaptive lights, which adjust the parabola that the lights emit constantly, keeping the areas that do not produce glare illuminated. This technology is only available with LED lights and the new laser headlights.
We can see that the amount of light emitted, thus illuminating our path is vital in providing safer roads, and the new technology is able to offer that without glaring or distracting other road users and thus creating an additional hazard.

Excerpt: There are three main types of vehicle illumination available, halogen headlights, xenon headlights, automatic headlights, etc, but which offers the best option? In recent years, new technologies have appeared that have been a major step forward in terms of illumination, Read Full Article...

### What is an Assisted Pedal Bike?

There has been a lot of confusion over so-called “electric” bikes, and whether they can be used without a licence, or insurance, and if they can be used on the roads.

There are characteristics which clearly define these vehicles into two different types, which we can explain here.
An Assisted Pedal Bike it is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor and a battery with an output of up to 250W whose engine only works when helped by the motion of pedalling, and in any case to a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour. So, in other words, if you either stop pedalling, or if you reach 25 kilometres per hour, the motor stops running.
These types of bikes are considered, for the purposes of the General Vehicle Regulations and Rules of the road, like any other bike and do not require registration or driving licence, or mandatory liability insurance. The rider is however responsible for adhering to all other rules of the road applicable to any type of vehicle.
Other models of similar design which can exceed 25 kilometres per hour when powered, or have an engine or motor which can operate by use of a throttle or accelerator without the need to pedal, are considered the same as mopeds and require registration, insurance and for the driver to have an appropriate licence.

Excerpt: There has been a lot of confusion over so-called “electric” bikes, and whether they can be used without a licence, or insurance, and if they can be used on the roads. There are characteristics which clearly define these vehicles into Read Full Article...

### Statistical Information on Sanctions now on the DGT Website

The DGT has included a new section on the website, dgt.es, which will provide statistical information on fines and sanctions.

The aim of the section, Denuncias e Ingresos, is partly aimed at ensuring transparency, as well as highlighting how dangerous driving practices and behaviours lead to these fines, and how the revenue then assists in financing road safety, incident prevention, and providing assistance to the victims of road traffic incidents.
The section provides data related to the number of complaints and their evolution, as well as the statistics on the amounts paid, excesses of speed, the phases of appeal or data on complaints that end in a contentious-administrative way.
Due to the multitude of reviews and tables to be published, the information will be uploaded and updated progressively. The information already available are:

Evolution of the number of sanctions in the 2012-2017 period.
Evolution of the number of sanctions imposed by fixed radars from 2012 to 2017.
Amounts for sanctions in general from 2012 to 2017.
Entered amounts of penalties for fixed radars in the period 2012-2017.
Fixed radars which are the least respected and with the most denunciations generated in 2017.

The data corresponding to 2017 is still considered provisional and includes the period from January to October. Subsequently, the closed data for the entire annual period will be presented once completed.
The knowledge of this and other data can serve to raise awareness that traffic incidents are not unpredictable events, but can be avoided if traffic regulations are complied with, and, despite criticism that traffic offences are purely aimed at taking money from drivers, it is only those drivers who break the law who are fined, and a consequence of this is that the money generated by fines is invested in road safety, prevention, and helping the victims of road traffic incidents.

Excerpt: The DGT has included a new section on the website, dgt.es, which will provide statistical information on fines and sanctions. The aim of the section, Denuncias e Ingresos, is partly aimed at ensuring transparency, as well as highlighting how dangerous Read Full Article...

### Obtaining a Vehicle Report

If you are interested in buying a second-hand vehicle, you can obtain a detailed report from the DGT which provides a wealth of information on the history of the car.
There are two types of report, a standard and detailed report, and then there are five types of detailed reports: complete, technical data, loads, vehicles in the name of the interested party and vehicles without registration.

The reduced report, Informe reducido, confirms the correct identification of the vehicle and if there is any type of incident recorded with it. You can apply for the reduced report online at dgt.es, and it is free.
The Detailed report, Informe detallado, includes more information about the vehicle, such as its current owner, if it is authorised to be used on the road, the expiration of the ITV and any recorded incidents.

You can request any of the five detailed reports online dgt.es, or in person at your Provincial Traffic Headquarters, with the required documents and payment.
In order to request a detailed report, you will need the completed official application form, the identification of the interested party, the reason for which the report is requested, and confirmation of the fee having been paid, which is currently 8.40€.
To request the document at the trafico office you will need to make an appointment via the website, dgt.es , or by telephoning the 060 telephone number. If you are making an appointment to request the documentation it is also worth keeping in mind tat the offices cannot accept cash and payment is only possible with a bank card.

Excerpt: If you are interested in buying a second-hand vehicle, you can obtain a detailed report from the DGT which provides a wealth of information on the history of the car. There are two types of report, a standard and detailed Read Full Article...

### New i-size Chart for Child Seats

The labelling on child seats has changed across Europe, making it theoretically easier for children to be secured in a more appropriate seat, thus making them safer. Now, the “i-size” chart is in operation, which focuses on the height, rather than the weight of the child.

We know that in Spain the height of the child is already of great importance, with children under 135cm in height not allowed in the front seats (apart from a few exceptions), now the same theory is practiced on smaller children and child restraint systems.

i-size Seats
‘i-size’ is an EU safety regulation for child car seats (ECE R129), which was introduced in July 2013 to make child car seats easier to fit, provide better protection from side impacts and keep children rearward-facing for longer. i-size only applies to Isofix seats.
UK legislation has already been amended to allow i-size seats to be used, this year the regulation has also been applied in Spain.
At the moment, the older seats are still permitted, so there is no need to change if you have these already, but those based around the new regulations offer better protection based on the tests conducted through the campaign.
i-size uses the child’s height to determine if the seat fits the child, rather than their weight. So, it’s important to check that your child’s height is within the range of the seat. Parents tend to know their child’s height better than their weight, which should make it easier for parents to judge if the seat is suitable for their child and when they should move the child into a larger seat.
Babies in i-size car seats stay rearward-facing until they are at least 15 months old. Currently, parents often move their baby to a forward-facing seat too soon.
i-size includes a side impact test to ensure that the seats provide better protection from side impact collisions.
i-size child car seats fit in cars that have Isofix fitting points, but you still need to check if the seat is approved for your car. Contact your car manufacturer and/or the child seat manufacturer, or visit our Child Car Seat Compatibility page.
i-size seats will fit any i-size approved vehicle. However, there are few such cars currently available. Their numbers will increase over the coming years.

Excerpt: The labelling on child seats has changed across Europe, making it theoretically easier for children to be secured in a more appropriate seat, thus making them safer. Now, the “i-size” chart is in operation, which focuses on the height, rather Read Full Article...

### How to Deal with Priority Vehicles

Emergency vehicle which are responding to an incident have priority over other vehicles.
During any drive we must be forever conscious of our surroundings, allowing all of our senses to combine to provide special and location awareness, so that we can constantly react to changes as they happen, or, ideally, prompting situations and proactively preparing for these changes.
The security services such as the police and Guardia Civil, and rescue services such as the fire service or ambulances are to be given a clear run when they have their lights flashing or sirens sounding, so long as this can be done safely. If we hear sirens or see emergency vehicles with flashing lights, our first reaction should be to make way, but in as safe a way as possible.
On a clear and open road, if you are aware that a priority vehicle is approaching from behind, move over to a position which will allow the emergency vehicle to pass. It may be useful to indicate so that the driver of the emergency vehicle is aware of your intention. Carry out the manoeuvre without rushing, panicking or with any sudden movements. Once the emergency vehicle has passed, you may continue on your way.
In the event of a queue of traffic of two lanes, the emergency vehicle will attempt to cut a path through the middle, so that vehicles on both sides are able to move to the side and allow for a safe passage.

At junctions or intersections, vehicles should pull over to the side to allow the emergency vehicles to pass. Do not attempt to cross the path of an oncoming priority vehicle.

If you are on a roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches, give way to the priority vehicle where possible and safe, allowing it to pass freely.

Never attempt to follow an emergency vehicle and never pull out in front of them, always stay well clear and well back, without carrying out any sudden movements, remembering to move over where safe and possible.
In the event of approaching an emergency scene, pay close attention to those who are directing traffic, acting on their instructions and directions. Always pass the scene giving as much space as possible and always pay close attention to the traffic and the situation, never letting curiosity get the better of you and distract you when you pass.

The DGT has created a series of short videos which show the correct procedure for each of the circumstances listed, they can be viewed on the DGT website, dgt.es
Priority vehicles save lives, always allow them safe passage where possible.
 

Excerpt: Emergency vehicle which are responding to an incident have priority over other vehicles. During any drive we must be forever conscious of our surroundings, allowing all of our senses to combine to provide special and location awareness, so that we Read Full Article...

### When Will the Roads of Spain be Busiest This Easter?

Tuesday sees the start of the second and most important phase of the special operation monitoring traffic flow for the Easter holiday period.

The operation begins in all autonomous communities, with the exception of Cantabria, Catalonia and the Valencian Community, where it begins on Thursday.
This phase is considered the most important of the year because of the volume and vehicle displacement along the entire road network and in a very limited period of time.
Of the 15.5 million trips planned for the entire Semana Santa Special Operation (from March 23 to April 2), 9.07 million will occur during this second phase, so it is advisable to plan your journey and avoid most unfavourable times.
The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, has called for prudence and respect for traffic regulations. “We have prepared all the material and human resources available to ensure the safety and fluidity of travel, but we need the commitment, not only of most drivers who have correct behaviour on the road, but of those others who are reluctant to comply with the rules and endanger the lives of others. Towards them we direct all means of control that we have to get them off the road.”
During this second operation, the main flow of traffic will be made from the urban centres to coastal tourist areas, second residences, towns with traditional religious acts or mountainous areas of touristic interest.
ROAD FORECASTS
Wednesday, March 28
In the communities of Andalucía, Aragón, Asturias, Baleares, Canarias, Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, País Vasco and La Rioja, problems of traffic and queues from the exits of the large urban centres, between 13:00 and 24:00 are expected to be busy, with the timeframe between 15:00 and 23:00 being the worst.

ANDALUCIA: Carreteras: AP-4, AP-7, A-4, A-7, A-45, A-49 y A-92
GALICIA: Carreteras: AP-9, A-6, A-52, A-55, N-550 y N-634
ARAGÓN: Carreteras: AP-2, AP-68, A-2 y A-23
MADRID: Carreteras: AP-6, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6 y M-40
ASTURIAS: Carreteras: A-8, A-66, N-634.
MURCIA: Carreteras: A-7, A-30 y N-301-A
BALEARES: Carreteras: Ma-19 y Ma-20
NAVARRA: Carreteras: AP-15, A-1, A-10, A-12, A-15 Y A-21
CASTILLA – LA MANCHA: Carreteras: AP-36, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-30, A-31, A-40, A-41 y A-42
PAIS VASCO: Carreteras: AP-8, AP-68, A1 y A-8
CASTILLA y LEÓN: Carreteras: AP-1, AP-6, A-1, A-6, A-52, A-62, A-66, N-620 y N-630
LA RIOJA: Carreteras: AP-68, N-111 y N-232
EXTREMADURA: Carreteras: A-5 y A-66

 
Thursday, March 29
During the morning of Thursday the exits of large towns and cities will continue to produce queues, with the most unfavourable times being between 07:00 and 15:00, the worst being from 08:00 to 14:00.
In the afternoon, one day after the rest of the communities, Catalonia, Cantabria and Comunidad Valenciana, as it is not a public holiday in these regions, will begin their second phase of the operation. The main traffic problems will occur on the access roads to the coast, which connect coastal populations, as well as access to tourist rest areas. The times to try to avoid here will be between 12:00 and 23:00, with the worst times being from 13:00 to 22:00.

CANTABRIA: Carreteras: A-8, A-67, S-10 y S-30.
COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA: Carreteras: AP-7, A-3, A-7 y CV-35.
CATALUÑA: Carreteras: AP-2, AP-7, N-145, N-340, C-16, C-28, C-31, C-32 y C-35.

To mitigate possible traffic delays, during the afternoon-night of Wednesday and all of Thursday, extra measures of regulating traffic and traffic flow will be installed on the roads of greater intensity to favour the departure of vehicles from large cities.
 
Friday, March 30
During the morning of Friday, in Cantabria, Catalonia and Valencia, the flow of traffic will continue in the direction away from the big cities towards the coast.
In the rest of the communities, displacements will occur at the exit of large urban centres on short-haul routes, to leisure and recreation areas close to urban centres.
The busiest times will be between 09:00 and 14:00, but worse from 10:00 to 13:00.
In the afternoon and throughout the national territory, there will be movements of short-haul vehicles in areas where religious processions are held
 
Saturday, March 31
In the morning there may be traffic problems in the coastal and mountainous areas where the movements will be mostly local.
In the afternoon, the traffic flow will start to focus on anticipating the return to inland areas, especially those people looking to void the busiest times later in the weekend.
 
Sunday, April 1
From midmorning, an increase in traffic flow is expected, and some queues may be produced in the exits from the tourist locations back inland. Later on, as these vehicles start to arrive at their destinations, the queues will start at the entrances of the large cities. .
The Autonomous Communities affected by the return are Andalucía, Aragón, Asturias, Canarias, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia and La Rioja.
The times which will be busiest will be between 11:00 and 24:00, with the worst times being from 12:00 to 23:00.
 
Monday, April 2
The return operation in Baleares, Cataluña, Comunidad Valenciana, Navarra and País Vasco begins, where Monday is a holiday.
Problems will central around the main road axes of these communities, as well as in the access roads of the provinces bordering on them.
In the rest of the Autonomous Communities there will also be return movements, mainly motivated by plans for the next day, the return to school and university activities.
The busiest times will be between 11:00 and 24:00, with the worst times being from 12:00 until 23:00.
 
The Plan
To provide coverage for the planned trips, the DGT has devised a special device whose objective is to facilitate the mobility and fluidity of traffic, as well as ensuring road safety on the roads.
For this purpose, more than 800 officials and specialist technical personnel will be on duty in the Traffic Management Centres, all available agents of the Guardia Civil Trafico will be on duty, and more than 13,000 employees of conservation companies, road concessioners and other staff from the roads services networks will be on duty, assisted, if needed, by teams from the other emergency services both health and fire and rescue.
At the time of the greatest number of trips, reversible and additional lanes will be installed with cones on certain roads, works affecting roadways will be suspended, sports events and other events involving the occupation of roads will be limited and restricted. The transportation of dangerous goods and vehicles that require special authorisation will be restricted.
 
Attention to short trips and integral patrols
During this holiday period there are numerous short trips that are usually made on conventional roads and that is where the greatest number of fatal accidents usually occur. In these trips, the same precautions should be taken as on long journeys.
Curves, crossings, overtaking and changes of gradient, usually predominate in this type of road where it is very important to monitor and moderate speed accordingly. Remember, the 100 or 90 kilometres per hour on conventional roads is a limit, not a target, and may not be a suitable speed depending on traffic, road characteristics and conditions, and the weather.
Following their approval this week, some of the patrols will be carrying the new Velolaser portable speed monitoring equipment, which can be transported on motorbikes, and can be used both day or night with minimum setup.
Pegasus equipped helicopters will also be monitoring the roads from the sky, along with all other means at the disposal of the DGT to make the roads safer, which can be made so much more so by drivers and driving attitude.
 
Basic rule: Prevention and Prudence
Despite being advice already known to drivers, it is necessary to remember that safe driving begins at the same time as planning the trip. In addition, the DGT recommends:

Car tuning. Check your vehicle before a long trip.
Learn about the state of the roads through the means offered by Traffic: telephone 011, Internet, twitter @informacionDGT, the DGT App or in newsletters of radio and television stations.
Follow, if desired, alternative itineraries designed by the DGT in order to avoid travelling through the centre of the Peninsula, which is the area with the highest traffic flow. These itineraries include estimated travel times based on the departure time of the trip.
On roads with more than one lane in each direction, you must drive in the right lane, the left lane should only be used to overtake.
Maintain the safety distance and adapt the speed to the circumstances, including the road and weather conditions.
Pay attention to other road users: motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians are more vulnerable, these road users must also pay attention.
Use your lights to increase visibility.
Always wear your seatbelt, or crash helmet and remember that despite alcohol limits being in place, the best limit is always zero, and always avoid using recreational drugs before driving.

Excerpt: Tuesday sees the start of the second and most important phase of the special operation monitoring traffic flow for the Easter holiday period. The operation begins in all autonomous communities, with the exception of Cantabria, Catalonia and the Valencian Community, Read Full Article...

### New Radars Approved for Use

Velolaser – The most innovative definitive solution for speed control in urban and interurban environments.
The DGT has taken delivery of around 60 new portable speed detecting units, Velolaser, which have undergone extensive testing around the country. These devices have now been approved for use and can enter service protecting the country´s roads.
The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, announced the certification just in time for one of the most intense road planning periods, the Easter holiday.
Small enough to fit in the panniers of a motorcycle, the units can be set up in seconds, either on a tripod, a vehicle mount, or on roadside features such as crash barriers. It should be noted, despite many speculative reports to the contrary, these devices are not mounted on the motorbikes but are carried to locations where they are set up on tripods or similar mounts.
The device manufacturers say that the units obtain the best results in sensitive urban areas (zone 30, schools, parks, children’s areas, etc., and thanks to its versatility they can work using vehicles available at any time, in any area, including those places otherwise inaccessible, and, most importantly, in a minimum time.
The simple, ingenious and innovative solution provides a new way to control speed in a wide variety of situations, on both urban and interurban roads.
The devices can monitor vehicles at speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour, covering two lanes, monitoring both directions of travel, and can distinguish between different types of vehicles, knowing the difference between a car and a truck, for example.
The units can connect over 3G or 4G telephony, or via Wi-Fi, providing simultaneous monitoring of several devices at the same time, recording information on internal or external storage.
As well as monitoring speed, the devices are clever enough to calculate safety distances, and can operate both day and at night.
They are designed and manufactured in Spain, and come in a range of colours, although the units delivered to the DGT carry the distinctive colours and labelling of the Guardia Civil.










 

Excerpt: Velolaser – The most innovative definitive solution for speed control in urban and interurban environments. The DGT has taken delivery of around 60 new portable speed detecting units, Velolaser, which have undergone extensive testing around the country. These devices have Read Full Article...

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja will do free tests for the early detection of Colon Cancer

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja launches a free campaign for early diagnosis of colon cancer on the occasion of the world day of this pathology, which is celebrated on March 31. The initiative consists of practicing free fecal occult blood tests to the general population of the Alicante region of Vega Baja (national and foreign) and to patients of the hospital center, aged between 50 and 74 years, who do not present digestive symptoms (blood manifests in the stool, abdominal pain, change in intestinal rhythm, etc.). The period of delivery of kits will be from March 26 to 29 in exclusive hours from 10 to 12 hours and the collection of samples will be from April 3 to 6 at the same time, interested persons may request information at 966909506 or at the mail prevencion.trv@quironsalud.es or through the web https://www.quironsalud.es/torrevieja/es/campana-prevencion-cancer-colon
The kit necessary to carry out the analysis must be collected at the information points located at the entrance of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among the population about the importance of prevention and early detection for a good prognosis of this disease. The intention is “to inform and raise awareness in society about colon cancer since there is a low perception of the risk of suffering from it. The objective is to transfer to citizens the possibility of undergoing an effective prevention of this cancer in men and women from 50 years old. A habitual barrier for the prevention of this pathology is the ignorance of the tests that are used and, for that reason, we want to familiarize society with the fecal occult blood test. Curing colon cancer is possible if detected early, “explains Dr. José Farré, head of the Oncological Surgery and General and Digestive Surgery Unit.
90% of cases can be cured
 
The test

Colon cancer is the most frequent oncological pathology in Spain. However, when detected early, this tumor can be cured in 90% of cases. Most colorectal cancers develop on precursor lesions (polyps) and need between 10 and 15 years of evolution. Through different diagnostic tests, “not only can it be detected early when it has not yet given symptoms, but it can also be prevented by locating and removing existing polyps before they become malignant,” says Dr. Farré.
The fecal occult blood test is a non-invasive test that consists of checking, in a quick and simple way, the presence of blood not visible in the stool in order to detect the existence of a colorectal lesion. To do this, the patient must deposit a small amount of feces in the kit that will be given for this purpose and then deliver it to the collection points where the specialists will submit it to analysis.Obtaining a negative test result “indicates that it is very unlikely that the person has colon cancer, although the reliability is not 100%. Therefore, it is recommended to repeat the test every two years and consult the doctor in case you feel discomfort, “warns the specialist.If the result is positive, it is necessary to know that “the presence of blood does not imply, in most cases, that there is colon cancer, but usually is due to a lesion of a benign nature, such as be a polyp In this case, it is indicated to perform a colonoscopy to rule out the presence of lesions in the colon “, concludes Dr. Farré.
 

 

 

Excerpt: The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja launches a free campaign for early diagnosis of colon cancer on the occasion of the world day of this pathology, which is celebrated on March 31. The initiative consists of practicing free fecal occult blood tests to the general population of the Alicante region of Vega Baja (national and foreign) and to patients of …

### Support N332 with a Simple Vote

One of the founders of the N332 Road Safety Project, Francisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer, has been nominated for a national Spanish award, the ‘Ciudadano Ponle Freno‘.
As in previous year, it is up to the public to now decide from the three finalists who should pick up t award in the Spanish Senate in April. Quite simply, the winner is the finalist with the most votes.
To vote, click the `picture or the link below, find the section describing Francisco, and click on the 5th star (the right hand one) as shown in the picture, it´s that simple.

CLICK HERE OR THE PICTURE TO GO TO THE PAGE TO VOTE
As the article explains…
Francisco Javier Morales is a Guardia Civil traffic officer who, three years ago, created a Facebook page and a website (which he called N332, because it is the highway that runs along the Alicante coast and the one that he patrols daily) on which he publishes information in English about the road safety law in Spain, mainly aimed at informing foreign residents in the area. It has 119,303 followers on Facebook, a very active community in its publications, and aims to publicise the most frequent infractions and explain how they could be avoided. In addition, in his free time and in an altruistic way he gives talks in English to the foreign associations of the area.
Thank you for voting.

Excerpt: One of the founders of the N332 Road Safety Project, Francisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer, has been nominated for a national Spanish award, the ‘Ciudadano Ponle Freno‘. As in previous year, it is up to the public Read Full Article...

### Regional Government Vote to Support Removal of Motorway Tolls

Despite the fact that the Partido Popular decided to abstain from the vote, the regional Valencia parliament has otherwise unanimously agreed to ask the National Government not to renew the concession on the AP-7 motorway, and to allow it to become a free-to-use highway.

If agreed, it will mean that once the current contract expires, which is at the end of December, 2019, the motorway will transfer to public operation, and so many of the traffic hotspots on the coastal roads will be relieved of a lot of congestion that brings them to a halt.
Areas such as Cabo Roig and Torrevieja, where the N-332 road sees standing traffic throughout summer, holiday periods and even during normal working days, should instantly see the benefits as traffic will be able to bypass the area along what is currently a motorway where tolls are applied.
Similarly, the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre will benefit, as the motorway has an exit directly at the location, again though, this is currently protected by tolls.
The National Government, which is currently dominated by the Partido Popular, are investigating the renewal of the toll licence, which has been described as a “joke” and “disturbing”, as freeing the road would be of “public interest”, and so pressure must still be put on the government not to proceed with these plans, according to those fighting for the tolls to be lifted.
The road has been used as a political bargaining tool during the last quarter of a century, and this latest show of support is hoped to liberate the concession which would indeed be of benefit to all road users, the environment, and the safety of the area.

Excerpt: Despite the fact that the Partido Popular decided to abstain from the vote, the regional Valencia parliament has otherwise unanimously agreed to ask the National Government not to renew the concession on the AP-7 motorway, and to allow it to Read Full Article...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 12

VELOLASER – The most innovative definitive solution for speed control in urban and interurban environments
CHILD SEAT CHANGES – BLUE LIGHTS – PRIORITY VEHICLES – SPEED LIMITS – LIGHTING – ROUNDABOUTS YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED -AND MUCH, MUCH, MORE
You can read the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch FOR FREE after the introduction below. Or, you can purchase the PDF version and download it to your computer or device.

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Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch.
Easter is upon us and that means one thing in terms of road safety, one of the busiest times on the roads so far. After Christmas and the summer season, Easter is the next main holiday period, as many people choose to take advantage of the breaks from work to travel to coastal and mountainous areas, visiting family and friends, and generally enjoying the seasonal time.
Add to this the first main influx of foreign tourists into the country, we see the roads getting busy a they are mixing the normal daily traffic with both domestic and international tourists, some a little unaware of their surroundings, others embarking on a completely different driving experience than they are used to.
Patience, calmness and planning are called for, allowing extra time for whatever journey you might be making, and being aware that other road users around you may not be quite as used to the area as you are.
At the start of the holiday period we see the flow of traffic heading towards the coast. At the end of the period, they return back inland. In between we see more traffic visiting leisure and retail complexes, and, subject to weather conditions, the beaches.
In this edition we introduce you to the latest piece of equipment in the fight against unsafe driving, Velolaser, a new, portable speed detector, small enough to be carried on a motorbike, versatile enough to be set up anywhere.
We also look at the new child seat profiling system, and a look at how to deal with priority vehicles, as well as reassurances about the medical requirements for renewing your driving licence in Spain.
For now, enjoy this edition and stay safe.

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Excerpt: VELOLASER – The most innovative definitive solution for speed control in urban and interurban environments CHILD SEAT CHANGES – BLUE LIGHTS – PRIORITY VEHICLES – SPEED LIMITS – LIGHTING – ROUNDABOUTS YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED -AND MUCH, MUCH, MORE You can Read Full Article...

### The Medical is Not as Scary as you Might Think

One of the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to renewing a driving licence appears to be the medical examination. However, that stumbling block is not necessarily the actual procedure itself, but the fear of the process.
In order to alleviate some of these concerns, we took a volunteer to the Clinica La Siesta and videoed the whole process from start to finish.
The video is available below, and shows our volunteer, Julie, first register her details at the clinic, then go through a variety of tests, including hearing, coordination and reflex tests, a visit to the doctor, and the psychological assessment. Some of the parts of the video are speeded up, partly to preserve confidentiality, and partly so as not to bore you, but the whole process is shown.
Towards the end, it shows how the clinic team even take your photograph, and take your signature, completing the forms on your behalf, so you don´t have to do anything.



La Siesta Clinic offers a “one-stop-shop” for your licence renewal, officially authorised by the DGT, they complete all the paperwork for you, carry out the test and medical examination in English, have ample free parking, and are open mornings and afternoons for convenient appointments, which can be booked by phone on 966 78 41 95, WhatsApp on 692 13 41 36, or via their website, clinicalasiesta.com, and, more great news, the entire team at the clinic speak English, so you don´t have to worry about the language barrier.
The clinic is located in the La Siesta urbanisation in Torrevieja, on Calle Rossini, just off the main road which links Torrevieja with Quesada, turning right if you are coming from Torrevieja centre at the roundabout where there are two Chinese restaurants, the roundabout after Hiperber supermarket.
For more details, visit their website, clinicalasiesta.com or give them a call on the numbers above.

Excerpt: One of the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to renewing a driving licence appears to be the medical examination. However, that stumbling block is not necessarily the actual procedure itself, but the fear of the process. In order to Read Full Article...

### Going Blue in July

The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, has stated that the reform which means that all emergency vehicles will have blue lights will become effective in July.
The DGT are currently studying possibilities of a provisional authorisation which would allow the change to start sooner, but as the entire process has taken years of work and effort, a wait until July is somewhat insignificant.
Currently, in Spain, only the security services use blue lights, with ambulances and fire service vehicles using flashing amber lights when responding to an emergency. This reform will put Spain in line with the European standard for emergency vehicles.

Excerpt: The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, has stated that the reform which means that all emergency vehicles will have blue lights will become effective in July. The DGT are currently studying possibilities of a provisional authorisation which would allow Read Full Article...

### Special Attention to Seat Belt Wearing This Week

All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles.

In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, with some 194 of the 822 people in cars and vans who lost their lives, not wearing a seatbelt, despite knowing the importance of doing so.
In addition to the officers on patrol during the campaign, the new cameras and detectors are in place across the country watching for seat belt use, and the Pegasus equipped helicopters will be watching form the sky..
The latest roadside cameras take a series of pictures. The images are electronically sent to a control centre which then processes them and sends a sanction to the vehicle owner who then faces a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

It is the aim of the DGT to reduce this figure to zero by making the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems 100% for all vehicle occupants.
The focus of the campaign will not only be those who should know better about looking out for their own safety, but also those who should be looking out for those more vulnerable, namely adults who carry children in the vehicles.
In 2014, 2 out of the 14 children under 12 years who died traveling in cars or vans were not wearing any safety device at the time of the incident. In addition, 9 out of 82 seriously injured, and 107 of those who suffered minor injuries were not correctly restrained. From that data, 118 children suffered unnecessary injury or death as a result of the supposedly responsible adults not showing due care.
On account of the seriousness that the DGT takes such actions, traffic officers can immobilise a vehicle if a child is found to be travelling without the correct restraint system in use.
It is also important to remember that children under 135 centimetres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles and must be properly restrained by a device appropriate to their height and weight.
The proper wearing of seatbelts and restraint systems is also vital to their correct use. All occupants in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt, whether they are in the front or the back, although some people incorrectly believe that wearing a seatbelt in the back is not necessary, it is, and it is also mandatory. If a person in a rear seat is not wearing a seatbelt they are 8 times more likely to kill the person in a seat in front of them.
Wearing a seat belt is statistically proven to half the risk of death if involved in a collision as it also helps to distribute the force of the impact across the body and not directly at more vulnerable parts of the body. A seat belt prevents the occupant being ejected from a vehicle, saving them from more serious injury.

Excerpt: All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles. In 2014 (the last year Read Full Article...

### Five School Bus Drivers Tested Positive for Drugs

During the latest campaign checking the safety requirements of school buses, more than 3,500 vehicles were checked, with five drivers testing positive for drugs, and a further 9 drivers reported for driving in excess of the maximum permitted speed.

During the five-day campaign, a total of 3,557 vehicles were checked by officers of the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues from local police forces, resulting in 1,416 offences being reported, mainly due to administrative irregularities. A lack of special school transport authorisation and unlimited liability insurance continue to be the most numerous irregularities amongst the controlled vehicles.
According to Gregorio Serrano, Director General of the DGT, “the habitual consumption of drugs by one part of society, has a direct reflection on drivers, many of them are behind the wheel after having consumed some type of substances as noted in the controls performed by agents on the road. From the DGT we will continue increasing these controls, putting a special emphasis on professional drivers”.
Whilst checking the vehicles, the officers found that of those vehicles with seatbelts fitted, 8 had anomalies in their operation. A total of 81 vehicles had deficiencies in the service and emergency doors, as well as in their drive devices, and another 16 were reported for not having their ITV inspection certificates and documentation.
Regarding the administrative offences, 1,024 vehicles lacked the special authorisation to operate as a school transport vehicle, and 338 did not have unlimited liability insurance, as required by law.
In addition, 104 controlled vehicles did not carry the corresponding V-10 school transport signal and another 24 lacked the luminous device with emergency signal.
Finally, as regards the excess of driving time or reduction of rest, 17 drivers were denounced for this reason and another 30 for not taking a person in charge of the care of the minors on board the coach, when this was the case.

Excerpt: During the latest campaign checking the safety requirements of school buses, more than 3,500 vehicles were checked, with five drivers testing positive for drugs, and a further 9 drivers reported for driving in excess of the maximum permitted speed. During Read Full Article...

### Mobile Phones May Improve Road Safety

A team of researchers at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have been working on a project whereas rather than leading to potentially deadly distractions, a mobile phone can help road safety by advising drivers of safer speeds.

The technology behind intelligent speed adaptation systems (ISA) has been around since the 90s, mostly aimed at warning drivers who exceed the speed limit. In theory, the technology can also be used to block the functions of the mobile and even prevent use when driving, although this part of the system has seemingly not been welcomed by many, despite the obvious safety benefits.
Through this latest development of the system, the researchers in Madrid have been developing ways that the technology can identify other hazards which may need speed adjustment, such as bends, the camber of the road, the elevation etc, and even take into account the meteorological conditions, which may affect the adhesion to the road or visibility, for example, and the amount of traffic in each section. The technology can also identify the type of vehicle in which it is travelling, adjusting its reports accordingly.
The system obtains the information in real time and establishes the safest speed for the next section of the road contemplating and calculating the conditions reported, the stopping distance and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle as objective criteria. To the user, the mobile indicates the level of deceleration necessary. For the definition of the interface, the analysis of the impact on the level of attention required to receive the information of the system is carried out.
Although there are no plans to release the system any time soon, the prototype has been tested in a vehicle, with different drivers, analyzing their response to warnings and their degree of satisfaction and compliance with the limits set.

Excerpt: A team of researchers at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have been working on a project whereas rather than leading to potentially deadly distractions, a mobile phone can help road safety by advising drivers of safer speeds. The technology behind Read Full Article...

### DGT Takes Delivery of Traffic Drones

Along with a wide range of new equipment set to be tested on the roads of Spain, the DGT has taken delivery of its first traffic monitoring drones.

Already ground-breaking in their method of policing the roads from the air, the DGT contracted a Spanish company to create an “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or “drone” to monitor traffic.
With many of their helicopters already fitted with the pinpoint accurate Pegasus radar system, the DGT already use their eyes in the sky for speed detection as well as traffic flow, this latest development could revolutionise the skies once again.
The first aircraft are now ready to fly and be tested, equipped with a camera and setting about monitoring the conventional road network.
The drone is much cheaper to fly that a conventional aircraft and offer a faster response. In addition to monitoring traffic flow, it is hoped that they could be used emergency and incident response, following exceptional loads, fault detection and (eventually) enforcement.
Drones are already in use by numerous police forces around the globe, often for monitoring purposes, and in America there was a huge outcry in 2013 when California´s highways suddenly saw warning signs about Law Enforcement by Drones, although on this occasion it was part of an art project and not real.

Excerpt: Along with a wide range of new equipment set to be tested on the roads of Spain, the DGT has taken delivery of its first traffic monitoring drones. Already ground-breaking in their method of policing the roads from the air, Read Full Article...

### Man Arrested after Rape and Robbery of Tourist in Torrevieja

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a young man in Torrevieja (Alicante), on suspicion of sexual assault on a 32-year-old Belgian tourist who took advantage of the offence and robbed her of her mobile phone and other belongings .

The attack happened a few weeks ago, when the woman, who was on holiday in the town, was walking her dog at around six o'clock, when a passerby approached her and began to speak in different languages, according to a statement.

As the tourist did not understand what he said, she went on he way, but the man grabbed her arm tightly "and assaulted her sexually".

During the struggle others "took advantage of the situation to steal her mobile and various objects from the victim, who was in a state of total helplessness", according to the report.

The woman had to be assisted in the Emergency Medical Service, after which she filed a complaint with the Guardia Civil, in which she described the perpetrator of the assault, but was unable to see those who stole from her.

In a search of the home of the key suspect the officers found a cap that the victim had described in her statement with a fairly distinctive markings and quite rare, as well as several pieces of clothing that matched clothing worn by the attacker during the incident.

The officers arrested the 27-year-old man, of Moroccan origin, and delivered him to the courts in Torrevieja, where he was remanded in custody, whilst the investigation remains open to identify others involved.

 

### Hospitals Quirónsalud Murcia and Torrevieja apply hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Implementing this complex technique which requires highly skilled centres, increases the survival of patients with ovarian and colon cancer
Having a personalized and multidisciplinary medical approach to cancer, and therapies such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) – also referred to as the Sugarbaker technique – increases the survival chances of patients with widely spread neoplasms in the abdominal cavity.
According to Doctor Pedro Bretcha, president of the Spanish Surgical Oncology Society (SEOQ) and surgical oncology specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, “The use of technology is important, but the primary requirement is to have a multidisciplinary vision of cancer, dealt with by a specialized team, because treatment should not be given exclusively by a surgeon, an oncologist, or a gynaecologist, but should be controlled in a consensual manner and adapted to each patient.
This treatment is currently applied in Hospitals Quirónsalud Murcia and Quirónsalud Torrevieja, on patients who are diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis, a pathology which consists in the spread of a primary tumour (digestive or gynaecological) in the abdominal cavity, and affects other organs within the abdomen. Doctor Pedro Cascales, coordinator of the Spanish Surgical Peritoneal Oncology Group (GECOP), and specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Murcia claims, “Around 70% of patients, with ovarian cancer for example, are diagnosed in advanced stages, when the carcinomatosis is already present. It is these patients who, with the correct approach, can achieve unimaginable results that depend largely on the surgical team they are treated by”.
In fact, using HIPEC can increase the chances of survival in patients with early stage epithelial ovarian cancer. What’s more, its use does not add any complications to the surgical procedure, according to a clinical study published in the prestigious scientific magazine The New England Journal of Medicine, last month.

 
The ‘Sugarbaker’ technique doubles the survival rate for colon cancer
This technique was developed by Doctor Paul H. Sugarbaker in 1982. It consists of the removal of the visible tumour, and later the infusion of HIPEC (at 43o C) in the abdominal cavity to eradicate all invisible malignant cells, as the heat enhances the effects of chemotherapy. This technique has achieved survival rates that have not been registered in any other established treatment, with a colon cancer survival rate of 50% to 5 years.
HIPEC treatment enables the combination of high doses of chemotherapy drugs which focus on the affected area, and less systemic toxicity due to the limitation in the spread of the drug from the peritoneal cavity to the blood stream thanks to the features of the drug’s own peritoneal membrane. Its use requires highly skilled centres with multidisciplinary and specialized teams in Surgical Oncology, as it is a very complex technique.
The surgical oncology team at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja run by Doctor Farré and Doctor Bretcha, was one of the first in 2001 to introduce this technique in Spain to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis. Since then they have performed hundreds of procedures on patients with this condition and varied tumour origins.

 




About Quirónsalud
Quirónsalud is the most important hospital group in Spain, and the third largest in Europe. It can be found in 13 autonomous communities in Spain, has state-of-the-art technology and offers over 6,800 beds in more than 100 healthcare centres, such as Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Ruber, Centro Médico Teknon, Hospital La Luz, Policlínica de Guipúzcoa, Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, etc., as well as a huge team of highly qualified professionals of international prestige.
We promote teaching (seven of our centres are university hospitals) and medical and scientific research (we run the FJD [Spanish acronym, Jiménez Díaz Foundation] Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria [Healthcare Research Institute], the only private research centre licensed by the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación [Ministry for Research, Development and Innovation]).
Likewise, our healthcare service is organised in units and crosscutting networks that allow for the optimisation of accumulated experience at difference centres, and the clinical application of our research. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing many research projects across Spain, and many of its healthcare centres carry out cutting edge work in this field, as pioneers in different specialisations such as radiology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, neurology, oncology and sports medicine, among others.

Excerpt: Implementing this complex technique which requires highly skilled centres, increases the survival of patients with ovarian and colon cancer Having a personalized and multidisciplinary medical approach to cancer, and therapies such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) – also referred to as the Sugarbaker technique – increases the survival chances of patients with widely spread neoplasms in the …

### School Bus Driver Caught Five Times Over the Limit

The driver of a school bus carrying 42 high school students was arrested by the Santomera (Murcia) Local Police on Tuesday, after he was found to be almost five-times over the permitted alcohol limit.

As part of the week-long campaign focussing on school transport, the local police are supporting the Guardia Civil in testing the legalities on school transport.
The arrest occurred just after 14:00 on Tuesday afternoon when the 58-year-old driver was carrying the students between the two educational institutions of Octavio Carpena and Poeta Julián Andúgar, where he was going to pick up more students at the end of their class.
A police patrol participating in the joint special campaign suspected the driver had been drinking when they were carrying out the routine checks. The officers believed that the driver smelt of alcohol and was exhibiting other bodily signs of having consumed alcohol.
Having conducted a breathalyzer test on the driver, the results showed an alcohol level of 0.67 milligrams per litre of exhaled air, when the limit for professional drivers is 0.15.
The driver was arrested and released later on Tuesday with a summons to appear in the Murcia courts on Wednesday facing a quick trial for a crime against road safety.

Excerpt: The driver of a school bus carrying 42 high school students was arrested by the Santomera (Murcia) Local Police on Tuesday, after he was found to be almost five-times over the permitted alcohol limit. As part of the week-long campaign Read Full Article...

### School Bus Checks This Week

From today, and all of this week, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department will be carrying out extra checks and surveillance on school buses.

During the five-day campaign, the officers will intensify inspections on both the vehicles and the drivers, verifying that the authorisations and documents that these vehicles must have to perform in service, verify that the technical conditions and safety elements of the vehicle satisfy the minimum standards required by the regulations, as the special requirements that the drivers must meet, such as appropriate driving licences and rest times.
Safety is the highest priority for this type of transport and the annual incident figures do reflect school transport as being amongst the safest ways for children to travel to school, especially if the number of deaths per traveller is taken as a comparison by kilometre travelled.
According to Gregorio Serrano, the director of the DGT, “the safe mobility of minors is one of the priorities of the DGT. Every day there are thousands of students who use the school bus to go to school and return home, so we have to keep checking that these trips are made safely.” In addition, “with this type of campaign, we remind parents of the right to demand from schools or parent associations that buses that handle school transport meet all the regulatory requirements to carry out this type of transport.”
Inappropriate speed and distractions are the main causes of incidents in which this type of vehicle is involved, so speed controls will be carried out focusing on this type of vehicle especially, as well as other factors such as not using a mobile phone or other devices whilst driving. Alcohol and other drug controls will also be increased amongst drivers.
Statistically, 90% of incidents involving school transport take place at the time of getting in or out of the vehicle or just in the immediate moments surrounding this time. In many cases these are caused by the child being distracted, or the fact that the school bus driver or the parents are not paying full attention. To avoid this type of incident, it is recommended that parents respect bus stops, allow enough time for taking and collecting children, and not waiting for the children on the other side of the road.
Due to the importance of seat belts in saving lives in the event of an incident, special attention will be paid to the use of these in school buses that have them installed. Although all new buses that enter service must be fitted with seat belts (since October 2007, registration is denied to any bus that does not have these restraint systems installed), older vehicles are still allowed to continue without seat belts installed, until time allows for their replacement. Currently, despite their importance, only around 60% of the school bus fleet have seat belts installed.
According to several studies, the use of seat belts in buses would reduce fatal injuries by 90% in the event of a head-on collision or rollover, since correctly fastened it prevents the projection of the passenger (adult or child) and reduces impacts on the chest, abdomen and legs
As is normal in this type of campaign, the Guardia Civil will also be supported by colleagues in the municipal and local police.
 
Safety Statistics
In 2016 (the last year with consolidated data) school buses were involved in 32 incidents (20 on interurban roads and 12 in urban ones), in which no one was killed but 17 occupants were injured.
According to a study prepared by the Traffic Association of the Guardia Civil about incidents and injuries of vehicles dedicated to school transport:

The vast majority of them occur on conventional roads (65% last year).
The most frequent type of incident is the fronto-lateral collision.
Distraction and inappropriate speed appear as more frequent concurrent factors.

 
Educating on the School Bus
Trips from home to school can be a good time for the adult accompanying the children to remind them of some messages about road safety, such as:

Never stop behind the bus.
Wait for the driver’s signal and always cross at least three metres ahead.
Inside the bus, stay seated and with the seat belt on, if it is installed.
Do not run when you get to the bus, or when leaving.
Obey the driver and the monitor.

In addition, parents should check the safety of the buses and coaches in which their children are travelling, request the centre hire buses with seat belts and check that a monitor accompanies the children during the journey.
 
Other Healthier Ways to get to School
In addition to the school bus there are other means of transport in which the students go to school: private car, public transport, bicycle or simply walking.
With the intention of promoting sustainable mobility from an early age, the DGT in collaboration with the Federation of Municipalities and Provinces is encouraging safer school roads, which favour and stimulate travel on foot, by bike or public transport to and from school.
Currently there are more than 100 municipalities in 35 provinces and approximately 300 schools that are working or already have safe school roads defined by the criteria.

Excerpt: From today, and all of this week, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department will be carrying out extra checks and surveillance on school buses. During the five-day campaign, the officers will intensify inspections on both the vehicles and the Read Full Article...

### New Motorbikes and New Equipment – All aimed at saving lives

The latest two-wheeled addition to the Guardia Civil fleet sees a return for BMW, with the acquisition of nearly 300 BMW R1200RT motorbikes, set to replace the previous R850RT model, which had already started to be phased out by the powerful Yamaha FJR 1300. As well as the move towards more powerful and purpose designed motorbikes, the latest fleet sees the addition of high-visibility colours, yellow fluorine, required by new European regulations that recommend its use in police vehicles.








BMW Motorrad, owned by the BMW consortium, delivered the new motorbikes recently to the Guardia Civil, with their specific role of improving the safety of the officers who patrol the roads and motorways in Spain, and make the roads safer for all.
The motorbikes will be used on the Iberian Peninsula, in the Balearic Islands and also in the Canary Islands and will serve to replace the previous BMW R850RT. In this regard, the R1200RT “includes all the elements of safety and comfort” and have specifications required by the Traffic Department in order to carry out the tasks for which they will be used, such as the installation of a siren and emergency lights, amongst other elements.
These 291 motorcycles have the corporate colours of the Guardia Civil, the distinctive green and white colourings, and has the addition of the yellow fluorine features, which serves to satisfy the new European legislation that recommends its use in police vehicles.
Technical characteristics
With a list price of 19,650 euro, the R1200RT measures 2,222mm in length and 983mm in width. It has a wheelbase of 1,485mm and has a seat height to the floor of 805mm. It weighs 274kg and its maximum weight capacity with load is 495kg.
As is the standard for police motorbikes, the double-seat has been removed and replaced with a single-rider seat, allowing more room for the equipment to be carried.
It has a storage capacity of 25 litres, with areas specifically designed to transport the newly acquired and necessary equipment to carry out traffic surveillance without having to rely on other types of vehicles.
Francisco Javier Molano, Chief Lieutenant Colonel Guardia Civil in Galicia explained, “The new motorcycles allow the officers to perform speed controls and alcohol and drugs checks, without having to wait for the arrival of other patrols”. The motorcycles provide greater autonomy on the roads and with the new portable radars, the officers will be able to set up checks and controls and more areas, and faster than ever before. The new radars are small enough to be carried in the motorbike´s compartments, and can be set up on a tripod or used by hand.
The new alcohol and drug testing kits are also small enough to be carried on the motorbikes, allowing for instant checks to be carried out at the roadside at any time, day or night.
The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, explained that the bikes are also intended to avoid the influence of applications and social networks that warn of alcohol controls. With motorcycles, these monitoring devices for alcohol and drug consumption will be much more dynamic, since the motorcycle has a greater versatility of use than cars, with which the controls will be much more agile.
Returning to the characteristics of the bikes themselves, it is equipped with a bi-cylinder mixed cooling engine, with a cylinder capacity of 1,170cc. Its maximum power is 125hp at 7,750rpm. Its torque is 125Nm at 6,500 rpm.
The motorbike has six gears and has a 320mm diameter hydraulic disc double disc front brake. Its rear brake is monodisc and its diameter is 276mm. The bike can carry a front tire of 120/70 ZR with a 17-inch forged aluminium rim. The rear tire is 180/55 ZR, also with a 17-inch forged aluminium rim.
It has several optional elements such as the Start-Up Assistant, the electronic suspension adjustment, gear-changing Assistant (for more comfort and dynamism when changing gears) and LED daytime running lights.
It has two driving modes: Rain and Road, as well as an automatic control system ASC (Automatic Stability Control). The windscreen is adjustable so that it protects better against wind and rain. It has a multifunctional dashboard with TFT screen, and an on-board computer that provides the rider with a wealth of information.

Excerpt: The latest two-wheeled addition to the Guardia Civil fleet sees a return for BMW, with the acquisition of nearly 300 BMW R1200RT motorbikes, set to replace the previous R850RT model, which had already started to be phased out by the Read Full Article...

### Traffic Collisions Claim the Lives of 1,200 People Last Year

The number of people seriously injured reduced by 336 people
Distractions, inappropriate speed, tiredness or lack of sleep, and alcohol and drugs are the main contributing factors in fatal or serious incidents
The number of deaths in cars or vans of people not wearing a seat belt increased by 26, with 175 people losing their lives in 2017, compared to 149 in 2016
A total of 408.5 million long-distance journeys took place, 16.4 million more than 2016, which represents an increase of 4.2% over the previous year
At the beginning of 2017, 15 urgent road safety measures were announced, of which 90% have already been implemented
More measures will be implemented in 2018 in several blocks: More reforms, more controls, more education / training and communication, more research and more commitments between administrations and the private sector

 
 
In the latest compiled data for 2017, it was revealed that there were 1,067 fatal incidents on the interurban roads of Spain, in which 1,200 people were killed and 4,837 were hospitalised by their injuries, representing an increase of 3% in terms of fatal incidents (+28) and deaths (+39), although there has been a decrease of 6% (-336) in relation to those hospitalised.
The data has been presented by the Director General of Traffic, but is considered provisional as there is still a chance of complications from injuries sustained in incidents, which may alter the figures. Ordinarily, the fatality figures are concluded up to 24 hours after the incident, with an extension to 30 days following incidents on interurban roads.
Despite this upturn, the number of deaths remains below those recorded in 1960, the first year in which statistics are available, when there were 1,300 deaths, with an absolutely different mobility scenario (in 1960 there were one million vehicles and in 2017 the car quota is almost 33 million), but it must also be recognised that vehicle design has also played its part and vehicles today are far more safer than those of 1960, and yet the fatalities increase due, largely, to driver attitude and activity.
According to Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of Traffic, “Although Spain remains one of the safest countries on the road both in the world (8th) and in Europe (5th), we must continue making great efforts among all to reduce the accident figures”, continuing, “I am sure that with the new Traffic and Road Safety Law and with more measures of control, education, training, communication and research, we will be able to reduce the number of deaths on our roads together”, adding, that “no measure is effective if it does not have the involvement of drivers and the rest of the public administration”.
 
 
 
Evolution of the number of deaths in interurban roads (24 hours) 1960 – 2017

With the data we can conclude that the daily average of road fatalities is now 3.3 people per day, compared to 11.6 daily deaths in 2000.
A number of other factors also stand out from the data:
Mobility: An increase of 16.4 million long-distance road trips has been observed, which is 4.2% more than the previous year. In total, 408.5 million long-distance trips were registered in 2017, which represents an accumulated increase of 14.5% over the last four years.
Increase in vehicle numbers: During 2017, 1,787,242 addition vehicles have been registered, which means an automobile quota of almost 33 million vehicles on the roads.
Age of vehicles: Despite the new registrations, in 2017 the average age of the vehicles involved in fatal incidents is now 12 years for passenger cars, a percentage that increases to 13.8 years in the case of the cars involved in fatal incidents.
 
Characteristics of Incidents
By sex: A higher percentage of male deaths continue. The proportion of males over the total has been 78%, a percentage that remains consistent with respect to 2016.
By age: There is a significant decrease in deaths among people over 65 years of age. In 2017, 181 people died, compared to 240 the previous year.
The age groups in which the number of fatalities increased the most was the 25 to 34 years group, with an increase of 37%, and those aged between 55 and 64 years of age, with an increase of 16%.
With regards to children three more people were killed in 2017 compared to 2016, with a total of 21 children under 14 years of age being killed.
By Autonomous Communities: There was a decline in the number of deaths in a number of regions, including Galicia (-29), Comunidad Valenciana (-17); Basque Country (-6) Navarra (-3), La Rioja and Castilla y León (-1). The Balearic Islands maintained the same number of deaths as the previous year.  All other autonomous communities saw an increase in the number of deaths.
Regional Table

By type of route: Of the total number of fatalities, 77% occurred on conventional roads, which is why there is an increased focus in terms of surveillance and control on these routes. Specifically, last year, 792 people died on conventional roads, 30 more than in 2016.
On high capacity roads, the fatality rate decreased from 24% to 23%, from 245 in 2016 to 239 in 2017.
By incident type: On high-capacity roads, 41% of those killed in 2017 were in incidents where their vehicle left the road, 20% were in rear and multiple collisions, and 15% were pedestrian related. On conventional roads, 42% of the deaths were due to incidents where the vehicle left the road, whilst 28% were in frontal collisions.
Contributing factors: Distractions or inattentive driving (32%); inappropriate speed (26%), fatigue or sleep (12%); alcohol (12%) and other drugs (11%) are the factors that most contribute to fatalities, all of which are within the control and responsibility of the driver.
By type of road user: The data analysing the type of road user highlights differing behaviours. There was an increase in the number of fatalities involving car and van drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists, but a significant decrease in the number of pedestrians who lost their lives.
Road Users

Use of safety equipment: 24% of the drivers and passengers who died in cars and vans in 2017 were not wearing seat belts at the time of the incident. Despite continual warnings and the mandatory requirement, a total of 175 people could still be alive today if they had worn their seat belt, 26 more than in 2016.
Of the 240 people killed on motorcycles, 2 were not wearing a helmet. In the case of cyclists, of the 44 who died, 8 were not wearing a helmet, despite it being mandatory on interurban roads.
Of the 16 children under 12 years of age who died in cars or vans, 4 were not secured by and safety accessory at the time of the incident.
 
New Measures Taken

At the beginning of 2017, an urgent road safety plan was approved with 15 measures aimed at improving the worsening situation on the roads. Of the 15 urgent measures announced, 90% have already been implemented.
 
In addition to the 15-point plan, extra regulations and measures were also announced and approved, including the provision of more alcohol and drugs testing kits, 300 new motorcycles and 156 new vans with alcohol and drug testing equipment.
The Basic Plan of Road Education and the Provincial Commissions of Road Education have also been approved, which are already underway.
In addition to all these actions, during 2017, the 52 working groups created within the Superior Council of Traffic and Road Safety have met to discuss the changes and improvements that can be made in the Road Safety Act so that the DGT can subsequently develop the new traffic law to send to the Ministry in the first quarter of the year.
 
Projects for 2018
Projects set to be implemented during 2018 will be concentrated in several blocks: More reforms, more controls, more education / training and communication, more research and more commitments between administrations and the private sector.
We will look more closely at each of the proposed elements as the year progresses, but for now we can see the lists of these blocks.
 
More reforms:
New Traffic and Traffic Safety Law, General Regulation of vehicles and Regulation of roadside assistance.
Approval of the State Strategic Plan for the bicycle.
Road safety strategy 2018-2020.
Commissioning of the DGT 3.0 connected vehicle platform.
Strategic vehicle plan.
Plan of measures against the sinisterness of vulnerable people.
 
More controls:
Approval of new plan against the speed and publication of a new radar instruction.
Approval of the protocol for the application of Art. 36 of the Driver’s Regulation in the recidivists for alcohol and other drugs.
New comprehensive plan to fight against alcohol and drugs in driving.
Acquisition of drones for traffic control.
 
More education, training and communication:
Development of the basic Coordination Plans in Road Education.
Acquisition of more pedagogical materials for schools.
Acquisition of 50 mobile traffic playgrounds.
Approval call for aid to associations of victims of traffic incidents, with special attention to the road education of adolescents.
Reform of the road training model in Spain.
Admission of 100 new examiners.
Carrying out communication campaigns in all media (TV, radio, digital …) about the more vulnerable group: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Realisation of new communication campaigns, outdoor advertising and direct actions.
 
More research:
Investment of 1 million euro in research grants
 
More commitments:
Approval of agreements for the promotion of road safety education with the Autonomous Communities.
Approval framework agreement of collaboration with the FEMP (federation of municipalities).
Celebration of collaboration agreements on road safety with the operators of the roads.
Approval of bilateral agreements with municipalities on vulnerable road safety.
Continue to promote work-based road safety in collaboration with companies.
 

Excerpt: The number of people seriously injured reduced by 336 people Distractions, inappropriate speed, tiredness or lack of sleep, and alcohol and drugs are the main contributing factors in fatal or serious incidents The number of deaths in cars or vans Read Full Article...

### Changes to Traffic Laws in 2018

During 2017 a number of changes have been proposed and announced by the DGT, which will affect all drivers on Spain´s roads.
With the main objective of reducing road traffic incidents and, reducing the risk of serious injury or death, many of the changes are already prepared and will start to come into force from the end of January. We have already reported on some of these changes but have brought them all together here as a digest of what we can look forward to.
Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of Traffic, said that “the new traffic law will be ready by the end of January 2018”, and that there will be important changes to the” examination procedure, points system, and to ITV inspections”, all aimed at reducing the number of deaths on the roads, 1,165 in 2017bso far recorded, ultimately to zero.
Changes to Examinations
The reforms, which could take effect from 2018, will be implemented in both the theoretical and in the practical exam, improving and adapting the system to those of other European countries.
It has been proposed that examinees perform the test through electronic devices. This could also include the projection of videos in which the student must describe a manoeuvre, observe hazards and react to emergency situations.
In addition, much like the changes implemented in the UK, the practical part of the exam will include students following the instructions of a GPS over a set route, having to obey the instructions given by the device, whilst still respecting the rules of the road.
Change to the Penalty Points System
The implementation of the penalty points system was recognised as one of the most effective measures in improving road safety. In Spain, points are awarded with the licence, then withdrawn in the event of an infraction, with the ability to increase the number of points awarded for good driving behaviour over time.
Despite the success, the DGT believes that the system needs to be updated and reconsidered so that it remains as effective as it has been up to now. To do this, the catalogue of infractions which cause point loss will be reviewed. Furthermore, the plan will include the automatic loss of the licence if all points are lost, since “it is indicative that the offender lacks the proper characteristics to drive a vehicle.”
The courses for obtaining points will also be reviewed and it is planned to create a virtual card so that all members of the European Union will be sanctioned if they commit infractions in Spain.
Changes to the ITV Process
The changes to the ITV system have already been published into the legal stature, and will come into force in May.
Users of vehicles who suffer a failure or negative result will be able to go to a different test centre for the retest, as long as the faults have been rectified.
ITV test centres will be obliged to have diagnostic reading tools that can be connected to the on-board computers of the vehicles. This way it will be possible to detect if malicious software has been installed that alters the operation of the Airbag, the catalysts, or the particle filters.
Likewise, reviews should also be made in greater depth on the security elements. In the past, this would involve physical tests of the seat belts, but from now on the electronic elements that are accessed through the computer on board the vehicle will also be checked.

Excerpt: During 2017 a number of changes have been proposed and announced by the DGT, which will affect all drivers on Spain´s roads. With the main objective of reducing road traffic incidents and, reducing the risk of serious injury or death, Read Full Article...

### Quirónsalud support local music and culture by signing an agreement with the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra

On Saturday 17th of February the musical ensemble will perform their third concert of the season at the International Auditorium in Torrevieja

Hospital Quirónsalud Torreviejahas signed a collaboration agreement with the Musical and Cultural Association “ArsAetheria” (Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra) with the aim to establish a cooperative sponsorship between the medical centre and local music and culture. In accordance with this convention, Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja will appear in information leaflets and posters of the concerts it sponsors.

The Musical and Cultural Association “ArsAetheria”, based at the International Auditorium in Torrevieja, is comprised of the prestigious Symphony Orchestra which has more than 60 musicians, the Youth Orchestra, and the Music School for Adults. By working together, “ArsAetheria” and Quirónsalud Torrevieja hope to stimulate an interest in music and culture in both Spanish and international residents.

The agreement has been signed by the Managing Director of Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, Francisco Fiestras, and the president of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, PelayoMellado Jiménez.

This Saturday 17th of February at 19:00 pm, the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra with put on their third concert of the season at the city’s International Auditorium. The program will be entirely dedicated to the composer Ludwig van Beethoven, with a performance of his Concert for violin and orchestra Op 61.

 

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 11

The Eyes in the Sky
2017 in Review – New 2018 Laws – UK Vehicle Checks – Are Dash Cams Legal? – Newly Equipped Motorbikes – And Much, More Inside our 66 page new-look edition…
You can read the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch FOR FREE after the introduction below. Or, you can purchase the PDF version and download it to your computer or device.

Buy PDF

Introduction by Mark Nolan…
Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch, and welcome to a Brand new year.
Lots of changes have been implemented over the last few months, with many more set to start during the first part of this year. All of these changes have a single goal, to try to make the roads safer for all. We detail the changes that will be coming into force in this edition.
We also look back on 2017 and review the situation on the roads, with vehicles getting safer, there is still an insufficient decline in safety figures, with driver attitude and responsibility till being the main contributor.
We have also expanded this issue, and will continue to expand with each edition. We have sections on health, and travel, with more still to come, all thanks to our collaborations with quality service providers in our area.
We still have many more projects in development, some of which we will be revealing this year, others are in the early stages.
Okay, so it might be a little vague, but we don´t want to give too much away at the moment, but we are confident that you will find them extremely useful.
It´s not only us developing of course, and going back to this edition, you will see how technological advances are making road policing and monitoring a lot easier, with new motorbikes delivered this month, mobile speed radars and other new equipment all on the way, here is where you will be able to read all about them.
We also feature a section of the Guardia Civil that is often never seen, although always there if needed, the men and women of air support. This group of skilled aircrew are different from the team who fly the DGT traffic helicopters, but you will find out more inside.
For now, enjoy this edition and stay safe.




Buy PDF

Excerpt: The Eyes in the Sky 2017 in Review – New 2018 Laws – UK Vehicle Checks – Are Dash Cams Legal? – Newly Equipped Motorbikes – And Much, More Inside our 66 page new-look edition… You can read the latest Read Full Article...

### Drunk Driver Causes Ambulance Crash in Elche

Officers from Elche Local Police arrested a man on suspicion of driving under the influence of excessive alcohol and in a vehicle which did not have insurance or ITV certification, after he caused an ambulance to crash in Elche.

The sole occupant of the ambulance, the driver, was luckily unhurt in the incident which occured on calle Jacarilla in the town, near to the main retail area just before midnight.
The driver of the car fled the scene in his vehicle after carrying out a manoeuvre which caused the ambulance to take evasive action and crash, turning over onto its side.
All available resources were deployed to the area and the exit routes quickly blocked, soon after which a suspect vehicle presented itself and the officers were able to intercept the car before it fled the town.
Having carried out the necessary checks, the officers could see that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol, and subsequently gave a positive blood alcohol test. In addition, the vehicle had been deregistered and did not have the mandatory insurance or technical ITV certificate.
The ambulance driver needed the help of the officers to exit the overturned vehicle, but only suffered minor bruises. The ambulance was taken out of service as a result of the crash.

Excerpt: Officers from Elche Local Police arrested a man on suspicion of driving under the influence of excessive alcohol and in a vehicle which did not have insurance or ITV certification, after he caused an ambulance to crash in Elche. The Read Full Article...

### Permission to Use Your Vehicle

Assuming your insurance covers multiple drivers, you may allow any qualified driver to use your vehicle. However, in order to avoid problems if the driver is stopped, it is recommended that the vehicle driver is given a document proving that they have the owner´s permission to drive the vehicle.
This may seem like an inconvenience, but it is for your protection. If the vehicle is stopped, the officers who come across a vehicle driven by somebody other than the registered keeper will question the legalities of the driver, which is in your best interest, as if it is stolen they will find out very soon. Otherwise, if a vehicle is stolen but not yet reported as such, there could be no reason for the Guardia Civil or police to doubt that the person driving the vehicle has the owner´s permission, and so it could otherwise go unchecked.
But of course there could be a genuine reason for somebody other than the registered keeper to drive the car, which is what this document would help to prove.
Simply download the document and complete it, or complete the online version and print it, and attach a copy of both the owner´s driving licence, and a copy of the licence of the person given permission to drive. It should be completed in full, including a term of validity, and then dated and signed.
Download, print and complete this document…
Download, print and complete this form.
RIGHT CLICK THIS LINE AND CHOOSE SAVE AS TO DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE DOCUMENT
OR, download and complete this one on your computer before printing it…
Or download, and complete this version on your computer before printing it
RIGHT CLICK THIS LINE AND CHOOSE SAVE AS TO DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE DOCUMENT

Excerpt: Assuming your insurance covers multiple drivers, you may allow any qualified driver to use your vehicle. However, in order to avoid problems if the driver is stopped, it is recommended that the vehicle driver is given a document proving that Read Full Article...

### The N332 Team will be in Guardamar on Monday

On Monday the 29th of January, members of the N332 team will be giving a presentation on road traffic law at the Marjal Guardamar Camping Resort in Guardamar, just off the N332 main road (location map at the bottom of this article.
The talk will cover various parts of traffic law, and will be presented by a representative of both the N332 Guardia Civil team, and the website and publication members.
The presentation is free to attend and open to all, but the organisers ask that you let them know if you plan to attend so that they can ensure there will be enough seats.
This is the first of our talks for this season, with more to follow, and we look forward to meeting with you from Monday.
To attend, please contact Ann Murray on Facebook, or you can email us and we will add your details to their list. Send your contact name, telephone number and email address, as well as the number of people in your group, to news@n332.es

Excerpt: On Monday the 29th of January, members of the N332 team will be giving a presentation on road traffic law at the Marjal Guardamar Camping Resort in Guardamar, just off the N332 main road (location map at the bottom of Read Full Article...

### Fake Ferrari Seller Arrested

A 43-year-old man has been arrested in the Torrellano area of Elche (Alicante), for allegedly modifying the body of an old Pontiac car, converting it to have the appearance of a luxury Ferrari, with the aim of selling it for financial benefit.

According to the National Police, the man had used logos officially registered by the Italian brand to give a greater appearance of truth to the scam, in a sale that was announced at a popular online sales portal.
The vehicle has been seized in a workshop in Torrellano, in an operation carried out by agents of the Specialist Crime group of the Provincial Brigade of the Judicial Police of Alicante.
The man was released with charges pending facing crimes against intellectual property and fraud, on account of manipulating the vehicle so that at first glance it had the appearance of being a Ferrari, a vehicle of much higher value.
 

Excerpt: A 43-year-old man has been arrested in the Torrellano area of Elche (Alicante), for allegedly modifying the body of an old Pontiac car, converting it to have the appearance of a luxury Ferrari, with the aim of selling it for Read Full Article...

### Hit and Run Suspect Arrested on the Brink of Fleeing the Country

Thanks to the collaboration of a witness to a conversation, the National Police managed to hunt down and capture a fugitive responsible for knocking down and killing a 17-year-old girl in Madrid, just before the suspect fled the country.
The incident occurred on Monday on the M-117 road in Madrid, when the girl was fatally knocked down at kilometre 3 of the road. The driver fled the scene.

Later that evening, a man, of Paraguayan origin, attended the police station in Pozuelo de Alarcón and explained to the officers the details of a conversation he had overheard between two men earlier that afternoon.
The witness to the conversation stated that he did not know the person allegedly responsible for the incident, but at around one o’clock on Monday afternoon he had encountered him whilst smoking a cigar in a doorway.
For about five minutes, the witness listened into the conversation where one of the men was explaining to the other how he had knocked somebody over in his car, and now plans to immediately leave the country.
The person receiving the information left shortly afterwards, whilst the suspect called another acquaintance and explained the situation again, saying, “I have run over someone and I think I have killed them”, asking for help to leave the country, “I have to leave Spain to a Latin American country”.
The witness to the conversation maintained his demeanour and continued to listen for more clues, before finishing his cigar, then returning to his home where he searched the internet for incidents which could have matched the details of what he had just heard.
Very quickly he came across news of the death of Alejandra, the 17-year-old girl which had taken place in Madrid on Monday at Fuente el Saz de Jarama on her way to school.
Unsure as to whether the information he had heard was true, and battling with his conscience, for several hours the man chose to remain silent, but then decided to go to the police station in Pozuelo de Alarcón around eight o’clock in the evening.
Once there, the Paraguayan explained to the officers what he had heard, with special emphasis on the fact that the subject planned to leave Spain that same day. At that time, the police did not have any more information other than that provided by the witness, who explained that he was a man of about 50 years of Paraguayan or Argentine origin, since the witness was able to distinguish the different nuances of Every Latin American speaker thanks to his origin.
The National Police launched an operation in which they called on the assistance of the Guardai Civil, who were in charge of the investigation into the fatal incident, confirming what they knew about the suspect and the victim.
Officers then visited the apartment block where conversations had taken place, knocking on every door in the block until one of the doors was opened by a Paraguayan girl. “Does a member of your family drive a green Mercedes?” asked the officers, to which the girl replied, “Yes, my uncle, but he just left with his bags in a hurry and I do not know why”.
The police then visited the suspect´s home, at around 10 o’clock at night, although he wasn´t there, and, remembering the threat to flee the country, set about searching flights leaving Madrid airport, and discovered a flight leaving at 23:55 to Buenos Aires.
Contacting the flight operator, the company confirmed the suspect had bought a ticket and was already on board the aircraft. Given the little time they had left, the police were forced to ask the plane’s Captain for assistance and permission to proceed with the arrest, which finally took place at 00:15 on board the plane.
According to sources, the suspect collapsed shortly after the arrest occurred and, although he did not confess the crime, he did tell them the exact place where the car with which he had run over the child was located, so is now accused of reckless homicide, omission of the duty of assistance and crimes against civil security.

Excerpt: Thanks to the collaboration of a witness to a conversation, the National Police managed to hunt down and capture a fugitive responsible for knocking down and killing a 17-year-old girl in Madrid, just before the suspect fled the country. The Read Full Article...

### Cyclists Injured and a Lucky Escape in Local Incidents

Two cyclists were injured on Wednesday afternoon after being hit by a car the Pilar de la Horadada area.
The emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 15:10 when they were telephoned for assistance on the CV-941.
A paramedic unit (SAMU) and basic life support ambulance (SVB) were sent to the scene where they found a 46 year old cyclist having suffered a trauma to one leg, and a second, aged 40, with multiple injuries.
Both were transferred to the University Hospital of Torrevieja whilst the Guardia Civil took over the scene and took a statement from the driver whilst they investigate.
Meanwhile, a Dolores resident had a lucky escape from a spectacular crash on the road between Daya Nueva and Daya Vieja on Tuesday night, when the driver lost control of the vehicle on the CV-901 after passing the Daya Nueva cemetery roundabout.
The car jumped the crash barrier and landed on its side in a ditch on a curve. The 20-year-old driver was unhurt and an investigation is being carried out into the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Picture by Marcus

Excerpt: Two cyclists were injured on Wednesday afternoon after being hit by a car the Pilar de la Horadada area. The emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 15:10 when they were telephoned for assistance on the CV-941. A Read Full Article...

### Arrested for Burglary of Homes and Garages

One minor has been arrested and another three are being investigated on suspicion of being responsible for 30 burglaries from homes and garages in the Valencia area of l’Horta Nord.
Operation ‘Canixech’ saw five people investigated, four of them minors, for crimes of robbery with force.
The officers recovered objects from robberies valued at around 16,000 euro in an operation that attributed the gang to crimes committed in Rafelbunyol, Pobla de Fanals, Museros, Massalfasar, Massamagrell and Albuixech.
The operational phase culminated in the arrest of an elderly man and the investigation of four other young people, all of Spanish nationality, as presumed authors of 30 crimes of robbery with force in several localities. The ‘modus operandi’ was the same: broken locks, perimeter fence jump or elimination of security measures. They moved mainly at night time so as not to be detected and usually on mopeds or bicycles.
In addition to recovering stolen property, the officers seized mopeds which had been disassembled into parts, ten bicycles also disassembled, and 13 moped tires, in addition to a modified compressed airgun, a revolver box, hunting cartridges, a bag of gunpowder and two mobile phones.
The value of the recovered items was put at around 16,000 euro.

 

Excerpt: One minor has been arrested and another three are being investigated on suspicion of being responsible for 30 burglaries from homes and garages in the Valencia area of l’Horta Nord. Operation ‘Canixech’ saw five people investigated, four of them minors, Read Full Article...

### Drivers Failed to Prepare for Adverse Weather

During the first weekend of January, some 3,000 vehicles became trapped on a snowbound motorway in Segovia, prompting the government to call on military forces to assist the Guardia Civil in freeing vehicles and their occupants.
However, according to the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, many of the drivers who became trapped did not hear or head the warnings, and many others failed to take necessary precautions.
Serrano gave a press conference after the event and explained how more than 3,000 vehicles had been trapped on the AP-6 at the height of several municipalities of Segovia. Serrano said that ”many vehicles went without snow chains” which caused a serious of incidents which collapsed the road.
Although carrying snow chains is not mandatory, it is advisable during times of snow risk as it is mandatory to use them if signs are displayed saying so. Vehicles which do not carry snow chains must not proceed on roads where these signs are displayed.
Guardia Civil traffic officers worked tirelessly into a cold Saturday night to try to ease the problem and rescue stranded drivers, but the situation quickly became uncontrollable and so UME military forces were called in, staying on site well into Sunday afternoon.
Serrano compared the situation to “many European countries”, where such occurrences are not infrequent, but this situation was further aggravated by the end of the Christmas holiday period.
Serrano personally monitored the situation throughout the incident and assured the press conference that every possible resource was deployed which, despite the severity of the situation, could have ended so much worse, but could also have been so much easier should drivers have prepared and took notice of the warnings.

Excerpt: During the first weekend of January, some 3,000 vehicles became trapped on a snowbound motorway in Segovia, prompting the government to call on military forces to assist the Guardia Civil in freeing vehicles and their occupants. However, according to the Read Full Article...

### Welcome to a New You – The January Health Kick

As the festive season comes to an end, many people feel the pinch around the waistline and decide to embark on a “new you” in January, with a health kick to work of those extra added kilos.
Joining a gym, a support group, on-line diet plan all see boosts at this time of year, but so does and increase in the number of people taking to the streets in their own fitness routines, perhaps walking, running or cycling off that extra baggage.
Remember, if you are on foot, walking or running, you are a pedestrian. Always wear bright, high visible clothing, stop at pedestrian crossings, keep an eye out for hidden junctions such as garage exits or side roads, and avoid distractions such as using headphones which may prevent you being aware of your surroundings. If you have to use the road remember to always face oncoming traffic.
If you take to two wheels, remember that you are a vehicle, governed by the same laws as another other, cars, vans, etc, and you must never wear headphones or use a mobile phone, always respect traffic lights, signs, signals and one-way streets, if using pedestrian crossings remember that you must dismount and walk, as with running always wear high visibility clothing.
At night and in times of poor visibility lights must be used on bikes (a bell is also mandatory), and are advisable for running or walking. If you are running or walking in a group it is mandatory.
Vigilance and visibility is vital as a vulnerable road user. Be seen, be observant and be careful, if you are hoping to improve, good luck, but be careful.

Excerpt: As the festive season comes to an end, many people feel the pinch around the waistline and decide to embark on a “new you” in January, with a health kick to work of those extra added kilos. Joining a gym, Read Full Article...

### Are Dash Cams Legal in Spain?

A frequently reoccurring question searched for is “are dash cams legal in Spain?”
Although there are data protection issues, when referring to traffic law the simple answer is yes.
Not only are dash cams legal in Spain, they can also be extremely useful, especially in providing evidence in the event of an incident, or worse.
That said, the first thing we must take notice of is that the installation of the dash cam must not interfere with our primary field of vision. The optimum position will depend on the style of camera and vehicle, but if the camera can be hidden behind the rear view mirror, then it will not impede your view of the road ahead, and will not create an additional distraction.
Like all devices, they must also be secured and you must not touch them whilst you are driving.
In terms of them being useful, dash cams have been in use in many countries for many years, serving not only as a means of providing evidence in the event of an incident, but also protecting vehicle owners against false claims. Russia is one of the countries where dash cams have been in use for many years and in America, a move to make them mandatory gained support in recent years, on account of the value they provide.
The video below was taken from a dash cam in a car driving on the N-332 through a notorious junction in Santa Pola. The junction was the scene of numerous collisions in the past, and has since had additional safety features fitted. In this video a near head-on collision was avoided, but should the outcome have been worse, it would have been clear to see where liability could be assigned.

A second video recorded by the same vehicle also shows some of the more bizarre scenes dash cams can pick up, here we can see an absolute act of stupidity which could so easily have had a fatal outcome.

If you are looking to purchase a dash cam, the good news is that through a collaboration with one of our partners we have details of a great deal.
Movil System in Torrevieja are offering their most popular dash cam for just 69.99€, and if you mention N332 when you purchase it they will give you an 8gb memory card absolutely free.
The camera boasts Full HD 1080P with a 3″ TFT display for previewing the footage. It has a 170º wide angle lens, parking monitor, support for 32G, motion detection, looping video and G-Sensor built in which protects the footage in the event of a collision or emergency, so that it cannot be deleted.
The video quality is now far superior than the videos above, as you can see from the screen grab in the gallery below.








For more information, you can visit them in their shop in Torrevieja, located on Calle Apolo, where their English speaking staff will be happy to give you a demonstration.They also provide a wide range of computer, mobile and device services, details of which you can see on their website here.
Remember, to get your free gift, you must mention N332 when you order your dash cam.
 
 

Excerpt: A frequently reoccurring question searched for is “are dash cams legal in Spain?” Although there are data protection issues, when referring to traffic law the simple answer is yes. Not only are dash cams legal in Spain, they can also Read Full Article...

### Christmas Road Campaign Starts Friday

Friday sees the start of this year´s special operation on the roads, which runs from 15:00 on Friday until midnight on January the 7th, when 17 million journeys are expected to take place.

There will be three phases to the operation, which coincides with the three special days of the holiday, Christmas, New Year and Three Kings.
Phase 1 will begin on Friday, December the 22nd, and will end on Monday, December the 25th, during which an estimated 4,350,000 million trips will take place.
The second phase, for New Year, will start on Friday the 29th, and will and on January the 1st, 2018, when an estimated 4,000,000 journeys will take place.
The third and final phase coincides with Three Kings and begins on Friday the 5th and runs through to Monday the 7th of January, with an estimated 2,750,000 trips planned.
At the start of the campaign there will be an estimated movement from inland cities towards destinations of second homes or tourist interest, such as the coastal areas. During the period shopping centres and towns and cities will see an increase in short-haul journeys, and leisure areas will also be busier. At the end of the campaign the movement will be reversed as the tourists return home.
The principal reason for the operations is to facilitate the safe and fluid movement of vehicles, ensuring road safety, with key focuses on tourist, mountainous and large urban areas.
In order to ensure safety on the roads the Guardia Civil will be out in force on the roads, supported by colleagues from the DGT on the ground and in the air, and the local and regional police.
Surveillance will be intensified on conventional roads, especially in the sections which have been highlighted as being particularly problematic or dangerous, all of which are listed on the DGT website, dgt.es. If is more important than ever that speed limits and warnings are observed on these roads.
There will also be an increase in the number of alcohol and drugs checks on the roads, which can take place at any time, day or night. The DGT´s helicopters will also be out and about, including the eight fitted with Pegasus radar equipment.
There will be additional lanes created to improve traffic flow, with special rules in place in these areas. There will also be restrictions of goods vehicles at times, which can be checked on the DGT website, dgt.es, and all none essential road works will be put on hold.
You can also check for incidents on the road on the dgt.es website, and through the official Twitter accounts, @DGTes and @informacionDGT, as well as on Facebook, on radio and news bulletins, and on the free DGT app.
 
Christmas Facts and Figures
The Guardia Civil has another 156 new vans for drug and alcohol control, added to the 40 that were delivered in the summer.
In addition to the vans, the DGT has also invested 7.7 million euro in the purchase of 746 ethylmeters and 500 drug readers, and 23,400 multi-drug kits.
Around 6,000 traffic officers from the Guardia Civil will be on duty.
More than 800 officials and specialist technical personnel will be on duty in the various Traffic Management Centres.
More than 13,000 employees of the conservation and exploitation companies will be on the roads.
The roads will be monitored by 1,690 cameras, 2,466 data collection stations,2,310 variable message panels, and 12 helicopters that will carry out surveillance from their bases in Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, Seville, Zaragoza, Valladolid and A Coruña, (8 of them equipped with the Pegasus radar system).
 
Road safety = Prevention and Prudence
The most important thing, as always, is to always maintain safe speed and distance, allow plenty of time for your journey, never get distracted by mobile phones or other devices, and never consume alcohol or drugs before driving.
In addition, it is advised:
Preparation : Before starting a journey prepare for it and check the state of the roads and weather conditions through such means as the DGT website.
Adverse weather : Due to the time of the year we are in, rain, snow, wind, and fog may appear during the trip. In times of poor visibility remember that on conventional roads the use of headlights is mandatory, not just daytime running lights, and you must reduce speed and increase the safety distance.
Snow Chains : It is essential to carry snow chains or winter tires, especially for trips in mountainous areas. When signs indicate, these chains must be used or you must not continue. Also periodically check that the windscreen and windows are in perfect condition, for safety and economy.
Rest : During the trip, take breaks every two hours. Inattention in driving is one of the main causes of incidents.
Secondary roads : Pay special attention on short trips and secondary roads, since they tend to produce a large number of incidents due to complacency, overconfidence and a lapse in the adoption of safety measures. All precautions should be applied even on these short trips.
Restraint systems : All occupants of the vehicle must always wear a seatbelt and minors must be properly restrained with their child restraint systems, and only sat in the back (if under 135cm in height).
Alcohol and other drugs : Do not consume alcoholic beverages or any other type of drugs if you are going to drive.
Motorcyclists : Motorcycles are especially vulnerable, especially on curves and on secondary roads. All road users must remember to be alert, motorcyclists included.
Cyclists : Attention and respect for and from cyclists is also essential. It is forbidden to overtake a cyclist if this manoeuvre can endanger or hinder their progress and in any case, a minimum lateral separation of one and a half meters with the cyclist should be kept when overtaking. Cyclists too must also maintain a safe distance and comply with all traffic laws.

Excerpt: Friday sees the start of this year´s special operation on the roads, which runs from 15:00 on Friday until midnight on January the 7th, when 17 million journeys are expected to take place. There will be three phases to the Read Full Article...

### N332 – The Annual 2017 – Out Now

We have released an eBook to combine all of the traffic related articles published on the n332.es website throughout the year in an easy to read format which you can download as a PDF to keep on your device, computer, tablet or mobile. You can read the introduction below and see the contents at the bottom. Remember, these articles are all available on the website, the eBook combines them into a simple reference book.
…

This eBook combines all of the traffic law related articles published on the n332.es website throughout 2017. These articles detail many of the changes which have been implemented throughout this year, as well as some of the proposals, and some laws which will come into forcé during 2018.
We have also included a couple of other important articles, such as those which explain the facts surrounding some of the scams and fake warnings which have been shared through social media during the year.
The idea is to combine the articles into a simple reference book, which you can have at your disposal at any time, allowing you to look back on these changes and refresh yourself and your knowledge at any time.
The n332.es website has become a valuable resource for accurate information, and, as always, the articles and information has been provided, checked and verified by Franciso Morales and his team, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer based in Torrevieja who manages the N332 / Driving Spain Facebook group with a number of his colleagues, interacting on a daily basis with the many followers who have been looking for help and advice about driving laws.
Remember to keep visiting the n332.es website for regular updates, follow the Facebook page, and download our Android app for the latest news. We also hope you will continue to enjoy Reading the N332 RoadWatch eMagazine throughout 2018, as you have done so far.
Everybody behind the Project thanks you for your continued support, remember we are all volunteers and without the help of our sponsors and supporters it would be difficult to progress with the developments we have completed so far, and others we have planned for the future. Thank you.
 








Buy Now

Excerpt: We have released an eBook to combine all of the traffic related articles published on the n332.es website throughout the year in an easy to read format which you can download as a PDF to keep on your device, computer, Read Full Article...

### Time to Check Your Lights Again

Although we are getting closer to the time when the evenings start to get lighter, the lights on our vehicles have possibly been in use more than ever, and so it´s a good time to check that all of the lights on our vehicles are fully working.
Until quite recently, all vehicles had to carry a spare set of bulbs, this is no longer the case. The Spanish government recognised that changing a bulb is no longer a simple task, and in many cases can only be done by qualified mechanics, and so carrying a spare set was pointless, if the ability to change the bulbs had been removed.
However, it is still important to check all of the lights on a regular basis, even those not used too often, such as fog lights.
It is better to have an assistant to help you do this so that one of you can be in the car operating the switches, the other on the outside monitoring the results.
Remember, check every light, headlights (including full beam), indicators and hazard lights (front and back), rear lights and brake lights, reversing and fog lights, and the lights that illuminate the number plate at the rear.
If your vehicle is a modern one you might also have Daytime Running Lights installed. Although these lights are often more reliable than traditional lights, on account of them being LED´s, they should also be checked on a regular basis.
If you don´t have anybody to help you can still carry out the checks by using reflective surfaces such as shop windows or other parked vehicles. Make sure you do this in an isolated location though as you don´t want to confuse other motorists.
If any of the lights have failed make sure you get them replaced immediately as it is an offence to drive with defective lights.

Excerpt: Although we are getting closer to the time when the evenings start to get lighter, the lights on our vehicles have possibly been in use more than ever, and so it´s a good time to check that all of the Read Full Article...

### Staying Safe this Christmas Season

Although no specific threats have been received and the threat level in Spain remains the same as it has done for some time, it is inevitable that security measures will be increased to ensure that the festive period passes as safely as possible.

Guardia Civil and police checkpoints will be in place in various locations. Although many of these will be traffic related, there will also be many others which are checking vehicles for security reasons. Once again we remind everyone of the importance of not sharing the locations of these checkpoints should you see them, such as through social media, as this often gives those who may be intent on criminal activity the opportunity to avoid detection.
If you are stopped at a checkpoint the advice remains the same too. Stay calm and act on the instructions of the officers involved. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear and you will be on your way in a very short space of time.
It´s not only on the roads where danger lurks at Christmas time, which is why the police also offer a wealth of advice on how to stay safe, with the hope of making shoppers and traders aware of potential risks, thus hoping to reduce the number of scams, thefts and robberies that often occur in areas where large crowds gather.
A greater presence of police officers will be noticeable in key areas, as more officers are being deployed, not only on foot, but on horseback and supported by their k-9 colleagues as well.
A guide book was previously produced, and is still available, warning of the dangers, and current information can always be obtained through the three Twitter accounts, @policia, @interiorgob and @polprvalencia, which are the National Police, Interior Ministry and Valencia Police respectively.
One of the most frequent incidents the police have to deal with is lost children. The police recommend the obvious, keeping a close eye on children at all times, but also the less obvious, such as ensuring the child knows their name and a telephone number to contact in emergencies. They also recommend a wrist band or bracelet with the name and contact number of the parents printed or engraved on it.
For adults, you should avoid carrying large amounts of cash and make sure that you are not followed when you have collected cash from an ATM or a bank. If you become suspicious, contact the police immediately.
Do not accept help from strangers who supposedly want to help, they sometimes take advantage of your guard being lowered in order to grab money and valuables.
Avoid street-gamers playing such tricks as the “shell game” or “find the lady” type scams, not only will you not win, your distraction leaves you vulnerable to theft.
When you visit friends and neighbours, always lock your home securely, leave nothing of value in view, don´t fully lower your window blinds and don´t announce your intentions to vacate the premises on social media.
Similar advice also applies to the car of course, never leave valuables such as gifts on show. If you return to your vehicle with goods, be careful you are not seen if you then leave your car to continue to shop.
The Police would also like to remind party organisers and revellers that any activity, party or public celebration must have administrative approval and comply with safety standards, such as having fire extinguishers, security and emergency exits indicated. If any incident occurs: keep calm and try to stay away from that area, alerting the organiser or 091. Always follow the event security personnel or police where appropriate.
Finally, if you see anything or anybody acting suspiciously, please notify the authorities immediately. Although you might not consider it an emergency, the 112 call centre is staffed by people who speak a variety of languages and nobody will be offended if an alert turns out to be false, as that is by far a better outcome than ignoring something which later results in a tragic incident.
Stay safe this holiday period, look after yourself and your belongings, keep them out of sight at all times, keep bags and wallets secure and never unattended, and be vigilant, that way we can all hope for a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year period.

Excerpt: Although no specific threats have been received and the threat level in Spain remains the same as it has done for some time, it is inevitable that security measures will be increased to ensure that the festive period passes as Read Full Article...

### Coming Soon – N332 The Annual 2017 – Our Latest eBook

Next week we will be launching our latest eBook, N332 The Annual 2017.
This latest virtual publication combines all of the traffic law related articles published on the n332.es website throughout 2017. These articles detail many of the changes which have been implemented throughout this year, as well as some of the proposals, and some laws which will come into force during 2018.

We have also included a couple of other important articles, such as those which explain the facts surrounding some of the scams and fake warnings which have been shared through social media during the year.
The idea is to combine the articles into a simple reference book, which you can have at your disposal at any time, allowing you to look back on these changes and refresh yourself and your knowledge at any time.
The eBook will be published in the next few days and will be priced at just 4.95€, with all of the proceeds being invested back into the project, including (we hope) purchasing a small mobile speaker and sound system that we can take to our presentations next year, which means we will no longer have to rely on the venues having a sound system, and will mean we can visit more locations, and help with our other developments we have planned with our supporters next year.
Of course you can read all of the featured articles here, where we will continue to share new content on a regular basis, but we hope that you might find an annual catalogue useful, so much so we may even consider a real printed version in the future.
The Annual 2017 will be released here soon.

Excerpt: Next week we will be launching our latest eBook, N332 The Annual 2017. This latest virtual publication combines all of the traffic law related articles published on the n332.es website throughout 2017. These articles detail many of the changes which have Read Full Article...

### Bike Parking in Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall has installed 50 new bike parking stands in the town, and provided extra security for pedestrians near the port area.

The mayor, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, in his capacity as head of the Department of Traffic and Transport, has said that the creation of these fifty stands is intended "to provide facilities for people who use a bicycle as a means of regular transportation, adapting spaces in the urban area where they can leave them in the best possible conditions".

The mayor also said that these spaces are added to other car parks that are already in use in the urban area, and the 35 that are available at the Marina Salinas nautical sports complex.

In addition, the council has started to replace the bike-lane access to the port with a pedestrian lane after it has been analyzed by municipal technicians at the request made by Marina Salinas Marina. The petition noted that the bike lane had "minimum" use by cycles, whereas it is "profusely used by pedestrians of all ages in conditions that are directed to the exhibition facilities, Marina Salinas and, above all, to the rides that run parallel to the Dique de Levante". The bike lane was also one of the main roads through which pedestrians head to the lighthouse.

The Local Police gave approval to this modification that has seen "the placement of bollards to delimit the lane as one for pedestrians, instead of being used as a bicycle lane," said the mayor, who has detailed that this measure contributes to obtain "the greatest security guarantees within the port area."

### Guardia Officers in Daring Rescue from Burning Building

Brave officers from the Guardia Civil rescued four residents from a burning building in the centre of Torrevieja on Monday.

Two of the residents had to be taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. Among those rescued was an elderly woman with impaired mobility.

The incident occurred on Monday evening when the four officers were on patrol in the town of Torrevieja and noticed a "strong" smell of smoke. 

Having searched through the local streets they discovered a home emitting large flames. 

The four officers entered the building and first located a man who was "very nervous" with an elderly female with mobility problems. The officers immediately extracted them on account of their disposition and their "confused and visibly affected" state.

The officers then heard the screams of a neighbor, who was on the third floor, who they told to go up to the terrace. The officers reentered the building and managed to reach it through an adjoining housing and rescued the victim. Then, a third time, the officers reentered and rescued a neighbour who was on the fourth floor. 

The Emergency Coordination Centre dispatched a Basic Life Support ambulance which took the injured victims, a man aged 54 and a woman of 88 years, both suffering from smoke inhalation, to the Hospital in Torrevieja.

The fire service extinguished the blaze at 22:15, around ninety minutes after the alarm was raised. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

### Alicante Province Arms Dealers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil and the National Police have arrested four people as alleged authors of a crime of illegal possession of weapons in Torrevieja and Guardamar.

The investigation revealed replica weapons which are first manipulated, in order to qualify them for the practice of real fire and, secondly sold, within the black market or the criminal sphere, with the danger that this entails for citizen security.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil and the National Police have arrested four people as alleged authors of a crime of illegal possession of weapons in Torrevieja and Guardamar. The investigation revealed replica weapons which are first manipulated, in order to qualify them for the practice of real fire and, secondly sold, within the black market …

### Torrevieja Arms Dealers Detained

Officers from the Guardia Civil and the National Police have arrested four people as alleged authors of a crime of illegal possession of weapons in Torrevieja and Guardamar. 



The investigation revealed replica weapons which are first manipulated, in order to qualify them for the practice of real fire and, secondly sold, within the black market or the criminal sphere, with the danger that this entails for citizen security.

### Police Surprise Cathedral Drunk Driver

The Local Police have arrested a man on suspicion of drunk driving, after they found him trying to drive his car down the steps of Burgos cathedral.

According to the police they first believed the driver may have been lost, and so went to assist in his route. The driver was surprised to see them and acted in a nervous manner and so the officers suspected that the driver may have consumed alcohol and performed a breathalyser test on  the driver.
After testing positive for alcohol the driver was arrested on suspicion of a crime against road safety.
The vehicle was parked in the municipal pound until the matter was resolved.

Excerpt: The Local Police have arrested a man on suspicion of drunk driving, after they found him trying to drive his car down the steps of Burgos cathedral. According to the police they first believed the driver may have been lost, Read Full Article...

### Orihuela Costa Bike Theft Gang Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested nine youths on the Orihuela Costa (Alicante), on suspicion of being a group dedicated to stealing bicycles as part of a “game”.

Another four, who are aged between 15 and 19 and of different nationalities, are being investigated and are believed to be responsible for seven robberies and three thefts, which were carried out as part of a dare to see who could steal the most. 
The alleged members of the gang have already appeared in court and have been released with charges pending. 
The officers, based in Pilar de la Horadada, began an investigation due to an increase in domestic thefts in residential areas of the Orihuela Costa, all with similar characteristics.
The officers quickly discovered that a gang of youths were behind the thefts, all from neighboring Torrevieja (Alicante). The modus operandi was always the same: they walked or took a bus to the Orihuela Costa, in small groups of three to six people. Once there, they toured the different developments and selected homes where they were to commit robberies. Then one or two of them jumped the fence of the house and another was watching from the street. They carried cutters with them to allow them to cut chains or locks and once they had enough bikes they would return them to Torrevieja. 
The investigation concluded that the young people had committed the crimes as a “game” in which they would challenge each other to see who could steal the most, and also included burglaries committed in Halloween night, in which the alleged perpetrators, taking advantage of this festival, donned masks, as a disguise to avoid being recognised by possible security cameras. 
Due to the dispersion in small groups of this gang, the Guardia Civil had to divide the operation into five stages and performed all arrests ‘in the act’, when the alleged members were riding on newly stolen bicycles. The officers recovered a total of 17 bikes, and have not ruled out finding more. 
The operation culminated with the arrest of nine youths between 15 and 19 years (four Spaniards, two Germans, one Romanian, one Venezuelan and one Moroccan), and investigating another four (two Spaniards, a Brit and a Ukrainian, between 15 and 18 years) being the alleged perpetrators. 
After going to court, both the Courts of Orihuela and the Youth Offenders Office in Alicante, have released the gang members on bail with charges.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested nine youths on the Orihuela Costa (Alicante), on suspicion of being a group dedicated to stealing bicycles as part of a “game”. Another four, who are aged between 15 and 19 and of Read Full Article...

### Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP) – Instruction 16 / V-124

This is a translation of an official document issued by the DGT which proposes the official definition of mobility scooters (vehículos de movilidad personal, abbreviated to VMP) in order to provide legal classification as to how and where they are permitted, and clarification of other matters such as licencing and insurance.

Subject: Personal mobility vehicles (VMP)
Instruction 16 / V-124
Traditionally urban traffic has been legally disciplined in our country, differentiating pedestrians and motor vehicles. The first was assigned to the pavements as its natural space and the second to the roads. On this separation, the main traffic regulations that govern the cities were established, such as those related to restrictions, signalling, transit priorities, prohibitions, etc.
New technologies have favoured the emergence of urban mobility solutions that favour pedestrian travel by the help of new vehicle models that break the traditional pedestrian / motor vehicle division. These vehicles in some cases have a mass greater than that of people and move at a higher speed than pedestrians (see guidance examples in Annex I).
As a result of this, and because of the lack of a dedicated space on the roads, personal mobility vehicles (vehículos de movilidad personal, abbreviated to VMP) generate risk situations when sharing the urban space with other  users.
Under these conditions, and as long as a specific regulation on the aforementioned vehicles is not drawn up, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) proposes the following criteria:
FIRST – Technical and legal cataloguing
The VMP can be defined as a vehicle capable of assisting the human being in their personal movement and that by their construction, can exceed the characteristics of cycles and be equipped with an electric motor. Town halls will establish limitations to the movement on urban roads, depending on the maximum speed by construction, mass, capacity, service or other criteria that are considered relevant.
In order to technically and legally catalogue VMPs, the following will be taken into account:

a) Personal mobility vehicles must adhere to the technical requirements established in the current legislation on industrial safety and general product safety in their design, manufacture, and commercialisation, in accordance with the provisions of Law 21/1992 of July 16.
b) From the scope of traffic legislation, personal mobility devices will be considered as “vehicles“, in accordance with the definition established by point 6 of Annex I of Royal Legislative Decree 6/2015, of 30 October, which approves the revised text of the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety. It has the aforementioned point in which a vehicle is defined as “The apparatus suitable for driving on roads or lands referred to in article 2.”

The provisions above imply, to the contrary, two characteristics of the use of these devices:

a) The impossibility of assimilating them to the figure of the pedestrian, and which, therefore, cannot be used on the pavements and spaces reserved for them. This impossibility would only be excepted in those cases in which the Municipal Authority expressly authorises, as an arrangement of pedestrian zones, the possibility of its use in these spaces (article 7.1a a) and b) of Royal Legislative Decree 6/2015, of 30 October).
b) The impossibility of cataloguing them as motor vehicles. Its configuration and technical requirements do not allow obtaining the corresponding homologations to be considered in this way because they are not included in the field of application of the harmonized regulations, at European level, in this matter or RD 750/2010, of June 4, which regulates the procedures for homologation of motor vehicles and their trailers.

SECOND- Applicable regulations
In accordance with the provisions set forth above, VMPs may be physically located within the scope of the road, provided that they are expressly authorised by the local authority. The municipal authority, however, may authorise their movement on pavements, pedestrian areas, parks or special lanes with prohibitions and limitations that it deems necessary (related to mass, speed and service to which it is intended) to ensure the safety of users. When they are assimilated to cycles and bicycles, the provisions in the legislation of traffic, road safety and circulation of motor vehicles will be applicable. In particular, the use of the VMP must be done in accordance with the rules of the road legal system.
THIRD- Permission or licence of movement and driving
As previously described, the VMPs are not motor vehicles and therefore do not require administrative authorisation to operate. Consequently, and until it is definitively regulated, the user cannot be required to hold a licence or driving permit. The foregoing without prejudice to the technical or other requirements that the local authority determines to authorise the use of VMPs in the areas under its jurisdiction.
FOURTH – Insurance
The compulsory requirement for insurance of vehicles only takes place when they are considered as motor vehicles. This is stipulated by Royal Decree 1507/2008, of September 12, which in its 1st article indicates what is considered to be a motor vehicle, and therefore, must be subject to mandatory insurance.
“Article 1. Motor vehicles

Motor vehicles are considered, for the purposes of civil liability in the movement of motor vehicles and the obligation of insurance, all vehicles suitable for moving on the surface of the earth and driven by a motor, including mopeds, special vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, whose mobility requires administrative authorisation in accordance with the provisions of the legislation on traffic, motor vehicle traffic and road safety. The trailers, semi-trailers and special towed machines whose maximum authorised mass does not exceed 750 kilograms are excepted from the obligation of insurance, as well as those vehicles that have been temporarily or permanently discharged from the Vehicle Registry of the General Directorate of Traffic… “

Notwithstanding the above, the user or owner of the VMP may voluntarily purchase insurance under the terms established in the general insurance legislation or shall hire it, in cases where, for its use in urban areas, the local authority shall establish.
FIFTH – Express authorisation for certain VMPs and cycles of more than two wheels
The VMP and cycles of more than two wheels that are destined to realise economic activities of a tourist type or of leisure must obtain an authorisation from the Municipal Authority in which it will appear, in any case, the route to realise, schedule and how many limitations are established to ensure the safety of road users. The Municipal Authority will collect the binding reports it deems appropriate.
SIXTH – Entry into force
This Instruction comes into force on the day following its publication.
Madrid, November 03, 2016
EL DIRECTOR GENERAL DE TRÁFICO P.V. (ART.10.2.A) R.D. 400/2012, 17 de febrero EL SECRETARIO GENERAL,
Cristóbal Cremades Rodríguez

Excerpt: This is a translation of an official document issued by the DGT which proposes the official definition of mobility scooters (vehículos de movilidad personal, abbreviated to VMP) in order to provide legal classification as to how and where they are permitted, Read Full Article...

### One Way Streets for Pedestrians

In an attempt to reduce congestion and improve the ease of movement, Madrid has been testing a new one way system, for pedestrians.

The route is around one of the busiest areas in the city, the Puerta del Sol, which is a magnet for shoppers and tourists wanting to view the Christmas lights, the tree and the area where the New Year will be celebrated.

Both the police and security officers are used to direct pedestrians in the right direction, so as they only move in one way, and avoid collisions.
Friday was the first day of the test which reportedly passed without incident, with just a small number of people protesting. Some traders however were less than happy with the plan, and in particular the lack of signs which tell pedestrians which way they should go.
The municipal authority have said that pedestrians who move the wrong way will not be fined, and signs will be installed on the streets to advise pedestrians of the direction of travel.
The controls will be put in place at weekends, fiestas and busy afternoons.

Excerpt: In an attempt to reduce congestion and improve the ease of movement, Madrid has been testing a new one way system, for pedestrians. The route is around one of the busiest areas in the city, the Puerta del Sol, which Read Full Article...

### Be Alert for Christmas Allergies

Christmas in Spain is a time of joy, happiness and family meals, where friends and loved ones often over indulge, but are also frequently oblivious to hidden dangers caused by allergies to food.
Although they are usually mild, allergic reactions to food reach 50% of those treated in the emergency room, says the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC). In the Christmas season, its prevalence does not increase, but undiagnosed cases does. “At this time, you should not lower your guard,” warns Carolina Pérez Iglesias, nutrition specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, who points out that cases of allergic reactions usually increase during Christmas.
“At this time, you should not lower your guard,” warns Carolina Pérez Iglesias, nutrition specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, who points out that cases of allergic reactions usually increase during Christmas due to the introduction of typical highly allergenic products in our diet. of this time, and because the consumption of these foods begins in children.
In addition, family meals and business dinners are very frequent, and seven out of every ten serious allergic reactions occur when eating out, according to the SEAIC. The Chirónsalud specialist recalls that in the vast majority of patients the effects occur within 30 minutes after food intake, and the symptoms vary between oral pruritus and anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal if not reversed.
The severity varies depending on the amount of the allergen ingested, the sensitivity of the person, and external factors such as asthma, physical exercise or consumption of painkillers or alcohol. “The only proven treatment is the elimination in the diet of the food that produces the condition,” adds Iglesias. In case of severe reactions, it is recommended that auto-injectable adrenaline is on hand, as well as oral corticosteroids and an oral antihistamine.
Dr. Sergio Negre, specialist in pediatric gastroenterology at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, points out that at Christmas the foods that tend to cause the most allergic reactions are nuts, fruits less common at other times of the year, crustaceans and shellfish in general.
“In children, the prevalence in order of frequency includes cow’s milk, egg, fish, vegetables, fruits and nuts, especially beware of typical Christmas sweets, such as nougat or marzipan, since they have hidden ingredients among its components, “he warns.
As a rule, meat does not usually cause allergic reactions; However, special care must be taken with fish and, above all, seafood, more specifically, Norway lobster and shrimp. Nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, pips and hazelnuts, also produce allergies, although in a lesser proportion. In the case of having a food allergic at home, we must be careful when making the purchase and carefully read the labels.

Excerpt: Christmas in Spain is a time of joy, happiness and family meals, where friends and loved ones often over indulge, but are also frequently oblivious to hidden dangers caused by allergies to food. Although they are usually mild, allergic reactions to food reach 50% of those treated in the emergency room, says the Spanish Society …

### Pets Deserve Security Too!

According to the latest statistics released by insurance company experts, 1 out of 4 drivers have been distracted by their pet whilst driving. The report also reveals that males in the most dangerous group, those between the ages of 18 and 24, suffer most from these distractions.

Moreover, the research also shows that up to 32% of those who travel with a pet leave in the vehicle do so without restraining the animal, leaving it loose inside the cabin, a situation which is not only extremely dangerous, it is also illegal, on account of the risk to both the animal and the other vehicle occupants.
That said, when questioned further, the research shows that only 4% admit to carrying the animal insecure at all times, whilst the remaining 28% suggest that they only do so “occasionally”, although generally speaking it is only “occasionally” that animals are carried. As for sexes, men carry their pets more often; specifically, 23% more than women.
The figures are even more important if we take into account that more than half of these drivers, specifically 59.4%, also have children. The combination of a child and loose animal in the rear seats could increase the risk of being careless while driving and, therefore, of being immersed in an incident.
Regarding those who travel the most with their companion animal, the analysis shows differences by geographic zones. In particular, it is the Andalusians who do it more frequently, 74% of the time. They are followed by Basques and Madrileños, with 73%. On the opposite side we find the pet owners of Galicia and Castilla y León, who only take them with them 51% of the time. The Catalans claim to do so on 55% of their trips.
Animals, like humans and any object carried in the vehicle, must be secured. If a frontal collision occurs, deceleration causes the weight of the item, in the case we are talking about our pet, to multiply by 20 to 30 times. For example, in a frontal collision where two vehicles are travelling at just 30 kilometres per hour, the combined collision speed therefore being the equivalent of about a 60 kilometre per hour collision, a dog weighing 10 kilos would increase its mass and weigh up to as much as 300 kilos at the point of impact, causing significant damage to the vehicle, its occupants and the dog itself.
We must also realise that generally speaking, insurance companies do not consider animals as vehicle occupants, according to Carlo Brüggeman, co-founder of Acierto. Com, and would therefor unlikely be covered by the vehicle´s policy, although there are specific policies to cover the expenses of the veterinarian and even include compensation for accident or death.
The report also reveals that more than 85% of Spaniards prefer to use the car to travel with their pet compared to other means of transport such as train or plane, whose followers are reduced to 11.4% and 3% respectively. A point in which the ignorance of the users and the restrictions of the transport companies themselves take on special relevance. In fact, train operating company Renfe itself circumscribes its service to pets weighing less than 10 kilos. In the case of long distance trains, in addition, it is necessary to buy a ticket for them. The limitations established by airlines are similar, although they vary enormously depending on the entity. However, obtaining documents and permits in accordance with the legislation of the country of destination may determine the trip.
Overall, the advice is simple. To keep everybody safe, including your pet, and to comply with the law, the animal must be secure at all times. If carried in a cage or carrying case, then that too must also be secure.

Excerpt: According to the latest statistics released by insurance company experts, 1 out of 4 drivers have been distracted by their pet whilst driving. The report also reveals that males in the most dangerous group, those between the ages of 18 Read Full Article...

### Motorbike Focus Ahead

With an apparent alarming growth in the number of serious and fatal incidents involving motorbikes, which is greater than the growth in the number of vehicles being sold, the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has announced several measures that will help improve the safety of motorcyclists.

Among them, the implementation of an ‘INVIVE’ plan for motorcycles in collaboration with the different owners of the roads, to identify those sections of the road network with high incident rate, where special measures to reduce incidents could be adopted.
In addition, the plan will involve the installation of new complementary information signs on some roads which will provide more information of dangers along the route for motorcyclists.
Serrano also announced the continuation of the progressive implementation of the emergency call system (‘eCall’) in motorcycles and the connectivity between vehicles and the road, with the imminent start-up of the platform DGT 3.0, which will also benefit motorcyclists.
During the conference where these plans were announced, participants highlighted the importance of making progress in road safety education, driver training and awareness. With this objective, the DGT and ANESDOR will collaborate in a plan for the training of motorcyclists.
ANESDOR has highlighted how the technological advances in motorcycle manufacturing have accelerated over the last two decades, and so the importance of renewing the fleet on the roads is crucial in order to take advantage of these developments not available in older vehicles. On average, the motorcycle fleet on the road is 15 years, and so far older than those motorbikes with the latest technology installed.
In addition, to improve the training of motorcyclists, ANESDOR proposes granting quality certificates to training centres, incentives for conducting driving courses (obtaining driving licence points for example) and has designed the ‘Viva la Moto’ initiative, to reduce the number of incidents where motorcyclists have been involved.
On the other hand, the DGT themselves have been monitoring statistics of motorcycle related incidents since 2012, where 46% of incidents occurred without the intervention of any other vehicle.
The DGT also concurs that the progressive aging of the vehicle fleet in the last decade is a factor for consideration, however, more worrying is the data regarding the consumption of substances among deceased motorcyclists: 26% of all motorcyclists killed in incidents in 2016 would have tested positive for alcohol, and 17% for drugs.
During the conclusions, patron of the Pons Foundation and former director of the DGT, Pere Navarro, said that “the bike is not a problem but a reality that must be managed” and has predicted that “2017 will be the first year in the that the number of vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists) who are victims of traffic accidents will be greater than that of the users of the four wheels”.
 
Motorcycles: 10 Measures for Greater Security
Fundación Pons and ANESDOR have developed a decalogue of proposals to increase the safety of two-wheel drivers and all users of the road.

Resources. In 2016, motorcycles account for 15.2% of the total number of vehicles, but fatalities have grown to 22%. It is recommended that the agencies involved in road safety dedicate a proportion of attention and resources equivalent to the representativeness of this percentage of its victims.
Strategic Road Safety Plan. It is recommended that, 10 years after its approval, the plan be revised and updated to adapt it to the new circumstances. In addition, we would recommend including an Urban Road Safety Plan, which facilitates practical application at the municipal level.
Regulation of the motorcycle. The development of a Vulnerable Users Law is recommended. It is also recommended that, in the agencies responsible for road safety, both on the road and in the city, an official be appointed, who is a motorcycle user, as a reference in the field of motorcycle travel and in permanent contact with associations of motorcyclists.
Extension of “zones 30”. The promotion of traffic calming policies or “zonas 30” is recommended because of its significant impact on the safety of motorcyclists, which means acting on speed and improving coexistence with other modes of travel.
Parking on public roads. It is recommended to organise and increase the availability of parking spaces for motorcycles on public roads in our cities, establishing objective criteria to ensure that a proportion of the available area equivalent to the quota of the vehicle fleet.
Training The majority of incidents are triggered by a human error (88%), either directly from the motorcyclist themselves (35%) or from another vehicle that collides with them (65%), many of which the motorcyclist´s actions may be a contributing factor, over speed for example. It is recommended that there be a comprehensive review of the training in the school year and post-permit, along with the revision of the driving licence system
Awareness, road safety education and coexistence. It is recommended to increase road safety campaigns, informing of the specific risks suffered by moped drivers and motorcycles in the city due to the actions of other users and their vulnerability in the event of an incident.
Safe driving courses. It is recommended the development of a quality certificate through which the Administration accredits the rigor of the schools and the quality of the training courses; accompanied by incentive measures for the user.
Professional drivers. The road safety of the motorcycle must be included in the occupational risk prevention plans. It is recommended to manage before the State Foundation for Employment Training the inclusion in its catalogue of continuous training subsidised by the corresponding offer of training and training for motorcycle delivery workers.
Equipment. It is recommended to open the debate with the associations of motorcyclists on the possible obligation of the use of gloves, and to transfer the message of the importance of the suitable equipment to minimise the injuries in case of an incident.

Excerpt: With an apparent alarming growth in the number of serious and fatal incidents involving motorbikes, which is greater than the growth in the number of vehicles being sold, the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has announced several measures Read Full Article...

### Drink and Drug Message Still Not Hitting Home

The latest data released by the DGT has revealed that 43% of the drivers who died in traffic related incidents in the last year, on urban and interurban roads, tested positive for alcohol, drugs or both.

The report by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (INTCF) indicates that the figures show almost identical levels as those of 2015, a trend which has stabilised and therefore not shown either an increase, or decline, since 2013.
Of the 589 samples analyzed, there is a significant indication in the differences between men and women, in that a staggering 95% of those who died with alcohol and / or drugs in their system were men. The myth that alcohol and drug use is more prolific in the younger age group has once again been dismissed as 67% of those who died were between 25 and 54 years of age, with a predominance of the group of 45 to 54 year olds, in which 25% of the cases are recorded.
When analyzing substances, about 69% had taken alcohol, while the presence of drugs reached 36% and that of psychotropic drugs 21%.
As for drug use, cocaine and cannabis are the most frequently found in 48% of tests. In case of having detected the presence of a single drug instead of an association of them, cannabis prevails.
The report also includes a study conducted on the total of 167 pedestrians who died as a result of a traffic related incident. In this case, 32% of those killed had consumed some form of substance. Also males (72%) who tested positive in these tests for alcohol, other drugs and / or psychotropic drugs far outnumbered women.

Excerpt: The latest data released by the DGT has revealed that 43% of the drivers who died in traffic related incidents in the last year, on urban and interurban roads, tested positive for alcohol, drugs or both. The report by the Read Full Article...

### Safety on the School Bus

Every day, 230,000 students use buses to go to and from school, and with around 17,000 buses (some 40% of the entire private fleet) used as dedicated transport vehicles on the school run.
Generally speaking, using a bus for school transport is a safe means of travel. Last year there were no fatalities among users of this type of vehicle, but due to the vulnerability of the passengers and the roads through which they drive, mostly conventional roads, regular focus to maintain these levels of security is required.
According to Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of the DGT, “this type of transport is vulnerable to accidents because of the importance they have and the age of those affected, and requires greater security than other means of transport in order to maintain the current level of safety, and so we continue to develop campaigns of awareness that keep users, drivers, parents and schools alert.”
For this reason, and because the safe mobility of minors is one of the priorities of the DGT as it is included in the basic lines of the Road Safety Strategy 2010-2020, an awareness campaign is running all this week to monitor this type of vehicle.
Officers from the Guardia Civil, assisted by colleagues from the local and regional police, will carry out inspections consisting of administrative controls to check the authorisations and documents that these vehicles must have for the correct provision of the service.






They will then verify that the technical conditions and safety elements of the vehicle, which are much more stringent than normal operations, as are the special requirements that must be met by the driver, such as driving licences, driving times and rest periods.
In addition, they will check that drivers drive at the speed allowed, which is slower than normal, and that they do not use a mobile phone or other devices that cause distractions since both factors, inappropriate speed and distractions, are the main causes of incidents in which this type of vehicle is involved. In addition, alcohol and drug controls will also increase.
Due to the importance of the seatbelt, special attention will be paid to their use in school buses that have them installed. Currently more than 60% of this type of vehicle have seatbelts.
According to several studies, the use of a seatbelt whilst in a bus would reduce fatal injuries by 90% in the event of a head-on collision or rollover, since, correctly fastened, they prevent the passenger being projected from their seat and reduces impacts on the chest, abdomen and legs.
Since October 2007, it has not been possible for new vehicles without seatbelts to be registered, although that still leaves 40%of the fleet without seatbelts and over 10 years old.
 
STATISTICS
In 2016, school buses were involved in 32 incident, (20 on interurban roads and 12 in urban ones), in which no one died but 17 occupants were injured.
According to a study prepared by the Traffic Association of the Guardia Civil, the majority of incidents occur on conventional roads (last year 65% occurred in this class of roads), with the most frequent type of incident being frontal-lateral collision, and distraction and inappropriate speed appear as more frequent concurrent factors.
EDUCATING IN THE SCHOOL BUS
Trips from home to school can be good times for the adult accompanying children to remind them of some messages about road safety, such as:
· Never stop behind the bus.
· Wait for the driver’s signal and always cross at least three metres ahead.
· Inside the bus, stay seated and with the seatbelt on, if it is installed.
· Do not run when you get to the bus, or when leaving.
· Obey the driver and the monitor.
In addition, parents should check the safety of the buses in which their children are traveling, request the centre to hire buses with seatbelts and check that a monitor accompanies the children during the journey.
OTHER HEALTHIER WAYS TO GO TO SCHOOL
In addition to the school bus there are other means of transport in which the students move to go to school: private car, public transport, bicycle or simply walking.
With the intention of promoting sustainable mobility from an early age, the DGT, in collaboration with the Federation of Municipalities and Provinces, is encouraging safe school roads , which favour and stimulate travel on foot, by bike or public transport in the first leg and back to school.
Currently there are more than 100 municipalities in 35 provinces and approximately 300 schools that are working or already have safe school roads.

Excerpt: Every day, 230,000 students use buses to go to and from school, and with around 17,000 buses (some 40% of the entire private fleet) used as dedicated transport vehicles on the school run. Generally speaking, using a bus for school Read Full Article...

### Changes to the ITV System

The ITV inspection is a mandatory requirement for ensuring the minimum safety standard for vehicles is maintained, so as to ensure the minimum conditions of safety and respect for the environment on the road.

However, from October of 2017, a number of changes were implemented by the government, some of which are of benefit to the motorist, aimed at making things easier for them.
Retest at another ITV station
In the event that the result of the test is unfavourable, it is now possible to have the retest carried out at another ITV station than where the first test was conducted, once the faults and failings have been rectified.
Early renewal without affecting the date
Another development which favours vehicle owners is that you can now submit your vehicle for a test in advance, without it affecting the date of the renewal. Specifically, you can now submit your vehicle for testing up to a month before the expiration date and, upon successfully passing the test, the renewal will still be valid from when your current certificate expires.
More comprehensive emission controls
Now, the monitoring and control of emissions will be much more exhaustive, so as to avoid recent problems where potential and actual fraud has been detected, some by the vehicle manufacturing sector of course. ITC stations will have more means, equipment and procedures that will allow them to contribute to the protection of the environment and ensure greater road safety. In fact, sources of the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness have indicated that these new means are “a first step towards the inspection of electronic security systems and the improvement of emission control.”
Recognition of certificates between EU countries
With the new regulations, it will be possible to recognize ITV certificates  issued by other member states of the  European Union, so if we buy a car in France, Italy or Germany, for example, we will not have to submit the vehicle for immediate inspection here in Spain in certain circumstances.

Excerpt: The ITV inspection is a mandatory requirement for ensuring the minimum safety standard for vehicles is maintained, so as to ensure the minimum conditions of safety and respect for the environment on the road. However, from October of 2017, a Read Full Article...

### Course Helps Officers Deal with Foreign Vehicles

Around 30 members of the security services have been attending a course in Guardamar, aimed at providing training in how to identify administrative and practical irregularities relating to foreign registered vehicles driving on the roads of Spain.

The three-day course was inaugurated by Guardamar´s mayor, José Luis Sáez, on Monday with officers from the Guardia Civil, National and Local Police coming together to learn how to identify and subsequently deal with identified issues.
The Mayor thanked the attendees for their interest shown in attending the course, where the officers from across this region and Murcia will work with more than a hundred foreign registrations, from EU and non-EU countries, as well as hundreds of documents, most of them fake, to enable them to recognise documentation, especially forged ones.

Excerpt: Around 30 members of the security services have been attending a course in Guardamar, aimed at providing training in how to identify administrative and practical irregularities relating to foreign registered vehicles driving on the roads of Spain. The three-day course Read Full Article...

### Blue Lights in 2018

Having followed the process from the beginning, we are now able to report that the mandatory referendum on all emergency services to display flashing blue lights has received unanimous positive support through the legislative process.

As the process will now continue to proceed and, if all still goes to plan, blue lights (Rotativos azules to give them their Spanish name) will enter into service on ambulances and fire tenders from March, 2018.
Traditionally, only the security services such as the Guardia Civil and police would use blue lights when operating as priority vehicles, with ambulances, fire and other priority vehicles using orange lights, the same as slow moving or special vehicles, which some drivers found confusing.
This is not the first time this move has been announced. The change had already been approved by previous congressional committees, in 2006, 2010 and 2011, but had not been previously implemented. More recently, in 2016, the Spanish Government voted 37 votes in favour, with 2 abstentions. Spain was the only European country which had not adopted the standard.

Excerpt: Having followed the process from the beginning, we are now able to report that the mandatory referendum on all emergency services to display flashing blue lights has received unanimous positive support through the legislative process. As the process will now Read Full Article...

### Be Seen!

The Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo (INSHT), the Spanish national health and safety at work institute, collaborating with Invassat, has launched a pilot campaign under the slogan “Hazte visible”, which translates to “Become visible”, or simply “Be seen”, with the aim of preventing accidents at work amongst home delivery drivers.

In recent years, businesses that are related to food and food delivery are booming and the enormous development of the Internet contributes to this: ordering food at home, booking restaurants through applications, etc., all of which are increasingly common activities. In 2015, the year for which the latest data is available from INSHT, 1,565 motorcyclists from the “Food and Beverage Services” sector, had a traffic incident whilst making their deliveries. Of those, 83 were hospitalised due to the seriousness of their injuries and one died. Of the total number of those injured, 61% were under 26 years old.
The activity of food and beverage services has a high incident rate during the working day, occupying the third place in index of incidence. In addition, in the last four years there has been an increase of 36.2% in this incidence rate.
Primarily, the aim of the campaign is two-fold, firstly to remind road users of the importance of checking their “blind spots” before moving off or altering speed, course or direction, and secondly to make more vulnerable road users more visible, such as moped or motorbike riders, as well as larger vehicle drivers when they leave their vehicles.
Always check fully around your vehicle, including over your shoulder, before performing any move. You never know who or what could be in your blind spot until you check.

Excerpt: The Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo (INSHT), the Spanish national health and safety at work institute, collaborating with Invassat, has launched a pilot campaign under the slogan “Hazte visible”, which translates to “Become visible”, or simply Read Full Article...

### High Visibility Policing

With a 5 million euro price tag, the Guardia Civil has taken delivery of 300 new motorbikes which will carry more equipment in the battle for safer roads than ever before.

These new motorcycles will be equipped with both the portable speed detecting equipment we have already featured, and the new portable alcohol and drug testing kits.
This new equipment will allow officers to set up checkpoints at a moment’s notice and in more locations than ever before, particularly useful in combating reports of their location through social media, which can also be monitored and those responsible dealt with.
The new motorbikes also have another new feature, in that they will be more visible than ever before, thanks to the new high visibility colour scheme the motorbikes will adopt. It’s not only the bikes that will be more visible however, the officers themselves will be too, with new high visibility helmets replacing the standard white models.

The extra highly visible markings not only serve as additional protectors for the officers, but also increases their visibility on the roads which is hoped will be a deterrent to drivers who may consider breaking the law, especially those which revolve around the highest contributing factors to fatal and serious incidents.


The colour scheme has been developed through a series of trials and will also be accompanied by a similar scheme on other traffic vehicles in the future. It will take some time for the entire fleet to be replaced but these new vehicles will start to take to the streets almost immediately, whist the portable kits can also be carried on many of the bikes already in service and will be operational soon too. During 2018 all motorbike patrols will be carrying the portable equipment.

Excerpt: With a 5 million euro price tag, the Guardia Civil has taken delivery of 300 new motorbikes which will carry more equipment in the battle for safer roads than ever before. These new motorcycles will be equipped with both the Read Full Article...

### Dogs Killed by Drunk Driver

Two dogs were killed on Sunday when a drunk driver lost control and crashed into other vehicles in the Elche municipality.

The vehicle lost control and collided with another car, shunting that vehicle into others, the end result being six people being injured and two dogs being killed.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of crimes against road safety and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Excerpt: Two dogs were killed on Sunday when a drunk driver lost control and crashed into other vehicles in the Elche municipality. The vehicle lost control and collided with another car, shunting that vehicle into others, the end result being six Read Full Article...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 10

Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine.
You can read the eMagazine FOR FREE at the end of this introduction, or you can click the button here to purchase and download your own PDF version.

Buy Now

We have had a busy couple of months, with the N332 team visiting various local associations and groups as part of our Road Safety Tour, with a couple still to do before the end of the year until we take a break from touring until the spring.
You can read more about where we have been inside, but if you are a member of a social club, association, neighbourhood, group, anybody who can muster around 50 or more interested people together, then we are able to visit you and give a presentation to your group. If you don´t have so many members, perhaps you can talk to other local groups, or contact us anyway and we may be able to put you in touch.
Thanks to the support of our sponsors, in this case Salus Health Insurance and SC Innova, and the technical support from Securitas Direct, we have been able to visit locations outside our usual catchment area. So, if you have been in touch previously, but we were unable to attend as you were too far away, we might now be in a better position to attend.
In other words, wherever you are, and irrespective of whether we have visited you previously or not, if you would like us to visit you during our 2018 schedule then get in touch by emailing news@n332.es and we can start to make arrangements now.
We also have a new collaboration with the Quiron Hospital network. You can read more about that in the next edition but we hope to hold a series of talks in their hospital facilities in Torrevieja in the New Year, which will be free for any individual or group to attend and booked through us direct. As I say, we will give you more information next time, and through the website.
Finally, before I let you read on, yet another collaboration is with the La Siesta Clinic in Torrevieja, where they will be offering you some great services such as licence renewal reminders, for free, and a complete renewal service. There will also be more information about that soon, but we hope you can see that we are working hard to get collaborations with more recognised and trusted partners to try to expand our network of services to you even further.
That´s enough for now. Until the next time, stay safe.

Excerpt: Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine FOR FREE at the end of this introduction, or you can click the button here to purchase and download your own PDF version. Buy Now We Read Full Article...

### Today is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Every year, on the third Sunday in November, we recognise the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, on which day countries around the globe, through institutions and groups involved in road safety, pay tribute to people who have lost their lives on the roads, and the families, relatives and friends left to deal with the aftermath.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was first celebrated nationally by RoadPeace in 1993. Since then it has been observed and promoted worldwide by several non-governmental organization (NGOs), including RoadPeace, the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) and the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) and its associated organizations.
In recognition of the enormous strength that NGOs possess as advocates for road safety, WHO hosted a meeting of 12 such groups in September 2003. The meeting led to the creation of an informal network of agencies that advocates for road safety, and the identification of areas for joint activities. ASIRT, FEVR and RoadPeace were invited to be members of the UN Road Safety Collaboration. They, together with other NGOs in the informal network, lobbied through the Collaboration for a day to be dedicated to victims and their families. This led to the recognition by the United Nations General Assembly of the third Sunday in November every year as a World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims “as the appropriate acknowledgment for victims of road traffic crashes and their families”.
WHO, FEVR and RoadPeace have jointly developed a book, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims: a guide for organizers, to provide practical guidance to people or groups on how to plan and organize events on this day. The book gives a brief history of the day and provides examples of specific activities. All those concerned with road traffic crashes and their consequences are encouraged to use this guide to organize annual events in different parts of the world to ensure that the advocacy opportunity of this day is fully realized.
You can get more information from WHO by clicking here.

Excerpt: Every year, on the third Sunday in November, we recognise the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, on which day countries around the globe, through institutions and groups involved in road safety, pay tribute to people who have lost Read Full Article...

### Three Thousand Euro Fine for Painting Yellow Lines

Local Police in the Murcia town of Bullas have fined a neighbour 3,000 euro for painting his own yellow lines outside his garage to prevent other road users from parking.
Picture credit: E. BOTELLA / La Verdad
The resident claims that he has been doing this “for decades” and never before been fined, and will be basing part of his appeal on that fact.
In an interview in La Verdad newspaper, the neighbour explains that his truck is his only source of income, as he uses it to “take swimming pool covers to France and my wife takes turns with me as a driver. I do not earn 3,000 euro a month.”
The fine states that the painting of the lines is an infraction of the Reglamento General de Circulación, “installing, removing, transferring, hiding or modifying road signs without permission and without just cause”, observing the “Installation of a yellow road marking without authorization.”
As part of his defence the man claims that the fine has been raised by an officer who has a grudge against him, after an argument over illegal parking where the man had parked his vehicle in a prohibited area “where everybody parks” and the officer tried to stop him parking there. Plus, according to the neighbour, who has hired a lawyer to defend him, the police have no proof he actually painted the yellow line.
Fine aside, the simplest solution to the problem would be to do what so many other neighbours in the town have done and request permission for the yellow lines through the standard “vado” system, whereas the town hall would assess the location and, if need safe, not only paint the lines for him they would issue a no parking sign which would be enforceable by the police, preventing anybody from parking at the access and egress point.
The “vado” system is designed specifically for this and, in exchange for a very small fee, would have prevented the situation and subsequent fine. More information and application forms are available at your local town hall.

Excerpt: Local Police in the Murcia town of Bullas have fined a neighbour 3,000 euro for painting his own yellow lines outside his garage to prevent other road users from parking. The resident claims that he has been doing this “for Read Full Article...

### Officers Surprised by Thirsty Cyclist

Officers from the Guardia Civil were surprised when they stopped a 31-year-old cyclist in the Villaviciosa area, carrying an unusual load on his bicycle.
A number of concerned people had alerted the officers to the man riding dangerously on the road. The cyclist was observed cycling along the main section of the road, rather than the hard shoulder where he should have been, and was seen to be swerving as he approached.
The officers found that the man had two bottles of wine affixed to his cycle, which the man freely admitted was in order to quench his thirst on his long ride.

The officers were less surprise that an alcohol test proved positive, with a reading of 0.51 and 0.48 mg / l, in expired air in the double test, where the allowed limit is 0.25. The man was subsequently reported for exceeding the allowed alcohol rate to ride a bike on a public road.
Once again, it is important to note that a cyclist is classed as a vehicle when on the road and therefore the rider is governed by the same laws as drivers of other vehicles, such as a car, and you are not allowed to ride a bicycle having consumed excessive alcohol.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil were surprised when they stopped a 31-year-old cyclist in the Villaviciosa area, carrying an unusual load on his bicycle. A number of concerned people had alerted the officers to the man riding dangerously on the Read Full Article...

### Another 50 Traffic Eyes Watching Over Us

This week, another 50 Traffic Eye camera have entered into service, watching over the road network.

The cameras have been under test for a short time to ensure they are calibrated correctly and that they work, during which time drivers who were caught received a warning letter advising them of the infraction committed, but not issuing fines. From this week, the cameras are live and are issuing fines to drivers snapped by the system.
Traffic Eye from Tradesegur, is one of a new breed of cameras, which were promised by the DGT as part of a campaign to keep the roads safer.
TrafficEye and its cousin MultiRadar C, offer the most advanced technologies that are currently available for monitoring traffic, which not only check and report speeding motorists, but also other safety critical traffic violations such as not wearing a seatbelt, children and animals not properly restrained, using a mobile phone or electrical device whilst driving, and checking with the established databases to see if your vehicle is correctly insured.
Prior to these devices, only Pegasus equipped helicopters could monitor the roads so closely. Now, thanks to TrafficEye, the roads can be monitored around the clock because these devices also work at night.

Excerpt: This week, another 50 Traffic Eye camera have entered into service, watching over the road network. The cameras have been under test for a short time to ensure they are calibrated correctly and that they work, during which time drivers Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja N-332 Widening a Reality by 2020

The plan for finally widening the N-332 main road has taken another step forward this week, with hope that the project will be completed by 2020.

The Official State Gazette (BOE) was published on Wednesday, announcing the tender for the drafting of the project for the design and execution of the road widening scheme. Within the tender document is a requirement for the project to be delivered within 18 months, and with the 40 million euro budget allocation.
After approving the project, the contest to award the works must be opened within two years. The Ministry confirms that the planned investment in the execution will be 40 million euro and that all the procedures must prepare to “accumulate the delay generated by the rejection of the Generalitat at the time of writing the project”. What that means is that so long as the project is not paralysed by such things as the environmental impact study and, if all goes well, the contracting and execution of the widening could be a reality, with an optimistic calculation, in the first half of 2020.
Having been overdue by more than a decade, and the subject of political point scoring over actual action, the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja is the scene of frequent traffic jams, holdups and incidents, far exceeding the amount of traffic that a road of the current state should normally carry, exceeding 50,000 vehicles per day at peak season times.
As well as widening the N-332 itself, the plan will also include improvements to the roads which lead to it so that these roads also fall within the technical requirements for road planning.

Excerpt: The plan for finally widening the N-332 main road has taken another step forward this week, with hope that the project will be completed by 2020. The Official State Gazette (BOE) was published on Wednesday, announcing the tender for the Read Full Article...

### New Radars For Motorbikes Coming Soon

The DGT has announced that they have just spent 860,130 euro on portable speed detecting equipment which can be transported on the motorbikes of the Guardia Civil.

The plan to buy the equipment had already been announced some time ago, but the budget has now been allocated which has allowed the purchase of about 60 devices which will allow more speed control check points to be set up and with greater ease for the officers.

Although the information has often been misreported as the motorbikes having radar equipment installed, these devices are used by the roadside, standing on a tripod, in much the same way as some of the existing equipment, although these are small enough to be carried in the panniers of the motorbikes.
The investment was first proposed last year, based on the fact that during 2016, 300 people were killed in incidents where inappropriate speed was a factor. Budget restrictions prevented the purchase previously but now the money has been set aside and the order made, and so delivery, training and implementation of these new devices is expected to happen as soon as possible.

This is part of the overall road safety plan that will see an increase in drug controls by 50% before 2018, and for all motorbikes to carry these new speed detectors as part of their safety arsenal.

Excerpt: The DGT has announced that they have just spent 860,130 euro on portable speed detecting equipment which can be transported on the motorbikes of the Guardia Civil. The plan to buy the equipment had already been announced some time ago, Read Full Article...

### Successful Campaign Takes Dangerous Truckers Off the Roads

During a 24 hour campaign, traffic officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia detected 19 professional drivers who tested positive for drugs (6 for Cocaine, 12 for cannabis and 1 for both).

During the operation, which took place on the 2nd of November, officers checked the drivers of a total of 235 trucks, with the alarming statistic that 8% were positive for drugs.

All of these drivers face the consequences of their actions and a loss of livelihood, although that is a far better outcome than the potential loss of life that could have been caused by one of these vehicles being involved in a collision, a situation which could be considerably worse when we realise that one of the drivers who were taken off the roads was driving an articulated lorry loaded with propane.

Excerpt: During a 24 hour campaign, traffic officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia detected 19 professional drivers who tested positive for drugs (6 for Cocaine, 12 for cannabis and 1 for both). During the operation, which took place on the Read Full Article...

### Emergency Simulation at Alicante-Elche Airport This Week

Confirmed information has now been released concerning this week’s aircraft crash simulation which will take place around Alicante-Elche airport on Thursday.

The Security and Emergency Response Agency will be coordinating the event on November 9th, which can also be followed on social media with the hashtag #GranSimulacre2017.
The operation will simulate a commercial aircraft accident with multiple victims outside Alicante-Elche airport, with an area of ​​intervention of 8 km around the incident scene.
In the scenario, the aircraft suffers a serious technical problem that makes it lose height abruptly. In the attempt to land, it crashes onto a street on the “Elche Parque Empresarial” industrial park, about 4 km from the airport, destroying several vehicles and coming to rest in one of the industrial buildings where several occupants were working and have become trapped. The spilled fuel catches fire and as collateral damage there is a limited forest fire.

In the crash, the aircraft split in two parts: the tail, with a large number of injured passengers, and the cabin area, with the majority of fatalities.
The General Director of the Valencian Agency for Security and Response to Emergencies, José María Ángel, stressed that this is a very complex exercise because “a large number of organisations from different administrations are involved, which are necessarily coordinated”.
In this sense, he added, “these activities are an opportunity to internalize the protocols that are not usually activate”, continuing, “we would not like to suffer an accident like this one of course, we have tried to contemplate most cases to assess the level of response”.

The activity, #GranSimulacre2017, will also involve the airport facilities, including the “family room”, where relatives will be collected and attended to.
The entire area around the airport will be affected by the incident, and so there will be numerous road closures and disruption to the normal daily operations on the road network, whilst the emergency services deal with the incident. There is not expected to be any disruption to flights, although passengers may be alarmed by the view of the scenario as they observe the activity.
The tourism offices across Alicante will be taken over as part of the scenario, becoming a central point for relatives to attend for information. This is standard practise for a major incident following an agreement with the tourism authority across the Valencia region. Help points will be set up at the tourist information offices at Alicante, Benidorm, Castellón, Denia, Valencia and Torrevieja.
The complexity of the simulation will require the participation of 444 personnel and 130 vehicles from 25 organisations from different administrations, the Generalitat, the Provincial Council, town halls, the General State Administration, private companies together with civil protection volunteers, NGOs and students.
A large number of resources will be mobilised, some extraordinary, which carry out searches, rescues, triage, health care, corpse surveys, traffic control and fire suppression.
The Plan on the Day
The operation will begin at 10:00 when preparations will be put in place.
At 11:30, the control tower at Alicante-Elche Airport will warn the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre of the disappearance of the aircraft from the radar screen and the appearance of a column of smoke a few kilometres away in the area where the aircraft went missing.
The Emergency Coordination Centre will notify the general director of the Valencian Agency for Security and Response to Emergencies, responsible for activating the Territorial Emergency Plan of the Valencian Community (CETPV).
At this point, Protocol Level 2 will be activated and an Advanced Command Post (PMA) will be set up for the coordination of information management, communications, and emergency protocols with multiple victims and contact areas for relatives will be implemented.
The airport will activate the self-protection plan and the external emergency plan. The affected municipalities, Alicante and Elche, will also activate their municipal territorial plans.

Excerpt: Confirmed information has now been released concerning this week’s aircraft crash simulation which will take place around Alicante-Elche airport on Thursday. The Security and Emergency Response Agency will be coordinating the event on November 9th, which can also be followed Read Full Article...

### Alcohol Limits and Penalties

It is often not realised that the maximum permitted alcohol limit in Spain is considerably lower than many other European countries, including the UK.

It is also worth noting that these limits are precisely that, a maximum that is permitted. Alcohol affects people differently and the only real safe limit is zero.
That said, in Spain the maximum legally permitted alcohol limit is in general 0.25 mg/l (or 0.15 mg/l if you are a learner driver / professional drivers). If the amount of alcohol exceeds this limit, the driver will be heavily fined and lose several points from their licence.

In the event such amount of the breathalyzer exceeds 0.60 mg/l, the driver becomes subject to a criminal proceeding and will be arrested.
A blood test is only available when you have finished the alcohol test and you disagree with the result.
Refusal to co-operate is also considered a criminal offence.

Excerpt: It is often not realised that the maximum permitted alcohol limit in Spain is considerably lower than many other European countries, including the UK. It is also worth noting that these limits are precisely that, a maximum that is permitted. Read Full Article...

### Meet Floki

The Guardia Civil in Alicante has been joined by a new member, aged just 3, but with double the number of legs of the usual officer recruits.
Meet Floki, a mixed German and Belgian Shepherd, who has begun patrolling the area accompanied by a human handler, Antonio.

Floki is one of the many dogs born and raised in El Pardo, the Guardia Civil´s own facilities. From the moment of his birth, Floki´s destiny was already mapped out, to serve as an agent of the Guardia Civil, assuming the young pup worked hard and managed to pass the selection tests of course.
Although there are many roles that dogs like Floki fulfil within the corps, Floki´s main role will be in detection, with specialist training in methods for sniffing out money.

Covering both the Valencia and Murcia regions, and capable of moving to other areas across the country, Floki will be based at Alicante-Elche airport.
Among his daily services, Floki will be called on to search homes and businesses where crime is suspected of having been committed, common requests being for cases of money laundering, for example.

When not involved in crime detection, Floki will be on duty at border points, including Alicante-Elche airport, checking travellers who may be carrying larger amounts of cash than permitted, or other items.
As well as active duties, Floki has a daily routine of exercises, including games where money detection is also part of the play.
No doubt, at some point, Floki will also meet with his 4-legged companions in the Alicante province, which is protected by another 4 dogs who detect drugs, 4 who search for explosives and 1 specialising in tobacco.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil in Alicante has been joined by a new member, aged just 3, but with double the number of legs of the usual officer recruits. Meet Floki, a mixed German and Belgian Shepherd, who has begun patrolling the Read Full Article...

### ITV Sticker Colours and Placement

The stickers used to indicate the validity of the ITV inspection, the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, are colour coded on a three-colour cycle of green, yellow and red.

So long as the vehicle is displaying only one sticker in the required place, the upper right hand side of the windscreen as you look out, traffic and police officers carrying out roadside checks can have a clear idea instantly, from afar, if the vehicle is displaying a valid sticker.
Known as the V-19, “DISTINTIVO DE INSPECCIÓN TÉCNICA PERIÓDICA DEL VEHÍCULO”, the sticker indicates that the vehicle has favourably passed the periodic technical inspection and the date when the next inspection is due.
The sticker is self-adhesive, designed to stick on the glass of the windscreen, but where a vehicle doesn’t have a windscreen, it must be placed in a clearly visible place.

As well as the sticker, the ITV report is one of the mandatory documents which must be carried in the vehicle. In the event of the technician requiring repairs to be carried out, they must have been completed within the time indicated.
Remember, you must only display a single ITV sticker, not collecting them every year, only the one which indicates that the current inspection is valid.

Excerpt: The stickers used to indicate the validity of the ITV inspection, the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, are colour coded on a three-colour cycle of green, yellow and red. So long as the vehicle is displaying only one sticker in the Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja N-332 Widening Plan Confirmed by Central Government

The submission of plans to widen the N-332 main road as it passes Torrevieja has been confirmed by the Spanish government in a meeting with the regional deputies, thus taking the plans a step closer to reality.

The confirmation came this week following a question raised by a member of the Compromis political group to the Minister of Development Iñigo de la Serna, who officially announced the start of the drafting of the project of the duplication of the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja.
At the same time, the minister confirmed the widening of the access road to Alicante-Elche airport, and other projects through the Alicante province.
Despite many failings for over a decade, and although it will still take some time to be completed, every process stage takes Torrevieja a step further to being relieved of the usual traffic chaos at peak times when the road network is incapable of dealing with the volume of traffic that passes through.

Excerpt: The submission of plans to widen the N-332 main road as it passes Torrevieja has been confirmed by the Spanish government in a meeting with the regional deputies, thus taking the plans a step closer to reality. The confirmation came Read Full Article...

### Focus on Conventional Roads this Week

All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be leading a focus campaign monitoring conventional roads for traffic infractions and dangerous activities, in an attempt to raise awareness of the fact that 7 out of every 10 traffic related deaths occur on this type of road.





The campaign will run until Sunday the 29th of October, and will be supported through social media by the hashtag #campañacontrol.
Seven out of ten deaths in 2016 in traffic related incidents occurred on interurban roads, particularly on roads that have only one lane in each direction, making them statistically the most dangerous.
For this reason, the DGT launched the campaign that will run until Sunday, with intense surveillance on these roads. According to Gregorio Serrano, the director of the DGT, “this type of intensive campaign has a main objective to draw attention to drivers of the peculiarities that have this type of roads have, including a greater number of points with reduced visibility, the limitation of a single lane to be shared by different road users (vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians …) making driving on these roads significantly different from when driving on motorways or freeways”.
Respect to traffic regulations
During the seven-day campaign, Guardia Civil officers will be supported by colleagues in local and regional police, paying close attention to speed limits, overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs, the use of helmets, seatbelts and restraint systems, and that the vehicle and driver documentation is valid and present.
In addition to roadside surveillance, the watchful eyes of the DGT helicopters will also be taking to the air, including those equipped with Pegasus radar equipment.
You will be able to monitor the campaign through social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram, with practical help and advice throughout the week, including images, infographics and more.
Reasons for the Campaign
Some of the reasons that lead the DGT to carry out intensive periodic campaigns on conventional roads are that these roads are the location for the highest number of fatalities on the roads:
Of the 1,810 people killed in a traffic related incidents in 2016, 964 occurred on a conventional road (roads that have only one lane in each direction). To these 964 deaths, we must also add the 3,930 people who were injured and required hospital treatment.
Secondary roads are not considered as safe as those with central reservations as junctions and intersections are normally on the same route and traffic has to cross paths and intersect with the flow.
Of the more than 166,000 kilometers of interurban roads monitored by the Ministry of Development (2015), 149,000 correspond to conventional roads.
The death rate and the severely injured rate show a positive correlation with the age of the vehicle. In the event that the incident occurs on conventional roads, the vehicle age turns out to be a determining factor in the degree of harmfulness of victims.

Excerpt: All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be leading a focus campaign monitoring conventional roads for traffic infractions and dangerous activities, in an attempt to raise awareness of the fact that 7 out of every 10 traffic related Read Full Article...

### Witnesses Sought Following Orihuela Arson Attack

On Friday night, two vehicles belonging to officers from Orihuela´s Local Police were destroyed by fire in a suspected arson attack.

The cars were parked outside the Orihuela Costa town hall and were completely destroyed in the incident.

Police are asking for anybody who might have information about the incident, or anubody who saw anything suspicious in the area on Friday evening to come forward.

Information can be reported at the Local Police Station at the Playa Flamenca town hall, or at any law enforcement office locally.

Excerpt: On Friday night, two vehicles belonging to officers from Orihuela´s Local Police were destroyed by fire in a suspected arson attack. The cars were parked outside the Orihuela Costa town hall and were completely destroyed in the incident. Police are Read Full Article...

### New Signs Can Warn of Cyclists Ahead

The DGT has installed the latest set of so-called intelligent road signs, this time being tested on the roads of La Rioja, aimed at trying to make the roads safer for cyclists.

Intelligent road signs are able to read the characteristics of the road and vehicles on it through means of sensors. On the N-332 passing through Torrevieja there are examples of signs which monitor for queues ahead, illuminating flashing lights to warn of the presence of danger ahead. Further north, there are signs which warn when vehicles are waiting or crossing traffic at junctions which would otherwise be blind to oncoming vehicles.
These latest signs are able to detect the presence of two-wheeled vehicles, whether solo or in groups, and illuminate the sign as a warning to other road users of the potential hazard ahead.

According to Jaime Moreno, the Deputy Director of Operations and Mobility of the DGT, “this measure is part of the Plan of Urgent Measures announced by the Minister of the Interior earlier this year to increase the prevention of accidents involving cyclists.”
At the moment, this pioneering system has been installed in several kilometres of the LR-111, LR-250, LR-254 and LR-255, where the visibility of the road is reduced, although Jaime Moreno states that “the idea is to extend this type of system to other roads where the influx of cyclists is important, so that the cyclists can move safer.”
However, it is important to remember that the placement of these signs is to offer additional protection to cyclists, and should not lead to complacency. Being constantly prepared for what´s ahead is a vital part of safer driving and proper observation is crucial, whether signs are in place or not.

Excerpt: The DGT has installed the latest set of so-called intelligent road signs, this time being tested on the roads of La Rioja, aimed at trying to make the roads safer for cyclists. Intelligent road signs are able to read the Read Full Article...

### Almost 200 Valencian Criminal Drivers Caught in September

During the month of September, a total of 196 drivers were brought before the courts on criminal charges, the highest form of sanction available, for crimes against road safety.

Of those who faced court action, 60 were for driving without the required permission or licence, 135 for doing so under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and 1 for travelling at such a high speed it fell into the realms of the criminal process.
However, the total number of offences recorded which were severe enough to be classified as criminal has decreased by 10.50% in relation to those recorded in the same month last year.
By province, in Alicante, 20 drivers were brought to court for lacking a permit or licence, 58 for driving so much under the influence of alcohol it required court intervention, and 1 for speeding, having been clocked travelling at 178 kilometres per hour on a section of road where the maximum permitted limit was 80.
In Valencia, 34 drivers lacked permission or licence and 68 were driving under the effects of alcohol.
In Castellón, there were 6 drivers without a permit or licence and 9 severly under the influence of alcohol.

Excerpt: During the month of September, a total of 196 drivers were brought before the courts on criminal charges, the highest form of sanction available, for crimes against road safety. Of those who faced court action, 60 were for driving without Read Full Article...

### Elche Mourns Four Members of the Same Family Killed in Murcia Pileup

Elche city council expressed their condolences to the relatives and friends of the family of four who were killed in Monday´s multi-vehicle crash in Murcia.

Killed in the crash was 56-year-old José Vicente Maciá Segarra, who was previously a footballer for such clubs as Torrellano CF, Almoradi, Santa Pola, Thader and Ilicitano. More recently he was a coach training many local youngsters in Elche CF and Torrellano CF.
The football clubs and their members extended their condolences, taking to social media to share their dismay at the tragedy.
Also killed in the crash, in the same vehicle, were his daughter Elena Maciá Belmonte, aged 14; his sister-in-law Josefa Belmonte Márque, 48; and his niece Laura Fabra Belmonte, aged 16. The wife of José Vicente Maciá was injured but survived the incident.
The fifth person killed in the crash was a resident of Murcia.
According to witnesses, there was queuing traffic on the road when the truck approached, at speed, unable to see the standing traffic ahead, colliding with the vehicles which resulted in 13 of them, two trucks, two vans and nine cars, being involved in the collision.
In addition to the five fatalities, a further ten people were treated
The driver of the truck involved in the crash, a Spanish national, was detained by the Guardia Civil and failed a drugs test, positive for cocaine. After spending the night in the cells, a judge has released the driver, “on probation, with an obligation to appear every two weeks”, and withdrawn his licence.
The courts are investigating the incident as a crime against road safety for driving under the influence of drugs, with the likely outcome being addition charges of a crime of reckless homicide and injuries.

Excerpt: Elche city council expressed their condolences to the relatives and friends of the family of four who were killed in Monday´s multi-vehicle crash in Murcia. Killed in the crash was 56-year-old José Vicente Maciá Segarra, who was previously a footballer Read Full Article...

### At Least 4 Killed in Murcia Motorway Pileup

At least four people were been killed in a multi-vehicle pileup on the A-7 motorway in Murcia on Monday.

The incident occurred at around 18:30 near the La Paz service station in Sangonera la Seca.

At least a dozen vehicles were involved, in which the four people were killed and others injured.

The emergency coordination centre immediately dispatched fire fighters, medics and the Guardia Civil to the scene, along with the local police who stressed the “seriousness” of the incident and warned other road users to find alternate routes, as the crash caused considerable delays whilst the rescue and subsequent clean-up operations took place.

Excerpt: At least four people were been killed in a multi-vehicle pileup on the A-7 motorway in Murcia on Monday. The incident occurred at around 18:30 near the La Paz service station in Sangonera la Seca. At least a dozen vehicles Read Full Article...

### Uninsured Drunk Driver Smashes Patrol Car

A drunk driver, who was in an uninsured vehicle which had an expired ITV, smashed into a Local Police patrol car in Seville on Tuesday, resulting in the vehicle overturning.

The incident occurred just before 23:00 on Tuesday night at the exit of a roundabout on
on Tuesday night against a patrolman of the Local Police of Seville who was going to intervene in a traffic accident, as reported by the City in a press release.
Thus, it was shortly before 23.00 hours on Tuesday when this accident occurred at the exit of the Ronda del Tamarguillo roundabout at the junction of calle Clemente Hidalgo), in the direction of calle Ada.
As a result of the collision, the patrol car overturned, resulting in the officers suffering minor injuries. The driver of the colliding vehicle was breathalysed at the scene and was found to be four times over the maximum permitted limit for alcohol. In addition, the vehicle lacked mandatory insurance and the ITV had expired.
Fire fighters and medics attended to clear the scene and treat the injured parties until traffic could be restored.

Un conductor ebrio colisiona con su coche con un patrullero de #PolicíaSevilla y le hace volcar. #Sevillahoy+ Info https://t.co/qjXMsVDJ5t pic.twitter.com/UQ5WwVorzU
— Emergencias Sevilla (@EmergenciasSev) October 3, 2017


Deseamos la pronta recuperación de los lesionados en este siniestro vialRecuerda; Si bebes, deja tu coche aparcado Ok?#PolicíaSevilla pic.twitter.com/aKaDxmoeUZ
— Emergencias Sevilla (@EmergenciasSev) October 3, 2017

Excerpt: A drunk driver, who was in an uninsured vehicle which had an expired ITV, smashed into a Local Police patrol car in Seville on Tuesday, resulting in the vehicle overturning. The incident occurred just before 23:00 on Tuesday night at Read Full Article...

### New Campaign Aims to Raise Awareness of the Danger of Using a Mobile Behind the Wheel

An instant of distraction can make the difference between life and death. This is why the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Dieter Liebrech Koch, with the collaboration of RACC and RACE and other European automobile clubs, are launching the #ParkYourPhone initiative. The ambassador for this campaign is singer Pharrell Williams, who has lent his image to videos and promotional images.
European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said that “with smartphones integrated into our lives, it seems increasingly difficult to take our eyes off the screen. In fact, driving distracted is causing an increasing number of victims on the road.”
The message is unmistakable: the best way to prevent an accident is, first and foremost, to have our eyes on the road and not any other element that can prevent us from driving with attention. Jean Todt, president of the FIA, said that “road safety is one of my top priorities. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need to understand the dangers of using smartphones in traffic. To combat the 3,500 lives lost daily in traffic accidents, I call on all road users to ‘park’ their phones when they are involved in traffic in one way or another.”

MEP Dieter Liebrech Koch, representative of #AparcaTuMóvil, also explained that “Europe has done much to advance safety, whether in technical improvements of vehicles, as well as further training for road users or infrastructure. But new technologies, such as smartphones, pose new challenges. I welcome this initiative, which encourages everyone to remember that a moment of distraction can be fatal.”
Stop to distractions
#AparcaTuMóvil joins other campaigns, such as the one driven by RACE, Castrol and BP, “Stop Distractions”, in which the campaign alerts drivers of the risks using the mobile phone whilst driving. Under the hashtag #StopChatear , the action reveals that more than 13 million Spanish drivers recognise having used the mobile phone behind the wheel, many of them to use instant messaging applications. In a surprise test at the Circuit Jarama, RACE took a group of young people on a guided tour to see live, first-hand, what happens when try to attend messaging applications on our mobile phone while driving, with surprising reactions.

RACC Recommendations
The RACC , on the other hand, emphasises that talking on the phone multiplies by 4 the probability of an accident and that drivers who write a message are 23 times more likely to crash. In a study carried out by the Catalan motor club last year, 26% of drivers admitted to using their mobile “always or often” on their journeys, a percentage that increases to 47% in the case of pedestrians. This same study showed that 43% of drivers recognise dangerous practices such as writing messages in a moving car, or that one in five pedestrians continue to use the mobile whilst using pedestrian crossings.
To reduce the accidents related to mobile use, the RACC recommends: Promote the use of applications that block the mobile while driving; require certification (eg an ISO standard) to be able to standardise mobility-related apps and identify them as safe and compatible with driving and involve large Internet companies, mobile phone manufacturers and telecom operators in the improvement of mobile applications for safer integration in driving.

Excerpt: An instant of distraction can make the difference between life and death. This is why the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Dieter Liebrech Koch, with the collaboration of RACC and RACE and other European automobile clubs, are launching the #ParkYourPhone Read Full Article...

### 198 Unprotected Children Spotted in a Week

During the last campaign focussing on seat belt and child restraint use, more than 260,000 vehicles were checked, with 2,992 people found not wearing a seat belt, and 198 children having been found to have been put in a situation of extreme danger by not being properly restrained.

During the campaign, which ran for a week until the 17th of September, coinciding with the return to school, 2,094 adults and 198 children were found not wearing any type of retention system.
Of the 2,094 adults, 1,388 were drivers and 706 passengers (382 of them in the front seats and 324 in the rear).
In the case of the children, the responsibility of which lies with the driver, 198 were not wearing a seat belt or child restraint system and 41 were travelling in the front seats.
During the seven days, traffic officers report that 73% of those detected not wearing a seat belt were on conventional roads, the location for the highest percentage of fatal and serious incidents.
The seat belt is a basic and fundamental element of road safety, a life insurance. For this reason, its use is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle and on all types of roads. In addition, the correct use of it is essential for it to fulfil the purpose for which it was created.
Since last week, fifty seat belt control cameras have been put into official operation, having completed their testing phase, which detect if vehicle occupants are not wearing seat belts. These cameras support the activities from officers on the ground, and in the air, all aimed at ensuring safety on the roads.
Remember, children under 135cm must travel in the rear seats, and must be restrained in an approved system suitable for their height and weight.
The only exceptions to the front seat rule are when the vehicle does not have rear seats, when all the rear seats are already occupied by other smaller children of the same characteristics, and when it is not possible to install all child restraint systems in such seats.
If children must occupy the front seats, they must always have the approved appropriate restraint system for their weight and size and if the vehicle has a front airbag, only rear-facing restraint systems can be used if the airbag has been deactivated.
Child restraint systems shall always be installed in the vehicle in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer, which shall indicate the form and type of vehicles to be used safely.
In addition to monitoring the use of seatbelts, the traffic officers also monitored the use of crash helmets, the most important safety device for users on two wheels, motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles.
In the seven days, 34,000 checks were carried out, from which 75 people were found not wearing a helmet, of which 22 were motorcyclists, 22 on mopeds and 31 cyclists.

Excerpt: During the last campaign focussing on seat belt and child restraint use, more than 260,000 vehicles were checked, with 2,992 people found not wearing a seat belt, and 198 children having been found to have been put in a situation Read Full Article...

### Seatbelts Save Lives

Earlier this month, five people from the same family, French nationals travelling through the town of Pancorbo in Burgos during their vacation.
At 07:42 on the 5th of September, the vehicle they were travelling in was in collision with a truck.
Other than suffering minor physical injuries and tremendous psychological trauma, the truck driver was unhurt. However, tragically, the same was not the case for the five occupants of the car.
Two women, aged 60 and 32, a girl aged 9, and two boys aged 7 and 3, all lost their lives in the incident.
The investigation concluded that the driver of the car had fallen asleep at the wheel, invading the opposite carriageway and colliding with the truck heading in the opposite direction, then hitting the wall of the gorge..
The investigation also revealed that the vehicle was carrying six people, rather than the maximum of five is was designed to.
The driver of the car was the only occupant to survive the crash, now having to live with the consequences.
In the rear seats, his wife and children were not wearing seatbelts, or any form of restraining system, and were trapped in the wreckage. In the front seats, the driver and his mother-in-law were wearing seatbelts.
Both the driver of the truck and the car tested negative for alcohol or drugs.
Some of the scenes in this video may be distressing…

Excerpt: Earlier this month, five people from the same family, French nationals travelling through the town of Pancorbo in Burgos during their vacation. At 07:42 on the 5th of September, the vehicle they were travelling in was in collision with a Read Full Article...

### Project EDWARD – Thursday 21 September 2017

N332 are proud to support Project EDWARD, European Day Without A Road Death.

TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network, seeks support from all road users for Project EDWARD: European Day Without A Road Death – Thursday 21 September 2017  
•    On average, 70 people still die every day on Europe’s roads
•    Every road death prevented has an estimated value of €1.94 million (£1.65 million)*
•    Spare an extra thought for safety and sign the pledge at www.projectedward.eu
THIS YEAR’S European Day Without A Road Death is taking place across Europe on Thursday 21 September. Devised in 2016 as Project EDWARD by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL), the initiative aims to raise awareness of road safety and reduce the number of people killed every day on the roads of Europe.
Project EDWARD has the support of senior politicians, police chiefs, policy makers and road safety professionals, many of whom have recorded short video messages for the Project EDWARD website (www.projectedward.eu).
The European Commission is also backing Project EDWARD, with Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc participating in a road safety event in Estonia on 21 September.
UK support for Project EDWARD comes in the form of video messages on the projectedward.eu website from:

Roads Minister Jesse Norman MP
PACTS Chairman Barry Sheerman MP
Scottish Transport Minister Hamza Yousaf MSP
the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)
the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)
Road Safety GB
Road Safety Scotland
IAM RoadSmart
Highways England
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
GEM Motoring Assist

…and many more individuals and organisations.
TISPOL will be joining representatives of the European Transport Safety Council, the International Highways Association, the World Road Association and the Italian State Police at a conference to be held in Rome on Project EDWARD day. The event will be live-streamed via Facebook.
TISPOL believes it is vital to gain the support of national governments, as well as winning the hearts and minds of individual road users, in order to bring about sustained and significant reductions in death and injury on Europe’s roads.
TISPOL President Paolo Cestra comments: “The tragic toll of road deaths is seen every day by police officers and collision investigators. Every day across Europe, around 70 people will set off on road journeys, but they won’t make it home. That means 70 families will receive a knock at the door with the life-shattering news that they have lost a loved one in what was most likely an entirely preventable crash.
“With every road death, so many other lives are fractured and ruined. Quite simply we do not want that to happen to any family, and we will do everything we can to reduce the toll of road fatalities.
“But we cannot win on our own. Gaining the support of individual road users is vital, and we know that if everyone is prepared to reflect on the risks they face and the risks they may pose to others, then we can have safer drivers, safer road users and safer journeys.”
A day without a road death is of course the vision we should strive for every day, not just on 21 September, according to Paolo Cestra. “As a simple way of raising awareness, I am convinced that Project EDWARD can once again be a great success, whether or not we achieve zero deaths on the day itself.
“So we urge everyone: please think about the way you drive, ride or cross the road. Think about how you can reduce risk by always wearing a seatbelt, keeping to speeds that are both legal and appropriate for the conditions, not driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and not using a mobile phone at the wheel.
“If everyone commits to making small changes, then the road safety improvements will be huge and we will achieve big reductions in the number of people who are killed or seriously injured. So please share our road safety messages on social media using #ProjectEDWARD, and sign the Project EDWARD pledge at www.projectedward.eu.”
Project EDWARD 2016: 
•    In the 48-hour period of 20 and 21 September 2016, #ProjectEDWARD achieved 19.5 million Twitter hits
•    #ProjectEDWARD was trending in the Twitter top five in the UK, Ireland and many European countries on 21 September
•    #ProjectEDWARD was trending in the top 50 Twitter topics globally on 21 September
•    ‘What is Project EDWARD?’ was a Twitter ‘moment (ie a headline story) on 21 September
•    30 days after Project EDWARD day 2016, 19 out of 31 participating countries had managed a day with no death on their roads
•    Records show that a total of 43 people died on Europe’s roads on 21 September 2016 (however, Project EDWARD takes no direct credit this, because there are so many factors that would need to be assessed and understood)

Excerpt: N332 are proud to support Project EDWARD, European Day Without A Road Death. TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network, seeks support from all road users for Project EDWARD: European Day Without A Road Death – Thursday 21 September 2017   Read Full Article...

### Cyclist Stopped 4 Times Over Limit

The Guardia Civil in Lugo stopped a cyclist on the LU-120 main road and found that the rider was 4 times over the legal maximum permitted limit.

The incident occurred last Tuesday when the officers were involved in a routine checkpoint and observed the cyclist approaching in an “erratic and irregular” manner.
There suspicions led to a breath test, which revealed that the cyclist was 4 times over the maximum permitted limit. 
The severity of the case is classified as a “very serious” infraction, with a penalty of 1,000 euro, although on this occasion the rider’s only immediate concern after the test was to walk to the nearest bar for a drink.
Remember, when cycling, riders are governed by the same rules of the road as any other vehicle. This of course includes laws relating to the consumption of alcohol and drugs, as well as all other rules.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil in Lugo stopped a cyclist on the LU-120 main road and found that the rider was 4 times over the legal maximum permitted limit. The incident occurred last Tuesday when the officers were involved in a routine Read Full Article...

### Sixteen Thousand Euro Per Hour

The network of traffic monitoring cameras across Spain are now catching bad driving practices which is costing those responsible 16,528 euro per hour in fines.

The information has been released in response to parliamentary questions, which have revealed that the total figure collected has increased six fold in as many years.
In 2011, the total amount collected by fines was 16.1 million euro. In 2012, the figure had increased considerably to 121.3 million, and has then shown a constant increase to 124.2 in 2013, 129.6 in 2014, 119.2 up to September of 2015 and 162.3 million last year.
Thanks largely to the development and implementation of new equipment, and an increase in the location of both fixed and mobile cameras, 2016 was a milestone for road safety enforcement. The sanctions reached a rate of 18,485 euro per hour, ten times above the 1,483 of 2011, while the number of sanctions soared to 4,369,603, almost 500 per hour.
However, despite the increase in the number of cameras and active patrols, it is still impossible to watch every kilometre of road and fatality figures still continue to grow. Last year, there was a 7% increase in road deaths in Spain, with the number of fatal incidents reaching 102,362, a figure which has not been as bleak in the last quarter of a century.
On interurban roads, which is where most serious incidents occur, and, subsequently, where most of the attention is directed during traffic violation campaigns, the number of incidents has remained at similar levels, slightly below 35,878 in 2011 (35,147 in 2014) but with peaks such as 37,297 in 2013, while the total volume of incidents continues to grow (from 83,027 in 2011 to 97,756 in 2015). The number of deaths on these roads are stable below 1,700 although with a slight upward trend since 2013, and broke that barrier last year to shoot up to 1,810. The number of incidents with fatalities as well as deaths (not including those who die within 30 days after the accident, more than 600 a year) recorded a slight fall of 1% and 2% so far this year.
Excessive or inappropriate speed is the main cause of incidents on Spanish roads, and is of course one of the main factors which are completely in the control of the driver who decides to act in this manner, subsequently being the person responsible in the event of an incident, or being fined, or causing a fatal crash. Failure to maintain a safe distance, failing to observe stop signs or priorities, invading the wrong lane, overtaking incorrectly, distractions such as using a mobile phone and having consumed alcohol or drugs are also amongst the biggest causes of incidents, are amongst the biggest reasons for getting fined, and are all within the control of the driver to avoid.
As a final note, it should be pointed out that despite the increase in the number of devices monitoring and detecting road traffic violations, the increase in the number of these items is considerably less than the proportion of sanctions issued, with equipment installations only increasing by 11% since 2011, although this figure will continue to grow. The contributions from those drivers caught helping to fund the development and implementation of more equipment aimed at trying to keep everybody safer on the roads.

Excerpt: The network of traffic monitoring cameras across Spain are now catching bad driving practices which is costing those responsible 16,528 euro per hour in fines. The information has been released in response to parliamentary questions, which have revealed that the Read Full Article...

### Electronic Cars Will be Forced to Make a Noise

Not unlike the unnecessary shutter noise of a camera phone, aimed at preventing intrusive photograph-taking by mimicking the manual release of a shutter, electric cars will also be forced to make a noise in order for other road users to be aware of their presence.

The regulation forcing these vehicles to emit noise will come into force in Europe, and the USA, in 2019 and will apply to all types of electric motors: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, 100% electric, extended-range electric and those that form hydrogen fuel cells.
The main proponents of the electric car emphasise that its silent driving is a great advantage in terms of noise pollution, and brings a different experience to driving. Many manufacturers claim that the absence of combustion noises reduces some levels of stress at the wheel. It is this silence however that poses a risk, specifically for pedestrians.
Noise and road safety have traditionally gone hand in hand. According to US Department of Transportation data, there is an additional 19% chance that an electric vehicle will hit a pedestrian compared to a conventional one. With this new regulation, which in that country will be enforced as of September 1, 2019, it is estimated that some 2,400 victims related to these situations can be avoided. These statistical victims are all associated with the noise that electric cars do not emit because in all other respects, it is demonstrated that electric cars are as safe, or more so, than traditional ones.
In America, it will be mandatory for all electric motor cars weighing less than 4.5 tons to emit noise above when travelling in excess of 30 kilometres per hour, both forward and in reverse. Neither can the system be disconnected, as some vehicles currently allow.
In Europe, the legislation will advance slightly sooner, as of July 1, 2019, and although the exact requirements are still to be confirmed, the European Commission already drafted a series of recommendations in 2011 which said that 20 kilometres per hour was the optimum noise-producing speed. Another difference for Europeans is that the date, 2019, refers to the new models only, those vehicles already on the road will have until 2021 to adapt.
Of course there are still two questions still remaining. Firstly, what type of noise will the vehicles have to omit? Sci-Fi films might show vehicle floating with a gentle hum, or a futuristic beep, and for the staunch defenders of the electric car, they believe that the sound they emit must be unique, away from the noise that we are accustomed to vehicles with thermal motors.
Luckily, it is highly unlikely that the verbal commands similar to, “Caution! Vehicle Reversing” will be adapted, as the EU proposal, for its part, states that “the sound generated by electric cars must be continuous and provide sufficient information to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. The sound must be easily identifiable from the behaviour of a vehicle and should sound similar to the sound of a vehicle of the same category as an internal combustion engine.”
This contrasts with the vision of the head of the French company Arkamys, Philippe Tour. The company is dedicated to the development of acoustic warning systems for vehicles (AVAS). Tour believes that electric trains do not have to sound like something we already know, and think that manufacturers would prefer to opt for other types of sounds.
For its part, the Guide Dogs charity in the United Kingdom has written a series of recommendations aimed at manufacturers to help them define noise with the safety of the blind:

The vehicle must be heard regardless of its location and speed.
That the noise generation system must take into account when a vehicle has to operate in quieter conditions.
That same system must inform the proximity of the car, especially if it is in a situation of temporarily stopping.
The sound generated should mimic the sound generated by an internal combustion vehicle of similar characteristics, performing similar manoeuvres.
That the system cannot be disconnected in any case.

Our final burning question on the subject also deals with a more futuristic, although increasingly modern phenomenon, the self-driving vehicle. Once the roads are flooded with vehicles driving themselves, will the noise then be necessary?
Everything seems to indicate that electric cars will end up sounding similar to those with a combustion engine, given the safety requirements that legislators have contemplated. However, this situation does not have to be permanent, at least if we look at the long term. To do this, we must introduce in the noise equation the complex variable of the autonomous vehicle.
Already, we have seen how these vehicles can operate on roads in mixed traffic with little problem. The majority of incidents involving these vehicles still being down to driver error, the human failing to do its part, and whereas the majority of incidents produce more anecdotes than cause for reconsideration, the ability of these vehicles to detect pedestrians and stop in the event of obvious risk has already been proven to be effective. This may lead us to think that in the future these benefits can restore silence to electric cars.
However, as we have been looking from the past to the future, we must remember that we are still very much in the present, and, although these developments are happening around us, at this stage there are no specific plans for the day when infallible autonomous driving becomes the norm.

Excerpt: Not unlike the unnecessary shutter noise of a camera phone, aimed at preventing intrusive photograph-taking by mimicking the manual release of a shutter, electric cars will also be forced to make a noise in order for other road users to Read Full Article...

### The DGT Sets Out Air Support Plan

The DGT has been setting out plans to offer further support for road safety from the air, by using more aircraft, including fixed-winged planes and drones, and renewing the existing fleet.

The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, was with air operatives in Las Palmas last week, where a number of test flights have been taking place.
The objective of the strategic development is to be more efficient in the regulation and control of traffic, which will mean important improvements in road safety and rationalisation of the expenditure, since each air operation can be budgeted according to the type of operation in question.
The plan contemplates the replacement of part of the current helicopter fleet, which are nearing the end of their operational life, by others equipped with the latest technologies, as well as the incorporation of light aircraft and drones that will operate as outsourced resources.
The test flights being conducted are part of the pilot tests that the DGT is carrying out to determine in a real and concrete way the potentiality and real applicability of new air systems in relation to the observation of traffic from the air, and the detection of certain infringements of traffic regulations, motor vehicle and road safety.
The aircraft chosen to carry out these tests, called MRI, has a series of features that enable it as a potentially effective air traffic monitoring option, as it has a range of operating speeds compatible of matching road traffic speed, autonomy and high reach, as well as the possibility of carrying image capturing equipment. 
According to Gregorio Serrano, “this type of aircraft could complement the rest of the aerial and terrestrial fleet on which we count and extend the current surveillance coverage of road traffic areas for certain operations and for the control of risky behavior on the roads.” He added that “what is intended is to be more effective in terms of traffic regulation and control, which will mean important improvements in road safety”.
The choice of Las Palmas to carry out the pilot test is due to the fact that in the archipelago does not have a helicopter patrol for traffic monitoring, which is essential to preventing incidents.
The flights that are being carried out at the moment are only for testing purposes, therefore no sanctions will be issued to those drivers the aircraft capture.

Excerpt: The DGT has been setting out plans to offer further support for road safety from the air, by using more aircraft, including fixed-winged planes and drones, and renewing the existing fleet. The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, was with Read Full Article...

### Alicante Attic Fire Threatens Building

Firefighters extinguished a fire in a third-floor Alicante apartment attic that had endangered the roof of a building in calle Castaños.

The fire service received notice at around 14:00 on Monday that the building was on fire, sending three crews to the scene.
The fire was located in the wooden attic, hampering extinction because of a thermal load wood ceiling, although the team managed to get the flames under control.
Early indications suggest that the fire could have been started by an electrical fault.

Excerpt: Firefighters extinguished a fire in a third-floor Alicante apartment attic that had endangered the roof of a building in calle Castaños. The fire service received notice at around 14:00 on Monday that the building was on fire, sending three crews to the scene. The fire was located in the wooden attic, hampering extinction because of …

### Wasp Blamed for Crash

A wasp has been blamed for a crash in which a passenger car lost control and collided head on with another car towing a caravan in the Alicante town of Benissa.

The incident occurred at around 11:50 on Monday on the road linking the towns of Benissa and Teulada (Alicante North), near to an industrial area.
A car, occupied by two foreign women, crashed because the driver saw a wasp in the saloon and lost control of the vehicle, colliding head on with the caravan towing car, also carrying two foreigners. 
When the vehicles collided, they subsequently caught fire, which had to be extinguished by fire fighers, whilst the injured parties were taken to hospital.
Although it is no help in this case, we published an article about what to do in the event of finding something like a wasp in the vehicle, which you can read by clicking here.

Excerpt: A wasp has been blamed for a crash in which a passenger car lost control and collided head on with another car towing a caravan in the Alicante town of Benissa. The incident occurred at around 11:50 on Monday on Read Full Article...

### Back to School

It´s that time of year once again when the summer is coming to a close, and attentions start to turn back to yet another annual phenomenon, back to school time.

Although it might be a relief for some parents, it might also be a disappointment for some children, in road safety terms we have to be aware that the characteristics of the road network will once again change.
Firstly, we have an increase in traffic at certain times of day as parents resume the school run. It is quite normal for traffic to increase in the mornings because of this, which in turn can result in delays. The same situation applies at the end of the school day, but at what time? Often, in Spain, schools operate a less robust timetable, adapting to such things as weather conditions and light, and so the school day often varies from season to season. All non-parents can do to prepare for this is be aware of the changing timetable and allow extra time for all journeys.
If you are taking your children to school by car, remember that children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed in the front seats of the car. There are one or two exceptions, which you can read about on the website, n332.es.
Children must be secured in the vehicle, by means of a seatbelt, or specially designed retention system suitable for them. Any objects they are carrying must also be secure in the vehicle.
When you arrive at the school drop off point, remember that the laws still apply to you, the same as any other driver. You are still not allowed to double park, block entrances, or park in an illegal place with your hazard lights on just because you are dropping off your children for school. You must choose a safe, convenient and legal place to drop off your children. Where possible, ensure that they exit the vehicle on the pavement side, still warning them to be aware of their surroundings before opening the door. They may hit a pedestrian, item of street furniture, or another object, so they should be taught to be aware and alert before opening the door. If they have to leave on the road side, vigilance is even more important, they must check it is totally safe before opening the door, and must move to the pavement as soon as possible.
Remember, when you are about to pull away, pay extra attention to your surroundings too, including rigorous checks of your blind spots, as there could be children or other road users appearing from anywhere.
However, it´s not only car numbers that increase, other vehicles do too. Many children take the school bus, being collected near their homes, dropped off at school, and brought back once lessons are over. Buses operating on a school service must display a yellow sign in their windscreen and back window which warns other road users of their function. School buses have some restrictions over and above those of normal buses, but we don´t need to worry about those at the moment, all we want to do is be aware that the buses are carrying children. As such, they may stop at unusual places, not always at locations designated as bus stops. Similarly, there may be children in the road, in front or behind, possibly trying to cross, oblivious of the dangers. The advice, if passing a school bus, is to allow plenty of room and pass slowly, prepared for the unexpected.
Some children will chose to cycle to school. We must be prepared also for an increase in the number of bike on the road. As always, we must give them plenty of room if we are passing them, not only the mandatory 1.5 metres, but a little more, if possible, to allow for unexpected manoeuvres.
During late September, there will be an awareness campaign focussing on seatbelt and child restraint use, and the use of seatbelts on school buses (where fitted). The Guardia Civil, DGT, local and regional police will all be working together to check on these vehicles and the use of seatbelts, although in fairness, they should not have to enforce any laws which are designed with one single aim, so save lives.

Excerpt: It´s that time of year once again when the summer is coming to a close, and attentions start to turn back to yet another annual phenomenon, back to school time. Although it might be a relief for some parents, it Read Full Article...

### Santa Pola Mourns Death of 17 Year Old Knocked Down by Drunk and Drugged Driver

A 17-year-old male was killed and two girls, aged 15 and 17, injured, after being knocked down this weekend by a vehicle driven by a driver who tested positive for alcohol and drugs.
The incident happened in the Alicante town of Santa Pola, where the traditional Moors and Christians event is taking place. The town has called for three days official mourning, and has suspended some of the festivities, as a mark of respect for the victim.
Witnesses reported that the vehicle struck the first, fatal victim, at high speed, then apparently lost control and mounted the pavement. One of the victims became trapped with their leg under the car, another wedged between the vehicle and a vending machine, where the vehicle came to a stop. The driver apparently attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by the local police. 
Officers from the Guardia Civil, assisted by colleagues from the local police, are investigating the causes of the tragedy, which occurred around 04:30 on Sunday morning on Avenida de Santiago Bernabeu.
Later on Sunday morning, at around 09:30, another man, who was apparently driving under the influence of alcohol fell asleep at the wheel on the CV-500 as it passed through the Valencia town of El Saler, crashed head-on into another car after invading the opposite lane. Two people, aged 66 and 72, were injured in the crash.

Excerpt: A 17-year-old male was killed and two girls, aged 15 and 17, injured, after being knocked down this weekend by a vehicle driven by a driver who tested positive for alcohol and drugs. The incident happened in the Alicante town Read Full Article...

### Motorcyclist Killed in Alicante

A 24-year-old has died Saturday after crashing his motorcycle against a lamppost on a curve driving along Avenida de Elche in Alicante.
The crash happened at around eight o’clock with ambulances sent to the scene, but resuscitation attempts failed.
There were no visible signs on the road of the motorcycles braking before crashing into the street light which had been knocked down in the impact.

Excerpt: A 24-year-old has died Saturday after crashing his motorcycle against a lamppost on a curve driving along Avenida de Elche in Alicante. The crash happened at around eight o’clock with ambulances sent to the scene, but resuscitation attempts failed. There were no visible signs on the road of the motorcycles braking before crashing into the …

### Police Detain Brutal Gang

Four men and a woman, of Spanish, Colombia, Argentina and Ukraine nationality, one of them a minor, were arrested for a brawl in the port of Alicante where three other people were almost killed.
According to the National Police, the incident occurred during the early hours of Aug. 19 on Paseo de Gomis, by the Postiguet beach, although the arrests took place last Wednesday.
There was an argument between two groups formed of five and three people, and at one point the first group left to seize weapons to return minutes later and attack the other three. To do this, they used a large weapon, pepper spray, a kickstand and bottles, with which they attacked the other three, one of whom had to be taken to the General Hospital of Alicante for emergency surgery.
Although the suspects managed to flee, the Violent Crime Group of the Provincial Brigade of Judicial Police of Alicante began an investigation that has borne fruit with the location and arrest of the five suspects, charged with three crimes of attempted murder.

Excerpt: Four men and a woman, of Spanish, Colombia, Argentina and Ukraine nationality, one of them a minor, were arrested for a brawl in the port of Alicante where three other people were almost killed. According to the National Police, the incident occurred during the early hours of Aug. 19 on Paseo de Gomis, by the …

### Karaoke-Singing Parent Arrested for Leaving Child Alone at Home

A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Guardamar del Segura (Alicante) for allegedly leaving his 5-year-old daughter alone in the house in order for him to go to a local karaoke bar.
As reported by the Guardia Civil, at about 03:25 on Friday morning a neighbour called them to report the cries and screams of the girl, who lives alone with her father, of Spanish nationality.
The officers jumped the fence of the courtyard to the home and heard the cries of the girl and, according to the Guardia Civil, the house was inspected for the possibility that something may have happened to the father, but officers found no trace of the mam and his known vehicle was missing.
The officers began a search and located the car an hour later near a local karaoke bar, within which the father was “oblivious to everything that was happening at home”.
The officers found that the man was sober and fully capable of continuing to care for his daughter, “who had already suffered enough frights in the night”. Due to the latter and in order to cause the least harm to the child, the man was arrested on suspicion of a serious misdemeanor neglect of a minor and released with charges pending to allow him to care for the child until the court case.

Excerpt: A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Guardamar del Segura (Alicante) for allegedly leaving his 5-year-old daughter alone in the house in order for him to go to a local karaoke bar. As reported...

### Travel Update – Friday 1 September 2017

Manchester, Mykonos and Lisbon are experiencing minor flight delays due to visibility issues. Plus, today is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year, with well over 35,000 flights across Europe (current record 35,937 on 30 June).
If you are flying or meeting people, keep an eye on the flights with the airlines.
The roads too are expected to be busy as the special “operation return” is in place until Sunday (Sunday is expected to be the busiest day).
Saturday will also be busy heading north on the coastal motorway as many French tourists return home.

Excerpt: Manchester, Mykonos and Lisbon are experiencing minor flight delays due to visibility issues. Plus, today is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year, with well over 35,000 flights across Europe...

### Woman Knocked Down by Bus in Torrevieja

A 69 year old woman was seriously injured on Thursday when she was hit by a bus at the bus station in Torrevieja (Alicante), as reported by Provincial Fire Consortium.

Excerpt: A 69 year old woman was seriously injured on Thursday when she was hit by a bus at the bus station in Torrevieja (Alicante), as reported by Provincial Fire Consortium.

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 9

Welcome to issue 9 of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine on this page FOR FREE, by scrolling down beyond the introduction. Alternatively, if you would like to buy and download your own PDF version, here is the buy now button.

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As summer comes to an end, thoughts of returning to work or school come to the forefront of many people´s minds, but for all of us, we have to be aware of the changes to the characteristics of the roads, as school and work timetables dominate the flow of traffic, more vehicles take to the roads, and, to add even more complications to the mix, the weather starts to change.
In this edition we look at some of those changes, focussing particularly on the return to school and the infamous “school run”. We also pay close attention to “operation return”, which is when we see the largest flow of domestic tourists return to their inland homes after the holidays on the coast and mountainous regions.
There´s much more to keep you interested this issue too, we hope, including more myths busted, this time about avoiding parking fines, explanations about some of the topics which have come to light over the summer, such as what the headlight sign with a question mark means, and a detailed explanation about different types of crossings.
We are also starting to build our timetable for presentations throughout the autumn, and so details about that are also included, and you can now get N332 on your Android device with the official N332 app (sorry iPhone users, but your time will come), details about that are also included inside.
That´s enough for now, we will let you get on and read all about it inside. Until the next time, stay safe.
In this issue:
4 – Back to School
6 – N332 Now Available on Android
8 – Talks and Presentations
9 – Driving in Rain
10 – Time to go Home
12 – Parking Myths Busted
14 – Headlights Question Mark
16 – Driving Classic Cars in Spain
18 – Lane Discipline Explained
20 – Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossings
23 – Drivers Urged to Tell the Truth in Medical Exams
24 – Choosing Workshops and Garages
27 – The Future Big Brother
28 – Pride of Spain Awards 2017
30- The Green L-Plate (V-13)
31 – Removing Abandoned Vehicles
32 – The Gallery
34 – Survey Results
36 – Buying and Selling a Car
Here is the online version which you can read for FREE. There is another Buy Now button at the end in case you would like to purchase and download your own PDF of thie eMagazine.





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Excerpt: Welcome to issue 9 of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine on this page FOR FREE, by scrolling down beyond the introduction. Alternatively, if you would like to buy and download your own PDF version, here is the Read Full Article...

### Time to go Home

This weekend marks the end of the summer road campaigns with “Retorno del verano”, when traffic starts to return from holiday destinations such as the coast and mountains to inland areas of Spain.

The special operation will run from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September, when more than 6 million vehicle movements are anticipated, an increase on previous years, although spread over an additional day, Thursday.
There will be restrictions on the movement of some freight and none emergency road works will be suspended. There will also be additional lanes created in some areas in order to maximise the space available for traffic.
Drivers are advised to check their vehicle before a long journey, looking for any signs of potential wear, damage or risk, take frequent breaks, take your time and plan your route, allowing extra time on the way, and ensure compliance with the law at all times, including the avoidance of alcohol and drugs, ensuring that all vehicle occupants use the seatbelts, and children are seating in the correct seats, i.e. not the front, but occupying a seat suitable for them.
In order to ensure the safe flow of traffic, around 20,000 people will be on duty, including thousands of Guardia Civil traffic officers, assisted by staff employed by the DGT directly, plus specialist technical personnel, employees of conservation companies and other emergency services personnel, all of whom will work together so that drivers can make a safe trip.
Tips for a safer weekend
If you don´t have to travel this weekend, then the best advice is to avoid doing so. However, you can also plan your journey around the quieter times. Sunday afternoon is likely to be the busiest, as well as Friday evening.
Plan the trip by the safest route to avoid unforeseen events. The DGT has several channels such as the DGT free app, the twitter accounts @informacionDGT and @DGTes, and radio broadcasts, alerting the real-time traffic situation and any incidents that may exist. Of course, never use the apps or your device if you are driving, ask a passenger to check, or find a safe, convenient and legal place to stop and check.

Check the vehicle before setting off, preferable the day before and also just before you set off. Good maintenance improves road safety. If your vehicle is not in the best conditions, opt for another means of transport. In the last year, 4% of the vehicles involved in an accident did not have an ITV in order.
Respect the speed established on each road and maintain the safety distance with the vehicle in front.
Take breaks every two hours, fatigue and sleep are deadly when driving.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when driving.
All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt. If children are less than 135 cm tall, they must sit in the rear seats with their corresponding child restraint system.
On conventional roads, take into account the increase of bicycles and pedestrians during the summer that cross roads that connect nearby towns.
Adapt your driving to the characteristics of the road (changes of gradients, curves, narrow roadways etc.), and the weather conditions.
 
 
Also remember that teams of people will be on the roads to help you. If you get into difficulty, you can call the Guardia Civil (in Spanish), on 062, or the emergency coordination centre, 112, who speak a variety of languages, including English.

Excerpt: This weekend marks the end of the summer road campaigns with “Retorno del verano”, when traffic starts to return from holiday destinations such as the coast and mountains to inland areas of Spain. The special operation will run from Thursday Read Full Article...

### Headlights Question Mark

There are many common questions about road signs and signals, this time we will explain about “headlights question mark”.

The sign, which has the code S-24, normally works in conjunction with another, R-413.

Let´s look at a common scenario, a tunnel, where there are also some other changes to rules which we discuss another time.
We now have to remember one of the basics of traffic signs, circles give us orders (things we must or must not do), whereas squares or rectangles are informative.
As we approach a tunnel, we see R-413, a blue circular sign featuring a pictogram of headlights. telling us we must switch our lights on.

As we leave the tunnel, we see sign S-24, which is a rectangular sign featuring a pictogram of headlights and a question mark.

Now, back to basics again. The approach sign, R-413, tells us we must put our headlights on. But, when we leave the tunnel, a sign cannot tell us we must switch them off, as we could be emerging during the night or in poor visibility, and so S-24, an informative sign, tells us to check if we still need our headlights on or not.
As a final note, remember that when we talk about headlights, we don´t mean Daytime Running Lights (DRL), they are not sufficient when it comes to illuminating areas such as tunnels, or at night.

Excerpt: There are many common questions about road signs and signals, this time we will explain about “headlights question mark”. The sign, which has the code S-24, normally works in conjunction with another, R-413. Let´s look at a common scenario, a Read Full Article...

### Driving in Rain

Changes in the weather provides significant risk to road users, and so our driving must be adapted at all times.

Rain is one of the biggest contributors to weather related incidents.
In Spain, long, dry periods are often followed by significant rainfall.
In the first rainfall after a dry spell, the roads are particularly hazardous, as water falls onto the dust and surface coating on the road, creating extremely poor adhesion in places.
Plus, drainage systems are not always able to cope with the immediacy of the downpour, and so roads become flooded, particularly in dips which are designed to control the flow of water.
When driving in wet weather, slow down and allow extra distance between you and the car in front. This will mean that you should allow extra time for your journey, or be prepared to arrive late. It is far better to arrive late, than not at all.
Movements should be slow and steady, not harsh, to ensure your tyres are able to maintain as much grip as possible, and if you think you or your vehicle are not prepared to drive in wet conditions, then don´t.
Windscreen wipers and headlights will allow for better visibility, not only for you, but other road users too.
Take care, take it easy and take it slow.

Excerpt: Changes in the weather provides significant risk to road users, and so our driving must be adapted at all times. Rain is one of the biggest contributors to weather related incidents. In Spain, long, dry periods are often followed by Read Full Article...

### Alicante Company Under Investigation for ‘Clocking’ Cars

Officers from the Guardia Civil Guard are investigating the managers and an employee of an Alicante company accused of alleged crimes of fraud and forgery, by manipulating the odometers of several vehicles to increase their market value.

The company was dismantled in July after 76 vehicles were found to have tampered odometers. In some cases, as much as 400,000 kilometers had been knocked off the real value.
The investigation began in February and was conducted by the research groups and Traffic Analysis subsectors of the Guardia Civil Trafico in Guadalajara (Castilla-La Mancha) and Alicante, under operation ‘Restacox’ covering 21 provinces.
Company managers allegedly acquired vehicles through another intermediary company established in Madrid. Following this, the investigators in Guadalajara detected an inordinate increase in applications from the company for the rehabilitation of industrial vehicles and therefore initiated the investigation.
These vehicles, once their odometers were manipulated, were transferred to an inspection station in Alicante, where they were issued duplicate cards, to obtain a new certificate, in which the modified kilometers were reflected .

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil Guard are investigating the managers and an employee of an Alicante company accused of alleged crimes of fraud and forgery, by manipulating the odometers of several vehicles to increase their market value. The company was Read Full Article...

### Have N332 on your Android Device

The official N332 Android App is now available on Google Play.
It features all of the information from the website, in the palm of your hand (or tablet) and will send you occasional notifications about campaigns or special notices.
The app is FREE to download and install, so have a look today.
Search N332 in Google Play, or click the button below to go straight to the Play store page.

By the way, if you are wondering about an Apple version, this MAY happen in the future, but Apple charge higher fees for submitting apps, and as the project is run by volunteers we don´t wish to pay their fees, but through the generous support of our sponsors in the future, it is on a list of future project investments.
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Excerpt: The official N332 Android App is now available on Google Play. It features all of the information from the website, in the palm of your hand (or tablet) and will send you occasional notifications about campaigns or special notices. The Read Full Article...

### Extra Checks on Speed This Week

All of this week, the DGT, Guardia Civil, regional and local police will be paying close attention to inappropriate speed, in an attempt to educate drivers of the risks associated with this dangerous practice.

The campaign will run throughout the week, coinciding with one of the busiest summer weekends on the roads, when many of the remaining domestic tourists return to their inland homes from the coast, before the last major operation of summer starts next weekend.
Every year more than 300 people are killed in incidents where inappropriate seed is a contributing factor. The overriding message of the campaign is that speed limits are a maximum and must never be exceeded, although the speed limit does not indicate that it is always safe to drive at that speed, as other factors such as the weather, traffic and road conditions influence this.
In Spain, secondary roads are where more speed related incidents occur, and so the Guardia Civil will be giving more of a focus to this type of road. Statistically, 4 out of 10 drivers on these types of roads are exceeding the speed limit at any one time, 25% by more than 10 kilometres per hour above the limit. These roads are also the location for 8 out of every 10 deaths.

Excerpt: All of this week, the DGT, Guardia Civil, regional and local police will be paying close attention to inappropriate speed, in an attempt to educate drivers of the risks associated with this dangerous practice. The campaign will run throughout the Read Full Article...

### Summer Begins to Come to a Close

We might be on the downward slope towards the end of summer, but the roads are still particularly busy at the moment, and will remain so for a few more weeks yet.

In order to keep the roads safer during this period, a number of special campaigns and operations have been set up, where the DGT, Guardia Civil and local and regional police, will give special focus to certain situations.
The next campaign takes place during the week of the 21st of August, where speed checks will increase. Inappropriate speed is one of the #Fatal4, the biggest groups of contributing factors to road traffic incidents. Officers will increase ground and air patrols during this week to try to reduce the number of incidents by reducing the number of speeding vehicles on the roads.
Then, the next major operation, Operation Return, takes place from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September, which sees the majority of domestic tourists returning to their inland homes, ready to start work and school.
Throughout summer, teams of people will be on the roads to help you. If you get into difficulty, you can call the Guardia Civil (in Spanish), on 062, or the emergency coordination centre, 112, who speak a variety of languages. Stay safe and enjoy your holiday.

Excerpt: We might be on the downward slope towards the end of summer, but the roads are still particularly busy at the moment, and will remain so for a few more weeks yet. In order to keep the roads safer during Read Full Article...

### Dangerous Speeder Caught

A 28-year-old resident of Zumárraga, Navarro, has been charged with a crime against road safety after being recorded when driving at 219 kilometres per hour on the AP68 Navarrese motorway.

The driver was stopped by a patrol of the Foral Police at the toll of Imárcoain, where the vehicle had covered a 95 kilometer stretch between Ablitas and Imárcoain in just 32 minutes, thus averaging 180 kilometres per hour and having to stop at two toll sections to pay by card, according to the Police.

Excerpt: A 28-year-old resident of Zumárraga, Navarro, has been charged with a crime against road safety after being recorded when driving at 219 kilometres per hour on the AP68 Navarrese motorway. The driver was stopped by a patrol of the Foral Read Full Article...

### Pedestrian Killed on the Elche to Santa Pola Road

A pedestrian was killed on Wednesday night whilst walking along the CV-865 which connects Elche and Santa Pola.
The incident occurred at around half past midnight, at kilometer 3,150 of the road, in the direction of Elche.
The vehicle involved was a passenger car and an investigation has begun to ascertain the cause of the incident.

Excerpt: A pedestrian was killed on Wednesday night whilst walking along the CV-865 which connects Elche and Santa Pola. The incident occurred at around half past midnight, at kilometer 3,150 of the road, in the direction of Elche. The vehicle involved Read More ...

### Busy Holiday Weekend with Alcohol and Drugs Checks Throughout

This weekend we reach the height of the summer season and, as such, the roads of Spain will be at their busiest.
The 15th of August is a national holiday and it coincides with the busiest weekend for mid-summer parties, before the return to work begins. This year, the 15th falls on a Tuesday, which makes the weekend a particularly long one.
The DGT has launched a special operation that covers the entire period, which will commence at 15:00 on Friday and run through to midnight on Tuesday night. During this period, it is expected that some 8.1 million long-haul journeys will be made.
As such, special measures will be in place to improve the flow of traffic, initially from large cities and inland areas to the coastal and holiday areas.
In addition to the special operation on the roads, the main focus will be to try to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs. To that end, there will be a considerable increase in the number of checkpoints around the network where vehicles will be stopped and the drivers tested.
In fact, the plan is to conduct more than 20,000 checks every day during the operation, with thousands of checkpoints planned for the period.
Drinking and driving, and consuming drugs are amongst the so called “fatal 4”, the contributing factor to the majority of road traffic collisions and those with fatal outcomes. Although Spain already has a much lower alcohol limit than many countries, including the UK, the best advice, if driving, is to not consume any alcohol at all. You should also avoid recreational drugs, and if you take prescription drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist over the implications for driving.
If you are going out during the holiday season, you could nominate a designated driver who doesn´t drink for the evening, perhaps, as a group, offering to buy all the soft drinks the driver would like to consume during your night out. You can also use public transport, such as taxis or buses, or even walk.
You should also remember that using a bicycle is not an option as when riding a bike you are still governed by the same rules as all other vehicles, and riding a bicycle whilst affected by drink or drugs is also an offence.
#chooseright – Don´t Drink and Drive!

Excerpt: This weekend we reach the height of the summer season and, as such, the roads of Spain will be at their busiest. The 15th of August is a national holiday and it coincides with the busiest weekend for mid-summer parties, Read More ...

### Top 10 Tips for Driving in Spain

With so many people visiting for the first time this summer, we thought we’d share our top 10 tips for driving in Spain.

 

In Spain we drive on the right. It might seem like an obvious thing to say but many people do forget. In fact, the law says we should drive as far to the right as possible, so don’t go hogging lanes. Also, remember, we go anticlockwise on roundabouts.
Speed limits are a maximum, not a target, and remember, they are kilometres per hour. Most signs are the same as in the UK but a blue square is a recommended maximum.
All vehicle occupants must wear a seatbelt. If there are only 2 seatbelts in the back, only 2 people can sit there. Seatbelts must be worn properly too, not under the arm.
Children are not allowed to sit in the front seat. In fact, it is children under 1.35 metres, irrespective of their age, who must sit in the back. They must also be in an approved restraint suitable for them. The only exception is when there aren’t any rear seats, like a sports car, or when the seats are already occupied by smaller children.
Spain has a much lower limit than many other countries. However, the best advice if you’re driving is don’t drink at all. The same applies to drugs, but if you’re on prescription medication be careful as these can sometimes affect your driving.
Never use your mobile when driving. That goes for any device actually. You are allowed to use your phone as a GPS sat nav, but you mustn’t touch it when you’re driving. Program it before you set off and stop in a safe, convenient and legal place if you have to change it.
Some traffic lights have filter arrows. If the light is red but the filter arrow pointing right is orange, you are allowed to turn right, just remember to give way to traffic already on the main road.
When exiting a roundabout, always exit from the right-hand lane, irrespective of how many lanes there are. Unless signs or signals say otherwise.
Traffic police vehicles have blue lights illuminated all the time. If you see these blue lights it doesn’t mean pull over or stop. They use flashing red lights to stop you, or flashing white lights from the front.
If you get into difficulties or an emergency, dial 112 from any phone. The operators speak many languages, including English, and are there to help. One thing though, try to identify exactly where you are before you phone, as this will make it easier for help to find you.

 
Overall, enjoy your holiday is Spain, stay safe, drive carefully and remember these rules. For more detailed explanations, visit the website, n332.es
 
 

Excerpt: With so many people visiting for the first time this summer, we thought we’d share our top 10 tips for driving in Spain.   In Spain we drive on the right. It might seem like an obvious thing to say Read More ...

### Hero Officers Save Child

Guardia Civil officers saved the life of a two-year-old child on Wednesday, after he had been knocked down near the Murcia town of Cieza.
A patrol was alerted to the incident by a man who came out of a driveway to a farm adjoining the road and asked them to help, because he had apparently inadvertently run over his Nephew, a young child, in the farm, rendering the boy unconscious.
A young woman then appeared, in an apparent state of distress, carrying a child in her arms who was bleeding through several areas of his body and had lost consciousness.
Due to the seriousness of the situation and the proximity to the hospital of La Vega Lorenzo Guirao de Cieza, the officers decided to immediately take the child to hospital in their vehicle, along with the woman, now identified as the mother.
During the journey the child stopped breathing, so, after checking the vital signs of the child, on of the officers began cardio-respiratory resuscitation. Shortly afterwards, the child started crying and regained consciousness minutes before arriving at the hospital.
The child received further emergency care at the hospital in Cieza, before later being transferred to the University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca of Murcia, where he was put under observation.

Excerpt: Guardia Civil officers saved the life of a two-year-old child on Wednesday, after he had been knocked down near the Murcia town of Cieza. A patrol was alerted to the incident by a man who came out of a driveway Read More ...

### Father and Son Charged in Cover up

Local Police in Elche have filed a complaint to initiate proceedings against a father who allegedly attempted to cover for his son who was involved in a collision whilst drunk.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning, at around 7:30, when the younger man fled the scene of the collision in order to avoid a breathalyser test. At 08:25, the father telephoned the emergency services to report that he had been involved in an incident on Calle Bigastro, where he had crashed his vehicle into a number of protective bollards.
The father reported that the bollards, which are used to separate a bus lane, had been in the middle of the road and that he had been unable to avoid hitting them, whilst also expressing an intention to claim damages from the town hall for liability due to the items being in the road.
However, the investigation revealed the opposite of what was claimed, where tyre marks indicated that the vehicle had invaded the opposite lane, which had been protected by the bollards as it was a bus lane.
The evidence also coincided with an incident an hour earlier reported by witnesses, who saw the incident, the vehicle and the driver fleeing the scene.
After the investigation, the officers found that the father was actually trying to cover up for his son, who was the one involved in the sole incident, and had absconded for “fear” of giving a positive breathalyser test.
The young man and his father then acknowledged that after fleeing the scene, they had returned together and placed pieces of the plastic barrier in the lane and on the car so as to suggest the incident had just happened.
Despite the truth only coming out over an hour after the actual incident, the actual driver did indeed test positive for alcohol, and, by calculating backwards, would have been more than double the maximum permitted limit at the time.
The local police have subsequently filed complaints for both an alleged crime against road safety and a cover-up.

Excerpt: Local Police in Elche have filed a complaint to initiate proceedings against a father who allegedly attempted to cover for his son who was involved in a collision whilst drunk. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, at around 7:30, when Read More ...

### Operation ‘1 Agosto’ Means Another Busy Weekend

The second major operation of summer occurs this weekend, between Friday 28 July to Tuesday 2 August, when the roads of Spain will see an increase in the amount of traffic, particularly on long journeys towards the coastal and mountainous regions from inland, culminating in a higher concentration of vehicles in these areas.

The aim of the operations are to ensure the safety and fluidity of traffic on the roads. It is expected that during July and August, 89 million trips will be carried out by road, which represents 4 million more movements by road (+ 4.6%) compared to the displacements that occurred last summer. This forecast places the number of journeys similar to those recorded in 2008. Of the 89 million forecast, 43.5 million will occur in July and 45.5 million in the month of August.
As has been happening for some years, many holidaymakers choose to break up their vacations over the course of the two months and start them by making them coincide with the weekend.
In line with this criterion, the DGT has set up special traffic controls during all weekends, in order to take care of the greater number of people who start their holidays on the weekend and who opt for the vehicle as a means of transport.
During the operations, special protocols will be adopted, including:-

Installation of reversible and additional lane with cones at times greater traffic intensity on certain roads.
The suspension of all roadway maintenance, except those which are considered essential.
Restrictions on the movements of dangerous goods (vehicle owners can check these restrictions with the DGT).
Signposting of alternative routes to key destinations to reduce congestion on main roads.
Intensified surveillance campaigns which will focus on reducing incidents involving the most vulnerable and those who create a higher risk.

In order to ensure the safe flow of traffic, approximately 20,000 people will be on duty, including 6,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers, assisted by 600 staff employed by the DGT directly, plus specialist technical personnel, employees of conservation companies and 13,000 emergency services personnel, all of whom will work together so that drivers can make a safe trip.
Tips for a safer summer
Plan the trip:  by the safest route to avoid unforeseen events. The DGT has several channels such as the DGT free app, the twitter accounts @informacionDGT and @DGTes, and radio broadcasts, alerting the real-time traffic situation and any incidents that may exist.
Check the vehicle. Good maintenance improves road safety. If your vehicle is not in the best conditions, opt for another means of transport. In the last year, 4% of the vehicles involved in an accident did not have an ITV in order.
Respect the speed established in each road and maintain the safety distance with the vehicle in front.
Take breaks every two hours, fatigue and sleep are deadly when driving.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when driving.
All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt. If children are less than 135 cm tall, they must sit in the rear seats with their corresponding child restraint system.
On conventional roads, take into account the increase of bicycles and pedestrians during the summer that cross roads that connect nearby towns.
Adapt your driving to the characteristics of the road (changes of gradients, curves, narrow roadways etc.)
If you are a bicycle user, remember that in addition to wearing a helmet, you have to ride with lights and reflective garments at night, and must have a bell.
In the case of pedestrians, if you walk on roads out of town, remember that they must do so on the left, facing oncoming traffic, and if it is at night or in meteorological or environmental conditions that significantly reduce visibility, you should wear a high visibility vest or other reflective garment .
Traffic characteristics in the summer
Traffic in the summer presents characteristics different from those that occur at other times of the year this must be taken into account.
An increase in the number of long-distance journeys both on working days and especially on weekends.
Less congestion in the accesses to the big urban nuclei during the peak hours of working days in the entrance and exit to the places of work.
Higher density of traffic on secondary roads.
Intense traffic on roads that connect coastal towns and coastal tourist areas with the beaches during all days of the week.
Greater presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road.
Increased circulation throughout the road network of foreign registered vehicles.
Increase in the number of sports activities used by the road for its development, for which complementary traffic measures will be adopted.
Increase in drivers in unfamiliar territory, who may change speed, course or direction without warning, on account of being confused by their surroundings.
Teams of people will be on the roads to help you. If you get into difficulty, you can call the Guardia Civil (in Spanish), on 062, or the emergency coordination centre, 112, who speak a variety of languages. Stay safe and enjoy your holiday.

Excerpt: The second major operation of summer occurs this weekend, between Friday 28 July to Tuesday 2 August, when the roads of Spain will see an increase in the amount of traffic, particularly on long journeys towards the coastal and mountainous regions Read More ...

### Ten Injured in Alicante Bus Crash

Ten people suffered minor injuries on Thursday when a bus crashed into a palm tree in Alicante.

The 15:00 Linea 9 departure was driving along avenida de Jijona, heading towards the centre, when the driver lost control, hitting a tree with the vehicle´s mirror, then mounting the pavement and crashing into a large palm tree, which suffered damage, the crown of the tree breaking off and hitting the ground below.
The Local Police were the first on the scene, accompanied by a number of ambulances, who treated the wounded at the scene, all having suffered minor injuries, before taking some of them to the local hospitals in Alicante and San Juan as a precautionary measure.
The road was closed for a while until the fire service were able to secure the scene and remove the remains of the tree and the bus. An investigation is being launched to ascertain what led to the crash.

Excerpt: Ten people suffered minor injuries on Thursday when a bus crashed into a palm tree in Alicante. The 15:00 Linea 9 departure was driving along avenida de Jijona, heading towards the centre, when the driver lost control, hitting a tree Read More ...

### New Rules for Pickup Trucks

Owners of pickup vehicles may need to be aware that new rules came into force in Spain in July.

In particular, the pickup with a maximum mass not more than 3.500 kg and whose seating position and loading area are not located in a single compartment and whose total height does not exceed 2M, shall be governed by the same rules of movement as passenger vehicles.
The full text of the regulation change details how within the dynamism and evolution of the automobile market, new bodies and configurations have emerged that adapt vehicles to specific demands.
Amongst these new bodies, introduced some time ago in the market, was the configuration known commonly as a pickup. Pickup vehicles are characterised, in the main, as being a vehicle that has an area on its body where merchandise can be carried, normally in an open top area.
Due to this particularity, and in the absence of a proper classification for this type of vehicle within the definitions of the Reglamento General de Vehículos (General Regulations of Vehicles), pickup vehicles have been classified up to now as a type of commercial vehicle.
In this respect, the definition of a truck in the Reglamento General de Vehículos indicates that it is a vehicle with four wheels or more, designed and constructed for the carriage of goods, the cab is not integrated in the rest of the bodywork and with a maximum of 9 seats, including the driver.
Now, within the definition of the vehicle as a pickup, it is defined in the scope of the directive as: A vehicle whose maximum mass is not more than 3,500 kg, where the seating positions and the loading area are not located in a single compartment. From a technical point of view, the configuration, use and performance of a pickup vehicle are within the realm of those of a passenger vehicle and not those of a commercial vehicle. This circumstance brings with it certain dysfunctions derived from the direct application to vehicle types and the rules of circulation of commercial vehicles.
Therefore, from July 7, pickup vehicles with a maximum mass not exceeding 3,500 kg, where the seating positions and the loading area are not located in a single compartment and whose total height is not more than 2 metres, will be governed by the same rules of circulation applied to passenger vehicles.
To facilitate their identification and control, a specific field will be enabled in the Vehicle Register for pickup vehicles. The above does not affect in any case any other obligations (fiscal, periodicity of ITVs, etc), that can be derived from its formal classification as a commercial vehicle by criteria of construction in the Vehicle Registry.

Excerpt: Owners of pickup vehicles may need to be aware that new rules came into force in Spain in July. In particular, the pickup with a maximum mass not more than 3.500 kg and whose seating position and loading area are Read More ...

### Email Fine Scam Warning

Be aware that a new scam is starting to resurface, whereas the victim is supposedly notified of a traffic fine by email.

The scam usually claims something along the lines of a notice that the recipient has been caught speeding by the DGT, and must pay a fine, as well as losing points from the driving licence.
By means of evidence confirming the case, the email claims to include a picture taken by a traffic camera, which the recipient is encouraged to click and open.
This file is malware which infects the user´s computer once it is clicked.
Therefore, if you receive any notification like this, do not open it and delete it immediately.
If you have any concerns that the email may be genuine, rest assured that the DGT, or any other official traffic authority in Spain, never issues notifications by email, unless expressly requested by the recipient. Therefore, if you have not requested confirmation by email, then the email is guaranteed to be fake.
 

Excerpt: Be aware that a new scam is starting to resurface, whereas the victim is supposedly notified of a traffic fine by email. The scam usually claims something along the lines of a notice that the recipient has been caught speeding Read More ...

### Beware of Sheltering Animals

During the hot summer days, animals, especially cats, may find shelter under parked cars.
Occasionally, they may find their way into the engine compartment or wheel arches.
Always check your vehicle before starting the engine and before driving off. Making a noise can sometimes wake them, but be careful you don´t startle them so much they run into the road.
If you find an animal and are unable to move it, call for assistance.
That is what happened this week in Elche, where, after a lot of time and patience, the local police successfully rescued a cat which had found its way into the engine compartment.

Si encuentras un gato en el motor del coche… paciencia. Llámanos e intentaremos ayudarte, como en el caso de hoy ❤ #juntosprevenimos pic.twitter.com/wUm8wXVYxD
— Policía Local Elche (@policiaelche) July 17, 2017

Excerpt: During the hot summer days, animals, especially cats, may find shelter under parked cars. Occasionally, they may find their way into the engine compartment or wheel arches. Always check your vehicle before starting the engine and before driving off. Making Read More ...

### Checks on Vehicle Standards This Week

All this week, including through the weekend, the Guardia Civil, with the DGT are conducting a campaign focussing on vehicle safety standards.

The campaign, which will also be supported by the local and regional police, will see officers conducting checks on such safety features as tyres, lights and the windows, as well as checking on the validity of mandatory ITV tests and certificates, and excessive weight.
Within the first hour of starting the campaign on Monday officers found 4 expired ITV´s, a motorbike with inadequate tread on its tyres and a vehicle carrying an excessive load.

Always check your vehicle on a regular basis and make sure that your documentation is in order or you face a hefty fine, as the officers play their part in trying to keep you safe through the enforcement of the law.

Excerpt: All this week, including through the weekend, the Guardia Civil, with the DGT are conducting a campaign focussing on vehicle safety standards. The campaign, which will also be supported by the local and regional police, will see officers conducting checks Read More ...

### Prison for Reckless Flasher

A court in A Coruña has sentenced a man to prison for showing his genitals to the police whilst acting in a reckless manner and endangering public safety.

The incident occurred in 2015, but has only just been heard in court, when a police patrol observed a man showing signs of intoxication climbing onto a motorcycle. The officers reported that the man could barely keep his balance and so immediately attempted to stop the biker to ascertain if he was fit to drive.
The rider ignored the request to stop and fled away at high speed, ignoring traffic lights and speed limits whilst he attempted to escape. Another patrol joined the pursuit and, having reached speeds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour, the rider lost control and crashed his motorbike.
The officers attended the man and advised him that a breathalyser would soon arrive to check his condition, to which the man threatened the officers with violence, in front of gathering crowds.
The officers attempted to carry out the test, and although the man accepted the device in his mouth, he refused to blow. He was advised that if he continued it would be taken into account that he has refused the test, at which point he pulled down his trousers and told the officers to “blow on this”.
The matter was dealt with and reported, yet a month later, the same man was observed on his motorcycle, again in an apparent state of intoxication, and took it upon himself to insult the officers further.
The court sentenced him to 9 months in prison and a suspension of his licence for 15 months.

Excerpt: A court in A Coruña has sentenced a man to prison for showing his genitals to the police whilst acting in a reckless manner and endangering public safety. The incident occurred in 2015, but has only just been heard in Read More ...

### Mobile App Assesses Driver Performance

An app which records and reports on driving ability has revealed that drivers in Spain don´t perform quite as they believe.
DriveSmart, a mobile application that measures the driving style of the user and compares it with the assessment of other drivers, and, in general, despite the fact that a survey revealed that drivers in Spain believe themselves to be generally “good drivers”, after the analysis of the results, it reveals that they are… even better than they thought.

How does it work?
To run the application, you only have to activate it at the beginning of the trip, and it then automatically collects the data using the phone´s internal sensors, such as accelerometer, compass, GPS for example, without the driver having to manipulate the phone during the journey.
Before using the application, it asks the driver to create a profile and after the trip, depending on the characteristics and conditions of the road, DriveSmart evaluates the journey and shows results on how the driver performed behind the wheel and how they could it improve.
In the self-assessment, only 1 in 3 Spaniards considered themselves to be a good driver, while 12% think they are excellent. Only 1% say they are bad drivers. 23% do not know.
Despite these modest results, the application gives these drivers an average rating of 95.99 out of 100. A benchmark that has improved from the previous year, rising from 94.6.
Performance scores by local area

Excerpt: An app which records and reports on driving ability has revealed that drivers in Spain don´t perform quite as they believe. DriveSmart, a mobile application that measures the driving style of the user and compares it with the assessment of Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 8

Issue 8 of N332 RoadWatch is now available. You can read the eMagazine for FREE below, or you can purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project.

Buy Now
This is what is in this edition…
 
Summer is well and truly underway now, many of the roads in coastal and mountainous regions are carrying more cars than normal, as holidaymakers travel in often unknown areas, sometimes lost, sometimes confused, and mixing with other vehicles of similar characteristics.
In this issue, we clear up a lot of questions which have arisen regarding summer driving, such as if you will get fined for wearing flip flops, or not wearing a t-shirt, will you get fined for drinking water or having your arm out of the car? What about if you have items on the parcel shelf?
As well as an in-depth interview with serving Guardia Civil traffic officer Francisco Morales, who heads the N332 Facebook team, we also include the OFFICIAL advice from the DGT, so there is no ambiguity, it´s real, and official and made clear.
Special operations will be carried out by the Guardia Civil and DGT throughout the summer. Between the 17th and 23rs of July, the attention will turn to vehicle standards, ensuring the safety and maintenance of vehicles on the roads, especially older ones.
Around the weekend of the 15th of August, attention will focus on alcohol and drugs, as this coincides with an increase in the number of summer parties being held. Finally, during the week of the 21st of August, speed checks will increase.
The second major operation of the summer, Operation “1 August”, will run from Friday 28 July to Tuesday 2 August, then Operation “15 August” will run from Friday 11 to Tuesday 15 August.
The final operation, when the majority of road-based holidaymakers return inland, known as “Operation Return”, takes place from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September.
As always, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, stay safe on the roads. Keep calm, allow plenty of time for your journey, maintain a safe distance and appropriate speed, never drink and drive and never use your mobile or other electronic device.


The contents of this issue…

4 Mobile App Assesses Driver Performance
5 Combatting the Sun´s Damage
6 Leave an Animal in your Vehicle – Face Prison
6 Prison for Reckless Flasher
8 Father Arrested for Leaving Baby in Car
8 On Patrol – The Odd Ones
9 Kamikaze Driver Stopped
10 More Internet Myths Explained
14 Official Advice from the DGT
16 Translation of Advice
18 New Rules for Pickup Vehicles
20 Slow Down for Horses
23 Hire Car Equipment
24 Drinking & Driving in Spain
27 Carrying Pets in Cars
28 Overtaking Multiple Vehicles
30 Introducing the Ford Police ResponderTM Hybrid Sedan
32 The Gallery
34 How to Adjust Your Seat Belt
36 Electric Bike Insurance


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Excerpt: Issue 8 of N332 RoadWatch is now available. You can read the eMagazine for FREE below, or you can purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project. Buy Now This is what is in Read More ...

### Father Arrested for Leaving Baby in Car

The police in Madrid have arrested a man for apparently accidentally locking his 16-month-old baby in the car for more than 2 hours.
Officers from both the local and national police arrived at the scene having been called by witnesses who saw the baby inside the car.
The officers broke the car´s window in order to gain access and rescue the child, who had vomited and was sweating. The child was immediately taken to the hospital Niño Jesús for treatment, although in a stable condition, in a non-life-threatening condition thanks to the actions of all involved.
The officers contacted relatives of the child, who said that the man had “forgotten” to take the child to nursery.
Having been advised of the child´s location, the father attended the hospital and was promptly arrested.

Excerpt: The police in Madrid have arrested a man for apparently accidentally locking his 16-month-old baby in the car for more than 2 hours. Officers from both the local and national police arrived at the scene having been called by witnesses Read More ...

### Kamikaze Driver Stopped

Catalan police intercepted a vehicle which was being driven in the wrong direction on the A-2 main road in the Cornellá area.

Witnesses had reported the vehicle travelling in the wrong direction, and emitting sparks as it moved along.
The vehicle had travelled for 35 kilometres in the opposing direction, and was driving in the middle lane of three when the officers managed to stop the vehicle.
Not only had the vehicle been driving into oncoming traffic, it was also missing the tyre on the front wheel by the time the officers had stopped it.
The driver, a 38-year-old Spanish man, a resident of Sant Boi de Llobregat, was breathalysed at the scene and gave a test result of 1.01 mg / L of expired air.

Excerpt: Catalan police intercepted a vehicle which was being driven in the wrong direction on the A-2 main road in the Cornellá area. Witnesses had reported the vehicle travelling in the wrong direction, and emitting sparks as it moved along. The Read More ...

### Idiotic Cyclist Caught on Camera

This weekend, a passenger in a taxi videoed a scene that brought shock and horror to those who have since seen the video, a cyclist, wearing flip-flops, travelling at 100 kilometres per hour along a motorway on Mallorca.
The cyclist was not under their own power, but was clinging with one hand to the back of a van as it travelled on the MA-19 Llucmajor to Palma motorway, a reckless act that could so easily have ended in tragedy.
The Guardia Civil are looking into the video which shows both the cyclist and van driver breaking numerous traffic laws, including crimes against road safety.

Excerpt: This weekend, a passenger in a taxi videoed a scene that brought shock and horror to those who have since seen the video, a cyclist, wearing flip-flops, travelling at 100 kilometres per hour along a motorway on Mallorca. The cyclist Read More ...

### Leave an Animal in your Vehicle – Face Prison

The Canine Unit of the local police in Alicante have denounced a person for allegedly committing a crime of animal abuse, by leaving a dog locked in a vehicle, in temperatures above 36 degrees, for some time.

The incident came about when concerned local residents alerted the police of the presence of the dog in a car in a car park, showing signs of distress and severe discomfort.
The police immediately attended and were concerned that the dog was on the brink of suffocation and so broke the rear window of the vehicle to gain access, successfully rescuing the dog.
The police have opened legal proceedings and filed a formal complaint against the owner who is charged with the alleged commission of a crime of animal abuse. In addition, the officers carried out a check on the vehicle and its owner and found that the car did not have a valid ITV, and so they seized the vehicle, removing it on the back of a tow truck, with the owner facing separate charges for vehicle offences.
The police extend the warning once again about leaving dogs in vehicles, as the temperature inside quickly increase and puts the animal´s life at severe risk. Therefore, in endangering the life of an animal, the offence can carry a prison sentence, as well as hefty fines, aside from the obvious fact that the animal may well die.
If anybody witnesses an animal left in a vehicle, so not act, call the police or emergency services immediately.
In this case, the police started a campaign to find a foster family for the abandoned dog, before it is put into the care of the local animal centre.

Excerpt: The Canine Unit of the local police in Alicante have denounced a person for allegedly committing a crime of animal abuse, by leaving a dog locked in a vehicle, in temperatures above 36 degrees, for some time. The incident came Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officer Killed Struck by Van

A 40-year-old Guardia Civil traffic officer, identified with the initials CDD, has been killed in the line of duty, after being hit by a van on the A-1 near Madrid.

The incident occurred just after 11:00 on Monday morning in the San Sebastián de los Reyes area when the officer had stopped a vehicle to ask for documentation when the van hit the officer, throwing him several metres into the road ahead.
Emergency medics immediately attended but could do nothing to save the life of the officer who was confirmed dead at the scene.
Guardia Civil colleagues also attended, with the van driver producing a negative alcohol and drugs test, the driver saying that he ”did not see” the officer.
A further investigation is being carried out to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Meanwhile, government delegates and colleagues have extended their condolences to the family of the officer.

Excerpt: A 40-year-old Guardia Civil traffic officer, identified with the initials CDD, has been killed in the line of duty, after being hit by a van on the A-1 near Madrid. The incident occurred just after 11:00 on Monday morning in Read More ...

### Road Traffic May be Affected Following Alicante-Elche Airport Crash Simulation

Luckily, the risk of serious incident involving an aircraft is extremely low, but in order for the emergency services to prepare for the worst case scenario, there is only one real option available, for them to simulate, in advance, a situation that would require them to act as if it were a real, life or death, situation.

That is what is currently being planned surrounding Alicante-Elche airport this autumn, in November, as the Emergency Response and Security Agency is preparing for a large-scale simulation of a multi-victim air crash that will take place outside the Alicante-Elche airport complex with the participation of a hundred extras and will test the protocols of the competent bodies in matters of security and emergency response.

The Director General of the Agency, José María Ángel, explained that “we are committed to the culture of the simulacrum, since it is of vital importance to test the safety and emergency protocols with the main objective of detecting faults, to calibrate the possible deficiencies and to rectify, based on the experience of the implementation of the simulacrum, both by us as coordinators, and by other agencies that can find in this exercise an opportunity to exercise their specific plans in those aspects that are considered most necessary”.

The Valencian regional agency of security and response to emergencies organises a large-scale simulacrum like this every year in each of the Valencian provinces. Last year, a metro crash simulation involving several vehicles with fatalities and injuries was carried out in the Valencian town of Paterna.

With respect to the Alicante drill, the Emergency Response and Security Agency has convened the first preparatory meeting in which a first draft of the work has been submitted to the participating agencies.
Among the attendants were representatives of the municipalities of Alicante and Elche; Subdelegation of the Government of Alicante, Guardia Civil Guard, National Police, Emergency Military Unit, Alicante-Elche Airport, Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante, Conselleria of Sanitat Universal and Public Health, Autonomous Police of the Generalitat, Directorate of the Institute of Legal Medicine, Forest Firefighters of the Generalitat, Comunidad Valencian Red Cross, DYA Elche and Psycho-Emergencies Association Comunitat Valenciana.
According to José María Ángel, the simulacrum will recreate a serious commercial plane accident with multiple victims in the surroundings of the Alicante-Elche airport based on the following sequence of events:

The apparatus, with 100 passengers on board plus the crew, is ready to land and falls to the rugged ground about 4 kilometres from the runway. Then, after the initial impact, the plane splits in two, giving rise to two scenarios more or less close together (one in the municipal area of Santa Pola and the other in Elche). There are a large number of injured and deceased, and also numerous relatives of passengers waiting in the airport terminal.
The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Generalitat assesses the situation and activates the Territorial Emergency Plan of the Region of Valencia, Emergency Situation 2, and constitutes two Advanced Command Posts (one in each scenario), while mobilising the Basic Units. Also in the first moments, a Family Care Centre is set up at the airport, which will later be transferred to another location yet to be determined.
As it is a simulation with multiple victims, it is foreseen that it will require the participation of a hundred of extras, formed mostly of students of nursing and of the modules of emergency services, who will act like injured passengers and relatives of the wounded and deceased. Forty mannequins will also allow emergency and health agencies to test their protocols of action.
Finally, being that the incident involves a commercial aircraft with passengers of different nationalities, it is planned to contact the British and Swiss consulates in Alicante, with the aim of collaborating in the implementation of protocols of action of identification of victims and wounded, and care for family members.
Finally, as the plan draws closer, road closures and restricted zones will be planned, with diversions put in place, but as always in this sort of situation, dramatic though it might be to consider becoming an observer and watching the action unfold, the best course of action during the simulation will be to stay well clear and allow the emergency services to practice what we all hope will never happen in reality.

Excerpt: Luckily, the risk of serious incident involving an aircraft is extremely low, but in order for the emergency services to prepare for the worst case scenario, there is only one real option available, for them to simulate, in advance, a Read More ...

### Choosing a Perfect Helmet

Do you know what features are best for your helmet when driving a 2 wheel vehicle?

The Spanish national association of companies representing the industry, (Asociación Nacional de Empresas del Sector de Dos Ruedas), offer these handy tips.
You must be able to see the ECE (European Standard) label clearly.
It must cover the forehead above the eyebrows.
It must not move or fall on the driver’s eyes or apply pressure on the forehead.
It must not hinder the driver’s peripheral vision.
It must not push the glasses or reduce the vision of the bikers who wear glasses.
Most importantly: It must be comfortable.
Remember, a helmet is only worn correctly if it is secured to the head it is protecting. Always use the chin strap and always make sure your helmet is secure.

Excerpt: Do you know what features are best for your helmet when driving a 2 wheel vehicle? The Spanish national association of companies representing the industry, (Asociación Nacional de Empresas del Sector de Dos Ruedas), offer these handy tips. You must Read More ...

### Summer 2017 Special Operation Begins

This weekend sees the first of the four special operations on the roads of Spain where the network will be stretched to the limit, as summer holidaymakers move through the country´s roads.

There will be four specific operations during the summer, which coincide with two-week blocks, as well as every weekend during July and August.

The first operation – From Friday 30 of June to Sunday 2 of July.
Operation “1 August” – From Friday 28 July to Tuesday 2 August.
Operation “15 August” – From Friday 11 to Tuesday 15 August.
Operation Return – From Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September.
Then, as mentioned, every weekend during the period.

During the two months there will be four intensive surveillance campaigns operating, with a focus on motorcycles, inappropriate speed, vehicle conditions and alcohol and other drugs.
The aim of the operations are to ensure the safety and fluidity of traffic on the roads. It is expected that during July and August, 89 million trips will be carried out by road, which represents 4 million more movements by road (+ 4.6%) compared to the displacements that occurred last summer. This forecast places the number of journeys similar to those recorded in 2008. Of the 89 million forecast, 43.5 million will occur in July and 45.5 million in the month of August.
As has been happening for some years, many holidaymakers choose to break up their vacations over the course of the two months and start them by making them coincide with the weekend.
In line with this criterion, the DGT has set up special traffic controls during all weekends, in order to take care of the greater number of people who start their holidays on the weekend and who opt for the vehicle as a means of transport.
During the operations, special protocols will be adopted, including:-

Installation of reversible and additional lane with cones at times greater traffic intensity on certain roads.
The suspension of all roadway maintenance, except those which are considered essential.
Restrictions on the movements of dangerous goods (vehicle owners can check these restrictions with the DGT).
Signposting of alternative routes to key destinations to reduce congestion on main roads.
Intensified surveillance campaigns which will focus on reducing incidents involving the most vulnerable and those who create a higher risk.

During the first intensified campaign, motorcycles will be the main focus, this campaign will be on the 8th and 9th of July. Between the 17th and 23rs of July, the attention will turn to vehicle standards, ensuring the safety and maintenance of vehicles on the roads, especially older ones.
Around the weekend of the 15th of August, attention will focus on alcohol and drugs, as this coincides with an increase in the number of summer parties being held. Finally, during the week of the 21st of August, speed checks will increase.
In order to ensure the safe flow of traffic, approximately 20,000 people will be on duty, including 6,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers, assisted by 600 staff employed by the DGT directly, plus specialist technical personnel, employees of conservation companies and 13,000 emergency services personnel, all of whom will work together so that drivers can make a safe trip.
Tips for a safer summer

Plan the trip:  by the safest route to avoid unforeseen events. The DGT has several channels such as the DGT free app, the twitter accounts @informacionDGT and @DGTes, and radio broadcasts, alerting the real-time traffic situation and any incidents that may exist.
Check the vehicle. Good maintenance improves road safety. If your vehicle is not in the best conditions, opt for another means of transport. In the last year, 4% of the vehicles involved in an accident did not have an ITV in order.
Respect the speed established in each road and maintain the safety distance with the vehicle in front.
Take breaks every two hours, fatigue and sleep are deadly when driving.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when driving.
All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt. If children are less than 135 cm tall, they must sit in the rear seats with their corresponding child restraint system.
On conventional roads, take into account the increase of bicycles and pedestrians during the summer that cross roads that connect nearby towns.
Adapt your driving to the characteristics of the road (changes of gradients, curves, narrow roadways etc.)
If you are a bicycle user, remember that in addition to wearing a helmet, you have to ride with lights and reflective garments at night, and must have a bell.
In the case of pedestrians, if you walk on roads out of town, remember that they must do so on the left, facing oncoming traffic, and if it is at night or in meteorological or environmental conditions that significantly reduce visibility, you should wear a high visibility vest or other reflective garment.

Traffic characteristics in the summer

Traffic in the summer presents characteristics different from those that occur at other times of the year this must be taken into account.
An increase in the number of long-distance journeys both on working days and especially on weekends.
Less congestion in the accesses to the big urban nuclei during the peak hours of working days in the entrance and exit to the places of work.
Higher density of traffic on secondary roads.
Intense traffic on roads that connect coastal towns and coastal tourist areas with the beaches during all days of the week.
Greater presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road.
Increased circulation throughout the road network of foreign registered vehicles.
Increase in the number of sports activities used by the road for its development, for which complementary traffic measures will be adopted.
Increase in drivers in unfamiliar territory, who may change speed, course or direction without warning, on account of being confused by their surroundings.

Teams of people will be on the roads to help you. If you get into difficulty, you can call the Guardia Civil (in Spanish), on 062, or the emergency coordination centre, 112, who speak a variety of languages. Stay safe and enjoy your holiday.

Excerpt: This weekend sees the first of the four special operations on the roads of Spain where the network will be stretched to the limit, as summer holidaymakers move through the country´s roads. There will be four specific operations during the Read More ...

### Half of Spaniards would ban smoking in cars

World No Tobacco Day was celebrated in May. The global event, promoted by the World Health Organisation, aims to highlight the health risks associated with smoking, and aims to offer assistance to those wishing to quit.

However, there is not only a direct risk to health caused by smoking, in the car, there is an additional danger, that of distractions and, although we have mentioned before that there is only a hypothetical risk of being fined for being distracted by smoking, the actual risk of something going wrong is far greater.
Smoking in cars is not currently banned in Spain, however, that said, it would appear that more than half of the Spanish population would support such a ban.
The information has come about following a survey conducted recently by the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine, which was made public during this year´s campaign.
The survey shows that 51.6% of Spaniards would favour a ban in private vehicles, at least in the presence of minors, following the lead of countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Australia and South Africa, whereas another 38% believe that the ban on tobacco should be advanced even further.
Dangerous Distractions
During driving, smoking becomes a dangerous distraction. It has been estimated that lighting a cigarette causes us to withdraw our attention from the road for 4 seconds, which means that, driving on a motorway at 120 kilometres per hour, we have taken our eyes off the road for at least 132 meters.
Lighting a cigarette in the vehicle can cause the driver to drop a spark, potentially falling on the driver or the seats, causing alarm and a reaction that could turn your attention away from driving, and subsequently cause a more serious incident.
In addition, 3% of forest fires – 21,000 in the last ten years – have their ultimate origin in cigarette butts thrown or dumped from one of the millions of vehicles on the roads at this time of year. Despite declining numbers of smokers and public awareness of fires, it remains one of the gravest dangers to forests, fields and wildlife. To the extent that this behaviour (throwing objects from cars in motion, including cigarette butts) is punished with a fine of 200 euro and the withdrawal of 4 points of driving license.

Excerpt: World No Tobacco Day was celebrated in May. The global event, promoted by the World Health Organisation, aims to highlight the health risks associated with smoking, and aims to offer assistance to those wishing to quit. However, there is not Read More ...

### Naked Man Arrested for Damaging Vehicles

Local Police from Elche have arrested a man in the town of El Altet, suspected of being responsible for damaging around a dozen parked cars on Saturday night, whilst in a naked state.
Local Police were alerted by neighbours reporting a naked man in the street who had “begun to smash the windows and mirrors of several parked vehicles”.
Officers were sent to the scene and identified a number of vehicles which had suffered apparently recent damage, or varying degree.
The officers then began searching the local area and found a suspect in the vicinity of calle Goleta, matching the description of the alleged perpetrator, in so much as he was “completely naked”, according to the officers.
Once identified, the suspect admitted to “spontaneously” being responsible for the damage, and so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Excerpt: Local Police from Elche have arrested a man in the town of El Altet, suspected of being responsible for damaging around a dozen parked cars on Saturday night, whilst in a naked state. Local Police were alerted by neighbours reporting Read More ...

### If you feel unsafe driving at night, you might be suffering from night blindness

Driving at night can be a daunting concept for many people, with reduced visibility and a complete change in the special awareness required to operate a vehicle safely, many people simply choose to avoid night driving as they feel so insecure. However, many of those people who do feel uncomfortable or unsafe may actually be suffering from a condition recognised by the medical community: Night Blindness.

We must first point out that your eyes should be checked, and rectified if necessary, on a regular basis. As we get older, our eyesight can deteriorate, and the subtle changes that occur may not be noticeable, we might not actually realise that our vision is so impaired. Regular checks are the only safe way of ensuring this.
In addition, if you do feel like you might suffer from any of the symptoms we are about to mention, you must visit a qualified optician, we are simply offering an overview of one of many hidden vision problems.
We must realise that it is normal for us to feel different driving at night, and that does not mean we have night blindness. In low light conditions, the levels of visual acuity decrease in part because, on the one hand, there is a central area in the field of vision that is less clear (that is why we will see objects moving more clearly than static objects), and on the other, because the colour vision is reduced and we see practically only in white, black and grey shades.
When we talk about night blindness, we are not talking about losing the vision completely, but about the special difficulty that many people have to see at night. This difficulty is also often aggravated during alternating situations of high and low luminosity, such as driving in and out of tunnels for example. These people find it harder to adjust to light when they leave dark environments or darkness when they come from more enlightened environments. That is why one of the greatest difficulties of those who suffer when driving at night is to focus with the intermittent light of car headlights and street lamps.
Night blindness is not a disease or deficiency in itself, but may be a symptom of other ailments. One of the most frequent reasons is myopia and, to a lesser extent, farsightedness. In the human eye, those in charge of the vision in conditions of low luminosity are cells of the retina that, if there is any disease or eye problem, will have difficulty to offer a vision of quality.
At the same sense, nocturnal blindness may also occur in the presence of other eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma; or not ocular, such as diabetes or diseases of the liver or pancreas. In these latter cases it is the inability to absorb large amounts of vitamin A which can produce night blindness, since it is the one that intervenes in the transformation of the nerve impulses in images in the retina.
How to prevent or cure night blindness
One of the most recommended methods to avoid nocturnal amblyopia is to eat foods high in vitamin A, such as carrots, melons or squash. Although it is generally highly recommended to maintain a healthy diet high in antioxidants and minerals to prevent diabetes or cataracts, other causes of night blindness.
However, once this occurs, the treatment will depend solely on the reason that causes it. In the case of eye defects, night blindness could be eliminated or mitigated by the operation of the condition (such as cataracts) with the use of spectacles with greater negative power (in the case of myopia) or positive (for hyperopia).
If you do feel like you may have a condition like this, remember, as we have said, go to your optician or doctor immediately for advice.

Excerpt: Driving at night can be a daunting concept for many people, with reduced visibility and a complete change in the special awareness required to operate a vehicle safely, many people simply choose to avoid night driving as they feel so Read More ...

### How the Driving Test has Evolved over Time

Most teenagers look forward to the day when they pass their driving test and are then able to take to the open road with mobility, but before obtaining that freedom, they first have to face the arduous task of learning to drive, and then passing the examinations.

Unlike other countries, Spain does not permit novice drivers to learn to drive with parents, or friends, all driving lessons for learners must be carried out through an approved driving school, and with approved instructors.
The method of training is often somewhat different to the UK, for example, with the instructor often taking a number of students out at once, with them sharing the driving time, whilst the rest learn through observation.
The test itself is no less daunting however, with long waiting lists due to a shortage of examiners, a recent proposal was to ask Guardia Civil traffic officers to conduct examinations in order to reduce the backlog. Although this has still not happened, the thought of a young learner having a traffic cop sat alongside them may not be the part they would look forward to most.
The test, or tests, as they comprise of theory and practical elements, have changed over time in Spain too, and they continue to evolve with changes which present themselves in this fast-growing modern, technology-driven world.
We have seen in a previous edition of N332 Roadwatch how experts believe that babies born today may never have to pass a test, as the technology is making self-driving vehicles a reality on the roads of the future. We have also seen how the driving test in the UK has changed, with less emphasis on learning manoeuvres, and more of a focus on so called “free driving”, including using the GPS. Spain, is set to embark on similar changes in the future too.
If you ask any adolescent you want to do at the age of 18, apart from many things your parents will not want to hear, they will tell you that they want to get a driver’s license. The perhaps most tedious part of the driving test, but certainly very necessary is the theoretical one, which we forget easily on the road but which is essential to maintain road safety .
In Spain, only a few years ago the system was simple, you found a driving school, obtained the books with all the necessary theoretical driving rules that you should learn, and either went to classes, or studied and practiced on your own. Once you had studied to a confident level, you sat an exam consisting of 40 questions, from which you were allowed to fail on 3. With the passage of time, the number of questions was reduced to 30 and with just 2 wrong answers allowed. The biggest problem that the concept of road safety met with was that the questions and options were considerably reduced, thus, many people managed to pass the test by simply learning these answers, without any understanding of the reasons behind them.
On the 21st of January, 2013 a new type of driving test was introduced, or rather its variation. It had a much broader database and the total number of questions were 15,500, which made it almost impossible to memorise. They were also preferably made available in computer format.
But the changes did not only arise in the theoretical part but also in the practical elements. From that moment on, before driving, the examiner would ask students to perform some basic mechanical checks, such as checking the fluid level, the correct tyre pressure, etc. Things we should all know.
In the current legislature, the DGT has proposed new changes for the driving test. One of them is to include videos in the theoretical exam that represent situations of risk in driving. In the videos, the student would be faced with having to choose such things as priorities, and thus theoretically, it will be possible to assess if that person is really prepared to go out on the road with a vehicle.
Many young people make the mistake that driving is easy and that it is their right to be allowed to do so. Just having an idea of how a vehicle moves, or even knowing the rules of the road, does not necessarily prepare you for the real-life situations that drivers face on a daily basis.
The paper-based test will be phased out, replaced by an entirely computer-based system, thus preventing cheating, which has arisen on numerous occasions, and ensures a better level of knowledge in order to understand the questions.
The practical test in Spain is also set to include more “free-driving” time, allowing the examiner to see how the student reacts to situations beyond what they may have practised by rote. Using the GPS safely is also set to be included, thus offering real driving scenarios to the driver, and adding the extra element of training and examination as to when it is safe to use devices in the car.
What do you think of these changes, would you include others? Send your comment to news@n332.es and we will publish some of your thoughts in the future.
 

Excerpt: Most teenagers look forward to the day when they pass their driving test and are then able to take to the open road with mobility, but before obtaining that freedom, they first have to face the arduous task of learning Read More ...

### Increase in Alcohol and Drugs Checkpoints

The DGT has announced an increase in alcohol and drug checkpoints this weekend, especially on conventional roads and those with a high incident rate.

The move is partly due to an increase in alcohol and drug-related driving incidents at weekend, highlighted by the 21 cyclists that have lost their lives on the roads so far this year, as a result of collisions with drivers under the influence.
This is also the first holiday weekend of the summer season and coincides with bonfire and firework parties on the beaches of the Valencia region in recognition of the Fiesta de San Juan, and midsummer night.
The increase in checkpoints will be all around the country, and the Guardia Civil will be supported by colleagues from the regional and local police, who will also have checkpoints on regional and municipal roads.
According to the general director of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, “preventive controls are a must to try to get the message to all drivers who get behind the wheel having consumed some type of psychoactive substance, because not only is there an increased risk of incident, but also mortality and harmfulness of injuries are higher in people who have ingested alcohol and other drugs.”
The DGT points out that 25% of road deaths in Europe are related to alcohol and that 12 of every 100 drivers on the roads have consumed drugs and/or alcohol. In 2016, more than 100,000 drivers tested positive for alcohol and other drugs on intercity roads, figures which must be added to the controls by the various local and regional police forces.
According to the annual report of the National Institute of Toxicology, 43% of those who had died on the roads had alcohol or drugs present in their blood. For pedestrians, this percentage is 46%.

Excerpt: The DGT has announced an increase in alcohol and drug checkpoints this weekend, especially on conventional roads and those with a high incident rate. The move is partly due to an increase in alcohol and drug-related driving incidents at weekend, Read More ...

### Stricter ITV controls from 2018

The mandatory vehicle safety vest, the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV, the Spanish equivalent to the MOT, will become much stricter from 2018, especially in elements relating to pollutant emissions, the devices intended to reduce them and also a large part of the security systems that are shipped and are controlled electronically.

The process started almost three years ago with the publication of the European directive 2014/45/UE, which the Spanish Government hopes to have transposed into legislation, via Royal Decree, before this summer, but it has been accelerated and reinforced as a result of the so-called “dieselgate”, the scandal surrounding Volkswagen, and the doubts that have awakened in the behaviour of other manufacturers.
It is because of the weaknesses in the approval procedures that have been demonstrated that periodic inspections such as those of the ITV are clearly insufficient. Regulated by European and national regulations in the case of diesel cars, for example, today only the opacity of smoke is measured. Also, current controls “do not allow a sufficiently efficient control of Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles”, as noted by CITA experts, an international working group that works on improving vehicle inspections, confirmed by the Spanish association Aeca-ITV, the DGT and industry experts.
Although the changes still have to overcome pitfalls, for example, when it was published three years ago, the 2014/45/EU directive said nothing about the control of NOx emitted by cars, now in the eye of the hurricane. Because it was the cause of the engine cracking and because, unlike CO2, it directly damages the health of people.
This has forced CITA to develop its own protocol to adequately measure the NOx, as well as detect possible fraud or manipulation. Among them, Luis Gutiérrez, president of Acea-ITV, points out cases in which, “there have been users who have emptied particle filters or manipulated the EGR valves because their maintenance is expensive and, limiting or impeding their operation, they increase the benefits of the vehicle”. In return they become much dirtier, of course.
Field tests are expected to be completed by July and at the end of the year, ready for delivery, along with a manual with the maximum NOx limits, the protocol for its measurement and the procedures to verify that the anti-pollution devices have not been manipulated.
Given that the time that the European Commission would take to incorporate these changes is difficult to estimate, in Spain the goal of Industry is to “incorporate it as soon as possible”, according to Gutiérrez, “because although high NOx limits are now set to drive out the big polluters.”
This would allow its application throughout 2018, when numerous security systems under electronic control will be reviewed, such as the stability program, the airbags or the seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Although there is also a problem. For these inspections to make sense, manufacturers must allow access to the vehicle’s switchboard and share information about those systems. Even charging an amount for it, an issue that would be discussed, but the president of Aeca-ITV qualifies it as “Kafkaesque” as they are mandatory security systems.
Would the above raise an increase in fees for passing ITV? “If we have to pay for the data, you will have to pay for the data, it depends on the model that the ITV station operates in. If it is in a liberalized environment, it is easier for the overhead to be transferred to the user. Where the Administration fixes the tariffs it is more difficult but, then, it would have to compensate the concessionaire”.

Excerpt: The mandatory vehicle safety vest, the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV, the Spanish equivalent to the MOT, will become much stricter from 2018, especially in elements relating to pollutant emissions, the devices intended to reduce them and also a Read More ...

### Male drivers – Double the risk at the wheel than women

A combined report between the Fundación Eduardo Barreiros y la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has concluded that men, behind the wheel, are double the risk than women.

The report presented an investigation on the differences in accidents and incidents involving men and women in Spain, and was based on comparable ratios of the proportionality of the census of drivers, and based on the total population (using DGT and INE data).
Blanca Arenas, coordinator and co-author of the study, explained that for the preparation of the report, 200,000 claims produced over ten years have been analysed, revealing very significant differences in driving between men and women.
“Women respect the norm more, do not assume as many risky behaviours as men, and that translates into fewer accidents and fewer victims,” says Arenas. They, therefore, the mortality rate per million drivers is more than twice as high in men as in women. In addition, the injury caused by an accident involving one or two male drivers is also double. Men are also attributed to 44.5% more serious injuries.
The most frequent types of accidents in males are the knocking down, rollovers and frontal collisions, caused by hasty acceleration and lack of patience, enthused by speed. In women, distraction and not allowing a safety distance are the more common. However, despite men taking more risks, they also perceive dangerous situations better.
In general, they are in breach of speed limits and often permitted alcohol and drug rates. They are the ones who incur the most in voluntary imprudence. In the case of consumption of alcohol and / or narcotics, they even increase the risk fivefold over that posed by women.
During the presentation of the report, Mariluz Barreiros, president of the Fundación Eduardo Barreiros, stressed that “our country has experienced a remarkable advance in road safety in recent years, but it is essential to continue to understand why accidents occur and how they can be prevented”.
Ana Pastor, president of the Congress of the Deputies affirmed that “it is important to put in value this study to disassemble many topics that are in our country”.

Excerpt: A combined report between the Fundación Eduardo Barreiros y la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has concluded that men, behind the wheel, are double the risk than women. The report presented an investigation on the differences in accidents and incidents Read More ...

### Hit and Run Driver who left Cyclist for Dead Caught

A cyclist was seriously injured on Sunday morning when a car collided with the bike on the road between Guardamar and Rojales.
The driver of the car failed to stop and fled the scene, leaving the cyclist in a seriously injured state on the road.
Officers from the Guardia Civil launched a search and spent all day on Sunday trying to locate the driver and the vehicle.
On Sunday evening, that search proved successful, when officers located the driver who is currently spending the night in the cells in Torrevieja, whilst the cyclist is seriously ill in hospital.
The driver will be brought before the courts on Monday morning.

Excerpt: A cyclist was seriously injured on Sunday morning when a car collided with the bike on the road between Guardamar and Rojales. The driver of the car failed to stop and fled the scene, leaving the cyclist in a seriously Read More ...

### Getting Fined Without Moving

Excessive speed or driving whilst using a mobile phone are two of the most common causes for which you can receive a traffic sanction, but it is also possible to be fined without your vehicle moving, and not only for parking where you shouldn´t.

Many drivers seem oblivious to the fact that you can be fined for washing your car in the street, or for carrying out repairs. Although the fines are largely symbolic, depending on the municipality, they exist none the less. Water, oil, other deposits can interfere with the road surface and can become a risk. There are also environmental concerns over the disposal of waste, such as water, or other fluids. Car wash facilities have complex recycling and drainage systems so as to minimise waste of the precious commodity of water.
Not having a clean car can result in a fine. Even if the vehicle isn´t going to move, the lights and reflectors, and the number plates must be kept clear, if the vehicle is moving, so must the windows.
Having a number plate in a poor condition, whether you drive or not, can result in a fine of 80 euro. If the vehicle is permitted on the road, the number plate must be clear.
There are a number of fines possible at the fuel filling station, some of these posing a serious risk, but some less obvious than others. You must not smoke when refuelling, or light incendiaries such as matches. However, you are not permitted to refuel with your lights on, or the engine running, nor are you allowed to use your mobile phone or have the radio on. Any of these activities can lead to a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points. It´s also never a good idea to leave the keys in the ignition, although this is mostly for your own security.
If you have moved house and you have not notified the DGT of your new address, you can also receive a sanction. It is a simple process to perform and free, so it is worth notifying them as soon as possible.
These are just a few of the fines you can face without moving, there are many more, including not wearing a high visibility vest if you leave your vehicle in an emergency, not placing warning triangles, or in the wrong place, creating excessive noise or disturbances, using the horn inappropriately, the list goes on, but all of these fines are for one common goal, and that is to improve safety.

Excerpt: Excessive speed or driving whilst using a mobile phone are two of the most common causes for which you can receive a traffic sanction, but it is also possible to be fined without your vehicle moving, and not only for Read More ...

### Passenger Alcohol Tests – The Myth

Debunking the Myths – “Passengers will be required to pass a breath test”?
A recent story has been doing the rounds on the internet over changes to the law which will come into force in July, whereas a second person in a vehicle must be able to pass an alcohol test, not only the driver.

The article, translated from Spanish, states, “A new measure proposed by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) will also force drivers and accompanying drivers to blow in the BAC test.
“According to the DGT it is good that even if the driver has not drunk there is another person free of alcohol inside the vehicle in case the driver could feel indisposed during the trip. For drivers traveling alone, this will not be taken into account, but those who are accompanied must pass the alcohol test so that at least one of the companions can count as an alternative driver. ‘We believe it is the safest way to drive, nobody knows if the driver can pass something during the trip and it is good that there is always a copilot available,’ explains Alberto Bermúdez, communication director of the DGT.
“The new measure will be launched starting next July 1 in order that this summer we can have safer roads in our country.
However, the actual proposal is in the event of a driver being stopped and failing an alcohol test. In the event of a group in the vehicle wishing to continue their journey, then the next appointed driver at the scene must prove their sobriety before continuing, as well as having all of the appropriate documentation and qualifications to drive the vehicle.
If a group of people are in a vehicle, only the driver must remain below the maximum permitted limit, although the passengers, however much they have consumed, are still required to act in a safe and appropriate manner in the vehicle, although they cannot be called upon to take over the role of driver.

Excerpt: Debunking the Myths – “Passengers will be required to pass a breath test”? A recent story has been doing the rounds on the internet over changes to the law which will come into force in July, whereas a second person Read More ...

### Dogs Locked in Cars – Fake Reports

The time of year is fast approaching when it is all too common for dogs to be left in cars. The warnings over the dangers of this are heard by most, but there are still the odd one or two people who seem ignorant, if not oblivious to the risk posed if dogs are left in vehicles.

However, on this occasion, we are not going to talk about the problems that the animals suffer, but rather the issues which a would-be saviour might face if they try to act to take unilateral action.
For a number of years a story has grown virally through social media reporting that if you see an animal locked inside a vehicle you are legally allowed to break a window in order to rescue it. The reports often also state that if you take pictures or videos of the incident, they will serve as evidence of your actions and will mitigate any offence you may have committed in the act. Many of the fake reports even quote the legal text which you can use as part of your evidence.

These articles and promises, in whatever form they take, are not true. The only legally permitted course of action if you see a dog in such a state is to call for assistance from the police or Guardia Civil.
Summon the nearest or fastest possible assistance, whether that be local police who may be on hand nearby, calling 091 or 062 if you speak Spanish, or the emergency coordination centre on 112, where operators speak multiple languages, but under no circumstances should you put yourself at risk of prosecution by taking the advice shared through these erroneous social media posts.

Excerpt: The time of year is fast approaching when it is all too common for dogs to be left in cars. The warnings over the dangers of this are heard by most, but there are still the odd one or two Read More ...

### Pedestrian Lights – 2017 Style

We are hopefully all aware of pedestrian crossings and the signs and signals used to indicate how we interact with these locations, red and green men, traffic lights, even belisha beacons, but as the world around us changes, so does the need to adapt signs and signals in order for them to be noticed.

The image of a sulky teen with their head bowed down reading their mobile might be an easy one for our mind to conjure up, but as social media, messaging, live news, updates and our digital assistants follow us in our pocket devices, it is becoming more common for our phones to serve as a greater distraction as we walk down the street.
In cities like Murcia, and many others, signs have been painted on the pavement warning pedestrians to be more alert, often accompanied in areas with tactile paving, ribbed tiles designed to help those with visual impairment, now helping those who choose to not look ahead.
Now, in the city of Bodegraven-Reeuwijk in the west of the Netherlands, a city with a population of 32,000 inhabitants, a new type of light alert has been installed to prevent mobile phone distractions. It is called, “+Lichtlijn”.
The new system has been located at a pedestrian crossing at an intersection near several schools. It consists of a line of light integrated into the sidewalk that changes from red to green, synchronised with the main traffic light, and is visible by pedestrians looking at their mobile phones.
“People are increasingly distracted by their mobile phones. We cannot oppose this fashion, but we can anticipate it,” said Kees Oskam, councillor for Bodebraven-Reeuwijk City Council.
The “+Lichtlijn” project is currently being tested and could be used in other Dutch municipalities in order to further prove its effectiveness.
What do you think? Is this a good development? Let us know your thoughts by emailing news@n332.es

Excerpt: We are hopefully all aware of pedestrian crossings and the signs and signals used to indicate how we interact with these locations, red and green men, traffic lights, even belisha beacons, but as the world around us changes, so does Read More ...

### Officer Injured Stopping Car Theft

An officer from Elche´s local police has been injured whilst trying to stop a thief who was apparently in the process of stealing a car in the Los Palmerales area.

Police said in a statement that the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when officers were alerted to the presence of an individual who was apparently trying to steal a car parked on Calle Olmo.
Upon arriving at the scene, the officers identified the person and proceeded to stop him while entering a red Seat Leon car. One of the policemen stood by the car to try to stop him and prevent his escape, but ignoring the indications, the suspect ran over the officer, knocking him off his motorbike.
The individual attempted to flee and, when his career was his escape was blocked by other police units of the Territorial Support Group, he stopped and “initiated a dangerous reversing manoeuvre”.
In doing so, he collided with a parked car and other police patrols that had closed in on him and drove over the officer who was still lay on the ground injured.
Several officers ran to the vehicle and overpowered the driver, arresting him. The man, who was not a resident of Elche, is known to have “numerous criminal records”.
The car he was driving was stolen and had false number plates belonging to a different car. In addition, there was a mobile phone that was known to be stolen and other objects, apparently also as a result of theft, such as a television, foreign currency, watches, jewellery, four radio cassettes, car keys and remote controls.
The officer suffered serious bruises and cuts, although luckily no fracture occurred, and after being treated at IMED hospital in Torrellano, was discharged, although he will remain off work for a while.

Excerpt: An officer from Elche´s local police has been injured whilst trying to stop a thief who was apparently in the process of stealing a car in the Los Palmerales area. Police said in a statement that the incident occurred on Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 7

Issue 7 of N332 RoadWatch is now available. You can read the eMagazine for FREE below, or you can purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project.

Buy PDF and Support the project
This is what is in this edition…
Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine.
As we move into June, we move into the start of summer. Children will soon be finishing school until September, which does lead to a reduction in morning and afternoon traffic, but also leads to an increased risk as children become free to explore, play and learn on their own, often finding themselves too close to the roads.
Vulnerable road users are the main topic for this issue, primarily looking at cyclists. We have had a number of tragedies recently, with cyclists killed on the roads. In one case, a drunk driver was responsible for killing three people, and seriously injuring others. In fact, two of those injured remain under medical care, only recently managing to leave intensive care, weeks after the incident.
We look at cyclists in some detail this issue, however, we must not only look at protecting them, but also at them protecting themselves, exercising respect for the laws that they not only command, but deserve.
There is lots more inside this issue which we hope you will find lots of interest, check out the contents list on the right, and remember to keep checking the website, n332.es, for more.
You can read this edition for FREE here, or look below to purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project.


Contents
4 Male drivers – Double the risk at the wheel than women
5 A Taxi Fit for a King
6 Crime Figures Down
6 Odd Road News
8 Debunking the Myths – Drunk Passengers
9 Dogs Locked in Cars – The Truth
10 Stricter ITV Controls from 2018
12 How the Driving Test has Evolved over Time
14 If you feel unsafe driving at night, you might be suffering from night blindness
16 Obtaining a Duplicate Driving Licence and Official Guide
18 Road Traffic May be Affected Following Alicante-Elche Airport Crash Simulation
20 Light Cleaning
22 Sharing the Road, Respect and Responsibility
26 Getting Fined Without Moving
28 Choosing a Crash Helmet
30 Pedestrian Lights – 2017 Style
32 The Gallery
34 Half of Spaniards would Ban Smoking in Cars
36 Citroën C4 is May´s Top Seller

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Excerpt: Issue 7 of N332 RoadWatch is now available. You can read the eMagazine for FREE below, or you can purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project. Buy PDF and Support the project This Read More ...

### Baby Killed in Alicante Balcony Fall

The National Police are investigating the death of a child of about two years of age who died after falling from the fourth floor of a house in the city of Alicante.

The tragic event occurred just after 13:00 hours on Saturday when, for unknown reasons, the child fell from the balcony on the fourth floor of a house located on avenida Maestro Alonso in the north of the city.
The police and medics attended the scene and transferred the child to the General Hospital of Alicante, located nearby. The baby was alive on arrival at the hospital, having had the fall cushioned somewhat by a parked car.
Sadly, the baby later died due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained in the fall.
The Judicial Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and taking statement s from possible witnesses as well as information relating to the scene.

Excerpt: The National Police are investigating the death of a child of about two years of age who died after falling from the fourth floor of a house in the city of Alicante. The tragic...

### Guardia Civil Officers in Distraction Near Miss

Two officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department managed to jump for their lives when a distracted articulated truck failed to see their car on the hard shoulder.

The officers were assisting another vehicle which had got into difficulty and had stopped their marked patrol car on the hard shoulder with emergency lights illuminated.
The truck driver apparently failed to see their vehicle and scraped along the side at such force that the airbags deployed.
It was as much luck as skill that the officers managed to jump out of the way from what could so easily have been a catastrophic incident.

Excerpt: Two officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department managed to jump for their lives when a distracted articulated truck failed to see their car on the hard shoulder. The officers were assisting another vehicle which had got into difficulty and Read More ...

### Rojales Pirate Taxi Seized

A driver from the Alicante town of Rojales has been issued with a 4,001 euro fine, and had his minibus seized and immobilised by the police, after a complaint that the vehicle was being used conducting the unauthorised and illegal carriage of passengers in exchange for money or goods, in other words, as a pirate taxi.
The driver has been fined for not holding a taxi licence, or a contract of work, amongst other offences, following a complaint from legal and registered taxi drivers over intrusions from the private sector which are not only damaging their income, but are also putting the lives of other road users at severe risk.
The complaint arose after a legal taxi was booked to carry out a journey from Alicante-Elche airport to the Rojales area. Two days later, the booking was cancelled, which led the official taxi driver to become suspicious. Calculating the approximate arrival of the family at the residency, the taxi driver decided to carry out surveillance on the home and await the potential arrival of his cancelled fare.
The surveillance paid off as the taxi driver witnessed a vehicle approach the property, displaying images of a suspected fake transport company owned by a private individual.
As a result of the report, the local police requested to see the documentation relating to the vehicle and the company, discovering that the vehicle was not a licenced taxi, nor does the driver have a work contract of any form, or a rental contract for the property he allegedly claimed to be renting to the passengers he was transporting.

Pursuant to Article 10.1 of the Reglamento de la Ley de Ordenación de los Transportes (ROTT), the vehicle was immobilised and transported by a tow truck to be made available to the Ministry of Transport until the owner of the vehicle can fully present the required documentation.
You don´t have to be so blatant as to pretend to pass off as a legal transport vehicle to fall foul of the law. Just doing an “airport run” in exchange for money, even if it´s just for petrol, still constitutes operating as a pirate taxi.
Legal taxis have to undergo more stringent vehicle testing than normal cars, and the drivers have to be licenced and approved and are monitored for consistency in service delivery, all of which requires them to pay a substantial fee to hold the rights to carry passengers for money.
The collaboration of the police and the taxi drivers is helping to fight against this intrusion in the sector. With the implementation of the new law that immobilises vehicles, something which until now was not possible, allows the police to ensure that all relevant safety and documentation compliances are in place before the vehicle is permitted back on the road.

Excerpt: A driver from the Alicante town of Rojales has been issued with a 4,001 euro fine, and had his minibus seized and immobilised by the police, after a complaint that the vehicle was being used conducting the unauthorised and illegal Read More ...

### Drainage Improvement Works on the N-332 at La Mata

Torrevieja´s local government has been informed that the Ministry of Public Works has begun the execution of the drainage works of the N-332 Road at La Mata, where it joins with Avenida de los Europeos, to try to avoid continual flooding in the area during heavy rains.

The work consists of excavations at the exit of the currently existing drainage works, to improve its functionality. With this work it is possible that a municipal plot will be temporarily affected in which the land extracted from the excavation will be deposited, if necessary.
This action has been considered an emergency by the State Roads Demarcation in the Valencian Community and consists of the “adequacy, repair and improvement of the drainage system at N-332 kilometre PK 63”.

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s local government has been informed that the Ministry of Public Works has begun the execution of the drainage works of the N-332 Road at La Mata, where it joins with Avenida de los Europeos, to try to avoid continual Read More ...

### Ten Times Over Limit Truck Driver Stopped

Officers from the Guardia Civil Trafico in Pontevedra intercepted a 44-year old truck driver from Redondela on the A-52 motorway, who registered at 10 times over the legal maximum permitted limit of alcohol for a professional driver of this type of vehicle.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, at around 18:00, when officers received an alert of an articulated truck driving erratically on the A-52, and so that patrols were dispatched from the Porriño based where they followed the truck before intercepting it at kilometre 292.
The driver, who showed obvious symptoms of intoxication, underwent a breath test, in which he gave a positive reading of 1.69 and 1.63 mg / l, which is ten times the limit allowed for this type of profession.
The Guardia Civil point out that this is “the highest rate detected in Galicia in recent years,” and is to inducing ethyl coma and progressive unconsciousness.
As a result, the truck, with which he intended to travel to France, was impounded, and judicial proceedings were instituted for a crime against road safety, with a prison sentence of between 3 and 6 months, a significant fine or community service being the likely outcome, plus the loss of licence for, and subsequently his profession, for between 1 and 4 years.
The man, who was disoriented, was picked up by his family at the police station.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil Trafico in Pontevedra intercepted a 44-year old truck driver from Redondela on the A-52 motorway, who registered at 10 times over the legal maximum permitted limit of alcohol for a professional driver of this type Read More ...

### Taxi Protest will Reach Orihuela Costa on Tuesday

Taxi drivers and their associations across Spain have been protesting over developments which they feel significantly harms their business, and those protest have been spreading across Spain, and will be supported by taxi drivers on the Orihuela Costa on Tuesday.

Not only are taxi drivers facing damage to their business by the number of unlicensed, private vehicles operating as taxis on frequent “airport runs”, they are also facing the impact of a growing number of private rental vehicles, vehículos con conductor or VTC.
The associations are demanding that the licencing sector comply with the agreement of 1 licenced VTC for every 30 licenced taxis, as listed in the Transportation Act of 1987. In certain locations, the ratio has increased to 1 VTC for every 7 taxis, and increasing.
In Madrid, in the most recent protest, about a thousand taxi drivers demonstrated in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Works to demand that the government “complies with the law.”
The participants completed a journey between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public Works in about two hours, a procession which required the intervention of the National Police as the protest escalated.
In Barcelona, there was a strike for four hours, which also concluded with most of the associations of taxi drivers convening in rally in Plaza Catalunya.
There have also been protests in other places in Spain, such as San Sebastian, where 700 taxi drivers supported the strike. In Santander, about 300 taxi drivers cut off traffic by parking their vehicles on the two lanes of Calle Calvo Sotelo, which houses the headquarters of the Government Delegation in Cantabria.
The employers in the VTC sector, Unauto, have criticised the accusations of “intrusiveness” and “unfair competition”, as, unlike the pirate taxis, they are licenced by the autonomous communities and the operation is totally regulated and considered, like the taxi, as a public service by the regulations, although those regulations are the ones which dictate the 1 to 30 ratio which is being ignored.
Now, the campaign and campaign is extending even further, with the next main protest scheduled for Tuesday, the 30th of May, in most major cities around Spain, with a centralised protest once again in Madrid.

This time, the Orihuela Costa taxi association will also be joining in the protest, with a gathering outside the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre. The president of the association will drive to Madrid to join the main protest, but the rest of the association’s drivers will position themselves at the shopping centre from noon, and will not move for the next two hours.
Although the protest will mean that there will be no taxis available during the protest, the drivers have agreed that they will still respond to emergencies, if needed.
On Tuesday, there are likely to be major problems on the roads as the taxi drivers carrying out various activities to raise awareness of the message of their campaign, which is simply that they want the government to comply with the law in the same way that they must, albeit at a huge expense when it comes to their licences, vehicle maintenance and inspection regime.

Excerpt: Taxi drivers and their associations across Spain have been protesting over developments which they feel significantly harms their business, and those protest have been spreading across Spain, and will be supported by taxi drivers on the Orihuela Costa on Tuesday. Read More ...

### Do We Have to Wear a Hat?

This week, we received a question from Costa Blanca People reader, John Bevan, from Quesada.
John asked, “Is it true that drivers of open top cars must wear some sort of hat to protect them from the intense rays of the sun?”

The answer is, according to law, no, you don´t. In fact, there is a chance that wearing a hat would prove dangerous as if it is not worn correctly, the wind could catch it, and blow the hat away and this could then become a potential hazard to other road users, especially the most vulnerable such as cyclists. However, the likelihood of this happening is slim, it is still a potential risk.
Of course not talking legally, it does make sense to wear a hat in order to protect yourself from the sun and its damaging rays as you say, but it is not a legal requirement.
The question does open up other points for comment, however, regarding open top cars. As much as possible, the manufacturers of these vehicles design them to be as safe as cars with full roofs. They are often fitted with strengthened supports around the windscreen for example, and roll bars, although these are not often as clearly identifiable as those fitted in rally cars, for example, in commercially available vehicles they are often integral to the structure.
So long as we are positioned correctly, sat down, wearing our seatbelt in the correct manner, open top cars are usually perfectly safe. Like all vehicles, It is when we don´t follow the design and safety guidelines when things go wrong.
Sometimes, vehicle occupants are seen with their hands held up or out of the cars, on a rare occasion even standing. Only recently, a vehicle was observed driving along the N-332 with the passenger standing up. This was not an open top car but it had a sunroof. We don´t need to be so graphic as to describe the likely outcome if that vehicle was involved in a collision of some form. You must keep your extremities, arms, legs etc., well within the confines of the vehicle for the roll bars to provide protection.
On the subject of legs, it is an increasingly common sight to see passengers with their legs up and feet on the dashboard. This also occurs in all types of vehicles and seems to increase with the summer months. It is an extremely dangerous practice. It is also illegal. The legs and feet can obscure the driver´s view, but worse than that, in the event of a collision there are two very common injuries, both of which often result in such serious injuries, amputation is common.
In the event of a collision, the airbags are normally deployed. If a passenger´s legs are over these airbags they will feel the full force of that deployment, which normally results in fractures to the legs, sometimes pelvic damage. If airbags do not deploy it is easy for the body to be thrown forward, underneath the seatbelt, an action known as submarining. This forces the body, feet first, like a torpedo through the windscreen, resulting in severe lacerations, often accompanied by fractures.

The only safe way to sit in any vehicle is within the design of the seat, with seatbelt securely fastened. You can read more about this on the n332.es website where we have a number of articles explaining in more detail.

Excerpt: This week, we received a question from Costa Blanca People reader, John Bevan, from Quesada. John asked, “Is it true that drivers of open top cars must wear some sort of hat to protect them from the intense rays of Read More ...

### Study Called for N-332 Road to be Buried

A local councillor representing the socialist PSOE party in Orihuela, María García, has announced that her group will table a motion to the local government´s monthly meeting in May, to propose that the Ministry of Public Works studies the possibility of partially or totally diverting sections of the N-332, as it passes through eastern coast, through a series of underground tunnels.

García has noted that in recent years there have been numerous victims of road traffic incidents in the area, many of which have been fatal, “not only in Orihuela, but also Gata de Gorgos, Benissa and Santa Pola, where similar motions to improve road safety and alleviate the acoustic and traffic problems of this road have already been tabled.”
The councillor has stated that it is time to claim investments for Orihuela, “proposing the solution that has long been proposed in various forums: the total or partial burial of the N-332 as it passes through the Oriol coast”, in such a way as to, “allow transverse permeability between residential areas and mitigate the security problems that exist today.”
The N-332 as it passes through Orihuela has already undergone a major transformation, through a huge investment, to make the road two-lanes in each direction, although many areas are still lacking adequate crossing points for pedestrians. In neighbouring Torrevieja, the road is still a single lane and causes major delays at peak times due to the volume of traffic. For over a decade this section had supposed to have been widened, but largely political failings have led to that, so far, never materialising.

Excerpt: A local councillor representing the socialist PSOE party in Orihuela, María García, has announced that her group will table a motion to the local government´s monthly meeting in May, to propose that the Ministry of Public Works studies the possibility Read More ...

### Octogenarian Killed after Road Rage Incident

An elderly man from Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid) has dies following an apparent road-rage incident.

The man, an 81-year-old local resident, who walked with a stick, was said to have been preparing to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing on avenida de Los Fresnos, after collecting medication from a pharmacy.
According to witnesses, a car approached the crossing at “high speed” and the octogenarian verbally reprimanded the driver for going so fast.
The driver got out of his car and punched the pensioner in the face. The elderly man fell backwards to the ground, falling on his back and hitting his neck and head on the ground.
The attacker, said to be male and approximately 25 years of age, returned to his vehicle, in which a female passenger was waiting, and drove off.
Several witnesses recorded the vehicle registration and vehicle type, and one witness managed to video the incident.
When the emergency services arrived, the victim was still lay on the zebra crossing, where he fell, having suffered an apparent cardiac arrest. Medics attempted to revive the man but could do nothing to save his life.
The investigation into the incident was handed over to the judicial police. At 18:00 on the same day, a suspect was in custody.

Excerpt: An elderly man from Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid) has dies following an apparent road-rage incident. The man, an 81-year-old local resident, who walked with a stick, was said to have been preparing to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing Read More ...

### Dear diary… Test Passed… Licence Lost…

The eager celebrations of a young man from Valladolid were short lived on Wednesday after his near-perfect driving test concluded with him losing his licence on the same day.

Having successfully completed his driving test shortly after noon, with congratulations from the instructor over his performance in the test, the next step is to wait until the licence is issued and sent to the successful applicant, normally a few days later.
However, our excited new driver didn´t want to wait and decided to go for a celebratory drive with his friends that afternoon.
The vehicle was stopped at a routine checkpoint, where the driver was asked to produce his documents. “Listen, officer, which I approved this morning”, he said, “I behaved perfectly, they even congratulated me”, was the convincing tale he told the officer, however, driving without being in possession of your licence is an offence, and so the young man was issued a fine and had his licence withdrawn before he´s even received it.

Excerpt: The eager celebrations of a young man from Valladolid were short lived on Wednesday after his near-perfect driving test concluded with him losing his licence on the same day. Having successfully completed his driving test shortly after noon, with congratulations Read More ...

### Father and Son in Torrevieja Cliff Rescue Drama

Rescuers from the Provincial Fire Consortium have rescued a 46-year-old British man and his son, aged 13, who had become trapped in an area of ​​sea cliffs near the rising tide and waves.

The emergency services received notice at 16:00 alerting them that the man and boy had become stranded in a steep and rocky area of the beach.
Rescuers were dispatched from Torrevieja fire station and a helicopter was called to assist.
Ground troops rescued the pair, in good health, without the need of the helicopter.

Excerpt: Rescuers from the Provincial Fire Consortium have rescued a 46-year-old British man and his son, aged 13, who had become trapped in an area of ​​sea cliffs near the rising tide and waves. The...

### Cop Killing Drunk Driver Remanded in Custody

The drunk driver who knocked down and killed a police officer at an alcohol checkpoint has been remanded in custody, without bail, by the judge.

Hansjörg Rohrbach, a Swizz national, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter for fatally hitting officer José Luis Garea, who was performing a blood alcohol test on another driver with colleagues and a Guardia Civil patrol in Carballo (A Coruña) .
Rohrbach ran over the officer early on Saturday morning in his van when he failed to stop at a checkpoint. Tests conducted after the incident revealed that he exceeded the allowed alcohol rate, with concentrations of 0.91 and 0.94 milligrams per litre of exhaled air.
Rohrbach had already lost his licence two years ago after being caught with excessive alcohol in his system whilst driving. After court, his lawyer said that he was “sorry” for how things happened and offered his condolences to the family of the officer he killed.
With an apparent increase in habitual offenders taking to the road, the DGT has already announced a strategy to deal with those involved in multiple occurrences of drink or drug driving.

Excerpt: The drunk driver who knocked down and killed a police officer at an alcohol checkpoint has been remanded in custody, without bail, by the judge. Hansjörg Rohrbach, a Swizz national, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter for fatally hitting officer Read More ...

### Coach Driver Arrest Six Times over the Limit

Officers from the Guardia Civil in the Region of Murcia have intercepted and detained a coach driver who was carrying 40 passengers whilst sit times over the maximum permitted alcohol limit.

The incident occurred at around 17:30 on Wednesday when the Guardia Civil operations centre was alerted by a service station employee in the Jumilla municipality over suspicions that the driver was displaying signs of intoxication.
A traffic patrol was dispatched to intercept the vehicle as it headed towards Alicante. In order to minimise the risk to the passengers and other road users the officers stopped the coach in the La Paz service station on the A-7, located in Sangonera la Seca.
Once the vehicle was safely off the off the road the driver was subjected to a mandatory alcohol test in which he yielded a positive result of 1.02 and 0.99 milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air, six times the maximum rate permitted in the case of professional drivers, which is 0.15 mg / litre.
The driver, who was carrying 40 Chinese tourists from Granada to Valencia, was arrested for an alleged crime of driving under the influence of alcohol and exceeding the established rates, and was brought before the courts in Murcia, where he faces a prison sentence of between 6 to 12 months, community service between 31 and 90 days, a fine and the termination of his licence for up to 4 years.
The officers praised the actions of the service station employee in reporting the suspicions to them, and appeal to all citizens to exercise a civil conscience and, without hesitation, contact the Guardia Civil on 062 (in Spanish) or the emergency coordination centre on 112 (other languages) to report suspicious drivers who may have consumed excessive alcohol or drugs.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in the Region of Murcia have intercepted and detained a coach driver who was carrying 40 passengers whilst sit times over the maximum permitted alcohol limit. The incident occurred at around 17:30 on Wednesday when Read More ...

### Alicante Bike Thieves Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil in San Juan, Alicante, have arrested five men for allegedly stealing bicycles from local residents and delivering them to a distributor for shipment on the ferry to Algeria.

Those arrested established a surveillance network and storage rooms in garages in order to commit the thefts, as reported by the Guardia Civil in a statement. Specifically, the suspects watched several parts of the town and its surroundings, including the city of Alicante, and took note of cyclists who rode a bicycle of acceptable quality, then followed them.
When the thieves discovered where the cyclists lived, they continued their surveillance to ascertain patterns of movement in order to choose the right moment to enter the property and steal the bikes.
First they forcibly enter storage rooms or garages, and once they had the bike in their possession, passed it onto a van to move it directly to the distributor, said to be of African origin, in Alicante, who would buy them for a much lower price than the real value and ship them on the ferry directly to their customers in Algeria.
The investigations concluded that the three alleged perpetrators of the thefts were acting on behalf of the distributor, since the items were provided specifically to the requirements of the end purchaser.
In addition to the bicycles, on one occasion they stole a motorbike from Mutxamel in Alicante, which was recovered with fake number plates. In another they stole a bike using violence and pushed the owner to the ground.
Officers recovered a number of bikes and arrested five men: three Spaniards aged 32, 37 and 37, a Bulgarian aged 33 and a Moroccan aged 31, all suspected of at least 43 crimes.
As a result of this case, officers would like to raise awareness once more of the importance of recording serial numbers and identifying characteristics bicycles, as well as taking photographs, in order to make them identifiable in the case of theft.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in San Juan, Alicante, have arrested five men for allegedly stealing bicycles from local residents and delivering them to a distributor for shipment on the ferry to Algeria. Those arrested established a surveillance network and Read More ...

### Police Officer Killed at Alcohol Check Point

An officer from the Local Police in Carballo was killed by a drunk driver on Friday night.

The incident occurred at around 05:00 on Saturday morning when the officer was involved in an alcohol and drug check point in the Labradas area of the municipality.
The officer, a resident of Cerceda in A Coruña, was carrying out a breathalyser test on a driver when the second vehicle approached and crashed into the individuals.
The policeman, José Luis Garea, was rushed to the Carballo health centre, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver who ran over the officer was arrested and has tested positive for alcohol, and will now be brought before the courts.

Excerpt: An officer from the Local Police in Carballo was killed by a drunk driver on Friday night. The incident occurred at around 05:00 on Saturday morning when the officer was involved in an alcohol and drug check point in the Read More ...

### Surveillance Campaign on Secondary Roads

Each year, more than 900 people in Spain die in traffic incidents on conventional roads, roads that have a single traffic lane in each direction and do not have a physical separation between both directions. For this reason, the DGT has started a special campaign, which runs until Sunday the 21st of May, providing additional surveillance and controls on secondary roads.

The aim of the campaign, according to the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, “is to achieve safer behaviour amongst drivers using these roads and therefore a reduction of accidents”. He said, “We are aware that on these roads are where most of the fatal accidents occur, so almost all the urgent measures that the Minister of the Interior announced at the beginning of the year are being implemented on this type of road”.
For a week, officers from the Guardia Civil Traffic department, as well as colleagues from the Local and Regional Police, will provide extra controls looking specifically at speeding drivers, as well as undue overtaking, especially involving cyclists, using the seatbelt and child restraint systems, using the mobile phone, headphones or navigation system, as well as vehicle and driver documentation or any other traffic and road safety legislation.
In addition to the observations on the ground, surveillance will also be carried out from the air with the helicopters available to the DGT, including those fitted with Pegasus radar equipment.

Long-term Measures
Due to the high number of incidents on this type of road, conventional roads are one of the DGT’s priority objectives. For this reason, the Minister of the Interior, Juan Ignacio Zoido, presented to the Commission on Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility of the Congress of Deputies a plan of urgent measures to be implemented on this type of road.
One of the most important is the installation of longitudinal rumble strips on 3,000 km of conventional roads classified as especially dangerous. These guides are a longitudinal series of milled (perforated) elements in the tread layer of pavement intended to alert distracted drivers that their vehicle is diverting from the path of the lane. Thus when the tires of the vehicles pass through the rumble strip, the driver receives warnings by means of vibration and sound.

Installation of dynamic signalling systems that warn of the presence of vehicles at dangerous crossings on conventional roads. When the system detects a vehicle at one of the branches of access to the crossing, a luminous panel is activated, alerting approaching vehicles that there is a potential hazard ahead.
Signage for 49 new safe cycle routes will be added to the 56 existing ones. The purpose of this is to facilitate and protect cyclists on conventional roads and reduce the incident rate of this vulnerable group. To this end, a warning sign shall be installed for all users of the route of periods, sections and routes with high intensity of cyclists. This signalling shall include speed limitations for specific days and time periods of a temporary nature in defined long-distance routes.
Other Measures
Safety reinforcement in overtaking areas with a higher number of incidents will aim to try to improve the safety of conventional roads with actions that give greater certainty to the driver to carry out such manoeuvre. For this, an analysis of potentially dangerous areas will be carried out and then repainting and relocation of vertical signals in the overtaking areas based on the analysis and study of the sections, as well as a reinforcement by double white lines and/or elements of beaconing or separation of certain sections where overtaking is prohibited.
In the second half of the year, new speed control points will be installed in the especially dangerous sections according to the new black point relationship obtained with the new methodology.
In addition, a new instruction will be in force in the coming months, which sets out the criteria for the implementation and management of the cinemometers, which reinforce the complementary measures prior to installation.
Conventional Road Data
In 2015, the last year of consolidated data, 971 people died on conventional roads, representing 74% of the total fatalities on interurban roads, which amounted to 1,248. In addition, another 3,780 people were injured and required hospitalisation as a result of injuries occurred on these conventional ways.
These roads account for more than 90% of the total kilometres of the road network, are the most dangerous and those that represent a higher incident rate, although the density of traffic they support is less than on roads as motorways and highways.
Four out of ten fatal incidents occurring on conventional roads are leaving the lane, whereas two out of ten are frontal collisions.

Excerpt: Each year, more than 900 people in Spain die in traffic incidents on conventional roads, roads that have a single traffic lane in each direction and do not have a physical separation between both directions. For this reason, the DGT Read More ...

### Cyclist Protection Plans Revealed

Juan Ignacio Zoido, the Minister of the Interior, chaired the Traffic Safety Committee of the General Traffic Department (DGT) meeting on Tuesday, as we reported in the Costa Blanca People, in order to study the problems facing cyclists and all road users relating to their safe movement.

The Minister stressed that some of these measures are already being implemented “as a result of the Plan of Urgent Measures” launched by the Ministry of the Interior and the General Directorate of Traffic a few months ago.
The Road Safety Committee first analysed the accident rate, both the number of casualties (7,186 accidents involving cyclists, 58 cyclists killed and 652 injured) and the type of road in which they occurred (72% In urban areas, although the most serious (-48 deaths) occurred on interurban roads), evolution (in 2015 there were 14 fewer deaths than in 2014, although it seems that in 2017 there is a rebound in the number of fatalities on the road).
Following this analysis, the Committee deepened the implementation of measures, which Minister Zoido announced, “because they are not mere figures, they are human lives, they are tragedies”, he said.
The measures include:
Signage of 49 new safe cycling routes, to be added to the 56 existing ones, with the aim of facilitating and protecting the movement of cyclists on conventional roads and reducing their accidents. This signalling will include speed limitations on specific days and times, of a temporary nature and in defined inter-urban stretches.
Communication and awareness campaigns to publicise the regulations for cyclists and, in particular, on their safety. For example, he cited the title “Almas Ciclistas” , released in April, which reproduced the last route taken by several dead cyclists and testimonies of their families. Another awareness campaign based on real testimonies of people who have suffered accidents or their relatives, whose broadcast will be produced before the summer in traditional media, especially radio and television, was also announced.
Use of variable message panels for awareness messages. On Saturdays and Sundays, the most common days of cycling on the road, these panels will remind drivers of the main rules regarding cyclists (minimum safety distance of 1.5 m, the possibility of crossing the continuous line in overtaking, riding in parallel, etc.).
Enhanced use of the Comobity application. This DGT app – which has 51,000 users and 58,000 warnings, informs the users of the presence of cyclists on the route.
A greater presence of the Guardia Civil Traffic patrols on those secondary routes with a greater presence of cyclists during the weekends.
An increasee of alcohol and drug controls on Saturdays and Sundays on conventional roads. The minister Zoido codified 100,000 controls for alcohol and 30,000 for drugs, increasing of the same.
Special Surveillance Plan, with the presence of aerial and terrestrial means for the protection of cyclists.
Improve knowledge of cycling mobility. To this end, the DGT will continue to identify the interurban routes most frequented by cyclists, distinguishing those used for sports that are used for forced mobility, and will be integrated into mobility maps.
Deepening the analysis of cyclists’ accidents, with in-depth studies of recent years, typologies, causes, highly dangerous sections, rapid follow-up reports on accidents with cyclist victims.
Proposal and evaluation of road and signalling interventions, with pilot experiences of innovative measures to improve safety and provide a safe space for cyclists (eg intelligent signals, separation marks of 1.5 meters etc.).
Actions on the causes of the accidents. The loss of validity of drivers’ licenses for alcohol and drug driving penalties and the initiation of sanctioning procedures when the judicial authority decrees the criminal record for infractions to Traffic regulations after having an accident.
Repeat Alcohol and Drug Offender Will Lose their Licence
Another measure announced by the Minister of the Interior was that drivers who repeatedly drink or use drugs and drive will lose the validity of their licence due to lack of psychophysical skills – according to articles 36 of the Regulation of General Drivers.
For this purpose, repeat offenders shall mean those drivers who have two or more alcohol and / or drug sanctions within a period of less than two years, and therefore believe that they may have a problem of abuse or dependence on those substances and should be evaluated and treated in the manner provided for in the General Drivers Regulation.

Excerpt: Juan Ignacio Zoido, the Minister of the Interior, chaired the Traffic Safety Committee of the General Traffic Department (DGT) meeting on Tuesday, as we reported in the Costa Blanca People, in order to study the problems facing cyclists and all Read More ...

### The DGT Launch New Mobility Plans

The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has presented the new Model of Mobility for Spain at the Connected Hub Congress during the Barcelona Motor Show.

The plan will include real-time reporting through smartphones or on board devices of all incidents occurring on the roads to reduce the risk of an accident, prevent a traffic jam or protect the most vulnerable users.
Gregorio Serrano explained that, “the traditional model of mobility management must evolve using the tools offered by new technologies and putting them at the service of the driver. For that, we are working on a model in which the DGT is the digital and personal interlocutor of each citizen, so that it becomes his virtual co-pilot.”
This new mobility model is based on connectivity, which, in the cases of vehicles, is a reality that is already present in most of them either through embedded systems or through mobile devices.
Plataforma DGT 3.0
DGT 3.0 is the technological platform that will make it possible to collate all of the information that the drivers and information providers share, anonymously and voluntarily, to communicate generic incidence alerts provided by a third party, works, information supplied by warning message panels, special driving conditions (fog, pedestrians, cyclists, special vehicles, emergencies), and a static mobility map of information (restrictions, gas stations), recommended speeds and congestion maps.
This information will be sent in real time and information providers will be able to develop services to be disseminated only to those drivers who may be directly affected by them and who voluntarily wish to be informed.
The idea, announced Gregorio Serrano, “is to facilitate the provision of a service to all road users (drivers, pedestrians or cyclists), help them make the best decisions in advance and knowing, in real time, incidents that could affect him.”
In order to carry out this platform, the General Directorate of Traffic is working with the main players in the sector (manufacturers, financial entities, mobile operators, insurers, transport companies etc.) so that the connectivity and autonomy of the vehicles helps to make safer and more sustainable mobility.
Spain, A Pioneering Country
In addition, Spain is a pioneer in the interpretation of the possibilities offered by the technologies in the framework of the connected vehicle as the DGT 3.0 platform will be the first platform that offers a response to road safety situations with a direct and positive impact on the driver.
A Single Objective
The DGT 3.0 platform is linked to the “Visión Cero” plan for secure and sustainable mobility.
According to Serrano, “totally eliminating accidents on our roads is difficult to imagine today, but if we know that thanks to the technological advances we are in the way to achieve it. The connected vehicle platform is one of the aids that go in that line and that will allow drivers to be better informed, more attentive and therefore with many more means at their disposal to avoid the accidents.”
Experts say that in the coming years vehicles will improve their ability to visualize situations, understand them and avoid accidents by helping distractions and human errors disappear as the cause of the accident.
The greater number of connected users who decide to interact on the platform, the more information will be generated in real time to make better decisions that allow us to move in a more secure mobility environment.

Excerpt: The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has presented the new Model of Mobility for Spain at the Connected Hub Congress during the Barcelona Motor Show. The plan will include real-time reporting through smartphones or on board devices of Read More ...

### Lucky Escape for Drunk Driver

A drunk driver had a lucky escape in Murcia, when the car he was driving crashed and burst into flames as a result of the impact.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning on the road to Beniaján in the Azacaya area. Several people were injured in the crash although all are lucky to be alive.
Murcia Local Police detained the drive, reporting that alcohol was a significant factor in the incident.

Excerpt: A drunk driver had a lucky escape in Murcia, when the car he was driving crashed and burst into flames as a result of the impact. The incident occurred on Sunday morning on the road to Beniaján in the Azacaya Read More ...

### Another House Fire in Alicante

Fire crews across the Alicante province have been utilised to capacity recently, partly due to a number of forest fires, and partly due to an increase in the number of house fires.

The latest, in Alicante city, occurred on Monday, when a fire in an apartment block resulted in 14 fire fighters battling for 90 minutes to extinguish the flames.
Luckily, in this incident, there were 4 survivors, all of which had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Excerpt: Fire crews across the Alicante province have been utilised to capacity recently, partly due to a number of forest fires, and partly due to an increase in the number of house fires. The latest,...

### Extra Measures to Crack Down on Habitual Offenders

The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has announced an urgent review to further increase measure made available to clamp down on habitual drink and drug drivers.

The announcement came just before a third cyclist died in hospital from injuries sustained when a drunk and drugged driver ploughed into a group of cyclists at the weekend, killing two at the scene, and rendering three more hospitalised with serious injuries.
The driver had her licence withdrawn four years ago after testing positive for blood alcohol and failed to take the mandatory course required to revalidate the licence. Immediately prior to this incident, the driver managed to avoid three alcohol checkpoints, highlighting the importance of not sharing such information through social media, as any one of those patrols would have prevented the tragedy had they been able to stop her.
Serrano has called for an “urgent” meeting on Tuesday 16 May with the Road Safety Committee (Comité de Seguridad Vial) which will address “the growing problem of fatal accidents of the cyclist” and will detail the measures the DGT would like to implement.
Serrano has said that reforming the Penal Code is not within the competence of the DGT, but they can ensure that the tools to act against offenders are made available.
“We are seeing that the number of cyclists that die every weekend on our roads is unbearable, and we are not prepared for anyone to be in fear of not returning home alive”, Serrano said, explaining how the Strategic Plan for Bicycles has already begun to be drawn up and that the working group has been convened to prepare it.
Investment in cycle routes and their expansion must continue, he said, and constant maintenance and repair is crucial.
That said, the individual responsibility of all road users must be accepted, including cyclists, who must not only play their part by ensuring compliance with the rules and laws of the roads but also in maintaining visibility and offering mutual respect that they demand from other road users.

Excerpt: The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has announced an urgent review to further increase measure made available to clamp down on habitual drink and drug drivers. The announcement came just before a third cyclist died in hospital from Read More ...

### Another Drunk Driver Ploughs into Group of Cyclists

Catalan Police have arrested a 26-year-old Colombian national for crimes against road safety, after she ploughed into a group of cyclists in the Riudoms area of Tarragona.

The incident occurred at around 07:15 in the morning on the T-704 road, when the vehicle being driven by the woman invaded the opposite side of the carriageway running into the group of six cyclists, three of whom were injured in the collision, one of them seriously.
The woman, who lives in Reus, had only recently obtained her driving licence and therefore is subject to a lower maximum permitted limit of alcohol. Having helped the injured at the scene, the officers then carried out a breathalyser test which reported the woman to by four times over the prescribed limit.
This latest incident comes less than a week after a group of cyclists were hit by another car, killing three of the group.

Excerpt: Catalan Police have arrested a 26-year-old Colombian national for crimes against road safety, after she ploughed into a group of cyclists in the Riudoms area of Tarragona. The incident occurred at around 07:15 in the morning on the T-704 road, Read More ...

### Not Even Sexual Starvation is Justification!

A young man from Seville was arrested by the Guardia Civil after jumping 12 red lights and travelling at speeds in excess of 200 kilometres per hour. His excuse being sexual desperation!

The man had received a WhatsApp message from his girlfriend telling him that she was home alone for an hour as her parents had gone out, and the couple were keen to have sex.
The man quickly took to his car and raced towards his girlfriend’s house, skipping all the red lights on the way. He was spotted by a Guardia Civil patrol who gave chase, pursuing the vehicle for half an hour in an attempt to get him to stop, and at speeds in excess of 200 kilometres per hour.
The man did eventually stop and told the officers why he was acting as he did. He then began to cry and pleaded with the officers to let him go, as the couple had not had sex for some time, promising to return to them in an hour.
Whether the officers felt any compassion for his situation is unknown, however, it is known that they decline his request, taking him to the Guardia Civil headquarters where he was processed and faces court for crimes against road safety.
 

Excerpt: A young man from Seville was arrested by the Guardia Civil after jumping 12 red lights and travelling at speeds in excess of 200 kilometres per hour. His excuse being sexual desperation! The man had received a WhatsApp message from Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Kills 10 Month Old Son

On Thursday night in the Toledo town of Gerindote, a young mother killed her 10-month-old baby and injured her 7-year-old son, by, for reasons as yet unknown, choosing to get behind the wheel of her car whilst under the influence of alcohol.

The incident occurred at around dawn when the woman drove her car, without lights, along a road in the opposite direction than was allowed. After a short time, the vehicle collided with a lamppost.
Although the vehicle had a child seat fitted for the baby, the child was not strapped in and was killed in the impact. The second child was wearing a seatbelt and suffered minor injuries.
The mother tested positive for alcohol and was arrested. She was allowed to attend the funeral before being further detained.
 

Excerpt: On Thursday night in the Toledo town of Gerindote, a young mother killed her 10-month-old baby and injured her 7-year-old son, by, for reasons as yet unknown, choosing to get behind the wheel of her car whilst under the influence Read More ...

### Happy Birthday to the Guardia Civil

On the 13th of May, 1844, a Royal Decree gave the official birth of the Guardia Civil.

On the 28th of March, 1844, the historic moment change the future when, under the control of the Minister of War Manuel de Mazarredo, a “special armed forces body of Infantry and Cavalry” is created, given the name of the “Guardia Civil”, under the command of Field Marshal D. Francisco Javier Girón y Ezpeleta, II Duque de Ahumada.
The challenge facing the Duque de Ahumada was to set in motion an institution that is designed “to effectively protect people and property” and therefore the Guardia Civil would be formed.
On the 20th of April, 1844, the Duque de Ahumada produced a decisive report, for which budgets and payment plans were leaked and became a cause of controversy, before the previous decree, which had not even come into force, was repealed, thus being replaced by the definitive Real Decreto de 13 de mayo, presented by the government minister, D. Ramón María Narváez, and so giving birth to the Guardia Civil.
In etymological terms, “Guardia”, comes from the Gothic word “wardja”, and then from the Old German warten, meaning watch or guard. The word “civil” comes from the Latin civilis or citizen.
Initially The Guardia Civil was formed of 14 senior officers, 232 officers and 5769 guards, scattered in 14 Tercios, thus recovering a term of great tradition and prestige in Spanish military history because it refers to select units of the army. In each of these Tercios there would be a variable number of Infantry companies and a squadron (or Independent section) of cavalry.
In the summer of 1844, the first recruitment campaign began, with many more men applying for the positions than were available. Bearing in mind that it was the reserve of men at the time.
Today, popularly known as the Benemérita, the Guardia Civil remains a militarised body, with over 77,000 personnel, not only operating in Spain but in various military and peace keeping operations around the globe. Women are now welcomed into the corps, and also operate alongside their male counterparts with the utmost of equality.
The Guardia Civil have numerous different bodies responsible for everything from counter terrorism, Royal protection, divers, maritime and airborne patrols, mountain rescue, dogs, mounted section, bomb disposal, financial investigators, child protection and many more, not forgetting the traffic department who police the national road network of Spain.
Every day the men, women, and animals of the Guardia Civil put their lives on the line, still maintaining the original reason the corps was formed, to protect people and property, deservedly celebrating the birth of the corps on the 13th of May, and then their special day on October the 12th, Festividad de la Virgen del Pilar.

Excerpt: On the 13th of May, 1844, a Royal Decree gave the official birth of the Guardia Civil. On the 28th of March, 1844, the historic moment change the future when, under the control of the Minister of War Manuel de Read More ...

### Driver Arrested Six Times Over Alcohol Limit

A woman was detained by the police in Murcia after she registered a breathalyser reading which reported that she was six times over the maximum permitted limit.
The incident occurred on Wednesday on avenida Mariano Rojas. The officers first became suspicious when the driver reversed her car into one of the police motorbikes which was parked behind.

The officers conducted a breathalyser test which revealed the driver to be six times over the limit and so she was arrested on suspicion of a crime against road safety.

Excerpt: A woman was detained by the police in Murcia after she registered a breathalyser reading which reported that she was six times over the maximum permitted limit. The incident occurred on Wednesday on avenida Mariano Rojas. The officers first became Read More ...

### April Crime Figures Show Slight Decrease

In April, 231 drivers were arrested across the Valencia region alone and brought to justice through the courts for crimes against road safety, including driving without a licence or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding, representing a decrease of 0.43% compared to the figures recorded in April 2016.

Serious road traffic infractions are treated under the penal code, with offenders facing prison. Of those who faced criminal proceedings, 53 were for driving without a permit or licence, 175 for doing so under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 3 for speeding.
In the province of Valencia, officers detected 26 drivers for lack of permit or licence, 92 for driving under the influence of alcohol and 2 for speeding, including two drivers traveling at 228 kilometres an hour in a section of road where the maximum permitted speed is 120.
In Castellon, 6 drivers went to court for driving without a licence or permit, and 17 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In Alicante, 21 drivers were brought before the judge for lack of permit or licence, 66 for driving under the influence of alcohol and one for speeding, who was traveling at 189 kilometres per hour in a section limited to a maximum of 90.

Excerpt: In April, 231 drivers were arrested across the Valencia region alone and brought to justice through the courts for crimes against road safety, including driving without a licence or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding, representing a Read More ...

### Third Cyclist Dies Following Weekend Carnage

One of the three cyclists who being treated in intensive care after being hit by a driver who tested positive for alcohol and drugs has died after four days of treatment.

José Antonio Albi, who was just 28 years of age, was operated on for head injuries to try to reduce neurological pressure. Meanwhile, two other cyclists remain in the ICU fighting for their lives.
The driver ran over five cyclists at the weekend and tested positive for alcohol and drugs. Her licence had already been withdrawn four years ago after testing positive for blood alcohol and failed to take the mandatory course required to revalidate the licence.
Raúl Ruedas, the lawyer for the defence, has said that his client was “in a state of shock” and was surprised when the Guardia Civil told her what she had done, as she didn´t remember anything.

Excerpt: One of the three cyclists who being treated in intensive care after being hit by a driver who tested positive for alcohol and drugs has died after four days of treatment. José Antonio Albi, who was just 28 years of Read More ...

### Kamikaze Drunk Driver Arrested on the AP-7

A driver was arrested this week for driving 20 kilometres in the opposite direction by the AP-7 motorway between Almussafes and Xeresa.

The incident occurred on Monday when the driver had taken the toll road in Xeresa and travelled several kilometres towards the Silla exit. However, before entering the payment area, the driver turned around and set off in the opposite direction on the same side he had just travelled, into oncoming traffic, several of which had to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
Guardia Civil officers, who were carrying out a routine patrol, pursued the vehicle for around 15 minutes before managing to block the path of the vehicle to prevent it continuing further.
Once the vehicle had stopped, the 41-year-old driver was tested for the presence of alcohol, which revealed him to be four times over the permitted maximum limit and with the presence of cocaine in his system.
The driver was arrested for crimes against road safety and transferred to Cullera, where he underwent a speedy trial in which he was sentenced to eight months in prison and withdrawal of his licence for 20 months.

Excerpt: A driver was arrested this week for driving 20 kilometres in the opposite direction by the AP-7 motorway between Almussafes and Xeresa. The incident occurred on Monday when the driver had taken the toll road in Xeresa and travelled several Read More ...

### Major Fire in Santa Pola Industrial Unit

A major fire broke out in an industrial unit in Santa Pola on Tuesday.
Fire crews from across the area attended the incident which totally destroyed one of the buildings.
Many people shared images and videos on social media as smoke could be seen from a considerable distance.
 

El espectacular incendio de #SantaPola ha dejado sin bomberos a #Crevillent y en #Elche se está llamando a efectivos que estaban librando pic.twitter.com/1fsDbbdwMk
— Onda Cero Elche (@OndaCeroElche) May 9, 2017


Todos los bomberos de servicio de #Elche y #Crevillent tratan de sofocar un incendio en una empresa de caucho del polígono de #SantaPola pic.twitter.com/QmQFOdB2HP
— Onda Cero Elche (@OndaCeroElche) May 9, 2017


Los ciudadanos de #SantaPola demandamos una solución ya y una dotación de #bomberos¿que tiene que pasar?#Alicante #Valencia #incendio pic.twitter.com/LFZ1OtAqLl
— andrea Pt (@andreapatilla) May 9, 2017

Excerpt: A major fire broke out in an industrial unit in Santa Pola on Tuesday. Fire crews from across the area attended the incident which totally destroyed one of the buildings. Many people shared images and...

### Drunk Driver Accidentally Delivers Himself to the Police

An apparent drunk driver met with a surprise end to his journey in Pamplona this weekend, by delivering himself to the police station.

The driver accidentally drove into the police station vehicle entrance, thinking it was a public multistory car park. Officers in the car park approached the alien vehicle to ascertain why it was in their private area.
The officers detected signs of alcohol use as the driver smelt like he had been drinking. They asked the driver to perform a breathalyser test, but he refused, thus automatically rendering himself under arrest, where the officers then discovered he was driving without a licence as it had been previously withdrawn.

Excerpt: An apparent drunk driver met with a surprise end to his journey in Pamplona this weekend, by delivering himself to the police station. The driver accidentally drove into the police station vehicle entrance, thinking it was a public multistory car Read More ...

### Blue Flag Beaches in the Alicante Province, 2017

This is the list of beaches across the Alicante province which obtained a Blue Flag for quality for the 2017/2018 period, in the inspections carried out last year.

Dénia
Les Bovetes
Les Marines
Molins
Punta Raset
Xàbia
La Grava
L´Arenal
La Granadella
Teulada
El Portet
L´Ampolla
Les Platgetes
Benissa
Cala Fustera
Benitatxell
Cala Moraig
Calp
La Fossa
Cantal Roig
Arenal Bol
Altea
La Roda
Cap Blanc
L´Alfàs del Pi
Racó de L´Albir
Benidorm
Llevant
Mal Pas
Ponent
Finestrat
La Cala
La Vila Joiosa
Varadero
Ciutat(Centro)
La Caleta
Bon Nou
Paradís
El Campello
Carrer de la Mar
Mutxavista
Alicante
Sant Joan
L’Albufereta
Postiguet
Saladar
Elx
El Altet
Arenales del Sol-Sur
La Marina
Carabassí
Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo
Santa Pola
Calas del Este
Varador
Llevant
Tamarit
Calas Santiago Bernabeu
Guardamar del Segura
La Roqueta
Centre
El Moncaio
Torrevieja
El Cura
Los Náufragos
Cala Piteras
Los Locos
La Mata (Sur)
Orihuela
Punta Prima
Cala Bosque (La Sénia)
La Caleta- Cabo Roig
Cala Capitán-Cabo Roig
Aguamarina
Campoamor
Barranco
Rubio
Cala Estaca
Cala Mosca
Pilar de la Horadada
Mil Palmeras
Jesuitas
Conde
Higuericas
The presentation of the flags will be made before the summer season and before the inspections for the 2018 Blue Flag.

Excerpt: This is the list of beaches across the Alicante province which obtained a Blue Flag for quality for the 2017/2018 period, in the inspections carried out last year. Dénia Les Bovetes Les Marines Molins...

### List of Blue Flag Beaches - Torrevieja - 2017

This is the list of beaches in Torrevieja which obtained a Blue Flag for quality for the 2017/2018 period, in the inspections carried out last year.

El Cura
Los Náufragos
Cala Piteras
Los Locos
La Mata (Sur)

The presentation of the flags will be made in July, just before the summer season and before the inspections for the 2018 Blue Flag.

### Work Related Traffic Fatalities Increase by 18%

In the latest figures looking at health and safety at work, road traffic incidents are the only cause of death for workers which increased in 2016, with 18% more fatalities than in 2015.

Of the 555,000 work-related incidents that occurred in 2016 in Spain, 63,400 of them were road traffic related, according to data from the National Institute of Health and Hygiene at Work (INSHT), an increase of 8% over the previous year. The data show that one in every three fatal incidents in the workplace were road traffic related, with a total of 204 people losing their lives, which means that 11.4% of occupational incidents cause 33.6% of the deaths, a very high mortality rate.
If we analyse the evolution by type of traffic incident, the deadly fatalities during the working day went from 72 in 2015 to 86 in 2016, which is 19% more. In total, 42% of fatal incidents occurred during the working day, and 58% on the way to work or back home.
Reducing occupational incidents in general, and traffic-related in particular is a task that involves the company, institutions and the workers themselves, with better training and information as the main axis of preventive policy. Currently, companies have a plan for the prevention of occupational risks for their employees, where they define their functions and the risks to which they are exposed within the performance of them. However, workers’ accidents are not only found in the workplace, but also in other areas, such as when the worker moves with his or her vehicle during the working day, and other times also linked to our professional activity,
In order to deal with these figures, RACE proposes that companies act from different fields, for example, by implementing mobility plans that take into account the state of employee mobility, workers’ itineraries and weak points on the safety of journeys.
These types of plans allow companies to know the mobility and risks of their workers, and that they implement the necessary tools for different specific corrective measures, aimed at reducing incidents.
To reduce this risk, RACE has launched a decalogue with advice for companies, workers and institutions so that, among all, we can increase prevention and reduce traffic incidents.
Decalogue to improve road safety for workers
Measures for the company

As a starting point, analyse the real mobility of its workers, their movements, travel times and major road problems.
There must be a commitment of the highest officials in the improvement of road safety for workers, including this new concept in the pillars of the corporate culture of the company.
Define the road risks of each worker according to the performance of their professional activity, with measures aimed both at the prevention of incidents during the working day and in commuting.
The company must put in place corrective measures, including a policy of continuous training, minimum levels of safety in corporate vehicles, and planning of working days involving road journeys.
Encourage respect for compliance with traffic regulations, especially on issues such as distractions, fatigue, driving times or route planning.

For employees

Employees must commit to the fulfilment of the knowledge provided by the formation of the company to prevent road risks.
They should plan their trips before starting them, consulting possible problems that may be found on long journeys as in every day (congestion, weather conditions, etc.)
Workers should be responsible for the mechanical maintenance of the vehicle they use, especially the condition of the tyres, lights and fluid levels.
A worker behind the wheel must maintain the necessary attention to traffic and traffic conditions, avoiding other non-driving activities.

For public administrations

Encourage the implementation of Mobility and Road Training Plans in companies through fiscal aid and course funding.

Excerpt: In the latest figures looking at health and safety at work, road traffic incidents are the only cause of death for workers which increased in 2016, with 18% more fatalities than in 2015. Of the 555,000 work-related incidents that occurred Read More ...

### Driver who Killed Cyclists has History of Drink Driving

The driver who ploughed into a group of cyclists this weekend has a history of drink driving offences.

The cyclists were riding in a group of six on Sunday morning in Xàbia (Alicante), when the car invaded the opposing lane, crashing into the group, which resulted in two of the cyclists being killed and three being hospitalised with serious injuries. The sixth managed to avoid being hit. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have been distracted or fell asleep, most likely as a result of the cocktail of alcohol and drugs consumed.
The woman driving the car tested positive for alcohol and drugs after the incident and was remanded in custody, without bail, facing charges of two counts of reckless homicide, three of gross negligence and crimes against road safety, facing prison.
However, it was revealed that the driver had previously been found driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs in 2013, resulting in the loss of her licence at the time, later to be recovered.
Not only that, an investigation revealed that the driver managed to avoid three alcohol and drug roadblocks which were operating in the area, highlighting the importance once again of not sharing this information through social networks as if the driver was not aware of their placement, she could well have been identified as being drunk and drugged before the tragic incident which has destroyed so many lives.
 

Excerpt: The driver who ploughed into a group of cyclists this weekend has a history of drink driving offences. The cyclists were riding in a group of six on Sunday morning in Xàbia (Alicante), when the car invaded the opposing lane, Read More ...

### Torrevieja Mayor Helps the Police

The mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón (Los Verdes), hopes to finally facilitate the move of the Local Police Special Operations Group, GRO, who have been waiting to move out of their current location to a new site on the outskirts of the town for the last 7 months.

The problem was that the building, previously used as a tourist information office and even a film crew admin office as part of a campaign to launch the town as a movie location under the previous PP government, had accrued a debt of nearly 700 euro, as the town hall had never paid the mandatory IBI property tax.
The building is owned by the Ministry of Public Works, which obliged the town hall to pay off the debt for the years 2007 to 2016 when the property was used as a tourist office. 
The mayor explained that after seven months delay in trying to solve the problem, he “got tired of waiting” and therefore he “went and made the payment” out of his own pocket and therefore, “fixed the problem”, pointing out that there was “no other way”, and that summer is getting closer but the problem needed solving now.
As a pensioner, the mayor also gives up his regular salary for being a councillor, donating it to local charitable causes and associations.

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón (Los Verdes), hopes to finally facilitate the move of the Local Police Special Operations Group, GRO, who have been waiting to move out of their current location...

### Millions Admit to Criminal Activity on the Roads

More than 4.5 million motorists have admitted that they have driven on the roads of Spain and carried out a procedure that would constitute a criminal offence. That is the conclusion of a report by the Fundación Línea Directa on crimes against road safety between 2012 and 2015.

Criminal acts are the likes of driving with excessive alcohol or drugs, excessive speeding, or driving without a licence, for example, which would result in prison. The survey reveals that there is a serious lack of knowledge regarding criminal acts whilst driving and 9 million drivers are unaware that they can go to prison for this and almost 11 million do not know that, in particular, driving under the influence of drugs can lead to prison.
Beyond ignorance, these behaviours carry a much more serious problem in society, since they have a direct influence on the mortality and injury figures. In fact, it can be estimated that 14% of the total deaths in traffic incidents are due to the criminal conduct of another driver.
Crimes against traffic safety have become the most common in Spanish courts, accounting for 35% of all crimes committed in Spain. In fact, since 2008 almost 900,000 trials have been held for crimes against road safety, of which 650,000 have ended in condemnation. In this sense, the proportion of convictions has also experienced a great evolution in recent years, from 66% in 2008 to 85% in 2015.
This report analyses in depth more than 580,000 trials for road safety offences and around 450,000 convictions imposed between the years 2012 and 2015.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs accounts for more than 60% of all cases. They are followed by driving without a license (27%), causing a serious risk for driving (7%) or refusing to perform alcohol or drug tests (3.5%). With regard to actual admission to prison, the number of people detained for these crimes is currently around 1,200, with driving without a license (39%) and reckless homicide (22%) in the most common cases.
While men between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most recognised to have performed criminal practices, men between the ages of 41 and 50 are often those who have received the most convictions. In addition, potential offences such as speeding seem to be much more frequent than convictions indicate. Although 1.2 million motorists acknowledge that they have driven at more than 200 kilometres per hour, the sentences for this behaviour represent barely 0.6% of the total number of cases.
In Spain, 1.36% of drivers have been convicted of a crime against road safety in the last 4 years. Baleares, Murcia and Galicia are the regions that surpass the Spanish average, whereas on the opposite side of the scale are Cantabria, Extremadura and Aragon, with indices much lower than the Spanish average.
By type of crime, Catalonia is the Community with the highest proportion of speeding convictions and refusal to perform blood tests or drug detections. For its part, Baleares leads the ranking in driving offences under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Murcia, for driving without a licence.

Surprisingly, in spite of their high degree of ignorance, the vast majority of Spaniards (91%) are in favour of maintaining jail sentences for road safety offences, and 14% are committed to harden them even more. In addition, many people want to classify more conduct as crimes against road safety: 60% believe that taking children in the car without a child retention system should be a crime, 44% of drivers would include handling, manipulating or using a mobile phone whilst driving to be a criminal offence, and 34% of people believe that any positive rate in the breathalyser test should be a criminal act.
Also, despite the work of the prosecutors and judges, the perception of the Spanish population is that justice system is not the same for everyone. In fact, 83% believe that judgments against famous drivers are softer than they should be and 19% demand harsher penalties with celebrities than with other citizens, always with the aim of enhancing exemplarity in society.

Excerpt: More than 4.5 million motorists have admitted that they have driven on the roads of Spain and carried out a procedure that would constitute a criminal offence. That is the conclusion of a report by the Fundación Línea Directa on Read More ...

### Bank Manager Kidnapped

Officers from Alicante Local Police have arrested two people for allegedly kidnapping a bank manager.
The arrest was made in a bank branch in San Mateo, after the son of the victim reported that his father had been bundled into a car by two people.
The police launched a search, also alerting the local taxi drivers to be on the lookout, and quickly located a vehicle and occupants matching the description of that given by the son, near to the bank building.
As the officers entered the branch they located the victim accompanied by a male matching the description of one of the kidnappers. The victim then reported to the police that he had been kidnapped and threatened with death unless the ransom of 150,000 euro was released from the bank.
The police arrested the suspect, and a second man also believed to be involved. The two detainees, said to be of Belgian nationality, claim that their actions were as a result of their business becoming bankrupt and will now appear before the courts facing charges of kidnapping, threats and aggravated assault.

Excerpt: Officers from Alicante Local Police have arrested two people for allegedly kidnapping a bank manager. The arrest was made in a bank branch in San Mateo, after the son of the victim reported that...

### Prison Call for Desperate and Hungry Couple

The prosecutor has asked the courts in Alicante to sentence a couple to eight months in prison, after they were caught having entered a closed and locked supermarket grounds in order to recover out of date food from the rubbish to eat.
The incident dates back to October, 2015, when the couple, along with a third person who is considered a minor, allegedly broke the lock on a gate in order to enter the area and obtain the food from the rubbish. In doing so, they caused 28 euro damages to the lock.
The supermarket is not filing any claim against the pair, either for the dame or for the food which they consider “waste” and “worthless”, but the prosecutor is keen to ensure a custodial sentence is passed down.

Excerpt: The prosecutor has asked the courts in Alicante to sentence a couple to eight months in prison, after they were caught having entered a closed and locked supermarket grounds in order to recover out...

### N332 Goes Back to School

For our final presentation of the season, members of N332 visited the Phoenix International School in San Miguel de Salinas to give a road safety presentation to the students attending the school.

The team gave three presentations to three aged divided groups, with the younger pupils covering everything from the basics of crossing the road safely, wearing a seatbelt, riding a bike safely, and even having fun with new road safety campaigns, such as how to discourage grownups from using a mobile phone whilst driving. Meanwhile, the older attendees were given more in-depth information about the laws relating to traffic and safety, including scooters, riding bikes and their obligations under the law.
This is the last presentation before the busy summer season starts, but we have already secured a number of presentations in the autumn. If you are a local community-based group of 60 or more people and would like us to visit you, we have some timeslots available, email news@n332.es and we will see when we can arrange to visit your group and give a talk after the summer.

Excerpt: For our final presentation of the season, members of N332 visited the Phoenix International School in San Miguel de Salinas to give a road safety presentation to the students attending the school. The team gave three presentations to three aged Read More ...

### Teacher Acquitted of Sexual Assault

A court has acquitted a physical education teacher at a school in Finestrat (Alicante) who was accused of molesting five girls aged between 6 and 10 years old.

The tenth section of the Audiencia de Alicante justifies its decision on “the inadequacy of the statement of victims, excess generality and lack of specificity”.
Prosecutors asked for 30 years in prison and a ban on exercising activities related to education of children over 6 years. The prosecution argued that the defendant, who is 59 years old, had made several “attacks against sexual inviolability” of five girls attending classes during the school year of 2014. Specifically, the indictment the prosecution gathered that he had fondled and groped thighs, buttocks and breasts of some of the girls and had kissed and embraced them several times. The trial for these events was held in closed sessions to preserve the privacy of minors.
The teacher had admitted to “possible own body contact” but only to correct their movements in the practice of sport. The teacher also admitted to “some gesture of affection”, but always “within the limits acceptable socially, in the sense of  “a certain relationship of warmth and closeness between teachers and students.”
The judges believe that the testimonies of girls do not deny that version, they are very general and “may well tell absolutely standardised behaviours in the relationship between children and teachers with affection devoid of sexual connotations”. On the other hand, the judgment at the Supreme Court also highlights the lack of evidence.

Excerpt: A court has acquitted a physical education teacher at a school in Finestrat (Alicante) who was accused of molesting five girls aged between 6 and 10 years old. The tenth section of the Audiencia...

### Over 31,000 Speeders Caught

During the seven-day campaign focussing on speeding motorists, 581,294 vehicles were checked by the Guardia Civil, of which 31,086 were found breaking the law. However, the controls conducted by the various local and regional police forces need to be added to those figures.
The campaign ran between the 17th and 23rd of April, focussing mostly on the secondary road network, where the majority of serious and fatal incidents occur.
Four of the drivers caught face criminal proceedings as they exceeded the maximum permitted speed limit by more than 80 kilometres per hour.
Drivers caught speeding face fines of between 100 and 600 euro, plus the loss of between 2 and six points. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 kilometres per hour on urban roads, or 80 kilometres per hour on major roads, transfers the offence to criminal, with offenders facing between six to twelve months in prison, community service and the withdrawal of the licence for up to 4 years, in addition to a hefty fine.

Excerpt: During the seven-day campaign focussing on speeding motorists, 581,294 vehicles were checked by the Guardia Civil, of which 31,086 were found breaking the law. However, the controls conducted by the various local and regional police forces need to be added Read More ...

### Robbers who Preyed on Elderly Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Calpe (Alicante) have arrested two people accused of defrauding up to 9,000 euro for elderly victims.
Officers were conducting a routine patrol when they observed a young man with a foreign accent loitering near cash machines last Sunday. The man then spoke, in a foreign sounding accent, to an elderly person who was using the cash machine.
The young man was then observed entering the lobby of the bank, which was closed as it was a Sunday, but available for the purpose of using the cash machines, where he was seen speaking to another young man. These two then left the premises and walked in opposite directions.
The officers decided to stop the men to ascertain if anything suspicious had gone on and whilst searching the original young man found 2,000 euro in cash and a cash card which didn´t correspond to his name.
The officers then spoke to the older man who confirmed his identity, which was the same as that on the card. This man then identified the card as being his.
It is believed that the young man, now identified as being of French nationality, distracted the older man using the cash machine so as he could observe the pin being used, and then stole the card which had become trapped by a device attached to the machine.
Once detained, the two men were taken into custody and a vehicle they had been using, which was parked near the bank, was seized and searched. The officers found another 7,000 euro in 50 euro bills.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Calpe (Alicante) have arrested two people accused of defrauding up to 9,000 euro for elderly victims. Officers were conducting a routine patrol when they observed a young man...

### Hunt Launched for Hit and Run Scooter Rider

Officers from the Local Police in Alicante have launched a hunt for the driver of a moped involved in a hit and run incident in the city.
The incident occurred on Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio near to Calle Navas where the 51-year-old male pedestrian was knocked down whilst crossing the road at around 13:25 on Friday afternoon.

As a result of the incident, the man suffered serious injuries and was taken by a paramedic unit to Alicante hospital.
The moped fled the scene and so the officers are now scouring the extensive network of CCTV cameras in the city to locate the rider.
 

Excerpt: Officers from the Local Police in Alicante have launched a hunt for the driver of a moped involved in a hit and run incident in the city. The incident occurred on Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio near to Calle Navas where Read More ...

### Busy Weekend Ahead

The roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy this weekend, as Monday is a national holiday, the day of the worker, and Tuesday is celebrated as a holiday in Madrid.

As such, the DGT has launched a special operation to ensure the safest flow of traffic between 15:00 on Friday and midnight on Monday night, Tuesday night in the case of Madrid. During this period, it is expected that there will be 6.5 million trips, which is 1.6 million more than the same period last year.
It is expected that the coastal and mountainous regions will be the busiest, as inland tourists leave their homes to take a long-weekend break.
Across the country, 25% of vehicle movements will focus on Madrid, 21% will be in the Murcia and Valencia regions. Friday is expected to be one of the busiest overall, as workers finish their jobs ad then head off on holiday. Saturday morning is also expected to be busy, as those unable to leave on Friday head away, and then Monday afternoon when they all return home.
In order to ease the flow of traffic, there will be a number of protocols implemented, such as restricting dangerous goods, and creating additional lanes to improve traffic movements. In addition, all unnecessary roadworks will be postponed until after the holiday.
All available resources will be utilised to monitor traffic, including all available Guardia Civil traffic officers, supported by an army of engineers and traffic experts. The DGT helicopters will be in the air monitoring the situation, and using Pegasus radar to enforce the law. There will also be an increase in surveillance on the roads, paying close attention to the most common contributing factors that result in traffic based incidents, inappropriate speed, alcohol and drugs, and distractions, as well as close monitoring of seatbelt use, and using the situation to monitor for all legal aspects of the vehicle and drivers, including carrying the correct documentation. .

Excerpt: The roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy this weekend, as Monday is a national holiday, the day of the worker, and Tuesday is celebrated as a holiday in Madrid. As such, the DGT has launched a special Read More ...

### Dance Marathon - This Saturday

Thus Saturday you are invited to join in a spectacular dance marathon in Torrevieja.

The event is in honour of the Día Internacional de la Danza and will take place on Saturday, 29 April, between 4pm and 9pm at the Piscinas Naturales del Paseo Juan Aparicio, just by the sea at the North of the town. 

### Torrevieja Market to Finally Relocate

The local street market in Torrevieja (Alicante) will finally relocate to a new designated site away from the town centre.
The move has been pending for many years, but will finally take place on the 12th of May, relocating to a purpose-built area near to the local waterpark and hypermarket shopping centres.
Traditionally, the market, known to be one of the biggest in Europe, has been held on the streets which have had to be closed before, during and after the weekly event, and posing a risk to local residents due to lack of emergency service access.
Local buses have already had their routes redefined to take in the new location.

Excerpt: The local street market in Torrevieja (Alicante) will finally relocate to a new designated site away from the town centre. The move has been pending for many years, but will finally take place on the 12th of May, relocating to a purpose-built area near to the local waterpark and hypermarket shopping centres. Traditionally, the market, […]

### Alicante Bingo Hall Evacuated

Some 200 people were evacuated from a bingo hall in the centre of Alicante on Thursday after a fire broke out.
The city was celebrating a local holiday and so the venue was busier than normal, but luckily nobody was injured in the blaze attended by the local police and fire service.

Excerpt: Some 200 people were evacuated from a bingo hall in the centre of Alicante on Thursday after a fire broke out.
The city was celebrating a local holiday and so the venue was busier than normal, but luckily nobody was injured in the blaze attended by the...

### Callous Roadside Robbers Locked Up

Officers from the Guardia Civil have dismantled a group of robbers who would prey on innocent tourists along the A-7 motorway as it passes through Valencia, Castellón and Alicante.

Eight people have been arrested, and two others are under investigation, all aged between 25 and 32 and or Romanian nationality, accused of being involved in a criminal organisation that would commit robbery with force, violence, theft and false documentation.

Three raids were carried out in homes in Castellón where 6,635 euro, 2,550 pounds and 1,140 dirhams have been recovered, along with 11 high-end vehicles, 25 wristwatches, 15 suitcases, 17 bags, different pieces of Jewellery, 9 pairs of sunglasses, and 20 mobile phones.

Using their high-powered vehicles, the gang specialised in taking items from the interior of vehicles in service areas. Normally, they chose open, easily accessible car parks where would pick mostly elderly people and vehicles with foreign registration that were passing through.

One of the members would distract the victims by asking them for a place or an address while another member of the gang would open the door of the vehicle and remove the objects they had spotted inside.

On at least one occasion, the victim clung to a bag being stolen and was dragged several metres by the fleeing gang´s vehicle. On other occasions, they took advantage of the fact that the victim was sleeping inside the vehicle and would break the windows intending that fragments of glass would land on the victim, at which time they stole the effects.

It is also recorded that the same gang committed two robberies on the same person in a space of 20 minutes. This occurred in the service area of ​​Sagunto (Valencia), when a woman of foreign origin, along with her daughter, stopped their vehicle in order to rest, when the gang took advantage and stole the luggage from the interior of the vehicle. Whilst the victim was contacting the Guardia Civil for assistance, other members of the gang smashed the windows of the vehicle in order to remove another bag.
The gang will now appear before the courts in Valencia to be dealt with.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have dismantled a group of robbers who would prey on innocent tourists along the A-7 motorway as it passes through Valencia, Castellón and Alicante. Eight people have been arrested, and two others are under investigation, Read More ...

### Pegasus and the Bull

Rounding up bulls and herding them into areas they may not have intended to go may well feature heavily in Spanish culture, from such controversial spectacles as bull fighting or the infamous running of the bulls, but it might be that those cultural roots helped a distant “cowboy” direct a bull back to where it came from.
The unusualness of this story is that the said “cowboy”, or “bull herder” managed to direct a stray bull from danger and back into its field, despite being considerably far away… and airborne.

A DGT helicopter carrying out routine patrols with Pegasus radar equipment noticed that the bull had escaped from a nearby field and was wandering dangerously close to the road. The pilot, therefore, used the ultimate flying skills to direct the bull using the helicopter until it was safely back in its field and out of danger.
The incident occurred in the Leciñena area on the road heading towards Zaragoza, where cattle farms are common along the route.
No doubt the bull will have a story to tell to the other members of his herd, although whether they choose to believe him is another matter, but the danger was averted by the quick thinking and skilled pilot.

Excerpt: Rounding up bulls and herding them into areas they may not have intended to go may well feature heavily in Spanish culture, from such controversial spectacles as bull fighting or the infamous running of the bulls, but it might be Read More ...

### A long time ago on a road far far away!

A 24-year-old man from the Zamora area of Castile y León was arrested at the weekend, following a close encounter with unusual beings.
Officers from the Guardia Civil had set up a routine checkpoint on Saturday night, intent on carrying our checks on drivers, in particular for having consumed alcohol or drugs.
A vehicle approached the checkpoint and decided not to stop at the control, proceeding through the checkpoint and accelerating.
The officers took to their crafts and pursued the fleeing fugitive, eventually managing to bring the vehicle to a top and then approach the driver, who then duly explained to the officers, “I saw Jedis with light sabres”, and although he didn´t claim that earth had been invaded by beings from another world, he “thought I was in the middle of a film shoot so I decided to go fast.”
Despite the seemingly plausible explanation, the officers still decided to carry out the checks for alcohol and drugs and, surprisingly, found the driver to have consumed both, registering double the maximum permitted rate of alcohol, and positive for illegal drugs.
The driver was immediately detained and transported to the Death Star by shuttle craft, no, sorry, we mean he was locked in the back of a van and taken to the police station where he was to be brought before a judge for a crime for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, reckless driving, resistance to authority and for fleeing the Guardia Civil, even though he still maintains his innocence, although subsequently changing his previous excuse, as he “had no idea it was the authorities, I just saw lights following me and I thought they were Galactic Empire ships”.

Excerpt: A 24-year-old man from the Zamora area of Castile y León was arrested at the weekend, following a close encounter with unusual beings. Officers from the Guardia Civil had set up a routine checkpoint on Saturday night, intent on carrying Read More ...

### Easter Brings 29 Road Deaths

During the Easter weekend´s special traffic operation, 29 people lost their lives in as many incidents on the main road network of Spain.
Although this figure represents a decrease of 12 deaths compared to last year, it is still 29 too many people who have lost their lives.
The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, expressed his “gratitude” to the DGT employees, officers of the Guardia Civil, the specialist technical and other operators of companies and the emergency services who worked during the special operation, which ran from Friday the 7th of April through to Monday of this week, as “their work and dedication has contributed to reducing the victims caused by traffic accidents.”
Serrano also thanked road users for their predominantly responsible behaviour during the period, an action that has undoubtedly contributed to the reduction of deaths due to traffic accidents. Despite this decline, Gregorio Serrano has stated that we cannot be complacent, and even if there is only one death on the roads, that too is too many.
During these ten and a half day period, there were 15.2 million long-distance displacements, 7.2% more than during the 2016 Easter holiday, which amounted to 14.2 million. It is the fourth consecutive year that road movements increase in this holiday period, standing at levels very similar to those recorded in Easter, 2008.
There was an increase in the number of fatal incidents than last year, but the number of deaths has been lower, 29 compared to 41, although we must take into account a fatal bus crash last year in Tarragona, in which 13 people were killed.

By area, Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla la Mancha, Castile y Leon and La Rioja all saw an increase in the number of incidents, whereas no deaths were recorded in the Canary Islands, Murcia and Navarre.

As for the type of roads, 26 people were killed on conventional roads, compared to 3 people losing their lives on motorways or highways.
The highest number of fatalities recorded by incident type was in vehicles leaving the road, with 13 people losing their lives this way, followed by head-on collisions, responsible for 5 deaths, the same as last year, and 2 people knocked over.
When we look at the vehicle type, we see that 14 people died in passenger cars, the same as last year, 7 were on motorbikes, an increase over last year, as was the case with cyclists, with 4 people being killed, 3 more than last year, although pedestrian fatalities were halved.
The majority of deaths occurred during the day, between 07:00 and 20:00, when 23 people were killed, compared to 6 who died overnight.
The age group where the majority of people died is those between 45 to 54, with 7 deaths, followed by the 55 to 64-year-old age group, with 6 deaths, and 5 deaths from the aged 35 to 44 group. During this period, nobody under the age of 14, or over 75, have lost their lives.
As we delve deeper into the incidents, we find that of the 16 deaths in passenger cars, 6 of those killed were not wearing a seatbelt. In addition, 1 of the cyclists who died was not wearing a helmet.
The tragic reality is that if we discount last year´s bus crash from the statistics, the figures are comparable, despite a widely publicised awareness campaign and an increase in surveillance. It is clear that the death toll could have been lower if seatbelts and safety devices are used, distractions are avoided, as with alcohol and drugs, and we all learn from the lessons that each of us has a responsibility on the road to zero fatalities.

Excerpt: During the Easter weekend´s special traffic operation, 29 people lost their lives in as many incidents on the main road network of Spain. Although this figure represents a decrease of 12 deaths compared to last year, it is still 29 Read More ...

### Buying a New Car – Your Rights

When you purchase a new car from a dealer, you have a certain level of peace of mind accompanying your purchase.
New cars are covered by a legal guarantee of 2 years without a mileage limit, whereas the manufacturer has to take care of the faults and breakdowns that have arisen with the car, so long as they are not caused by misuse, lack of maintenance or wear.
Factory defects are also covered by the legal guarantee, but in this case the claim must be made during the first six months from the date of delivery of the vehicle. After that time it is necessary to prove that the defect is actually caused at the manufacture stage and, for that, an expert report must be presented to prove it.
The Madrid-based Asociación Madrileña de Distribuidores de Automóviles (AMDA), also wants to advise owners that you also have consumer rights if you have to visit the workshop for these repairs. In the event that the vehicle suffers a fault covered by the warranty, the time spent in the workshop for repair will not count as part of the warranty period and that time will be added to the original date of termination of the warranty. It is necessary to request a receipt with the date of delivery and return of the vehicle, together with the repair report.
The buyer not only has rights when buying a car, but work carried out in authorised mechanic’s workshops are guaranteed, whether it is a maintenance check or a repair. It is however necessary to differentiate between two situations: when it is a repair covered by the legal guarantee, in this case the period of cover is six months; If it is a repair outside the warranty period, the workshop will be responsible for its work for three months or 2,000 kilometres.
Many manufacturers offer the option to optionally expand the warranty period. The conditions vary according to the manufacturers, the length of time, mileage, and what is covered. Therefore, the conditions must be read carefully.

Excerpt: When you purchase a new car from a dealer, you have a certain level of peace of mind accompanying your purchase. New cars are covered by a legal guarantee of 2 years without a mileage limit, whereas the manufacturer has Read More ...

### Intensified Checks on Speed Continue

Although the special traffic operation for the Easter break may be coming to a close, the intensified vigilance of the traffic police will be continuing this week, with a special focus on speed.

Between the 17th and 23rd of April, traffic officers from the Guardia Civil, assisted in other areas by officers from the local and regional police, will be carrying out intensified and random checks on speeding vehicles, predominantly on the conventional road network, where more serious incidents occur.
Inappropriate speed is one of the main contributing factors of road traffic incidents and fatalities, and as this is also one of the factors totally in the hands of drivers, education through enforcement, with fines and sanctions, often the only way of dealing with those who risk the lives of themselves and others through this action.

Some local police forces, including Torrevieja, have the use of specially equipped vehicles on loan from the DGT. These vehicles are equipped with radar and breathalyser equipment.

Officers on the ground will also be supported from the air, as the Pegasus equipped helicopters will be keeping a watchful eye, not only looking for speeding vehicles but other offences as well, and the network of traffic cameras will also be in use.
The ground officers will be operating new “dynamic controls”, which means they will be moving to different areas more frequently, so as to avoid the dissemination of information of their locations through social media and mobile apps.

Excerpt: Although the special traffic operation for the Easter break may be coming to a close, the intensified vigilance of the traffic police will be continuing this week, with a special focus on speed. Between the 17th and 23rd of April, Read More ...

### Smart Roundabouts Coming Soon?

Although roundabouts may be the cause of confusion and dread to some drivers, they provide a unique way of allowing traffic to flow freely thorough road intersections.
However, when the volume of traffic is too high for the layout of the road, congestion results in delays, which can end up with massive traffic jams.

Now, researchers from the UPV (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia) have come up with what they think is a revolutionary system to ease that congestion, by implanting sensors in the road that detect the passage of vehicles and determine when the volume of traffic is very high, which would then cause traffic lights to be activated to slow down vehicles on approach, allowing extra time for those in the area to manoeuvre through the roundabout, and, in some cases, stopping traffic on quieter roads to allow the congestion to ease.
The idea is to avoid situations in which the excessive entry of vehicles causes a general jam that prevents progress in any direction. With this system, it is possible to restore a normal traffic flow in a short time, managing the exceptional situations in a simple but effective way.
The system used, known as ramp meter, is already used successfully in some countries on access routes to motorways and main roads, restricting access when traffic on the main carriageway is too dense. Now, the system can be adapted and customised to the needs of roundabouts.

Excerpt: Although roundabouts may be the cause of confusion and dread to some drivers, they provide a unique way of allowing traffic to flow freely thorough road intersections. However, when the volume of traffic is too high for the layout of Read More ...

### Hundreds of Children Put at Risk

In the latest seven-day campaign that saw intensified surveillance for the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems, 240 children were found travelling in vehicles without any kind of safety retention system being used.

Of the 240 children found not secured in the vehicles, 64 of them were travelling in the front seats, where they are not permitted by law, although the law which dictates that they must be secured in the vehicle had already been ignored, so it is hardly surprising that the adults responsible would also be so blatant about that fact.
In the campaign which ran between the 13th and 19th of March, Guardia Civil traffic officers carried out checks on 341,845 vehicles, in which they detected 3,083 infractions, where drivers or passengers who did not make use of the regulatory retention system.
The campaign was also supported by regional and local police, who carried out their own checks, and Pegasus equipped helicopters from the DGT, monitoring from the air. These combined figures are still to be finalised and added to the total carried out by the traffic officers.
The data from the checks reveal that 99% of people who were caught not wearing a seatbelt were travelling on conventional roads, the type of road where 8 out of 10 road fatalities occur.
The seat belt is a basic and fundamental element of road safety, a life insurance. For this reason, its use is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle and on all types of roads. In addition, the correct use of it is essential to fulfil the purpose for which it was created.
Children in Cars
Children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats of a vehicle, irrespective of their age, and must sit in the correct and approved seat appropriate to their size and weight.
The Child Restraint Systems provide the best protection for a child when on board a vehicle. That is why the law dictates their use, in an attempt to enforce the maximum protection for children.
The use of child restraint systems reduces injuries by up to 75% in the event of a collision. According to data from the DGT, road traffic incidents are the leading cause of death amongst children under 14 years of age, and, tragically, 40% of those children who lose their lives wore no protection system, and, according to the statistics, could well be alive today.
The law also requires seats to be of an approved standard. Those which meet the minimum required standards carry an orange label, usually located at the rear, which guarantees that the seat has undergone a series of tests to prove safety and reliability.
The approval system is based on a European standard and EU regulation ECE-R44.03, which also ensures certain information is listed on the label.

Excerpt: In the latest seven-day campaign that saw intensified surveillance for the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems, 240 children were found travelling in vehicles without any kind of safety retention system being used. Of the 240 children found not Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Beaten by Children

This week, members of the Guardia Civil faced their biggest challenge yet. Not because of the huge increase in traffic causing major headaches on the road, but because they returned to the Elche Children´s Home to try to win in their latest sports tournament.

Honour and dignity were at stake, as the officers were previously defeated by the children, and so with everything to gain or shame, they returned to the pitch.

Despite being one of the busiest times of year on the roads, the officers all took time out of their rest periods to play the game and lend their support to the home.

Thanks to the support of the sponsors of the N332 Project, the officers were able to present the children with new kit, footballs and equipment, as well as everything needed for a celebratory party afterwards, and, if the title didn´t give the result away already, the children were victors once more, beating the officers in this latest battle on the pitch.

No doubt they will return in the future, but for now, it looks like they will have to keep practicing if they have any hope of actually winning a game!

Excerpt: This week, members of the Guardia Civil faced their biggest challenge yet. Not because of the huge increase in traffic causing major headaches on the road, but because they returned to the Elche Children´s Home to try to win in Read More ...

### One in Four Cyclists Test Positive for Alcohol

Startling statistics produced by the Madrid Municipal Police have revealed that during their campaigns to test for cyclists who have consumed alcohol, one in four tested positive.
Since 2010, a total of 659 alcohol tests have been performed on cyclists, from which 166 were found to have exceeded the allowed maximum rate. The tests were carried out for various reasons, 599 were carried out in checkpoints, 43 after the cyclist was involved in a traffic accident and 17 for committing some other type of offence on the road. During the period, 4 cyclists refused to carry out the test.
The most commonly reported case is that of young people who are returning home after a night of partying, in which they have consumed alcohol and they decide to cycle home rather than drive their car. Although they may well believe they are acting responsibly by doing so, a bicycle is still a vehicle and can still have fatal consequences if involved in a collision. That said, it is also reported that some of those young people caught used the bicycle knowing it was an offence, but thought it more likely they would avoid being stopped on a bike.
The Municipal Police of Madrid perform daily breath tests on people who drive in all types of vehicles, including the bicycles, and during the last seven years, 25% of the cyclists who have submitted to them have tested positive.
The controls are performed in shifts in the morning, afternoon and evening, and take place in all districts of the capital. In addition, they are all random, so they can stop any type of vehicle and under any circumstances.

Excerpt: Startling statistics produced by the Madrid Municipal Police have revealed that during their campaigns to test for cyclists who have consumed alcohol, one in four tested positive. Since 2010, a total of 659 alcohol tests have been performed on cyclists, Read More ...

### Location of New Seatbelt-Spotting Traffic Cameras

Of the 225 new “smart” cameras, including the 200 new traffic cameras recently installed, which watch for such things as vehicle occupants wearing seatbelts, 19 are placed in the Valencia region, and of those, 5 are in the Alicante province.

Across Alicante, the cameras are located on the A-31, the N-340, the A-70 the, A-7 and the N-338. The specific locations are available on the DGT website, although we don´t feel the need to share that information as the point of the cameras is to encourage vehicle occupants to wear their seatbelt, and so we encourage seatbelt use at all times.
These cameras take a series of images which are then analysed by the computerised system. If the system believes it has identified an infraction, the images are sent to a human controller to confirm this, before automatically sending details of the offence to the vehicle owner.

Excerpt: Of the 225 new “smart” cameras, including the 200 new traffic cameras recently installed, which watch for such things as vehicle occupants wearing seatbelts, 19 are placed in the Valencia region, and of those, 5 are in the Alicante province. Read More ...

### Little Drummer Boy Caught

In a recent patrol by a Pegasus-equipped DGT helicopter, flying observers noticed a driver carrying out an unusual procedure behind the wheel, something they had never seen before, and, although the Pegasus cameras were perhaps not the fame and coverage he sought, the cameras recorded him with “two pieces of wood being used as drumsticks to beat the upper part of the steering wheel as if it were playing the drums to the rhythm of the music.”
The incident was recorded by a Lugo based officer as the vehicle was travelling along the A-6 motorway. The driver was spotted at kilometre 516 of the A-6, the motorway linking Madrid and A Coruña, as it passes through the province of Lugo.
The driver was observed beating his tune “for something more than a minute,” according to the officers, “which allowed him to travel a great distance on the motorway”, a distance where the driver was not fully in control of the vehicle.
To do this he had released both hands off the steering wheel, “to grab a stick in each of them, remaining in this attitude until he noticed that the helicopter was flying over his vehicle , at which point he ceased”, the officers reported.
However, his change of actions were too late, as he had already posed a significant risk and was subsequently reported for crimes against road safety, and was called to appear live on the stage known as court for processing.

Excerpt: In a recent patrol by a Pegasus-equipped DGT helicopter, flying observers noticed a driver carrying out an unusual procedure behind the wheel, something they had never seen before, and, although the Pegasus cameras were perhaps not the fame and coverage Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 6

Easter is here, and so are the countless tourists who are moving through the country, as one of the busiest times on the roads takes hold. In this issues, we look at the special operation that is taking place around the country, with advice on the busiest times to avoid.
It´s not only the Easter period, it´s also Hay Fever season, and so we look again at allergies and how they can cause problems when we are driving. We also look at other drugs too, especially how to recognise medication that we may not realise poses a risk.
The new mobile phone campaign launched by the DGT takes the lead however, as attempts are made to try and tackle an ever increasing problem, using mobiles and devices when driving, not just for making calls, but for WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other social networks, all of which poses a significant risk.
You can read the eMagazine for free, right here, just scroll to the bottom of the article, or you can purchase the PDF to download to your own device by clicking the button below.

Buy and download

 
Here, you can read the eMagazine for free. Click to enter fullscreen mode.

Excerpt: Easter is here, and so are the countless tourists who are moving through the country, as one of the busiest times on the roads takes hold. In this issues, we look at the special operation that is taking place around Read More ...

### Warning over Breathalyser Scam

A warning has been issued over a fake notice that is being distributed through social media, warning that it is now mandatory for all vehicles in Spain to carry portable breathalysers.

Firstly, the notice regarding the mandatory requirements are totally fake. You do not have to carry any kind of alcohol detection equipment in your vehicle, and, therefore, you will not be fined if you don´t. There are also currently no plans for this rule to be implemented in Spain.
The adverts, warnings and notices are all a scam, aimed at encouraging innocent victims to visit a website, view falsified news reports, and then purchase the breathalysers direct from the supplier.

There is no evidence yet of anybody having actually been scammed, but it is only a matter of time before somebody does.
Remember, this notice is totally fake, you do not have to carry a breathalyser in Spain.

Excerpt: A warning has been issued over a fake notice that is being distributed through social media, warning that it is now mandatory for all vehicles in Spain to carry portable breathalysers. Firstly, the notice regarding the mandatory requirements are totally Read More ...

### European Road Statistics Published

The European Commission has published the latest accident figures for the whole European continent: 25,500 people died and 135,000 were seriously injured in road traffic incidents on European roads during 2016. This supposes a reduction of 2% in the number of deaths compared to the previous year, although the data is still considered provisional and so may change.

By country, Spain is the fourth country with the lowest number of deaths per million inhabitants (37), only behind Sweden (27), the United Kingdom (28) and the Netherlands (33) and well below the EU average of mortality on road (50). At the other extreme, the countries with the highest mortality are Bulgaria (99), Romania (97), Latvia (80) and Poland (79).
“After two years of immobility in the figures, 2016 has brought a return of the downward trend, in the last six years, fatalities decreased by 19%,” said community sources. However, although this trend in road accidents in the continent is described as encouraging, the same sources say that they “could be insufficient” to meet the goal set by the European Union to halve the number of fatalities between 2010 and 2020 .
“The statistics… show a significant improvement and constitute an excellent basis to continue working, but it is not a matter of numbers, but loss of lives and families affected by it. EU roadways and the number of seriously injured will be five times higher. I would like to invite all stakeholders to step up their efforts to halve the number of road fatalities between 2010 and 2020,” concluded Transport Commissioner, Violeta Bulc.

Excerpt: The European Commission has published the latest accident figures for the whole European continent: 25,500 people died and 135,000 were seriously injured in road traffic incidents on European roads during 2016. This supposes a reduction of 2% in the number Read More ...

### Crash Barriers to be Replaced

The Spanish Government has unanimously approved a motion calling for measures to improve the safety motorcycle riders, including the replacement of crash barriers with alternative deflection equipment in areas prone to high motorbike casualty figures.

The motion was presented by the Ciudadanos political group, and approved by 311 deputies from all political parties.
As well as on the national road network, instructions will be sent to local municipalities to ensure all roads comply with the new ruling.
The overall plan also calls for a further set of measures, such as identifying the most dangerous sections of roads and informing motorists of their location through all available means, improving the quality and maintenance of roads, reducing potholes, gravel and other obstacles and increasing the traction.
Finally, the proposal urged the promotion of training programs for drivers and bikers, as well as campaigns aimed at alerting all road users, including motorcyclists, of the dangers on mixed traffic, and urging everybody to drive within the confines of law, and with a more sensible attitude to all.

Excerpt: The Spanish Government has unanimously approved a motion calling for measures to improve the safety motorcycle riders, including the replacement of crash barriers with alternative deflection equipment in areas prone to high motorbike casualty figures. The motion was presented by Read More ...

### Preparing for Easter

As one of the busiest periods of the year on Spain´s roads gets underway, the DGT has launched a special operation to ensure the safest and smoothest flow of traffic, as the sharp increase in vehicles offers a potential for delays, incidents and other traffic problems.

The Plan
The special operation runs from 15:00 on Friday, April 7, until midnight on Monday the 17th, when approximately 14.8 million long-distance journeys are expected.
Unlike other vacation periods, in which the displacements are more staggered, during the Easter period a large number of movements take place in a very short period of time, with origins and similar destinations (tourist areas on the coast and mountain regions and second homes, this time areas of religious interest are also popular, thus generating a higher concentration of vehicles at designated times.
As a result, the operation is divided into two separate phases over the ten-day period. The first phase runs from 15:00 on Friday, 7 April and will end at midnight on Sunday 9 April. During Phase 1, it is anticipated that there will be 3.6 million trips.
The second phase, which is more important than the previous one due to the volume of vehicle movements along the entire road network, will start on Wednesday, April 12, except in the community of Catalonia that will begin the following day. Phase 2 will end at midnight on Monday, April 17, with the return operation that will take place from Saturday afternoon, will last throughout Sunday and Easter Monday, as some areas recognise the Monday as a holiday, such as the Balearics, Catalonia, Comunidad Valenciana, Navarra, Basque Country and La Rioja.
In the rest of the communities, although it is not a festive day, it is a non-school day for schoolchildren and university students, so it is expected that there will also be a significant amount of return movements towards the large urban centres.
As much as possible, if you do have to drive, avoid the busiest periods.

Safety Measures
In order to ensure a smoother flow of traffic, there will be a variety of procedures implemented, including the creation of temporary additional lanes in high volume areas, the cancellation of all none essential road works, restricting road closures due to sporting events, and restrictions on the movement of dangerous goods.
In addition, alternative routes will be planned and signposted, offering options to some of the most popular destinations, and ways of avoiding traffic queues. These routes can be seen on the DGT website, dgt.es, where you can also see a live overview of the national traffic situation, and adjust your route plans accordingly.
You can also use the DGT app, available from the Play Store and App Store, which also offers route and traffic information, and you can follow @informacionDGT on Twitter.
Monitoring the Flow
In order to maintain a safer network, all available officers from the Guardia Civil Traffic department will be on duty throughout the entire period, supported by more than 13,000 road workers, 800 technicians, and the support of other emergency services.
In the Spotlight
During this Easter period, traffic officers will be paying close attention to secondary roads, intensifying monitoring for some of the most dangerous practices, including speed, the wearing of seatbelts, the use of mobile phones, alcohol and drugs, illegal and dangerous overtaking, driving too close, and others. In fact, there will be a zero tolerance policy in place for alcohol and drug use, with random checkpoints in place throughout the period, day and night.
Other forces will be assisting in monitoring traffic too, with the DGT providing equipment such as radar cars to local police forces so they can monitor roads for speeding drivers, and have provided more equipment and training for alcohol and drugs checks at a local level.
Remember also that all vehicle occupants must be wearing a seatbelt. If no seatbelt is available, such as in the case of a back seat which only has two seatbelts, then a passenger cannot be carried. One seatbelt per person. Children under 1.35 metres are not allowed in the front seats, and all children must be properly restrained in a seat suitable to their height and weight. Adults must also be properly restrained, wearing the seatbelt correctly.
The officers on the ground will also be supported from the air, with all 12 of the DGT´s helicopters ready to take flight, including the 8 which are equipped with Pegasus monitoring equipment, looking for speeding and dangerous drivers, and for the use of seatbelts and mobile phones.
The new network of monitoring cameras will also be live, now issuing fines to those caught by these new watchful eyes.
Busier than Normal
It is expected that Easter this year will be even busier than previous operations, with an increase in vehicles and movements. There is also advice to consider if you actually need to use the car, and whether public transport might be a better option.
If you are going to take the car, always check the vehicle before any long journey, looking at the lights, tyres, windows and liquids. Plan your journey in advance, allowing plenty of time to reach your destination. Take plenty of breaks on long trips, take your time, stay calm, and enjoy the journey.

Excerpt: As one of the busiest periods of the year on Spain´s roads gets underway, the DGT has launched a special operation to ensure the safest and smoothest flow of traffic, as the sharp increase in vehicles offers a potential for Read More ...

### Spain Asks For Help Policing Foreign Drivers

Spain´s DGT has called for strengthened mechanisms to be implemented to simplify sanctions of foreign drivers, after Brussels denounces the lack of cooperation between countries.

DGT officials in Malta, where the EU High Level Road Safety Group meeting was held, said that “The volume of the [fines] that are processed makes the system [approved in a Community directive] insufficient in terms of efficiency and efficacy”, reporting that only 50% of the files opened end with the fine being paid, according to a Brussels report.
The request from the Spanish Government comes after a Commission report published late last year reproached the twenty-eight countries who had not “exploited the full potential” of the electronic system designed to exchange information on traffic offences. In this regard, Brussels denounced the lack of cooperation between countries. For example, Portugal, who does not exchange data.
The DGT want to take action against more dangerous foreign drivers who do not maintain the safety distance, carry out dangerous overtaking or parking, putting safety at risk. Three modalities that are not considered in the current Community directive, which only allows to provide data for speeding, failing to stop at a traffic light, riding without a helmet, the use of the mobile phones, not using the belt, driving in a prohibited lane, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We are going to work to be the first,” said Gregorio Serrano, Director General of the DGT, after the EU published the latest data. “We are told at the meeting of the European Union that Spain is the fourth safest country in road safety. About traffic accidents. According to this report, Spain is still among the countries with the lowest rate of victims, although it has increased by 2% in 2016 compared to 2015. Last year, 37 deaths per million inhabitants were recorded, compared to 36 in the previous year – in 2010, they were 56 per million, which implies a decrease of 33%.

Excerpt: Spain´s DGT has called for strengthened mechanisms to be implemented to simplify sanctions of foreign drivers, after Brussels denounces the lack of cooperation between countries. DGT officials in Malta, where the EU High Level Road Safety Group meeting was held, Read More ...

### Torrevieja N-332 Widening Plan Faces Further Setback

Hopes for widening of the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja have met the latest in a decade-long list of problems, this time because the project plan has been rejected by the Ministry of Public Works as it contains thirteen major deficiencies, and was submitted late.
Much of the N-332 was widened as part of a major road redevelopment plan, but the eight-kilometre stretch through Torrevieja was left without any significant changes to the road, where traffic far exceeds the capacity, especially during touristic seasons such as Easter and summer, where traffic is normally brought to a standstill, and incidents are a plenty, some with fatal consequences.
At the time, many politicians blames the ruling local PP for their lack of action in submitting the plans, a subject which then became a political battle point for the last ten years, without any actual action taking place to resolve it.
The regional government are responsible for submitting the project to central government, who will be footing the bill, on behalf of the municipality, which, in August of 2006 when this should have been done, were all run by the Partido Popular. Now, after a decade of political blame, the PP run central government have rejected the plan submitted by the socialist-led regional government on behalf of the coalition-run municipality.
The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has presented the problems to the press and explained how he has called for an urgent meeting with all levels of government involved, so that the problem can be resolved once and for all.
On this occasion, the eight-month-late project plan contains thirteen deficiencies, including “the lack of concretion of the land expropriated to carry out the works” and even the fact that the “necessary land is insufficient to execute it”.
The latest plan would see the road widened to just “a few metres from houses” in some places, which would cause “problems of acoustic impact”. Other locations are lacking any kind of adequate drainage and flood defence.
The government has set aside funds for the work, to the tune of a million euro per year, but still, without the correct project plan being in place, drivers will still face the same problems, albeit of an increasing magnitude, until the action can finally be resolved.

Excerpt: Hopes for widening of the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja have met the latest in a decade-long list of problems, this time because the project plan has been rejected by the Ministry of Public Works as it contains thirteen Read More ...

### Facebook Live with N332 and Mas Amigos

Last week, the N332 team gave a talk to the Mas Amigos association in Torrevieja.
Mas Amigos is a group dedicated to supporting the local Nordic communities in and around the town, and had asked for a talk for their members.
Sadly, because of the size of the venue, many people were left on a waiting list, unable to attend the event in person, and so the group organisers came up with a solution to the problem, by broadcasting the entire talk live on Facebook.
That session was then not only watched by hundreds of people live, it is also recorded on Facebook for others to watch at their own convenience.

During the course of the talk, a little bit of background information on the N332 project was given, including the celebration of reaching over 90,000 likes on Facebook. However, during the course of the talk, that figure increased once more, with the Facebook page now having more than 100,000 people subscribing to regular updates.
If you would like to see the presentation yourself, we have embedded the video below.

 

Excerpt: Last week, the N332 team gave a talk to the Mas Amigos association in Torrevieja. Mas Amigos is a group dedicated to supporting the local Nordic communities in and around the town, and had asked for a talk for their Read More ...

### N332 Visits Torrevieja U3A

This week, members of N332 visited the U3A group in Torrevieja, to carry out what has become an annual talk with the members of this association.
The municipal meeting centre in Torrevieja played host to the event, with several hundred guests being treated to information about the latest changes in traffic law, and the preparations for Easter.

Excerpt: This week, members of N332 visited the U3A group in Torrevieja, to carry out what has become an annual talk with the members of this association. The municipal meeting centre in Torrevieja played host to the event, with several hundred Read More ...

### Torrevieja Has Another Minor Earthquake

Torrevieja once again felt a slight rumble on Wednesday, as a 1.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast.
According to the Spanish institute that monitors earthquakes, the tremor, with its epicentre just to the northeast in the sea, had an intensity of 2 struck at 12:48 local time, and was felt in various location in the municipality.

Excerpt: Torrevieja once again felt a slight rumble on Wednesday, as a 1.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast. According to the Spanish institute that monitors earthquakes, the tremor, with its epicentre just to the northeast in the sea, had an intensity of 2 struck at 12:48 local time, and was felt in various location

### Torrevieja Wants Businesses to be Pet Friendly

Torrevieja council wants more local businesses to welcome pets as a boost for trade and tourism, with 40 establishments already signed up for the authority’s ‘Pet Friendly’ scheme.
 
Animal welfare councillor Carmen Morate, and business councillor Manuela Osuna say that traders, including those who offer holiday accommodation, can get registered with the council and pick up more information.
 
Pet owners would then able to access participating businesses via the municipal website. 

Excerpt: Torrevieja council wants more local businesses to welcome pets as a boost for trade and tourism, with 40 establishments already signed up for the authority’s ‘Pet Friendly’ scheme.   Animal welfare councillor Carmen Morate, and business councillor Manuela Osuna say that traders, including those who offer holiday accommodation, can get registered with the council and pick up more information.

### Torrevieja Council Inherited ‘Financial disaster’ from PP

Torrevieja’s finance councillor, José Hurtado, says that the coalition authority inherited what he described as a “financial disaster” when they took over from the Partido Popular in the summer of 2015.
 
Hurtado claims that council budgets have been hamstrung by previous late payments and interest provisions, which has meant that the authority has had to cough up nine million euros over the last three years due to arrears and interest.
 
“The interest payments could have been used for the benefit of residents”, said Hurtado, who added that the figures would only get worse as he was only working on statistics up to December 2016. 

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s finance councillor, José Hurtado, says that the coalition authority inherited what he described as a “financial disaster” when they took over from the Partido Popular in the summer of 2015.   Hurtado claims that council budgets have been hamstrung by previous late payments and interest provisions, which has meant that the authority has had to cough up nine

### Driver Fined for Falsifying Disabled Permit

A court in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has condemned a 46-year-old woman to pay a fine of 540 euro, after the woman used a forged disabled parking badge to park her vehicle in places reserved for people with reduced mobility (PMR).

Officers from the local police were carrying out a check on vehicles parked at the Guanarteme Health Centre when they noticed the vehicle displaying the PMR in the windscreen, whilst parked in a reserved bay.
Having carried out routine checks, the officers concluded the card to be fake and reported the driver for the offences. The officers withdrew the card and filed the case with the courts, who issued a 200€ fine for illegally parking in a disabled bay, and a 340€ fine for falsifying the documents.

Excerpt: A court in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has condemned a 46-year-old woman to pay a fine of 540 euro, after the woman used a forged disabled parking badge to park her vehicle in places reserved for people with reduced Read More ...

### N332 Meets the No Smoking Club

Last week, members of the N332 team visited the No Smoking Club in Torrevieja, to give a presentation on road safety matters to their members.

The El Paraiso restaurant was packed out as the members attended the talk and met with the team.

This is the latest talk in the current schedule, which takes us through to Easter, before taking a break during the busy periods, to return in the autumn.

Excerpt: Last week, members of the N332 team visited the No Smoking Club in Torrevieja, to give a presentation on road safety matters to their members. The El Paraiso restaurant was packed out as the members attended the talk and met Read More ...

### New Campaign to Discourage Mobile Use

A new campaign has been launched by the DGT, aimed at attempting to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone, by using humour as their means of delivering the message.
The Minister of the Interior, Juan Ignacio Zoido, launched the campaign which is hoped will become a viral message spread through social media.
The campaign utilises the popular comedic skills of the comedy group Tricicle, formed of three actors, Joan Gracia, Paco Mir and Carles Sans, in order to deliver the very serious message of the danger of distractions during driving, especially the increasingly frequent use of the mobile phone.
 

Zoido said, “We want to universalize a simple, friendly and cordial gesture that serves to warn those drivers or pedestrians who are using their mobile phone while driving or crossing the road of the risk involved in using their phones”, and there is “no one better than Tricicle for expressing the message with a simple gesture”.
By utilising social media platforms it is hoped that the message will reach as many people as possible, especially as social media users are amongst a growing group who don’t realise that the problem is not only in talking to people on the phone, checking Facebook or Twitter on your device, for example, is equally dangerous.
A video has been released to accompany the campaign, with the simple message, “At the wheel, don’t use your mobile”, which is available on various social media accounts already.
Distractions cause 30% of all fatal incidents, so that at least 500 people die each year in traffic incidents where distraction appears as a concurrent factor. Among the most frequent distractions is the use of the mobile, an action that is classified as a very dangerous practice by 94% of drivers, according to the study of the RACC and, despite the danger 43% of all young people “WhatsApp” whilst driving, according to another survey of more than 6,000 young Europeans.
When dialling a number on a mobile phone in a vehicle travelling at 120 kilometres per hour, a distance of 429 metres is travelled, the equivalent of around 4 football fields. If we write a message, we travel 660 metres blind. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, using the mobile to send messages involves three forms of distraction: visual distraction while the eyes are reading the screen; Cognitive distraction, the mind is busy elaborating the message and manual distraction as the fingers are typing the letters or buttons. The combined result being that the actions multiply the possibility of an incident by 23 times.
“We have an important awareness ahead of the real risk of using the mobile while driving. Nothing is so urgent that I cannot wait a few minutes”, said Zoido.
Part of the campaign is encouraging anybody who witness drivers, or pedestrians crossing the road, to make a hand gesture indicating hanging up the phone, similar to a campaign from a few years ago that encourage a finger wag and the phrase “oi” to be used towards drivers.
More people have been seen making the gesture, including the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, who posted his video on the official Facebook page.

Excerpt: A new campaign has been launched by the DGT, aimed at attempting to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone, by using humour as their means of delivering the message. The Minister of the Interior, Juan Ignacio Read More ...

### New Service Looks After the Pets of Injured Owners

It is a continual concern for many pet owners, especially those who live alone with only their beloved animal companion for company, what would happen if an incident results in the human being hospitalised because of a traffic collision or serious illness, and the animal being left home alone?

Ambulancias Lorca, a professional medical transport service based in Lorca in the Murcia Region, have answered the question with considerable reassurance, by launching this new service, called AMAR, which promises to look after the animals for free, until the owner is able to return to their home.
In the event of the animal being involved in the traffic incident, they will attend the scene and transport the animal to a safe place, such as a veterinary surgery or a designated animal hotel. In the more likely scenario of the pet being left home alone, they will arrange access to the property and provide the care needed, for as long as it’s needed, all for free.
The owner will receive daily updates to their mobile phone of the health and wellbeing of the animal, and the progress of the care being given, so as to give peace of mind to the owner that their companion is also in safe hands.
However, in the event of the owner passing away as a result of the incident which prompted their involvement, the group will also arrange for fostering and adoption of the animal.
The service, which is run by volunteers and supported by a multidisciplinary network of collaborators who will ensure the welfare of the animal at all times, is sadly only available in the area covered by this company, which is around Lorca, Águilas, Puerto Lumbreras, Totana and Aledo, known as “Área III de Salud de la Región de Murcia”.
 

Excerpt: It is a continual concern for many pet owners, especially those who live alone with only their beloved animal companion for company, what would happen if an incident results in the human being hospitalised because of a traffic collision or Read More ...

### New Cameras to keep a Watchful Eye by Easter

By Easter, road users in Spain will be more protected than ever, as an additional 200 smart cameras are activated around the country, looking for those using a mobile phone or other electronic device whilst driving, and those not wearing a seatbelt.

It was in January of this year that the Minister of the Interior, Juan Ignacio Zoido, announced before the Traffic Safety Commission of the Congress of Deputies, that the Traffic Directorate was to monitor the use of the seatbelts by installing these cameras.
The initiative is part of a plan by the DGT to reduce the number of incidents on the roads of the country, after data for 2016 revealed that the figures had risen for the first time in 13 years after a steady decline.
At that time, the Interior Minister stated that the location of these cameras would be made available to the public through the DGT website. Now, the opinion is once again changing to suggest that not making their whereabouts known would increase the number of offences recorded, and therefore would lead to more results by education through enforcement. Therefore, although the locations will be revealed publically, the exact location will be approximate, thus, hopefully, giving a wider coverage of vigilance where drivers act more responsibly over a larger distance.
The new equipment, may well also appear at locations where drivers may have become used to seeing none-enforcement cameras operating, and in other locations which have been protected by nothing more than warnings in the past, as the DGT becomes more aggressive in trying to clamp down on dangerous practices, as so many drivers themselves have failed to take action to reduce the risks themselves.
The more modern cameras take a series of images, several per second, from 500 metres away, which covers all occupants in the vehicle, automatically detecting infractions, such as the driver using a mobile phone or other device, and if all the occupants are wearing seatbelts or child restraints, in the case of children being carried.
The cameras are similar to those of speed controls but the system files seven evidential images which are then analysed by a computer. If the computer considers that an infringement is being committed, the penalty will ultimately be imposed following a human check of the images.
During the initial testing phase of these new cameras, if the cameras detect an infraction then the offender will be informed, by means of a letter, of the obligation to comply with road safety regulations. In the communication, the owner of the vehicle must identify the driver, in a process similar to that carried out with the fines.
This test phase for the new cameras will last only a short time as the DGT intends to start the official process of issuing fines in time for the Easter operations on the roads, one of the busiest times of the year.
By then, if you’re caught by a camera, the vehicle owner will automatically receive a 200 euro fine and will also entail the loss of three points.

Excerpt: By Easter, road users in Spain will be more protected than ever, as an additional 200 smart cameras are activated around the country, looking for those using a mobile phone or other electronic device whilst driving, and those not wearing Read More ...

### Always Wear your Seatbelt

All this week, including through the weekend, officers from the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues from the National, Regional and Local Police, are keeping a watchful eye on the roads, paying particularly close attention to the wearing of seatbelts and correct child restraint systems.
The first point to make is that the statistics show how using a seatbelt reduces the risk of death by a half, a message repeated by countless authorities, experts and support organisation around the world.
It is also important to remember that children under 135 centimetres in height must sit in the rear seats, and be properly restrained in an appropriate, secured device. There are exceptions, such as if the vehicle doesn’t have rear seats, or if the rear seats are already occupied by children, but the rule is clear, children are not permitted in the front seats under normal circumstances.
In 2015, the last year of which completed data is registered, 22% (159) of those who lost their lives in cars or vans on interurban roads were not wearing a seatbelt. On urban roads, the figure was 19 out of 70 of those killed. Many of those people are most likely to still be alive today, had they been wearing a seatbelt.
The use of seatbelts and child restraints is compulsory for all occupants of a vehicle, on any route (either short or long) and on any road (urban or interurban).
It is a basic and fundamental element of road safety and its use has saved thousands of lives. According to several European Union studies, fastening the seat belt when travelling in a vehicle would save the lives of more than 7,000 people in the European Union each year.
Using the seatbelt in the front seats protects the occupants from getting thrown from the vehicle or impacting the dashboard. Using the seatbelt in the rear seats prevents the occupant impacting with the seat in front and causing further injury to other vehicle occupants. In a frontal impact, the likelihood that one occupant of the rear seats will mortally hit another passenger in the front seats is multiplied by eight
A frontal crash at 80 kilometres per hour, without wearing a seatbelt is often accompanied by death or serious injury.
The message is simple, always wear your seatbelt.

Excerpt: All this week, including through the weekend, officers from the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues from the National, Regional and Local Police, are keeping a watchful eye on the roads, paying particularly close attention to the wearing of seatbelts and Read More ...

### And the Rain Came Down Again

Rain and high winds returned to lash the area for the third time in three months, after last week’s unseasonably mild weather broke on Sunday evening to bring another taste of misery across Alicante Province and the Mar Menor.
Alicante City saw the third highest rainfall in a single day since comprehensive records started to be kept in 1934. 137 litres of rain fell per square metre, equivalent to half of the annual total average rainfall. By comparison, levels were at around 40 litres per square metre across the Vega Baja, couple with strong winds, with gusts of up to 82 kilometres an hour recorded in Torrevieja on Monday, with localised flooding hitting parts of the region again, after similar incidents in December and January.
A 30-metre high communications mast in Pilar de la Horadada operated by Olé and Torresat collapsed(pictured), depriving thousands of people of internet, phone, and television services, with fortunately nobody being injured as the structure camer down. A identical collapse also happened to an Azuretel and TKO FM mast at Via Park on the Orihuela Costa.
Authorities in the Orihuela municipality dealt with 80 incidents in just six hours on Monday, including collapsing trees, walls, and billboards, whilst the Playas de Orihuela school on the Orihuela Costa sent students home on Monday due to flooding, with the facility closed again on Tuesday.
Avenida de Alfred Nobel in Torrevieja was closed on Monday due to the risk of an electricity pole falling on the road, and there were a stream of road closures in the city including in the Torretas area, whilst a palm tree collapsed damaging the works that were being carried on the La Mata walkway. A number of roads across the Vega Baja region remained closed well into Tuesday.
Boats were ripped away from their moorings at La Manga and Santiago de la Ribera on the Mar Menor, with a stack of rubbish containers, road signs, and even the steel door of a building on Calle Orihuela in San Javier being yanked off by the strong winds. The roof at Cartagena bus station was damaged as well as the one at Los Nietos railway station, whilst a five metre high wall collapsed at a Molina de Segura car park.

Excerpt: Rain and high winds returned to lash the area for the third time in three months, after last week’s unseasonably mild weather broke on Sunday evening to bring another taste of misery across Alicante Province and the Mar Menor. Alicante City saw the third highest rainfall in a single day since comprehensive records started to

### New Measures to Monitor ITV and Vehicle History

As part of the new wave of reforms aimed at modernising traffic monitoring and road safety, the DGT has announced the creation and propagation of a database of vehicle movements and history, which will then be checkable by future interested parties.
The technology behind this scheme will see camera installed around the road network, and at the entrances and exits of towns and cities, which will record the registration number of vehicles as they pass.
The database will also link to the ITV test reports, recording faults or issues, and will collate information from traffic incidents, crashes and repairs.
The maintenance schedule will not initially be mandatory, but will be based on a technological platform that will collect the digitized workshop sheets that record all the operations that are done on the vehicle. Because not all workshops have the appropriate computer technology, a deadline will be given for them to adapt.
In addition, to make drivers aware of the need to pass the ITV (between 1.5 and 2 million vehicles are currently believed to be on the roads without a valid certificate), the DGT will deploy intensive campaigns which will be repeated periodically.
At the moment, when speed detecting radars detect a vehicle that exceeds the speed limits, it automatically checks if the ITV has been passed and if it has mandatory insurance in place.
Now, according to Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of the DGT, it is a matter of taking one step further and will not only be controlled through the radars, but also with the licence plate readers that are installed in the vicinity of the roads and other points of the road network.
When they is detect that the vehicle has not passed the ITV or if it went for an inspection and failed, the DGT will automatically send a warning. If, on the second occasion, appropriate action has not been taken, the DGT will automatically issue a fine.

Excerpt: As part of the new wave of reforms aimed at modernising traffic monitoring and road safety, the DGT has announced the creation and propagation of a database of vehicle movements and history, which will then be checkable by future interested Read More ...

### Torrevieja Animal Shelter Expansion Plans

Torrevieja council is planning to spend 350 thousand euro on a new expanded municipal animal shelter.
Subject to approval of the authority’s 2017 budget, animal protection councillor Carmen Morate says that the current site would be redisgned and expanded with the land having an area of just over three thousand square metres.
There would be enclosures for cats and dogs, as well as facilities for horses, small animals, and birds. The shelter recently opened a new cattery, with outdoor and indoor areas, which has created by the volunteer workers at the facility.

Excerpt: Torrevieja council is planning to spend 350 thousand euro on a new expanded municipal animal shelter. Subject to approval of the authority’s 2017 budget, animal protection councillor Carmen Morate says that the current site would be redisgned and expanded with the land having an area of just over three thousand square metres. There would be

### Alicante Breaks Winter Weather Records

In the winter of 1878, on March the 2nd t be precise, Alicante city saw the hottest temperature ever recorded for the season, with thermometers registering 31 degrees.
According to the state meteorological office, AEMET, today, the 10th of March, 2017, at 12:50, temperatures peaked at 32.5 degrees, thus making today the hottest winter day in recorded history.
The only none summer day hotter than today was in 1988, during the spring, when the temperature reached 32.6 degrees, on the 25th of March.
The record temperature was brief however, dipping back down to a relatively chill 24.9 degrees half an hour later, thanks to a breeze cooling the air.

Excerpt: In the winter of 1878, on March the 2nd t be precise, Alicante city saw the hottest temperature ever recorded for the season, with thermometers registering 31 degrees. According to the state meteorological office, AEMET, today, the 10th of March, 2017, at 12:50, temperatures peaked at 32.5 degrees, thus making today the hottest winter day

### Increased Risk of Forest Fires

This week, we have seen forest fires locally at La Mata at the weekend, then at Santa Pola. The area is now on high alert for the risk of forest fires, even though it´s only March. In fact, collected data February has already revealed that, despite some downpours, the month was one degree warmer than normal, with very dry and dusty air.
It is believed that the majority of these fires are caused by human interaction, although seldom intentional, irresponsibility can lead to devastation.
In Spain, it is estimated that more than 80% of all forest fires are caused by humans. In America incidentally the figure is as many as 90%.
Through simple awareness and action we can all do something to reduce the risks of forest fires. Taking all your rubbish home and depositing it in a safe place is one easy task. You probably remember old TV public service announcements about how glass can start a fire, but any litter can be a contributing factor to fire.
Smoking paraphernalia is perhaps the worst contributor however. Throwing a smouldering match or an almost extinguished cigarette butt is a recipe for disaster. If you do smoke, make sure that you dispose of all of your smoking materials safely and correctly, not just on the ground.
There are a variety of processes implemented to try to reduce the risk of fire, including a ban during the hottest months on farmers and industrial locations starting controlled fires, and there are also fines for individuals caught risking the threat of fire, such as throwing a cigarette out the car window?
If you do throw a cigarette out of a car window, lit or otherwise, you could be risking the lives of many people as forest fires are relentless and run so easily out of control, therefore you will be fined on the spot if you are seen.
The law is quite clear, “No person in any vehicle shall throw or discharge from or upon any road or motorway or adjoining area, public or private, any lit or non lit cigarette”.
If you do get caught you face a fine of 200 euro and 4 points deducted from your license. Do it more than once and you are getting closer to a ban.
It might seem harsh and expensive, but when you consider the damage that can be caused by laziness or sometimes simple stupidity, you might soon realise that it is not expensive at all, so please don´t do it for everybody´s sake.

Excerpt: This week, we have seen forest fires locally at La Mata at the weekend, then at Santa Pola. The area is now on high alert for the risk of forest fires, even though it´s only March. In fact, collected data Read More ...

### Barcelona Bans Older Cars

In a meeting held this week, Barcelona has agreed to ban cars which are over 20 years old from driving on the road on working days in 40 municipalities.
The move is aimed at reducing pollution, as part of the government´s strategy to reduced emissions by 30% within 15 years, and by 10% in the next 5 years.
The restrictions will not come into force until 2019 however, when cars registered before 1997 and vans before 1994, will not be allowed to drive on working days.
Between now and 2019, plans will be made for the implementation of the scheme, including an awareness campaign, and strengthening public transport links in areas which may be considered deficient. The first stage of the plan will be presented before July of this year.

Excerpt: In a meeting held this week, Barcelona has agreed to ban cars which are over 20 years old from driving on the road on working days in 40 municipalities. The move is aimed at reducing pollution, as part of the Read More ...

### CCTV Shows Dramatic Petrol Station Crash

Dramatic footage from a CCTV system at a petrol station has been going viral through social networks, featuring a near catastrophic crash that ended with nothing but superficial damage.

In the video we see a Guardia Civil patrol car getting fuel at the roadside station. Some cars pass on the main road, before one car turns into the forecourt.

Immediately after we see an red car swerve into the petrol station, clip one of the pillars, and leave the shot.

At first glance, many people commented that the red car was at fault, as it was travelling too fast. Whereas inappropriate speed may have been a contributing factor, the quick reactions of the red car driver resulted in the avoidance of disaster.

On the main road, we see that a silver car is approaching in the opposite direction. This car begins a move to turn left into the petrol station, which would cross the path of the red car. The red car took evasive action to avoid this.

We also see that there is a solid white line on the road and, in the distance, the end of a no overtaking section clearly marked. The silver car should not have turned there and carried out an illegal move. It is also clear that the driver of the silver car failed to see or judge the approaching red car.

Excerpt: Dramatic footage from a CCTV system at a petrol station has been going viral through social networks, featuring a near catastrophic crash that ended with nothing but superficial damage. In the video we see a Guardia Civil patrol car getting Read More ...

### Children Found Trapped in Crashed Car with Dead Father at the Wheel

Two children, aged 5 and 6, and their 27-year old mother spent the night inside a crashed vehicle in the Valencia town of Montitxelo, trapped with their father, a 36-year old man, who had been killed in the crash.

An investigation is being carried out to determine what caused the tragedy, but the vehicle left the road and overturned in a field at night.
It wasn´t until the morning that the vehicle was located by an agricultural worker, who immediately called the emergency services.
When the rescuers arrived at the scene they found the mother trapped in the vehicle, along with the girl, with the young boy outside the car in a state of shock.
All of the survivors were transferred to hospital for treatment.

Excerpt: Two children, aged 5 and 6, and their 27-year old mother spent the night inside a crashed vehicle in the Valencia town of Montitxelo, trapped with their father, a 36-year old man, who had been killed in the crash. An Read More ...

### Notorious Santa Pola Junction to get Warning Signs

The Infrastructure Ministry of the Spanish Central Government has confirmed the installation of road signs to reinforce the warnings of the potential dangers of a notorious junction on the N-332 in Santa Pola.

The local council had requested action in January, wanting the installation of rumble strips and signs at the location near to an abandoned hotel at kilometre 88 of the N-332, where traffic crosses on a curve, with reduced visibility, in order to access and egress the town´s main through route.
The local council also wanted to divert drivers away from this junction, by recommending the use of the access road to the CV-865, which offers a much safer alternative than the current “black spot”.
The Ministry has declined the request for rumble strips as these are not compatible near residential areas, on account of the noise disturbance to residents. They have also declined the request to provide alternative route signs, as this is not possible under the technical regulations of road signage.
They will however install signs warning of the increased potential danger at the junction, so as to make more drivers aware of the need for taking extra precautions.
The location is still part of a planning proposal to revise the junction and make access safer, with a substantial budget already prepared, but the consultation has not yet taken place as other locations have been taking priority. Following the most recent incident only last week, the local council is asking for the government to give a higher priority to this project in order to prevent other serious incidents in the future.
No timescale has been given for the installation of the signs.

Excerpt: The Infrastructure Ministry of the Spanish Central Government has confirmed the installation of road signs to reinforce the warnings of the potential dangers of a notorious junction on the N-332 in Santa Pola. The local council had requested action in Read More ...

### Trailer Theft Gang Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a group allegedly responsible for a series of violent thefts of truck trailers across the Vega Baja, which they would subsequently sell in Madrid.

Two men and a woman have been arrested for the crimes, as well as allegedly being involved in drug trafficking.
The investigation began in August when the gang were thought to have been involved in the robbery of 24,000 euro from a currency exchange office on the Orihuela Costa. The offenders fled the scene on a motorbike.
Officers from Pilar de la Horadada identified the suspects in that case and related them to a series of thefts of two truck trailers from the Alicante town of Ibi, close to the A-7 motorway.
The officers then related the case to an organisation involved in trafficking drugs, including cocaine, hashish and marijuana.
During the raids in Torrevieja and Rojales, officers seized two high-end vehicles, each valued at 25,000 euro, two high-powered motorcycles, a large amount of cash, numerous electronic devices, including 12 mobile phones and a laptop. Officers also seized 640 grams of marijuana, 30 grams of cocaine and 50 grams of hashish, two indoor plantations of 130 plants, and a variety of drug related paraphernalia.
The two trucks were also recovered, before the gang had managed to take them to Madrid, with one of them already prepared with false plates and documentation, with licence plates stolen from Murcia.
Those arrested were two Spaniards, aged 30 and 28 years of age, and a 28-year-old Bulgarian from the Torrevieja and Rojales area. The two men were remanded in custody whilst the woman was released pending further investigations.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a group allegedly responsible for a series of violent thefts of truck trailers across the Vega Baja, which they would subsequently sell in Madrid. Two men and a woman have been arrested for Read More ...

### Mobile Phone Use on the Increase

Despite the warning, fines, threats and fatalities, the use of mobile phones whilst driving is on the increase. The invention of the smart phone hasn´t helped, with many people keen to constantly monitor and update their social network profiles, keep up to date with what their friends are doing, and make sure nothing is missed.
From the 1st of March in the UK, drivers using their mobile phone face even tougher fines than before, with a 200 pound fine and 6 points on their licence.
For new drivers the penalties are even tougher. If you´re caught using your mobile whilst driving in the first two-years after passing your test, it´s all over. You immediately lose your licence and face a retest.
Many people, including those who have fallen victim of drivers distracted using their mobile, may well argue that the penalties are still not severe enough. After all, despite mobile phone use fines being amongst the most popular issued, using the mobile is still not considered a problem by some.
In the UK, the awareness of the dangers of using a mobile fall under the “FATAL4”, where inappropriate speed, using mobile phones while driving, not wearing seatbelts and drinking or drug and driving are highlighted as being the four biggest contributors to fatal collisions. Of course, the point really is that the FATAL4 are all within the control of the driver, and so individual responsibility is paramount.
The action of “using a mobile phone” is also seemingly confusing for some, including here in Spain. Just because it is not near your ear, or you are holding in on “speaker” does not constitute safe practice, you are still using your mobile. The same applies to updating social media or using WhatsApp, the actions still cause distractions and are not allowed.
We must also remember that in Spain, the use of Bluetooth earpieces and headsets is also banned whilst driving. The only safe way of using a mobile is by having a true hands-free device in the vehicle, although still can still be a distraction.
Currently, if you´re caught using your mobile phone in Spain you face a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

Excerpt: Despite the warning, fines, threats and fatalities, the use of mobile phones whilst driving is on the increase. The invention of the smart phone hasn´t helped, with many people keen to constantly monitor and update their social network profiles, keep Read More ...

### The Brits are Still Coming – On Mass

Falling exchange rates and Brexit fears do not seem to be bothering UK tourists coming to the Costa Blanca, according to latest figures from the National Statistics Institute.
On the back of a record 2016 for foreign tourism, the January returns show a massive 32 percent hike in the number of British visitors coming to the Costa Blanca, compared to a year earlier.
The statistics for the first month of the year saw 401 thousand foreign visitors coming to the region, an overall rise over 12 months of 26 percent. UK tourists accounted for 128 thousand of the figure, with French visitors second at 66 thousand.
Murcia’s foreign visitors in January leapt up by 35 percent over a year, with 15 thousand British visitors accounting for 37 percent of the overall figure, some 11 percent more compared to January 2016.

Excerpt: Falling exchange rates and Brexit fears do not seem to be bothering UK tourists coming to the Costa Blanca, according to latest figures from the National Statistics Institute. On the back of a record 2016 for foreign tourism, the January returns show a massive 32 percent hike in the number of British visitors coming to

### The Cartagena Social Centre Receives a Talk from N332

Last week, Francisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer based in Torrevieja and the head of the N332 Facebook team, visited the Social Centre in Cartagena to give a talk on road safety to a group of young people.

The talk covered various aspects of using the road safely, including as a pedestrian, cyclist and a driver, as well as being given some background information on the Guardia Civil and their operations.

The talk was made possible through the use of equipment donated through the N332 Road Safety Project. In December, Al Andalus Car Hire and N332 joined together to provide the centre with a projector and screen along with a tripod for holding the projector, so that the children who study in the centre will have the opportunity of seeing presentations made by their teachers without the need to ask to borrow a projector from the Town Hall.
It is hoped that through such collaborations as this with the supporters of the project that the message of “Working together for safer roads” becomes embedded in people from an early age, and shows road safety, traffic policing and the Guardia Civil in a more positive light, setting them up for a brighter and safer future.

Excerpt: Last week, Francisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer based in Torrevieja and the head of the N332 Facebook team, visited the Social Centre in Cartagena to give a talk on road safety to a group of young people. Read More ...

### Seville Police Catch Dangerous Driver

Officers from the Local Police in Seville arrested a 34-year-old man for crimes against road safety, after he caused a car crash in which 2 women were injured on Sunday evening.
At first, the driver denied any kind of responsibility for the crash, which occurred in the Pino Montano area, and fled the scene and so the police were called to attend.
Several officers who were on duty for a special event attended, along with an ambulance, to find the man return five minutes later, having been warned by his wife to do so.
The officers first became suspicious when the wife then claimed that she was driving the vehicle, and were becoming increasingly concerned by the physical characteristics presented to them. The man was showing signs of intoxication and was becoming more and more agitated. He also had his right leg in plaster.
The officers conducted a breathalyser test and found him to be twice over the legal limit. The investigation at the scene revealed that excessive speed was the most likely initial cause of the crash, with the victim´s vehicle being shunted around 30 metres in the road. The two women in the vehicle were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The conclusion of the investigation against the driver confirmed that excessive alcohol, having his leg in plaster and not holding a valid licence all contributed to the crash which now sees him before a judge facing criminal charges.

Excerpt: Officers from the Local Police in Seville arrested a 34-year-old man for crimes against road safety, after he caused a car crash in which 2 women were injured on Sunday evening. At first, the driver denied any kind of responsibility Read More ...

### Spanish Government Approves Blue Lights for All Emergency Vehicles

The Congressional Road Safety Commission have approved the move for all emergency service vehicles to use blue lights, rather than amber, in line with the EU.
Traditionally, only the security services such as the Guardia Civil and police would use blue lights when operating as priority vehicles, with ambulances, fire and other priority vehicles using orange lights, the same as slow moving or special vehicles, which some drivers found confusing.
The change has already been approved by previous congressional committees, in 2006, 2010 and 2011, but had not been previously implemented. Now, as the Spanish Government is in a stable position, the move received 37 votes in favour, with 2 abstentions, the intention being to improve road safety.
The committee also approved an awareness campaign for road users so that everybody is clear of the need to give way to priority vehicles displaying blue lights.
Irene Rivera, the deputy for the Ciudadanos political group, who had raised the motion, had highlighted that some emergency vehicles, such as fire tenders, had lost valuable minutes when attending emergencies, as some road users thought they were just garbage trucks or slow moving vehicles. Associations representing fire fighters and the Protección Civil had both asked for the change to be implemented.
At the same time, the committee approved an initiative proposed by the Partido Popular to raise awareness of the human responsibility factor, intending to promote self-awareness of an attitude towards zero tolerance towards risk and risky behaviour on the roads.
The PP´s deputy, Óscar Gamazo, highlighted that the biggest growing cause in road traffic incidents in Spain is distractions, mostly caused by the use of the mobile phone whilst driving. Meanwhile, alcohol and drug use also pose a significant problem, along with inappropriate speed, all of which are factors that the driver is responsible for, and the awareness should focus on the responsibility of all road users.

Excerpt: The Congressional Road Safety Commission have approved the move for all emergency service vehicles to use blue lights, rather than amber, in line with the EU. Traditionally, only the security services such as the Guardia Civil and police would use Read More ...

### Torrevieja Budget Looks Set to be Approved

Torrevieja’s coalition council seems almost certain to get the 2017 budget passed, just days after the two Ciudadanos councillors, Pilar Gómez Magán and Paqui Parra changed their minds on voting it down. The current government team would now get 14 votes, as opposed to the Partido Popular opposition only able to muster 11 votes.
 
Last week, Gómez Magán did not go into specifics as to why her party had pulled out of talks with the government team over supporting the budget, but she said that there was a “lack of confidence” in the governing coalition. She made a surprise appearance with Torrevieja mayor, José Manuel Dolon on Tuesday to sign a declaration of support, with the sole condition of the deal apparently being that the coalition council support 50 percent of proposals from Ciudadanos.
 
The two Sueña Torrevieja councillors, who quit the coalition in the autumn, had already declared that they would support the budget.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s coalition council seems almost certain to get the 2017 budget passed, just days after the two Ciudadanos councillors, Pilar Gómez Magán and Paqui Parra changed their minds on voting it down. The current government team would now get 14 votes, as opposed to the Partido Popular opposition only able to muster 11 votes.   Last

### The Roundabout Crash Question Answered

The N332 Facebook team posted a video with a question, asking “Under the Spanish Traffic Law, who is at fault in this car accident? Why?”



Firstly, we must remember two basic rules, the first being that, in Spain, we always drive on the right, in fact as far right as possible, and we always have to leave the roundabout from the right-hand lane. We must also remember, as with all traffic rules, unless signs or signals tell us otherwise.
As we observe the road on approach to the roundabout we can see road signs and markings on the road. These signs tell us that vehicles should be in the right-hand lane, the normal driving lane, to turn right or continue straight ahead. 

The markings also tell us that vehicles should be in the left-hand lane if they want to turn left, or continue straight ahead. This layout is what UK-trained drivers would consider to be a normal practice, apart from the side of the road and the direction being reversed.

When enter the roundabout, we are in the left-hand lane still, the white car is in the right-hand lane. 

Both vehicles pass the first exit of the roundabout in those respective lanes. When we reach the second exit from the roundabout, the white car continues around the roundabout and the video-equipped car collides with it.

The white car was not indicating. Under Spanish law, there is no requirement to indicate until leaving the roundabout, therefore there is no requirement (in law) for the white car to be indicating. There is a concept known as a “courtesy indicator”, in which the white car could have indicated left to show the intention of continuing, but this is not required by law.
The white car can continue in that right-hand lane all the way around the roundabout, irrespective of which exit it intends to take. The right-hand lane is the normal driving lane.
The video-equipped vehicle is attempting to leave the roundabout from the left-hand lane. Whereas the markings on the approach to the roundabout did indicate that the vehicle should be in the left-hand lane, those markings we on the approach. We are still required to exit the roundabout from the right-hand lane (unless signs or signals tell us otherwise, in this case signs or signals on the roundabout, not on the approach).

The video-equipped car impacts the white car which is continuing in the normal driving lane.

The correct course of action should have been that once the video-equipped vehicle has passed the exit before the one the driver intends to use (or sooner), the driver should have carried out a manoeuvre to move into the right-hand lane, in this case behind the white vehicle, so as to have a clear exit route from the roundabout.
In this instance, the driver of the video-equipped vehicle was in the wrong lane.
The usual reason for determining lanes on approach to roundabouts like this is in order to improve traffic flow. The likelihood is, in this case, more traffic would be turning right, and so the right-hand approach lane could become more congested, by moving traffic intending to go left into the other lane, eases that congestion, but only on the approach. Normal roundabout rules still apply.

Excerpt: The N332 Facebook team posted a video with a question, asking “Under the Spanish Traffic Law, who is at fault in this car accident? Why?” Firstly, we must remember two basic rules, the first being that, in Spain, we always Read More ...

### New Trafico Office Opens in Elche

A new trafico office has opened in Elche, dealing with such matters as driving licence and vehicle documentation, as well as fines and sanctions, thus avoiding the previous requirement of visiting the office in Alicante.
Appointments can be booked through the DGT website, www.dgt.es, where you can choose the day and hour of your preference in the office located on Calle Fuensalida, number 5, 03293, Elche, Alicante (click the address for a link to the map).

The DGT hopes that the new office will reduce the waiting time and provide a better service to drivers, who had, in the past, often faced considerable delays in obtaining appointments.

Once you have selected the appointment section on the website (look for the button that resembles a calendar), then request an appointment (Solicitar Cita Previa en Jefaturas). You then have to choose your office (Selecciona una oficina), in this case Alicante/Alicant-Elche, and then the type of visit you are intending to carry out, office procedures (Trámites de oficina), Renewal of Drivers EU Licence (Renovación de permisos de conducción (solo UE/EEE)), Driving Licence Exchange (Canjes de permisos de conducción), or European Driving Licence Exchange (Canje de permiso de conducción europeo).
In the next stage, depending what you have selected previously, you will be given advice (in Spanish) as to what documents are required, and how to pay for your selected procedure. Once you have the information and documents, you can then click continue (Continuar) and fill in your personal details. Alternatively, you can nominate a person to represent you, in which case there is a section to add their details.
Then the computer system will then show you the available days and times of appointments, so you can choose the one that suits you best. At the beginning, appointments will be shown for the ten days following the day on which you request the appointment.
Once you have selected the day and time, the system will ask you to confirm the appointment and you can then set a reminder which shows the appointment details. In the event of having to change or cancel the appointment, you can do so through the system, or by calling 060 (in Spanish).

Excerpt: A new trafico office has opened in Elche, dealing with such matters as driving licence and vehicle documentation, as well as fines and sanctions, thus avoiding the previous requirement of visiting the office in Alicante. Appointments can be booked through Read More ...

### More Rumble Strips Being Installed

As part of the current wave of safety improvements to the roads of Spain, the DGT plans to install rumble strips along a further 3,000 kilometres of routes.
The rumble strips would be placed along the side of the road in places, so that if a vehicle begins to drift from the path, the driver would be alerted by the vibrations from the wheels.
These strips are also being installed in the centre of the carriageway in many places, so as to avoid head on collisions, similar to those already installed along the N-332 near Torrevieja.

There are a number of different ways in which these rumble strips are created. The most popular is to use a mixture of paint, plastic and glass spheres, which raises the road surface by 3 millimetres, and are highly reflective.
Other methods are cut into the tarmac or other road surface, providing a similar function to the painted strips, but easier to install in the first instance.

It is estimated that these lines would avoid more than 600 road traffic victims a year on secondary roads. In 2015, 971 people died on conventional roads and of these, 451 were on account of the vehicle straying from the lane.
However, not everybody appreciates the changes and the potential life-saving characteristics. A number of motorcycle groups have already come out in protest of the change, saying that these rumble strips pose an additional risk to motorcyclists, and, although they might save the lives of larger vehicle users, there is likely to be an increase in the number of motorbike related incidents as a result.
The plan for installing the rumble strips continues, despite the protests, with the first priority being given to roads with a higher number of incidents.

Excerpt: As part of the current wave of safety improvements to the roads of Spain, the DGT plans to install rumble strips along a further 3,000 kilometres of routes. The rumble strips would be placed along the side of the road Read More ...

### Keep Calm and Learn About your Car

In recent years, different safety devices such as blind spot detectors, autonomous emergency braking or parking sensors have been incorporated into vehicles, but the amount of information they provide and the number of systems that must be kept under control can also create an increase in the level of distraction whilst driving, especially when there is a lack of real understanding as to what each of the alerts and warnings may display.
There are many systems that help make driving safer. Most of them hide behind names and acronyms that not everyone understands. Systems like ABS, ESP, BAS, traction control or blind spot control are part of the elements that, little by little, have made their way in modern cars.
A recent study by RACE and Castrol revealed that the lack of knowledge about the operation of these technologies can have a negative effect on driving, as 6% of drivers become frightened by these systems, some 13% become stressed, and 25% report being distracted.
It is necessary to know the operation of each system to avoid that apprehensive feeling and anxiety caused by the use of technology that generates a continuous tension in the conduction known as ‘technological stress’. A cars cockpit has become less like a wheel and a few levers, and more like that of the Space Shuttle in recent years, and pilots are trained extensively in the use of their complex systems, a driver has to rely on a manual at best, assuming the driver actually bothers to read it of course.
That is the real solution however, read the manual, search You Tube, search the internet, and train yourself for every device on your vehicle. Do so before you take to the road, practice and prepare for the eventualities that might present themselves.
Also, according to RACC studies, ignorance or overconfidence in technology directly influence driving. Thus, if the system alerts the driver when exceeding the speed limit but the control is automatic, the driver can forget about the accelerator and cause excessive relaxation on fast roads.
For its part, Spanish and German researchers have developed a system that analyses the behaviour of the driver, and, based on the data collected (speed, changes of gear, acceleration, etc), makes a series of recommendations in real time, according to the Confederation National Driving School (CNAE).
What happens in the mind?
This stress caused by the technologies in the vehicle directly affects our psychophysical state. According to Luis Montoro, president of the Spanish Foundation for Road Safety, Fundación Española para la Seguridad Vial (FESVIAL), stress is a general process of adaptation to the environment whose problems appear when their level is very intense and is maintained for a long time. If the adaptation to this medium, in this case the technologies behind the wheel, is permanent, the mind cannot rest and, consequently, the body will perform negative actions.
Health and driving concentration have to be compatible to drive safely. With the changing mode of information and the constant advancement of telecommunications, it seems that you can never keep up with technological developments. According to Antonio Cano Vindel, president of the Spanish Society for the Study of Anxiety and Stress, driving stress depends on the level of knowledge. While learning to drive, a level of disturbance is generated and it has an impact on an emotion associated with stress, which is anxiety.
The amount of data that the driver can visualize and take into account while driving can fatigue you and, even worse, distract your attention by taking care of other data and taking your eyes off the road. Driving requires a level of concentration appropriate to the circumstances and any type of distraction can cause a road error with fatal consequences.

Excerpt: In recent years, different safety devices such as blind spot detectors, autonomous emergency braking or parking sensors have been incorporated into vehicles, but the amount of information they provide and the number of systems that must be kept under control Read More ...

### Keep your Number Plate Clear

The number plate on a vehicle serves as a unique visible indicator that allows for the identification of certain elements such as the vehicle´s owner, to those with access to the necessary database. For everyone else, it still serves to provide information which could be of use, such as the age of the vehicle if you are planning to purchase it, for example.
In Spain, number plates used to carry a distinction which identified where the vehicle was registered. This can still be seen on some older vehicles, such as the prefix “M” for Madrid, “A” for Alicante or “MU” for Murcia.
These days, the number plates don´t display those characteristics, but are formed by 4 numbers and 3 letters. If you check the DGT website, dgt.es, you will be able to see the current series of letters being used, which are JWP as of February, 2017. There are also apps available which will allow you to work back and show the age of a vehicle, or at least when the series in the number plate was being used. You can of course check the full vehicle history on the DGT website as well.
Normally, the number plate must be displayed, and in a fixed location such as the bumper, at both the front and rear of the vehicle. Some vehicles have special locations for the display of the rear number plate, which is also acceptable if that location is part of the original manufacturing specification and has been approved. Motorcycles and scooters (including microcars) must display their number plate at the rear.
There are very clear specifications for the number plate, in terms of the height of the characters for example, the colour, size and shape, all of which means that only certified manufacturers of number plates are allowed to make them. You are not allowed to simply take a piece of cardboard and colour it in with a crayon, for example. Tampering with the original number plate is also an offence. There have been countless occurrences of drivers attempting to mask the real number of their vehicle, sometimes using tape, sometimes using specialist sprays that claim to hide the numbers in the event of being snapped by a traffic camera. Whether these methods work or not is irrelevant, they are illegal.

These days, new acrylic number plates are replacing the old metal ones. The metal number plates soon faded in the sun, rendering them both useless and illegal, whereas the modern acrylic ones remain clear at all times. If you do have a metal number plate, especially if it is faded, you really must get them replaced immediately.

Metal number plates were also prone to damage. Sometimes an object may strike them and cause damage, and it was not unknown for children to occasionally inflict damage to them by bending them. Bending them back in shape often caused them to break. Their acrylic relatives are far more resilient to damage and bending, and last considerably longer.

The number plate must be visible at all times, day and night, and must not be obscured by anything, including dirt. At night, it must be illuminated. You are also not allowed to alter the number plate in any way, such as putting stickers or name tags on it for example. Only number plates which are certified for use in Spain can be used on vehicles registered in Spain.
That is why, if you are towing a trailer for example, you must replicate the vehicle´s number plate at the back, in addition to the unique number plate of the trailer, if applicable. If you are carrying items such as bicycles, they sometimes come with an additional holder for the number plate, as the original may not be visible when obscured by the carrying frame.
It is also why the traffic police have been able to fine a number of Catalan drivers recently, who, in their hope of independence from Spain, are installing number plated displaying the Catalan flag, and three-letter code “CAT”, which is not currently (if it ever will be) recognised in Spain, and therefore illegal.
The number plate is an essential element of the vehicle. They do allow for identification in the event of committing an offence, but also allow for identifying and locating a vehicle in the event of theft or damage. Keeping your number plates clean and clear is a must if you want to avoid being stopped and facing a fine, or worse.

Excerpt: The number plate on a vehicle serves as a unique visible indicator that allows for the identification of certain elements such as the vehicle´s owner, to those with access to the necessary database. For everyone else, it still serves to Read More ...

### New Tablets Take to the Streets

Traffic officers across Spain have been attending training courses over the past few months, to learn how to use their new tablet computers.

The new tablets replace their PDA digital assistants, and allow them to carry out even more administrative tasks at the roadside than ever before.
We have previously spoken about the actual models being issued, specifically the ZTE E8Q, which will be the standard tablet in use by traffic officers, the ZTE E9Q, which will be used by traffic officers specifically involved in such activities as testing drivers and major incidents, and the bulky but heavily protected KAZAM T-700, used by officers in mountainous regions, now the officers are getting to grips with actually using them.
They come with their own protective case, which clips the device to their belt and doubles up as a sun visor for the screen when being used outdoors, and a stylus for writing and obtaining signatures, for example.
.

The software allows them to check the details of both the vehicles and drivers, as they are linked to a central computer, and allows them to take detailed records of incidents and collisions, with photographs, in order to start the investigation process far quicker than ever before.
In addition, in the event of an officer recording an incident, that information is sent directly to the DGT traffic computer, which updates the road traffic information network, in real time, of the incident, lane closures and delays likely. That information is visible on the DGT´s own website, via dgt.es, is relayed to their own app, and, as we explained previously, is shared through the Waze and Google traffic information network, thus advising as many drivers as possible of the incident.
The device is linked via Bluetooth to a thermal printer, and so able to issue fines on the spot, and has an accompanying credit card machine which can take payment immediately, should an on-the-spot fine be appropriate.

Excerpt: Traffic officers across Spain have been attending training courses over the past few months, to learn how to use their new tablet computers. The new tablets replace their PDA digital assistants, and allow them to carry out even more administrative Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 05

Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. Once again we have lots to tell you about in this issue, including our promised look at the new tablet computers being used by traffic officers across Spain. We have mentioned them already, but now they are in service, we have first-hand information as to what they can do. We give you the introduction in this edition, and in the future we will look at them in even more detail. The most important part for us though is that it allows for the sharing and disseminating of information far quicker than ever before.
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We have visited a couple of associations to give talks on road safety, with more of those coming in March. As always, the talks prompt a number of questions, so we have answered those in this edition too, such as how many gas bottles can be carried, for example.
We have also got details about driving licences, in particular the benefits of changing your UK licence to a Spanish one if you are a resident, and we look at some more of the secret codes that reveal more about your driving status than you might realise.
Talking of licences, there are calls to have a similar points system for bicycles, whereas cyclists would lose points if they commit driving offences. An interesting concept perhaps, but not one of the easiest to enforce, you can read about the proposals inside.
This year might also be a significant one for the driving test, as experts predict that people born in this year may never have to take a test, as robotic and autonomous vehicle technology is already racing ahead, and so it is only a matter of time before the skill of driving is a thing of the past, perhaps.
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Our friends at Ibex Insurance have provided us with an interesting article again this time, and we take a closer look at one of our other supporting businesses, Autos Direct, by use of a virtual tour. We even take you inside a vehicle, so long as you visit on the web that is, or in person obviously.
We have some of the most interesting news stories from around the world too, including a rather bizarre one from America where a driver is attempting to sue a mobile phone manufacturer for not preventing him from using his mobile when he crashed his car.
We also take a look at number plates, in particular the need to keep them clean and visible, how you must never tamper with them, and the benefits of new acrylic materials.
Well, we hope you enjoy this latest edition and the articles we have collated for you. Remember to keep visiting the website, n332.es, where new articles are posted regularly, and follow N332 on Facebook, if you don´t already, where almost 90,000 people are regularly kept updated.
Until next time, stay safe.
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Excerpt: Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. Once again we have lots to tell you about in this issue, including our promised look at the new tablet computers being used by traffic officers across Spain. We have mentioned Read More ...

### N332 Visits Help at Home, Orihuela Costa

This month, the N332 road safety roadshow met with the Torrevieja branch of RAFA, the Royal Air Force Association, and then last week, members of Help at Home, Orihuela Costa.

As usual, the attendees were given a wide range of advice regarding driving in Spain, including answers to some of the most popular questions which occur, such as the documents and items that must be carried, the reasons for exchanging a UK for Spanish driving licence, how a traffic patrol would stop a vehicle, and identifying unmarked police cars, amongst others.
The event concluded with a mini-presentation of crime prevention and home security from our partners, Securitas Direct.
The Help at Home charity shop is situated near Cala Mosca on the Orihuela Costa and offers a wide range of items for sale, with funds going towards helping the work that they do supporting others. Please call in the shop and browse around, if you are in the area, and ask for more information about their services.
The next N332 Road Safety Roadshow events are in March, but if you run a social or community group and can get around 50 or more people together, there are a limited number of dates available and we would be happy to attend your meeting to do the same. For more details, or to discuss this in more detail, you can send an email to news@n332.es.

Excerpt: This month, the N332 road safety roadshow met with the Torrevieja branch of RAFA, the Royal Air Force Association, and then last week, members of Help at Home, Orihuela Costa. As usual, the attendees were given a wide range of Read More ...

### Repeat Offenders have Vehicles Seized

The DGT in Ourense, a city in Galicia in north western Spain, has seized 22 vehicles from repeat offenders against road safety.
According to the public prosecutor, although seemingly extreme, the action has been taken on account of the severity of the number of repeat offences carried out. Each of the owners who have now lost their vehicles would have qualified for seizure by accumulating at least three consecutive convictions, in the two-year period, against road safety, such as high blood alcohol levels (more than 0.60 mg / litre), refusing to undergo screening tests, or driving without a valid licence, for example.
The majority of vehicles seized, 19 in total, have been scrapped, the remaining three are being stored as evidence on account of continual investigations being carried out.
The Guardia Civil in the area arrested 362 people in Ourense in 2016, all for serious offences against road safety. In the majority of cases, the offences were related to alcohol, with 204 drivers arrested for being sufficiently over the limit it constituted a criminal offence.
The offences related to driving licences, there were 146 complaints recorded, 61 of which were as a result of having lost all points, whereas in 44 cases the denunciations were for deprivation of the permit due to judicial sentences.

Excerpt: The DGT in Ourense, a city in Galicia in north western Spain, has seized 22 vehicles from repeat offenders against road safety. According to the public prosecutor, although seemingly extreme, the action has been taken on account of the severity Read More ...

### Driving Licence Codes List

On the back of your driving licence, you will see section number 12, which is where there may be a number of codes which are observations or restrictions that the driver must conform to, such as wearing spectacles for example.

Here are some of those codes. There may be minor regional differences in some cases.
01 – Eyesight correction, for example glasses or contact lenses
01.02 – Contact lenses
02 – Hearing/communication aid
03 – Prosthesis/Orthosis of the limbs
05 – Limited use due to medical reasons
05.01 – Limited to daytime journeys
05.02 – Limited to journeys within a set radius from the holder’s place of residence, or only inside a set city or region.
05.03 – Driving without passengers
05.04 – Limited to journeys with a speed not greater than a set limit
05.05 – Driving authorised only when accompanied by a holder of a driving licence
05.06 – Without a trailer
05.07 – No driving on motorways
05.08 – No alcohol
10 – Modified transmission
15 – Modified clutch
20 – Modified braking systems
25 – Modified accelerator systems
30 – Combined braking and accelerator systems (for licences issued before 28 November 2016)
31 – Pedal adaptations and pedal safeguards
32 – Combined service brake and accelerator systems
33 – Combined service brake, accelerator and steering systems
35 – Modified control layouts
40 – Modified steering
42 – Modified rear-view mirror(s)
43 – Modified driving seats
44 – Modifications to motorbikes
44.1 – Single operated brake
44.2 – Adapted front wheel brake
44.3 – Adapted rear wheel brake
44.4 – Adapted accelerator
44.5 – (Adjusted) manual transmission and manual clutch
44.6 – (Adjusted) rear-view mirror(s)
44.7 – (Adjusted) commands (direction indicators, braking light, etc)
44.8 – Seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to have two feet on the surface at the same time and balance the motorcycle during stopping and standing
44.11 – Adapted foot rest
44.12 – Adapted hand grip
45 – Motorbikes only with sidecar
46 – Tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)
70 – Exchange of licence (also displaying part of your original licence number and country code)
71 – Duplicate of licence
78 – Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission
79 – Restricted to vehicles in conformity with the specifications stated in brackets on your licence
79.2 – Restricted to category AM vehicles of the 3-wheel or light quadricycle type
79.3 – Restricted to tricycles
96 – Allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer where the trailer weighs at least 750kg, and the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is between 3,500kg and 4,250kg
97 – Not allowed to drive category C1 vehicles which are required to have a tachograph fitted
101 – Not for hire or reward (that is, not to make a profit)
102 – Drawbar trailers only
103 – Subject to certificate of competence
105 – Vehicle not more than 5.5 metres long
106 – Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions
107 – Not more than 8,250 kilograms
108 – Subject to minimum age requirements
110 – Limited to transporting persons with restricted mobility
111 – Limited to 16 passenger seats
113 – Limited to 16 passenger seats except for automatics
114 – With any special controls required for safe driving
115 – Organ donor
118 – Start date is for earliest entitlement
119 – Weight limit for vehicle does not apply
121 – Restricted to conditions specified in the Secretary of State’s notice
122 – Valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course 125 – tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)
Country Codes
Country codes are used on the driving licence to indicate that the current licence has been exchanged for one previously issued in another country. You will find them as part of code 70 under section 12 on the back of the licence.
Australia – AUS
Austria – A
Barbados – BDS
Belgium – B
British Virgin Islands – VGB
Bulgaria – BG
Canada – CDN
Cyprus – CY
Czech Republic – CZ
Denmark – DK
Estonia – EST
Falkland Islands – FK
Faroe Islands – FO
Finland – FIN
France – F
Germany – D
Gibraltar – GBZ
Greece – GR
Guernsey – GBG
Hong Kong – HK
Hungary – H
Iceland- IS
Ireland – IRL
Isle of Man – GBM
Italy – I
Japan – J
Jersey – GBJ
Latvia – LV
Liechtenstein – FL
Lithuania – LT
Luxembourg – L
Malta – M
Monaco – MC
Netherlands – NL
New Zealand – NZ
Norway – N
Poland – PL
Portugal – P
Republic of Korea – ROK
Romania – RO
Singapore – SGP
Slovakia – SK
Slovenia – SLO
South Africa – ZA
Spain – E
Sweden – S
Switzerland – CH
United Kingdom – UK
Zimbabwe – ZW

Excerpt: On the back of your driving licence, you will see section number 12, which is where there may be a number of codes which are observations or restrictions that the driver must conform to, such as wearing spectacles for example. Read More ...

### New Restrictions to Improve Safety

The DGT has announced a range of measures they plan to implement this year, all aimed at reducing the number of fatalities and casualties from road traffic incidents.

One of the measures announced is expressly aimed at protecting cyclists, after figures show an increase in the number of incidents involving bicycles. The plan is to restrict the maximum permitted speed on certain roads and on certain days, at times when there is a possibility of an increase in the number of cyclists using the routes, such as Sunday mornings, for example.
Of course reducing the maximum speed limit still relies on the drivers adhering to the law and respecting the maximum speed limits, and so the risk is still an issue when drivers choose to ignore the law.
Some cyclists of course should also be made more aware of similar responsible driving methods, also respecting the road and traffic law, laws which are designed to protect life, and it is not uncommon that motorists become frustrated at the seemingly selfish attitude of a small number of cyclists who also fail to practice respect.
Stricter action against all road users will be an inevitable part of enforcing the restrictions, so whether motor-powered or leg-driven, traffic officers will be closely monitoring the roads looking for those who do offend.
Another restriction which will form part of the future model will be restricting the movement of certain trucks on conventional roads which have become “black spots”, providing alternative routes for these vehicles away from the most dangerous sections.
The information on these restrictions will be published on the DGT website, dgt.es, where new sections will be added periodically.
Overall, the measures are aimed at creating a safer environment for all vehicles to co-exist on the roads of Spain, and with the increase in the number of fatalities and injuries on the roads, these are the first steps towards reversing that trend on the “Road to Zero” fatalities.

Excerpt: The DGT has announced a range of measures they plan to implement this year, all aimed at reducing the number of fatalities and casualties from road traffic incidents. One of the measures announced is expressly aimed at protecting cyclists, after Read More ...

### Autos Direct San Miguel – One of our major partners

If you are looking to buy a car in Spain, or if you are in need of a repair and maintenance workshop, Autos Direct in San Miguel de Salinas is the only place you need.
They always have a great selection of cars available, changing constantly, and their workshop only uses the best diagnostic equipment and official parts.
They pride themselves on quality service and care, and that shows from the thousands of people they have dealt with over the years.
We have created a little virtual tour of their forecourt so you can have a browse around and see for yourself. Remember though, their stock is constantly changing, so you need to look at their website to check for vehicle availability.
Click the image below to visit the page with the virtual tour (you will find instructions on that page), and you can even brose their list of current vehicles live from within the tour window.
Please, also make sure you let them know that you are a friend of N332 when you visit them, so that they know where you found out about them.

Excerpt: If you are looking to buy a car in Spain, or if you are in need of a repair and maintenance workshop, Autos Direct in San Miguel de Salinas is the only place you need. They always have a great Read More ...

### Licence Points for Bicycles Proposed

The Spanish Royal Automobile Association, RACE, is proposing the extension of the driving licence points system to cover cyclists.
Whereas some users of other vehicles would welcome the change, often critical of cyclists they consider to act outside of the law, it is unlikely to be welcomed by the cyclist groups themselves, despite the actual motivation being the increase in the number of deaths on Spanish roads of cyclists.
Manuel Martín, spokesperson for cycling group ConBici, has already hit out at the plans, saying that is seems, “absolutely unfortunate that an entity like the RACE makes a proposal that is not valid in any country in the world”, adding that the implementation of this measure “would mean almost nobody would use a bicycle.”
RACE are also attempting to encourage a plan of coexistence on the road for both cars and bicycles, where both users are taken into account. ConBici recalled that cyclists are the victims and that cars are the most dangerous. “What you have to take action against is not in the bikes, but in the cars who are the ones that create the danger,” Martín reiterated.
RACE demands a greater commitment to reduce the incident rate of vulnerable users, with special attention to the group of motorists, who, in 2016, represented more than 40% of those killed during the weekends.
The association has pointed out that the points system has proven its usefulness in focussing efforts to reduce incidents, and that if it is extended to bicycles, the same focus and attention should be given, especially as at this moment a cyclist can take to the road with no training or awareness of the dangers they might come across, and not necessarily with an awareness of the laws which are aimed at protecting all road users.

Excerpt: The Spanish Royal Automobile Association, RACE, is proposing the extension of the driving licence points system to cover cyclists. Whereas some users of other vehicles would welcome the change, often critical of cyclists they consider to act outside of the Read More ...

### Virtual Look Around a Guardia Civil Motorbike

Would you like to try a Guardia Civil motorbike for size? Well, now you can, thanks to virtual reality.

Once loaded, click the window and move around the screen with your mouse, in a full, 360º environment. There are controls on the bottom left, if you would sooner use those, just click the little circle to open or close them, and if you have a device which is compatible, you can even view it with a virtual reality headset by clicking the link below the image.




You can also click here to enter fullscreen or VR mode on compatible devices.

Excerpt: Would you like to try a Guardia Civil motorbike for size? Well, now you can, thanks to virtual reality. Once loaded, click the window and move around the screen with your mouse, in a full, 360º environment. There are controls Read More ...

### N332 Meets RAFA

This week, the N332 road safety roadshow met with the Torrevieja branch of RAFA, the Royal Air Force Association.



The members were given a wide range of advice regarding driving in Spain, including answers to some of the most popular questions which occur, such as the documents and items that must be carried, roundabouts, how a traffic patrol would stop a vehicle, and identifying unmarked police cars, amongst others.
The event concluded with a mini-presentation of crime prevention and home security from our partners, Securitas Direct.
The next events are in March, but if you run a social or community group and can get around 50 or more people together, there are a limited number of dates available and we would be happy to attend your meeting to do the same. For more details, or to discuss this in more detail, you can send an email to news@n332.es.

Excerpt: This week, the N332 road safety roadshow met with the Torrevieja branch of RAFA, the Royal Air Force Association. The members were given a wide range of advice regarding driving in Spain, including answers to some of the most popular Read More ...

### The DGT Joins Waze

Spain has joined up with various traffic authorities around the globe to Waze, a traffic information and planning application, aimed at improving information and road safety.

Getting stuck in traffic is always frustrating, even for the calmest of drivers. Waze was designed to try to alleviate some of that pressure by asking fellow motorists to share information, thus making more people aware of issues such as delays and even obstructions in the road.
By connecting drivers to one another, they help people create local driving communities that work together to improve the quality of everyone’s daily driving. That might mean helping them avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic, or shaving five minutes off of their regular commute by showing them new routes they never even knew about.
After typing in your destination address, users just drive with the app open on their phone to passively contribute traffic and other road data, but they can also take a more active role by sharing road reports on accidents or any other hazards along the way, helping to give other users in the area a ‘heads-up’ about what’s to come.
Now, as the DGT joins Waze’s “Connected Citizens Program”, it puts Spain in line with such traffic authorities as Transport for London, ASFA (French Highways) and New York, as well as Barcelona, who were already part of the group.
The initiative sees the free exchange of traffic data between Waze and the DGT to improve traffic management and road safety.

The DGT, in its firm commitment to move towards advanced high value-added traffic management models, incorporates this new source of anonymised data from real-time users that enriches the available traffic data. Thanks to these new data sources, smarter management is possible from the Traffic Management Centres, both in detecting and transmitting incidents to improve circulation fluidity and safety.
You can download the app to your mobile device, just search for Waze in the app or play store. Remember though, when you are driving, you must not touch your device. Get your passenger to report problems, but at least you will be aware of what´s to come and have a totally free intelligent guidance system to help you to your destination safely and promptly.

Excerpt: Spain has joined up with various traffic authorities around the globe to Waze, a traffic information and planning application, aimed at improving information and road safety. Getting stuck in traffic is always frustrating, even for the calmest of drivers. Waze Read More ...

### Missing Victim in Motorway Crash

Emergency services were called to attend a traffic incident on the AP-7 motorway, and despite locating the vehicle, found nobody with it.
The incident occurred at kilometre 775 of the motorway in the Cartagena direction. Reports came to the emergency coordination centre that a foreign registered vehicle had crashed and overturned, then caught fire.
The fire and rescue service were first on the scene, having been directed from San Pedro, followed by the Guardia Civil and medics.
Upon examining the vehicle, the emergency services found nobody with it, although there was clear indications of at least one person being injured, as blood was visible inside the vehicle.
Having made the scene safe, the emergency services then spent the next few hours combing the surrounding area but still found no trace of a victim or victims.

Excerpt: Emergency services were called to attend a traffic incident on the AP-7 motorway, and despite locating the vehicle, found nobody with it. The incident occurred at kilometre 775 of the motorway in the Cartagena direction. Reports came to the emergency Read More ...

### At Last! Torrevieja Park Goes Legal!

Torrevieja council has said that 180 thousand euros of bills over materials for a suspended new park project in the El Chaparral and La Siesta area of the city have been put into the hands of a judge. The four-party coalition running the authority claim that there were improprieties over orders and contracts under the previous Partido Popular-run council.
Torrevieja’s employment councillor, Víctor Ferrández (pictured), speaking on Monday, said amongst the issues were a falsified signature on a contract and that no formal documentation had been found for the project
48 people from the Mediterraneo employment workshop had been involved with the 40 thousand square metre area which should have been finished at the end of 2015, with skateboard facilities, and water fountains, as part of the reinvigoration of a former piece of wasteland.
Before local elections in May 2015, the PP-run council claimed that the project was all running to schedule and would be finished before the end of that year, but was halted by the new coalition authority who said that invoices for materials were not produced and the project had run out of money.
Last October, PP Councillor Carmen Gómez submitted a motion calling on the council to make provision for the completion of the project to be paid for by the 2017 budget. She said that over 2,400 La Siesta and El Chaparral residents had signed a petition calling on the work to be completed. Gómez said this week that the latest developments all pointed to the “incompetence” of the coalition-run council.

Excerpt: Torrevieja council has said that 180 thousand euros of bills over materials for a suspended new park project in the El Chaparral and La Siesta area of the city have been put into the hands of a judge. The four-party coalition running the authority claim that there were improprieties over orders and contracts under the

### Foreign Visitors Hit with Number Plate Fine!

The number plates are the only tool available to allow the immediate identification of the owner and status of a vehicle.
They must be correctly fitted to the front and rear (some vehicles are exempt from displaying the front number plate), and they must be clear, clean and visible, and illuminated at night.
It is also illegal to allow anything to interfere with the visibility of the number plate.
Some of this may seem like obvious advice, but it is sometimes advice which is forgotten, apparently especially after a long journey, say from the Far East. That is perhaps the only mitigation, although it is not an excuse, why the Three Kings were fined for driving through the town of Mázarron without displaying the number plates on the back of their floats.
The officers who handed out the 1,200 euro fine needn´t worry about getting coal next year, because no doubt the Kings will realise that nobody is above the law, even visitors from a faraway land, and the police acted correctly.

Excerpt: The number plates are the only tool available to allow the immediate identification of the owner and status of a vehicle. They must be correctly fitted to the front and rear (some vehicles are exempt from displaying the front number Read More ...

### Tourist Toppers

Spain has smashed the record for visits from foreign tourists last year, with a total of 71 and a half million visitors, and that’s before figures for December are factored in early next month! In November alone, four point one million foreign visitors arrived in Spain, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
Up to the end of November, British tourists led the numbers with nearly 17 million visitors, representing 23.7 percent of the total and a year-on-year increase of 12.3 percent. French visitors were the second-largest national group, with 10.8 million travelling to Spain – up by seven percent on the same period in 2015 – followed by Germans, who totalled 10.7 million, up by just over six percent.
Catalunya continues to be the number one destination in Spain, accounting for 23.8 percent of the total number of foreign visitors standing at 17 million, rising by just under four per cent in a year, whilst the Valencia region, including the Costa Blanca, saw a bumper 17 percent hike, with seven point four million tourists.
In keeping with the increased foreign visitors, spending by them in the Valencia region and Costa Blanca leapt up by 30 percent in November compared to the same month in 2015, whilst the overall Spanish figure went up by eight percent, with British spending nationally accounting for over 18 percent of the total.

Excerpt: Spain has smashed the record for visits from foreign tourists last year, with a total of 71 and a half million visitors, and that’s before figures for December are factored in early next month! In November alone, four point one million foreign visitors arrived in Spain, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Up

### Fleeing Kamikaze Driver Rams Patrol Car

A driver who was traveling the wrong way on the A-92 motorway crashed into two Guardia Civil patrol cars who had stopped the vehicle to prevent a bigger tragedy.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning on the Almería to Fiñana road in the Guadix area.
Having brought the dangerous vehicle to a halt, the officers proceeded to try to identify the driver and ascertain the reason for the mistake.
The driver took advantage of the officers also having stopped and rammed their two patrol cars as he fled the scene.
The vehicle was stopped by the impact of this crash and the driver was taken to the hospital in Guadix, where he will be dealt with for the offences.

Excerpt: A driver who was traveling the wrong way on the A-92 motorway crashed into two Guardia Civil patrol cars who had stopped the vehicle to prevent a bigger tragedy. The incident occurred on Saturday morning on the Almería to Fiñana Read More ...

### Dangerous Monkey Search Launched

The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating 42 monkeys, which may be located in the Alicante province, having been illegally smuggled into the country last year.
However, the search is now far more serious than first thought, as not only were the monkeys smuggled into the country illegally, tests have proven that one of them which was already seized is carrying the HIV virus, and so they now pose a significant risk to human health.
The original operation took place in October when officers located 25 of a shipment of 67 monkeys. Of those which they located, 20 were alive and were taken to animal rescue centres, including the AAP Primadomus de Villena, and the Arca de Noé, both in the Alicante province.
Once settled into the centres, tests were carried out on the creatures in order to analyse their health and welfare. Those checks have already found that one of the specimens is carrying the HIV virus. The results of second tests are still outstanding as they have to be done six-weeks after the first, and will be conducted in a second laboratory to ensure compliance.
Officers in charge of the operation are aware of the 42 primates which are still missing, and are urging anybody who may have come across a monkey, or may be aware of their presence, to contact them urgently.
Despite requiring licences, it is not uncommon for exotic animals to be given as gifts at this time of year, which is why the officers are becoming increasingly concerned. The risk to the public is considered severe if an infected animal manages to spread the virus.
Searches have already been carried out in a number of establishments known to trade in exotic species, including in areas such as Elche, Torrellano, and Algueña Agost in Alicante, as well as further afield such as in Seville, Almeria and Albacete.
The officers warn that a veterinary certificate does not guarantee the legality, origin or sanitary control of the animal and in some cases are known to be fakes.
If you are in possession of a prohibited animal, or know someone in that situation species, firstly use extreme caution when interacting with any type of primate, and contact the environmental department of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA.
The Guardia Civil can be contacted by telephone on 062, or, in the event that you don´t speak Spanish, the 112 emergency coordination centre speak a variety of languages. You can also report to your nearest Guardia Civil station, or ask the local police for assistance, requesting that they contact SEPRONA.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating 42 monkeys, which may be located in the Alicante province, having been illegally smuggled into the country last year. However, the search is now far more serious than first thought, as not only were the monkeys smuggled into the country illegally, tests have proven that one

### Search Launched to Locate Infected Monkeys

The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating 42 monkeys, which may be located in the Alicante province, having been illegally smuggled into the country last year.
However, the search is now far more serious than first thought, as not only were the monkeys smuggled into the country illegally, tests have proven that one of them which was already seized is carrying the HIV virus, and so they now pose a significant risk to human health.
The original operation took place in October when officers located 25 of a shipment of 67 monkeys. Of those which they located, 20 were alive and were taken to animal rescue centres, including the AAP Primadomus de Villena, and the Arca de Noé, both in the Alicante province.
Once settled into the centres, tests were carried out on the creatures in order to analyse their health and welfare. Those checks have already found that one of the specimens is carrying the HIV virus. The results of second tests are still outstanding as they have to be done six-weeks after the first, and will be conducted in a second laboratory to ensure compliance.
Officers in charge of the operation are aware of the 42 primates which are still missing, and are urging anybody who may have come across a monkey, or may be aware of their presence, to contact them urgently.
Despite requiring licences, it is not uncommon for exotic animals to be given as gifts at this time of year, which is why the officers are becoming increasingly concerned. The risk to the public is considered severe if an infected animal manages to spread the virus.
Searches have already been carried out in a number of establishments known to trade in exotic species, including in areas such as Elche, Torrellano, and Algueña Agost in Alicante, as well as further afield such as in Seville, Almeria and Albacete.
The officers warn that a veterinary certificate does not guarantee the legality, origin or sanitary control of the animal and in some cases are known to be fakes.
If you are in possession of a prohibited animal, or know someone in that situation species, firstly use extreme caution when interacting with any type of primate, and contact the environmental department of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA.
The Guardia Civil can be contacted by telephone on 062, or, in the event that you don´t speak Spanish, the 112 emergency coordination centre speak a variety of languages. You can also report to your nearest Guardia Civil station, or ask the local police for assistance, requesting that they contact SEPRONA.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating 42 monkeys, which may be located in the Alicante province, having been illegally smuggled into the country last year. However, the search is now far more serious than first thought, as not only were the monkeys smuggled into the country illegally, tests have proven that one […]

### Three People Die Every Day on Spain’s Roads

The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has this week presented the statistics of road traffic incidents during 2016, a year in which, on interurban roads, there were 1,038 fatal incidents in which 1,160 people died and another 5,067 needed hospital treatment as a result of the injuries suffered. These figures represent increases of 1.4% (+15) in fatal incidents; 2.6% (+29) in the number of deaths and 4.3% (+209) in the number of injuries requiring hospital treatment.
There was also an increase in traffic last year. A total of 392 million long-haul journeys took place, 18.5 million more than in the previous year, representing an increase in mobility of 5%.
Although the figures relate to the close of the year, the data is considered provisional and refer only to fatal incidents occurring on interurban roads and with victims reported up to 24 hours after the incident occurred. The final consolidated figures, which will include victims up to 30 days following the incidents, will be released at a later date.
The death toll is still below the figure registered in 1960, the first year in which statistics began being collated, when there were 1,300 deaths, with a completely different mobility scenario of one million vehicles on the roads, compared with over 32 million today. The average number of daily fatalities was 11.6 road deaths per day in 2000, and now stands at 3.2 deaths per day in 2016.

Distractions, inappropriate speed, failure to keep the correct distance and fatigue or sleep are the main contributing factors that appear in fatal or serious incidents.
The number of fatalities where the incident involved a van has reduced from 69 in 2015 to 58 last year. There were 10 fewer cyclists killed, although 33 people still lost their lives.
In 2016, 214 motorcyclists died, 10 less than in 2015, and 21 moped riders lost their lives, 6 less than the previous year. Pedestrian fatalities increased from113 in 2015, to 118 in 2016.
Tragically, 22% of drivers and passengers killed in cars and vans in 2016 were not wearing a seatbelt. Of the 214 motorcycle fatalities, 4 did not wear a helmet at the time of the incident and in the case of 21 people killed on a moped, 1 wasn´t wearing a helmet. Among the cyclists, of the 33 who died, 6 were not wearing a helmet, despite it being obligatory on interurban routes. Of the 16 children up to 12 years of age who died in cars, 3 were not using any safety device or harness at the time of the fatal incident.
Although much more can and must be done, especially by road users ourselves, Spain continues to be one of the countries with the best road safety in the world, with 36 deaths per million inhabitants, below the EU average of 52.

Excerpt: The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has this week presented the statistics of road traffic incidents during 2016, a year in which, on interurban roads, there were 1,038 fatal incidents in which 1,160 people died and another 5,067 Read More ...

### If Your Truck is Stolen – Report It

Although it might seem like an obvious thing to do, the road haulage sector in Spain is being reminded of the importance of reporting vehicle theft immediately to the Guardia Civil.
The message is being reinforced following the Christmas terrorist attack in Berlin, where a truck was driven into a crowd of innocent victims.
Associations representing truckers have already started spreading the message through their social networks, advising that if a truck is stolen, report it immediately to the Guardia Civil on the emergency number, 062. In the event of you not being able to speak Spanish, then the 112 emergency coordination centre staff speak a variety of languages, including English.
Although there has been no specific threat made against Spain, in fact the terror alert level remains the same as was first implemented in 2015, vigilance is always needed.
For their part, Madrid has banned the movement of heavy goods vehicles between the 3rd and 5th of January, as a precaution in the build up to the Three King´s Parade. Other transport restrictions may well be implemented across the country as a precaution, and there will be an increase in security checks at the roadside. Remember, nothing to hide, nothing to fear, if you see one of these checkpoints, never share the location through social networks, as it could alert others of the presence of the officers, always respond to the instructions given, stay calm and you will be on your way soon.

Excerpt: Although it might seem like an obvious thing to do, the road haulage sector in Spain is being reminded of the importance of reporting vehicle theft immediately to the Guardia Civil. The message is being reinforced following the Christmas terrorist Read More ...

### Smoking in Cars

We have seen an increase in the number of people asking a recurring question, is it illegal to smoke in cars in Spain?
The short answer is no, not at the moment.
The confusion seems to stem from two sources. The first being a law which is aimed at preventing anything interfering with the driver or the act of driving. There might be a theoretical case where smoking could lead to distraction, but it is only theoretical, the law does not in any way mention smoking.
The second confusing factor comes from a law relating to smoking in a car whilst carrying children. Some countries, such as the UK for example, do have laws in place which makes this illegal. The law came into force in England and Wales in October, 2015, and in Scotland in December, 2016. However, in Spain, no such law currently exists.
Perhaps needless to say but smoking does of course pose a health risk to the occupants of a vehicle, and there are safety implications too. Anything which might be a distraction or a risk should be avoided, but within the constraints of law, you are currently free to smoke whilst driving.

Excerpt: We have seen an increase in the number of people asking a recurring question, is it illegal to smoke in cars in Spain? The short answer is no, not at the moment. The confusion seems to stem from two sources. Read More ...

### Repsol to Help Abandoned Pets

Fuel supply firm Repsol has signed an agreement with the environmental protection branch of the Guardia Civil, Seprona, to assist in cases of abandonment or loss of domestic animals through their 3,500 service stations across Spain.
This initiative coincides with the launch of Repsol’s Christmas campaign, which tells the true story of Luca, a dog that was abandoned in May 2015 at the service station in the La Panadella area of Barcelona, who was looked after by a worker at the service station, later to be adopted by a family who had stopped to refuel.

Until now, in the event of staff at the service stations becoming aware of a stray animal, they would inform the Local Police of the municipality, who are the competent authority responsible for the collection of abandoned or lost pets.
Now, with this new agreement with the Guardia Civil, Repsol provides a national solution to the problem whilst reinforcing the company´s cooperation with the corp.
The Penal Code specifies that the abandonment of a domestic animal in conditions in which its life or integrity could be endangered will be punished by a fine of one to six months in prison. The guidelines agreed between Repsol and Seprona establishes that a worker at a service station that witnesses an abandonment must gather all the possible information (make, model and registration of the vehicle, people involved, images of the security cameras, witnesses, etc.) and pass that information to the Guardia Civil.
Repsol has distributed the information to all of their staff and highlighted that there are seasonal peaks in the number of recorded abandonments, which is reportedly the biggest problem domestic animals face in Spain, although there has been a slight reduction in the data since figures began to be recorded in 2008.
In the latest recorded data, 137,831 animals found themselves in shelters and with animal protection associations, 104,501 dogs and 33,330 cats. More than 66% of dogs are found on public roads, whereas other popular places are at service stations, supermarket entrances and parking lots.

Excerpt: Fuel supply firm Repsol has signed an agreement with the environmental protection branch of the Guardia Civil, Seprona, to assist in cases of abandonment or loss of domestic animals through their 3,500 service stations across Spain. This initiative coincides with Read More ...

### Man Arrested for 56 Thefts from Vehicles

Officers from both the Guardia Civil and the Local Police have collaborated in order to successfully arrest a thief who had stolen items from at least 56 vehicles since the start of December.
The arrest was made in the Seville town of Utrera, after the investigation led officers to identify the individual who went by the nickname, “ET”.
The detainee has been remanded in custody, pending a trial, as he was considered too dangerous to release on account of him also raiding two residential properties, attacking the owners of one of them, and assaulting a police officer as the assailant tried to escape through a window.
He is accused of two counts of trespassing offences, two of illegal detention, one attack on a law enforcement officer, four threats of violence, two of damages, two of having caused injuries and 56 thefts from vehicles.

Excerpt: Officers from both the Guardia Civil and the Local Police have collaborated in order to successfully arrest a thief who had stolen items from at least 56 vehicles since the start of December. The arrest was made in the Seville Read More ...

### Product Safety Notice Issued for 5 Motorcycles

The road safety department of the Unión Internacional para la Defensa de los Motociclistas has called for a review of 29 different motorcycle models, which they feel pose a safety risk.
The associated reports have been forwarded to the manufacturers, who will then make contact with owners direct, should there be a need for a technical revision.
Reference: RAM ES 2016 035 Triumph.
Brand: Triumph
Models: STREET TWIN-BONNEVILLE T120, BONNEVILLE T100-THRUXTON 1200, THRUXTON 1200R, STREET CUP
Risk: The wiring to the fuel pump can allow leakage from the fuel tank. This leak, in the event that there is an electrical short circuit, could be a source of ignition with risk of fire of the vehicle.
DATE OF ALERT: 16 December 2016
Reference: RAM ES 2016 036
Brand: Suzuki
Model: DL-650
Risk: In some cases, the insulating material of the wiring of the generator can be damaged by heat from the engine and cause a short circuit in the internal wiring. The continued use in this situation, could cause the current generated to be reduced and provide insufficient load to the battery. In the worst cases may stop the engine whilst driving and render it impossible to start again.
DATE OF ALERT: 21 December 2016
Any necessary technical revisions will be carried out by the manufacturer, or their authorised workshops, and will be free of charge to the consumer.

Excerpt: The road safety department of the Unión Internacional para la Defensa de los Motociclistas has called for a review of 29 different motorcycle models, which they feel pose a safety risk. The associated reports have been forwarded to the manufacturers, Read More ...

### Licence Points System to be Reviewed

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is proposing a review of the driving licence points system, as, after being in operation for ten-years, the positive downward trend in road fatalities has been broken, with 2016 already seeing more road-related deaths than in 2015.
With still some days to go, there have been 1,138 deaths officially recorded on the main road network of the country, an increase in 7 deaths over 2015.
The recently appointed Director General, Gregorio Serrano, has recognised that the data is “not good”, and that road traffic incidents have “worsened”, and so it is considered that 2017 will be “a key year” to face the challenge of all sectors agreeing to design a “good road safety plan”.
Serrano has made it clear that after ten years, it is time to “sit down” and see “what has been positive” and “what can be changed” with the system, as “We cannot stay still, we have to evaluate the system and put on the table what measures are necessary so that the points system remains a useful system for the reduction of accidents”, he said.
Serrano added that the DGT is “aware” that the time has come to “evaluate the future” of this measure, and to do so with “objective opinions and data”, in addition to looking at the reforms that have been made in other European countries. The “road ahead” has “a lot of work to do”, insisted Serrano, who has called for the collaboration of all sectors involved so that “together” road safety can be improved.
Serrano said that the 1,138 deaths prior to the Christmas campaign represent seven more than in all of 2015 and represent 27 more than in the same period of the previous year.
For that reason and “beyond percentages”, the DGT has used the “broken lives and family tragedies” to highlight the outcome of each of the individual incidents, and focus on the contributing factors that have led to each and every one of them.
The same factors are still ever present in the majority of these incidents. Inappropriate speed, alcohol or drugs, distractions such as using a mobile phone, and the incorrect or lack of use of seatbelts. Tragically, Serrano pointed out, 80% of child deaths could have been avoided with the correct use of child safety seats, a reason alone to advocated a “greater sanction” and control.

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is proposing a review of the driving licence points system, as, after being in operation for ten-years, the positive downward trend in road fatalities has been broken, with 2016 already seeing more road-related deaths Read More ...

### Watching From the Sky

It´s not only Santa who´s been taking to the sky this Christmas, but 65 pilots flying the 12 DGT helicopters have also been keeping a watchful eye on the roads, and will continue to do so through the New Year.

During the three-week Christmas period, the special operation has been divided into 3 phases. The first phase has already taken place, over Christmas itself, the second is this coming weekend, for New Year, and then the third phase after the 3 King´s celebrations next week.
The helicopters support officers on the ground and enforce the law from afar, monitoring for speeding motorists, as well as others such as those using their mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt, and are able to issue the sanctions automatically to the home address of the vehicle owner through the DGT system, without the need to stop the driver to advise them of the infraction.
Of course, in the worst cases, the helicopters can summon assistance on the ground to intercept vehicles and deal with the situation instantly.
The helicopters not only look for infractions however, they also monitor traffic flow and feed information to controllers to assist in the direction and control of traffic.

As these helicopters can see you from afar, you might never be aware that they´re there. However, there is a way in which you can avoid detection, by adhering to the laws, wearing your seatbelt correctly, not using your mobile phone, maintaining a safe distance, keeping your speed under control, in fact by driving within the requirements of the law.

Excerpt: It´s not only Santa who´s been taking to the sky this Christmas, but 65 pilots flying the 12 DGT helicopters have also been keeping a watchful eye on the roads, and will continue to do so through the New Year. Read More ...

### Major Christmas Operation Begins Today

This weekend, the roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy at times, thanks to the Christmas holidays.

However, this year, it is anticipated that there will be an extra three million more journeys on the country´s roads than last year, with a total number of 16,675,000 trips during the period which starts at 15:00 on Friday, 23 December, until 00:00 on Sunday, 8 January, 2017.
The main bulk of traffic movements will be split into three specific phases. The first phase of the operation will be from Friday 23rd December, until Monday 26th, although in some areas the special operation retires on the Sunday night. During this weekend, it is anticipated that 4.1 million trips will take place.
Phase two will be for the end of the year celebrations, specifically from Friday, 30th December until Sunday, 1st January, on Monday in some places such as Murcia. The third phase runs over the Three Kings celebrations from Friday 5th until Sunday 8th January, 2017.
The largest volume of movements in this period will focus on the central area of ​​the peninsula (25%), followed by the region of Murcia and Valencia where 21% of displacements will take place.
In order to ensure the safest flow of traffic during the operation, the Guardia Civil will be out in force on the roads, monitoring for the usual offences that contribute most highly to incidents, such as inappropriate speed, alcohol or drugs, and distractions, including the use of mobile phones. They will also be checking on the correct use of seatbelts and child restraints, and that all documentation is correct and valid.
Officers on the ground will be supported by the 12 DGT helicopters in the air, including those fitted with the Pegasus monitoring equipment, which will also be monitoring for speeders, as well as seatbelt and mobile phone use.
If embarking on any kind of journey during the holiday period, the advice is always the same. Allow extra time for your journey, take plenty of breaks on long trips, be patient, always drive within the speed limit and at a safe distance, and never consume alcohol or drugs before driving.

Excerpt: This weekend, the roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy at times, thanks to the Christmas holidays. However, this year, it is anticipated that there will be an extra three million more journeys on the country´s roads than Read More ...

### Staying Safe this Christmas

Although no specific threats have been received and the threat level remains the same, security measures are being put in place to ensure that Christmas passes as safe as possible.
Numerous town halls across the country are currently installing large planters in key public areas. As well as improving the aesthetics of the location, these serve to act as a physical barrier to help prevent incidents such as the truck attack in Berlin this week. Other places are installing physical barriers, but these are not to cause alarm, they are preventative measures.

Guardia Civil and police checkpoints will be in place in various locations. Although many of these will be traffic related, there will also be many others which are checking vehicles for security reasons. Once again we remind everyone of the importance of not sharing the locations of these checkpoints should you see them, such as through social media, as this often gives those who may be intent on criminal activity the opportunity to avoid detection.
If you are stopped at a checkpoint the advice remains the same too. Stay calm and act on the instructions of the officers involved. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear and you will be on your way in a very short space of time.
Finally, if you see anything or anybody acting suspiciously, please notify the authorities immediately. Although you might not consider it an emergency, the 112 call centre is staffed by people who speak a variety of languages and nobody will be offended if an alert turns out to be false, as that is by far a better outcome than ignoring something which later results in a tragic incident.
Stay safe this holiday period, look after yourself and your belongings, keep them out of sight at all times, keep bags and wallets secure and never unattended, and be vigilant, that way we can all hope for a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Excerpt: Although no specific threats have been received and the threat level remains the same, security measures are being put in place to ensure that Christmas passes as safe as possible. Numerous town halls across the country are currently installing large Read More ...

### Drunk and Drugged Driver Crashes into Guardia Civil Patrol

Despite intensified checks for drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs, sometimes the officers don´t have to look far, as the offenders sometimes find them.
During the weekend storms, officers were called to an incident where a tree had fallen onto the N-301 road blocking passage between Miranda and El Albujón, near to Cartagena.
The officers immediately set up a safety exclusion zone using signs, tetrapod cones, lights and their vehicles, also displaying lights, and they proceeded to direct traffic using their hand-held illuminated devices.
For reasons which were unclear at the time, although soon to be obvious, one driver approaching the scene decided to ignore the instructions to stop from the officers and proceeded into the danger zone.
At the other end of that protected area was another Guardia Civil patrol vehicle, which our disobedient driver managed to hit with his own car, causing minor injuries to the officers and damage to the patrol car.
Having successfully stopped the vehicle following the collision, the officers identified the 35-year old driver, as resident of Fuente Álamo, who gave a positive result to an alcohol test, having given a result of 0.69 and 0.67 milligrams per litre of exhaled air in two separate tests.
The officers then tested for the presence of drugs and found that the driver had also consumed cocaine, also failing that test. Both vehicles had to be removed from the scene by a tow-truck on account of the damage suffered.
The officers subsequently arrested the driver for road traffic offences, for driving under the influence of both alcoholic and drugs, and presented him to the courts in Cartagena, where he now faces imprisonment of between 3 to 6 months, a fine of 6 to 12 months or community service for between 31 to 90 days, and in any case the deprivation of the right to drive motor vehicles and mopeds for a up to 4 years.

Excerpt: Despite intensified checks for drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs, sometimes the officers don´t have to look far, as the offenders sometimes find them. During the weekend storms, officers were called to an incident where a tree had fallen Read More ...

### Almost Two-Thousand Drunk and Drugged Drivers Caught in a Week

During the last intensified campaign to crack down on the use of alcohol or drugs before driving, some 1,912 drivers decided not to #chooseright, and are now facing the penalties for their actions.

Between the 12th and the 18th of December, 129,309 tests were carried out on drivers, resulting in 518 being found to have consumed drugs, and 1,394 having consumed an excess amount of alcohol.
During the tests, of the 518 road users who tested positive, 514 face administrative charges, whereas 3 have been brought before the courts following their involvement in an incident where drugs were found to have been a contributing factor, and 1 person is facing court for refusing the test.
As usual, the most commonly consumed drugs are cannabis (387), cocaine (187) and amphetamines (46). It should be noted that of the 85 drivers who underwent the salivary test for committing an infraction, more than half (46) tested positive for drugs.
As for alcohol, from the 127,892 breath tests which were carried out, 1,394 drivers were found to have consumed an excess of alcohol, 1,162 detected in preventive controls, another 92 after committing a traffic infraction, whereas 131 were tested having been involved in an incident in which alcohol was found to be a contributing factor. A further 9 people were found to be positive after they displayed obvious signs of having consumed alcohol.
At 1,156 administrative proceedings were opened, while 238 were instructed to move to the judicial authority for exceeding the rate of 0.60 mg / l in exhaled air. In addition, 6 drivers were brought to court for refusing to perform breath tests.
Spain has a lower maximum limit for alcohol than other countries, such as the United Kingdom, but the only safe limit is zero. The fines and sanctions increase depending on the severity of the offence, and repeat offenders are treated to far harsher sentences.

With an increase in the use of drugs before driving, these penalties are also high, however, the ultimate price is often paid by those who are innocent in situations caused by alcohol or drug use, as countless innocent lives have been lost at the hands of those who have risked their own lives, and the lives of others.


Remember, the only safe limit is zero. Checks will continue day and night on the roads of Spain, with even more intensified checks during the Christmas period. If you are going out for the night, visiting friends, celebrating, the safest choice is public transport. Never forget the risks and always #chooseright.

Excerpt: During the last intensified campaign to crack down on the use of alcohol or drugs before driving, some 1,912 drivers decided not to #chooseright, and are now facing the penalties for their actions. Between the 12th and the 18th of Read More ...

### Latest Incident Report Still Shows Worrying Trend for Motorcycles

The latest report has been released which details the number of incidents on Spanish roads, and, specifically, the areas considered to be of risk, and the number of incidents recorded.
Nationally, there are 3,264 kilometres of road which is classes as being of “high” or “very high” risk, largely due to the number of recorded incidents in these areas, although there is a slight decrease in the figures for 2015. That said, the risk of a fatal or serious incident is still 3.5 times greater on conventional roads than on motorways of highways.
The report, which looked at a total of 24,805 kilometres of roads, examines the risk by taking into account the number of recorded incidents and injuries or fatalities during the last three-years, including the severity of the incident, which is then calculated into a “Risk Index”, based on the number of fatal and serious incidents occurring per 1,000 million vehicles per kilometre.
For the calculation of the results, a total of 4,101 incidents occurred on the national road network in the years 2013, 2014 and 2015, of which 1,036 were fatal incidents. Resulting in 1,219 deaths, and 3,065 serious incidents, with 4,077 people seriously injured. All these incidents have been assigned to 1,387 sections of road with a length of more than 24,805 kilometres.
The conclusion is that there are 77 “High Risk” sections, of which 17 are “Black-spots”. In these “High Risk” sections, there have been an average of 143 fatal and serious incidents each year, leaving an average of 36 deaths and 144 serious injuries. The average daily intensity in these sections is 4,835 vehicles per day.
The most statistically dangerous risk section of the Spanish road network is on the N-435, between km 33.4 and 45.9 in Badajoz, between the start of the ​​Almendral residential area and the beginning of Barracota. In this 12.5 kilometre stretch of road, there have been five serious incidents between 2013 and 2015, with a result of three deaths and four serious injuries, and for the third consecutive year this section is considered as “High Risk”. Of the five fatal and serious incidents, one corresponds to a motorcycle user and one to a heavy goods vehicle user. The average daily intensity of vehicles is 2,844 a day.
The other four sections that complete the five most dangerous in the country are located on the N-120, between kilometres 535.2 and 549.5 in Lugo, where there have been eight major incidents. The N-630, between kilometres 66.6 and 87.1 in Asturias, where there have been 10 serious incidents. On the N-547, between kilometres 47.3 and 54.8 in A Coruña, where there have been four major incidents. The N-260, between kilometres 193.9 and 204.4 in Lleida, where seven serious incidents have occurred.
In terms of the risk with respect to the total number of kilometres per community, Cantabria has a higher proportion of high risk roads, with 20.87% of the roads; Followed by Aragón, with 18.84%; Castilla y León, with 15.58% and the Principality of Asturias, with 15.30%.
The report also notes that the number of incidents involving motorcycles in the total of fatal and serious incidents in Spain has continued to increase. In fact, since 2003 the number of motorcyclists involved in the recorded incidents has almost tripled in the case of serious or fatal incidents from 7.8% in 2003 to 22.6% in 2015, so that one of every five fatal or serious incidents involves a motorcyclist.
The N-332 main road, between km 220.5 and 225.6 in Valencia, and the V-31, between km 0 and 5.7, also in Valencia, are the two locations where more incidents involving motorcyclists and scooters have been recorded in the latest road evaluation study.
Incidents involving heavy goods vehicles account for around 22% of the total of fatal and serious incidents. Thus, 13.5% of fatal and serious incidents involving heavy vehicles are concentrated in 20 road sections, compared to 9.7% of the overall results. As with motorcycles, the report makes it clear where these incidents are most likely to occur.
The DGT will now take the findings of the report into account, and embark on the next wave of road improvements to try to reduce these risk factors. However, it is not only the responsibility of the road authorities to make a difference, it is the responsibility of each and every driver to ensure that we all do our bit to maintain compliance with traffic law, because warnings and instructions, albeit in signs or statistics, are there to assist us to make the right choices in ensuring that the roads are safer for all.

Excerpt: The latest report has been released which details the number of incidents on Spanish roads, and, specifically, the areas considered to be of risk, and the number of incidents recorded. Nationally, there are 3,264 kilometres of road which is classes Read More ...

### Christmas Comes to Cartagena

In many places around the world it´s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and now the social centre in Cartagena is no different, thanks to the generous donations and work of the team and one of the sponsors of the N332 Road Safety Project.

Al Andalus Car Hire and N332 joined together to provide the centre with a projector and screen along with a tripod for holding the projector, so that the children who study in the centre will have the opportunity of seeing the presentations made by their teachers without the necessity of asking to borrow a projector from the Town Hall, when it might not always have been available, and during the holidays, they have the added bonus of being able to enjoy films and entertainment on their very own big screen.

The Guardia Civil traffic department in Torrevieja has been a central point for receiving decorations, and many followers and supporters of the project delivered decorations to the police station, all of which were taken to the centre to add that extra special festive feel.
Once the centre was decorated and their mini-cinema set up, the children then made a very special greeting card, thanking N332 and their followers for the donations, and also thanking The Courier newspaper who provided them with free tickets to visit the Terra Natura animal park during a day trip to Benidorm.

Francisco Morales from the Guardia Civil presented the children with the gifts and would like to extend their gratitude to everybody who got involved, making this Christmas that little extra special for those who deserve a treat.

Excerpt: In many places around the world it´s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and now the social centre in Cartagena is no different, thanks to the generous donations and work of the team and one of the sponsors of Read More ...

### #chooseright This Festive Season – Don´t Drink and Drive

The Christmas party season may well be a time of fun and joy for many, but it is also a time when we must increase our awareness of the risks on the roads, and especially the dangers of consuming alcohol or drugs.
As workers, families and friends all come together to celebrate, it is perhaps easier to become a little complacent and have a “small” tipple, but we must remember, above all, that consuming alcohol or drugs before driving greatly increases the risks, which is why the penalties are so severe, to serve as a deterrent to those who risk their own lives and the lives of others.
For that reason, all of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by National, Regional and Local police forces, will be carrying out intensified and extensive checks on alcohol and drug use on the roads of Spain, every day, around the clock.
The campaign runs until Sunday with officers out in force throughout the day, keeping a watchful eye out for those who may have been drinking, or consuming drugs.
Although it is common for the officers to seek out habitual offenders, this season also usually means an increase in those who would not normally drink and drive, and so they too pose a significant risk. The latest figures extracted from the most recent data available suggests that there may be around 12,000 drivers who met this continually dangerous criteria.
So far this year, the figure of those detected is approaching 100,000 drivers who not only risk their own but the lives of many innocent victims who all too often leave the scene of the carnage facing a life dealing with serious injuries and, on too numerous occasions, leaving the friends and families of loved ones having to deal with their death.
According to the annual report of the National Institute of Toxicology, the 39.09% of deceased drivers displayed the presence of alcohol or drugs in their blood. The figure rises to 40% when pedestrians are analysed.
Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can affect driving ability and so, despite Spain having considerably lower maximum limits than countries such as the UK, the best advice is always zero consumption before getting behind the wheel.
Remember, the only safe limit is ZERO. If you are planning to join in the party celebrations, of course this is encouraged, just leave the car at home. All local towns have taxi services, with professional drivers who are happy to take you anywhere you wish to go, so you can enjoy a drink and let others drive.

The N332 project supports any campaign to reduce the number of deaths and serious injury caused by alcohol and drug use before driving. This year, officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have been collaborating with taxi drivers on the Orihuela Costa to join forces and encourage the use of taxis.

We have also created some graphics to support the campaign. Making the choice between two vehicles, the police car on the left or the taxi on the right, the N332 campaign slogan is #chooseright. You can download the Facebook ready images from the website below and share them with your friends, showing your support to #chooseright.
Banner Image
http://n332.es/chooseright/ChooseRightBanner.jpg
Profile Picture
http://n332.es/chooseright/ChooseRightProfile.jpg
Cover Picture
http://n332.es/chooseright/ChooseRightTopBanner.jpg
Of course we are based in Spain, but the advice is equally as valid wherever you might be. Enjoy the festive season, have fun, but never drink and drive, always #chooseright.
Local Taxi Numbers:
Orihuela Costa – 600 419 087 or 666 910 800
Torrevieja – 965 71 22 77
Remember, ALWAYS use official taxis.

Excerpt: The Christmas party season may well be a time of fun and joy for many, but it is also a time when we must increase our awareness of the risks on the roads, and especially the dangers of consuming alcohol Read More ...

### Santa Pola Proposes Constructing Service Road for Buses

Santa Pola town hall are investigating the possibility of constructing a service road alongside the N-332, in order to safeguard bus passengers and avoid incidents such as the fatal collision this week which killed a 16-year old boy who was crossing the main road on his way to the local skate park.

The incident on Wednesday cost the life of Yassin, who was visiting the park with some friends from Almoradí. The friends had decided to take a safer route from the bus stop to the park, but Yassin decided to cross the road instead, resulting in the collision.
The government had budgeted funds in 2016 for improvements to the road, but that work has so far not started. Now, the town hall are taking the initiative to see if they can improve access and safety through the construction of a service road.
Sadly, this is not the only area of risk along the N-332 in the area. At La Zenia, buses used to be forced to stop on a roundabout to allow passengers to alight, a practice which was already stopped for safety concerns. Across the border from Orihuela heading into Torrevieja, the bus stop is on the main road, forcing buses to stop and block one of the two lanes, which in turn poses a risk to vehicles behind.
Pedestrians also take their lives in their own hands when they cross the N-332 in various places. A number of footbridges have been constructed along the route, but many pedestrians still risk their lives by attempting to cross the road, choosing not to use the bridges.
Bridges are considered something of a luxury, as in places there are no such facilities, such as in the Cala Mosca area or the Orihuela Costa, where pedestrians have no official means of crossing the road in a site where a footbridge was destined to be built many years ago, but political and legal battles still leave pedestrians at risk due to the absence of the bridge.
It is time that politics are swept aside and the lives of innocent people are put first, which is something that the tragic death of Yassim is achieving in Santa Pola. Locally, all political groups are in support of remedial action, offering their condolences to his family, and although it is too late to save one life, many more can be protected if action is taken to solve these many risks along the N-332.

Excerpt: Santa Pola town hall are investigating the possibility of constructing a service road alongside the N-332, in order to safeguard bus passengers and avoid incidents such as the fatal collision this week which killed a 16-year old boy who was Read More ...

### Christmas Shopping Safety Tips

It´s not only on the roads where danger lurks at Christmas time, which is why the National Police have launched a campaign to keep shoppers safe during the festive season.
The “Comercio Seguro” campaign, which runs until the 9th of January, aims to make shoppers and traders aware of potential risks, thus hoping to reduce the number of scams, thefts and robberies that often occur in areas where large crowds gather.

A greater presence of police officers will be noticeable in key areas, as more officers are being deployed, not only on foot, but on horseback and supported by their k-9 colleagues as well.
A guide book has been produced warning of the dangers and current information can always be obtained through the three Twitter accounts, @policia, @interiorgob and @polprvalencia, which are the National Police, Interior Ministry and Valencia Police respectively.
One of the most frequent incidents the police have to deal with is lost children. The police recommend the obvious, keeping a close eye on children at all times, but also the less obvious, such as ensuring the child knows their name and a telephone number to contact in emergencies. They also recommend a wrist band or bracelet with the name and contact number of the parents printed or engraved on it.
For adults, you should avoid carrying large amounts of cash and make sure that you are not followed when you have collected cash from an ATM or a bank. If you become suspicious, contact the police immediately.
Do not accept help from strangers who supposedly want to help, they sometimes take advantage of your guard being lowered in order to grab money and valuables.
Avoid street-gamers playing such tricks as the “shell game” or “find the lady” type scams, not only will you not win, your distraction leaves you vulnerable to theft.
When you visit friends and neighbours, always lock your home securely, leave nothing of value in view, don´t fully lower your window blinds and don´t announce your intentions to vacate the premises on social media.
Similar advice also applies to the car of course, never leave valuables such as gifts on show. If you return to your vehicle with goods, be careful you are not seen if you then leave your car to continue to shop.
The National Police would also like to remind party organisers and revellers that any activity, party or public celebration must have administrative approval and comply with safety standards, such as having fire extinguishers, security and emergency exits indicated. If any incident occurs: keep calm and try to stay away from that area, alerting the organiser or 091. Always follow the event security personnel or police where appropriate.

Excerpt: It´s not only on the roads where danger lurks at Christmas time, which is why the National Police have launched a campaign to keep shoppers safe during the festive season. The “Comercio Seguro” campaign, which runs until the 9th of Read More ...

### Roller Blading Child Killed by Truck

A 16-year old child was killed on Wednesday, struck by a truck on the N-332 road at Santa Pola.

The incident occurred at around 16:30 near to the Rocas Blancas hotel, a notoriously dangerous location of the N-332, when the child was rollerblading along the road.
A truck,. Which was driving along the road, was unable to avoid hitting the child.
The emergency services attended but could do nothing to preserve life.
Traffic was delayed whilst the incident was dealt with.

Excerpt: A 16-year old child was killed on Wednesday, struck by a truck on the N-332 road at Santa Pola. The incident occurred at around 16:30 near to the Rocas Blancas hotel, a notoriously dangerous location of the N-332, when the Read More ...

### Traffic Jams Cost Over 140 Million Euro

According to the annual report published by navigation company TomTom, traffic in Madrid has risen by around about 23%, which has led to an increase in traffic jams and the delays caused by them.

In Madrid, every motorist loses 25 minutes of time each day, and each of the 538,591 commercial vehicles on the road are losing an addition 1.41 euro per day. Therefore, collectively, and based on the minimum wage, the loss is estimated at over 141 million euro.
However, whereas it might be obvious to pick on the nation´s capital for these statistics, where we would perhaps expect traffic to increase, Madrid is actually in sixth place in the rankings, with Barcelona in the top-spot, followed Palma de Mallorca, Las Palmas, Gijón and Sevilla.
Valencia is in eighth place with 21% congestion resulting in 66 hours lost in traffic jams, the equivalent of just under 42 million euro. Alicante is in fifteenth place, just behind Murcia, both with 17% congestion resulting in 53 and 54 lost hours and 26 and 23 million euro respectively.
Traffic jams are costing companies in Spain millions, most of those costs ultimately being handed down to the end consumer, who are those sat in and causing the increase in traffic. Overall, in Spain, traffic jams have increased by 5% over the last 8 years. Barcelona traffic has increased journey time by 28%, which makes it the 62nd most congested city in the world.
The details contained in the report also shows that overall, the worst times to travel on Spanish roads are between 08:00 and 09:00 on Tuesdays, and between 15:00 and 16:00 on a Friday, where traffic increases by up to 50%. In Alicante however, Monday morning between 08:00 and 09:00 is the worst time, where traffic increases by 30%, and there is a 21% increase everyday between 18:00 and 19:00.

Excerpt: According to the annual report published by navigation company TomTom, traffic in Madrid has risen by around about 23%, which has led to an increase in traffic jams and the delays caused by them. In Madrid, every motorist loses 25 Read More ...

### School Bus Checks Last Week

Last week, officers form the Guardia Civil traffic department, assisted by colleagues from the Local Police, have been carrying out safety checks on vehicles carrying some of the most vulnerable road users, school buses.

One of the most notable findings was a driver of a school buss, carrying children, who tested positive for cocaine.
On average, school buses in Spain carry 230,000 students to and from school every day. Although statistically there are considerably less incidents involving school buses than almost any other form of transport, they still pose a significant risk if the rules are not followed and safety systems ignored.
The inspections cover a variety of different elements, including ensuring that all documentation, including insurance for example, are up to date, that the driver is authorised and safe to drive the vehicles, and that the vehicles themselves are of an acceptably high standard, not just having satisfied the mandatory testing, but that the systems are fully functional.
Seatbelts are crucial for the safe carriage of passengers in vehicles. Whereas no new bus will be authorised if it doesn´t have seatbelts fitted, there are still a number of older vehicles on the roads in which seatbelts were never installed and are still allowed in service. In fact, the law came into force in 2007 that ensured seatbelts are fitted in all new vehicles, and yet, only around 60% of the buses in service actually have them fitted due to them entering service before that time. The use of seatbelts in these vehicles reduce fatal injuries by 90% in the event of a frontal collision or rollover because, when properly fastened, they prevent the projection of passenger and reduces impact injuries to the abdomen and legs.
In 2015, school transport vehicles were involved in 27 incidents. Fourteen of them occurred on intercity roads and thirteen on urban roads. In these incidents there were no deaths, although nine occupants were injured. The most common contributing factors to these incidents were distractions or inappropriate speed by at least one of the vehicles involved.

Excerpt: Last week, officers form the Guardia Civil traffic department, assisted by colleagues from the Local Police, have been carrying out safety checks on vehicles carrying some of the most vulnerable road users, school buses. One of the most notable findings Read More ...

### Nine Immigrants Rescued and Brought to Torrevieja

A maritime coastguard boat has rescued nine people from a boat off the coast of the Alicante province on Saturday morning, transferring them to Torrevieja to be dealt with.
Those rescued are said to have originated in Ghana and were heading to Spain to start a new life.
The Salvamento Maritimo crew delivered the rescued passengers to Torrevieja just after noon.
As Torrevieja now has a rescue boat stationed in the port, it is the natural location for rescued immigrants to be delivered.
Two other rescues took place on Saturday in the Málaga and Tarifa areas of the country.

Excerpt: A maritime coastguard boat has rescued nine people from a boat off the coast of the Alicante province on Saturday morning, transferring them to Torrevieja to be dealt with. Those rescued are said to have originated in Ghana and were heading to Spain to start a new life. The Salvamento Maritimo crew delivered the rescued

### Pirate Taxi and British Fugitive Amongst Those Caught at Airport

Elche local police have been carrying out increased surveillance around Alicante-Elche airport, with considerable success, given the number of infractions detected in the most recent campaign.
Last week, 93 drivers were reported for speeding, one vehicle was identified as being a “pirate taxi”, one driver was fined for driving under the influence of drugs, three had expired ITV´s, three more were driving on foreign licences which are no longer valid in Spain, and a fugitive on the run from the UK was arrested.
The “pirate taxi” is defined as a vehicle carrying passengers in exchange for money or goods, although lacking the mandatory authorisation, licence and insurance to operate as a public service vehicle.
The driver found to be under the influence of drugs received a fine and lost six points. Those with expired licences are still ignoring the advice of the DGT to exchange their foreign licence for a Spanish equivalent, despite warnings of their lack of validity.
During the single operation, four vehicles were seized by the police in order to prevent them continuing.

Excerpt: Elche local police have been carrying out increased surveillance around Alicante-Elche airport, with considerable success, given the number of infractions detected in the most recent campaign. Last week, 93 drivers were reported for speeding, one vehicle was identified as being Read More ...

### Green Lines to Reduce Speed

Serving as a trial before potentially being implemented across the country, Castilla y León will be one of the first places in Spain to adopt a number of new systems aimed at reducing road traffic incidents.
One of the first tests to be carried out will be on the CL-615 and CL-613, where green lines are being painted along the edge of the road. Having already been tested in parts of Sweden and the Netherlands, it has been proven that by using different colours on the road gives drivers a different special impression of the road and, in particular, induces drivers to moderate their speed accordingly, slowing down as the road appears to narrow.

The CL-615 is a 92 kilometre stretch of conventional road linking Palencia with Guardo, which is considered to be an area of high risk. Since 2011 to today, 14 people have lost their lives on the stretch of road, another 33 were seriously injured and 139 more people hospitalised due to road traffic incidents. The road has a hazard index rating of 12.37.
The CL-613 runs from Palencia to Sahagún and is a single carriageway road with traffic flowing in both directions, with long straight sections and numerous curves. This 58 kilometre stretch of road has seen 2 people killed, 30 seriously injured and 55 other people hospitalised since 2011. The hazard index rating for this road is 30.13.
Although it is believed that no explanation is necessary, the roads will also have informative signs indicating that the roads are of a special format, and that they may be subject to intensified speed checks and controls. In fact, the Guardia Civil will indeed focus more attention on these areas, not necessarily to try to catch more speeders, but to assess whether the markings do have an impact on reducing the speed of vehicles.

Excerpt: Serving as a trial before potentially being implemented across the country, Castilla y León will be one of the first places in Spain to adopt a number of new systems aimed at reducing road traffic incidents. One of the first Read More ...

### How to Lose Points

The DGT has issued a list of some the top reasons why drivers in Spain lose points from their licence, categorised by their severity.
LOSE SIX POINTS

Driving with a rate of alcohol greater than 0.50 mg per litre of exhaled air. If professional and novice drivers (qualified less than two years), the limit is reduced to 0.30 mg / l.
Driving under the influence of drugs, psychotropics, stimulants and other substances with similar effects.
Refusing to submit to a breathalyser test or drug screening.
Driving in a reckless manner (endangering other drivers), driving in the opposite direction or engaging in unauthorised races.
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50% the maximum authorised limit and by at least 30 kilometres per hour.
Using mechanisms or instruments that inhibit traffic monitoring or radar detection systems.
Exceeding driving time by more than 50% or reducing rest times by more than 50% of those laid down in legislation on land transport.

LOSE FOUR POINTS

Driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.25 and 0.50 mg per litre of exhaled air. For professional and novice drivers, the limit is between 0.15 and 0.30 mg / l.
Throwing objects on or nearby the road that could cause fires, accidents or impede other road users.
Driving on motorways or dual carriageways with vehicles that are expressly prohibited.
Driving a vehicle with an occupation that increases by 50% or more the number of authorised seats.
Driving a vehicle without a licence for that vehicle.
Driving with a suspended licence or having been banned for driving that vehicle.
Driving negligently and putting other road users at risk.
Failure to comply with the legal provisions on the priorities and the obligation to stop at the stop sign and traffic lights.
Failure to comply with the legal provisions on overtaking, endangering or hindering those moving in the opposite direction and overtaking in places or circumstances of reduced visibility.
Overtaking, endangering or hindering cyclists.
Perform a reversing manoeuvre on motorways.
Increasing speed or performing manoeuvres that prevent or hinder overtaking by the driver of another vehicle.
Failure to observe the signs and signals of agents that regulate movement.
Failure to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

LOSE THREE POINTS

Making the change of direction in breach of the provisions in road safety laws.
Driving using a mobile phone, programming the browser, using headphones or other devices that reduce the attention.
Not using seat belts, child restraints, helmets and other protective equipment.

Excerpt: The DGT has issued a list of some the top reasons why drivers in Spain lose points from their licence, categorised by their severity. LOSE SIX POINTS Driving with a rate of alcohol greater than 0.50 mg per litre of Read More ...

### Snow Preparations

For those who live in the sunnier areas of Spain, the thought of snow may seem a long and distant memory, but the reality is, even such sun-drenched places like the Costa Blanca, are less than an hour away from mountainous regions where snow can quickly close roads shutting off towns and villages.

If there is a risk that you will be driving in snow, you really need to consider purchasing snow chains for your vehicle.
Carrying snow chains is not a mandatory requirement, but in some areas, where snow packs the road, it becomes compulsory to use them, and so having them ready is advisable.
The Guardia Civil, police or other authorities responsible for the road can impose a restriction without warning, placing signs on the roads indicating that the use of snow chains compulsory, and if you don´t have them with you, you have just one option, to wait until the road has been cleared by a snowplough or naturally, until the restriction is lifted.

Failure to adhere to the mandatory use is not only extremely dangerous, you risk a fine. If you see the “cadenas obligatorias”, or variant thereof, you must stop driving if you don´t have snow chains on your vehicle.
It might also be wise to take additional equipment with you, such as warm blankets, emergency food and drink, and always advise somebody of your journey and route, as mobile phone signals are not always as reliable as we might hope.

Excerpt: For those who live in the sunnier areas of Spain, the thought of snow may seem a long and distant memory, but the reality is, even such sun-drenched places like the Costa Blanca, are less than an hour away from Read More ...

### A Birthday Party in Quesada

On Friday, our friends at the Quesada office of Ibex Insurance will be celebrating their 6th birthday.

You are invited along to help them celebrate on Friday, 18th November, from 3pm, for drinks and nibbles and a raffle to raise money for local charities.
Members of N332 will be along during the afternoon, and we too are looking forward to meeting with you.
We hope to see you there, Ibex Insurance, Calle Turismo 4-A, Urb Ciudad Quesada, Rojales. If you need any more information, give Andrea, Carol or Michelle a call on 966 719 951, and you can also use that number for a quote for all your insurance needs.
See you there.

Excerpt: On Friday, our friends at the Quesada office of Ibex Insurance will be celebrating their 6th birthday. You are invited along to help them celebrate on Friday, 18th November, from 3pm, for drinks and nibbles and a raffle to raise Read More ...

### Red Cross and English speaking charities encourage Brits to volunteer

One year after signing an agreement with the British Embassy, the Red Cross has taken fresh steps to get English speaking charities to work more closely with their local groups and to encourage more English speakers to volunteer.
The British Consulate, along with Pedro Dominguez, newly hired by the Red Cross as European residents’ coordinator, held meetings in Calpe and Torrevieja to allow the Red Cross local groups to get to know their English speaking counterparts. They were keen to collaborate and were unanimous in what their main need was – more volunteers.
The different groups also discussed how to get more vulnerable British nationals to use teleasistencia, the Red Cross “panic alarm” service which allows at risk people to continue living independently as they can call for help whenever needed.
Many British nationals don’t realise that the Red Cross offers this service in English and that it isn’t just a case of pressing the emergency button – volunteers will also carry out regular welfare checks so the user doesn’t become isolated.
Following the meeting, British Vice Consul in Alicante, Sara Munsterhjelm said: “A year from signing the agreement to work more closely with the Red Cross, it is fantastic that they have now employed a full time English speaking member of staff to work with European residents. The benefits to the Red Cross and the English speaking charities from working together are clear – the charities can benefit from the Red Cross’ knowledge and infrastructure, and the English speaking charities can help the Red Cross reach vulnerable British nationals and give support with fundraising.”
Pedro took note of all the ideas that came up in the meeting, especially the cry for more volunteers. He said “I’m excited about this new role and can’t wait to get on the road to work with all the different associations. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering to get in touch with the Red Cross or any one of the English speaking charities. It’s a great way to get involved and to integrate into the local community”

Excerpt: One year after signing an agreement with the British Embassy, the Red Cross has taken fresh steps to get English speaking charities to work more closely with their local groups and to encourage more English speakers to volunteer. The British Consulate, along with Pedro Dominguez, newly hired by the Red Cross as European residents’ coordinator,

### Lebanese Traffic Officers Train in Spain

Members of the Guardia Civil have been sharing their knowledge of road safety and traffic policing to a group of Lebanese gendarmes and local police who attended a special course at the Miguel de Cervantes base, from where the Spanish troops are deployed on UN missions.

The program is called “Traffic Safety Joint Training” and has been presented to the local police officers based in Marjayoun and Ebel Saki, and members of the Lebanese gendarmerie.
The course lasted for five days in which the Spanish agents have shown how local forces how to conduct road blocks, traffic checks and alcohol or drug screening, including, for example, how to detect if a driver displays symptoms of having ingested alcohol or any kind of narcotic substance.
Other practical exercises included incident response and the techniques applied in Spain when collecting evidence and fingerprints, visual inspection and preserving and recording the scene.

Excerpt: Members of the Guardia Civil have been sharing their knowledge of road safety and traffic policing to a group of Lebanese gendarmes and local police who attended a special course at the Miguel de Cervantes base, from where the Spanish Read More ...

### FIVE SIMPLE MAINTENANCE TASKS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Proper maintenance of your vehicle is crucial to its safe and economic operation. Modern cars have become far more complex than their ancestors, and although it is vital that major work is carried out by a qualified engineer, there are some simple tasks that we should all know how to do and check them on a regular basis.


Check the engine oil level.

Oil is what keeps the mechanical parts of the engine lubricated in order for them to work properly. It is highly recommended to periodically check the oil levels, especially if your car is old or used frequently. Often, the regular maintenance schedule is not enough as even the smallest leak can cause a significant loss of oil over time.
Although the interval in which we check varies, it should always be done before a long journey, at least once per month, of if you see any signs of oil deposits on the road or your driveway. The oil levels should be checked when the engine is cold and the vehicle parked on a level place.
In order to check the levels you will need to open the bonnet and find the dipstick. The dipstick is one of the engine parts which is normally clearly visible and often labelled. It may look like a circle or ring, or have a small handle for you to grip. To check the levels, pull the dipstick from its holder, carefully, then wipe the end. Reinsert it, again carefully, and take it out again. You should now see a small deposit of oil on the end of the dipstick which should fall somewhere between markers indicating the maximum and minimum levels in the engine.
If no oil is shown, try again. If this is still the case, or if the oil level looks too high, you may wish to seek assistance from a mechanic straight away.

Check tyre pressure.

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial for maintaining the maximum life and performance of the tyres, as well as avoiding serious problems that can jeopardise the safety and security of the vehicle, such as the loss of stability, an increase in braking distance, and even a high risk blowout.
Tyre pressure can be checked at most fuel filling stations, often for free, where they have calibrated equipment that can tell you the exact pressure in each of the tyres. Checking the pressure of tyres should be done when the tyres are cold and have not run far, and when the vehicle is unloaded.
You should check the vehicle´s manual for the correct tyre pressure, although more modern cars have a plate fitted to the vehicle which tells you this.

Changing a wheel.

A recent survey revealed that only 25% of drivers know how to change a wheel.
All drivers should know how to change a wheel in the event of a puncture or other damage. Although your breakdown service may cover this, knowing you to change the wheel can significantly reduce waiting times in the event of failure.
Not all cars carry fully specific road-ready spare wheels. Some have modern kits to temporarily repair damage, others have emergency wheels which can be used at a reduced speed until your vehicle reaches a place of safety where the proper tyre can be repaired.
It is important to know what type of spare your vehicle carries, and how to use the tools which accompany it. Check your vehicle´s manual for specific details.
You can practice changing your wheel away from traffic, perhaps on a driveway or private road.
Remember, if you do need to change your wheel on a live road, make sure you are safe, protected by your emergency triangles and high visibility clothing, never put yourself in a live lane, and if there is any doubt or risk, always summon assistance.

Change the wiper blades.

It is easy to identify wiper blades that are in poor condition as they leave an irregular pattern on the window when wiping water away, or they might squeak when in use. You should never let your wiper blades get to this state as they can cause damage to the windscreen.
Check them on a regular basis, using your windscreen washing system.
Different vehicles require different blades and they are not always changed in the same way. Generally, the blades connect to the arm via a simple clip, although you might want to check with your vehicle´s manual. Most large supermarkets now stock wiper blades and provide a guide to which ones fit each vehicle, including, often, their own brands which can be cheaper than main makes, although you may then want to check them more regularly.

Changing a light bulb.

We have dealt with lights in a different article, and although it is no longer mandatory to carry spare bulbs as changing them can be almost impossible, checking them is vital.
It is however important that checking our lights is part of our standard and regular checking process, which is why we have also included them in this section.
Remember, although some of these tasks might seem a little complex, you can leave the hard parts to the experts, but it is always good to know the basics to ensure safe motoring whatever the vehicle we choose to drive.

Excerpt: Proper maintenance of your vehicle is crucial to its safe and economic operation. Modern cars have become far more complex than their ancestors, and although it is vital that major work is carried out by a qualified engineer, there are Read More ...

### Orihuela Costa Emergency Centre to Open by 2019

The tender for completing the construction of the Orihuela Costa Emergency Coordination Centre will be issued before summer, 2017.
Both the PP run Orihuela Municipal Council, and the now PSOE run Valencia Government have agreed the process of funding the 1,650,000 euro project, which has been stood abandoned since 2011 when the original builder filed for bankruptcy.
With this latest news, the tender will be issued before the summer with a completion date now of the end of 2018.
The centre will house the local and National Police, Guardia Civil, ambulance, fire service and forest fire brigade, although there will be some changes to the original plan in order to adapt to the modern operations of the emergency services.
The original plans were made under the administration of Monica Lorente´s local government.

Excerpt: The tender for completing the construction of the Orihuela Costa Emergency Coordination Centre will be issued before summer, 2017. Both the PP run Orihuela Municipal Council, and the now PSOE run Valencia Government have agreed the process of funding the Read More ...

### Judge Condemns Cyclist in Pedestrian Crossing Collision

A judge in Seville has ruled that a cyclist who was hit by a car whilst riding over a pedestrian crossing must compensate the driver of the car that hit him.
The incident occurred in November, 2015, when the cyclist was crossing calle Pino de Santa Clara then joining the flow of traffic. The crossing was displaying a “green” phase for the passage of pedestrians, with a flashing amber light for vehicles on the road.
The cyclist collided with the side of a car, which was continuing along the road, over the crossing. Because the cyclist was on the crossing at the time, it was first considered that the car was at fault, but the judge has ruled otherwise, as the crossing was for the passage of pedestrians and, as the bicycle was being ridden, it is classed as a vehicle and should not have been using the crossing.
The cyclist must now pay 500.42 euro to the owner of the car by means of compensation for the damage caused. The cyclist is also condemned to pay the costs of the court.
The ruling is also a warning to other cyclists that they must understand and respect the rules and priorities of the road.

Excerpt: A judge in Seville has ruled that a cyclist who was hit by a car whilst riding over a pedestrian crossing must compensate the driver of the car that hit him. The incident occurred in November, 2015, when the cyclist Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Causes Multiple Vehicle Crash

A drunk driver caused excessive damage to a number of vehicles on Friday, having previously avoided an alcohol check-point in Seville.
Whilst trying to escape, the vehicle collided with six others, four of which were parked, on Paseo de la Palmera in Seville.
The vehicle had been seen by Guardia Civil officers trying to avoid the check-point and so they pursued the vehicle which then crashed.
The local police joined the Guardia Civil in closing the area and controlling traffic whilst the officers then spoke to the driver responsible for the crash, finding the driver not only to be under the influence of alcohol, but also under age at only 16 years of age.
One of the victims had to be cut from their own car by the fire service. The driver was arrested and presented to the child courts.

Excerpt: A drunk driver caused excessive damage to a number of vehicles on Friday, having previously avoided an alcohol check-point in Seville. Whilst trying to escape, the vehicle collided with six others, four of which were parked, on Paseo de la Read More ...

### Recall Alert – Renault Megane XFB

A product recall notice has been issued against the Renault Megane XFB models manufactured before February 2016, because of a problem with the brakes.
The company has discovered that friction from the rim or tyres on the front wheels can result in rubbing the brake pipes and a subsequent leak, potentially resulting in a loss of braking performance.
Renault Spain has stated that it is currently contacting owners of the vehicles to invite them to the workshop to have the problem resolved with reinforcements on the pipes.
If you have one of these vehicles you can contact your local Renault maintenance department for advice.

Excerpt: A product recall notice has been issued against the Renault Megane XFB models manufactured before February 2016, because of a problem with the brakes. The company has discovered that friction from the rim or tyres on the front wheels can Read More ...

### Prison for Footballer who Refused Breath Test

The Criminal Court in Las Plamas, Gran Canaria, has sentenced a professional footballer to nine months in prison, and a two-year ban, for refusing to undergo a breathalyser test.
Sergio Araujo, who plays for UD Las Palmas, had already failed a previous test in February of 2013, resulting in a fine and the withdrawal of his licence for eight months.
In September of the same year the footballer was stopped again and refused to carry out the breathalyser test, knowing that a failure so close to his previous conviction would have further consequences.
The officers had observed the driver behaving in an unusual manner and so approached him. They believed that the driver had consumed alcohol and decided to conduct a breath test. The courts acknowledge that the first indicative test was passed, but as the officers wanted to conduct a confirmatory test the footballer believed that he was being victimised on account of who he was, and so refused.
He also argued that it was not aware of the consequences of his refusal and that, at the last moment, when advised by his father, he wanted to take the test, but was told it was too late.
Judge Mónica Oliva González concluded that there were several contradictions in the testament of the footballer, “If the defendant called his father and told him that he would be arrested, it shows that he knew the consequences of a refusal to undergo the test. Hence it is illogical to assert in court that he was never informed of it”.
The judge also states it “irrelevant” that at the last moment he decided he wanted the test, after several warnings from the officers.
The judge gave full credence to the officers of the Guardia Civil, who “are presumed to be more objective and impartial” and offered a “clear, specific and persistent” version of events.

Excerpt: The Criminal Court in Las Plamas, Gran Canaria, has sentenced a professional footballer to nine months in prison, and a two-year ban, for refusing to undergo a breathalyser test. Sergio Araujo, who plays for UD Las Palmas, had already failed Read More ...

### Mobility Scooters Banned from Pavements

The DGT has published a notification in which it intends to enforce a control on small motorised vehicles on pedestrian areas and pavements, which, although intended to reduce the risk to pedestrians from collisions with such vehicles as segways, it also effectively bans mobility scooters.

The rule is intended to limit the use of vehicles such as segways, electric scooters, powered bikes and other motorised devices, but the rule will also include mobility scooters for the disabled.
The DGT states that it is impossible to assimilate the vehicles as pedestrians on account of them being motorised, and so they must only be used on the road.
There have been numerous reports of segways causing problems when mixing with pedestrians, and similar reports have also been filed following collisions with mobility scooters. Because these vehicles move faster than pedestrians, and lack their own space to move, they pose too great a risk for the DGT to be satisfied that they can be used safely on the pavement.
However, there is still some hope as the DGT has also said that local authorities themselves can issue an ordinance which authorises the use of these vehicles on pavements, and so each municipality would have to ensure that they issue local rules to permit their use.
It is also highly likely that the ruling will be heavily contested as most of the users of mobility scooters need them in order to provide the means to travel around towns and cities, and so restricting the free movement of the disabled would not be an option easily enforced.
The ruling also states that the person in control of these vehicles do not need to hold a licence and insurance is not mandatory, although it is optional and recommended.

Excerpt: The DGT has published a notification in which it intends to enforce a control on small motorised vehicles on pedestrian areas and pavements, which, although intended to reduce the risk to pedestrians from collisions with such vehicles as segways, it Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 4

The latest edition of N332 RoadWatch is out now with features on driving in snow, checking your lights, vision problems, priority vehicles, electric patrol cars and more.
You can purchase your own PDF of the magazine by clicking the button below.
Buy Now
Alternatively, scroll down the page, read the introduction, then you can browse through the pages on your computer, tablet or phone.
We have quite a lot to talk about in this, the latest issue of N332 RoadWatch, not least because of the dramatic seasonal change we call winter.
Snow has already started to fall in parts of Spain, cutting off many villages and towns, albeit only for a short time, it is set to get worse as the winter months move on. We have a little article about snow chains to advise you when you need to use them and why you should carry them.
Okay, for many who live in coastal zones, snow may not pose too much of a problem, but those dark nights certainly will. As the clocks went back recently we were plunged into darkness, and so it is a good time to check out lights and make sure they all work. We should do that on a regular basis of course, but especially now.
Talking of lights, we answer a question posed by a number of our followers and readers, the question about the legality of Daytime Running Lights on motorbikes. Not only do we answer the questions, we also give you the document issued by the authorities which explains to law enforcement officers the reasons, just in case you need it.
We also look again at some other constant questions we are asked, such as transferring a vehicle following a death, the eITV certificate which replaced the paper version, and licence points and how to lose them.
We also have a feature on eyesight, one of the hidden dangers on the roads, as deterioration is often slow and gradual, vision problems are not always noticed.
The Guardia Civil have some new equipment again. For routine patrols they now have some electric vehicles, and in the traffic department the trusty PDA is being replaced by tablet computers. We look at both of those in this issue.
We have also launched our newest section on the website, N332 Services, where we have sought out a number of trusted companies who will provide goods and services to you, not only with a substantial discount, but also with the assurance that we vouch for quality of their service.
One of those service providers in me, I am Mark Nolan by the way, and aside from my voluntary work on the N332 Road Safety Project, I am also a publicist who creates websites and other marketing materials for companies and individuals. I will tell you more about my services in another edition, because this time we are showcasing an alarm provider, Securitas Direct, who offer one of the most comprehensive systems, covering the whole of Spain, that can monitor your home or business whether you are in the country or if you have gone back to your homeland for the winter.
Finally, I must also mention that one of our supporters, IBEX Insurance, are celebrating a birthday. Their Quesada office are having a party this week. I hope to get along myself, and would really look forward to meeting with you there.
Until next time, stay safe.
Buy Now


Buy Now

Excerpt: The latest edition of N332 RoadWatch is out now with features on driving in snow, checking your lights, vision problems, priority vehicles, electric patrol cars and more. You can purchase your own PDF of the magazine by clicking the button Read More ...

### Product Recall – TREK Bicycles

Bicycle manufacturer TREK has issued a recall notice for some of its products after identifying a potential risk with the forks which the company believes could lead to an injury incident.
Specifically, the company reports that a poorly assembled fork can unexpectedly turn whilst the bike is being ridden, thus causing a crash.
The bicycle models are:
Farley 2014
Cuadro Farley 2014
Farley 6 2015
Cuadro Farley 6 2015
If you have one of these bicycles you should contact the manufacturer or the company themselves, using the information on your warranty documents.
Click here for the product recall notice.

Excerpt: Bicycle manufacturer TREK has issued a recall notice for some of its products after identifying a potential risk with the forks which the company believes could lead to an injury incident. Specifically, the company reports that a poorly assembled fork Read More ...

### Appeal for Information – Hit and Run Alicante

An appeal for information has been launched following a hit and run in Alicante.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 3rd November, 2016, at the junction of calle Foguerer and calle San Mateo.
A woman of 49 years of age and another of 21 were injured in the incident.
One of the victims remains in a coma in a critical condition.
The vehicle being sought is a passenger car, silver or grey in colour, which apparently failed to give way at the junction, colliding with a motorbike, and then fleeing the scene.
Anybody with information can report it to the Local Police in Alicante on 965 10 72 00, or via your own local police or Guardia Civil stations with the details of the incident.

Excerpt: An appeal for information has been launched following a hit and run in Alicante. The incident occurred on Thursday, 3rd November, 2016, at the junction of calle Foguerer and calle San Mateo. A woman of 49 years of age and Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch Issue 4 – Coming Soon

In the next few days the N332 website team will release the latest edition of RoadWatch eMagazine.

This issue looks at driving in snow, checking your lights, licence points, simple maintenance tasks, vision problems, blue lights, priority vehicles and more, including a sneaky look at the latest equipment being issued to the Guardia Civil, tablet computers and electric cars.
On the subject of electric cars we also talk about another police force who haven´t quite grasped the concept entirely. There´s other news too, including a bike recall notice, a crazy driver who crashed her car, and special features from some of our partners, including Ibex insurance who are celebrating a birthday party soon, and our latest partner Seguritas Spain, who offer one of the best alarm systems for your home or business in Spain.
Keep checking back for more details, it will be out for you to read or download this weekend. Meanwhile, you can read or download the previous editions by clicking here.

Excerpt: In the next few days the N332 website team will release the latest edition of RoadWatch eMagazine. This issue looks at driving in snow, checking your lights, licence points, simple maintenance tasks, vision problems, blue lights, priority vehicles and more, Read More ...

### Prison for Causing Death by Reckless Riding

The Provincial Court of Valencia has been sentenced two individuals found responsible for the death of a 15-year old girl in a motorbike crash to a total of three and a half years in prison for causing her death.
The incident occurred in 2007 in the town of Cheste during the celebrations of the Grand Prix. The two people who caused the death were riding motorbikes at the time and performing moves such as “wheelies”, and driving towards each other. One of the riders, who was 23 at the time, did not hold a driving licence.
During one of these stunts, the riders collided head-on resulting in the girl, who was riding on the back, falling off the motorbike and hitting her head on the ground. This injury resulted in her death. The riders were not wearing crash helmets.
The Court confirmed the sentence passed by the judge of the Criminal Court of Valencia, Enrique Ortolá, which saw both riders responsible for crimes of reckless driving, reckless homicide and causing injuries.
One of those responsible received a two year prison sentence, the other a year and a half, and should compensate the parents of the deceased with 113,682 euro.
The town hall were also asked to give evidence that they had adequate procedures in place to prevent the tragedy, stating that performing such stunts is prohibited in the municipality and they provided more police during the event.

Excerpt: The Provincial Court of Valencia has been sentenced two individuals found responsible for the death of a 15-year old girl in a motorbike crash to a total of three and a half years in prison for causing her death. The Read More ...

### Dramatic Crash at La Manga

Two people were injured this weekend when the car they were travelling in left the road and landed in the sea off the Mar Menor coast of La Manga.

The emergency services received numerous calls about the incident on Friday evening and despatched assistance to the scene.
The occupants had already vacated the vehicle when they arrived although they were taken to a local health centre as a precaution.

Excerpt: Two people were injured this weekend when the car they were travelling in left the road and landed in the sea off the Mar Menor coast of La Manga. The emergency services received numerous calls about the incident on Friday Read More ...

### Earthquake Shakes Torrevieja

A 1.3 magnitude earthquake shook Torrevieja on Friday night, although no damage was reported.
The tremor occurred at around 02:30 with shakes and trembles reported by the residents of the Costa Blanca town.
Although the epicentre was out at sea, the rumbles were felt through a radius of around 6 kilometres.

Excerpt: A 1.3 magnitude earthquake shook Torrevieja on Friday night, although no damage was reported.
The tremor occurred at around 02:30 with shakes and trembles reported by the residents of the Costa Blanca town.
Although the epicentre was out at sea, the ru...

### N332 Launches New Services Section

As part of our development strategy, we have been working with some selected companies to try to provide our followers with some great deals and offers in order to reward your loyalty to us.
As a result of that, we are now launching N332 Services, a special section on the website where these companies can advertise their products and offer you special rates.
Over the next few weeks we will be expanding the network to provide more services, but right now we have great deals on burglar alarm systems, tow truck services, website design, document renewals and more.
You will be able to visit our directory as it grows by visiting the services page, which is available on the menu at the top of the n332.es website, or by just typing n332.es/services.
There is also a telephone you can call to leave your details with us to arrange for one of our trusted partners to contact you and explain their own services on offer. That number is also on the services page.
Remember, please mention N332 when you use any of the services or companies offered on this site, as it helps to spread the valuable message of the community we are operating in, all of us, working together for safer roads.

Excerpt: As part of our development strategy, we have been working with some selected companies to try to provide our followers with some great deals and offers in order to reward your loyalty to us. As a result of that, we Read More ...

### Keep a Watch on the Elderly

Within a space of just 48 hours, three elderly people were found dead in their homes in Torrevieja last week.
As the nights get darker and the temperature drops it is not uncommon for elderly people to feel isolated in their homes, sometimes afraid to go out, sometimes just feeling safer in the confines of their own homes, and as a tragic result of those feelings, the number of instances of people being found dead in their homes increases.
The first incident in Torrevieja last week was on Wednesday when the lifeless body of a woman was found in her bed at home. Then, on Thursday, an 82-year old man was found by a neighbour, with indications showing that he had been dead for a week. The third incident was also a man who failed to answer calls from his son who then raised the alarm and sent his brother to the property. Upon arriving at the house the brother instantly noted a bad smell but was unable to open the door with his keys as the father had left his keys in the lock on the inside, a common practice, especially amongst the elderly, fearful of their locks being picked.
Only fire fighters are allowed to enter a domestic property by force, and only if there is imminent danger. Under these circumstances, the Guardia Civil had to request permission of a judge to enter the property, thus prolonging to wait to ascertain what had happened.
Upon entering, the man was found on his bed, with his feet on the ground, showing clear signs of decomposition and surrounded by his most treasured possessions, including a photograph of his wife next to him.
In Torrevieja, more than 30% of the population is over 60, and around 10% are over 75 years of age. Many are not native in the town and move here with partners, only to be separated by death, leaving one alone to face the inevitable.
Please, if you know of an elderly neighbour living alone, check on them regularly. If they are a family member you may want to suggest an alarm and alert system, either way, it is more important than ever in the run up to Christmas that we all keep an eye out for those who may not be able to look after themselves, or may be living in fear alone.

Excerpt: Within a space of just 48 hours, three elderly people were found dead in their homes in Torrevieja last week. As the nights get darker and the temperature drops it is not uncommon for elderly people to feel isolated in their homes, sometimes afraid to go out, sometimes just feeling safer in the confines of […]

### N332 Supported by RTN

N332 has signed a new media collaboration agreement, this time with the English language newspaper, the RTN.
Each week, you will be able to read an article in the RTN which has been specially prepared for them, and which has not been published anywhere else.
We believe that it is important for us to nurture relationships like this, as we value other means of spreading this vital, potentially life-saving advice through as many different mediums as possible.
With our relationship with the RTN you will now be able to enjoy some of our articles in print, as well as those published on the n332.es website.
Many sure you pick up the RTN newspaper every Friday for the latest article in “The number one free weekly newspaper on the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida with all the local news, sport and major stories and events”, and visit their website for up to date news at www.roundtownnews.com.
North Edition

Excerpt: N332 has signed a new media collaboration agreement, this time with the English language newspaper, the RTN. Each week, you will be able to read an article in the RTN which has been specially prepared for them, and which has Read More ...

### N332 Visits TRACS in Torrevieja

The N332 Road Safety Project Roadshow made another stop in Torrevieja recently, giving a presentation to the popular TRACS social and networking group.

Around 100 people were invited to attend the presentation, which was held in the Nautica Bar I Torrevieja´s harbour, and despite the damp day, the room was packed out by attendees.

The presentation was led by Mark Nolan from the N332 website, with Francisco Morales from the Guardia Civil making a virtual appearance by video, on account of him having to patrol the roads on that day, although he did manage to pop in during a quieter time on patrol.

The presentation took the group through some of the typical unanswered questions, such as how to spot an unmarked traffic car to avoid becoming a victim of roadside robberies, what to do in the event of being stopped by the police, licensing, fines, equipment, and more, as well as everybody´s favourite subject, driving on roundabouts.

The presentation was further supported by experts from Ibex insurance, who were on hand to answer questions relating to insurance matters, and other experts from one of the biggest alarm providers in Spain, Seguritas Direct, who gave a brief talk about the benefits of their system in the home.
More presentations are now being arranged into the New Year. If you are part of a group in the Torrevieja, Orihuela, Elche and surrounding areas who can get around 50 to 60 people together, and you would be interested in receiving a talk from a member of the N332 group and their supporting businesses, you can contact us by emailing news@n332.es.

Excerpt: The N332 Road Safety Project Roadshow made another stop in Torrevieja recently, giving a presentation to the popular TRACS social and networking group. Around 100 people were invited to attend the presentation, which was held in the Nautica Bar I Read More ...

### More than a hundred people investigated for insurance fraud

Officers from the Economic and Tax Crime investigation unit of the National Police, UDEF, in Murcia are investigating more than 100 people for fraudulent activities related to vehicle insurance.

Amongst those under investigation are supposed victims or road traffic incidents, as well as lawyers and doctors, most of whom are trauma specialists, with links to another criminal gang which was disbanded in 2014 after they falsified claims for around 400 incidents.
The officers discovered an extensive network of activity specifically aimed at defrauding insurance companies through false and exaggerated claims following incidents, and others which were intentionally caused.
The network included lawyers who specialise in traffic related matters, and doctors who also specialise in treating motor vehicle related injuries.
The 2014 investigation began following the suspicions raised by insurance companies over the severity of claims and abnormalities in the reporting. The investigation revolved predominantly around the Murcia region with the heads of the network, two residents of Molina de Segura, joining more than 60 people arrested. Despite that network being disbanded, the ringleaders continued to operate, leading to these latest findings and arrests.

Excerpt: Officers from the Economic and Tax Crime investigation unit of the National Police, UDEF, in Murcia are investigating more than 100 people for fraudulent activities related to vehicle insurance. Amongst those under investigation are supposed victims or road traffic incidents, Read More ...

### Busy Weekend for November Holiday

The road network is expected to be particularly busy this weekend, with 3.3 million journeys expected across the Valencia region alone. Of those, 1.25 million will be around the Alicante province.
A special operation will be in place throughout the weekend with traffic officers monitoring the road network, supported by workers on the ground and helicopters in the air.
The busiest times are expected to be on Friday between 16:00 and 21:00, Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00, and on Tuesday from 16:00 to 21:00.
Because of the national holiday on Tuesday (Todos los Santos), many people have taken Monday off in order to have an extended weekend. Monday of course is Halloween.
Coastal and leisure areas are expected to see the most traffic, including shopping centres. The clocks go back on Saturday night, changing the lighting dynamics of the road. On Monday evening special care should be taken to look out for children celebrating Halloween (they may be dressed as ghosts (or worse)), and on Tuesday cemeteries will be busy as families go to celebrate the special day with loved ones departed from this world. Some local towns and cities have provided bus services on Tuesday morning.
Remember, throughout the weekend, allow extra time for your journey, keep calm, maintain a proper and safe distance, watch your speed, avoid distractions and don´t consume alcohol or drugs.

Excerpt: The road network is expected to be particularly busy this weekend, with 3.3 million journeys expected across the Valencia region alone. Of those, 1.25 million will be around the Alicante province. A special operation will be in place throughout the Read More ...

### Do You Indicate?

This article was first provided to our media partners at the RTN. You can read new articles each week in your favourite English language newspaper, out every Friday…
http://www.roundtownnews.com/

One of the biggest annoyances of drivers in Spain is when other drivers fail to use their indicators. In Spain, failing to indicate is punishable by a 200 euro fine.
It is important to remember that indicators are there in order to “indicate” our intentions, and therefore must be used before any manoeuvre takes place, remember your driving school days, Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre. Indicating after you have started to slow down of change direction does not give sufficient warning. Equally, it must be remembered that they don´t give us priority over other road users.
We must indicate whenever we intend to deviate from our course or direction. In other words, if we are going to turn or change lanes for example. On a roundabout we must signal our intention to leave the roundabout immediately after passing the exit before ours.
Pulling out from a parking spot or changing lanes can allow other drivers to assess if they are able to safely alter their course, although caution must still be exercised.
Overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres we can do, especially when the move involves invading the opposing lane. It is important to indicate our intentions to warn other road users who might be considering doing the same thing, especially more vulnerable road users such as motorbikes.
Turning into or out of a minor road must always be indicated, whether left or right, in order to also advise other road users, including those we may not have seen, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Remember though, always indicate first and always remember that indicating does not give us a right to move, or change our priority on the road, it simply indicates our intentions to other road users.

Excerpt: This article was first provided to our media partners at the RTN. You can read new articles each week in your favourite English language newspaper, out every Friday… http://www.roundtownnews.com/ One of the biggest annoyances of drivers in Spain is when Read More ...

### Alicante Flight Declares Emergency

A flight from Alicante to Cardiff today declared an emergency while in the air because of a technical issue.
137 passengers were on board the scheduled flight.
Vueling explained that the problem was detected before landing.
A Vueling spokesman said “A technical issue was detected before landing and following all safety procedures the Captain requested for a priority landing. The aircraft has landed safely and passengers have disembarked as usual. We had 137 passengers on board.”
The aeroplane landed safely at Cardiff airport

Excerpt: A flight from Alicante to Cardiff today declared an emergency while in the air because of a technical issue. 137 passengers were on board the scheduled flight. Vueling explained that the problem was detected before landing. A Vueling spokesman said “A technical issue was detected before landing and following all safety procedures the Captain requested […]

### Officers Seriously Injured in Santa Pola Crash

A serious collision occurred on Tuesday evening when an overtaking maneuver resulted in a head-on collision with a patrol car of the Guardia Civil.
The incident occurred at around 20:30 on the road between Santa Pola and Elche, just in front of the Elche Safari Park.
One of the officers was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extracted by fire fighters. Both officers suffered serious injuries, the driver now in a critical condition fighting for his life.
The occupant of the other vehicle has injuries but is otherwise okay.

Excerpt: A serious collision occurred on Tuesday evening when an overtaking maneuver resulted in a head-on collision with a patrol car of the Guardia Civil. The incident occurred at around 20:30 on the road between Santa Pola and Elche, just in Read More ...

### Results from the first European Day Without A Road Death (Project EDWARD)

Results from the first European Day Without A Road Death (Project EDWARD) have been published by TISPOL (the European Traffic Police Network) and the European Commission.
Summary of results:

On Wednesday 21 September 2016 (Project EDWARD day) there were 43 road deaths across 31 countries
This compares with 70 fatalities on the same day in 2015 and represents a like-for-like reduction of almost 39 per cent.
19 countries recorded zero fatalities on 21 September, compared with 11 countries in 2015. Eight of these countries had recorded at least one fatality on 21 September 2015
Seven other countries recorded a reduction in fatalities, compared with the same day in 2015
Three countries recorded an increase in fatalities
A full country-by-country result sheet is available here

Twitter impact:

7,923 Twitter posts on Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st September
19,298,225 unique reach for #ProjectEDWARD
Project EDWARD featured in Twitter Moments Today
Trending in top 5 in UK
Trending in many other countries
At one point trending in top 50 globally

Commenting on Project EDWARD, European Commissioner Violeta Bulc said:
“Education and awareness make important contributions to road safety, and Project EDWARD sets an extremely ambitious target: to achieve a day without a single death on Europe’s roads. This year, we recorded a significant improvement compared to 2015, which shows that when all stakeholders come together we really make an impact and save lives. We are on the right path to make the aspirational goal of zero fatality a reality.”
The new TISPOL President Paolo Cestra said:
“When we launched Project EDWARD, we accepted that it would be incredibly difficult to achieve a day without road death across Europe. But we believe these results show that when everyone works together towards such a worthwhile goal, we can make a big difference. We thank everyone who signed the pledge, who shared our information messages and who made one or two small differences in the way they use the road.  Any small individual action counts in helping to recuce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads of Europe. 
“We understand that many factors impact on fatality figures on any particular day, so we cannot state what direct impact Project EDWARD had. But we believe Project EDWARD has delivered fantastic results in terms of revitalising Europe-wide collaboration and participation, as well as sharing simple road safety messages far and wide.”
“There is an ambitious European Commission target to reduce death on Europe’s roads by the year 2020. That target has in recent times seemed out of reach. But we believe that Project EDWARD has shown that, with the right commitment and motivation, we still have time to achieve it, and I urge everyone to work towards that goal.”
About Project EDWARD:

Project EDWARD was introduced by TISPOL to run for the first time on 21 September 2016
As well as raising awareness of road safety issues, a key aim of Project EDWARD was to draw attention to the value of national and Europe-wide road safety targets
The European Commission supported Project EDWARD
31 European countries supported Project EDWARD
Financial support for Project EDWARD was provided by the GEM Motoring Assist Road Safety Charity

Excerpt: Results from the first European Day Without A Road Death (Project EDWARD) have been published by TISPOL (the European Traffic Police Network) and the European Commission. Summary of results: On Wednesday 21 September 2016 (Project EDWARD day) there were 43 Read More ...

### Appeal for Information – Missing Person

The family of JAMES DUMBRECK are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety after he went missing from the La Fuente area of the Orihuela Costa on Sunday morning.
If anybody has seen him, please contact Adam Dumbreck or Yasmin Decay on Facebook (click their names to go to Facebook) or telephone Adam on 722 108 027.
Any information regarding his whereabouts would be appreciated.
Thank you.

Excerpt: The family of JAMES DUMBRECK are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety after he went missing from the La Fuente area of the Orihuela Costa on Sunday morning. If anybody has seen him, please contact Adam Dumbreck or Yasmin Decay on Read More ...

### Emergency Response – What is P.A.S.

The P.A.S. system based on the first response to a situation, in which the primary concern should always be protection, then advising others, and then assisting those in need.

In Spanish, PAS is derived from Proteger Avisar Socorrer, which we could translate to Protect, Advise, Assist.
Let us look at the three elements. You can see how these come together on the pictogram, remembering that the first and most important stage is safety.
Protect
What to Do.
Knowing what to do if you witness a traffic accident can not only save the lives of the injured, but also your own. Never forget the three steps: Protect, Advise and Assist.
Self-protection. Park your own vehicle in a safe spot and wear your reflective vest before leaving it.
Keep away from a burning vehicle or if you notice that it is transporting dangerous goods.
Protect the accident site. Signal the area as soon as possible by placing warning triangles and switching on your hazard warning lights.
 
Advise
Call the emergency services on 112 (they speak multiple languages, including English).
Information to provide:

Location of the place of accident (street, number, kilometre point, if it is a two-way street, the address, and report any other detail that can assist in identifying your location quickly: chapel, restaurant …
The number of injured people and all the information you can provide (if unconscious, bleeding etc).
Special circumstances (the existence of trapped persons, danger of falling vehicle, if they are transporting dangerous goods, if fallen into water etc).
Characteristics and number of vehicles.
Wait from the controllers to confirm the details before hanging up.

 
Assist
Be extremely careful in order to not add or aggravate injuries.
 
You should not do.

As a general rule, do not move the injured, nor remove them from the vehicle.
If they are a biker, do not remove the helmet.
Do not give drink, food or medication.
Do not allow them to move on their own.
Do not leave until emergency services say it is okay.

 
You should do

Stay close to the injured, if possible, at their side. Try to keep them calm.
If necessary, and always if you know how to, perform first aid.

 
An English version of the poster was published in Issue 3 of N332 RoadWatch magazine. Click here to read that issue.
 

Excerpt: The P.A.S. system based on the first response to a situation, in which the primary concern should always be protection, then advising others, and then assisting those in need. In Spanish, PAS is derived from Proteger Avisar Socorrer, which we Read More ...

### New Portable Breathalysers

We have been reporting recently on the new mobile speed detectors that the Guardia Civil have in service, small and compact enough to carry with them on their motorbikes, this time we are introducing you to another invaluable tool in their arsenal for keeping the roads safer, an evidential, portable breathalyser, the SAF’IR™ Evolution.

Like many police forces across Europe, the Guardia Civil use hand-held breathalysers at the moment, but these devices only give an approximate indication of alcohol consumption and are not used in evidence. Instead, a bigger, computerised machine is used which provides more accurate results and provides a report which can then be used as evidence in subsequent prosecution. As well as having these devices available in many of the traffic police stations, the Guardia Civil have a fleet of vehicles which have these computerised units installed and are used at the roadside.

However, these units are not always immediately available to officers who suspect alcohol has been consumed, or I the event of the failure of a standard roadside test. That is where these new SAF’IR™ EVOLUTION devices come into their own.
As well as being an evidential analyser, meaning that the testing accuracy is certified and valid in court. It has a start-up time of less than one minute, a simple user interface, and a long battery life that can be extended in-vehicle with an adapter. Not only that, the entire unit is in a case about the size of a household drill, along with sterile blow tubes and a printer that can process the fine on the spot, as well as recording the evidence.
It is because of the compactness of the units that they can also be carried on the new motorbikes, ready to be used at a moment´s notice, ensuring the most accurate record and processing of offenders is carried out in the shortest time possible.
Along with the new portable speed monitoring devices, these new breathalysers mean that the motorbikes and other vehicles patrolling our streets have never been as equipped to deal with offenders and the officers have never had such a valuable set of tools on-hand to ensure that the roads are safer for all.

SAF’IR™ Evolution SAF’IR™ Evolution
SPECIFICATIONS
Size and Weight:              85mm x 255mm x 46mm – 600 grams
Measuring Principle:       Infrared spectrometry ethanol molecule-selective 9.46 µm-wavelength
Measuring Cycle:             Automatic with monitoring and diagnosis of good operation
Measurement Unit:        mg/L of alcohol in exhaled air, µg/L air, g/L blood BAC, %BAC
Measuring Range:           0 to 2,00 mg/L (0 to 450 BAC)
Measurement Display:  Function of unit chosen, accuracy maximum 1 µg/L
Measuring Frequency:  Ready to blow in less than 30 seconds
Calibration:         Dry gas / wet gas
Operating Temperature:              -5°C to +40°C
Data Transfer:   PC via USB port and ACS software
Memory:             Over 3,200 time-stamped events with Bluetooth printing
Display:                Graphic LCD
Power Supply:   Built-in rechargeable NiMH battery
Features:             Bluetooth printing and GPS applications
Battery Life:       Over 20 hours
 
 
 
 
 

Excerpt: We have been reporting recently on the new mobile speed detectors that the Guardia Civil have in service, small and compact enough to carry with them on their motorbikes, this time we are introducing you to another invaluable tool in Read More ...

### Warning Triangles

It is mandatory for all vehicles to carry two warning triangles. These triangles must be of a certified standard for Europe. Homologation certification is shown by the presence of a label, sticker or stamp, similar to that on child seats, which, amongst other codes referring to the manufacturer and other details, shows the letter “E” and a number in a circle. The code is sometimes in a box rather than a circle, but it depends on the product in question. For warning triangles, we are looking for a circle and in particular you are looking for E9. The “E” refers to a European standard and in this case, “9” refers to the item having been certified in Spain. By the way, E11 refers to the UK, but so long as your triangle carries the European certificated stamp, it is acceptable for use in Spain.
The reason two triangles must be carried is that at times we need to offer a warning and protection from vehicles approaching from the front, as well as from behind. We will look at that in some detail on the next page.
Once you have your warning triangles, the next stage is often overlooked, but it is a good idea to take them out or the packaging and assemble them a couple of times. Usually, when we need to use warning triangles we need to assemble them quickly to provide as much warning as possible. It is mandatory to carry them, but they will be of little use if you don´t know how to use them. That is why we recommend you practice, and keep practicing, so that if the time ever does arise, you know immediately how to assemble them.
If you are carrying them in your boot, although they should be in a secure place, we also suggest that you always have them at hand. It´s not a good idea to pile your shopping and other items on top of the triangles as if you do need to use them, you need to access them quickly.
Some vehicles have warning triangles installed as standard, sometime in the lid of the boot, which you can just take out at a moment’s notice. Again though, make sure you know how to take them out so that if you need them, you know exactly how to access them.
It is also a good idea to carry them in some kind of protective case and to ensure that they are kept clean so that their high visibility standards are maintained.

Where to Place Your Warning Triangles
In the event of your vehicle becoming immobilised on the road and causing a hazard, you must provide additional warnings to other road users of your presence. We deal with the entire process in another article but you must remember that the first thing you must do is switch on your vehicle´s hazard warning lights. This applies both in the day and at night.
You must then place your warning triangles in such a manner to provide sufficient warning to oncoming vehicles.
Ordinarily, you must place your triangles 50 metres away from your vehicle, so that they are visible from a distance of 100 metres.

On a normal two-way road you must place one triangle behind and one in front of your vehicle, both at a distance of 50 metres and visible from at least 100 metres.
On a one-way road, or a road which has more than 3 lanes, such as a motorway, you only need to place one triangle at the rear of your vehicle 50 metres away and visible from 100 metres.
Ensuring that your triangle is visible is crucial to offering a warning to approaching vehicles. In the event that your vehicle is after a bend or over the brow of a hill, move the triangle further away so that it is visible before vehicles reach the bend or brow.

Excerpt: It is mandatory for all vehicles to carry two warning triangles. These triangles must be of a certified standard for Europe. Homologation certification is shown by the presence of a label, sticker or stamp, similar to that on child seats, Read More ...

### New Radars around the Country

The latest range of vehicle monitoring and enforcement devices came into action on the roads of Spain.

Autumn is always a key time in road safety terms as national and regional governments invest millions into saving lives, and even with a caretaker government running the country in 2016, and a lot of major investments on hold, budgets for road safety still currently remain.
In Catalonia, where traffic policing is independent from Spain, the Servicio Catalán de Tráfico announced the installation of 10 new radars which would come into force in September.
They are located at 5 key points on the road network, where many safety incidents have been recorded, along the AP-7 in Tarragona, the N-11 Capmany-Agullana road in Girona, the C-66 in the  Corsà-Rupià-La Pera- Flaçà-Sant Joan de Mollet area of Girona, and the C-16 Sant Cugat del Vallés and Cercs, both in Barcelona.
These new radars record the average speed of vehicles over a specific stretch of road, recording the number plate as the vehicle passes one point, registering it again at another, then calculating the time taken between the two points. With these 10 new section controls Catalonia has added to the sections already monitored. You can view all of their locations on the http://transit.gencat.cat/ website.
Throughout Spain, more cameras capable of monitoring more than just speed have been installed and switched on. Now, there are 222 cameras throughout the country which take a series of images in order to determine if the vehicle occupants are wearing seatbelts, or if the driver is on their mobile phone. There are another 55 on order which will be installed and implemented soon.
More red-light cameras have been installed in the capital city, Madrid. An additional 9 cameras have been installed, on top of the 26 already existing, looking for vehicles which fail to stop at a red light. Despite the municipal government facing criticism for the cameras on account of the money they are now collecting, it must be remembered that the cameras only activate if an offence has been committed, and, moreover, the offence in question recorded by these devices is a practice which carries extreme risk, not only to the offender, but also other and more vulnerable road users. You can find the exact locations of these from the town hall website,
Valencia has also increased its allocation of red-light cameras, with an additional 2 devices joining the 3 already on duty. The new devices are awaiting activation, but that will occur soon.
Almería Council announced the launch of a new mobile radar, which has been provided in conjunction with the DGT, specifically operating in the Roquetas de Mar area. Although not a permanent acquisition it will be operating at predetermined times in the area.
The same situation occurred in Jaen, where the local council also collaborated with the DGT to provide more coverage on the roads by using mobile speed detecting equipment.
Finally, we must once again mention the new lightweight portable devices which have been issued to the Guardia Civil. Small enough to be carried on their motorbikes, these new devices can quite literally be positioned almost anywhere and at any time.
Be on the lookout for these radars, you can check the DGT.es website for the latest locations, but above all, try not to get caught. The simplest way of avoiding detection is to always drive within the constraints of the maximum permitted speed of the road and the road conditions.

Excerpt: The latest range of vehicle monitoring and enforcement devices came into action on the roads of Spain. Autumn is always a key time in road safety terms as national and regional governments invest millions into saving lives, and even with Read More ...

### Time to Check you Battery

In autumn, one of the biggest causes of breakdowns is a fault to do with the car´s electrical system or the battery.

This is actually a continuation from the summer months, although engine overheating is also a common problem in the summer, but more than half of the recorded faults dealt with by the roadside are related to the car´s battery.
Often, the problem is age related and the fact that the battery has simply discharged. This is a common consequence of high temperatures.
Between the months of June and September, there are more roadside recoveries than any other time of year, partly due to the increase in traffic, as well as the damage caused by high temperatures.
The advice is to thoroughly check your vehicle on a regular basis, keep electrical use to a minimum when the engine isn´t running, and, above all, have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic on a regular basis.

Excerpt: In autumn, one of the biggest causes of breakdowns is a fault to do with the car´s electrical system or the battery. This is actually a continuation from the summer months, although engine overheating is also a common problem in Read More ...

### The DGT Performs the First Roadside ITV Test

This week, the first roadside ITV inspection of a vehicle took place in Spain, as part of a week-long campaign checking commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks and vans which runs until the 16th of October.

According to the DGT, 9% of vans, 4% of trucks and 1% of the buses involved in injury incidents on interurban roads last year had an expired ITV at the time of the incident. Furthermore, the European Union estimates that 6% of incidents are due to technical failures, many of which could have been avoided with proper vehicle maintenance.
The DGT has 5 inspection units which have been deployed around the country with an intention of carrying out 12,000 vehicle inspections each year.
These mobile units have all the necessary technical equipment to carry out the complete ITV inspection, including checking brakes, axle weight, lights and safety equipment, and have thermal imaging cameras to inspect the vehicle thoroughly.
The inspections are carried out by specially trained members of the Guardia Civil traffic department who are able to enforce the inspections on vehicles, as well as carry out the necessary process should a failure or fault be detected.
The plan also form part of an EU directive which states that for the purposes of road safety and environmental protection, the current periodic technical inspection of commercial vehicles is not enough, and so it is necessary to carry out these roadside inspections to monitor the proper maintenance of vehicles on the road, which, as part of the parameters of the process, ensures monitoring compliance with the ITV.
Traffic law dictates that deficiencies in the maintenance of vehicles can be considered a serious offenses, punishable by a 200 euro fine, or a very serious offence resulting in a 500 euro fine. In addition, the vehicle can be immobilised in case of serious deficiencies (brakes, tires, suspension, etc), and the subsequent obligation to submit the vehicle for inspection, once the repairs have been carried out, at a fixed ITV station.

The penalty for driving a vehicle without having passed the ITV is 200 euro, and in the event of driving a vehicle which has failed the test, a 500 euro fine.
In 2015, 25% of buses and 23% of trucks presented to the periodic technical inspection (ITV) failed the test. In the same year, trucks over 3,500 kg of maximum authorized mass and buses were involved in 5,909 injury incidents, in which 293 people were killed.
Most of the fatal incidents involving trucks took place on interurban roads, whereas those involving buses mostly occurred on urban roads. Collectively, distractions are the main causes of incidents involving this type of vehicle.
In order to improve road safety, if repeat offenders are identified, not only will the drives themselves be penalised, but the companies they work for will also find themselves under investigation, facing some liability for any offences committed, and, in the worst cases, having their operating licence withdrawn.
The campaign this week coincides with a similar one across Europe where the European Traffic Police network, TISPOL, are also focussing on trucks and buses. Speed, distractions, alcohol and drugs, seatbelts, documentation and now the technical aspects of the vehicles themselves will be held under the microscope.

Excerpt: This week, the first roadside ITV inspection of a vehicle took place in Spain, as part of a week-long campaign checking commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks and vans which runs until the 16th of October. According to the DGT, Read More ...

### Search Launched for Escaped Inmates after Riot

An overnight riot on Wednesday in the immigration detention centre at Sangonera la Verde, Murcia, resulted in five police officers being injured and dozens of inmates escaping the facility.

The riot began at around 20:30 when inmates seized fire extinguishers and hoses and used these items against the officers to force their way out. As a result, five of the officers suffered injuries, including upper extremity fractures and dislocations.
An alert was immediately raised with support and ambulances rushing to the scene. The end result is that 67 of the 130 immigrant inmates escaped.
During the course of the night 28 escapees were rounded up, mainly in the Cartagena and Alcantarilla areas, a lot of whom were found hiding in fields leaving almost 40 still at large.
All security services are now combining efforts to locate and capture those missing, which will result in intensifies roadblocks around the area and surrounding regions.
Be aware of these check points and the reason for them and, as always, if you see one please do not share the information through social networks. If you are stopped, stay calm, respond to the instructions of the officers, remember “nothing to hide, nothing to fear”, whilst all attempts are made to capture those who have absconded and return them to the justice system.

Excerpt: An overnight riot on Wednesday in the immigration detention centre at Sangonera la Verde, Murcia, resulted in five police officers being injured and dozens of inmates escaping the facility. The riot began at around 20:30 when inmates seized fire extinguishers Read More ...

### Prison Call for Drunk and Drugged Driver

The prosecutor is calling for an 18-month prison sentence for a driver caught doing 103 kilometres per hour in a section of road where the maximum permitted speed was 50 kilometres per hour.
Having been stopped for the offence of speeding, the driver also tested positive for having consumed alcohol and drugs.
The hearing is set for Thursday of this week following the incident in December, 2014, on the CV-1 (Los Campos-Trasona) road in Corvera. The vehicle was observed being driven at high speed and recklessly, hitting the crash barrier at one point.
As a result of that collision, the passenger in the vehicle suffered injuries and so the charge sheet includes a crime against road safety causing reckless injury, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and speeding.
IN addition to the prison sentence, the prosecutor has also requested the disqualification from driving for a period of 4 years.

Excerpt: The prosecutor is calling for an 18-month prison sentence for a driver caught doing 103 kilometres per hour in a section of road where the maximum permitted speed was 50 kilometres per hour. Having been stopped for the offence of Read More ...

### Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa at Risk of Tsunamis

The east coast of Spain, from Torrevieja to the Straight of Gibraltar, is at risk of Tsunamis, according to a post on the El Tiempo weather website blog.
However, it should be made clear that although there is a risk it is nothing more than a theoretical one and is very slight at best.
The article refers to the question as to whether Spain is at risk of tsunamis, and answers the question stating that although the odds of it happening are extremely low, it is indeed possible.
In 1755 a major earthquake with its epicenter in the Lisbon coast caused a tsunami that severely affected cities like Cadiz and Huelva. Several studies indicate that more than 2,000 people killed in Spain by waves of 15 meters triggered the Portuguese earthquake. Even to this day the remains deposits from the damage caused are found kilometres away from the Cadiz coast, demonstrating the lethal consequences of this tsunami. Although there was no means of testing the magnitude of that earthquake, experts have said it was likely to have been in the region of 8.5 on the Richter scale.
In 1829, Torrevieja and the surrounding area were all but destroyed by an earthquake, although no tsunami was recorded after that.
A tsunami is a series of waves from the ocean that sends great waves of water that can reach up to 30.5 metres in height. By hitting the coast, these walls of water can cause havoc. Most tsunamis originate after an earthquake.
Although strong earthquakes do not occur frequently in Spain, the fact is that there are several seismic zones due to the influence of European and African tectonic plates.
In this regard, as indicated by the director of the National Seismic Network, Emilio Carreño, it is the area mainly ranging from Torrevieja to the Strait of Gibraltar which concentrates most seismic activity, and therefore which could more be exposed to hypothetical tsunamis.
Most tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean, within the so – called Ring of Fire, where some of the most important areas of subduction of the world focus. It is this condition which favours the high seismic activity in the countries covered.

Excerpt: The east coast of Spain, from Torrevieja to the Straight of Gibraltar, is at risk of Tsunamis, according to a post on the El Tiempo weather website blog. However, it should be made clear that although there is a risk it is nothing more than a theoretical one and is very slight at best. The […]

### Never Warn about Checkpoints

The Guardia Civil has taken to social networks to share a French police produced videos about the risks involved in warning other motorists about the presence of check-points.

The message of “nothing to hide, nothing to fear” has never been clearer than in recent times, with both an increased threat in criminal and other serious activities, protection of law-abiding citizens has perhaps never been as important.
Let´s remember, that if you do have nothing to hide, if you are stopped at a checkpoint, the worst that will happen will be a slight delay whilst your documents and details are checked. More likely you will simply be waved on and able to go about your business.
In the video however, a very different story unfolds. A driver is seen driving through the night when he spots a police patrol. Thinking he is doing a good deed, he takes to flashing his headlights in warning to oncoming vehicles, a practice which is by the way illegal.
As the story continues we see another more nervous driver heeding the warning, stopping his vehicle and turning around to drive in the opposite direction.
Unbeknown to the original driver, the police that he had spotted originally were involved in the search for a young girl who had been abducted. The driver he is later seen to warn is revealed to be the abductor, so close to approaching capture and the subsequent liberation of the girl, the warning meant that the kidnapper was able to evade capture, the result for the victim unknown, but without the warning of the driver the story would have ended so very differently, with a positive result.
¿Avisas de los controles policiales con luces o #apps?Igual viendo este vídeo hasta el final te lo replanteaspic.twitter.com/bqDSo2Pb7r
— Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) September 11, 2016

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil has taken to social networks to share a French police produced videos about the risks involved in warning other motorists about the presence of check-points. The message of “nothing to hide, nothing to fear” has never been Read More ...

### 83,000 Convictions

The latest figures released by the Attorney General this month show that in 2015 there were a total of 83,283 convictions for road traffic offences in Spain, 34% of all sentences handed down by the courts.

Of the 83,000 plus convictions, 57,313 entailed the deprivation of driving rights, most of which were with the agreement of the offender. In addition 2,352 sentences resulted in the loss of validity of the driving licence, 50,000 were fines and 31,634 community service orders were issued.
During 2015, there were fewer breath tests carried out by the Guardia Civil traffic officers, with 5,741,000 tests last year, compared to 6,300,000 in 2014. There were a total of 80,388 disciplinary proceedings for alcohol related offences, compared to 94,638 in 2014.
The number of reported drug detection and controls increased exponentially, from nearly 9,500 administrative files opened in 2014, to 26,000 in 2015. There was also a “dramatic increase” in the number drug tests conducted in 2015, more than 76,000, compared to 29,463 in 2014.
Generally speaking, the prosecution notes that compared to 2014 there has been a general downward trend in the number of criminal proceedings initiated, indictments and convictions for crimes against road safety. The decrease has been attributed, among other circumstances, to “the effectiveness of the criminal response to this type of crime” as well as an increased awareness amongst drivers.
The Attorney General’s Office also contends that the effective implementation of the law is “not the only prerequisite to reduce incidents”, thus the prosecution proposes the designation of a legal status of pedestrians and cyclists “for harmonious coexistence in the city” , improving the state of the roads, signage, lighting, reducing speed limits and vehicle status, and it clarifies that the aging fleet because of the economic crisis translates into “inequality before the safety of those who have no resources to pay for improvements”.
The report also stresses the need for road safety education is now more important than ever, the only safe strategy to reduce tragedies, almost all those which are preventable, occurring on public roads.

Excerpt: The latest figures released by the Attorney General this month show that in 2015 there were a total of 83,283 convictions for road traffic offences in Spain, 34% of all sentences handed down by the courts. Of the 83,000 plus Read More ...

### 253 Summer Deaths

During the summer months of July and August, a total of 253 people lost their lives on the main inter-urban roads of Spain, 27 more deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 12%, based on provisional data from the DGT.

The Valencia Region and the Balearic Islands are the two places which have seen the greatest increase in the number of fatalities, with Valencia seeing an increase of 12 deaths, and the Balearic Islands increasing by 8 deaths.
Across the rest of the country, Aragón and Asturias each saw an increase of 5, Castilla-La Mancha and Comunidad de Madrid both increased by 4, Galicia and Castilla y León had an increase of 3, the Región de Murcia increased by 2 deaths, and Extremadura and La Rioja both saw an increase of 1.
Most of the fatalities occurred on the secondary road network, representing 78% of total deaths. 2015 regarding the number of fatalities among users of bicycles, motorcycles, cars and trucks.
The average age of passenger cars in which fatalities were traveling is increasing, suggested as a contributing factor to an increase in road deaths, with the 2015 average age being 13.4 years, some 2 years older than the average age of 11.4 years calculated on the average throughout the year.
A total of 31% of the fatalities have occurred in sections of roads identified as being “black spots” and therefore given the status of INVIVE ((Intensificación de la Vigilancia de la Velocidad), where closer monitoring of speed and driver practise is implemented.
During the summer this year there has also been an increase in the number of tourists visiting Spain and the number of long-haul journeys across the country, with a 9.3% and 5% increase respectively.
The figures for the UK also show an increase in the number of incidents on the roads, with data from January to March showing a 13% increase, whereas in Germany the figure from January to July showed a decrease in the number of incidents by 9%.

Excerpt: During the summer months of July and August, a total of 253 people lost their lives on the main inter-urban roads of Spain, 27 more deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 12%, based on Read More ...

### Looking for Car Hire?

It comes as no surprise to anybody who knows them or have used their services, but Al Andalus Car Hire has been going from strength to strength over the last few years, so much so they are about to celebrate their 4,000th booking.
For one lucky person, the one who is that 4,000th, you will get a week’s car hire for free in celebration, although with such competitively priced hire services, everybody is already a winner.
As a supporter of the N332 project from day 1, we know all too well of owner David Baxter´s commitment. Whenever we are involved in one of our charity campaigns, it is guaranteed that David pulls out all the stops to make sure he is there supporting us in any way that he and his team can.
David started Al Andalus Car Hire in 2010 with the intention of providing a service to a number of urbanisations in the local area. However very early on one client gave such a great review on www.eyeonspain.com, the result was a rapid expansion of the business.
They are based in Vera, Almeria, but operate from all of the popular airports across Almeria, Murcia and Alicante, as well as their local area.
At Alicante-Elche and Murcia-San Javier airports they work with Seguro Parking who meet the clients just outside the terminal building with their car, so there is no running around and queuing for hours on end just to find out where to pick up a car.
All the paperwork is done before the clients arrive, so that too means less time at the airport when you get off the plane and typically you will be on your way to your holiday within 10 minutes of collecting your luggage.
All vehicles set off with a full fuel tank, they ask that you return it full too, so there is no excessive premiums to pay for filling the car and the hire includes one main and one additional driver, so you can share the holiday drive experience.
Plus, they don´t take large deposits on credit cards like some other companies and are happy to accept standalone excess waiver policies.
As for the vehicles, the fleet is made up of quality, reliable vehicles, such as Seat Ibizas, Skoda Fabias and Dacia Sanderos, but they also have Ford Focus size cars and the 7-seater Opel Zafiras.
Make sure you take a look at their website for more information but when you do keep one thing in mind. Although they will never beat the headline prices offered by the large car hire companies, the difference is that the price they quote is the price you pay, there are no hidden extras or supplements. Make the comparison with that in mind and the final price offered by other companies and you will soon see where to find value for your money, Al Andalus Car Hire.
The entire team are very friendly and approachable, and their level of service is impeccable with all emails usually answered the same day, but always within 24 hours, and everyone is personal, not a computer generated automatic reply.
By the way, they can also provide baby, child and booster seats at a small additional cost. They can also accommodate collection and delivery at different airports subject to a one way drop off fee, and of course availability.
You don´t have to take our word for it though, have a read of some of the genuine comments they have had from their clients so far.
Just a quick message to say thank you for arranging the car hire for us.  The car was fab and we met Dave in Vera Playa on Monday to settle up with him.  Everything really good and the guys were there at Murcia to return the car. Thanks very much – take care and we will certainly use you again when next in Spain. (Julie S)
Just wanted to say what a joy the car hire was. It was true how quick and easy picking up the car was with no queuing, not having to get all documents out and most of all getting out of the airport and on our way to the apartment also, no hidden extras!!!!  We would DEFINENTLY use your service again. (Dorothy R)
I just wanted to say what excellent service we received from your company when hiring the hire car in Alicante recently. The pick up and drop off couldn’t have been easier or smoother and was such a treat! The car was great, and dealing with you has been a pleasure. We will certainly be contacting you again for next year and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. (Debbie O)
Just a quick message to say thank you very much for the car hire & information. The collection & drop off of the car was excellent, also meet Dave who was very helpful If we return to that area we will certainly use you again (Philip C)
I would just like to say how delighted we were with the car hire arrangements. It was wonderful to be able to drive away within minutes of landing and with no paperwork to complete. The return was even easier with Seguro Parking waving us down as we arrived at the airport. We will certainly be using you again on our next visit! Well done for a super service! (Allan S)

Excerpt: It comes as no surprise to anybody who knows them or have used their services, but Al Andalus Car Hire has been going from strength to strength over the last few years, so much so they are about to celebrate Read More ...

### New Radars on Motorbikes – NO! The Myths Busted

Recently, we mentioned about new radar speed detectors that can be carried on motorbikes, part of a new range of equipment purchased by the Spanish government to improve road safety. Since then, the internet has gone wild with stories about these radars with some old myths resurfacing and a lot of speculation becoming accepted as fact.

In issue 2 of N332 RoadWatch magazine we decided to clear up some of the confusion caused by these speculative articles by giving you the facts about roadside radars and speed detectors.
First of all, when we said “The DGT has spent a million euro on new mobile cameras which can be carried by traffic police on their motorcycles”, that sentence is entirely accurate. These cameras and radar detectors are not installed on the motorbikes, they are carried on them, in the panniers, allowing the officers to set up temporary detection zones in the most in just about any location. There are some places in Australia and Poland for example where radars are fitted to the motorbikes, but in Spain, the Guardia Civil do not have such a feature.
The question is how does this speculation come about? Well, this time, it has been caused by two very different source images. Firstly, as we also explained last month, the Guardia Civil officers have taken to the roads on new motorbikes. The front of these motorbikes are very different to the previous ones and there are pieces of equipment which are now more visible. We showed you one of these on the cover of this issue of N332 Roadwatch, a cylindrical protrusion. This, some people believe, is a radar camera. It is not, it is a light. In fact there are two of them and they are the lights which flash red to advise a vehicle in front to stop.

It is true that they look a little bit like a camera though, in fact they look a lot like some other images which have also been printed in some newspapers of a camera on a Guardia Civil motorbike. These images are very real, although they are now quite old. They are cameras but they have no means of detecting, monitoring or reporting speed. In fact, they were part of a pilot scheme to test what we know as ANPR, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, designed to monitor vehicles looking for those without tax or insurance for example. Some 300 bikes were fitted with the equipment, they were part of a test some years ago, and are not in service right now.
Whilst we are on the subject, another image has started doing the rounds again, that of a radar detector hidden in a roof box of a car. The first thing to point out is that the Guardia Civil do not use any kind of underhand, obscure detection equipment. They use unmarked vehicles, although there is a discussion taking place at the moment with a view to potentially stopping this practice and only using marked vehicles, but they always attempt to make road users aware of their presence by using signs warning they are there. In fact it is not the aim of the Guardia Civil to catch motorists speeding, it is their aim to slow traffic down to an acceptable and legal rate.

 
Secondly, the geodata in the image reveals that the car with the hidden equipment in the roof box is parked on the forecourt of Opel Crissier – Milliet SA, Chemin de l’Esparcette 6, 1023 Crissier, Suisse. That´s Switzerland to you and me.
So now we have cleared up the confusion, perhaps we can explain some of the actual equipment being used on the roads right now in Spain, which includes monitoring devices for speed, but also for drivers who skip trough red lights, and, more recently, such bad practices as using a mobile phone and the use of seatbelts, like Traffic Eye we looked at last month.
Here are the five types of monitoring devices currently in use.

Fixed Cameras: These devices are nicknamed “speed traps without operators” as they are located along the road network, usually at the side of the road, or sometimes on poles or across the carriageway, and monitor vehicles as they pass, recording those who exceed the maximum permitted limit. The newer versions of these cameras can also look for seatbelt use and for drivers using a mobile phone.
Mobile Radars: These operate with an operator, or usually a small team, and are often in unmarked Guardia Civil vehicles, as well as those in marked cars belonging to traffic law enforcement groups, including the DGT themselves. Depending on the type of equipment, the recording vehicle can either be static or moving. The newer models are small enough to be carried on a motorbike and so two officers can set up independent monitoring locations along the same stretch.
Fixed-Section Radars: These devices operate over a fixed distance of road and monitor the average speed between two points on that section. These devices are often considered to give a more realistic impression of recorded speed as the driver doesn´t usually react instantly when they see one, and so the average reading is a more likely speed recorded.
The camera at point “A” records the number plate as the vehicle passes, including the date and time. Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, the car is then recorded as it passes point “B”, and the time it has taken to cover that distance recorded. If the journey has registered an average speed above the permitted limit then the details are sent to a central processing point where the fine is automatically processed and sent to the driver.
Red-Light Cameras: This type of equipment does not measure the speed of a vehicle but takes a photograph if the vehicle has failed to stop at a red light.
Pegasus Equipped Helicopters: Pegasus is the name of a recording device fitted to most of the DGT´s traffic helicopters. Distinctive by their yellow and light blue colouring, these “eyes in the sky” can catch offending motorists from a kilometre away and at a height of 300 metres, recording the average speed and vehicle characteristics, as well as monitoring for other traffic violations.
Once the infraction is recorded the data is sent immediately to a central processing point, the Centro de Tratamiento de Denuncias Automatizadas, or ESTRADA, where a fine is automatically issued. In the event of a serious offence, the helicopter crew will summon ground crews to intercept the vehicle.

There is also another monitoring device which is sometimes confusing to motorists, as these metal boxes live alongside the road network but have no visible means of taking a picture. They are identifiable by a square marking in the lane nearby, which is a monitoring sensor, sending information to the roadside box. These devices are used to monitor traffic flow statistics and are not used in enforcement, which is why they have no means of recording individual vehicle details. They are able to record the vehicle type and the number of vehicles using an area, providing essential data to road planners.
 
In total, across Spain, there are currently 800 fixed cameras, 16 Fixed-Section Radars and 6 helicopters equipped with Pegasus, as well as countless patrols from both the Guardia Civil and the police.
If you´re wondering where the most likely location to be snapped for speeding is it is on the A4 in the province of Jaén, where a Fixed-Section Radar controls the road between kilometre posts 242 and 245.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
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Excerpt: Recently, we mentioned about new radar speed detectors that can be carried on motorbikes, part of a new range of equipment purchased by the Spanish government to improve road safety. Since then, the internet has gone wild with stories about Read More ...

### Maintaining a Proper Position in the Vehicle

Maintaining a proper position in the vehicle is not only important for our comfort, it is crucial for our safety.

When used correctly, the vehicle´s seats and features offer the maximum protection in the event of a collision. If we do anything to change the characteristics of these features, we risk our safety tremendously.
The trouble is, it is easy to forget about the safety features when we are weighed down by the summer, but putting our feet on the dashboard, or the seat for that matter, arms waving out the windows, not wearing our seatbelt correctly are all an absolute NO.
Arms and legs should be kept inside the protective shell of the vehicle. Sticking your head, arms or legs out of the window is not a very good idea.
There are countless documented cases of motorists suffering serious injury when “clipped” by a passing car, as well as the more gruesome stories of the loss of limbs in the event of a crash. Having an arm out of the window also poses a risk to other road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists. Being able to put your head out of the window implies that the seatbelt is not worn correctly. If your body parts are not within the safety cage of the vehicle, then you are at risk and are risking others.
Arms extended from the vehicle may also confuse other road users who might think that you are giving hand signals, thus posing a risk that those drivers may incorrectly react to what they think you are gesturing. Visibility may also be obscured as a result, blocking the vehicle´s mirrors and making it difficult to observe the vehicle surroundings correctly.
Even within the vehicle there is a serious risk of injury if you are not sitting correctly. An all too common sight in the summer months in particular is a car passenger with their feet up on the dashboard, a practice that is not only illegal, but is extremely dangerous.
In the event of a crash, if a passenger is travelling with their feet up on the dashboard, the injuries that may occur will be very serious, partly as the deployment of the airbag can cause more serious injuries than it prevents in this situation, and, irrespective of an airbag being present, the glass from the windscreen can cause serious injury, not to mention the effects of a passenger being crushed by the impact between the dashboard and the seat.
In addition to the increase in occurrences of this sort of behaviour, there is also an increase in the number of fines issues as the traffic police try to not only advise drivers of the problem, they try and enforce remembrance through the issuing of fines. Incidentally, in the event of a passenger putting their feet on the dashboard, it is the driver who is ultimately responsible for the safety of the vehicle and, as such, it is the driver who will be fined.
Article 18, Section 1 of Royal Decree 1428/2003 of 21 November, approving the Rules of the road, states that “The driver of a vehicle must maintain their own freedom of movement, the required field of vision and permanent attention to driving, to ensure their own safety, that of other vehicle occupants and other road users. To achieve this, you must take special care to maintain the proper position and that of the passengers, and the proper placement of objects or animals transported so that there can be no interference between the driver and any of them“.
Keeping both hands on the steering wheel, not leaning with an elbow on the window, keeping your arms inside the vehicle may have been the repetitive messages our driving instructor taught us when we first took lessons, but the advice is still very much key to a safe driving experience.
Offence: Failing to maintain the proper position in the vehicle.
This can refer to passengers with their feet on the dashboard, drivers with their arms out the window, or any other situation where proper posture is not maintained.
Fine: 80 euro.
Reason: There are many reasons why this rule is important. For example, in the event of impact, the injuries sustained by a person with their feet on the dashboard are nothing less than horrific. The same goes for instances where limbs have been lost or severely injured on account of them protruding from the vehicle. Plus, the seats in a vehicle are designed to give maximum protection, and comfort, and not being correctly positions poses a risk, and can hinder visibility by the driver.
The correct wearing of the seat belt is also crucial. Not wearing it over your shoulder and across the torso is the same as not wearing it at all. That is why the fine for wearing a seat belt incorrectly is 200€, the same as if you weren´t wearing it at all.
Seatbelts are designed for one purpose only, to save lives. Statistics show that by wearing a seatbelt the probability of death when involved in a collision is halved, whereas according to the data from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and the Instituto Universitario de Tráfico y Seguridad Vial (INTRAS), the risk of death is cut by a staggering 77% in an overturned vehicle.
However, in order for the seatbelt to be effective, it must be worn correctly, in order for it to fulfil the function it is designed for fully.
The correct way to wear the seatbelt is for it to go across the torso diagonally, and across the waist, firmly secured in these positions. The top part must be on the hard part of the collarbone, halfway between the shoulder and the neck. The lower end sits against the hardness of the pelvis.
The three-point seatbelt, which is fitted as standard to most modern vehicles, has an upper (thoracic) and a lower band (pelvic). Both must be snugly fitting against the body. For the seatbelt to offer maximum protection it must be on the hard parts of the body, leaning against the collarbone, halfway between the shoulder and neck at the top, and the iliac crest of the pelvis, never on the abdomen.
Accessories such as cushions or other additions should not be used. Once you have pulled the seatbelt across your body and secured the strap in the locked position, make sure that the seatbelt is not twisted at any point. If it is, undo the seatbelt and remove the twists. Once secure, pull the seatbelt so that it fits snugly against the body, with any slack being taken back at the top.
If the seatbelt is not worn correctly, it can cause further problems in the event of a collision. For example, if the upper band is taken off the shoulder, it can cause a head impact with the windscreen, dashboard or seat in front. It can also produce cervical lesions.
If the belt is not firm around the body it can cause the vehicle to slide under the belt, casing lower body and spinal injuries. This is often referred to as the “submarine effect”. To prevent “submarining”, the vehicle occupants must also sit in a proper position when riding in the vehicle, with the seatbelt securely fastened as mentioned, and without having any additions such as pillows or cushions which may contribute to the reduction of effectiveness of the seatbelt.
It is also important to remember the one seatbelt – one seat rule. All vehicle occupants are obliges to wear a seatbelt, both in the front and the back seats. Some vehicles only have two seatbelts in the back for example, and so that vehicle can only carry two passengers on that seat.
There are other rules regarding children in cars. Primarily, children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats and they most use an appropriate restraining system for their height and weight.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
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Excerpt: Maintaining a proper position in the vehicle is not only important for our comfort, it is crucial for our safety. When used correctly, the vehicle´s seats and features offer the maximum protection in the event of a collision. If we Read More ...

### Where there´s a Waze!

Getting stuck in traffic is always frustrating, even for the calmest of drivers. But what if there was a way of knowing about traffic queues in advance, perhaps live from the queue, as fellow motorists share the information with you, thus allowing you to plan a new route and avoid any congestion.

Well, that fantasy is actually a reality, thanks to Waze, a crowd-sourced information exchange application that allows motorists to share live traffic information.
According to their own promotional material, “Waze is all about contributing to the ‘common good’ out there on the road”.
By connecting drivers to one another, they help people create local driving communities that work together to improve the quality of everyone’s daily driving. That might mean helping them avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic, cluing them in to a police trap or shaving five minutes off of their regular commute by showing them new routes they never even knew about.
So, how does it work?
After typing in your destination address, users just drive with the app open on their phone to passively contribute traffic and other road data, but they can also take a more active role by sharing road reports on accidents or any other hazards along the way, helping to give other users in the area a ‘heads-up’ about what’s to come.
In addition to the local communities of drivers using the app, Waze is also home to an active community of online map editors who ensure that the data in their areas is as up-to-date as possible.
You can download the app to your mobile device, just search for Waze in the app or play store. Remember though, when you are driving, you must not touch your device. Get your passenger to report problems, but at least you will be aware of what´s to come and have a totally free intelligent guidance system to help you to your destination safely and promptly.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
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Excerpt: Getting stuck in traffic is always frustrating, even for the calmest of drivers. But what if there was a way of knowing about traffic queues in advance, perhaps live from the queue, as fellow motorists share the information with you, Read More ...

### Project EDWARD

Along with many road safety and traffic police associations around Europe, N332 is firmly behind the Project EDWARD campaign launched by the European Traffic Police Network, TISPOL.

Project EDWARD promo-HD from TISPOL Organisation on Vimeo.
EDWARD stand for European Day Without A Road Death, and will take place on the 21st of September. You can visit the TISPOL website, www.tispol.org/edward, and make you pledge to support the campaign.
As the website explains, Project EDWARD page is about supporting and pledging to reduce risk and improve safety on your road journeys, not just on 21 September but every day!
Buy Now
TISPOL has spent time reflecting on recent results which paint a very mixed picture of progress in reducing deaths and serious injuries on Europe’s roads. For the first few years of this decade, countries across the EU have been highly successful in pursuing the 2020 50% reduction target. But the arrival of a second successive year of disappointing news shows that this downward trend has stagnated.
We need to speed up our efforts, and one initiative we believe can make a big impact is our new European Day Without A Road Death – Project EDWARD for short.  EDWARD will encourage all road users to reflect on their behaviour and attitude.
After all, driver behaviour remains the most important barrier to progress as we approach 2020 and its reduction targets.
Drivers are unwittingly or sometimes knowingly putting other road users in so many ways, perhaps by speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seat belt, using the phone while driving, using vehicles they have not kept roadworthy, parking their cars on bicycle lanes, blocking pedestrian crossings, not turning on their lights or engaging in risky manoeuvres.
But it’s not just drivers who are at fault. Many cyclists and pedestrians increase their risk levels by choosing to ignore the rules or look for risky short cuts.  In the days leading up to the Project EDWARD day, we want all road users to think – even for a few short minutes – about the risks they face, the risks they may pose to others and how they can go about reducing those risks.
TISPOL’s target is that no one should die on the roads of Europe on Wednesday 21 September. And as we pause to reflect on how we use the roads, we believe that Project EDWARD can make a significant contribution towards further sizeable and sustained reductions in road death and serious injury.
So whether you represent a national government, a private organisation, a public agency, a charity, a school, college or university, or whether you simply care as an individual, please join us and make the pledge to support Project EDWARD, and do your bit to reduce risk and improve safety for the people who use our roads.
Project EDWARD is supported by all 30 TISPOL member countries, and a growing number of road safety organisations have pledged to work with TISPOL to promote the messages of EDWARD as far and wide as possible.   We hope that, with support from colleagues and partners across Europe, Project EDWARD will be a high-profile way of reminding everyone that there is a great deal of hard work going on across Europe towards 2020 casualty reduction goals – and beyond that, too.
We want everyone to feel part of this and to know that small actions lead to big improvements.
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Excerpt: Along with many road safety and traffic police associations around Europe, N332 is firmly behind the Project EDWARD campaign launched by the European Traffic Police Network, TISPOL. Project EDWARD promo-HD from TISPOL Organisation on Vimeo. EDWARD stand for European Day Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 3

The latest issue of N332 RoadWatch, featuring a focus on the secrets of the Guardia Civil motorbike´s kit, driving in rain, battery checks, PAS, Project EDWARD and a look at the history of the Guardia Civil.
For the latest news and articles about driving in Spain, visit http://www.n332.es, and for the rest of Europe, http://www.roadwatch.eu
You can browse through the pages below, or you can purchase a PDF of the eMagazine to download to your computer or tablet.
Here is the link to purchase, or continue below to browse.
Buy Now
Here is the online version of the eMagazine.


…

Here are the previous editions…

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Excerpt: The latest issue of N332 RoadWatch, featuring a focus on the secrets of the Guardia Civil motorbike´s kit, driving in rain, battery checks, PAS, Project EDWARD and a look at the history of the Guardia Civil. For the latest news Read More ...

### Torrevieja N-332 Widening Scheme a Step Closer

The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, has this week received a response from the Ministry of Public Works regarding the long awaited proposal to widen the deadly N-332 main road as it passes Torrevieja.
The positive response states that the approval process for the construction project will begin “soon”, and the preparation for the tender process is being done “with all possible speed, because we know the importance of the project to this city”.
Whilst explaining the content of the letter to the press, Dolón said that he will closely monitor the process “working every day of the year in this case, to avoid suffering further delays”, as has been the state so far.
There is still some controversy surrounding the project however as it lacks both an adequate environmental impact study and sufficient strategies to deal with rain, storms and flooding, a problem which the area is tormented by at certain times of year. Lack of effective planning and issuing building licences has been blamed on much of the flooding problem, as no contingencies we in place to deal with the water flow during the massive growth of the town during the property boom.
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Excerpt: The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, has this week received a response from the Ministry of Public Works regarding the long awaited proposal to widen the deadly N-332 main road as it passes Read More ...

### Making Wild Animals Safer

N332 were contacted by a Guardia Civil officer from Murcia who wanted us to share information about a device which he not only thinks is a great invention, but it is also a potential life saver.

In his own time, the officer is a motorcyclist for both everyday transportation and also pleasure. One of the biggest hazards whilst riding through the country roads of Murcia s the appearance of wild animals. Incidentally, Murcia is one of the regions of Spain where wildlife is particularly protected and there are road signs throughout much of the region advising drivers to slow down and be alert.

However, although the drivers may well heed the signs, the animals are often still complacent and wander into the road without warning.
That is where devices such as Deer Alert come in. They are small audible devices, which humans can´t hear by the way, which create a noise which increases with volume as the vehicle approaches the animals. The wildlife become aware of the approaching danger well in advance and react appropriately, usually by leaving the area.
They are humane devices and cause no harm to the animals, they simply provide an audible warning. Although Deer Alert is one of the biggest brands, it is not only dears that are protected, other animals hear the warning too.
Of course the installation of the device should not mean that the driver or rider can become complacent through a false sense of immortality, but they do help in reducing the possible impact with animals and anything which reduces risk can only be a good thing.
We have chosen some of our favourites and listed them below for you to look at, alternatively check out your local supplier and you can do your bit to not only reduce risk to yourself, but also the delicate environment and ecosystem.
 Amazon.co.uk Widgets
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
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Excerpt: N332 were contacted by a Guardia Civil officer from Murcia who wanted us to share information about a device which he not only thinks is a great invention, but it is also a potential life saver. In his own time, Read More ...

### Wear Your Seatbelt!

Once again, all this week, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles. This special operation will run from Monday through next weekend.

In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, with some 194 of the 822 people in cars and vans who lost their lives, not wearing a seatbelt, despite knowing the importance of doing so.
In addition to the officers on patrol during the campaign, the DGT are operating three roadside cameras which will be under test during the week, prior to a mass roll-out across the road network by 2017. The cameras are in place on the A-1, A-2 and A-3, in Madrid, but throughout this year, 270 cameras will be in use across the country able to monitor seatbelts use.
The images captured by the cameras are electronically sent to a control centre which then processes the images and sends a sanction to the vehicle owner who then faces a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

It is the aim of the DGT to reduce this figure to zero by making the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems 100% for all vehicle occupants.
The focus of the campaign will not only be those who should know better about looking out for their own safety, but also those who should be looking out for those more vulnerable, namely adults who carry children in the vehicles.
In 2014, 2 out of the 14 children under 12 years who died traveling in cars or vans were not wearing any safety device at the time of the incident. In addition, 9 out of 82 seriously injured, and 107 of those who suffered minor injuries were not correctly restrained. From that data, 118 children suffered unnecessary injury or death as a result of the supposedly responsible adults not showing due care.
On account of the seriousness that the DGT takes such actions, the law was recently approved whereas traffic officers can immobilise a vehicle if a child is found to be travelling without the correct restraint system in use.
It is also important to remember that since October, children under 135 centimetres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles and must be properly restrained by a device appropriate to their height and weight.
The proper wearing of seatbelts and restraint systems is also vital to their correct use. All occupants in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt, whether they are in the front or the back, although some people incorrectly believe that wearing a seatbelt in the back is not necessary, it is, and it is also mandatory. If a person in a rear seat is not wearing a seatbelt they are 8 times more likely to kill the person in a seat in front of them.
Wearing a seatbelt is statistically proven to half the risk of death if involved in a collision as it also helps to distribute the force of the impact across the body and not directly at more vulnerable parts of the body. A seatbelt prevents the occupant being ejected from a vehicle, saving them from more serious injury.
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### Microcar Driver Faced Jail over Licence Misunderstanding

Our colleagues from the N332 Facebook page, serving officers form the Guardia Civil, received a question recently which they would like us to expand on.
Several years ago I suffered from heart failure and my driving licence (UK) was withdrawn. I have since made a full recovery and now I am living in Spain permanently. I know there are small cars which can be driven without a licence.
What are the requirements for being allowed to drive these cars? Do I need a medical examination/certificate? Do I need to take any form of Spanish driving test? (I held a full UK licence from Feb 1967 to 2000 and I am 75 years old).

—————————-
Francisco Morales from the Guardia Civil Trafico in Torrevieja explained that the question revolved around so-called “Microcars”. In Spain we say that you can drive these vehicles without a licence because you don´t need to have a Category B licence, which is for cars. However, to say you don´t need any licence is not true, because you must have a Category AM licence, which is the category you need to be qualified in to ride a moped. Because this type of vehicle uses a very small engine, they are classed as mopeds and can even be driven for teenagers, so long as they have the Category AM licence. It is important to note however that these vehicles must be driven on the hard shoulder where there is one, or as far to the right as possible where a hard shoulder doesn´t exist, and they are not permitted on motorways.
You must also ensure that the vehicle itself is registered and insured. It must have a logbook, ITV (if applicable) and all other requirements for driving on the road as if it were a car.
Obtaining a Category AM licence is relatively easy, all you have to do is contact your nearest driving school and they will give you all the information you need, including the requirements for a medical report. You may also have to provide details as to why your previous licence expired.
As a reminder though, in answer to the point about not needing a licence, you should now see that you do in fact need one. If you drive any vehicle without a licence, you are breaking the law. Similarly, if you don´t have your licence with you when you are driving it can only be assumed that you are driving without a licence until it can be proven otherwise. The reason this is important to highlight is that driving without a licence is covered by the penal code, it is a criminal offence, and as such you will be arrested until you can prove that you are in fact qualified to drive. So, it is a good thing the question was asked, because if you did drive a microcar without a licence, you could well have ended up behind bars.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
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Excerpt: Our colleagues from the N332 Facebook page, serving officers form the Guardia Civil, received a question recently which they would like us to expand on. Several years ago I suffered from heart failure and my driving licence (UK) was withdrawn. Read More ...

### Child Seats and Children in Cars

Recent changes to the laws in Spain state that children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats of a vehicle, irrespective of their age, and must sit in the correct and approved seat appropriate to their size and weight.
The Child Restraint Systems provide the best protection for a child when on board a vehicle. That is why the law dictates their use, in an attempt to enforce the maximum protection for children.

The use of child restraint systems reduces injuries by up to 75% in the event of a collision. According to data from the DGT, road traffic incidents are the leading cause of death amongst children under 14 years of age, and, tragically, 40% of those children who lose their lives wore no protection system, and, according to the statistics, could well be alive today.
The law also requires seats to be of an approved standard. Those which meet the minimum required standards carry an orange label, usually located at the rear, which guarantees that the seat has undergone a series of tests to prove safety and reliability.
The approval system is based on a European standard and EU regulation ECE-R44.03, which also ensures certain information is listed on the label.

Classification of Child Restraint Seats
There are a number of classifications for car seats which are based on the physical characteristics of the child, the most important being weight and age.
Group 0
This category includes the baby from birth through 1 year. It can be used for children up to 10 kilos of weight. There are two elements that are typically used either a bassinet with harnesses to locate in the rear seats and which engages the seat belt or a child safety seat slightly tilted that may be placed in the front seat in the opposite direction of travel, or at the rear, in which case it is preferable to place it in the centre so as to minimize possible damage in the event of a side collision. If placed in the front, we must ensure that the airbag device for the passenger seat is disconnected. It is safest to place it in the back seat in the opposite direction of travel.
Group 0+
It is a new category that extends the weight up to 13 kg and for children up to 18 months. It is a chair that normally sits on the back seats and in the opposite direction of travel so as to better protect against any collision. Placing the chair in this way further protects the neck and spine.
Group I
Children weighing between 9 and 18 kilos, and approximately 1 to 4 years. The chairs are hooked in the seat belt of the vehicle. They are always located facing the direction of travel, using the fitted vehicle seat belt or an extension on the chair itself. The latter incorporate a harness of 4 or 5 points of anchorage.
Group II
For children 3 to 6 years, which with a weight between 15 and 25 kilos. It consists of or booster cushion with backrest provided with lateral protection for the head and is fitted at the rear in the direction of travel and, if possible, in the centre. You should include lateral guides to position the belt tight at the hips, avoiding injuries in the abdominal cavity or column.
Group III
For children between 5 and 12 years, weighing between 22 and 36 kilos. It is a booster cushion, possibly backed with side and head protection and height adjustment, so as to allow it to be vehicle seat belt to fit firmly over the child’s collarbone.

Tips for buying a seat
Before purchasing a child seat, check your vehicle manual for instructions on how to secure the seat and to ensure it is compatible.
Take your vehicle to the location where you are purchasing the chair and ask them to demonstration assembly. Do it yourself in the presence of the seller.
Take your child and try the chair in order to verify that the child can sit comfortably and safely.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
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Excerpt: Recent changes to the laws in Spain state that children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats of a vehicle, irrespective of their age, and must sit in the correct and approved seat appropriate Read More ...

### Baby Killed in Head-on Crash

A 14-month baby was killed this week when the car he was travelling in was hit by another vehicle reportedly travelling in the wrong direction in the Cantoria area of Almería.

The emergency services received an alert of a three-vehicle collision at around 22:05 on Tuesday night on the A-334.
Upon arriving at the scene the emergency services could do nothing to save the lives of the two victims, but attended the baby´s parents and a 5-year old child, transferring them to hospital. The driver of the third vehicle wasn´t physically injured.
According to fire fighters, the collision occurred when the vehicle in which the baby was travelling with his family was carrying out an overtaking manoeuvre and collided with a car travelling in the opposite direction on the wrong side of the road, according to witnesses.
That vehicle was driven by a 27-year old male who was also not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. He was killed in the impact.
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Excerpt: A 14-month baby was killed this week when the car he was travelling in was hit by another vehicle reportedly travelling in the wrong direction in the Cantoria area of Almería. The emergency services received an alert of a three-vehicle Read More ...

### 100,000 more Eco Stickers Distributed

Over the last month or so, 100,000 vehicle owners across Spain will receive a letter from the DGT which details their vehicle´s eco-friendly characteristics, and provides a sticker to display in the vehicle which denotes the eco classification.
Many owners have already received theirs, especially in the Madrid and Barcelona areas, where 41,000 cars and light vans have already qualified.
Within the 100,000 vehicles listed in an ECO category are passenger cars, light vans, vehicles with over 8 seats and plug-in hybrid vehicles with range of less than 40 km, not pluggable hybrid vehicles, powered by natural gas, natural gas-powered vehicles or liquefied petroleum gas vehicles.
Placing the sticker on the vehicle is voluntary, but it is advisable as it then highlights the environmentally friendly rating of the vehicle, which will also add value if the vehicle becomes for sale. The DGT is advising that the sticker be placed in the lower right corner of the front windshield, where the ITV sticker will be at the top, or, failing that, at any visible location in the vehicle.
This latest batch of stickers is the second to be issued, since the DGT launched the campaign in April of 2015, sending the distinctive Zero Emission category sticker to more than 10,000 vehicle owners.
What is the environmental badge?
This categorization originates in the National Plan of air Quality and Protection of the Atmosphere 2013-2016 (Plan Aire) which stated that both particles and nitrogen dioxide are the main source of emissions from road traffic in large cities and proposes the classification of vehicles based on the levels of pollution they emit.
This measure aims to positively discriminate towards more environmentally respectful vehicles and be an effective tool in municipal policies, both in restricting traffic which causes high pollution, and through the promotion of new technologies through tax or relative benefits to the mobility and the environment.
The vehicle classification is entered in the national vehicle register of the DGT and the same can be accessed in real-time by those bodies dealing with mobility, traffic, security or tax on the environment.
The criteria for classifying the vehicle fleet are as a result of long and deliberate work led by the DGT which involved, amongst others, the Madrid City Council, the City of Barcelona, the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia (RACC) the National Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.

 
The Classifications
There are four classifications in the national vehicle register of the DGT based on environmental concerns.
ZERO EMISSIONS
Mopeds, tricycles, quadricycles and motorcycles; cars; light vans, vehicles over 8 seats and vehicles transporting goods classified in the Register of Vehicles of the DGT as battery electric vehicles (BEV), electric vehicles with extended range (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) with a minimum range of 40 kilometres or fuel cell vehicles.

ECO
Cars, light vans, vehicles over 8 seats and vehicles transporting goods classified in the Register of Vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles with less than 40km autonomy, none plug -in hybrid vehicles (HEV) powered by natural gas, vehicles powered by natural gas (CNG and LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In any case, they must meet the criteria of the label C.

C
Petrol fuelled passenger cars and light vans registered from January 2006 and diesel vehicles from 2014. Those with more than 8 seats and freight, both petrol and diesel, registered from 2014. Diesel vehicles must meet the Euro 4,5 and 6 standard.

B
Petrol passenger cars and light vans registered from January 2000 and diesel vehicles registered from January 2006. Vehicles with more than 8 seats and freight both petrol and diesel registered from 2005. Diesel vehicles must meet Euro 3 and Euro Diesel 4 and 5 standards.

 
Categorising the entire fleet
With this second batch of stickers, the DGT is well on its way to reaching its aim of classifying and labelling the 32 million vehicles on the roads of Spain.
The next wave of the campaign will commence shortly and will then allow each local authority with jurisdiction in matters relating to taxation, mobility and the environment to decide what incentives they can offer to less polluting vehicles in their area of competence.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

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Excerpt: Over the last month or so, 100,000 vehicle owners across Spain will receive a letter from the DGT which details their vehicle´s eco-friendly characteristics, and provides a sticker to display in the vehicle which denotes the eco classification. Many owners Read More ...

### Cyclists – Know the Law

It is probably safe to say that all road users have witnessed a bicycle rider going through a red light or riding on the pavement, a practice that many find frustrating, but always one that raises the same question, are cyclists allowed to do such things?

The simple answer is NO.
In terms of law, once a bicycle is being ridden it is classed as a vehicle and therefore covered by the same rules and laws as a car, a truck, a bus, in fact any other vehicle on the road. It is only when the rider dismounts and walks with the bicycle is it considered otherwise. In this instance, the situation means that the person has become a pedestrian. That is the same reason why cyclists cannot ride across zebra crossings, because we wouldn´t expect a truck to do that, and the rider must dismount before they do.
Listening to music using headphones or using a mobile phone when riding a bike are prohibited in the same way as they are for other vehicles. Consuming more than the prescribed limit of alcohol or using drugs is also not allowed, as a cyclist you are governed by the rules of the road. Just so you know what you are risking, let´s have a look at some of the most common infractions.
Not having a bell on your bicycle – 80€
Faulty or no brakes – 80€
Carrying an extra person on the bicycle – 80€
Failing to stop at a traffic light – 200€
Failing to give way at a junction – 200€
Not having lights – 200€
Having too many lights – 200€
Failing to wear high visibility clothing between sunset and sunrise and in poor visibility – 200€
Riding under the influence of alcohol – 500€
There are many other laws and infractions commonly committed by cyclists, as well as other road users of course. We will look at these in more detail in future editions, but for now, take note, you can indeed be fined on your bike and remember that one golden rule, when you are riding your bike, it is a vehicle and governed by the same rules and laws as every other vehicle.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
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Excerpt: It is probably safe to say that all road users have witnessed a bicycle rider going through a red light or riding on the pavement, a practice that many find frustrating, but always one that raises the same question, are Read More ...

### Can I Drive Through an Orange Light?

The rules regarding traffic lights are covered by the Reglamento General de Circulación, or the general driving laws. In particular, Article 146.

In Article 146 it details how a steady red light means stop and prohibits vehicles from passing it, and, where it exists, the accompanying white stop line. Similarly, where the red light is displayed beyond a junction, the vehicle must not cross or block that junction when a red light is displayed, stopping at the stop line where it exists.
However, the question here relates to an orange light, but we have to be clear of the red light rules before we can explain this. Where a static (non-flashing) orange light is displayed at traffic lights, the same rules apply as if it were red. You must stop. The only exception being if you are unable to stop your vehicle safely in the time you are approaching, although this can be lessened by anticipating the light change sequence.
On the other hand, if that orange light is flashing, it means that drivers may proceed, with extreme caution and, if necessary, giving way to other road users who have priority. The flashing orange light does not replace any other light, and so a stop indication will always take priority.
This sort of light is common at junctions where vehicle wishing to proceed forward are stopped by a red light, whereas vehicles turning right, for example, may be permitted to proceed with caution and giving way as necessary, such as to vehicles on the main road or pedestrians.
Remember, static red or orange means stop. Flashing orange means give way but you must proceed with extreme caution.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
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Excerpt: The rules regarding traffic lights are covered by the Reglamento General de Circulación, or the general driving laws. In particular, Article 146. In Article 146 it details how a steady red light means stop and prohibits vehicles from passing it, Read More ...

### Head Found in Recycling Plant Waste

The head of a man described as being in his 40´s and having red hair has been found in a recycling plant in Elche.
The gruesome discovery was made on Wednesday night when workers were moving items at the plant which recycles waste from various municipalities around the area.
The area where the head was located receives waste from Aspe Monóvar, Hondón de los Frailes and Torrevieja, although the origin of the head is as of yet unknown.
The local police were the first to attend the scene and then handed over the investigation to their National colleagues who created a perimeter in order to search for more clues.

Excerpt: The head of a man described as being in his 40´s and having red hair has been found in a recycling plant in Elche. The gruesome discovery was made on Wednesday night when workers were moving items at the plant which recycles waste from various municipalities around the area. The area where the head was

### Over 31,000 Speeders Reported in a Week

Following on from reports that road safety figures have worsened, in the latest campaign to reduce incidents on the roads, more than 31,000 drivers were reported for speeding in a week.
During the week-long campaign that ran from the 22nd to the 28th of August, traffic officers monitored over half  million vehicles, 502,473 to be precise, of which 31,104 offenders were reported, 65% of whom were on conventional roads, where the majority of injury incidents occur incidentally, and 35% were on high capacity roads such as motorways.
Out of those who were caught speeding, 7 were brought to court for exceeding the maximum permitted speed limit by more than 80 kilometres per hour above that maximum, thus committing a criminal offence.

The laws and limits are in place to protect all road users, including those more vulnerable. It is not always obvious to some drivers why the maximum permitted speed might reduce on some carriageways, but there is always a reason, and that reason is always to afford more protection.
Violation of these rules is classed as a very serious or serious offence, punishable by fines of between 100 and 600 euro.
Moreover, Article 379 of the Penal Code stipulates that if a vehicle exceeds the maximum permitted limit by more than 60 kilometres per hour on conventional roads, or 80 kilometres per hour on motorways, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment of between three to six months or a fine of six to twelve months or work for the benefit of the community of thirty one to ninety days, and in any case, the deprivation of the right to drive motor vehicles and motorcycles for between one and four years.

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Excerpt: Following on from reports that road safety figures have worsened, in the latest campaign to reduce incidents on the roads, more than 31,000 drivers were reported for speeding in a week. During the week-long campaign that ran from the 22nd Read More ...

### Read N332 RoadWatch Issue 02 – August 2016 for FREE

Whilst we are putting together the finishing touches to the next edition of N332 Roadwatch (due out in about a week or so) you can now read issue 2 for free right here.


You can still download your own copy in PDF form if you wish (price for the August edition now reduced to just 1€ as a back issue), or read it right here on your computer, tablet or phone.

Buy NowLast month I said that I would tell you more about our exclusive members club. I will, but not yet. Remember, last month we intended to be publishing the next edition in October, not so soon, so you will have to wait a little longer for that.
The cover leads with a question regarding new radars on motorbikes. We answer that question and hopefully clear up some other misunderstandings that often come about regarding “speed traps” and radars.
We have a little bit of an American feel to this issue too, including a feature on one of the former stars of the hit television show, CHiPs, who is now living his own dream come true. In the news section we have an interesting story from America too, about a dog! We also have a couple of UK based stories too. By the way, if you are in the UK or around Europe, you can visit our sister website, roadwatch.eu, which covers a lot of information from across the continent and is the next stage of our development. More about that in a future issue too.
Buy NowWe cover child seats, traffic jams, animal safety, Eco labels, fines for cyclists, proposed changes to the UK driving test, yellow lights and more, as well as box a fun and serious quiz so you can test your knowledge, and a whole lot more.
You can click the Buy Now button to download your very own PDF version of the eMagazine. Please make sure you are able to view PDF´s before you do, although most computers, tablets and phones have PDF readers either installed or downloadable for free.
Meanwhile, if you are a business and would like to get involved by supporting us, in exchange for an advert in these pages or the website, send us an email. Remember, everybody who works on the project offers their time for free, the money collected is invested back into the next stage of the project with a portion going to charity.
To read issue 1 for FREE, click here.
We are now off to start work on the September issue where one of the subjects we will be covering is the breathalyser. Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe.
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Excerpt: Whilst we are putting together the finishing touches to the next edition of N332 Roadwatch (due out in about a week or so) you can now read issue 2 for free right here. You can still download your own copy Read More ...

### Alicante Road Safety Figures Worsen

Road traffic incident statistics across the Alicante have worsened in the first 8 months of the year, according to the latest data released by the DGT.
On the inter-city road network 28 people have lost their lives so far this year, representing an increase of 27.3% over the same period last year. Approximately 40% of deaths on main roads are from the more vulnerable road user group, including motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The number of injury incidents recorded up until the 29th of August was 2,711, a 6.1% increase over the same period of last year when 2,555 casualties were counted. Despite the increasing protection that designers and manufacturers install in vehicles, there has been a staggering 45% increase in the number of serious injuries on the roads, whereas minor injuries have decreased by 0.2%.
One road which has carried the highest incident rate across the province is the N-332, where more people have lost their lives in the first 8 months of the year than any other road across Alicante, with 5 people losing their lives and 3 being seriously injured.
The A-31, which runs from Alicante to Madrid, is one of the high capacity routes from Alicante which has suffered twice the national average traffic intensity, mainly in the Petrer area, and has seen 4 deaths and 4 people seriously injured.
The A-7 motorway has seen 4 people lose their lives as a result of the deadly truck crash near Elche where a truck came over the central reservation and collided with two cars coming in the opposite direction. The most likely cause of that deadly crash likely to be a distracted driver.
It is believed that there is a two point solution to reducing the number of road traffic incidents. The first is through an estimated 79,000 euro per kilometre of maintenance and investment, the second being through driver awareness of the dangers of the three most popular contributors to road traffic collisions, inappropriate speed, alcohol or drugs, and distractions. Driver awareness and responsibility is key to reducing the number of incidents and thus reducing the number of fatalities and casualties.
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Excerpt: Road traffic incident statistics across the Alicante have worsened in the first 8 months of the year, according to the latest data released by the DGT. On the inter-city road network 28 people have lost their lives so far this Read More ...

### Unqualified Doctor Arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the Regional Police have arrested a man in Torrevieja who has been practising medicine despite not being registered with any Spanish school or recognised accreditation.
The arrest was made last week but made public on Tuesday after complaints were filed with the police over “dissatisfaction” with the care in his clinic, from which the investigation concluded he had no formal qualification to practice in Spain.
The doctor had his clinic in an urbanisation in Torrevieja which is popular with British residents. During an inspection, the officers found various materials for the examination and analysis of medical conditions but no formal approval to carry out procedures issued by Valencia.
Therefore, the police arrested the man for illegal economic activities.

Excerpt: Officers from the Regional Police have arrested a man in Torrevieja who has been practising medicine despite not being registered with any Spanish school or recognised accreditation. The arrest was made last week but made public on Tuesday after complaints were filed with the police over “dissatisfaction” with the care in his clinic, from which […]

### Boat Washes Ashore in Torrevieja

Officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered a boat with four people on a beach in Torrevieja.
They are not sure if more refugees arrived with the boat and fled before the arrival of the officers.
Those who have been located appear to be of a young age and have been taken to Torrevieja hospital for examination and treatment.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered a boat with four people on a beach in Torrevieja. They are not sure if more refugees arrived with the boat and fled before the arrival of the officers. Those who have been located appear to be of a young age and have been taken to Torrevieja hospital […]

### Ten Deaths on the Roads This Summer Weekend

Ten people have lost their lives on Spain´s roads during the weekend, one of the busiest on the holiday calendars when many domestic tourists return home. Of the incidents which occurred on the main road network, five of them involved motorcyclists or mopeds.
On Friday there were no fatalities recorded, but on Saturday five people were killed in as many incidents, including a 42 year old biker who came off his bike on the CV800, in the La Carrasqueta area near to Xixona, Alicante. The rider was part of a group which included his wife when his motorbike collided with a short wall designed to stop vehicles falling from the road and down the steep hillside. The rider was alone on his bike and the only one involved in the incident which cost his life.

On Sunday there was a head-on collision between two cars on the A-67 towards Santander in the Barreda area whereas in a separate incident a truck crashed into a concrete wall and overturned on the A-7 motorway in Paterna, Valencia.
Although not a fatal crash, one of the most surprising images taken during the weekend was from San Javier when two elderly people were slightly injured in a crash on a roundabout on the MU-301 on Saturday. Their vehicle ended up virtually upright wedged in a ditch, supported by a crash barrier which was undamaged in the incident.

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Excerpt: Ten people have lost their lives on Spain´s roads during the weekend, one of the busiest on the holiday calendars when many domestic tourists return home. Of the incidents which occurred on the main road network, five of them involved motorcyclists Read More ...

### Another Pair of Roadside Robbers Arrested

Officers from the Catalan Police have arrested two men aged 28 and 30, residents of Tarragona and Alicante, suspected of committing roadside robberies on the AP-7 motorway by posing as police officers.
At the time of their arrest the men had 8,000 euro in cash in their possession which the officers believe they had taken from tourists in a recent robbery which occurred at around 20:00 on Thursday when the victims reported being forced by a vehicle masquerading as a police car to stop on the hard shoulder in the Tarragona area.
The victims report that they believed that they had been stopped by a police patrol who told them that they were looking for drugs. During the search of the vehicle they fake police took 8,000 euro and 6,000 dirhams in cash, as well as the key to the vehicle to prevent the victims escaping.
Shortly afterwards, a patrol from the Mossos d’Esquadra managed to locate and stop a suspect vehicle which matched the description of the one involved in the robbery, carrying the two people matching the description given by the victims and carrying cash of a quantity similar to that which was taken.
The suspects were presented to the courts and subsequently released facing charges.
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Excerpt: Officers from the Catalan Police have arrested two men aged 28 and 30, residents of Tarragona and Alicante, suspected of committing roadside robberies on the AP-7 motorway by posing as police officers. At the time of their arrest the men Read More ...

### Over Four Million Road Journeys This Weekend

This weekend sees one of the busiest on the roads of Spain, as the summer holiday season comes to an end and there is a mass movement of vehicles from coastal and mountainous regions back inland towards the cities and towns.

Traditionally, domestic tourists take two weeks off on holiday and so the summer season on the road is broken into fortnightly sections. This weekend is the last of those sections and so the majority of people who have stayed throughout the entire summer join those who have taken the last two weeks of the holiday period.
In order to prepare for the 4,275,000 long haul journeys expected this weekend and improve the flow of traffic, a number of standard systems have been put in place, including creating extra lanes in some of the busier areas, restricting the movement of dangerous goods and, in some places, heavy vehicles such as trucks.
There will be an increase in the number of alcohol and drugs check-points throughout the weekend, as well as the intensified campaign against speeding motorists.
In order to ensure the safety of road users there will be 10,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers on duty supported by around 13,000 road management team members and 600 controllers. The DGT will be in the air with their helicopters, including those equipped with Pegasus speed monitoring equipment.
If you are heading out on the roads this weekend make sure to allow extra time for your journey, take plenty of brakes, stay cool and calm and respect the rules of the road.
Avoid alcohol and drugs completely before driving, despite a limited allowance, zero is always the best limit.
Also, remember that children less than 135 centimetres tall must ride in the rear seats and in an approved seat relevant to them.
The campaign runs through the weekend until Sunday night.
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Excerpt: This weekend sees one of the busiest on the roads of Spain, as the summer holiday season comes to an end and there is a mass movement of vehicles from coastal and mountainous regions back inland towards the cities and Read More ...

### Barcelona Police in Tiny Rescue

At first glance it might seem that this local police officer in Barcelona may have fallen drunk into a drain, another story soon makes itself clear.

The Guardia Urbana officer was responding to a very quiet call for help after a kitten had become lost in the drains. The officer successfully rescued the kitten from a no doubt otherwise fatal fate, this time with a happy ending.

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Excerpt: At first glance it might seem that this local police officer in Barcelona may have fallen drunk into a drain, another story soon makes itself clear. The Guardia Urbana officer was responding to a very quiet call for help after Read More ...

### New Speed Detectors Warn Drivers Direct

A new method of trying to control speeding motorists has been implemented on a stretch of a road in Sevilla, hoping that by advising the drivers of speeding vehicles direct that they are breaking the law might make them more aware of their actions.
On the A-49 main road there is a new matrix display which has speed detection and ANPR equipment fitted.
If the sign identifies a vehicle speeding, it illuminates giving the registration number of the offending vehicle and a warning that you are breaking the law, as well as a reminder of the maximum permitted speed on the stretch of road.
Given the success of the initial trial, the system will now be gradually rolling out across various other parts of Spain.

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Excerpt: A new method of trying to control speeding motorists has been implemented on a stretch of a road in Sevilla, hoping that by advising the drivers of speeding vehicles direct that they are breaking the law might make them more Read More ...

### Badajoz Police Rescue Dog from Car

Although we are getting ever closer to the end of the summer season, it would appear that some drivers have still to learn the dangers of leaving animals (and humans in some cases) in closed vehicles.
On Wednesday of this week Local Police officers in Badajoz rescued a dog which had been left locked in the back of a car in a shopping centre car park.

The police were alerted to the presence of the dog, which was apparently showing signs of extreme discomfort in the back of the vehicle parked in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, locked and with doors and windows firmly closed.
The attending officers smashed the window of the car and, with the help of a vet who was close by, rescued the Dalmatian dog from within. The dog had almost lost consciousness but the vet managed to reduce the temperature from 42 degrees to 38.5, stabilizing the animal after about an hour of constant care.

The owner, a 56 year old Portuguese resident, who said that he had gone shopping and lost track of time, faces charges of a crime of animal abuse and up to six months in prison. However, in the event of the case not being strong enough, the officers also reported the driver under Extremadura animal protection laws which, through the administrative courts, which can carry a fine of up to 15,025 euro.
Meanwhile, as anxious animal lovers waited, the police took to Twitter to post a picture of Daniel in a much healthier pose than when they found him.
Aquí tenéis a Daniel, recibiendo los cuidados necesarios para que se recupere del golpe de calor pic.twitter.com/aFvXPsNkcd
— PoliciaLocal Badajoz (@policiabadajoz) August 24, 2016

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Excerpt: Although we are getting ever closer to the end of the summer season, it would appear that some drivers have still to learn the dangers of leaving animals (and humans in some cases) in closed vehicles. On Wednesday of this Read More ...

### Flood Risk to 136 Valencia Municipalities

A total of 136 municipalities across the Valencia region are at risk of flooding. Of those, 48 are at high risk and 88 at medium risk. However, only 20 of those municipalities at risk of flooding have an emergency action plan in place to deal with the problem.
Those municipalities which do have a PAM (Plan de Actuación Municipal) are Alaquàs, Alboraya, l’Alfàs del Pi, Benaguasil, Benicarló, Benicàssim, Beniparrell, Borriana, Canet d’En Berenguer, Càrcer, Cotes, Massanassa, Oliva, Ondara, Orihuela, Palmera, Paterna, Riba-roja del Túria, Silla, El Verger, la Vila Joiosa, Villalonga and Xirivella.
There are also 124 municipalities which are located on flood planes or dams, to date, just 51 municipalities have a PAM in place for this.
The information was released this week by the director general of the agency responsible for public safety and response, José Maris Angel, who wanted to stress to the local governments the importance of being prepared, especially before the September wet season.

Angel says that the planning for flooding is a “fundamental tool in addressing the risk in anticipation of the negative consequences that may affect the safety of citizens”. He also said that his agency will do everything they can to assist municipal councils to achieve this.
In addition, Angel stressed the importance of social media in spreading accurate alerts and these should form part of the emergency plan. In addition, the media also play a vital role in the dissemination of information and should also be included in the activities.

Excerpt: A total of 136 municipalities across the Valencia region are at risk of flooding. Of those, 48 are at high risk and 88 at medium risk. However, only 20 of those municipalities at risk of flooding have an emergency action plan in place to deal with the problem. Those municipalities which do have a PAM […]

### Roadside Robbers Caught on Video

A group of roadside robbers have been caught on video thanks to the quick thinking of a potential victim who filmed a car with its occupants apparently pretending to be police officers and attempting to stop the target vehicle, potentially to take advantage of the situation and rob the victims.

The incident occurred on the AP7 motorway, a route popular with tourists, when a black car came alongside the potential victim and displayed what looked like an American style police badge, although easy to mistake for a real one when travelling at speed and at some distance.
Aware of situations like this, the potential victim then videoed the car, catching not only the registration number but also a view of the driver. Noticing that he was being videoed, the fake police car sped off away from the scene.

This video was then handed to the authorities who are now investigating and believe that the gang are responsible for a number of similar robberies in the area.
Specifically, the police suspect it is a gang made up of Peruvian and Chilean nationals who have been operating in Spain for months and not only target vehicles on the road but also those in rest stops and laybys.
N332.es has produced a video which helps to identify unmarked Guardia Civil cars to help prevent this kind of robbery through awareness. If you do suspect you are a victim of an attempted stop by one of these gang members, or are approached at a layby, alert the authorities immediately by calling 112 if you only speak English, or 062 for the Guardia Civil direct, who can confirm if the vehicle is a real patrol and can summon assistance to you straight away.

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Excerpt: A group of roadside robbers have been caught on video thanks to the quick thinking of a potential victim who filmed a car with its occupants apparently pretending to be police officers and attempting to stop the target vehicle, potentially Read More ...

### Serious Crash on the A7 Motorway

Emergency services are in attendance on Wednesday after noon to a vehicle collision on the A7 motorway near Elche.
According to witnesses, the truck crossed over the central reservation and collided with the cars, then bursting into flames.
The first car was carrying a man and a women and the man was killed. The second car was carrying two women who were both killed.
The incident occurred on the A-7 motorway near the Elche-Aspe junctions at kilometre 518 at around 13:30 on Wednesday.

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Excerpt: Emergency services are in attendance on Wednesday after noon to a vehicle collision on the A7 motorway near Elche. According to witnesses, the truck crossed over the central reservation and collided with the cars, then bursting into flames. The first Read More ...

### Drug Dealers Arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the National Police have arrested a Spanish couple, a male aged 43 and a female aged 25, on suspicion of dealing drugs from their Torrevieja home.

During a raid on their home the officers discovered 136 grams of cocaine, 35 grams of heroin, two sets of precision scales and 120 euro in cash.
The investigation began a month ago when the officers became aware of a network supplying drugs, enabling the investigators to identify the people at the top of a supply chain of around 20 people.
The arrests were made following searches in two properties in Torrevieja with the detainees being made available to the courts in Torrevieja.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a Spanish couple, a male aged 43 and a female aged 25, on suspicion of dealing drugs from their Torrevieja home. During a raid on their home the officers discovered 136 grams of cocaine, 35 grams of heroin, two sets of precision scales and 120 euro in cash. […]

### Search Closing in on Hit and Run Driver

The white Land Rover Discovery involved in a fatal hit and run incident in Guardamar has been identified as being registered to a UK company.

The vehicle is currently being forensically examined and investigators have already got fingerprints which will enable them to identify the vehicle´s occupants.
Judicial authorities are also collaborating with both Interpol and the British police in order to identify anybody who may be connected to the incident.
A government delegate, Juan Carlos Moragues, made the statement on Tuesday afternoon saying that “we are in collaboration with the British authorities to see who the driver was and how they relate to the company. If they were accompanied or not and if the incident was as a result of rage, negligence or another cause”.
Moragues also said that the investigation had been “delayed” as the liaison between the international authorities is meticulous and slow, hampered by the UK´s reluctance to join the European-wide automatic sharing of vehicle and driver information.

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Excerpt: The white Land Rover Discovery involved in a fatal hit and run incident in Guardamar has been identified as being registered to a UK company. The vehicle is currently being forensically examined and investigators have already got fingerprints which will Read More ...

### Torrevieja Scam Warning

Torrevieja town hall are warning members of the public and businesses to be aware of two scams which are causing concern, targeting people in the town.
The first is related to beach safety and lifeguards whereas groups of people claiming to represent the lifeguards on the beaches are collecting money for equipment. The lifeguards and the service they provide is paid for directly by the town hall and therefore this has been identified as a scam.
The second scam revolves around a sports event at the end of the month with the scammers claiming that they are producing a magazine and guide for the event, supported by the town hall, and are therefore selling adverts for sponsorship of the event. Again, the town hall are not running such an event and do not authorize such practice as the publishing of the magazine, so businesses are warned to be aware that this too is a scam.
Anybody who has become a victim of these scams, or who is approached, is asked to notify the local police of the facts.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall are warning members of the public and businesses to be aware of two scams which are causing concern, targeting people in the town. The first is related to beach safety and lifeguards whereas groups of people claiming to represent the lifeguards on the beaches are collecting money for equipment. The lifeguards and […]

### Campaign Against Speeders This Week

All of this week inappropriate speed will be the focus of traffic police in Spain, in an attempt to educate drivers of the risks associated with this dangerous practice.

The campaign will run until the 28th of August, coinciding with one of the busiest summer weekends on the roads, when many of the remaining domestic tourists return to their inland homes from the coast.
Every year more than 300 people are killed in incidents where inappropriate seed is a contributing factor. The overriding message of the campaign is that speed limits are a maximum and must never be exceeded, although the speed limit does not indicate that it is always safe to drive at that speed, as other factors such as the weather, traffic and road conditions influence this.
This week, the campaign spreads beyond the borders of Spain and will be carried out throughout Europe through the International Traffic Police Association, TISPOL.
In Spain, secondary roads are where more speed related incidents occur, and so the Guardia Civil will be giving more of a focus to this type of road. Statistically, 4 out of 10 drivers on these types of roads are exceeding the speed limit at any one time, 25% by more than 10 kilometres per hour above the limit. These roads are also the location for 8 out of every 10 deaths.
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Excerpt: All of this week inappropriate speed will be the focus of traffic police in Spain, in an attempt to educate drivers of the risks associated with this dangerous practice. The campaign will run until the 28th of August, coinciding with Read More ...

### Minor Earthquake in Torrevieja

An earthquake registering 2.4 on the Richter scale shook Torrevieja on Monday morning, with neighbouring towns also feeling the tremor.

The quake occurred at 08:38 local time with its epicentre just south of the salt lakes.
Residents of Quesada, Almoradí, San Miguel and San Fulgencio, amongst others, reported feeling the effects.
Torrevieja is the site of one of the most devastating earthquakes in Spain´s history when 386 people were killed and another 375 injured, as 2,965 houses were destroyed in March, 1829.

Excerpt: An earthquake registering 2.4 on the Richter scale shook Torrevieja on Monday morning, with neighbouring towns also feeling the tremor. The quake occurred at 08:38 local time with its epicentre just south of the salt lakes. Residents of Quesada, Almoradí, San Miguel and San Fulgencio, amongst others, reported feeling the effects. Torrevieja is the site […]

### Urgent Appeal to Identify Fatal Hit and Run Driver

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have launched a search for the owner of a British registered Land Rover which was involved in a fatal hit and run in the Guardamar area of the Costa Blanca.

The officers are keen to locate the driver of the vehicle, a white Land Rover Discovery 4 bearing the registration SK13 MWM, and are urging anybody who can identify the driver to come forward, calling 966 70 73 01. Or reporting to the nearest Guardia Civil of Police station.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the town which borders popular British residency areas such as Torrevieja, Orihuela and Elche.
The officers also warn the driver that “Sooner than later we will catch you. If you present yourself voluntarily in your nearest Guardia Civil Station, things will be better for you“.

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Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have launched a search for the owner of a British registered Land Rover which was involved in a fatal hit and run in the Guardamar area of the Costa Blanca. The officers are Read More ...

### Water Quality ‘Excellent’ Except in Torrevieja, Pilar and Sueca

In total, 210 of the 213 beaches that make up the Valencia coastline have received an “excellent” rating for water quality from the environment ministry.
The only three to let the side down are in Torrevieja, Pilar de la Horadada and Sueca, where the standard is “good” or “adequate” in the case of the latter.
In Torrevieja, Playa del Cura is in need of remedial work to make the grade, as is Calas de Rocamar in Pilar de la Horadada. As for Sueca, it is Mareny de Vilxes which is the worst beach in the area, only receiving the “adequate” rating.
Although it made the grade in the inspection, the quality of the water by another beach in Piar de la Horadada caused concern this week after a burst pipe caused raw sewage to spill onto the beach and the water.
Red flags and fences were erected after the incident on Thursday evening with the beaches reopening on Saturday once the spillage has dispersed and the water quality classed as “suitable for swimming”.

Excerpt: In total, 210 of the 213 beaches that make up the Valencia coastline have received an “excellent” rating for water quality from the environment ministry. The only three to let the side down are in Torrevieja, Pilar de la Horadada and Sueca, where the standard is “good” or “adequate” in the case of the latter. […]

### Is it Legal to use a Tablet as a GPS?

Yesterday, the N332 Facebook team asked the question, “Is it legal to use a tablet as a GPS?”
Here we explain the answer, with pictures.
In this example in a Mercedes car, the “tablet-sized” GPS is built into the dashboard of the vehicle and does not, in any way, obstruct the driver´s visibility and poses no other obvious risk. Here, in this instance, it is legal to use, although not to touch when you are driving.

Here is another example of a factory fitted version which is legal.

The next pictures show how a tablet can be fitted to the dashboard, either by a fitted bracket or by an attachment such as the ones which clip and fit to the air vents of the vehicle. Like the factory fitted model above. Because these are fitted to the dashboard and do not obstruct the visibility of the driver, they are therefore legal, so long as you don´t operate the device whilst driving.

This is the sort of bracket which can be used.

On this next picture, although the tablet is fitted to the dashboard, it is showing a film or a DVD. This is not permitted. You are only allowed to play films and videos displayed in the back seats, so as they do not cause a distraction to the driver. As a side note, it was revealed that during the fatal crash of the first driverless car, the driver was watching a DVD at the time of the collision.

The next photograph shows two positions for the tablet. The lower one is perfectly legal as it is fitted to the dashboard and does not obstruct the driver´s field of vision. The upper one however would be illegal.

Finally, this picture shows a tablet being used as a GPS. Based on your knowledge so far, you should now be able to answer for yourself if it is legal or not. The answer of course is that it is illegal as it obstructs the driver´s field of vision. This particular driver was also fined because not only does it pose an obstruction of visibility, it was also not secured and simply lay wedged between the dashboard and the windscreen. In the event of a collision or sudden braking the device would have become a projectile and could have caused significant damage to the vehicle and its occupants.

Here are the other rules related to devices such as GPS, tablets and mobile phones.
– You must not touch it whilst driving and it must be mounted securely.
– Only the display of maps for the use of navigation is allowed.
– It must not obstruct your view or field of vision and must be 100% hands free if operated.
 
Nowadays vehicles often come with Sat-Nav built in and so you are allowed to use a tablet used as a GPS. But they must be placed in the dashboard area, firmly fitted, not obstructing you view. They are allowed to rise above the height of the dashboard by a few centimetres, such as is the case with the Mercedes above.
Only mobiles phone and small purpose-built GPS units can be used affixed to the windscreen, so long as their screen it is not too big and they are attached in a secure place, not obscuring the field of vision.
When it is a screen too big to be placed in the windscreen? This is where common sense should prevail. If, after you have fitted it, you can´t see part of the road, find another place. The same applies when having any device, use common sense and don´t obscure your view.

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Excerpt: Yesterday, the N332 Facebook team asked the question, “Is it legal to use a tablet as a GPS?” Here we explain the answer, with pictures. In this example in a Mercedes car, the “tablet-sized” GPS is built into the dashboard Read More ...

### Partner Admits to Torrevieja Killing

The partner of a 33-year old woman whose body was found in an apartment in Torrevieja has admitted to killing her in a police interview.

The victim´s body was found in a bin room in the apartment, hidden behind a wall, which the partner had allegedly built with a view to hiding the body.
The woman had lived in the town for some time and went missing two months ago with family and friends launching a search and poster campaign for information. More recently, the family had tried to raise funds for the now victim´s mother to travel from Chile to Torrevieja, where she is now.
The victim had two children.

Excerpt: The partner of a 33-year old woman whose body was found in an apartment in Torrevieja has admitted to killing her in a police interview. The victim´s body was found in a bin room in the apartment, hidden behind a wall, which the partner had allegedly built with a view to hiding the body. The […]

### Roundabout Scammers Investigated

Officers from the Guardia Civil have been investigating nine people believed to be involved in an insurance scam that centred on catching out drivers on roundabouts.

The investigation began in June when officers received several complaints from insurance companies regarding incidents recorded in the Pontevedra area.
Investigators have so far attributed ten cases to the group who would claim for damages and compensation following collisions on roundabouts, a scam that so far exceeds 92,000 euro. In the reported collisions, there was little material damage and yet personal injury claims were always recorded.
The investigation then found that the modus operandi was the same in each incident. The “victim´s” car would be driving around the roundabout correctly in the outermost lane. The driver would then notice a vehicle driving in an inner lane, signalling to leave the roundabout although not being in the correct lane to do so. The scammers would then accelerate into the path of this vehicle, forcing a collision.
As the crash was deemed the fault of the driver in the wrong lane, the scammer would fake injuries, often calling on the police to unknowingly support and witness their charade at the scene, almost guaranteeing a precautionary transfer to hospital.
The medical expenses totalled 14,500 euro whilst the healthcare and recuperation totalled 78,000 euro worth of claims.
The case has now been handed to the courts in Vigo.
Remember, unless signs or signals indicate otherwise, you should always exit a roundabout from the right-hand, or outermost lane.
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Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have been investigating nine people believed to be involved in an insurance scam that centred on catching out drivers on roundabouts. The investigation began in June when officers received several complaints from insurance companies regarding Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Rescue Baby Left in Car

Officers from the Guardia Civil rescued a nine-month old baby who had been left locked inside a car whilst the child´s father had gone shopping in a supermarket.

The incident occurred on Wednesday in the San Juan area of Alicante, at around 3 in the afternoon, when concerned passers-by alerted a routine Guardia Civil patrol near the N-332 of a child in the back of a car which was locked.
The patrol immediately attended the vehicle and saw the child inside, apparently unconscious, and so they smashed the windows in order to gain access.
The officers then attempted resuscitation and rehydration whilst awaiting the arrival of an ambulance.
When the child´s father returned to the vehicle, accompanied by another child of around 3-years of age, he was said to be “surprised” by the fact the patrol were in attendance and refused to have the victim transferred to hospital for treatment.
The child was therefore treated at the scene by medics whilst the Guardia Civil are now pursuing criminal charges against the father, a 33-year old German national, who is on holiday at a campsite in the area.
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Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil rescued a nine-month old baby who had been left locked inside a car whilst the child´s father had gone shopping in a supermarket. The incident occurred on Wednesday in the San Juan area of Alicante, Read More ...

### Torrevieja Theatre to cost 250,000 to re-open

The costs involved in re-opening Torrevieja´s municipal theatre will be an additional 250,000 euro to the tax payer.
The news comes after the Mayor of the town, José Manuel Dolón, held a press conference detailing the work required in order to legalise the building which had been open for years without satisfying a number of basic safety requirements.
The theatre was first critisised after a listed building was demolished in order to build the flagship entertainment venture, at a cost of 6.4 million euro. However, that initial budget was proven to be so far off the mark when the final costs were in the region of 11 million, and it still lacked the mandatory operating licences.
Despite that, the previous government of the town allowed the venue to operate and it was subsequently closed on the grounds of safety following that government´s defeat in the local elections.
Now, the work required to make the building legal will add another quarter of a million on the tab, which is paid for by the municipality, and ultimately the tax payer, in order that the building can open once again.

Excerpt: The costs involved in re-opening Torrevieja´s municipal theatre will be an additional 250,000 euro to the tax payer. The news comes after the Mayor of the town, José Manuel Dolón, held a press conference detailing the work required in order to legalise the building which had been open for years without satisfying a number of […]

### Body Discovered in Torrevieja Apartment

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the discovery of the body of a worm in a Torrevieja apartment block.

Initial findings reveal the body to be that of a 32 year old Chilian national who went missing two months ago. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and is not thought to have died naturally.

The discovery was made on Wednesday during an inspection of the apartment. The woman’s husband is helping the officers with the investigation following his arrest.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the discovery of the body of a worm in a Torrevieja apartment block. Initial findings reveal the body to be that of a 32 year old Chilian national who went missing two months ago. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and is not thought to […]

### X Marks the Spot

The roads of Madrid will soon be getting a taste of the classic Japanese styling, with the installation of a diagonal zebra crossing.



The city council has budgeted for the installation of the crossing at the junction of Goya and Alcalá, one of the most iconic and widely visited areas in the city.

Although the design is believed to have originated in Japan, Los Angeles and London also have diagonal crossings which are designed to speed up the flow of pedestrians who would otherwise have to cross two individual streets separately.

In addition to pedestrians, the council will also provide similar crossing facilities for bicycles, thus aiming to protect two of the most vulnerable groups of road users.




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Excerpt: The roads of Madrid will soon be getting a taste of the classic Japanese styling, with the installation of a diagonal zebra crossing. The city council has budgeted for the installation of the crossing at the junction of Goya and Read More ...

### See the sign – Watch your speed!

If you see this sign on a conventional road in Spain it serves as a warning of a number of factors.

Firstly, it warns you that you are about to enter one of the 300 most dangerous sections of roads where an increase of speed related incidents have been recorded.
Secondly, as a result of the above reason, these sections are often locations of intensified speed checks, so as to reduce the number of casualties in the sections.
See the sign – Watch your speed!
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Excerpt: If you see this sign on a conventional road in Spain it serves as a warning of a number of factors. Firstly, it warns you that you are about to enter one of the 300 most dangerous sections of roads Read More ...

### British MP Arrested In Alicante

Simon Danczuk MP has been arrested in Spain following an alleged incident involving his estranged wife.
He reportedly threw Ms Danczuk’s phone in the swimming pool at their apartment in Alicante and shouted that to her that he wanted to talk as he was escorted away by police and spent the night in an Alicante police cell.
A witness said “Police arrived and led Simon from the house in handcuffs. He had no shirt on and was shouting.”
The Rochdale MP was suspended by the Labour Party in December after he admitted sending lewd texts to a 17-year-old female.
The Foreign Office said it was providing support to a British man detained by police in Spain.
Neither Mr Danczuk nor Ms Danczuk were available for comment.

Excerpt: Simon Danczuk MP has been arrested in Spain following an alleged incident involving his estranged wife. He reportedly threw Ms Danczuk’s phone in the swimming pool at their apartment in Alicante and shouted that to her that he wanted to talk as he was escorted away by police and spent the night in an Alicante […]

### Spanish Pop Group in Serious Crash

Members of the Spanish pop group Supersubmarina were injured on Sunday when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision on the N-322 road in Ubeda.

The incident occurred at around 8 in the morning when a car and a van collided, resulting in six people being injured.
The lead Singer of the group, José Chino Marín, has been operated on twice for head injuries and remains in a serious condition in intensive care. The band´s drummer, Juan Carlos, also remains in a serious condition in the ICU.
The other three members of the group, who were all travelling in the car, were also injured, although not seriously, as was the van driver.
The group had been returning to their home town of Baeza (Jaén) after participating in the Medusa Sunbeach Festival held in Cullera (Valencia). The group have been touring the country, including performing in Torrevieja in December of last year.
An investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Excerpt: Members of the Spanish pop group Supersubmarina were injured on Sunday when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision on the N-322 road in Ubeda. The incident occurred at around 8 in the morning when Read More ...

### Why are Traffic Officers speaking to these Cyclists?

On a routine patrol in Rojales this week, a Guardia Civil traffic patrol stopped and fined a cyclist.

When a bicycle is being ridden, it is a vehicle. Therefore it is governed by the same rules of the road as cars, vans, trucks, in fact any other vehicle.
On this particular occasion, the cyclist was observed failing to stop at a stop sign and was subsequently fined 200 euro for the offence.
Stop signs and stop lines are there to provide extra protection at junctions. Often, when these signs exist, the junction may have restricted visibility or be on a faster flowing road, and so extreme caution must be exercised and your vehicle must be brought to a complete stop.
It is perhaps even more serious for a vulnerable road user to fail to stop as the risk is far greater.
Hopefully, this particular cyclist will think twice in the future before risking his own safety and the safety of other road users.
Remember, a bicycle when ridden is a vehicle and must comply with the laws and rules of the road.
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Excerpt: On a routine patrol in Rojales this week, a Guardia Civil traffic patrol stopped and fined a cyclist. When a bicycle is being ridden, it is a vehicle. Therefore it is governed by the same rules of the road as Read More ...

### An Unforgettable Day for the Children

N332 reached an agreement with the Hollywood Motor Show to help the children from Elche Children´s Home have a fun day out. The stunt drivers didn´t hesitate to help us when we explained where the tickets would go.

The three stars of the show, stunt drivers David, Patrick and Christopher, donated the tickets so that the children could come to see them perform, where they will be able to experience this amazing event first hand.

Francisco Morales from N332 said, “We must think of the children during this holiday time when those with families are enjoying their time together, many of those without a family don´t have the same opportunities and don´t even get to leave their home”.

As well as sharing news and information to encourage safer driving and hopefully save lives, N332 will keep working to help local charities, and with the recent launch of the new eMagazine will be donating some of the benefits earned to these local charities.
The Hollywood Motor Show is currently located on the car park near to the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre on the Orihuela Costa and is touring the area. Look out for the posters and show them your support for helping us.
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Excerpt: N332 reached an agreement with the Hollywood Motor Show to help the children from Elche Children´s Home have a fun day out. The stunt drivers didn´t hesitate to help us when we explained where the tickets would go. The three Read More ...

### Gas Car for Guardia Civil

Power supply company Gas Natural have collaborated with car manufacturer Seat in order to deliver the first natural gas powered vehicle to the Guardia Civil.

The vehicle is part of the current agreement between the energy group and the institution of public safety for environmental performance improvement and energy efficiency.
The vehicle was delivered at a ceremony attended by the Managing Director of Gas Natural, Manuel Gil, and the director general of the Guardia Civil, Arsenio Fernández de Mesa, after a collaboration agreement was reached between the energy supplier and the Guardia Civil last October.
Among other initiatives, the agreement includes studies to improve the efficiency of buildings and facilities for the general management of the Guardia Civil, as well as analysis incorporating the use of natural gas in the park land and maritime vehicles with the aim of improving environmental performance and efficiency.
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Excerpt: Power supply company Gas Natural have collaborated with car manufacturer Seat in order to deliver the first natural gas powered vehicle to the Guardia Civil. The vehicle is part of the current agreement between the energy group and the institution Read More ...

### New Vehicles Delivered

The Guardia Civil has taken delivery of more than 100 new vehicles valued at over 3 million euro.

The vehicles were presented to the corps by Director General Arsenio Fernández de Mesa, at the Colegio de Guardias Jóvenes de Valdemoro in Madrid.

In total, 110 vehicles were delivered, at a total cost of 3,083,008.50 euro which has come from the state security budget.

These particular vehicles will join the fleet responsible for public safety and security, with over a hundred more due for delivery before the end of the year.

In 2014, the Guardia Civil took delivery of 195 new cars which were added to the fleet, and with 2.5 million euro investment being given by the European Union, 400 vehicles have been replaced or renewed in the last 2 years.
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Excerpt: The Guardia Civil has taken delivery of more than 100 new vehicles valued at over 3 million euro. The vehicles were presented to the corps by Director General Arsenio Fernández de Mesa, at the Colegio de Guardias Jóvenes de Valdemoro Read More ...

### Torrevieja to Finally Get Widened N-332

One person was killed and another four injured, two of them seriously, following a head-on collision between two cars on the N-332 main road near La Marina last week. This crash came exactly a year to the day when five vehicles collided in the area near to the desalination plant at Torrevieja.
Both these incidents, any many more besides, occurred on stretches of the road where there is one lane of traffic in each direction and no physical barrier between the two flows of traffic. For years campaigners have been fighting to have the Torrevieja section widened to two lanes in each direction, the same as the N-332 road on both sides of the town, although it has evolved more into a political Ping-Pong game than anybody actually taking responsibility and trying to enforce the change, not only in order to save lives, but also to ease the congestion that in inevitable at certain times of year, such as summer, when the road is brought to a standstill for much of the day.
In terms of the danger element, there is an argument that there is no such thing as a dangerous road, in the same way that many people argue that it´s not guns that kill people, it´s people who kill people. Those arguments carry some validity, but if anything can be done to reduce or eradicate danger, then it should be done.
There are laws on gun use which seemingly prevents a lot of intentional killings, there is also an element of morality in most civilised society that automatically prevents most people from wanting to intentionally take a life. However, there are also laws that should prevent drivers from speeding, driving too close, using their mobile phones, consuming alcohol, and many others, and although some actions are becoming socially unacceptable, it is still commonplace for the laws of the roads to be ignored, despite the fact that these laws are also intended to preserve life.
The good news is, and without pandering to any political point scoring, the widening of the road in the Torrevieja area may finally become a reality, as the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, announced at a press conference the “release” of the administrative and technical stoppage, thus confirming that “there are no more excuses because the ministry of Public works and has all the documentation” and that the widening works “can start as soon as it is tendered”, a situation that Dolón described as “very satisfying”.
Dolón explained how the government has been active trying to involve all agencies and entities in order to ensure the project is completed in the optimum time, quoting letters he has written and a response from the Directorate General of Traffic “sharing” the concerns of the government on account of the route between kilometre marker posts 49 and 56 being a notorious black spot.
Dolón also described it as “shameful” that it has taken 20 years to reach this point, but once complete it should not only save countless lives on the roads it will also reinvigorate Torrevieja and its businesses to the benefit of all.
The situation will not yet change on any other parts of the road such as La Marina where this latest tragic incident took place, but through awareness of the dangers of the roads we can all try to do our bit in the meantime to try to keep everybody that little bit safer by ensuring safer driving at all times.
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Excerpt: One person was killed and another four injured, two of them seriously, following a head-on collision between two cars on the N-332 main road near La Marina last week. This crash came exactly a year to the day when five Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch Issue 02 – August 2016

Here it is, issue 2 of N332 RoadWatch, our new regular eMagazine. When we released the first issue last month, it was our intention to publish the eMagazine quarterly. Straight away the pressure was on to publish more frequently than we intended, thanks largely to you and your incredible feedback. Therefore, we decided that we had better publish every 2 months. Still your comments and feedback continued and still we felt that even every 2 months isn´t enough, at least not at the moment, and so, as you have probably gathered already, here we are with our now monthly publication.

Buy Now

Last month I said that I would tell you more about our exclusive members club. I will, but not yet. Remember, last month we intended to be publishing the next edition in October, not so soon, so you will have to wait a little longer for that.
Now, back to this issue. The cover leads with a question regarding new radars on motorbikes. We answer that question and hopefully clear up some other misunderstandings that often come about regarding “speed traps” and radars.
We have a little bit of an American feel to this issue too, including a feature on one of the former stars of the hit television show, CHiPs, who is now living his own dream come true. In the news section we have an interesting story from America too, about a dog! We also have a couple of UK based stories too. By the way, if you are in the UK or around Europe, you can visit our sister website, roadwatch.eu, which covers a lot of information from across the continent and is the next stage of our development. More about that in a future issue too.
Buy Now
We cover child seats, traffic jams, animal safety, Eco labels, fines for cyclists, proposed changes to the UK driving test, yellow lights and more, as well as box a fun and serious quiz so you can test your knowledge, and a whole lot more.
You can click the Buy Now button to download your very own PDF version of the eMagazine. Please make sure you are able to view PDF´s before you do, although most computers, tablets and phones have PDF readers either installed or downloadable for free.
Meanwhile, if you are a business and would like to get involved by supporting us, in exchange for an advert in these pages or the website, send us an email. Remember, everybody who works on the project offers their time for free, the money collected is invested back into the next stage of the project with a portion going to charity.
To read issue 1 for FREE, click here. 
We are now off to start work on the September issue where one of the subjects we will be covering is the breathalyser. Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe.
…

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Excerpt: Here it is, issue 2 of N332 RoadWatch, our new regular eMagazine. When we released the first issue last month, it was our intention to publish the eMagazine quarterly. Straight away the pressure was on to publish more frequently than Read More ...

### Alert for Fugitive Heading to Spain

Belgian Police have alerted Spanish authorities of a “radicalised and armed” fugitive heading to Spain.

An international arrest warrant is in place for Ilias Zohrie for attempted homicide after a failed attack on a nightclub in Antwerp and the attempted murder of the Coroner for Gieselinck, France.
Zohrie, a Belgian national born in 1988, is described as “extremely dangerous” and has absconded from Belgium reported heading to Spain on Wednesday of this week. All inbound ports, airports and transit points have been put on alert, although it I believed that Zohrie will be travelling through France, possibly on Moroccan papers.
The authorities are also on the lookout for three vehicles which they believe might be used to transport the fugitive, an Opel Corsa or an Opel Astra, both of which display the number plate 1JNT244, or a Volkswagen Golf, registration number 1FKC916.
Anybody who sees a person who looks like Zohrie, or any of the vehicles mentioned, should contact the security services immediately on the multi-lingual emergency number, 112, or 062 direct to the Guardia Civil for those who speak Spanish.
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Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Belgian Police have alerted Spanish authorities of a “radicalised and armed” fugitive heading to Spain. An international arrest warrant is in place for Ilias Zohrie for attempted homicide after a failed attack on a nightclub in Antwerp and the attempted Read More ...

### Fatal Crash on the N-332 near La Marina

One person was killed and another four injured, two of them seriously, following a head-on collision between two cars on the N-332 main road near La Marina.

The incident occurred at around 07:00 near kilometre 78 of the coastal road, in a section where one lane runs in each direction.

The deceased is believed to be a Ukrainian national of 41-years of age, whereas those injured are said to be a woman of 25, who suffered abdominal trauma and was taken to Vinalopó hospital, a 30-year old man who also received abdominal injuries and taken to Elche general hospital, both of whom are in a serious condition. The other two injured parties were aged 24 and 25 and were taken to Torrevieja hospital with less serious injuries.

The Guardia Civil are investigating the cause on the tragic incident although initial indications suggest that one of the vehicles invaded the opposite lane resulting in the collision.
The road was completely blocked to traffic whilst the emergency services attended the scene and then subsequently cleared the wreckage, opening at 11:00, some 4 hours later.
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Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: One person was killed and another four injured, two of them seriously, following a head-on collision between two cars on the N-332 main road near La Marina. The incident occurred at around 07:00 near kilometre 78 of the coastal road, Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 02 – Preview

Here is a brief look at some of the topics covered in this month´s N332 RoadWatch magazine. There is lots more inside, so keep checking back and await delivery.

Some of the topics included this month…

Avoiding traffic jams
Prtecting wild animals
Positin in the vehicle
Sea tbelt use
Yellow lights
Child seats
Fines for cyclists
Number plates
Eco stickers
Changes to the UK driving test
A microcar driver avoiding prison
and Radars on motorbikes?

Plus, you can test yourself with our theory test, and view this month´s gallery, as well as reading some of the latest road traffic and policing news from around the globe.
Remember, keep checking back for the publication day (we will give you a clue… It´s this weekend)
 
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Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Here is a brief look at some of the topics covered in this month´s N332 RoadWatch magazine. There is lots more inside, so keep checking back and await delivery. Some of the topics included this month… Avoiding traffic jams Prtecting Read More ...

### Body of Brit Found near Torrevieja Salt Lakes

The Guardia Civil is investigating the death of a 72-year old British citizen whose body was found close to the salt lakes at around 20:30 on Tuesday evening.
The body shows no signs of violence and was in a state of decomposition and thought to have been there for several days.
Officials state that there is no missing persons report filed that matches the description of the deceased.
A couple walking in the area discovered the body and raised the alarm.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is investigating the death of a 72-year old British citizen whose body was found close to the salt lakes at around 20:30 on Tuesday evening. The body shows no signs of violence and was in a state of decomposition and thought to have been there for several days. Officials state that there […]

### Second Phase of Summer Traffic Operation

This weekend will see the second special operation for the movement of summer traffic on the roads, as the midpoint between the summer holiday starts and finishes.
The special operation will commence at 15:00 on Friday the 29th of July, finishing at midnight on Sunday. As a result, there will be increased traffic flowing from both inland areas towards the coast and mountains, and returning from the holiday areas back inland.
The main flow of traffic is expected to be on Friday afternoon heading from the cities to the coast, and on Sunday heading back to the inland areas, although both directions will be busy throughout, as this is one of the few weekends in the traffic calendar when traffic flows in both directions.
In total, there will be an estimated 6.5 million long-haul journeys on Spanish roads, considerably more than the 4.6 million of last year. Summer tourist traffic in Spain is also mixing with the major temporary migration of families back to African nations, thus making a particularly busy time period.

The major circulatory problems will be at the outputs of large cities and major roads of access to the coastal areas, both Friday evening and during Saturday morning. The roads that may be most affected are those of Madrid, Castilla la Mancha, Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia, as well as the A-6 and A-1 from Madrid.
According to the DGT, the roads by regions with the highest traffic intensity in this operation are:

In order to minimize disruption, the DGT will be operating a special campaign on the roads, which includes restricting the movement of dangerous goods, suspending all routine road works, creating special lanes to ease the flow of traffic, and having more than 10,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers and 13,000 support staff on the roads throughout. The DGT helicopters will be monitoring the roads from the air, including those equipped with the Pegasus radar equipment, and there will be intensified checks on the main contributing factors to road traffic collisions throughout the weekend, inappropriate and excessive speed, alcohol and drugs, and distractions.
Throughout the month of August, the DGT expect 43 million trips to be made on the roads.

Excerpt: This weekend will see the second special operation for the movement of summer traffic on the roads, as the midpoint between the summer holiday starts and finishes. The special operation will commence at 15:00 on Friday the 29th of July, Read More ...

### Parking Restrictions in Torrevieja Centre

With immediate effect from Friday of this week, Torrevieja town hall has suspended parking on one of the main streets in the town centre in order to improve the flow of traffic during the busy summer period.

The previous administration had implemented the scheme on calle Ramón Gallud in an attempt to boost trade for struggling stores who had been feeling the impact of loss of trade caused firstly by the Habaneras chopping centre, and more recently since the opening of the Zenia Boulevard.
Parking was available for up to an hour a time, although there were no real systems in place to monitor this.
From day 1 congestion caused major problems in the town, which is the main arterial route through the centre, and also one frequented by buses, some of whom struggled to get through on account of the cars parked in the way.
As summer is the busiest time for Torrevieja, the town has become almost gridlocked at times, prompting the action by the town hall.
This removal of the parking permission has also happened in previous years incidentally, although this time is has not been made clear if the removal is just for the summer period or indefinitely, although it is hoped that this will have a positive impact on traffic flow as the main road will now operate as two lanes in a single direction.
As for parking, there are numerous public car parks around the town, many of which have information sign posts indicating the number of available spaces and the direction to head.

Excerpt: With immediate effect from Friday of this week, Torrevieja town hall has suspended parking on one of the main streets in the town centre in order to improve the flow of traffic during the busy summer period. The previous administration Read More ...

### When your ITV test has expired, how long can you drive without being fined?

On Wednesday, the N332 Facebook team asked you an ITV Question.
When your ITV test has expired, how long can you drive without being fined?

Here is the answer.
The deadline to drive legally without being fined, it is the date you can find on the back of your ITV card, just next to the last stamp.

The ITV test is the document you have to prove that your car is in roadworthy condition, so once it expires you can be fined.

There is a rumour that you have ONE month after the ITV expires to carry out your ITV test, but it is totally false.
Did you get it right?

Excerpt: On Wednesday, the N332 Facebook team asked you an ITV Question. When your ITV test has expired, how long can you drive without being fined? Here is the answer. The deadline to drive legally without being fined, it is the Read More ...

### YouTuber Videoed Himself Playing Pokemon at the Wheel

A popular YouTuber has been left to consider the consequences of his actions after one of his videos was reported to the Guardia Civil.

Despite the account having almost three million followers, it only took one concerned viewer to alert the authorities that they had just watched the video where a driver of an Audi car was seen to be travelling at 180 kilometres per hour trying to catch Pokemon.
Audi, who had let the video star borrow the car, immediately withdrew their support and their permission to use the vehicle, in an attempt to distance themselves from such reckless activity, posting their condemnation on their official Twitter account.
Meanwhile, the Guardia Civil are now looking into the video and the complaint to assess what action can be taken against the driver who risked lives in the pursuit of fame in playing a game and now faces a fine and the loss of points from his licence.

Excerpt: A popular YouTuber has been left to consider the consequences of his actions after one of his videos was reported to the Guardia Civil. Despite the account having almost three million followers, it only took one concerned viewer to alert Read More ...

### RADARS ON ROJALES ROADS

Following numerous complaints by local residents, the Local Police in Rojales have acquired vehicle speed detecting equipment from the DGT in order to try to control vehicles who drive at excessive speed through the municipality.

The Chief of Police, Iñaki Esparza, says that there are at least 10 areas in the municipality where neighbours have raised concerns about speeding vehicles, and it is the intention of the police to control these “dangerous places” by monitoring and sanctioning “motorists not respecting the speed limits”.
The equipment is installed within a patrol vehicle and is capable of constant monitoring of a road section, In addition, the police have also obtained a breathalyser and the associated equipment to enable them to issue fines by the roadside.

Excerpt: Following numerous complaints by local residents, the Local Police in Rojales have acquired vehicle speed detecting equipment from the DGT in order to try to control vehicles who drive at excessive speed through the municipality. The Chief of Police, Iñaki Read More ...

### Alcohol Present in 67% of Drivers Killed on the Roads

The latest statistics revealed by the National Spanish Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (INTCF) reveals that 43% of drivers killed in road traffic incidents last year tested positive for the presence of alcohol, drugs and / or psychotropic drugs, a figure which is 4 points higher than last year.

The report includes the results of toxicological analysis of 900 deaths (638 drivers, 179 pedestrians and 83 companions) in road traffic collisions. The director of INTCF, Dolores Moreno, clarifies that the casualty figures are lower than the 1,126 reported by the DGT as some autonomous communities carry out their own toxicological analysis.
Of the drivers who tested positive for the tested substances (275 drivers in total), 67% had ingested alcohol, more than 30% were found to have some kind of drug, and over 26% had consumed psychoactive drugs.
The report indicates that the data reflects an increased consumption of alcohol and psychoactive drugs among those killed, whilst the level of drug use has been maintained. In 2014, 26% tested positive for alcohol, 10.74% psychoactive drugs and 13.35% drugs. The figures last 2015 stood at 29.3% alcohol, 11.44% in psychoactive drugs and 13.6% in drugs.
In the case of pedestrians killed, more than 46% of the 179 cases analysed were positive, of which almost 57% had consumed alcohol, 40% psychotropics and 34% some other kind of drug.
In those tested positive for drugs, the substance detected among drivers was cocaine (49% positive), followed by cannabis (44%) and opiate morphine derivatives (14%).

Excerpt: The latest statistics revealed by the National Spanish Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (INTCF) reveals that 43% of drivers killed in road traffic incidents last year tested positive for the presence of alcohol, drugs and / or psychotropic drugs, Read More ...

### First Official Pokemon Hunter Crash Recorded

It might seem all the rage amongst an incredible number of people around the globe, but when it comes to driving, applications such as Pokemon Go can serve as nothing more than a distraction which must be avoided, or the consequences will inevitably be fatal.
The aim of the smartphone-based game is to use mapping technology to search for and “catch” virtual pocket monsters, from which the name Pokemon is derived. However, the first serious collision has now been officially attributed to a distracted driver playing the game.
The incident took place in Auburn in New York when a 28-year old driver had taken a vehicle on a hunt for Pokemons, however the driver lost control on account of being distracted and collided with a tree, destroying the vehicle.

Luckily, on this occasion, the driver was not seriously injured, nor were any other road users who could so easily have become a victim of the driver´s irresponsibility.
There have already been countless near misses recorded, not only involving vehicles, but also pedestrians who are concentrating so much on their phones they ignore the real world dangers surrounding them.
A near stampede, also in New York, almost resulted in a catastrophe. Some 2,000 Pokemon hunters were seen taking to the streets of Sydney in search of the same Pokemon.
There are even businesses popping up offering to walk your phone for you, searching for your Pokemons and the game has just gained its first major sponsor, McDonalds, who will encourage players to go to their restaurants in order to exercise their Pokemons, whilst no doubt eating at the same time.
There is no doubt that the game has been a phenomenal success, largely exploiting the memories of those who used to swap the trading cards in the 90´s now the mobile generation who still play the games of their childhood, but when it comes to driving and interacting with or near traffic it is potentially deadly.

Excerpt: It might seem all the rage amongst an incredible number of people around the globe, but when it comes to driving, applications such as Pokemon Go can serve as nothing more than a distraction which must be avoided, or the Read More ...

### Driver Fatigue Caused Deadly Coach Crash

A coach crash in the Tarragona area of Freginals in March in which 13 Erasmus students were killed and another 40 injured, was caused by driver fatigue, according to the investigation by the Catalan police.

According to the investigation, on the approach to the crash scene, the vehicle was recorded travelling at 100 kilometres per hour, then decelerating for no reason to around 74 kilometres per hour for no apparent reason, and accelerating back up to 100. Evidence from the road also indicates that the vehicle struck the rumble strips at the side of the road on a number of occasions, which would also be around the time the deceleration stopped and the vehicle accelerated once again.
The conclusion by crash investigators is that these factors are typical of a driver falling asleep at the wheel and so deceleration occurs on account of the inability to maintain pressure on the accelerator, the collision with the rumble strips then waking the driver up, prompting the acceleration, although still dazed and confused, and failing to acknowledge the severity of drowsiness at the time, and so the process continued until the catastrophic crash.
The evidence collated from the vehicle and scene is also corroborated by witnesses, as some of the passengers on the bus reported feeling like the driver was falling asleep and hitting the rumble strips.

Excerpt: A coach crash in the Tarragona area of Freginals in March in which 13 Erasmus students were killed and another 40 injured, was caused by driver fatigue, according to the investigation by the Catalan police. According to the investigation, on Read More ...

### Traffic Patrol Stunned at Rescue Scene

Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department on the island of Formentera were left stunned at the weekend when they called upon a tow truck to assist a stranded passenger car.
The disabled vehicle had suffered an engine problem at around 4 in the morning and so the grua was called to recover the vehicle. Upon its arrival, the officers were somewhat surprised to find the driver of the tow truck showing signs of intoxication.
They decided to perform a roadside breath test and found the tow truck driver to be six times over the legal alcohol limit.
The driver was promptly arrested although that then left another problem as the closest available replacement was on the neighbouring island of Ibiza. As a result, the patrol had to remain with the stranded vehicle for four hours until it could be recovered.
The penalties for drink and drug driving in Spain are harsh and are lower than other European countries, including the UK. However, for professional drivers the limit is even lower again. Last week, another driver was arrested on the same island after being found to have been under the influence of drugs. This driver was in charge of a truck carrying dangerous goods.
Throughout the summer there are intensified checks for alcohol and drugs on the roads in an attempt to reduce the number of casualties caused by such inconsiderate actions.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department on the island of Formentera were left stunned at the weekend when they called upon a tow truck to assist a stranded passenger car. The disabled vehicle had suffered an engine problem at Read More ...

### Child Abductor Arrested by Police

A 34-year old Romanian man was arrested on Sunday accused of the attempted abduction of a child from the Valencia beach of Playa de la Malvarrosa.
Local police officers saw the man carrying a 5-year old child who was shouting for his mother. Upon questioning the man, the officers were told that the child had just been rescued from the sea where he had been having difficulty swimming and that the child´s parents were not attentive.
Noting that the child was dry the officers became more suspicious and detained the man to question his motives whilst the child identified his mother and was safely returned.
The man appeared in court charged with the illegal detention of a minor and was released pending a psychiatric assessment.
As summer is a time when beaches and play areas become busier, it is even more important than ever to be vigilant around children, keeping a close and constant watch on their activities, and reporting any suspicious behaviour to the police. Although abductions are rare in Spain they do occur, but the risk of other safety related incidents such as drowning or suffering injury is greatly increased.

Excerpt: A 34-year old Romanian man was arrested on Sunday accused of the attempted abduction of a child from the Valencia beach of Playa de la Malvarrosa. Local police officers saw the man carrying a 5-year old child who was shouting Read More ...

### Road Closures and Diversions in Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall has announced a series of road closures in order for the police to better direct traffic hoping to attend the Electromar fiesta in the town on Saturday.
The closures will be in place from 17:00 on Saturday 16th of July, until 08:00 the following morning. The roads affected will be Avda. Delfina Viudes to the Aquópolis roundabout, Avda. Rosa Mazón Valero to the football ground on Avda. Monge y Bielsa.
Access will also be restricted crossing Avda. Delfina viudes, from Avda. Rosa Mazón near to Gros Mercat, Calle Estay and Calle trasera near to Discoteca OZ and calle Panol.
Those attending the event are recommended to park away from the epicentre and walk the remainder of the way, whereas those not attending are recommended to avoid the area through the afternoon and evening to avoid being caught in the congestion.
There will be an increase in security checks in the area to ensure that everybody is as safe as possible and of course traffic police will be out in force to ensure that drunk and drug drivers are dealt with accordingly, whilst ensuring the safe flow of traffic to and from the event.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall has announced a series of road closures in order for the police to better direct traffic hoping to attend the Electromar fiesta in the town on Saturday. The closures will be in place from 17:00 on Saturday Read More ...

### Injured Officer Donates Attack Compensation to the Needy

A Guardia Civil officer who received compensation after being attacked has donated the money to buy food for the needy.

It was in August of 2013 when Manuel, based in the town of Cambados, was attacked, an incident which he now wants to forget. Whilst on duty, Manuel was tasked with accompanying a woman to collect various personal belongings from a rental housing she shared with her then ex-partner. After various complications during the case, the end result was that Manuel was attacked and, along with colleagues, suffered a variety of injuries.
Having received 400 euro compensation from the offender, he wanted to take no direct pleasure from the horrific experience, and so decided to make good out of a bad situation by donating the money to those with more of a need.
As a result, three shopping trolleys full of food were delivered to be shared amongst the elderly and needy in the town.

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil officer who received compensation after being attacked has donated the money to buy food for the needy. It was in August of 2013 when Manuel, based in the town of Cambados, was attacked, an incident which he Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Crashes into Truck

A van driver was arrested in Torrevieja on Tuesday, found to be three-times over the legal alcohol limit.

The arrest occurred following a collision between two trucks which left one person injured and having to be treated at Torrevieja hospital.
The incident occurred on the main coastal road to the south of the city in the vicinity of a popular supermarket. Both vehicles were heading in the same direction.
The van being driven by the driver found to be over the limit impacted with the rear of a grua truck with some force, with the back of that vehicle becoming embedded in the cab.
The passenger in the rear vehicle was subsequently trapped and had to be freed by fire fighters before being taken to hospital, although his injuries were not thought to be serious.
The incident caused considerable delays during one of the busiest times in the city, with afternoon traffic disrupted for around an hour.

Excerpt: A van driver was arrested in Torrevieja on Tuesday, found to be three-times over the legal alcohol limit. The arrest occurred following a collision between two trucks which left one person injured and having to be treated at Torrevieja hospital. Read More ...

### European Police Patrolling in Spain Once Again

Officers from the French National Gendarmerie have joined colleagues from the Guardia Civil in Spain as part of the summer tourism operations aimed at maintaining a safer environment for international and domestic tourists in the country.
This week, French officers have been welcomed to the Alicante town of Altea, amongst some of the most popular tourist destinations for French visitors.

The Spanish Government has implemented the 2016 plan, which has proved a huge success in previous years, not only because foreign visitors feel more at ease when they see their own national police, but shared intelligence through the European-wide collaboration has been proven to lead to a reduction in organised crime across the continent.
In addition to the European assistance, Spain also strengthens the presence of its own security services in the tourist rich towns, including relocating officers from the likes of the Guardia Civil and the police, and the opening of specially adapted officers where tourists can be dealt with in their own native language. In addition, the Valencia regional police also increase controls in tourist areas, and so with the collaboration of all forces not only is security increased, the impact and risk of crime decreases.
For its part, the Guardia Civil collaborates with Europe-wide forces throughout the year, including an exchange program run through the European Police College, where information and knowledge on practices and operations are shared through the continent.

Excerpt: Officers from the French National Gendarmerie have joined colleagues from the Guardia Civil in Spain as part of the summer tourism operations aimed at maintaining a safer environment for international and domestic tourists in the country. This week, French officers Read More ...

### Guardia Officer Invents Life Saving Device

A Guardia Civil traffic officer, Jorge Torre Sarmiento, assisted by a marketing and design expert, Roberto Pérez Marijuán, have invented a device which they think will speed up the time in which other road users are advised of the presence of a disabled or broken down vehicle, thus saving lives as a result.

When a vehicle becomes disabled, perhaps due to an incident or break down, the natural reaction of the driver will often be to put hazard lights on then attempt to restart the vehicle, then call for assistance from their breakdown or insurance service, and then put on a high visibility vest, go to the boot and place warning triangles on the road advising of the presence of the disabled vehicle.
All too often, this process can take between 8 and 10 minutes, during which time the vehicle is left in a vulnerable position and presenting a potential hazard to other road users and the vehicle´s occupants.
In order to try to alleviate this problem of vulnerability, made worse in the event of low light such as night time or when the vehicle has no power for the hazard lights, the officer has invented a device called “Help-Flash” which can be used as a first indicator of a hazard whilst the correct procedure of laying out triangles is being carried out.
Jorge Torre Sarmiento describes himself as a frustrated engineer, and is well known in his local area for inventing a variety of devices and designs. The 47-year old officer, based in Vigo, graduated in criminology and joined the Guardia Civil, despite his desire to be a designer. His role has subsequently meant he could fulfil both functions.
He already has a number of successful patents to his name, such as a “girolina”, a device that allows young children and the elderly sharpen pencils without any effort, a device for Formula 1 engineering teams to change tyres in a matter of minutes by removing all of the bolts at the same time, and a set of tweezers for a specific type of clothing.
However, “Help-Flash” is his first invention that will hit the mass market, and will do so with the help of Pérez Marijuán, co-founder of a marketing company, who has been on tour with the device to secure development funding.
“Help-Flash” is a small emergency light, powered by a conventional battery, which emits a flashing light visible for up to a kilometre away. It is activated by a magnetic support and can also be used as a flashlight.
The project was conceived in collaboration with the Centro Tecnológico de Automoción de Galicia (CTAG), and a group representing the victims of road traffic incidents, the Avata Hispania.
Stored in the glove box, the device can be activated in seconds and placed on the exterior of the vehicle where the magnetic contact will keep it in place, allowing the driver to then place warning triangles and make the vehicle occupants secure.

The Kickstarter project is also looking into developing a mobile application which can alert the emergency services to your precise location at the push of a button.
Jorge is understandably passionate about the project, which is why he has taken a break from active duty to develop it. Primarily, his motivation is clear, when asked why, he simply replied, “I think it can save lives”.
For more information and to support the project, visit http://netunsolutions.com/help-flash/

help-flash english version from NETUN solutions on Vimeo.

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer, Jorge Torre Sarmiento, assisted by a marketing and design expert, Roberto Pérez Marijuán, have invented a device which they think will speed up the time in which other road users are advised of the presence Read More ...

### Fined for Falsifying ITV Sticker

The Courts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have imposed a fine of 540 euro on a 33-year old woman who changed the ITV sticker on her vehicle so as to pretend that her car had successfully passed the mandatory test.

The case has taken two years to get to court and was brought about after two local police officers from Las Palmas attended an incident in the El Lasso area. A vehicle check indicated that one of the cars had not undertaken a successful ITV test, and had not been considered roadworthy for some months, despite the vehicle displaying a sticker in the windscreen.
The officers submitted a report for proceedings of a crime of forgery of public documents.
Once the case reached the courts the judge considered the evidence sufficient to prove that a fraudulent act had taken place and therefore condemned the vehicle owner to pay the 540 euro fine over a period of two months.
It is a mandatory requirement for vehicles which have reached the statutory age to display an ITV sticker in the windscreen, which is colour coded in accordance with the year of expiry and contains the expiry date.
Only one ITV sticker should be displayed at any one time and so once the next test has been passed and a new sticker issued, the previous one should be removed. The sticker should also be placed in the top right hand side of the windscreen (as you look out), so that officers looking out for it will be able to see the data quicker and are less likely to have to force you to stop whilst they check the details.
It is also mandatory to carry the ITV card and report with you in the vehicle as one of the documents you must carry in the car, along with the Permiso de Circulacion.

Excerpt: The Courts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have imposed a fine of 540 euro on a 33-year old woman who changed the ITV sticker on her vehicle so as to pretend that her car had successfully passed the mandatory Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch Issue 01 – July 2016

Welcome to issue 1 of N332 RoadWatch, our new regular eMagazine. This is the next progression in the N332 road safety project, supporting the website and the articles published on Facebook, and bringing them to you in a new and easy to read format via your computer and tablet.
You can read this first edition for FREE by clicking the virtual magazine image below. Alternatively, you can purchase and download your own copy in PDF format buy clicking the BUY button at the bottom. Please make sure your computer or device is capable of reading PDF´s first though. If you downloaded our eBook you will be fine as it is the same format.
We have released this first edition as a free read but in the future it will only be available for free to our N332 Club members. I know what you´re thinking, what´s the N332 Club? Well, we will give you more information about that in the next few weeks, but let me just tell you that is is the next exciting stage for the N332 project where membership will certainly have its benefits.
For now though, back to N332 RoadWatch. Some of the articles you may have read before right here on the website, but they are seasonal, and so it is important that we remind ourselves of the importance of such things as not wearing flip-flops when driving, for example. Other articles are yet to be published here and you won´t get them anywhere else.
By the way, as always, if you do pay the small fee to download your own copy in PDF format, the money received goes back into the project, as everybody involved gives up their time for free, and we will be giving a portion of the earnings to a charity, more about that in the next edition.
Meanwhile, if you are a business and would like to get involved by supporting us, in exchange for an advert in these pages of N332 RoadWatch or the website, send us an email, admin@n332.es.
As for everybody else, we hope you enjoy this first edition. We are now off to start work on the next. Enjoy your summer and stay safe.




If you do want to purchase your own copy to download (remember to make sure you can view PDF´s first though), click the button below…
Purchase and Download your own PDF

Excerpt: Welcome to issue 1 of N332 RoadWatch, our new regular eMagazine. This is the next progression in the N332 road safety project, supporting the website and the articles published on Facebook, and bringing them to you in a new and Read More ...

### Driving Restrictions for Pensioners

Drivers over the age of 65 may face restrictions on their driving based on medical conditions.
Depending on the type and severity of medical failures, the traffic department have issued a list of guidelines on restrictions that the over 65´s may face.
The first restriction could be based on distance, with older drivers restricted to journeys not exceeding either 20 or 50 kilometres distance.
Elderly drivers may also face permanent bans from driving on motorways, or at night.
Drivers may face restrictions in the maximum permitted speed which the vehicle they are driving may travel. The actual restrictions will be assessed by the driving examiners based on the medical evidence but could restrict vehicles to a maximum of either 70 or 100 kilometres per hour.
Driving licences will have to be renewed every 5 years for the over 65´s, rather than every 10 years for those under the age bracket. However, the 5 year renewal is based on a person of optimum health, the examination may result in a forced renewal every 2, 3 or 4 years, which may alter after each renewal depending on how health has declined.
The over 65´s must also provide a certificate from the family doctor in the case of having been diagnosed with a chronic disease which may affect driving ability, if they have had cataract surgery or heart surgery, and if they are diabetic or taking medications such as Sintrom or other anticoagulant drugs.

Excerpt: Drivers over the age of 65 may face restrictions on their driving based on medical conditions. Depending on the type and severity of medical failures, the traffic department have issued a list of guidelines on restrictions that the over 65´s Read More ...

### The Hazards of Heat

High summer temperatures may be a welcome change for those looking to relax on the beach this summer, but higher temperatures pose an often hidden risk, especially to vehicles and road safety.
The most vulnerable parts of the vehicle in extreme temperatures are tyres, brakes and shock absorbers, all of which are crucial to keeping a moving vehicle under control and stopping safely.
Driving with tyres with low pressure increases the probability of a blowout by up to 60%, shortens its life by up to 15% and increases fuel consumption by up to 7%.

With the intense external heat, the engine loses up to 15% power and potentially even more as it drives the cooling and air conditioning systems.
The brakes overheat, this in turn can increase consumption of brake fluid and can cause a phenomenon known as “fading”, which reduces the ability to slow the vehicle down.
In order to reduce these factors and keep your vehicle at its optimum, frequent checks of tyres, brakes, shock absorbers, oil, brake and coolant levels, the battery, lights and air conditioning should all be checked regularly, and especially before a long journey.
If this seems like a daunting task then you can always call into your local maintenance garage and ask them to do the checks for you. Many garages already offer a comprehensive summer service, although many drivers don´t realise that this is equally as important as a winter service, and so the heightened risks continue.
Aside from the safety aspects of the vehicle, one common maintenance call during summer is for the failure of air conditioning units. Experts say that these should be checked at least once a year and before the summer, as for most of the cooler months the units lay dormant and can fail over time without being noticed. Sometimes, the presence of an unpleasant odour is an indicator of a failure of the air conditioning.
Air conditioning that is working too hard can not only increase the mechanical strain. An average air conditioning unit will cool the vehicle´s interior to around 22 degrees Celsius, whereas cooling the air to just 20 degrees will increase fuel consumption by up to 20%.
It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is correctly loaded before a summer trip. Remember not to exceed the maximum permitted load, not only for the vehicle, but also for the tyres. Weight should be evenly distributed with heavier items nearest the ground and as near to the centre of the vehicle as possible, without impeding the passenger´s mobility, but maintaining a centre of gravity wherever possible. Once loaded, remember to adjust the tyre pressure as per the manufacturer’s recommendations, and then increase the pressure once the vehicle is unloaded.
Never carry loose items in the interior of the vehicle as these could become projectiles in the event of heavy braking or a collision and can seriously injure, or worse, the occupants of the car. Finally, if carrying a protruding load, remember not to exceed the permitted dimensions, use a V20 warning sign on the rear, and make sure that lights and number plates remain unobstructed at all times.

Excerpt: High summer temperatures may be a welcome change for those looking to relax on the beach this summer, but higher temperatures pose an often hidden risk, especially to vehicles and road safety. The most vulnerable parts of the vehicle in Read More ...

### Full Timetable of Summer Operations 2016

To make it easier as a reference, here is the schedule of operations on the roads of Spain this summer:
01 July to 03 July – 1ª Operación verano
11 July to 17 July – Intensified checks on vehicle standards
29 July to 01 August – Operación 1º de agosto
12 August to 15 August – Operación 15 de agosto
15 August to 21 August – Intensified checks on alcohol and drug use.
22 August to 28 August – Intensified speed checks.
26 August to 28 August – Operación Retorno del verano
Plus special operations running on every weekend in between.

Excerpt: To make it easier as a reference, here is the schedule of operations on the roads of Spain this summer: 01 July to 03 July – 1ª Operación verano 11 July to 17 July – Intensified checks on vehicle standards 29 July Read More ...

### Summer Campaign Runs through July and August

During the course of the summer months of July and August, the roads of Spain are expected to carry some 84 million vehicles, 3.5% more than the movements that occurred last summer.
As usual, the busiest periods, and therefore the major traffic plans, are split into a number of operations around the main weekends. The first operation took place during the first weekend of July when 4,050,000 long haul journeys took place, with the main flow of traffic heading away from inland and city areas to the coast and mountainous regions.
Typically, domestic tourists take a two week break from their usual working lives, and so the busiest rimes are ordinarily based around this, starting with the first influx from inland to the coast and mountains, then they return two weeks later as the next batch arrive, and so on, with August typically the busiest month of all. Across the two months, forecasts are for 41 million trips in July and 43 million by August.
In order to keep traffic flowing, the DGT will deploy around 10,000 officers and agents on the ground, including the Guardia Civil Trafico and DGT staff, specialised technicians, conservationists and the emergency coordination teams.
In order to reduce incidents on the roads, 300 sections which have been identified as the most dangerous will be displaying signs warning drivers, and for them to be aware and alert of the factors of the road and the speed of their vehicles. These sections will also be under more surveillance by enforcement officers during the entire campaign.

The DGT has spent a million euro on new mobile cameras which can be carried by traffic police on their motorcycles. These cameras can be placed on a tripod by the side of the road and can be used to create speed check zones at some of the places where conventional radar cars my have posed problems. These new cameras also mean that speed detection zones can be set up at multiple locations along the same route, whereas conventionally the normal practice was for one radar car to cover an entire section of road.
Surveillance by the airborne monitoring Pegasus equipped helicopters will increase. In the first five months of the year 106 people have lost their lives on motorways or highways compared to 70 at the same time last year. Therefore, Pegasus will pay close attention to problems on this type of road, including speeding, maintaining a safe distance, seatbelt use and using a mobile phone.
There will also be three intensified operations during the summer period. The first one aims to monitor the condition of vehicles on our roads. The risk of dying or suffering an injury with hospitalization increases with the age of the vehicle, which is why an increased maintenance schedule is crucial. This campaign will take place from the 11th to the 17th of July.
Coinciding with the fiestas surrounding the 15th of August, and the increase in festivals throughout the country, an intensified campaign monitoring for alcohol and drug use will take place. These checks will be at any time of day and on any roads.
During the week commencing the 22nd of August there will be an increase in checks on speeding vehicles. This will be done using all available equipment and resources to try to clampdown on those who break the law by speeding.
In order to ease congestion, most major road works will be suspended and there will be restrictions on the movement of certain types of goods. Extra lanes will be created in the busiest areas and the Guardia Civil traffic police will be out in force to ensure the safe flow of vehicles.
The advice, as always, is to try to avoid the busiest times, allow extra time for your journey, stay calm and adhere to the laws of the road at all times.
Characteristics of Summer Traffic
Summer traffic has different characteristics to that at other times of year and that must be taken into account:

Increased number of long haul journeys on both business days and especially on weekends.
Less conflict in the access to large urban areas during peak hours of business days in the entrance and exit to the workplace.
Increased vehicle traffic on secondary roads.
Intense traffic on roads linking coastal towns and tourist areas of coastline with beaches every day of the week.
Increased presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road.
Increased movement throughout the road network of foreign registered vehicles.
Increase in the number of sports that use the road for which additional supplementary measures will be in place.

In addition to domestic tourists traveling to coastal areas, keep in mind that Spain is a country of transit for millions of citizens from other European countries who return to their home countries in places such as Africa. Many of them choose Spain as a route to their destination, which is why the government also implemented a special campaign “Paso del Estrecho” from June. More than 600,000 car journeys by road will cross the peninsula.
Add to that the number of international tourists who choose Spain as their holiday destination, some of whom drive to the country, others who hire a vehicle when they arrive.
The combination of the three factors of domestic tourists, those passing through the country, and those who may not be used to driving on these roads, especially when it is one of the busiest times of year, all lead to potential problems.
Patience and planning are key, always driving within the rules and laws and allowing extra time for your journey wherever you go are all vital.

Excerpt: During the course of the summer months of July and August, the roads of Spain are expected to carry some 84 million vehicles, 3.5% more than the movements that occurred last summer. As usual, the busiest periods, and therefore the Read More ...

### How do Spanish police tell you they want you to stop your vehicle?

On their official YouTube channel, the Guardia Civil have published a video explaining the actions that patrols will take in order to stop a vehicle on the roadside. We have translated that video into English for you.
This is vital information that everybody should know so please share it amongst your friends.

Below is the transcript of the video to help you.
Amongst their duties, the Guardia Civil is tasked with controlling road traffic to ensure road safety and to prevent the commission of offenses which endanger road users, and provide assistance if necessary.
When an official vehicle wants you to stop, it will display a flashing red light in addition to the blue lights. This red light means you must stop your vehicle by manoeuvring to the right hand side of the road.
You must stop your vehicle in a place where it doen´t cause an increased risk to other road users, it this is not possible, you must continue until you can stop in a safe place.
The patrol will stop their vehicle behind yours. All the occupants of your vehicle must remain inside the vehicle.
The officer will approach you on the right side of your vehicle to notify the reason for stopping you.
Once the officers have finished dealing with you, they will assist you in joining the main flow of traffic.
When stopping a vehicle main factor is safety.
Remember
1 flashing red light indicates that must stop.
2 You must stop the vehicle in a safe area.
3 When stopping, no one should leave the vehicle.
4 When you´re finished, wait for the officers to assist you in joining the flow of traffic.
 

Excerpt: On their official YouTube channel, the Guardia Civil have published a video explaining the actions that patrols will take in order to stop a vehicle on the roadside. We have translated that video into English for you. This is vital Read More ...

### First Fatality Involving Self-Driving Car

The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into the death of a person in control of a self-driving vehicle.

The investigation was launched after a collision between a Tesla Model S, which was on “auto-pilot” mode at the time, and a truck, in the U.S. state of Florida in May.
The company revealed the news in a blog post stating how an articulated truck drove across the highways, perpendicular to the Tesla and neither the vehicle nor the driver noticed the approaching truck “against a brightly lit sky” and so the brakes were not applied.
The company were keen to stress that this is the first time a fatal incident has occurred in more than 209 million kilometres driven under the autopilot control. However, under normal motoring, a fatality occurs every 151 million kilometres in the United States, and the investigation is to determine whether the autopilot and the vehicle´s systems worked as expected.
“The autopilot is getting better but it is not perfect and still requires the driver to be alert”, a company spokesperson said. When the autopilot is activated “the vehicle reminds the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and be prepared to take the reins at any time”.

Excerpt: The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into the death of a person in control of a self-driving vehicle. The investigation was launched after a collision between a Tesla Model S, which was on Read More ...

### Things are Not Always What They Seem

When officers from the Guardia Civil thought they were about to file a typical complaint of a driver of a passenger car diving in a restricted lane, they became surprised by what they found whilst processing the complaint.
The vehicle was travelling on the A6 in the direction of Madrid in a lane which can only be occupied by vehicles carrying more than one person, an invention aimed at reducing congestion by encouraging car sharing.
However, one of the officers monitoring the lane observed what was considered an unusual sight for a summer´s evening. The passenger, apparently a child, was wearing a winter coat, hat and headphones.

Whereas the first instinct might have been to question whether the child was allowed to sit in the front seat, upon closer inspection, it soon became clear to the officer that the passenger in the car was not human, but was rather a life-sized doll which was sat in the passenger seat.
Although having dolls in the car can sometimes be used as a deterrent to give confidence to more vulnerable and nervous drivers, the only conclusion that could be drawn from this incident is that the driver was hoping to exploit the lane restrictions by pretending to have a real human passenger in the car with him.

Excerpt: When officers from the Guardia Civil thought they were about to file a typical complaint of a driver of a passenger car diving in a restricted lane, they became surprised by what they found whilst processing the complaint. The vehicle Read More ...

### The First Summer Traffic Flow Operation Starts on Friday

The Spanish road network is gearing up for the start of its busiest periods, as the first weekend of the summer holiday season starts on Friday.

As usual, the busiest periods, and therefore the major traffic operations, are split into three main weekends. The first operation runs from 15:00 on Friday the 1st of July until midnight Sunday the 3rd of July. During this period, there will be an anticipated 4,050,000 long haul journeys on the roads, with the main flow of traffic heading away from inland and city areas to the coast and mountainous regions.
The full timetable of summer operations:

1ª Operación verano – Del 1 al 3 de julio
Operación 1º de agosto – Del 29 de julio al 1 de agosto
Operación 15 de agosto – Del 12 al 15 de agosto
Operación Retorno del verano – Del 26 al 28 de agosto
Plus special operations running on every weekend in between.

This weekend (1ª Operación verano), across the Valencia region, one of the busiest for holidaymakers, there is expected to be 2,150,000 vehicle movements, 1,100,000 in the province of Valencia, 700,000 in Alicante and 350,000 across Castellón.
The busiest times this weekend are anticipated as being from 16:00 to 21:00 on Friday, between 08:00 and 14:00 on Saturday, and from 16:00 to 21:00 on Sunday.
The most problematic areas are the roads leading directly to tourism hotspots, including much of the N-332 in areas such as Santa Pola, El Altet, Altea and Torrevieja.
In order to ease congestion, most major road works will be suspended and there will be restrictions on the movement of certain types of goods. Extra lanes will be created in the busiest areas and the Guardia Civil traffic police will be out in force to ensure the safe flow of vehicles.
In addition, the road network will be supported by helicopters monitoring traffic, and the cameras situated on most roads.
The advice, as always, is to try to avoid the busiest times, allow extra time for your journey, stay calm and adhere to the laws of the road at all times.

Excerpt: The Spanish road network is gearing up for the start of its busiest periods, as the first weekend of the summer holiday season starts on Friday. As usual, the busiest periods, and therefore the major traffic operations, are split into Read More ...

### Roadside Robbers Arrested on A7 Motorway

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia have arrested two people on suspicion of being involved in a spate of robberies on the A7 motorway.

The officers were involved in preventative duties in the Guadalentín area when they were notified of reports of a series of robberies having taken place from rest areas and service stations on the motorway.
Having received the information which allowed them to assess the likely movements of the offenders, officers descended on a number of rest areas and lay in wait.
The strategy soon proved fruitful as one of the patrols observed a vehicle behaving in a suspicious manner in a rest area near to Librilla, with two occupants on board who matched the descriptions of those given by witnesses to the previous crimes.
The officers stopped the vehicle in order to carry out a seemingly routine check and sought to identify the two people on board, whilst also searching their vehicle, where they found various items reported stolen in recent incidents.
The evidence found allowed the officers to arrest the two people on suspicion of robbery with violence and intimidation where they were brought into custody.
The preliminary investigation indicates that at the time of the arrest the two suspects were about to commit a robbery, which was foiled by the officers, but they are attributed as being the alleged authors of two counts of robbery with violence and intimidation, not ruling out its involvement in more crimes.
Those arrested are both male and of Romanian nationality, aged 21 and 20 years, living in the Alicante province and have a background of having committed similar offences. They were subsequently brought before the courts in Totana.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia have arrested two people on suspicion of being involved in a spate of robberies on the A7 motorway. The officers were involved in preventative duties in the Guadalentín area when they were notified Read More ...

### Multiple ‘Casualties’ Feared after Chemical Spill

Suffering the effects of a major chemical spill is not an incident the emergency services look forward to. Luckily however, it is something they prepare for.

On Tuesday, that is exactly what will be taking place at the site of Fuentes Fertilizantes on the El Saladar industrial zone in the Murcia town of Totana.
The major emergency protocol will be implemented bringing the fire service, Guardia Civil, Police, Civil Defence, Cruz Roja and other emergency services together in a simulation of a chemical spill.
The simulated incident will see the chemical spill threaten to release a toxic cloud in the area, classifying the situation as a “level 3” emergency (leading to potential victims, serious property damage or serious disturbance of the environment over wide area), which will thus activate the external Emergency Chemical Industry Plan Level 1 (incidents which can be controlled with the means of intervention available in the Community requiring measures for the protection of persons, property or the environment).
First on the scene will be the fire service, who will then call for assistance from their colleagues in other emergency services, with the Protección Civil next to arrive. They will broadcast emergency messages through a loud speaker system warning people of the dangers and the actions to take to protect themselves.
A mobile emergency centre will be set up in Totana for measuring air quality whilst an emergency medical tent is also constructed, along with a command unit where representatives of all the attending emergency services will coordinate their activities.
Although the event is a simulation and therefore there will be no risk to the public, there may be some disruption throughout the day as the emergency services go about practising for an incident that everybody hopes will never happen, but one for which everybody will now be prepared.

Excerpt: Suffering the effects of a major chemical spill is not an incident the emergency services look forward to. Luckily however, it is something they prepare for. On Tuesday, that is exactly what will be taking place at the site of Read More ...

### Officers Stop Drugged-Up Trucker After 70km Chase

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia detained the driver of an articulated lorry for reckless driving “with conscious disregard for the lives of others” and “under the influence of toxic drugs”.

The arrest didn´t come easy for the officers pursuing the 40 ton truck as the driver made no indication of his intention to stop. In fact, officers gave chase for more than 70 kilometres from Archena to Yecla.
The incident took place last Friday when the traffic officers received an alert from local police in Archena who reported the truck driving through the village of Algaida in an irregular manner, zigzagging, oscillating, and occupying the entire roadway, and having disobeyed repeated signals to stop.
A local police patrol from Archena began following the vehicle, with lights illuminated and siren sounding, but was unable to overtake safely.
The Guardia Civil were waiting at an junction of the A-30 Albacete to Cartagena road, intent on intercepting the vehicle as it slowed down to move through the road network. However, the truck driver still refused to stop and continued along the road with more patrols trying to force the vehicle to slow down and stop, whilst trying to avoid a collision.
As the chase continued, other officers were forced to close the road ahead so as to prevent risk to other road users. Further ahead, a “stinger” device had been deployed which the truck drove over, successfully bursting the tyres.

The truck still continued, albeit at a slower speed on account of the damage, which eventually allowed a daring officer to break a window and board the truck, struggling with the driver, and eventually bringing the vehicle to a standstill, some 70 kilometres after the chase began.
The officers were able to identify the driver as being a Spanish national, aged 40, and a resident of Murcia, presenting clear and obvious signs of intoxication. He was therefore subjected to mandatory alcohol and drugs tests which gave a positive result for cocaine.
The driver was therefore arrested for a number of offences, driving with reckless disregard for the lives of others and driving under the influence of drugs, as well as resistance and disobedience to law enforcement.
The driver appeared in court on Saturday and had his licence withdrawn as a precaution before awaiting a trial date where he faces a lengthy prison term and an even longer driving ban.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia detained the driver of an articulated lorry for reckless driving “with conscious disregard for the lives of others” and “under the influence of toxic drugs”. The arrest didn´t come easy for the officers Read More ...

### One Drive – Six Distractions

Focussing on the task in hand is the only way of staying as safe as possible when driving, thus, avoiding distractions is crucial to keeping our attention on the roads.
According to a study conducted by BP, Castrol and RACE, more than 15 million drivers on the road are being distracted by manipulating devices in the vehicle.
The information obtained from the 1,145 respondents shows that, on average, a driver performs six actions involving manipulation of elements of the vehicle which can cause a distraction behind the wheel.
These six distractions include accessing the Internet from the vehicle, using a web browser, synchronising devices and searching for objects in the glove compartment. But not only that, only 42% of drivers regularly check their rear view mirror in in place and only 22% check that the driving seat is correctly positioned.
The tested drivers also report that they are unfamiliar with the more complicated controls within their own vehicles, in fact, 95% say that there should be more training on new technologies that are incorporated in their vehicles. The drivers who responded claim that this technology not only causes uncertainty and stress, but it also leads to potentially catastrophic consequences, so much so, lack of knowledge of the vehicle´s own built-in devices was a factor in distracting one in four of every driver.
The drivers were unaware of one of the biggest breakthroughs in safer motoring, ESP, which has been mandatory in all new cars since 2011. Of the drivers surveyed, 44% were aware of the concept but 20% didn´t know if it was installed in their vehicle whereas 58% do not know how it works or what it does.
ESP stands for “Electronic Stability Program”. If your vehicle has ESP® on board, it provides you with two additional active safety systems. ABS or “Antilock Braking System” and TCS, or “Traction Control System”. ABS prevents the wheels from locking during braking whereas TCS prevents the wheels from spinning when starting off and accelerating.
To try to alleviate problems of distractions BP, Castrol and RACE have launched a campaign which will be fed through social networks in Spain, using the hashtag #manosalvolante. The aim being to educate drivers about the importance of keeping attention on driving, and not be distracted by elements that can be found within the passenger compartment. The initiative aims to improve safety on all trips, whether short or long distance, through responsible behaviour.
Within its strategy, the group aims to improve the knowledge among drivers of their vehicles, and incorporating new technologies to help them better understand their operation. To do so, the campaign has the support of Roldán Rodríguez, a Spanish racing driver, who competed in the GP2 Series from 2007 to 2009, who will be offering different advice about the importance of staying focused on the road and vehicle knowledge.
There is also a website, www.manosalvolante.es, where you can find instructional videos, infographics on the main sources of distractions, interviews with personalities, knowledge games, contests on Facebook and special campaigns to be launched through social networks.
Furthermore, within the framework of the campaign, 250 drivers will have the opportunity to receive training in technology and road safety on the Circuito del Jarama racing track in order to get to know the new systems incorporated in the vehicles.

Excerpt: Focussing on the task in hand is the only way of staying as safe as possible when driving, thus, avoiding distractions is crucial to keeping our attention on the roads. According to a study conducted by BP, Castrol and RACE, Read More ...

### Keep Cool Whilst Driving

Being comfortable when driving is essential to staying safe on the roads, not because we want to feel particularly relaxed when we drive, but if we feel uncomfortable then the situation itself can lead to distractions, in much the same was as sitting on a hard or lumpy surface might take our attention away.
Similarly, if we start to feel too warm or overheat, that can lead to fatigue, which in turn can lead to a potentially deadly situation when driving.

Firstly, keeping the car cool before we enter it is the best course of initial action. Park your vehicle in the garage if you have one or in the shade, perhaps under a tree or in the shadow of a building. Remember though, the sun moves and so does the shadow, so plan the position of your parked car based on where the most effective shadows will be cast. You also need to be aware that parking directly under trees can result in deposits from birds above or even the sap of the tree itself. This can be particularly problematic if it lands on the windows, so make sure they are clear and clean before you drive.
You can use reflective screens on your windows when the vehicle is parked to reduce the build-up of heat inside. It is quite common for the interior temperature to reach 10 degrees more than the outside very quickly. This is also the problem of leaving dogs, and humans for that matter, inside vehicles. You can also buy shades for the side windows, some stick on the glass on the inside, or you can use a cloth to prevent the sun´s rays from entering. Remember to remove these from the front windows before you drive though.
Opening the windows and even the doors of the vehicle for a few minutes before you are planning to drive will reduce the internal temperature. Remember not to hinder any other road users though by leaving your doors open in the potential path of traffic or pedestrians.
Many modern vehicles are equipped with air conditioning or climate control, both of which serve to keep the inside temperature of the vehicle at a more comfortable level. This should be used to gradually reduce the temperature initially as sudden changes can pose other problems, not least whilst our body adjusts. You should also keep your air conditioning checked and gassed to ensure optimum performance, and have your filters checked on a regular basis. Our friends at Autos Direct in San Miguel can do this for you if you wish, contact them for more details.
Finally, avoiding driving at the hottest time of the day is always recommended. It is also recommended however that you should try to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset, largely because of the position of the sun which can cause extreme glare and dazzle us, which can render us temporarily blind, which is never a good situation to find yourself in when driving. If you do find yourself blinded by the sun, try to bring your vehicle to a gradual halt in a safe position. Sudden movements are very dangerous, and so gentleness is key in such a situation.
Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing, but always wear appropriate footwear for driving, ensure you plan to stop for frequent breaks and keep yourself topped up with water.
Above all, whatever action you take, always remain calm and alert, it is easier for tempers to become frayed with the heat and incidents of “road rage” to increase. Keep cool, relaxed and alert, be patient of other drivers who may not be as used to the roads as you are, and stay safe in the summer sun.

Excerpt: Being comfortable when driving is essential to staying safe on the roads, not because we want to feel particularly relaxed when we drive, but if we feel uncomfortable then the situation itself can lead to distractions, in much the same Read More ...

### Beware of Fire Risks

Spain is currently on a heightened alert status for the risk of forest fires, a devastating phenomenon that can take lives, livelihoods and homes, and a situation which is usually caused by simple neglect.
In Spain, it is estimated that more than 80% of all forest fires are caused by human interaction. In America incidentally the figure is as many as 90%.

Whereas some of those fires are started deliberately, and the reason for those fires is usually down to the individual concerned, the vast majority are caused by accidental ignition, but accidents can be prevented.
The heightened state runs through to the end of October, although there is always the possibility of an extension depending on the weather, and it is a time when everybody is asked to be both alert and vigilant to the risks that any one of us can pose on a regular basis.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs, of the 21,000 forest fires in Spain last year, 3% were caused by a cigarette butt thrown from a vehicle. Despite the decline in the number of smokers and the public awareness of the risks of fire, it still remains one of the gravest dangers to forests and fields.
It is not only cigarettes however, even litter can pose a risk of fire if discarded by the roadside. In the searing heat of summer it is possible for paper based products to become so hot that the combust, glass can have a magnifying effect and can instantly cause a flame to ignite as the sun´s rays are amplified through it.
It is for that reason that throwing any object from a vehicle is considered such a serious offence. You can be fined 200 euro for doing so and lose 4 points off your license. Become a continual offender and your licence can be withdrawn, as is the case for any road traffic offence of course.
The vehicle itself also poses a risk of fire. As the engine and motor components heat up whilst driving they too become a potential threat. A hot exhaust pipe catching against dry and arid shrubbery for example could quickly become an inferno.
We have spoken before about the “fire triangle” or “combustion triangle”, a simple model for understanding the necessary ingredients for most fires, but it is also important to remind ourselves so we can fully understand the risk of fire. The triangle illustrates the three elements a fire needs to ignite: heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen). It´s sometimes simplified into the elements of heat, something to burn and oxygen. The removal of any one of the three elements of the triangle means that fire cannot take place.
Oxygen is present in the air, so there is not a lot we can do about removing that risk. Similarly, there is little that can be done to remove the fuel of forest fires, the dry trees and shrubbery themselves, but there is something we can do about the heat source, the ignition.
Taking all your rubbish home and depositing it in a safe place is one easy task. You probably remember old TV public service announcements about how glass can start a fire, but any litter can be a contributing factor to fire.
Burning embers from summer BBQ´s are a common source of ignition, so these too must be disposed of correctly. It is important therefore to only park your vehicle in authorised and official parking places, and to heed the road signs along the way.
If you do smoke, make sure that you dispose of all of your smoking materials safely and correctly, not just on the ground.
There are a variety of processes implemented to try to reduce the risk of fire, including a ban during the hottest months on farmers and industrial locations starting controlled fires.
If you do spot a fire, or smoke which could soon become a major problem, please contact the 112 emergency centres as soon as possible, where operators are able to speak a variety of languages, including English. If you do speak Spanish and the fire is by the roadside you can also contact the Guardia Civil emergency number on 062. Remember though, before you call, make sure you find out your exact location through street signs, road markers or major landmarks.
Incidentally, the DGT are also supporting the campaign at the moment and have shared a number of educational videos published in the 60´s and 70´s by the forestry directorate. Some of these videos are available on the website and although they may be in Spanish, rather old fashioned looking, and not quite the polished presentation of a Hollywood blockbuster, their message is quite clear.

Excerpt: Spain is currently on a heightened alert status for the risk of forest fires, a devastating phenomenon that can take lives, livelihoods and homes, and a situation which is usually caused by simple neglect. In Spain, it is estimated that Read More ...

### Over a Million Vehicles have Defective Tyres

Throughout June we have been focussing on tyre safety and the importance of checking your tyres on a regular basis. However, as well as the regular checks, it is always crucial to do additional checks before and after long journeys, which is why the focus has been during the month leading up to the summer holidays.

Tyres are amongst the most important elements of a vehicle, and the most abused at times, and their quality can quite literally mean the difference between life and death.
However, despite all of the risks and the importance put on tyre safety, it is still anticipated that more than a million vehicles are on the roads of Spain alone with defective tyres.
The Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) in collaboration with GOODYEAR recently performed more than 380,330 technical inspections of vehicles and ITV stations throughout Spain.
Of the 380,330 inspections in 14,744 cases they found tyres with very serious defects. Using that figure as a benchmark, the figure would relate to almost 4% of all of the vehicles on the roads of Spain, some 1.1 million vehicles, the majority of which are passenger cars.
However, proportionally, light vans have a higher percentage of vehicles with a total of 4.8% of all vans on the roads having serious defects.
The most common defects found on the tyres checked were related to good tyre maintenance, normally because of excessive or uneven wear.
We have looked at checking tyres already and we will offer more advice again, but the figures highlight the need to perform regular checks.
For their part, GOODYEAR have produced 100,000 information leaflets which are being distributed through ITV centres and maintenance workshops offering further advice.
Here at N332, we have spoken to our supporters at Autos Direct in San Miguel and they have agreed to check your tyres for defects for free during July, and show you the most important elements you can check on your own. All you have to do is contact Autos Direct and say that you follow N332 and they will perform the checks for you. For more information, visit their website, autosdirect.es and get your tyres checked today.
Here are their contact details…
AutosDirect SL
San Miguel de Salinas
Calle Espliego Pol Ind Lo Quilez Parc 22-23
San Miguel de Salinas
Alicante 03193
(00 34) 966 723 718

Excerpt: Throughout June we have been focussing on tyre safety and the importance of checking your tyres on a regular basis. However, as well as the regular checks, it is always crucial to do additional checks before and after long journeys, Read More ...

### Focus on Distractions This Week

All this week and through the weekend, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by colleagues in both the National and Local police, will be carrying out increased surveillance on the roads to try to combat one of the three main contributing factors in road traffic incidents – distractions.

Along with alcohol and speed, distractions form the third most likely contributing factor in road traffic collisions.
Using a mobile phone whilst driving quadruples the risk of being involved in an incident, largely due to the loss of ability to maintain a constant speed and safe distance from the vehicle in front, reducing the reaction time. The greatest number of distraction based incidents result in the vehicle colliding with something in front.
In addition to mobile phones, other factors also cause distractions. Everyday tasks such as lighting a cigarette, tuning the radio, changing a CD, children and even talking can all result in a loss of attention. In fact, recent studies show that smoking whilst driving increases the risk of an incident by 1.5 times, as an example.
Tiredness can also lead to distraction and loss of concentration, so ensuring plenty of rest before a drive is crucial.
In addition, other advice to avoid being a victim of distraction related incidents include not smoking or eating, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the vehicle, taking frequent rests breaks on long journeys, not using your mobile for calls, texts or browsing the internet.
Some music and entertainment systems have controls on the steering wheel, the advice with these is to be fully aware of what all the controls do and ensure you have the confidence to use them with the minimum of distraction, otherwise, just like on traditional radios and music players, the best advice is to program them before the journey.
Similarly, GPS and navigation systems should be programmed beforehand too. Although the use of navigational aids is perfectly legal in Spain, it is illegal to touch the screen whilst driving.
It is considered a serious offence to use a mobile phone, browser or other communication device whilst driving, punishable with a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points. The reason being that the stakes are much higher when you consider the number of deaths and serious injuries caused each year by distracted drivers, so the best advice is to focus on driving, and leave communication until you are stopped safely.

Excerpt: All this week and through the weekend, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by colleagues in both the National and Local police, will be carrying out increased surveillance on the roads to try to combat one of the Read More ...

### Traffic Officers Injured in Pursuit Crash

Two Guardia Civil traffic officers were injured when their vehicles crashed during a pursuit.

The officers were following a Skoda through the province of Zaragoza for around an hour on Saturday after the vehicle failed to stop at three traffic control points.

The occupants of the vehicle then started to throw items from the car in an attempt to prevent the officers from catching up with them.

The fleeing vehicle eventually crashed into a truck, with one of the patrol cars and a motorbike being damaged in the collision.

Upon approaching the crashed car, officers discovered that the driver, a Polish national, was naked from the waist down and it was his clothes he had been throwing from the vehicle.
One of the officers suffered a broken leg and the other from a collapsed kneecap. The reckless actions of the driver risked the lives of many people on the roads and will be dealt with through the courts.

Excerpt: Two Guardia Civil traffic officers were injured when their vehicles crashed during a pursuit. The officers were following a Skoda through the province of Zaragoza for around an hour on Saturday after the vehicle failed to stop at three traffic Read More ...

### Three Killed in Murcia Motorway Crash

Tragedy struck in Murcia this weekend when two cars and two trucks collided on the A-7 motorway in the Monteagudo area near to Cabezo de Torres on Saturday.

The incident occurred at around 14:30 on Saturday afternoon. One of the articulated trucks crashed through the central reservation into the path of oncoming traffic. One of the trucks also burst into flames as a result of the incident.

An investigation is being carried out to ascertain what happened but initial reports suggest that the two trucks collided resulting in the fuel tanks of one of them catching fire. The two cars then collided with the trucks.

Emergency services were quick to attend the scene with a number of victims remaining trapped in the vehicles. The end result was that three people have been killed and four others injured in the tragedy.
The road was closed for most of the day with lane restrictions continuing through Sunday.

Excerpt: Tragedy struck in Murcia this weekend when two cars and two trucks collided on the A-7 motorway in the Monteagudo area near to Cabezo de Torres on Saturday. The incident occurred at around 14:30 on Saturday afternoon. One of the Read More ...

### European Tyre Safety Ratings

In 2012, the European Union made moves to implement new rules on the labelling of tyres for sale. Much like washing machines or fridges, and even properties for sale, an easy indication of the tyre´s characteristics would be displayed on the label, enabling the buyer to choose their product based on such elements as efficiency, safety rating and noise.

The information on the tyre label included roll resistance, graded from “A” which is the best performance, to a “G” rating, the lower end of the scale in tests. Tyres with a higher resistance increase the workload of the engine, in turn leading to higher fuel costs.
Adherence to wet surfaces was also a graded factor on the label, once again graded “A” to “G”, with “A” showing the best performance. Across the spectrum of the rating scale, the braking distance between a grade “A” and a grade “G” tyre may be as much as 18 metres, significantly reducing the chance of avoiding a collision in the event of having to brake in wet weather. Of course, driving skills and ability can also allow for more compensation by increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front, for example.
Noise level is also included in the tyre rating, again, this can be determined by other factors such as the road itself. In many places, so called “quiet tarmac” has been installed to reduce noise, but the tyre noise rating is based on an average.
When buying new tyres, always check the labelling system to ensure you know the quality of the tyres to be installed on your vehicle. Poor quality may increase risk and with tyre safety, compromise if not an ideal agenda.

Excerpt: In 2012, the European Union made moves to implement new rules on the labelling of tyres for sale. Much like washing machines or fridges, and even properties for sale, an easy indication of the tyre´s characteristics would be displayed on Read More ...

### Tyre Load Capacity

Following on from our introduction to checking tyres, we are going to look at some of the elements and details of vehicle tyres and the importance of what they mean.
Knowing how to read a tyre forms part of the driving test in Spain, which is testament to how important the DGT feel the subject is. We have already said that they are arguably amongst the most important elements of a vehicle, and often the most abused, but sadly, they are often the most neglected.
It is important that the vehicle´s tyres are of a high quality, not least because of the wear and tear they suffer, investing that little bit more in a tyre could make the difference between life and death.
We have already detailed what the figures around the tyre mean but we will go over them briefly again as a reminder. If you look at the side of the tyre you will see a sequence which looks something like this sample, “195 / 55 R 16 87V”. Here, “195” refers to 195 millimetres, the nominal section width of the tyre. “55” is 55%, the aspect ratio, representing the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the nominal section width, i.e., in our case, 55% of 195mm. “R” stands for radial construction. “16” is the diameter of the tyre´s inner rim, this time in inches. “87” is the load capacity of the tyre. “V” indicates the maximum permitted speed. There is also the stamp indicating the week number and the year of manufacture.
We want to look specifically at the load capacity of the tyre this time. As the summer holiday season starts, it is quite common for the family car to be loaded up for a long journey cross country, perhaps even across the continent, and the amount of cargo, as well as passengers, often increases compared to our normal daily commute.

That is why we have to ensure that the load capacity of the tyre can handle the extra weight we place in the vehicle. Overloaded vehicles quite literally weigh down on the tyres which can increase the risk of uneven wear and the dangers that poses, but also hugely increases the risk of a “blow out”, which in turn could have fatal consequences.

Sadly, for the average driver, they don´t make it too simple for us to immediately see what the load capacity is, as the number in the code needs to be converted to a weight. In our example, 87V, the tyres can carry a maximum load of 545 kilograms. Keep in mind though, this is the total maximum weight of the vehicle. It also shows why it is important that all the tyres on the vehicle match, as if they are different, the load capacity may be lower.

In our example, the letter “V” refers to a maximum speed of 240 kilometres per hour, but speed limits must be maintained by the road and conditions, rather than the maximum that the tyres can endure.

Excerpt: Following on from our introduction to checking tyres, we are going to look at some of the elements and details of vehicle tyres and the importance of what they mean. Knowing how to read a tyre forms part of the Read More ...

### Appeal for Stolen Vehicle – Mazarrón

We are asking everybody to be on the lookout for a stolen car.
It is a red Seat Ibiza, 5 doors, similar to the image below, with registration number…
8681 HKG
It was stolen from the Mazarrón Country Club on the 2nd June around 3.30 am.
If you see this vehicle, please contact the Guardia Civil / police.

Excerpt: We are asking everybody to be on the lookout for a stolen car. It is a red Seat Ibiza, 5 doors, similar to the image below, with registration number… 8681 HKG It was stolen from the Mazarrón Country Club on Read More ...

### Flying the Flag for Euro 2016

With the start of the Euro 2016 football competition, we thought it appropriate to answer one of the questions that often comes up surrounding sporting features, “Can I put a flag on my car?”
The short answer is yes, so long as it complies with certain rules, as the last thing we want is to pose a danger to either ourselves or other road users.
Whether it is of a country, a football team or just a group to which you belong, carrying a flag to show your support is something that many people may consider, but it can also lead to fines from the traffic police if your flag does not comply with the regulations, not because the flag may show support for another country, but because they can lead to danger.
Artículo 14 of the Reglamento Circulacion deals with the distribution of loads, under the heading “Disposición de la carga”. Although a flag may not be considered to be a “load”, because it is an element which is additional to the normal fixtures of the vehicle, then it qualifies as such.
As such, in the interests of safety, anything carried on a vehicle must not drag fully or partially, fall or move dangerously, interfere with vehicle stability, produce noise, dust or other problems that can be avoided and must not hide the lighting and signals, number plates or anything else which could interfere with manual warnings of the drivers.
Anything which is placed outside the vehicle when it is moving will produce drag. Cars and road vehicles are designed through extensive testing in wind tunnels in order for them to minimise this.
Quite clearly, if a flag is of a large enough size, it will produce considerable drag. It may well interfere with the view of lights, number plates and other fixtures, and could blow or fall into the path of other road users, and is a risk in terms of becoming loose or entangles in either the vehicle carrying it, or others.
Therefore, quite clearly, large flags are not allowed. However, there are smaller, purpose built flags which are permitted. These are often seen attached to the windows of vehicles, or sometimes as part of the main structure, such as one might see in a Presidential limousine.

Similarly, there are other accessories available which can be fitted to a vehicle safely, such as covers for the wing mirrors, so long as the active view of the mirror is not obscured.

A flag draped or tied across the bonnet or roof, or any part of the vehicle, would not be permitted, nor would covers to the sun visors, which could interfere with the visibility of the driver.
There are some exceptions to this rule when a road is closed to normal traffic, such as when an organised parade is taking place, at which time, larger flags are permitted.
If you do wish to display a flag on your car during normal driving conditions, take into account the size of the flag as there are no approved flags for use on the car, and small enough to not pose any kind of risk. If you do this, your patriotism can be displayed for all to see, but fall foul of the law and the consequences will be a considerable financial burden.
If you would like to practice your Spanish whilst thinking about this rule, here is the extract from the Reglamento Circulacion.
Artículo 14 Disposición de la carga
La carga transportada en un vehículo, así como los accesorios que se utilicen para su acondicionamiento o protección, deben estar dispuestos y, si fuera necesario, sujetos de tal forma que no puedan:


a) Arrastrar, caer total o parcialmente o desplazarse de manera peligrosa.


b) Comprometer la estabilidad del vehículo.


c) Producir ruido, polvo u otras molestias que puedan ser evitadas.


d) Ocultar los dispositivos de alumbrado o de señalización luminosa, las placas o distintivos obligatorios y las advertencias manuales de sus conductores.

Excerpt: With the start of the Euro 2016 football competition, we thought it appropriate to answer one of the questions that often comes up surrounding sporting features, “Can I put a flag on my car?” The short answer is yes, so Read More ...

### Intensified Alcohol and Drugs Checks This Week

All of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by National, Regional and Local police forces, will be carrying out extensive checks on alcohol and drug use on the roads of Spain.

The campaign runs until Sunday an coincides with a coordinated campaign through the European traffic police network, TISPOL, which will also see intensified tests on the roads of other countries across the continent.
For their part, the Guardia Civil intend to carry out at least 25,000 alcohol and drugs tests each day until Sunday.
The main goal is to detect and deal with habitual offenders, who get behind the wheel on a regular basis whilst having consumed alcohol or drugs. The latest figures extracted from the most recent data available suggests that there may be around 12,000 drivers who met this continually dangerous criteria.
So far this year, the figure of those detected is approaching 100,000 drivers who not only risk their own but the lives of many innocent victims who all too often leave the scene of the carnage facing a life dealing with serious injuries and, on too numerous occasions, leaving the friends and families of loved ones having to deal with their death.
According to the annual report of the National Institute of Toxicology, the 39.09% of deceased drivers displayed the presence of alcohol or drugs in their blood. The figure rises to 40% when pedestrians are analysed.
Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can affect driving ability and so, despite Spain having considerably lower maximum limits than countries such as the UK, the best advice is always zero consumption before getting behind the wheel.

Excerpt: All of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by National, Regional and Local police forces, will be carrying out extensive checks on alcohol and drug use on the roads of Spain. The campaign runs until Sunday an coincides Read More ...

### Rajoy to Visit Torrevieja and Santa Pola

The President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, will visit Torrevieja and Santa Pola during the run up to the next general elections.



Rajoy will visit the two town on Friday, June 10th, before heading down to Murcia on Saturday and then returning to Madrid to focus on the debate between the four main party leaders, Pedro Sanchez (PSOE), Pablo Iglesias (Podemos) and Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos), next Monday.

### Al Andalus Car Hire Help N332

Through their collaboration with the N332 Road Safety Project, Al Andalus Car Hire wanted to try to help the local charities we work with, and thanks to their help, the children at Elche Children´s Home face a summer of fun and excitement with their brand new PlayStation games console.
David Baker, the boss of Al Andalus Car Hire, gave up a week in one of his rental properties, offering the money he received to the project.
With that money, N332 purchased a Play Station games console, memory card and 20 of the top games so that the children can be entertained through the summer and beyond.

It is thanks to our supporters that we are able to extend that help to local needy causes and we thank Al Andalus Car Hire for their help.

If you would like to know more about their service, visit the website, alandaluscarhire.com, and we hope you will support and thank them for their contribution on our behalf.
If you run a business and would like to offer your support as a sponsor, email admin@n332.es and we will get back in touch with you.

Excerpt: Through their collaboration with the N332 Road Safety Project, Al Andalus Car Hire wanted to try to help the local charities we work with, and thanks to their help, the children at Elche Children´s Home face a summer of fun Read More ...

### Political Pressure for N-332 Widening at Torrevieja

Members of the regional socialist party, Herick Campos y Antonia Moreno, accompanied by local PSOE councillors, visited Torrevieja this week to look at one of the most problematic roads in the entire area, the N-332 as is passes through Torrevieja.

The stretch of road is one of the few sectors which was not widened under recent changes to the road network, and yet it is one of the busiest sections of the coastal road.
The seven-kilometre stretch not only serves as a bottleneck for traffic, it is also the location of a number of serious and fatal incidents in recent years.
Campos recalled that the previous national socialist government invested 28 million euro in widening schemes in the surrounding towns, and also explained how the former local mayor, Eduardo Dolón, had said that the widening work would commence in 2015, although nothing has ever begun after state investment was postponed until at least 2018.
With a new socialist led government regional government in Valencia, investment has started to be allocated to various projects around the area, such as the outstanding emergency coordination centre on the Orihuela Costa, and as such they intend to campaign for the work to widen the road to become a priority.
Moreno, facing the next general election said that “it is a firm commitment of the PSOE to ensure the widening as soon as possible”.

Excerpt: Members of the regional socialist party, Herick Campos y Antonia Moreno, accompanied by local PSOE councillors, visited Torrevieja this week to look at one of the most problematic roads in the entire area, the N-332 as is passes through Torrevieja. Read More ...

### Cyclist Knocked down in Torrevieja

A cyclist, believed to be in their 30´s, was knocked down by a car in Torrevieja on Thursday, suffering minor injuries.

The incident happened at around 14:00 on Avenida Rosa Mazón. Witnesses saw the victim lay on the tarmac following the collision and alerted the emergency services.

An ambulance arrived and took the victim to hospital as a precaution. They were discharged a short time later.

### Toll Avoider Convicted by Court

A judge has ruled in favour of a toll road operating company after a campaign was launched across Spain to encourage drivers to refuse to pay for using the payment required motorway network.
This is the first time a driver has been prosecuted through the courts for continual none payment of tolls, resulting in the driver being condemned to pay 358 euro plus interest for continually refusing to pay.

The orchestrated campaign under the slogan “no vull pagar”, encouraging drivers to refuse to pay, spread through social network sites after a number of drivers believed the fees to be unfair on account of the huge debts owed by the operators to the public purse. In the ruling, the judge has confirmed that the toll road operators are justified in charging for the use of the network in order to offset the costs of construction, management and maintenance.
In this particular case, the driver had avoided paying tolls on 60 occasions between April and August of 2012, on the C-32 and AP-7 motorway. The defendant admitted during the trial to have joined the network with “no intention of paying” but claimed to have only done so on 8 occasions. The evidence provided by the concessionaire showed that there were many more: 56 in the case of the barriers of the C-32 and 4 in the case of the AP-7.
Therefore, the man, who lives in Barcelona, must pay 358 euros plus interest to the operator, as well as paying the legal fees. Of the 358 euro, 318 corresponds to the amount of tolls not paid at the time and 40 are by way of damages for administrative expenses.

Excerpt: A judge has ruled in favour of a toll road operating company after a campaign was launched across Spain to encourage drivers to refuse to pay for using the payment required motorway network. This is the first time a driver Read More ...

### Intelligent Road Signs

A new wave of road signs in being installed across much of the main road network in Spain, all part of a multimillion euro investment scheme to make the roads safer.
On the infamous N-332 around Torrevieja we have already seen illuminated signs offering more protection at roundabouts. Arrows which flash in the direction of movement and triangular signs that flash orange to warn us of the approaching hazard are just some of the signs that drivers have been getting used to for some time.
This week, intelligent signs have been installed in one of the most problematic areas in terms of congestion, in the single-line section as the N-332 passes Torrevieja, which both monitor the flow of traffic on the roads and then communicate with each other to warn approaching drivers of queues ahead.








As you can see from the pictures, these sign groups have two units, one which is the detector, the other the receptor and warning sign. When traffic flows freely the signs look like nothing more than a black square. But, when traffic is detected, the square displays an electronic version of the triangular P-31 road sign, warning of congestion, with flashing orange lights to attract attention.

These are not the only intelligent signs being installed on the network. In other areas of Spain a number of junctions have already had warning systems installed which tell drivers on the main carriageway that there is a vehicle at a junction ahead on a minor road likely to join or cross the flow of traffic.

Sensors built into the road, similar to those used to monitor traffic flow, become aware of the presence of a vehicle at the junction. They are able to identify the size and type of vehicle, if needed, and then send the information to the warning sign located on the main carriageway, almost offering an extra set of eyes to the driver and the theoretical ability to see beyond bends and buildings ahead, thus reducing the surprise factor and, hopefully, reducing the risk.

It is known under the name of “sistema de advertencia dinámica en intersecciones”, or “dynamic junction warning system”, which uses low-cost technology to exchange information between the vehicle, infrastructure and back to the vehicle, and so commonly known as “V2V”, the aim being to warn of the proximity of vehicles at junctions.
Jaime Moreno, deputy director of Mobility at the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), explains that, “when the system detects the presence of a vehicle approaching the intersection, this situation activates the alert signal for vehicles traveling the main stem, with preference through the junction, so they can know well in advance this circumstance, adjusting their speed and taking extreme care”.
So far, there are four locations in Spain where the system has been installed, chosen because of their high incident rate. Two of them, located in the provinces of Madrid and León, are also in locations known for their concentration of a high number of incidents.
The locations are: Leon (in the N-VI, at kilometre 399); Madrid (also in the N-VI, pk 56); Navarra (N-113, pk 78) and A Coruña (N-634, pk 676). In these four locations, between 2012 and 2014, a total of 48 crashes occurred, resulting in the loss of 3 lives and injury to another 47 people.

Excerpt: A new wave of road signs in being installed across much of the main road network in Spain, all part of a multimillion euro investment scheme to make the roads safer. On the infamous N-332 around Torrevieja we have already Read More ...

### 1,688 Deaths on the Roads

The Spanish government has released the latest road fatality statistics, revealing that in 2015, a total of 1,688 people have been recorded as losing their lives on the roads of Spain, the same number as in 2014. However, there were 9,503 people seriously injured, which has dropped slightly from the 9,574 in 2015.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Luis Aguilera, revealed the figures at a road safety and sustainability conference, and covers the main road network throughout the country, except Catalonia and the Basque Country.
In view of these results, Luis Aguilera has expressed the need to continue working with municipalities in general and with the police and those responsible for traffic Basque Country and Catalonia to ensure that the reduction in casualties occurs across all regions.

Excerpt: The Spanish government has released the latest road fatality statistics, revealing that in 2015, a total of 1,688 people have been recorded as losing their lives on the roads of Spain, the same number as in 2014. However, there were Read More ...

### Tragedy at Gandia

A woman, believed to be in her fifties, was killed on Monday in a head-on collision on the N-332 main road in the Gandia area, north of Alicante.

The victim was the sole occupant of the vehicle which collided with an oncoming truck in a location known as the curvas de Sant Joan at around 8 in the morning.
The impact was so great that the victim´s vehicle was almost destroyed outright, killing the driver instantly.
The Guardia Civil traffic police rushed to the scene, along with fire fighters and medics, who carried out an extraction whilst the road was closed for some time.
The traffic police are now investigating the incident to ascertain which of the two vehicles invaded the opposite carriageway so as to determine the cause of the crash, and ascertain what other factors may have contributed to the tragedy.

Excerpt: A woman, believed to be in her fifties, was killed on Monday in a head-on collision on the N-332 main road in the Gandia area, north of Alicante. The victim was the sole occupant of the vehicle which collided with Read More ...

### Drunk Driver in Lane Confusion!

A drunk driver seemingly became confused over which lane to approach Torrevieja off the N-332 main road on Monday, instead choosing the cycle lane.

Unfortunately, as the cycle lane is not designed for the purpose of carrying cars, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The Guardia Civil attended the scene and found the driver to have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol and now faces the consequences of those actions, lucky to have not killed anybody in the process.

The damaged vehicle had to be recovered from the scene by a tow truck.

Excerpt: A drunk driver seemingly became confused over which lane to approach Torrevieja off the N-332 main road on Monday, instead choosing the cycle lane. Unfortunately, as the cycle lane is not designed for the purpose of carrying cars, the vehicle Read More ...

### Tyre Safety Checks We Can All Do

Tyres are arguably one of the most important elements of a vehicle, however they are often so easily neglected, despite the abuse they can face on a regular basis.

On a daily basis they are worn down through normal use, have to withstand heat and cold and are often bashed by potholes and kerbs, it is no real surprise that they can become easily damaged.
It is for that reason that we must educate ourselves to pay more attention to our tyres, so that we can get the best out of them, and the safest driving experience possible.
It is important that our tyres have sufficient tread to enable them to maintain contact with the road surface in any weather conditions. The grooves in the tyres are used to displace surface content to ensure the tyres grip the road, and so it is only if there is enough of a gap for that surface material, water for example, to go into that the tyres remain efficient.
The minimum tread depth of a tyre is 1.6 millimetres across the central ¾ of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing at 3 millimetres. At 1.6 millimetres in wet weather it takes an extra two car lengths (8 metres) to stop at 50 mph than if your tread was 3 millimetres. Over or under inflated tyres will cause uneven wear and so the tread might also be uneven, possibly deeper on one side than the other.
We can and should check the tyres on a regular basis to ensure that they are at their optimum inflation and with consistent tread. We need to get close to the tyre and look at each one of them separately. Firstly, we can feel around each tyre with our hands, including the sides, feeling for anything that doesn´t seem correct, such as bubbling or even items protruding from the tyre. It is possible for example for a tyre to contain a nail but the nail is plugging the hole it has made and so deflation can be very slow, despite this potentially dangerous situation.
As we look around each tyre we should also check the tread. If the tyre is under inflated then there may be more wear towards he edges of the tyres. If a tyre is over inflated there could be more wear in the centre. As we work our way around the tyre we should also look within the tread pattern for ridges between the tread. These are called the Principle Grooves and are indicators of tyre wear.
We should check each tyre individually, including the spare, to make sure that the tread wear is consistent and sufficient. We should also check the tyre pressure, although we may have to go to a local service station to do this. Most modern vehicles have a plate stuck to them, often on or near the door, which indicated the optimum pressure under normal driving conditions. If not, you might have to check your manual. You should always check tyre pressure when they are cold.

The tyres themselves also contain a series of numbers and letters which reveals a wealth of technical information. The tyres your vehicle is fitted with are registered on your ITV card, although you can change them for another size with a tolerance up to 3% from the size you have on your ITV card.
If you look at the side of the tyre you will see a sequence which looks something like this sample, “195 / 55 R 16 87V”. Here, “195” refers to 195 millimetres, the nominal section width of the tyre. “55” is 55%, the aspect ratio, representing the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the nominal section width, i.e., in our case, 55% of 195mm. “R” stands for radial construction. “16” is the diameter of the tyre´s inner rim, this time in inches. “87” is the load capacity of the tyre. “V” indicates the maximum permitted speed.

Another code stamped onto the tyre reveals the month and year of manufacture. For example, a code “4108” indicates that the tyre was manufactured in week 41 of the year 2008. There are many cheap tyres on offer for sale which, when you look closely, might well be very old tyres. This is something to be very conscious of, especially as the recommendations are that tyres should be replaced at least every 5 years, so you might not be aware that you are replacing your tyres with those already older than the recommendation.

Because of the importance of tyres and the functions they perform, it is always worthwhile spending that little extra effort, time and even money to ensure they are correct. Garages like Autos Direct in San Miguel will be able to check your tyres for you, if you have any doubt, and can recommend any remedial action you might need to take. However, it is also crucial that we each perform the basic checks mentioned here on a regular basis, at least monthly and every time before a long journey to ensure our vehicles are safe and at optimum performance for fuel efficiency.

 

Excerpt: Tyres are arguably one of the most important elements of a vehicle, however they are often so easily neglected, despite the abuse they can face on a regular basis. On a daily basis they are worn down through normal use, Read More ...

### N332 MEET RBL

Members from the N332 project attended the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion last week to give their last presentation on road safety before the summer break.

There was yet another full house of RBL members and guests who welcomed the N332 Team, Francisco Morales and Mark Nolan as they discussed many of the common problems that expat drivers are faced with when they move to Spain.
Mark had the audience attention right from the start with his opening remark, ‘This is how you identify an unmarked police car.’ But the subject was covered for good reason, as a result of the increasing amount of car crime involving motorists being stopped by bogus Guardia Officers which is gradually spreading into the area.
The pair then covered matters including distraction theft and many of the more obvious matters such as vehicle documents, footwear, warning triangles and the necessary security of passengers, pets and loads in moving vehicles.
Accompanying the two speakers on the night were Nicolas Bradford, the occasion being used to present the former West Midland Traffic Policeman with a token of appreciation for his help with the N332 project, and Paul Piccio, the President of C.L.A.R.O. who attended the event as part of his wish to find out more about local clubs and groups operating on the Costa Blanca.
The N332 team already have a number of presentations lined up for after the summer, as well as other events they will be attending. Remember to keep checking the website, n332.es, for more information.

Excerpt: Members from the N332 project attended the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion last week to give their last presentation on road safety before the summer break. There was yet another full house of RBL members and guests Read More ...

### Officers Injured Pursuing Burglary Suspect

Two Guardia Civil officers were injured on Sunday when their vehicles crashed in the centre of Torrevieja whilst attempting to apprehend a suspect believed to have committed an act of burglary.

Several patrols were in the area following the burglary in the Los Locos area of the town. The officers were searching for the suspect who had tried to evade capture having suffered a puncture in his escape vehicle and so continued on foot.
The two injured officers were involved in a crash at the junction of Calle María Parodi and Calle Caballero de Rodas, one vehicle colliding with a tree, the second with a column.
The officers were taken to Torrevieja hospital with one having suffered a neck injury, the other with bruises.
The fleeing suspect was captured and arrested.

Excerpt: Two Guardia Civil officers were injured on Sunday when their vehicles crashed in the centre of Torrevieja whilst attempting to apprehend a suspect believed to have committed an act of burglary. Several patrols were in the area following the burglary Read More ...

### We Save Lives Reflections from Inside

This innovative awareness campaign video aims to serve as a reminder of the dangers and repercussions of drinking or using drugs and driving.

Excerpt: This innovative awareness campaign video aims to serve as a reminder of the dangers and repercussions of drinking or using drugs and driving.

### Wrong-Way Driver Had No Money For Toll

A Romanian man who drove his vehicle carrying his wife and two children in the opposite direction on the AP-7 motorway last week justified his actions by saying that he had no money to pay the toll.
The man had driven his vehicle along the AP-7 and arrived at the toll booths at La Zenia. Unable to pay the toll, he decided to turn his vehicle around and drive 8 kilometres in the opposite direction before the Guardia Civil intercepted him at kilometre 755 in the San Miguel area of the Alicante to Cartagena motorway.
The man wasted tested for alcohol and drugs, both of which were negative, and gave the explanation to the arresting officers. Despite his actions, it is believed that there was no immediate risk to other road users at the time.
There is an established protocol in place for dealing with drivers who have no immediate means of payment. In this circumstance, the toll booth operator would take a copy of the driver´s identity documents and the vehicle´s details and issue a notice to the driver with details of a bank account to pay into within a specified time. Failure to pay would then result in the driver being reported for an offence. Repeat offenders face having their vehicle immobilised until the Guardia Civil arrive to deal with the driver. However, in genuine cases, if payment is made in time, there is not likely to be any future issues.

Excerpt: A Romanian man who drove his vehicle carrying his wife and two children in the opposite direction on the AP-7 motorway last week justified his actions by saying that he had no money to pay the toll. The man had Read More ...

### Types of Hazards and How to Avoid Them – Part 2

Obstacles in the Road
There are countless items that could find themselves in the road and pose a problem to vehicles. Fallen trees, items fallen from vehicles, rocks and boulders, parked cars, the list is almost endless, but one thing we must be aware of is that if we have to invade the opposite lane in order to pass the obstruction then we must give way to oncoming vehicles and only pass when safe to do so.

Permanent Road Features
It is vital that we pay attention to our surroundings constantly. Not only reading and observing the physical signs on a road such as the maximum permitted speed limit or warnings of hazards ahead, but also of the physical characteristics of the road itself. Look for junctions, narrow streets, dangerous bends, elevation changes and dips, blind corners and merging traffic. Remember that road signs are there to help us and are indicative of a number of reasons why we must react to the conditions, but road signs are not present for every hazard on the road, we must look out for those ourselves.
Parking
When parking your vehicle, always choose a location that is safe, legal and convenient. Respect distances between vehicles, look for signs or signals that prevent or restrict parking. Be careful when opening your door, look in the mirrors and around the vehicle for approaching road users such as cyclists, motorbike, pedestrians or other cars.
Reversing Vehicles
We should always try to avoid reversing wherever possible as our field of vision is significantly reduced. Reversing into a parking bay makes it safer and more convenient for leaving, and reversing from a minor road to a major road should always be avoided. The manoeuvrability of the vehicle may be compromised as the driver becomes confused during a revering manoeuvre. Pressure and added stress can also lead inexperienced drivers to make mistakes when reversing. If you see a vehicle carrying out a reversing move allow extra space and time.
Vehicles Turning Left or Right
Be aware that the vehicle in front of you may wish to turn. Although we hope that the vehicle´s lights are working and that the driver will carry out the correct procedure for junctions, this is not always the case. Allowing sufficient space between you and the vehicle in front allows you more time to react in the event of something happening. Look out for the vehicle in front slowing down or moving to the left or right of the lane and look out for hand signals from the driver.
Novice Drivers
Remember that each and every one of us were once a learner driver, and then we became loose on the roads as a novice. Driving soon becomes habitually second nature, hopefully with good habits rather than bad, but novice drivers still lack the experience to react to situations they are not used to. Be patient and give them the time to learn in a safe manner.
Heavy Vehicles
Because of their size and weight, large vehicles are more difficult to manoeuvre. They need to make wide turns, especially in tight junctions and roads. Even, depending on its length and shape of the junction, they may invade other lanes.
They are usually slower in performing normal movements and their speed may be affected by hills and inclines. Allow extra space and time near these vehicles and pay attention to the potential blind-spot risks to the driver. If you can´t see their mirrors, they can´t see you.
Slow and Priority Vehicles
Be extremely cautious when approaching a vehicle with emergency lights. You may find construction machinery, garbage trucks, transport of dangerous goods, damaged vehicles or those performing maintenance on the road which are travelling at a much reduced speed than ours.
We must give way to priority vehicles traveling with light flashing to an emergency, slowing or even stopping to the right of the roadway if necessary, but we must never endanger other road users.
Animals
Animals in the road pose a major risk, especially in countryside areas where they be unaware of the dangers their presence might be posing to traffic. Drive slowly and always respect distance, because animals are unpredictable and can be startled. Any animal poses a risk, especially if loose. They usually run at a relatively slow speed, so they can sometimes even force us to stop.
 

Excerpt: Obstacles in the Road There are countless items that could find themselves in the road and pose a problem to vehicles. Fallen trees, items fallen from vehicles, rocks and boulders, parked cars, the list is almost endless, but one thing Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Traffic Officer Killed on Duty

An officer from the Guardia Civil traffic section based in Valladolid was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday on the A-62 near to urbanización El Montico, in Burgos.

The 112 emergency coordination centre received an urgent call at 17:17 from the Guardia Civil saying that one of their officers had been hit by a vehicle and required urgent medical assistance.
The officer, who was 56 years of age and with the initials D.A.N., was riding with his colleague behind a slow moving truck which was having difficulties.
A car driver failed to notice the hazard ahead and crashed into the motorbike, knocking the officer from his vehicle and running over him on the road.
Emergency assistance was immediately dispatched but an emergency intensive care unit was stood down after the officer had been confirmed to have lost his life at the scene.

Excerpt: An officer from the Guardia Civil traffic section based in Valladolid was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday on the A-62 near to urbanización El Montico, in Burgos. The 112 emergency coordination centre received an urgent call at Read More ...

### Traffic Patrol Bike Crushed by Truck

A Guardia Civil traffic officer had a lucky escape on Monday when a truck crashed into the motorbike patrol vehicle in Castellón.
The initial hypothesis from the scene was that the driver of the articulated lorry was distracted and crashed into the motorcycle.
Fortunately, on this occasion, neither the officer nor the truck driver were seriously injured.

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer had a lucky escape on Monday when a truck crashed into the motorbike patrol vehicle in Castellón. The initial hypothesis from the scene was that the driver of the articulated lorry was distracted and crashed Read More ...

### Types of Hazards and How to Avoid Them – Part 1

Every time we get behind the wheel of a car we are about to embark on a journey, not just the one that takes us from A to B, just a journey where our fate may well lie in the hands of others, and the differing dynamics of the road environment.
Every journey is different and that is why we must take the same precautions every single time. Complacency can lead to a heightened risk and travelling over the same route day in, day out, can lull us into a false sense of security.
Here, we are going to look at some of those hazards we might meet when we are out for a regular drive, and what we can do to reduce the risk in the event of coming across them.
Pedestrian Crossings
When approaching a pedestrian crossing we must look to both sides to see if there is anybody waiting to cross. We must slow down on approach and stop to give way and allow them to cross. We must also be conscious of anything that might be blocking our clear view of the crossing, and the pedestrian´s view of the road, such as parked cars, adjusting our speed appropriately. Remember, if the pavement or road is wet or icy, we need more time to slow down.

Children and Young People
It is important to pay close attention to children and young road users as they may have no real awareness of the dangers of the road, and might cross without taking any precautions. Look out for tell-tale signs of being near areas where children might play, such as parks, gardens and even shops. Look out also for objects in the road or on the pavement such as bikes or balls, as these might take precedence in the mind of a child oblivious to the road dangers.
Many young people can also become hazards without realising, and countless documented accounts would testify to that. Look out for people wearing headphones, perhaps listening to music and less aware of their surroundings. Texting and using a mobile phone whilst walking also causes a distraction and might well lead to pedestrians unknowingly walking into the road. Allow extra space and slow down in areas where young people might be present.
School Zones
Roads passing near schools may display a warning sign indicating the potential presence of children. In these areas, a heightened attention is vital, not only because of the risk of children in the road but in these areas it is increasingly common to see vehicles double-parked or illegally parked, as the risks associated with such a volatile area are increased significantly by drivers choosing to ignore the laws relating to parking, and putting children at an increased risk. It is important to be very careful because a child may appear unexpectedly. Maximum permitted speed limits are also likely to be reduced in these areas.
The Elderly and Disabled
Look out for older people near to the road. These senior citizens sometimes suffer mobility problems, might be helped by walking sticks, and could be unsteady on their feet. They may suffer hearing or vision impairments and their special awareness and alertness may not be as acute as others. The same applies to those with assisted mobility, such as wheelchair users. Although they are being helped to move, their manoeuvrability may be compromised. It is also important for drivers to exercise patience and allow more time for those who need it to cross the road safely.
Adults
We have covered the young and the old but we mustn´t forget those in between. Adults walking onto the road can also be a potential hazards. Crossing at inappropriate places, between parked cars or dustbins, crossing diagonally and rushing to go about their business can all mean that adults too can enter the road without warning.
Parents with pushchairs are another problem for road users, as a pushchair is manoeuvred onto the road whilst the adults wait at what they consider to be an appropriate place with good visibility, whilst the baby is pushed closer to the danger zone in doing so.
Traffic Officers
Traffic wardens, mobility agents, police, Guardia Civil and other state forces work tirelessly to ensure our safety. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to be in the road directing traffic or performing a special control. It is mandatory to act on the instructions given by people controlling traffic.
Cyclists
Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups of road users. When you go to overtake, make sure you leave the minimum 1.5 metre gap between your vehicle and the cycle, look for signs and signals given by the rider, and look at the road ahead. Make sure you can safely overtake and return to your own lane in good time, and look for any potential hazards to the cyclist such as potholes or other obstacles which may cause the rider to deviate from the bike´s course.
Motorbikes
Motorbikes are also a high risk and vulnerable group. Similar to bicycles, motorbikes may encounter obstacles on the road that cause them to lose balance. Plus, as motorbikes are likely to be travelling at a higher speed by pushbikes, the potential risk is much higher in the event of an impact as the rider´s body would absorb much of the physical shock.

Excerpt: Every time we get behind the wheel of a car we are about to embark on a journey, not just the one that takes us from A to B, just a journey where our fate may well lie in the Read More ...

### Torrevieja Superbikes Take to the Road

The Guardia Civil Trafico in Torrevieja have taken to the roads on their new superbikes this week, patrolling between San Pedro and Alicante on their brand new Yamaha FJR 1300´s.

The FJR 1300 offers 141.5 hp and a top speed of around 240 kilometres per hour, although is considered more fuel efficient under normal road speed conditions.
The vehicle is factory adapted with a single seat and panniers to carry the equipment needed on their daily patrols, and has adapted handlebars to enable the rider to sit upright, rather than in the stooped, racing position.
The bikes are equipped with sirens and lights and carry a fire extinguisher. They also have fixed holders and brackets for the PDA personal digital assistant and printers, so that nothing moves whist the bike is in motion. In addition, the officers carry documents to enable them to make reports when there is a minor incident.
There will be more of these superbikes taking to the roads across the country over the next few months so keep your eyes peeled and you just might see them patrolling in your area.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil Trafico in Torrevieja have taken to the roads on their new superbikes this week, patrolling between San Pedro and Alicante on their brand new Yamaha FJR 1300´s. The FJR 1300 offers 141.5 hp and a top speed Read More ...

### Flip-Flops Found in Manchester Fatal Crash Vehicle

One of the most common questions that is asked as the weather warms up is whether drivers are allowed to wear flip flops behind the wheel.
We have answered the question in some detail here, and although our focus is normally on the roads of Spain, we thought it might be appropriate to visit Manchester in the UK for a tragic story.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating how a car smashed into a wall, killing a girl of nine, whilst her father, 45, and sister, aged eleven, remain in a serious condition in hospital as result of the crash on Saturday.
Now, during the course of the investigation, officers have confirmed that a pair of flip-flops or sandals have been found in the driver´s foot well of the Toyota Auris, and are examining whether the shoes may have become wedged in the controls as the vehicle approached a set of traffic lights.
The officers are looking at whether the driver was wearing them, although “It’s one of a range of other possible lines of enquiry,” said the spokesman. GMP said in a statement: “The driver, due to his own serious injuries, has not yet been able to provide a full account of what happened”.
Picture credit to Steve Allen and Manchester Evening News. You can read more about this fatal incident on their website here.

Excerpt: One of the most common questions that is asked as the weather warms up is whether drivers are allowed to wear flip flops behind the wheel. We have answered the question in some detail here, and although our focus is Read More ...

### Meet TrafficEye, The New Eye on the Road

As all technology advances, so does the manner that devices can be put to good use by helping others, and, in the case of some, saving lives.
Meet Traffic Eye from Tradesegur, one of 70 new devices already installed around the Spanish road network, having their big test switch on only last month, and the first wave of an order of 200 such devices which will go live this year.

Currently under test, the system will go line on 1st of June and start to report violations recorded by the cameras.
TrafficEye and its cousin MultiRadar C, offer the most advanced technologies that are currently available for monitoring traffic, which not only check and report speeding motorists, but also other safety critical traffic violations such as not wearing a seatbelt, children and animals not properly restrained, using a mobile phone or electrical device whilst driving, and checking with the established databases to see if your vehicle is correctly insured.
Prior to these devices, only Pegasus equipped helicopters could monitor the roads so closely. Now, thanks to TrafficEye, the roads can be monitored around the clock because these devices also work at night.

Excerpt: As all technology advances, so does the manner that devices can be put to good use by helping others, and, in the case of some, saving lives. Meet Traffic Eye from Tradesegur, one of 70 new devices already installed around Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Trafico – 20th anniversary of its Traffic School



Excerpt: 

### The Hazards of Distracted Driving

Safe driving takes all our concentration. Don´t be distracted when you drive.

Excerpt: Safe driving takes all our concentration. Don´t be distracted when you drive.

### Emergency Call System for Motorcycles

BMW has developed an emergency contact system for motorbikes which, similar to the eCall system for cars, will automatically summon assistance in the event of a crash.

eCall is expected to save some 2,500 lives per year on the roads as emergency response times will be drastically cut by up to 50%, reducing the threat of delay during that all too crucial “golden hour”.
Now, BMW have developed the system for motorbikes which use a series of sensors to detect if the angle of the vehicle, if it has fallen over, the speed and sudden change, and the severity in the event of an impact.
Having already had equipment on cars for a decade, BMW are also extending the system to allow passengers or witnesses to summon assistance by means of a help button, and the equipment will be installed in all new motorbikes sold by the company from next year.
As well as the anticipated 2,500 lives expected to be saved, the roll-out of the system on all new vehicles from 2018 is also expected to save millions in damage and medical bills.

Excerpt: BMW has developed an emergency contact system for motorbikes which, similar to the eCall system for cars, will automatically summon assistance in the event of a crash. eCall is expected to save some 2,500 lives per year on the roads Read More ...

### Ibex Insurance Celebrating 5 Years in La Zenia

IBEX Insurance will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of their La Zenia store on Friday, and members of the N332 team will be going along to join in the fun.
The party will be from 4 in the afternoon until 7 and there will be special goody bags on offer for those who attend, plus a prize competition where you can win a 100 euro shopping voucher.
There will be a birthday cake by Cake Magic in San Pedro, nibbles, finger food, bubbly, wine and soft drinks, and more.
Plus, the Ibex team will be on hand to answer insurance related questions.
The N332 team will be there for about an hour from 5, so you are welcome to come along and meet us. We will also be giving away car stickers for those attending the event as part of the goody bag booty.
The La Zenia branch of Ibex Insurance is located in Res Zenia Sol II, C / Flores 1, Bajo 3, la Zenia, 03189 Orihuela Costa, Alicante. For more information, and of course if you are interested in asking for a quote, you can call 966 761 575, or visit their website, ibexinsure.com.
We look forward to meeting you on Friday afternoon.

Excerpt: IBEX Insurance will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of their La Zenia store on Friday, and members of the N332 team will be going along to join in the fun. The party will be from 4 in the afternoon until Read More ...

### ALICANTE BLUE FLAG LEADER

The Alicante province is once again the leader in terms of quality beaches, having been awarded more Blue Flags than any other area in Spain with awards for 62 beaches, 13 marinas, 4 routes and 7 schools.

Across the 19 municipalities that make up the Costa Blanca there were 71 candidates for the awards, with 62 Blue Flags being granted, whereas there are 125 Blue Flag beaches across the region and 586 in the whole of Spain.
Once again, Orihuela has the largest number of individual beaches to have been awarded Blue Flags with 8 beaches recognised, whereas Torrevieja retained their 5.
The inspections were carried out last summer.
The beaches awarded blue flags are:
Alicante

Sant Joan
L’Albufereta
El Postiguet
Saladar (Urbanova)

Altea

La Roda
Cap Blanc

Benidorm

Llevant
Mal Pas
Ponent

Benissa

Cala Fustera

Calp

La Fossa
Cantal Roig
Arenal Bol

Denia

Les Bovetes
Les Marines
Molins
Les Rotes
Punta Raset

El Campello

Carrer de la Mar
Mutxavista

Elche

El Altet
Arenales del Sol (Sur)
La Marina
Carabassí
Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo

Finestrat

La Cala

Guardamar

La Roqueta
Centre
El Moncaio

L’Alfàs del Pi

Racó de L’Albir

La Vila Joiosa

Varadero
Centro
La Caleta
Bon Nou
Paradís

Orihuela

Punta Prima
Cala Flamenca
Cala Bosque (La Zenia)
La Caleta (Cabo Roig)
Cala Capitán (Cabo Roig)
Aguamarina
Campoamor
Barranco Rubio
Cala Estaca

Pilar de la Horadada

Mil Palmeras
Jesuitas
Conde

Santa Pola

Calas del Este
Varador
Llevant
El Tamarit
Calas Santiago Bernabéu

Teulada

El Portet
L’Ampolla
Les Platgetes

Torrevieja

El Cura
Los Náufragos
Cala Piteras
Los Locos
La Mata (Sur)

Xàbia

La Grava
L’Arenal

Excerpt: The Alicante province is once again the leader in terms of quality beaches, having been awarded more Blue Flags than any other area in Spain with awards for 62 beaches, 13 marinas, 4 routes and 7 schools. Across the 19 municipalities that make up the Costa Blanca there were 71 candidates for the awards, with […]

### New Seven Point Plan for Road Safety

Spain´s Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, has announced a seven-point action plan for the roads of the country which are aimed at significantly reducing the number of casualties on the roads.
In order to implement the plan, the government will allocate 7.2 million euro in funding towards the life saving measures.
The announcement was main when the minister attended the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Guardia Civil Traffic School in Mérida, Badajoz.
Whilst praising the work of the men and women of the Guardia Civil Trafico, the minister pointed out how more than 9,100 officers who are dedicated to the service are a “fundamental tool for road safety policies of the Government developed through the DGT”.
So far this year, there have been 295 fatal incidents on interurban roads in which 349 people died. In just 3 incidents, there have been 25 fatalities. Given those statistics, the government unveiled the package of measure to reduce these statistics.
Specifically, the plan will increase attention on three distinct area, conventional roads, motorcycles and vans.
On conventional roads last year 913 people lost their lives, many of those were involved in head-on collisions. As for motorbikes, the death count increased by 49 last year, and so the new measures are aimed at achieving better behaviour from bikers and improving coexistence with other road users. In the third group, vans, there has also been a significant increase in the number of fatal incidents which also require measures to achieve safer behaviours.
Here is the seven point plan in more detail.

Rumble Strips

Some 3,000 kilometres of roads will have “rumble strips” installed on both the hard shoulders and the central lane markings to avoid vehicles leaving the road and colliding with those coming in the opposite direction. These will be similar to those installed recently on the N-332 in Torrevieja, itself a known incident blackspot, and for which 5 million euro has been assigned. The completion of this element is expected to be within 5 months.


Limiting overtaking on certain conventional roads

As overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres that can be carried out on the open road, this will be restricted in more areas.
Again, similar to what was recently implemented on the N-332 in Torrevieja, the solid double white lines would be reinforced with wider and marked lines whenever possible.
This too will take around 5 months to complete and the 1 million euro budget will reinforce 1,000 kilometres of road, with an estimated reduction of 20 deaths per year. In 2015, 217 people died in head-on collisions.


Treatment of dangerous intersections

Junctions can be some of the most dangerous areas on the road network. Vehicles cross and interact with those already moving, which can be a significant risk to all. Last year, 20% of injury incidents occurred at intersections on conventional roads and 134 people died in side-impact collisions.
Part of this plan will involve the installation of warning signs on the approach to key junctions, specifically those where visibility might be impaired.
With another million euro set aside for this, it is also expected to save 20 lives each year.


Pedestrian crossing signals

A number of illuminated warning signs will be installed on pedestrian crossings, advising drivers to be aware. These signs will be the standard triangular (P-20) warning signs with orange lights at each point.
A total of 100,000 euro has been set aside for 100 signs in 50 areas over the next seven months. It is hoped that this measure will save 10 lives per year, reducing from the 113 people killed in 2015.


Monitoring and control of excesses of speed night, border traffic and delivery vans

The Interior Minister explained that the implementation of this action is based on the continued planning of campaigns on a monthly basis to increase controls at night, on routes frequented by such vehicles.
These controls would see vehicles stopped and their occupants identified whilst also testing for alcohol and drug use, and the correct documentation, including ITV and insurance.
The estimated budget for this action is 30,000 euro and should reduce the number of deaths each year in vans by 10. In 2015, 68 deaths were reported in vans.

Monitoring speed and safe distance between vehicles on motorways

In addition to excessive speed, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles will see a focus in a 5,000 euro campaign. As well as roadside patrols, helicopters will be used for this purpose, as well as information panels warning of the importance of maintaining a safe distance. The number of people killed last year where driving too close was an attributing factor was 54, an increase of 10 from the year before.

Motorcycles

Finally, motorcycles will be given considerably more attention with extra monitoring points on the roads and checks on ITV, insurance and other documentation, as well as speed and dangerous manoeuvres.
In recent months, 9% of motorcycles involved in injury incidents did not have an ITV. Some 15% of motorbikes were over 20 years of age.

Excerpt: Spain´s Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, has announced a seven-point action plan for the roads of the country which are aimed at significantly reducing the number of casualties on the roads. In order to implement the plan, the government will Read More ...

### Types of Traffic Monitoring Devices

Spain operates a network of traffic monitoring devices, not only looking for drivers who are speeding and those who skip trough red lights, but the new range monitors for such bad practices as using a mobile phone and the use of seatbelts.
Here are the five types of monitoring devices currently in use.

Fixed Cameras: These devices are nicknamed “speed traps without operators” as they are located along the road network, usually at the side of the road, or sometimes on poles or across the carriageway, and monitor vehicles as they pass, recording those who exceed the maximum permitted limit.

Mobile Radars: These operate with an operator, or usually a small team, and are often in unmarked Guardia Civil vehicles, as well as those in marked cars belonging to traffic law enforcement groups, including the DGT themselves. Depending on the type of equipment, the recording vehicle can either be static or moving.

Fixed-Section Radars: These devices operate over a fixed distance of road and monitor the average speed between two points on that section. These devices are often considered to give a more realistic impression of recorded speed as the driver doesn´t usually react instantly when they see one, and so the average reading is a more likely speed recorded.
The camera at point “A” records the number plate as the vehicle passes, including the date and time. Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, the car is then recorded as it passes point “B”, and the time it has taken to cover that distance recorded. If the journey has registered an average speed above the permitted limit then the details are sent to a central processing point where the fine is automatically processed and sent to the driver.



Red-Light Cameras: This type of equipment does not measure the speed of a vehicle but takes a photograph if the vehicle has failed to stop at a red light. In Madrid alone this year there have been an addition five of these cameras installed already this year with another four due before they become active in June. Incidentally, in France, a similar scheme has been on trial where a Stop sign has a camera attached, catching hundreds of drivers on a daily basis.

Pegasus Equipped Helicopters: Pegasus is the name of a recording device fitted to most of the DGT´s traffic helicopters. Distinctive by their yellow and light blue colouring, these “eyes in the sky” can catch offending motorists from a kilometre away and at a height of 300 metres, recording the average speed and vehicle characteristics, as well as monitoring for other traffic violations.
Once the infraction is recorded the data is sent immediately to a central processing point, the Centro de Tratamiento de Denuncias Automatizadas, or ESTRADA, where a fine is automatically issued. In the event of a serious offence, the helicopter crew will summon ground crews to intercept the vehicle.


Although we said that there are five types of monitoring devices in use, there is also the new type which monitor mobile phone and seatbelt use. The first set of these have only just been installed and will continue to roll out across the network during 2016 and 2017.
There is also another monitoring device which is sometimes confusing to motorists, as these metal boxes live alongside the road network but have no visible means of taking a picture. They are identifiable by a square marking in the lane nearby, which is a monitoring sensor, sending information to the roadside box. These devices are used to monitor traffic flow statistics and are not used in enforcement, which is why they have no means of recording individual vehicle details. They are able to record the vehicle type and the number of vehicles using an area, providing essential data to road planners.

In total, across Spain, there are currently 800 fixed cameras, 16 Fixed-Section Radars and 6 helicopters equipped with Pegasus, as well as countless patrols from both the Guardia Civil and the police.
If you´re wondering where the most likely location to be snapped for speeding is it is on the A4 in the province of Jaén, where a Fixed-Section Radar controls the road between kilometre posts 242 and 245.

Excerpt: Spain operates a network of traffic monitoring devices, not only looking for drivers who are speeding and those who skip trough red lights, but the new range monitors for such bad practices as using a mobile phone and the use Read More ...

### Alicante Seeking ANPR System Funding

Alicante City Council is applying for a 4 million euro grant from the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, to enable them to install a real-time monitoring system for vehicles moving through the city.

The project was presented in Madrid on Monday and features the installation of more than one hundred cameras fitted with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) software, in order to read and record the number plates of around 150,000 vehicles per day.
Once the system spots a vehicle it will monitor the speed, place of registration, type, and whether or not it has insurance and ITV certification.
The system has the backing of the national traffic authority, the DGT, and would place Alicante in the forefront across Europe in traffic management terms.
The city council has also said that in the event of the grant application being unsuccessful then the town hall would look at funding its implementation.

Excerpt: Alicante City Council is applying for a 4 million euro grant from the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, to enable them to install a real-time monitoring system for vehicles moving through the city. The project was presented in Madrid Read More ...

### New App Can Report if Mobile used by Drivers

Israeli technologists have devised an application that they hope will significantly reduce the number of incidents on the roads caused by drivers using their mobile phone.

Developed by a company called Cellebrite, the Textalyzer tool allows the authorities access to the mobile phone´s history to show if the phone was being used at the time or just before an incident took place.
Unable to immediately show any personal information relating to the call, text or phone use, Textalyzer will only be able to report on the functions being operated.
The application has yet to be adopted although the American law makers are the first to consider its use in legislation.
In Spain, the DGT started installing a new series of traffic cameras which not only watch for speeding motorists but also monitor for mobile phone and even seatbelt use. These devices act automatically and support other methods of detection such as airborne and ground patrols.
In the most recent campaign, more than 1,100 drivers were caught using their mobile whilst driving.

Excerpt: Israeli technologists have devised an application that they hope will significantly reduce the number of incidents on the roads caused by drivers using their mobile phone. Developed by a company called Cellebrite, the Textalyzer tool allows the authorities access to Read More ...

### Carrying Animals in Cars

“Can you please give me up to date Law information regarding transporting dogs in cars are they allowed on the back seat”.
Animals are permitted in private vehicles, but must be properly restrained using appropriate harnesses or equipment, and so the answer is yes, they are allowed on the back seat, but only if they are secured.

As we look at the law, it clearly says that having an animal in the vehicle that could interfere with the driver is illegal and can result in a fine, so a dog sat loose on the front seat for example is not allowed. Carrying animals which are not properly restrained is dangerous to them too. The same applies for cases, cages and boxes with the animal inside, they too must be properly secured.

Animals are unpredictable, especially in environments they are unsure of or not used to. If loose, they could interfere with the driver´s ability or visibility. In the event of a crash, the animal would suffer considerable injury and, most likely, death.

There are a wide range of security devices available for animals, from boxes and cages, which must also be secured as mentioned, to harnesses which link to the security elements of the vehicle, some adapting the existing seatbelts, others using security points designed for child seats for example. It is not just appropriate to have your dog attempt to wear the seatbelt designed for human passengers, only the appropriate device for them.

Incidentally, if you are found to have an animal loose in the vehicle, there is an 80 euro fine.

Excerpt: “Can you please give me up to date Law information regarding transporting dogs in cars are they allowed on the back seat”. Animals are permitted in private vehicles, but must be properly restrained using appropriate harnesses or equipment, and so Read More ...

### Five Killed in Lorca Motorway Crash

Five people have been killed and another three injured in a road traffic incident on the Lorca-Águilas motorway on Tuesday morning.

The 112 emergency coordination centre received a call at 07:19 reporting that a vehicle had left the road and fallen down an embankment at a bridge. The caller indicated that people were trapped inside the vehicle and suffering varying degrees of serious injuries.

Fire fighters, medics and the Guardia Civil all rushed to the scene and found the vehicle with eight occupants, five of whom having apparently lost their lives in the impact.

The occupants were extracted from the vehicles where medical staff were able to confirm the deaths and treat the remaining three, one of whom was in a serious condition, the other two having suffered minor injuries.
The injured parties were taken to Rafael Méndez hospital in Lorca for continual treatment.

Excerpt: Five people have been killed and another three injured in a road traffic incident on the Lorca-Águilas motorway on Tuesday morning. The 112 emergency coordination centre received a call at 07:19 reporting that a vehicle had left the road and Read More ...

### N332 Meets U3A

This week, members of the N332 Facebook and website teams gave a presentation in Torrevieja to the members of the ever popular U3A.

Hundreds of members attended their monthly event and were given a talk about road safety, including many changes to traffic laws, and answers to some of the most popular questions received through the websites. Afterwards, the team were on hand to answer many more personal questions.

This is the latest presentation carried out by the teams who have been reaching out to community groups to offer help and advice on a more personal level.
The next presentation will be in May and will be to the members of the Orihuela Costa Royal British Legion, before we take a break from events through the summer, returning to do more in the autumn.

The ability to attend and offer this service has been thanks to our supporters, Autos Direct in San Miguel, Mercury FM radio, Al Andalus Car Hire, Ibex Insurance, The Courier newspaper, PSI Consultants, Ricor Abogados, Euronics (Blue Lagoon & Quesada), and Coast and Casas Real Estate, who are all “Working Together for Safer Roads”.

Excerpt: This week, members of the N332 Facebook and website teams gave a presentation in Torrevieja to the members of the ever popular U3A. Hundreds of members attended their monthly event and were given a talk about road safety, including many Read More ...

### Assistance Sought in Hit and Run Case

The Guardia Civil in the Murcia region are asking for assistance to identify the driver of a Seat car that ran over a pedestrian earlier this month and failed to stop.
The incident occurred on the RM-F28 road in the Torre Pacheco area on Sunday the 10th of April.
The vehicle being sought in connection with the incident is a Seat Ibiza or Córdoba, aged around 15 years old, which could have sustained damage to the front of the vehicle, especially towards the right-hand side.
Here are SAMPLE images of the two types of vehicle. The colour of the one being sought is not known, these are samples only.
Seat Ibiza
 
Seat Córdoba
Anybody who recognises a vehicle of this type with unexplained damage consistent with a collision, is asked to contact the Guardia Civil on 968 238 562 or 062.
You can also contact the local police or the 112 emergency centre if you have language problems, explaining the details of your findings and suspicions in relation to this case.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil in the Murcia region are asking for assistance to identify the driver of a Seat car that ran over a pedestrian earlier this month and failed to stop. The incident occurred on the RM-F28 road in the Read More ...

### Hit and Run Driver Caught and Arrested

Officers from the Civil Guard in the Murcia region have arrested the driver of a hit and run incident which had resulted in a cyclist being seriously injured.
The incident took place on Tuesday, the World Day of the Bicycle, when the Guardia Civil were alerted to an incident in the El Raal area of the RM-303 main road by the 112 emergency coordination centre.
Officers attended the scene on the Santomera and Los Ramos road, where a cyclist had been hit by a vehicle which had fled the scene. The cyclist was left in a serious condition in the road by the collision and was attended by emergency medics who transported the injured party to the Murcia hospital for emergency surgery.
Evidence gathered at the scene indicated that a car had invaded the left-hand lane causing the collision, before driving through rural roads to apparently evade capture. The investigators were then able to determine the type of vehicle involved, and then set about a search to locate it.
Less than 24 hours after the incident, the traffic officers located a suspect vehicle in the Murcia town of Puente Tocinos, which had damage consistent with the incident under investigation. The vehicle had damage to a wing mirror, impact damage to its left-hand side and traces of identifying factors similar to the bicycle.

The officers then identified and located the owner, a male of 33 years of age and resident of Puente Tocinos, and presented their evidence to him. The man eventually confessed responsibility for the incident and was arrested on suspicion of crimes of dereliction of duty relief and having left the scene of a crash without providing assistance, and acting in a reckless manner which caused injury to the cyclist.
The vehicle was seized and taken away for forensic examination before its fate is decided by the courts, whereas the driver was presented to the courts in Murcia.

Excerpt: Officers from the Civil Guard in the Murcia region have arrested the driver of a hit and run incident which had resulted in a cyclist being seriously injured. The incident took place on Tuesday, the World Day of the Bicycle, Read More ...

### Watch Your Speed!

The European Traffic Police network, TISPOL, will be carrying out a special vigilance campaign against speeding motorists from this weekend, which means that the European road network will see an increase in patrols of traffic police looking for speeding motorists.

Extra mobile speed checks will be in place around Spain, especially on roads which are known to have more incidents than others, such as main roads.
According to the DGT, inappropriate speed was a factor in 10% of the 89,500 injury incidents during 2013, a figure that rises to 17% when filtering out incidents to only include those on the main roads.
In fatal incidents, excessive speed was a contributory factor in 22% of all incidents. Therefore, according to the DGT, if all vehicles were travelling at the right speed, a quarter of those killed, around 400 people, would still be alive and 1,680 incidents would have been avoided.
All roads have speed limits, generic or specific, and if this limit is exceeded then a driver, if detected, will be punished. But even if a vehicle is driving below the allowed maximum limit, external circumstances such as rain or ice, or vehicle characteristics such as using an emergency wheel can alter what is an appropriate speed to drive at.
The Road Safety Laws dictate that a driver must respect the speed limits and adapt the vehicle´s speed so as to allow it to stop in its field of view, taking into account any obstacles or hazards that might present themselves, taking into account their physical and mental conditions, characteristics and condition of the road, vehicle load, weather, traffic and other circumstances. That is the safe speed.
The faster your car is travelling, the more distance and time it will take to stop. Stopping distances consist of two parts, reaction time and braking time. The average reaction time is between 1 and 1.5 seconds, during which time the vehicle is continuing towards a potential hazard at speed. The faster the vehicle is travelling, the more distance it will cover in this time. Reaction times can be altered by other characteristics such as distraction, alcohol or drugs, or other factors.
The actual braking distance then depends on the speed of the vehicle, as well as other factors such as the road and weather conditions, condition of the vehicle and brakes, the age of the vehicle and the actions of the driver, amongst other factors. In wet conditions, the stopping distance is doubled. In icy conditions, in the case of ice, stopping distances can be up to ten times that of normal, optimum conditions.
Reducing speed not only allows for more reaction time and an increased chance of stopping, it also reduces the damage in the event of a collision, possibly even making the difference between life and death in many cases. According to the 2004 Nilsson report, a decrease of 1% of the average speed on a road produces a 4% reduction in fatal crashes. In addition, it is argued that a reduction of 10 km / h of speed limits would imply a reduction in mortality of around 10%.
Although traffic police will be out in force monitoring speed, it is in everybody´s interest to be more vigilant and respectful of the limits put in place, not only by means of the signs on the road, but also the signs that indicate the factors that may mean the need to slow down is greater.

Excerpt: The European Traffic Police network, TISPOL, will be carrying out a special vigilance campaign against speeding motorists from this weekend, which means that the European road network will see an increase in patrols of traffic police looking for speeding motorists. Read More ...

### Belgian Foreign Licence Holder Fined in Alicante

This week, a Belgian driver was fined in Alicante, as his foreign licence was no longer acceptable under the European rules now being enforced in Spain, as he had an undefined licence after being resident more than 2 years.

Many foreign residents are still of the opinion that they don´t need to change their licence to one or their country of residence, in fact this driver was of that same opinion.
There are clearly documented situations where foreigners must and should change their licences.
In fact, in order to further clarify the situation, the Spanish traffic authority, the DGT, has created their own guide, in English, detailing how you can do this yourself. This document can be downloaded from the DGT website, but we have also included it at the end of this article for your convenience.
In addition, we have found and vetted two legal firms in the Alicante province who will do the transfer on your behalf. They are PSI Consultants based on the Orihuela Costa who cover south of Alicante, and Ricor Abogados who are based in Alicante and cover the city and north.
Details of our collaboration can be found by clicking on this link, and we will forward your details to them as our partners.
Please read the document below, and also this link which answers other questions about changing your foreign driving licence. Remember also, having a Spanish licence when you live in this country makes life simpler in the event of being stopped by the police, as your licence is linked to your NIE, and so your details can be checked at the roadside quickly and easily. You also qualify for reduced rates if you are fined and no not have to pay traffic fines on the spot, which foreign licence holders do.

Excerpt: This week, a Belgian driver was fined in Alicante, as his foreign licence was no longer acceptable under the European rules now being enforced in Spain, as he had an undefined licence after being resident more than 2 years. Many Read More ...

### Potential Delays on Main Alicante-Elche Airport Road Route

Maintenance workers have been carrying out repairs to a road bridge over the N-332 at the Gran Alacant area for a number of weeks.
The route is one of the main roads that connects Alicante-Elche airport with the south Alicante towns such as Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, and others.
On Monday 18th April, the work enters its final stage, with minor diversions and speed restrictions in place that may cause delays to airport traffic.
This stage will be split into two segments, which will operate over the next four to five weeks.
Traffic travelling in the Alicante direction will be diverted off the main road and through what is normally a slip road allowing access to the petrol station.
For the first half of the closure this will allow workers to renovate the section of bridge directly above the Alicante-bound carriageway. Traffic in the Cartagena direction will not be affected, other than a reduction in the maximum permitted speed through the works.
Then, for the second half of the work, the same Alicante-bound diversion will remain, but Cartagena-bound traffic will be moved over onto the Alicante-bound side of the N-332 to allow the work to continue above the Cartagena-bound lane.
Main traffic will not be affected too much other than delays at peak times on account of the reduction in speed, although traffic intending to go from Gran Alacant in the Cartagena direction will face the biggest amount of disruption as the slip road onto the N-332 in that direction will be closed for the duration.

Excerpt: Maintenance workers have been carrying out repairs to a road bridge over the N-332 at the Gran Alacant area for a number of weeks. The route is one of the main roads that connects Alicante-Elche airport with the south Alicante Read More ...

### Distractions are Dangerous

Distractions whilst driving are one of the principle causes of road traffic incidents. Driving required your full attention at all times. 
Some distractions are so subtle we might not even notice. Obvious distractions whilst driving are using your mobile phone, checking for texts or Whatsapp and Facebook or Twitter messages for example, setting your GPS, even listening to music or the radio, but passengers can also distract us, adults and children. Plus, tiredness, being sleepy is another form of distraction. On long journeys, take frequent breaks, if you start to feel tired, pull over in a safe and legal place and rest.
Remember, driving requires our full and undivided attention at all times.
This video shows the consequences of one driver being distracted. Please watch it and stay safe when driving.

Excerpt: Distractions whilst driving are one of the principle causes of road traffic incidents. Driving required your full attention at all times.  Some distractions are so subtle we might not even notice. Obvious distractions whilst driving are using your mobile phone, checking Read More ...

### Traffic Officers Catch Bank Robber

Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil based in Orihuela arrested a man who had robbed a bank at gunpoint, then knocked down two women as he tried to escape.

The man made off with the bank with 12,000 euro in cash after robbing a bank in the Murcia town of Santomera, before returning to the Orihuela area.
The traffic officers noted the vehicle and were suspicious of the driver and subsequently attempted to ask the vehicle driver to stop.
The driver resisted and attempted to escape at speed, knocking down the two women who were on separate streets in the city of Orihuela.
Minutes later, the officers caught up with the vehicle and detained the driver. A subsequent inspection of the vehicle revealed a large amount of cash and a firearm, although this was later discovered to be a fake pistol.
The two women were treated at the scene with one of them being taken to hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the incident.

Excerpt: Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil based in Orihuela arrested a man who had robbed a bank at gunpoint, then knocked down two women as he tried to escape. The man made off with the bank with 12,000 euro in Read More ...

### New Motorbikes Arrive in Torrevieja

This week, the Torrevieja traffic department of the Guardia Civil took delivery of their new motorbikes, which will take to the roads within the next two months.
These new motorbikes are adapted versions of the powerful Yamaha FJR 1300, which is replacing the traditional and trusted BMW. We went along to the garage this week to check them out and show you what these new vehicles mean for the officers.

The standard BMW R1200RT was first introduced in 2005 to replace the R1150RT model and features a 1,170 cc flat-twin engine with a six-speed gearbox, with 109 hp and a top speed of around 200 kilometres per hour.
The Guardia Civil in Torrevieja currently use the BMW R850RT, an 848 cc, a four stroke, two-cylinder, horizontally-opposed Boxer engine equipped motorbike, offering 73 hp and a top speed of 186.2 kilometres per hour. From a cruising speed of 60 kilometres per hour, the bike can stop in just 14.2 metres and from standing can go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in just 5.8 seconds.
By comparison, the FJR 1300 has a 1,298 cc inline-four liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection engine, offering 141.5 hp. The bike under normal conditions has a top speed of around 240 kilometres per hour, although is considered more fuel efficient under normal road speed conditions.
The vehicle is factory adapted with a single seat and panniers to carry the equipment needed on their daily patrols, and has adapted handlebars to enable the rider to sit upright, rather than in the stopped, racing position.

Over the next few months they will gradually be seen on the local road network, but not before a trip to Alicante, one by one, to have new windscreens and radios fitted.

The bikes are equipped with sirens and lights and carry a fire extinguisher. They also have fixed holders and brackets for the PDA personal digital assistant and printers, so that nothing moves whist the bike is in motion. In addition, the officers carry documents to enable them to make reports when there is a minor accident.
The helmets are equipped with Bluetooth which is connected to a radio in the rear of the bike so the officers can communicate with both the central control centre to enable them to request information such as number plate identification whilst riding, as well as checking the status of the ITV, insurance and driving license of the vehicle owner. The radio also allows direct communication with their colleagues.
In order to keep the bikes in premium condition, they are serviced by the official garages, BMW or Yamaha, every 5,000 or 10,000 kilometres depending on what the motorbikes need. In addition, the wheels are changed every 7,000 kilometres for safety reasons.
Some of the bike had been fitted with cameras in the past, but these were part of a testing scheme for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), they were not hidden speed cameras or radar detectors as some people thought. Although if you think that means they can´t test your speed, think again, the Guardia Civil have a range of speed detectors, so you never know when or from where you are being watched.
Although highly trained on the machines, in fact the training scheme is one of the most highly respected across European police forces, one of the unusual characteristics of the Guardia Civil traffic police is that all of the officers ride motorbikes and drive cars as part of their routine duties, so it is quite normal for the officers to be using different modes of transport on a daily basis.
The Torrevieja department also took charge of a new Fiat multipurpose car this week, which also replaces an older version of the same model, and is fitted with a computerised breathalyser system for performing alcohol tests at the roadside anywhere on the network.
These vehicles are also fitted with a range of safety equipment to enable to officers to respond to any of the challenges they face on a regular basis whilst keeping the roads safe for us all.

Excerpt: This week, the Torrevieja traffic department of the Guardia Civil took delivery of their new motorbikes, which will take to the roads within the next two months. These new motorbikes are adapted versions of the powerful Yamaha FJR 1300, which Read More ...

### Prison for Number Plate Manipulation

The Provincial Court of Málaga has confirmed the sentence of nine months in prison and a 2,100 euro fine for a motorcyclist who manipulated his number plate with black tape.
Sample Image Only
The incident occurred in November of 2015 when the police stopped the motorbike on the N-340 in Torremolinos.
The officers found that the number plate had been manipulated using black tape so that a letter “C” was made to look like a “G”.
The officers were of the opinion that the rider himself had placed the tape on the number plate in order to avoid detection and identification.
The man appealed the sentence as he claims it was an unnamed individual, a “funny man” who had placed the tape on the number plate in his place of work.
The court didn´t believe this version of events and rather believed the evidence of the officers who state that upon stopping the vehicle, the man attempted to remove the tape and made gestures which were thought to have been as a distraction.
Therefore, the court dismissed the appeal and confirmed the sentence given in the first instance of nine months in prison and a fine for fraud.

Excerpt: The Provincial Court of Málaga has confirmed the sentence of nine months in prison and a 2,100 euro fine for a motorcyclist who manipulated his number plate with black tape. The incident occurred in November of 2015 when the police Read More ...

### First Driverless Bus Launched in Spain

The first driverless buses in Spain have taken to the roads in the Technology Park of San Sebastian.

The small, ten-seat shuttle bus is operating a pilot scheme in the park and will be running under test conditions and at a maximum speed of 12 kilometres per hour for the next three months.
The trial has been running in six other cities across Europe, including in Trikala in Greece, where it has been running for six months and carried 11,302 passengers over a total of 3500 kilometres. Significantly, during the Greek test, the bus has never been involved in a road traffic incident, other than once riding onto the pavement, although safety devices operated preventing the bus from moving further.
The first bus in Spain took to its route this week carrying a variety of dignitaries, photographers and journalists on its inaugural journey.
The cabins, which rest on four wheels, give a sense of strength and stability, and are equipped with high-precision technologies and safety systems to ensure safe driving in the environment. The three units are connected to a control centre which monitors the vehicles through WiFi, allowing real time itineraries and updates.
The bus is free to use and will run over its two kilometre route in the technology park, with 10 stop-off points, from Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 19:30 continuously. The aim is to connect the businesses in the technology park and to facilitate easier mobility, whilst operating efficiently and protecting environmental resources. In order for the test service to operate, 160 car parking spaces have been removed from the site.

Excerpt: The first driverless buses in Spain have taken to the roads in the Technology Park of San Sebastian. The small, ten-seat shuttle bus is operating a pilot scheme in the park and will be running under test conditions and at Read More ...

### Man Killed in Boat at Tabarca Island

A man, 71 years of age, was killed on Saturday in a collision between 2 boats in the waters off the coast of the island of Tabarca.
Reports stage that a sailboat with crewed by a man in his 60´s collided with a small fishing boat carrying two people, one of which was reported to be in a critical condition as a result of suffering heart problems, following the incident.
The Maritime Service of the Guardia Civil took the injured man to the Port of Santa Pola where he was transferred to a paramedic ambulance to be taken to the Hospital General Universitario de Elche, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Guardia Civil are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Excerpt: A man, 71 years of age, was killed on Saturday in a collision between 2 boats in the waters off the coast of the island of Tabarca. Reports stage that a sailboat with crewed by a man in his 60´s collided with a small fishing boat carrying two people, one of which was reported to […]

### Traffic Police Suggested as Driving Test Examiners

A national federation representing driving schools across Spain has come up with a proposal to help reduce the backlog of examinations caused by recent industrial action by examiners.
The CNAE say that more than a dozen provinces have not yet recovered from the action, with student drivers having to wait for between one and two months for an appointment for their driving test. In some cases, the student driver isn´t notified until 48 hours before the practical examination.
The situation seems to be getting worse, according to the federation, with attempts to fill vacancies for examiners failing and more leaving the industry on a daily basis.
The solution the CNAE have come up with and are proposing, is utilising serving officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department to conduct both the theory and practical examinations.
Although the idea of a uniformed traffic cop sitting alongside a nervous, novice driver conducting the test might well be one of the most daunting prospect that the candidates may face, the federation believe that the officers are uniquely placed in their knowledge of traffic law and procedure to conduct the tests, and would require very little additional training in order to achieve this.
The idea comes from France where the government has allowed other departments to control the theory test, and, in some cases, have used gendarmes in test situations on closed tracks.
It should be pointed out however that this is just a suggestion from the federation and has not been formally proposed, so is unlikely to become a reality any time soon, if ever.

Excerpt: A national federation representing driving schools across Spain has come up with a proposal to help reduce the backlog of examinations caused by recent industrial action by examiners. The CNAE say that more than a dozen provinces have not yet Read More ...

### Common Causes of Road Rage

For the majority of motorists, driving in a courteous manner is the most natural way to progress, however, there are occasions when a normally calm driver see red and is transformed into a monster. Road rage can affect everybody, but most of the time the most frustrating causes of an increase in stress levels are caused by other people, often unintentionally, but sometimes by those few drivers whose selfish and almost bullying attitude poses a risk to everybody on the road.

Amongst the most common bad habits is “aggressive driving”, defined as “any ways that directly or indirectly affect both pedestrians and drivers and cause, harm or damage to other people moving at the same time where traffic flows”.
In high-traffic situations, when there are many drivers who interact at the same time, there is often an increase in aggressive behaviour by some, but this is not necessarily a new phenomenon as it has been present almost as long as roads and cars themselves have existed.
Social factors largely determine this aggressiveness. Haste, noisy environments, many people in a confined space, stress that accompanies our daily lives, are all situations that increase our aggressiveness behind the wheel, according to a recent report by LegalCar.
Their report offers two main reasons why this aggressiveness increases. When driving a car without being aware of the many psychophysiological mechanisms that will be useful to strengthen the capacity to react in time to adversity when we are driving, and the increase caused by drivers being seemingly unpunished for their actions.
Many of the elements that influence the violent reactions behind the wheel have to do with stereotypes. For example, some people react aggressively on the grounds of sex against women, against novice and older drivers. In addition, racism and even a person´s clothing can cause an increase in driver aggression.
Other driver´s actions such as seeing a driver using a mobile phone or carrying out a seemingly dangerous or unnecessary manoeuvre, or speeding, can all increase the stresses of driving. Many of these factors are illegal, as they can all be extremely dangerous, and so we will look at some of the most common mistakes, in the hope that if we are aware of some of the factors that can cause road rage, we can avoid creating the situation ourselves, either unintentionally or otherwise.
Some of the most common avoidable “mistakes” that can lead to road rage include blocking junctions, such as a vehicle stopping in the middle of a crossroads when their exit wasn´t clear, thus blocking the flow of traffic across the junction when the priority changes.
Centre-lane hogging on motorways, or even, in some cases, remaining in the left-hand lane on a motorway. In Spain we drive on the right, in fact as far right as possible, according to the law, and although multiple lanes exist for overtaking, a vehicle must return to the right-hand lane once the move is complete, subject to instructions from signs and signals.
Weaving in and out of lanes in a traffic jam causes frustrations, largely as this impedes the flow of the lane that the vehicle is joining and can amplify delays for everybody waiting.
Dazzling oncoming vehicles because our headlights are not set correctly or we may have them on full beam unnecessarily. The same applies for fog lights, which should only be used in the case of a severe reduction in visibility. Having alight out is also a frustration for many, and a dangerous and illegal situation too. At night, a car with only one headlight may be confused for a motorcycle. Having a back light or brake light missing can not only cause confusion, it is extremely dangerous, which is why it is illegal.
Stealing parking spaces is high on the list of frustrations for many drivers. When you wait patiently for a vehicle to vacate, and another car sneaks in the gap before you can be one of the most frustrating conditions that drivers find.
Trying to sneak past traffic cues by using the hard shoulder or slip road is equally frustrating for many.
At these same slip roads, some drivers will actively accelerate in order to prevent a vehicle from joining the main carriageway. This increase in speed also means that your vehicle is heading faster towards a potential collision situation. It is far better to take the courteous option, if possible, and back-off to allow vehicles to join the flow of traffic with you.
The same applies for overtaking. A vehicle is only allowed to overtake if it can return to the flow of traffic safely in front of the vehicle it wants to pass. However, if that, or any other vehicle prevents its safe return by perhaps increasing speed, then the situation becomes extremely dangerous.
Failing to maintain the correct distance from the vehicle in front is a very dangerous and illegal move, and it is one of the biggest frustrations for many. Maintaining a safe distance is crucial at all times.
However, the biggest cause of aggressive behaviour and the biggest frustration for many road users is failing to use indicators. Remember, indicators are there to “indicate” our intentions to other road users. They should be used BEFORE a manoeuvre is carried out. Always remember the basics, Mirror – Signal – Manoeuvre. If you don´t indicate, or if you indicate too late, you are not telling other road users of your intention, creating a potentially dangerous situation, and for that reason you face a fine. The same applies to cancelling your indicators. Make sure they have been cancelled once the move is complete.

Excerpt: For the majority of motorists, driving in a courteous manner is the most natural way to progress, however, there are occasions when a normally calm driver see red and is transformed into a monster. Road rage can affect everybody, but Read More ...

### Proper Use of Seatbelts

Seatbelts are designed for one purpose only, to save lives. Statistics show that by wearing a seatbelt the probability of death when involved in a collision is halved, whereas according to the data from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and the Instituto Universitario de Tráfico y Seguridad Vial (INTRAS), the risk of death is cut by a staggering 77% in an overturned vehicle.

However, in order for the seatbelt to be effective, it must be worn correctly, in order for it to fulfil the function it is designed for fully.
The correct way to wear the seatbelt is for it to go across the torso diagonally, and across the waist, firmly secured in these positions. The top part must be on the hard part of the collarbone, halfway between the shoulder and the neck. The lower end sits against the hardness of the pelvis.
The three-point seatbelt, which is fitted as standard to most modern vehicles, has an upper (thoracic) and a lower band (pelvic). Both must be snugly fitting against the body. For the seatbelt to offer maximum protection it must be on the hard parts of the body, leaning against the collarbone, halfway between the shoulder and neck at the top, and the iliac crest of the pelvis, never on the abdomen.
Accessories such as cushions or other additions should not be used. Once you have pulled the seatbelt across your body and secured the strap in the locked position, make sure that the seatbelt is not twisted at any point. If it is, undo the seatbelt and remove the twists. Once secure, pull the seatbelt so that it fits snugly against the body, with any slack being taken back at the top.
If the seatbelt is not worn correctly, it can cause further problems in the event of a collision. For example, if the upper band is taken off the shoulder, it can cause a head impact with the windscreen, dashboard or seat in front. It can also produce cervical lesions.
If the belt is not firm around the body it can cause the vehicle to slide under the belt, casing lower body and spinal injuries. This is often referred to as the “submarine effect”. To prevent “submarining”, the vehicle occupants must also sit in a proper position when riding in the vehicle, with the seatbelt securely fastened as mentioned, and without having any additions such as pillows or cushions which may contribute to the reduction of effectiveness of the seatbelt.
It is also important to remember the one seatbelt – one seat rule. All vehicle occupants are obliges to wear a seatbelt, both in the front and the back seats. Some vehicles only have two seatbelts in the back for example, and so that vehicle can only carry two passengers on that seat.
There are other rules regarding children in cars. Primarily, children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats and they most use an appropriate restraining system for their height and weight.

Excerpt: Seatbelts are designed for one purpose only, to save lives. Statistics show that by wearing a seatbelt the probability of death when involved in a collision is halved, whereas according to the data from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) Read More ...

### Officers Injured in Another Serious Crash

For the second day in a row a Guardia Civil patrol car has been smashed into in a collision on the roads of Spain.

This incident occurred at kilometre 9 on the CM-41 road at La Torre de Esteban Hambrán in the province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha.
Whereas the officers involved in yesterday´s crash were lucky not to have been in their vehicle, the officers today had to be cut from the wreckage by the fire service.
The officers were taken to hospital in a serious condition whilst the other occupants of the four vehicles in total were also treated for a variety of injuries.

Excerpt: For the second day in a row a Guardia Civil patrol car has been smashed into in a collision on the roads of Spain. This incident occurred at kilometre 9 on the CM-41 road at La Torre de Esteban Hambrán Read More ...

### Truck Smashes into Patrol Car

A truck smashed into a Guardia Civil traffic car on the A-4 near the Córdoba town of la Cuesta del Espino on Monday morning, after the patrol had stopped to assist another vehicle.

The incident occurred at around 10:30 in the morning in the Madrid bound direction, smashing the patrol car, then tipping its trailer onto its side, spilling its load of cleaning products onto the carriageway.
Luckily, because the officers were involved in the assistance of the disabled vehicle, they were not in the car at the time and the truck driver also escaped without injury.

Excerpt: A truck smashed into a Guardia Civil traffic car on the A-4 near the Córdoba town of la Cuesta del Espino on Monday morning, after the patrol had stopped to assist another vehicle. The incident occurred at around 10:30 in Read More ...

### Road Death Reductions Slowing Down

A total of 26,000 people were killed in traffic related incidents on European roads in 2015, according to the latest statistics published by the European Commission, 5,500 fewer than in 2010, but “the situation has not improved” compared to 2014.
In addition to those who lost their lives on the roads, the EC estimates that 135,000 people were seriously injured on the roads last year.
“Every person killed or seriously injured is a victim that should have been avoided”, said the European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc during the presentation of the figures. “Over the past decades we have achieved impressive results in reducing traffic accidents with fatalities, but the current stagnation is alarming. If Europe wants to reach its goal of halving road deaths by 2020, much more needs to be done”.
The average rate of road deaths in the EU in 2015 was 51 deaths per million inhabitants, the same as in the two previous years. This slowdown comes after significant reductions of down 8% in 2012 and 2013, and is mainly, according to the EC, “the greater interaction in cities among users of motorized public roads and which are not protected”. Vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) also represent a high percentage of the 135,000 people who, according to the Commission, were injured in traffic accidents.
The number of fatalities from traffic related incidents continued to vary greatly from one country to another, although these differences tend to decrease. Spain is in fifth position with 36 deaths per million inhabitants, identical to the previous year but 32% lower than 2010. The figure in the UK is 29 deaths per million inhabitants and sits in fourth place. Malta is number one with 26 deaths per million, followed by Sweden with 27 and the Netherlands with 28 deaths per million inhabitants.

Excerpt: A total of 26,000 people were killed in traffic related incidents on European roads in 2015, according to the latest statistics published by the European Commission, 5,500 fewer than in 2010, but “the situation has not improved” compared to 2014. Read More ...

### Bikers Seriously Injured on Tuesday

A motorcyclist became trapped under a car on Tuesday afternoon following a collision with the vehicle on the N-332 near the Camping La Marina holiday resort in La Marina on the coast of the Elche municipality.
The incident occurred shortly after midday when the rider was thrown from the motorbike following a collision and became trapped by the lower limbs underneath the car.
Fire fighters from Elche attended the scene and lifted the vehicle, allowing medical staff to take the biker to hospital suffering leg injuries but in a conscious state.
Later that night, medics in the Murcia region attended another motorcyclist who had been injured, this time in the Agridulce urbanisation area on the A-7 motorway.
This incident occurred at around 22:50 when calls were received by the emergency coordination centre of a motorcyclist heading in the Almería direction having collided with the crash barrier and being thrown from the vehicle.
After emergency medics had stabilised the man at the scene he was taken to the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital in a serious condition.

Excerpt: A motorcyclist became trapped under a car on Tuesday afternoon following a collision with the vehicle on the N-332 near the Camping La Marina holiday resort in La Marina on the coast of the Elche municipality. The incident occurred shortly after Read More ...

### Man Killed in San Fulgencio Crash

A man believed to have been in his 70´s was killed on Monday afternoon, when his vehicle was involved in a head on collision between Guardamar del Segura and San Fulgencio.

The incident occurred at around 13:45 when the vehicle driving in the San Fulgencio direction collided with another vehicle heading towards Guardamar on a straight stretch of road near to an industrial estate.
The driver was killed by the impact whereas the occupants of the second vehicle, two people aged in their 60´s and a child of around 11 years of age, survived that crash, their vehicle pushed towards a fence which saved them from falling into a water ditch which runs alongside the road.

Excerpt: A man believed to have been in his 70´s was killed on Monday afternoon, when his vehicle was involved in a head on collision between Guardamar del Segura and San Fulgencio. The incident occurred at around 13:45 when the vehicle Read More ...

### The 10 Most Dangerous Sections of Secondary Roads

For the thirteenth consecutive year, the EuroRAP independent consortium has published their report on the top ten high-risk locations on Spain´s secondary road network.
The report is based around the number of fatal incidents for the period between 2012 and 2014, the length and type of the section of road, and the average daily traffic, known as the IMD, or Intensidad Media de Diaria de tráfico.
The calculations are then based on factors such as a road with a low IMD but a high number of incidents will be classed as a higher risk than a road with a higher IMD.
In total, there are 97 routes considered, of which 18 are “black-spots”, over a total of 3,506 kilometres.
The profile of the most dangerous road is a conventional single carriageway road, with junctions, and an IMD of below 10,000 vehicles per day. A section becomes extremely dangerous when there is an increase in the number of junctions, such as those adjoining properties, where vehicles join the flow of traffic but are not always able to accelerate to a safe speed. The risk factor is further increased by the mixture of road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, agricultural machinery and other vehicles with differences in speed and physical characteristics.
The condition of the road surface and the road markings also play a key role in either reducing or increasing the risk factor on these roads.
Five of the ten most dangerous sections for motorcycles and mopeds are in Andalusia; followed by Catalonia with 3 and Madrid with 2. For motorcyclists, the most dangerous section is in the A-2 in Barcelona, between kilometre markers 605 and 611. As for heavy vehicles, the stretch of the A-7 between Puzol and its junction with the A-3 in Valencia has the highest concentration of incidents.
Overall, Galicia, Cataluña and Asturias have some of the most dangerous roads in the country. The number of incidents has decreased by over 40%, but the probability of an incident is three times higher than in 2010.
The Basque Country, Murcia and Navarra, are the only regions where there are no sections of road classed as dangerous.
The most dangerous section of road is on the N-320 between Casar de Talamanca (Guadalajara) and its crossing with the M-103 in Algete (Madrid). In this section of just 11.2 kilometres, there were 10 fatalities, 6 of whom were on motorcycles or mopeds.

Here are the rest of the locations, in order, from 2 to 10.

Excerpt: For the thirteenth consecutive year, the EuroRAP independent consortium has published their report on the top ten high-risk locations on Spain´s secondary road network. The report is based around the number of fatal incidents for the period between 2012 and Read More ...

### Preparing for the Clock Change

This weekend, the clocks are once again set to change, as Daylight Saving Time comes into force at 02:00 on Sunday morning when the clocks are put forward an hour to 03:00.
However, although this change in time might seem insignificant, it can cause an imbalance in our body which in turn can cause fatigue, sleep or distractions that can have an impact on road safety.

One of the biggest changes the body will experience during the change is that whilst the pace of life remains the same, the hours we have become accustomed to will change. If our alarm clocks are set for 08:00, the reality is that we are waking at what our body has got used to as being 07:00. Similarly, at the end of the day, as we might consider settling down for bed at 11 in the evening, our body might not feel ready as it still thinks it is 10, for example.
Medically, it is known that the change in time can also lead to an increase in the chance of suffering migraines or stress related conditions as a result of the change. These episode can cause a distraction in their own right and can lead to incapacity at times, but some medications can also cause problems for drivers, so always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are feeling symptomatic or taking any kind of medication.
Sleep experts say that the best way of overcoming the problems the body identifies is to maintain a stable sleep ad meal patter, making sure you get a good 8 hours sleep per night, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine.
Sleep deprivation and drowsiness is a known contributing factor in many road related incidents. In fact, drowsiness is the primary cause in 30% of all daytime collisions and incidents. More than 40% of all incident son the roads are closely related to fatigue, closely related to sleep, and almost 20% of these incidents involve commercial vehicles.
Reaction times are increased when sleepy, and a person can suffer severe reductions in concentration, motor and sensory delays, resulting in mistakes in movements and decisions, as well as perceptual disturbances.
Drivers who are normally at risk of sleep related incidents include shift workers, young people, those with sleep-related illnesses and whilst driving under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs.
As for the time that most sleep related incident occur, it is on a weekday, Monday to Friday, between 08:00 and 20:00, and more often during routine drives, as well as on long-haul journeys.
Although this is a human condition which can and should be monitored by every individual driver, scientists are doing their bit to try to reduce the problem as well. In 2014 the Biomechanics institute in Valencia announced the development of a new system they were calling HARKEN.
The system was based around the development of a seatbelt which monitored a driver´s heart rate and gave an alert if the person´s body was showing signs of drowsiness, urging the driver to pull over for a rest.
However, it is important that we all do the same thing and monitor our own feelings, stopping for a rest if we are starting to feel tired, regularly on long journeys, sharing the driving and being prepared to respond to our own body´s warnings in good time.
Whilst taking these facts into consideration, one final thing to remember is to change the clock in your car to reflect the change in time, after all, there is always one clock somewhere we forget.

Excerpt: This weekend, the clocks are once again set to change, as Daylight Saving Time comes into force at 02:00 on Sunday morning when the clocks are put forward an hour to 03:00. However, although this change in time might seem Read More ...

### How to Respond to Checkpoints

The security services (Guardia Civil, Police etc) carry out regular checkpoints on the roads, sometimes these are part of routine operations such as combatting drink driving, or vehicle inspections. Sometimes these checks are part of an increase in security. Sometimes, although rarely, they are directly related to a specific threat.

Although it may seem daunting to approach and be stopped at one of these checkpoints, it is important to remember that they are being conducted for your safety. These checkpoints do catch criminals, those risking road safety, terrorists and others, but the vast majority of people are allowed to go about their business normally.
The key phrase to remember when you see one of these checkpoints is, “Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Fear”. It is only those who have done wrong, or considering it, who should in fact be concerned.
The first rule when approaching such a checkpoint is to stay calm. Respond and react to the instructions given to you by the officers conducting the check. They may usher your vehicle to a chosen place, they may ask you to exit the vehicle and they may wish you check the contents of your car, as well as your documentation. Simply let the officers get on with their duties and they will let you get on your way as soon as possible.
Secondly, although equally important, do not share this location information to others. Posting this information on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter for example can alert those who have done wrong about the presence of the checkpoint, allowing them to get away.
The point of these checkpoints is to catch bad people, so please don´t share the information. You might think you are doing others a favour, but if a criminal is allowed to avoid being caught, they will be free to carry out even more of their chosen activities.
Finally, do not be overly alarmed. The presence of additional security teams on the streets is not a direct indication of an increase in the threat level. The Spanish Interior Ministry publish the details of the current threat level on their website, www.interior.gob.es. On the right hand side is a green box marked NAA, or Nivel de Alerta Antiterrorista. If you click that you will see the current status level. The level has been at stage 4, high, for some time, since June of 2015 to be exact, which is all listed on the page for your information and peace of mind.
You can also click the button below to see the current state for yourself.

    

Remember, stay calm and act on the instructions given. “Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Fear”.

Excerpt: The security services (Guardia Civil, Police etc) carry out regular checkpoints on the roads, sometimes these are part of routine operations such as combatting drink driving, or vehicle inspections. Sometimes these checks are part of an increase in security. Sometimes, Read More ...

### Almost 3,000 Caught Not Wearing a Seatbelt

During the crackdown on the wearing of seatbelts and child restraint systems last week, a total of 2,728 people were caught risking their own lives by not wearing a seatbelt. Irresponsible adults allowed 167 children under 12 years of age to travel without the appropriate safety device, 46 of them in the front seat. Of all of those people found to be not wearing a seatbelt, 74% were on conventional roads.
All occupants within a vehicle must wear a seatbelt or restraining device appropriate to their height and weight. The rule of one seatbelt, one passenger must also be adhered to. Many modern cars for example are only fitted with two seatbelts in the back, and so, irrespective of the width, only two passengers can be carried on that seat.
During this week-long campaign, a total of 379,246 vehicles were checked, some from the air and others from the roadside or at checkpoints. The Pegasus equipped helicopters were out in force, with many road users now being aware of their power, as there was an increase in the number of vehicle occupants who decided to “buckle up” having spotted the helicopters in the air.

Statistically, the wearing of a seatbelt can reduce the risk of death in a vehicle collision by 80%, and although adults can make the decision for themselves, the importance of ensuring children comply is paramount.

Excerpt: During the crackdown on the wearing of seatbelts and child restraint systems last week, a total of 2,728 people were caught risking their own lives by not wearing a seatbelt. Irresponsible adults allowed 167 children under 12 years of age Read More ...

### Football Tournament Success

Members of the Guardia Civil traffic department and the N332 Project visited the Elche Children´s home again last week, partly in the interest of road safety and partly to get a thrashing from the children in the latest football tournament.

The children were firstly given a presentation from the team about road safety, which dealt with all kinds of different aspects including cycling safety, responsibilities of pedestrians, and an insight into how they can stay safe in future years when they too finally get behind the wheel of a car.

The Euronics stores in Quesada and Blue Lagoon have been the latest contributor to the project, paying for an advert on the main page of the n332.es website. All of the money they gave this month was put towards the football tournament with shirts being bought for the players, and a party of food and soft drinks afterwards.

The children then presented the team with their own certificate they had created to thank them for attending and for spending time with them.

For the tournament, three teams competed, the Guardia Civil, the teachers from the home and the children. No doubt through their excellent team work, it was the children who were victorious on this occasion.
We would like to thank the Euronics store, “The Electrical Shop” for their contribution. Please visit their shops in Quesada and Blue Lagoon, or their website, www.electricalteam.eu, to show your support for them.
The faces of the children have been obscured to protect their anonymity.

Excerpt: Members of the Guardia Civil traffic department and the N332 Project visited the Elche Children´s home again last week, partly in the interest of road safety and partly to get a thrashing from the children in the latest football tournament. Read More ...

### More People Learning About Road Safety

The N332 Facebook page has reached yet another milestone this week, now having over 40,000 followers.

There has been even more interest in some of the recent posts, with a growing audience of just under seven million views for the videos posted, and each article reaching tens of thousands of people.
That means that the informative message of “Working Together for Safer Roads” is spreading even further, hopefully helping to save lives and reduce the number of casualties on the roads.
As a companion to the Facebook page, the website is also growing in popularity, with some of the most searched articles this month relating to tow bar use, as well as rules relating to caravans, which would both be expected in the preparations for the Easter holidays. Other searches have included requests for information relating to out of date ITV stickers and advice about buying used cars in Spain.
Collectively, both the Facebook and website teams will continue to work together, and for the website it is thanks to the support we receive from our sponsors whose contributions allow us to invest in the next stages of the project.
Everybody involved also thanks every single person who is following the Facebook page, and who reads and shares the articles, as each and every one of you are also Working Together for Safer Roads.

Excerpt: The N332 Facebook page has reached yet another milestone this week, now having over 40,000 followers. There has been even more interest in some of the recent posts, with a growing audience of just under seven million views for the Read More ...

### Tragedy in Tarragona

At least 14 people have been killed in a collision between a bus and a car on the AP-7 in the Freginals area of Tarragona in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Some 57 people were on board the Barcelona-bound bus, mainly foreign Erasmus students, when if overturned near kilometre 323 of the motorway after being in collision with a car at around 06:00.
Most of the motorway had been closed at the time with only one lane open in the Barcelona direction.

The emergency services attended in force to try to rescue those involved, including 17 fire tenders, 7 ambulances and 5 support vehicles.
The AP-7 was closed to traffic with diversions put in place as the major emergency operation was launched.
Meanwhile, 10 people were injured in an 8-vehicle pileup in the Pinto area of Madrid. The A-4 motorway was closed to traffic as the clean-up operation took place, although there were no serious injuries in this crash.

The roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy on account of the Easter holiday period.

Excerpt: At least 14 people have been killed in a collision between a bus and a car on the AP-7 in the Freginals area of Tarragona in the early hours of Sunday morning. Some 57 people were on board the Barcelona-bound Read More ...

### Always Monitor Your Route

Modern technology can help us with some of the most stressful and complicated areas of driving, such as route planning, but total reliability on such devices can pose problems, and so the importance of ensuring that all route characteristics are checked and correct for our journey and our vehicle are vital, as well as continual monitoring of the road along the way.
This week, six Guardia Civil vehicles stopped traffic in Cuenca this week, which might not seem like such a dramatic occurrence, until we discover that they were brand new vehicles on the back of a vehicle transporter heading to their new homes.

Luckily, the truck driver was paying attention to his route and surroundings and spotted that a bridge he was approaching was too low, although his stopping did paralyse traffic on one of the major routes for a while.

The vehicles were successfully delivered, unharmed, to the Guardia Civil, with only the minor inconvenience of delays on this occasion.

Excerpt: Modern technology can help us with some of the most stressful and complicated areas of driving, such as route planning, but total reliability on such devices can pose problems, and so the importance of ensuring that all route characteristics are Read More ...

### Dutch Man Arrested for Car Insurance Scam

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 79-year old Dutch national from Altea, after he allegedly faked the theft of his car in order to falsely claim the insurance.

Border Patrol officers from the National Police became suspicious of a vehicle parked in the car park at Alicante-Elche airport. The age of the vehicle indicated by the number plates on the car didn´t seem to match the apparent physical condition and age of the vehicle.
As such, the officers carried out a more thorough inspection and found the number plates to be fake, correctly identifying the vehicle as one reported as stolen from the Benidorm area.
The subsequent investigation led the officers to believe that the owner himself parked the vehicle at the airport, and changed the number plates, before claiming the 20,600 euro from the insurers.
The man has been arrested and charged for the crimes, whereas the vehicle has been delivered to the insurance company as the now rightful owners.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 79-year old Dutch national from Altea, after he allegedly faked the theft of his car in order to falsely claim the insurance. Border Patrol officers from the National Police became suspicious of Read More ...

### Police Car Crash in Alicante

A National Police patrol car, responding to an emergency, collided with a passenger car in Alicante on Friday afternoon, shunting that vehicle into a pedestrian.

The incident occurred at a junction on avenida de Alcoy at around 13:00. The collision resulted in the patrol car becoming entangled with a lamppost.
Four people were taken from the scene suffering various injuries, the two officers in the patrol car, one occupant of the passenger car, and the pedestrian. The severity of the injuries is unknown.

Excerpt: A National Police patrol car, responding to an emergency, collided with a passenger car in Alicante on Friday afternoon, shunting that vehicle into a pedestrian. The incident occurred at a junction on avenida de Alcoy at around 13:00. The collision resulted in the patrol car becoming entangled with a lamppost. Four people were taken from […]

### Special Easter Operations Begin

The special traffic monitoring operation that covers the Easter period began on Friday, with a total of 14.5 million long-distance journeys expected on the roads of Spain between now and the 28th of March.

Like many special operations, the flow of traffic intensifies from the inland and city areas at the start of the period, and just before Easter weekend, with more people travelling towards mountainous and coastal areas to enjoy their leisure time. Then after the Easter weekend, the traffic flows away from the touristic areas and back inland. In between, there will be busier periods for short journeys in localised areas with a focus on leisure and shopping activities, as well as attendance of the religious events.
In order to try to improve the flow of traffic, the DGT recommend avoiding traveling at the peak times, if possible, and planning your journey around quiet times. For this, they have provided a handy infographic indicating the busiest times from Easter Wednesday through to Easter Monday.

For this first weekend, there will be an expected 3,450,000 journeys up until Sunday evening. During the second phase, the special operation runs from Wednesday the 23rd, starting at noon, and finishing on the evening of Monday the 28th. Although Easter Monday is not recognised as a holiday in many areas, if is an autonomous holiday in the region of Valencia, and so the Costa Blanca will still see busy roads until after this day.
In order to make the roads safer, all unnecessary road works will be banned and extra “circumstantial” lanes created to improve traffic flow in the key areas. If you come across one of these special lanes, remember that there are rules regarding using your headlights during the day that drivers must adhere to.
The Guardia Civil will be carrying out extensive checks on speed, as well as the consumption of alcohol or drugs, which may require testing, and driver and vehicle documentation will be scrutinised at the roadside.
In addition, during these checks, vehicles will also be monitored through electronic devices and have their insurance details confirmed. This will also be done during roadside checks, and vehicle characteristics will also be inspected, including compliance with tyre safety laws and other safety critical defects.
From the air, the DGT will have all 12 of their helicopters monitoring traffic, 8 of which are equipped with the Pegasus airborne radar equipment which monitors speed, as well as the use of seatbelts and mobile phones. In fact, since its operation, Pegasus has monitored 75,000 vehicles and issued 18,274 fines, equating to the equipment capturing and burdening a dangerous driver with a fine every 3 minutes.

There are also additional roadside radars in place, as well as the new cameras monitoring seatbelt use, all aimed at making the roads safer by sanctioning, and hopefully educating, road users who put others at risk.

Excerpt: The special traffic monitoring operation that covers the Easter period began on Friday, with a total of 14.5 million long-distance journeys expected on the roads of Spain between now and the 28th of March. Like many special operations, the flow Read More ...

### A Great Fun Day at Cabo Roig

Thank you to everybody who came and said hello at the Cabo Roig St Patrick´s Day fiesta, we had a great time too.
We must also thank the organisers, businesses and participants for all of the effort they put in to making this event the best in Spain.
Here are some of our pictures from the day…

Excerpt: Thank you to everybody who came and said hello at the Cabo Roig St Patrick´s Day fiesta, we had a great time too. We must also thank the organisers, businesses and participants for all of the effort they put in Read More ...

### See You on St Patrick’s Day

Thursday the 17th of March is St Patrick´s day, and some of the N332 website and Facebook teams will be at the biggest and best “Paddy´s Day” party in Spain, at Cabo Roig on the Orihuela Costa.
Look out for us wearing our green shirts on the day and make sure you say hello.

We will be in the area for most of the afternoon, and mingling with our local supporters, Mercury FM, The Courier, P.S.I. Consultants and Y.O.L.O. and welcome you along to meet with us.
We also have a limited number of exclusive stickers to give away, which we hope you will display on your car, bike or even your bag, and then send us a picture to show us off.

Remember though, if you are attending, stay safe on the roads, please don´t drink and drive, and make sure you make the most of the day safely.

Excerpt: Thursday the 17th of March is St Patrick´s day, and some of the N332 website and Facebook teams will be at the biggest and best “Paddy´s Day” party in Spain, at Cabo Roig on the Orihuela Costa. Look out for Read More ...

### Seatbelt Campaign Runs This Week

All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles.

In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, with some 194 of the 822 people in cars and vans who lost their lives, not wearing a seatbelt, despite knowing the importance of doing so.
In addition to the officers on patrol during the campaign, the DGT are operating three roadside cameras which will be under test during the week, prior to a mass roll-out across the road network by 2017. The cameras are in place on the A-1, A-2 and A-3, in Madrid, but throughout this year, 270 cameras will be in use across the country able to monitor seatbelts use.
The images captured by the cameras are electronically sent to a control centre which then processes the images and sends a sanction to the vehicle owner who then faces a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

It is the aim of the DGT to reduce this figure to zero by making the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems 100% for all vehicle occupants.
The focus of the campaign will not only be those who should know better about looking out for their own safety, but also those who should be looking out for those more vulnerable, namely adults who carry children in the vehicles.
In 2014, 2 out of the 14 children under 12 years who died traveling in cars or vans were not wearing any safety device at the time of the incident. In addition, 9 out of 82 seriously injured, and 107 of those who suffered minor injuries were not correctly restrained. From that data, 118 children suffered unnecessary injury or death as a result of the supposedly responsible adults not showing due care.
On account of the seriousness that the DGT takes such actions, the law was recently approved whereas traffic officers can immobilise a vehicle if a child is found to be travelling without the correct restraint system in use.
It is also important to remember that since October, children under 135 centimetres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles and must be properly restrained by a device appropriate to their height and weight.
The proper wearing of seatbelts and restraint systems is also vital to their correct use. All occupants in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt, whether they are in the front or the back, although some people incorrectly believe that wearing a seatbelt in the back is not necessary, it is, and it is also mandatory. If a person in a rear seat is not wearing a seatbelt they are 8 times more likely to kill the person in a seat in front of them.
Wearing a seatbelt is statistically proven to half the risk of death if involved in a collision as it also helps to distribute the force of the impact across the body and not directly at more vulnerable parts of the body. A seatbelt prevents the occupant being ejected from a vehicle, saving them from more serious injury.

Excerpt: All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles. In 2014 (the last year Read More ...

### Serious Injury in Los Montesinos Truck Crash

During the early hours of Friday morning, an articulated truck crashed into the toll booths on the motorway near to Los Montesinos.

A person remained trapped in the vehicle and had to be extracted by the emergency services, before being taken to the Vega Baja hospital in a serious condition.

An investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances which led to the crash.

Excerpt: During the early hours of Friday morning, an articulated truck crashed into the toll booths on the motorway near to Los Montesinos. A person remained trapped in the vehicle and had to be extracted by the emergency services, before being Read More ...

### Questions About Driving Licence Fines Answered

We have received a number of questions regarding an article posted by the CAB (Citizen´s Advice Bureau) in Spain which states “Drivers with Valid UK Driving Licences Fined Illegally”.
In view of the number of questions received, we have visited our associates from the Guardia Civil Trafico who run the N332 Facebook page in order to help to solve the doubts that article has generated.
Question 1. Can I be fined if I have a VALID UK driving licence?
YES, if you are RESIDENT and your licence complies with one of these two cases:
The holder of a European driving licence with an INDEFINITE DURATION or GREATER than 15 YEARS (or five years in the case of group permissions 2) with legal residence in Spain acquired on January 19, 2013 or before that date – You must renew your driving licence from January 19, 2015.
The holder of a European driving licence with an INDEFINITE DURATION or GREATER than 15 YEARS (or five years in the case of group permissions 2) with legal residence in Spain obtained dated after January 19, 2013 – You must renew your driving licence from the moment two years of residence in Spain has been met.
NO, if you are a holiday maker.
In conclusion, having a Valid European Driving Licence does not mean that you cannot be fined. It sounds rare, we know, but the law changed in Spain and if you are living PERMANENTLY in Spain, your European Licence must be renewed. We have published above what conditions must be met for licences to be renewed.
Question 2. As a European citizen, can I get a 500 euro fine if I do not renew my licence?
NO, you cannot. According to the “Reglamento de Conductores” there are 2 types of fines for Residents who are driving with “Non Valid Driving Licences.”
1- When the driver is living in Spain and there is no agreement between their country and Spain to change the licence, you must get a NEW ONE in Spain, which means carrying out an exam again. Once they are resident, their licences are not valid. This is what happens with drivers from non-European Countries such as Russia, Senegal, Canada, etc. You can check the list of the countries with agreements on the DGT website.
In this case, the driver is fined 500 euro if there is not an agreement between both countries, and 200 euros if there is an agreement and the licence has not been changed.
2- European Drivers who must renew their licence under the new DGT instructions, if they do not do it, they will be fined 200 euro, because this licence can be changed.
Therefore if you have a European Licence and you receive a 500 euro fine, you must complain to the DGT because there has been a mistake with the fine.
Question 3. As a resident, can I be fined if I do not hold a Spanish driving permit?
NOT in all cases. You can hold your European Driving Licence and BE A RESIDENT IF your licence is not among those that should be changed, so you can keep driving with it until it expires (see conditions above).
Question 4. As a holiday maker, if I own a Spanish vehicle, can I be fined if I do not hold a Spanish driving permit?
NO, you can own a house or a vehicle, but this does not mean you are resident. Many foreigners have a holiday house in Spain and they have a vehicle with Spanish plates which they use on their vacations here.
To avoid being fined unfairly, please download the document EX-15 and fill it in. See the point 4.1 and make a cross in the option “CERTIFICADO DE NO RESIDENTE” and take it to the NATIONAL POLICE. Once they have legalized the document, take it with you in the car and…. PROBLEM SOLVED!
If you would like to download the EX-15 “Non Resident Certificate” document, you can do so at the end of this article.
We hope that these questions have solved all your doubts. Remember to call 060 for more enquiries.
From the N332 Facebook Team

You can download the EX-15 document by right clicking this line and choosing Save As or Download.
Please remember also that although other articles you may have read may seem drastic, you may not have been made fully aware of the situation or the facts and therefore you may not have been able to make a fully informed opinion on the situation. The points above are from law, to which there is no interpretation.
 

Excerpt: We have received a number of questions regarding an article posted by the CAB (Citizen´s Advice Bureau) in Spain which states “Drivers with Valid UK Driving Licences Fined Illegally”. In view of the number of questions received, we have visited Read More ...

### The Thirty Thousand Euro Speeding Fine

A French motorcyclist has been hit with a 31,300 euro speeding fine, after activating a radar speed detector 140 times.

The biker first started his wave of speeding offences in November, 2014, although it was seemingly impossible to catch the dangerous rider as he had altered his vehicle´s registration plate so that is was not visible on the cameras.
However, after the record 140 occasions he was caught, the police did manage to track down the biker in the town of Bastia where the courts upheld the fines after the rider submitted an appeal in an attempt to still avoid paying the price for his actions.

Excerpt: A French motorcyclist has been hit with a 31,300 euro speeding fine, after activating a radar speed detector 140 times. The biker first started his wave of speeding offences in November, 2014, although it was seemingly impossible to catch the Read More ...

### Doggy Truck Driver Wrecks Tree

Despite witnesses reporting that a Golden Retriever dog was at the wheel of an articulated truck which crashed in Minnesota, it is the absent human driver who is being held responsible.

According to the police, the dog was seen in the driver´s seat when the truck impacted with a tree and a parked car, however indications are that the actual driver left the vehicle in a parking lot with the engine running, and the dog somehow managed to “accidentally” set the vehicle in motion.
Had the incident have occurred in the UK, the dog might well be on its way to learn how to fly on the latest crazy Sunday night animal show on Sky 1, Dogs Might Fly.

Excerpt: Despite witnesses reporting that a Golden Retriever dog was at the wheel of an articulated truck which crashed in Minnesota, it is the absent human driver who is being held responsible. According to the police, the dog was seen in Read More ...

### Bank Account Seized for Not Paying Fines

The importance of ensuring that the information relating to your driving licence is correct has been highlighted to a former resident of Elche recently, who discovered that he had been clocking up traffic fines without receiving notifications.

The problem only came to light when the treasury seized his bank account, prompting an investigation as to why, which resulted in the 52 outstanding traffic tickets, valued at almost 6,000 euro, being brought to light.
The sanctions were all relating to a stretch of the A-7 motorway near Mijas in the province of Málaga, where the maximum speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour and protected by a multi-point radar system where the speed is monitored for a stretch of road, not just at the visible point of the monitoring equipment.
The driver, who moved to Benalmádena in 2013, claims to have notified the DGT of his change of address, but the sanctions were all sent to his previous Elche home. His lawyer has filed several appeals to contest the fines on his behalf, but he has already paid half of the fines through his seized bank account.
The driver also said in an interview that he had no knowledge of how the speed monitoring equipment worked and will be “more careful” in the future.
A trial date has been set to resolve the matter one way or another, but not until 2018.
Fines and sanctions can be checked by individuals on the DGT website, dgt.es, under the section Trámites y multas, which can be found on the front page. There is also information available in English (and other languages) as to what to do if you receive a fine.

Excerpt: The importance of ensuring that the information relating to your driving licence is correct has been highlighted to a former resident of Elche recently, who discovered that he had been clocking up traffic fines without receiving notifications. The problem only Read More ...

### Prison Calls in PP Corruption Case

The prosecutor has asked for significant custodial sentences for a number of alleged key players in the so called “caso Brugal”, including the former president of the Alicante government, José Joaquín Ripoll, and former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, both from the Partido Popular.

During the opening of the trial relating to the rezoning of areas across the Vega Baja, those facing prison are accused of the crimes of insider trading, influence peddling, fraud, breach of trust and prohibited negotiations.
The politicians were in positions of power when the alleged crimes took place, and the case also includes some well-known business people, including Angel Fenoll, already found guilty in a previous case, and Enrique Ortiz.
The prosecutor gave evidence as to how Fennoll learned about the plans for assigning land for waste use in 2007, “even before being made public”.
If found guilty, Ripoll is facing 16 years in prison and disqualification from public office for 41 years, Lorente is facing a 4-year spell inside and disqualification for 24 years.

Excerpt: The prosecutor has asked for significant custodial sentences for a number of alleged key players in the so called “caso Brugal”, including the former president of the Alicante government, José Joaquín Ripoll, and former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, both Read More ...

### What´s On – 5 March 2016

Mark Nolan here once again with your weekend round-up once again, looking at a few options for days out and things to do on the Costa Blanca. However, before we look at the local stuff, please remember that in the UK it´s Mother´s Day on Sunday. Card, gift, flowers, whatever, just send something now!
Talking of flowers, Pilar de la Horadada will be hosting the “Un pilar de flores” on Sunday, with a market selling cut flowers and plants on the Plaza de la iglesia between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Definitely worth a visit if only to see the vast array of colours and experience the fragrance of the flower market. Perhaps not so good for hay fever sufferers, but certainly worth a visit and perhaps even the highlight of the weekend.
Also on Sunday, on the Pilar side of Mil Palmeras beach, you can join in with a bit of Zumba on the beach, which is always good fun.
The Murals of San Isidro are taking visitors in Orihuela again and the Orihuela tourism office has arranged for a guided tour on Sunday, leaving the tourist office at 11:00. The town hall has arranged a bus from the coast and Entrenaranjos but you will need to contact the tourist office for details of that.
If you don´t know what they are, the murals are a living museum with over a hundred painted houses paying tribute to Orihuela, its culture and history and is also a must-see area to visit.

In Torrevieja on Saturday there is a synchronised swimming competition taking place in the municipal pools and a handball competition with Mare Nostrum Torrevieja against Balonmano Benidorm in the evening.
Looking slightly ahead, the IFEPA exhibition centre in Torre Pacheco will be hosting one of the most important horse fairs in the country this week, Equimur 2016, which is on from the 10th to the 13th of March.
Other dates for the diary now and the 17th is St Patrick´s day. The annual parade will be taking place in Cabo Roig with TKO Radio there as the official radio station for the event, so make sure you come along and say hello to some of your favourite presenters on the day.
The 19th of March is San José, which is celebrated as father´s day here in Spain, a very important family day. Easter weekend revolves around the 25th of March, with celebrations across the country in the run up to that important religious fiesta, and right in the middle of that weekend we have to put the clocks forward as we welcome spring.
That´s pretty much it for this week, I will be back with more next weekend, have a great one, stay safe, look out for those you care about and I will see you on the other side of this event packed weekend.

Excerpt: Mark Nolan here once again with your weekend round-up once again, looking at a few options for days out and things to do on the Costa Blanca. However, before we look at the local stuff, please remember that in the Read More ...

### Welcome to Euronics in Quesada and Blue Lagoon

This month, we welcome the Euronics shops in Quesada and Blue Lagoon to our list of businesses who are supporting the N332 project.

From their two local stores in our area, they offer just about every electrical item you need for your home, and have regular special offers.
Right now, they have a HISENSE 32” LED TV on offer, reduced from 235€ and is now just 199€.

You can find out more from their website, electricalteam.eu, including a little bit about Debbie and her team, and you can sign up for their offers newsletter. You can also click their advert on the left of these pages to go straight to their site.
More importantly though, you can visit their shops, one in Quesada and the other in Blue Lagoon, browse around at your leisure and thank them for supporting us by making them your one-stop-shop for your electrical products.

Excerpt: This month, we welcome the Euronics shops in Quesada and Blue Lagoon to our list of businesses who are supporting the N332 project. From their two local stores in our area, they offer just about every electrical item you need Read More ...

### Foreign Driver Fined for Failing to Exchange Licence

It was over a year ago that foreign resident drivers were first warned of the need to change their driving licences if they did not fall into the required criteria as set out in the countless publications detailing this.
The European Union is responsible for creating a harmonised licence model with the new rules coming into force last year. However, on account of the number of foreign drivers living in Spain, the DGT issued an amnesty in March, allowing those drivers who would be liable to a fine until the 1st of January 2016 to sort out their documentation.
There were two such instances which required action. Firstly, if your licence has an indefinite expiry date, or more than 15 years validity and you were legally resident in Spain before January 19, 2013, you should have already renewed your driving licence. If not, you must do so immediately. If you only became resident after January 19, 2013, you had 2 years from your date of residency to renew, that date has also expired.
Secondly, if your license has expired or is due to expire, you must renew it in your country of residence, in other words, if you are a resident in Spain, your current license, once it expires, must be renewed in Spain.
Despite these explanatory cases, there was still a lot of erroneous advice being spread through some outlets, including incorrect reports that you do not have to change your licence as we are all in Europe, suggestions that the whole process was illegal and even some people adamant that the Guardia Civil would not fine drivers. All of these suggestions were wrong.
This week, in the Torrevieja area, one such foreign driver has been issued with a fine as the licence, which fell into the first category of having an open expiry date, had not been changed. This licence is no longer valid and the amnesty expired in January.
You can see the details of the fine issued in the image below.

Remember, if your licence has an indefinite expiry date, or more than 15 years validity, your licence must be changed. If, or when, any licence expires, it must be renewed in your country of residence.
It may seem like a daunting process, but we can help. N332.es work with other professionals who work in the field of driving, licencing and road safety. Through our partnerships with other businesses we are able to offer an increasing range of services.
We can arrange for one of our partners to assist you in the process of exchanging your UK driving licence for a Spanish one. Remember, your driving licence must be issued in the country where you reside, so if you are a resident in Spain, you must exchange your licence. You don´t have a choice, it is not something that can be ignored as you will be fined if you are caught.
In fact though, having a Spanish issued licence also makes life on the road much easier, as your Spanish licence is linked to your NIE, and so in the event of you being stopped by the police your details can be checked and confirmed instantly. Plus, in the event of you being fined for a traffic offence, you do not have to pay on the spot if you have a Spanish licence, and can benefit from a reduced fine for prompt payment.
If you would like more information about exchanging your licence, fill in the form on the page by clicking this line of text and one of our team members will get back in touch with you shortly.
You can also search the n.332.es website by keying in the keyword “licences” at the top of the page.

Excerpt: It was over a year ago that foreign resident drivers were first warned of the need to change their driving licences if they did not fall into the required criteria as set out in the countless publications detailing this. The Read More ...

### Orihuela Council Ignoring Foreign Resident Needs

The PSOE in Orihuela have been raising concerns over seemingly forgotten areas of the municipality, namely those outside the centre perimeter, with a predominantly foreign community.
María García raised a notion on Thursday to try to resolve one of the most dangerous areas of the coastal zone, the lack of pavements in certain key areas along main roads.
In particular, concerns were raised over the La Zenia to Villamartin road, in the vicinity of the AP-7 motorway bridge, which still lacks any kind of pedestrian pathway on the Villamartin side, despite the opening of a pedestrian footbridge over the motorway during the last administration.
The motion called for the 2016 budget to provide funds to resolve this matter of public safety, and to coordinate with the police for better signs and signals to improve road safety.
García also pointed out that this is not the only area of the Orihuela Costa in need of urgent attention, and urges the coastal councillor to work with the infrastructure department to prepare a technical study of all municipal roads in the coastal area to design an emergency plan to remedy the shortcomings progressively.
Meanwhile, García has also criticised the coastal councillor, Sofía Álvarez, who also holds the competencies for urban transport in the municipality, for her lack of resolution in providing a bus service for the residents of Entrenaranjos.
Early this week, Álvarez explained that “we are waiting for response from the Ministry on the operation of the line”, as it is beyond the capabilities of the local team to make the decisions, and that the only reason that the service has not been put into operation is that the local government are waiting for ministerial approval.
However, in response to the reason for the delay, García has pointed out that “until Friday, that authorisation had not even been requested so the Ministry cannot approve something that has not been requested”, an unacceptable state considering it was in September that the route was first promised, some 5 months ago.

Excerpt: The PSOE in Orihuela have been raising concerns over seemingly forgotten areas of the municipality, namely those outside the centre perimeter, with a predominantly foreign community. María García raised a notion on Thursday to try to resolve one of the Read More ...

### Injured Owl Saved on Motorway

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Castellon rescued an owl who was found badly injured on the hard shoulder of the AP-7 motorway in the Alcalá de Xivert area.
Road maintenance workers reported finding the bird at kilometre 382 of the motorway, with officers from the SEPRONA wildlife and environmental division of the Guardia Civil responding.
On account of the severity of injuries suffered, it is believed that the animal may have impacted with a vehicle, most likely a truck.
The bird was taken to the Font del Vidre animal recovery centre in Pobla de Benifassà for treatment.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Castellon rescued an owl who was found badly injured on the hard shoulder of the AP-7 motorway in the Alcalá de Xivert area. Road maintenance workers reported finding the bird at kilometre 382 of Read More ...

### Torrevieja Council Close Down Retail Store

Torrevieja town hall sent the Local Police into an outlet store selling for a national chain this week, closing them down for safety and licencing reasons.
The officers entered the El Corte Inglés Outlet” store on Calle Apolo on Tuesday, asking shoppers to vacate the premises and issuing the closure notice.
The planning department sent the police into the 1,700 square metre store which apparently did not possess a licence for the purpose it was operating and lacked a number of fire safety requirements such as hydrants.
The store management argued that the premises was fitted with a sprinkler system, but this was not enough to satisfy the minimum safety requirements.
The store opened in 2008 and had been operating as a retail space, changing in 2012 to its current form as an outlet store. It would appear that this is the first time safety concerns have been raised in the 8 years of operation, although the closure is expected to be temporary, once the premises has been made safe and legal.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall sent the Local Police into an outlet store selling for a national chain this week, closing them down for safety and licencing reasons. The officers entered the El Corte Inglés Outlet” store on Calle Apolo on Tuesday, Read More ...

### Five Wet Weather Tips

Weather conditions pose the biggest risk to road users, partly due to the inexperience and lack of preparedness by drivers, and partly due to the changing dynamics of the road and driving environment.

However, in preparation, here are our top tips for dealing with rain.

Slow down

It might seem like the most obvious thing to say, but all too often it is advice that is ignored. It is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security within our vehicles but speed and adverse weather is a deadly combination. When the road is wet, your vehicle´s tyres cannot grip the road as much as in normal, dry conditions. Cornering and braking are all affected by water on the road, reducing grip and increasing stopping distances considerably, therefore, slowing down allows more time to adapt and deal with the situation. Ease off the accelerator a little and you will see the difference immediately.

Avoid violent movements or sharp braking

Sudden braking, acceleration or harsh movements of the steering wheel may result in loss of vehicle control. If the operations are carried out progressively, smoothly and slowly, it also gives other drivers more time to react. Remember that a smooth drive is a safer and more efficient ride under normal conditions and even more so when it rains.

Avoid driving on road markings

Road markings including lane lines, crossings and markers provide less grip that the road surface and can therefore increase braking distances. Riders on two wheels should be particularly aware of this problem.

Be seen

During rain or reduced visibility make sure that you have your lights on. Daytime Running Lights may not be sufficient, especially during reduced visibility where headlights must be used. The timely use of indicators, including brake lights, is crucial to give other road users advanced warnings of your intentions. Keeping your vehicle under control and following all the advice for a smooth ride will also allow for an improvement in your visibility to other road users.

Avoid aquaplaning risks

Keep a sharp lookout for puddles and pools of water which may reduce the grip of your tyres on the road even more, potentially creating a liquid barrier between the tyre and road surface, commonly referred to as aquaplaning. However, don´t carry out any sudden movements to avoid these puddles, simply slow down, hold the steering wheel firmly and try to keep your vehicle on a straight and level course. Whilst maintaining an adequate distance from the vehicle in front, it is often beneficial to follow vehicles through such areas as the displacement of water becomes easier.
With these five basic tips your journey through the rain should be a much safer one, but remember that it is not only about how you drive your vehicle, but about the vehicle itself. Proper maintenance is crucial, checking tyres and their pressure, lights, windows, brakes and other such features on a regular basis should also reduce the risk. If in doubt, your local garage can keep a check on these for you.

Excerpt: Weather conditions pose the biggest risk to road users, partly due to the inexperience and lack of preparedness by drivers, and partly due to the changing dynamics of the road and driving environment. However, in preparation, here are our top Read More ...

### Things to do this weekend – 27 February 2016

Hi, Mark Nolan here with your local guide of things to do this weekend here on the costa blanca. Or, actually, wherever you are, welcome to the weekend, but I happen to be on the costa blanca.
The bad news is that it´s going to get a little chilly this weekend. Not snowboots and wooly hat chilly, but according to forecasters, from Friday there is likely to be increased cloud cover and a possibility of light rain, with temperatures dropping significantly, with the minimum below 10 ° C and the maximum hovering around 15 ° C.
The chance of light rain will continue into Saturday and Sunday will be windy. However, from Monday, the cold air and instability will begin to subside.
If it´s wrong, don´t blame me. I am but the messenger. For me, my biggest concern is it might bring back that Trans-Atlantic man flu I was battling last weekend. I´m not over it yet, I would say about 60% recovered, but I don´t want a relapse. Ladies… You have no idea (I am smiling as I type that, please don´t attack me).
As for things to do if you are going to brave it into the outside world, locally we have dog shows, bike rides, running races and a more traditional Spanish fiesta, amongst others.
On Saturday, the Habaneras shopping centre are holding an event to benefit the local municipal animal shelter, home to far too many abandoned and found dogs and cats. It starts with batacuda at 11:00, which are drummers by the way. A little odd to make so much noise, but the animals won´t be near and it will instantly raise the awareness of the event. There is also a Zumba master class and a raffle, you might even win a drummer, or I may have made that bit up (I did make it up).
There will be some street closures in Torrevieja on Sunday as the XXXIII (twenty third if you can´t work it out) Half Marathon “Ciudad de Torrevieja” takes over, departing at 10:00 from opposite the casino. The 21km route takes you through the streets of the coastal area and registration is open to all, and you can register at Habaneras on Saturday when you´re at the animal event, which is nice. It costs 25 euro to enter though but there are prizes for the first three runners in each category. I don´t think there is a “far too unfit to even try” category, so that´s me out. Still, I saved 25 quid I guess.
Also on Sunday, but this time in Rojales, the Day of the Bike will be celebrated, promoting the bike as a transport and leisure tool, which can be used for sport and mobility, regardless of age or physical condition. There will be a number of road closures so that the 400 anticipated riders can move freely through the 15 km route, but it is a nice way for families, individuals and groups to spend a leisurely Sunday morning, and you get a commemorative t-shirt and refreshments for taking part. There will also be a raffle and prizes for the best costume.
If you´re into classical music then Elche might be the place to go this weekend as La Traviata is being performed in the Gran Teatro.
Back to Torrevieja now and the Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti” will be holding their Andalusia Day on Sunday with an event of flamenco song. The event, scheduled at 18:30 hours at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, will feature Marta Sevillano, guitarist Antonio Fernández “El Torero” and his son Manuel Fernandez, as well as a variety of traditional musicians, singers and dancers. Tickets cost just 4 euro.
This weekend will also see the XXX (thirtieth) Life Guard Swimming Championships held in the pools in Torrevieja, with 450 athletes from all around Spain participating in a variety of lifesaving competitions on both Saturday and Sunday.
On the subject of lifesavers, there is also a national photography competition taking place at the moment with prizes on offer for the best pictures that show the fire service in action. Please be careful if you´re going to attempt to photograph them, but there is a 1,000 euro prize up for grabs.
As for a couple of future events, the 22nd, Youth Habaneras musical competition will be held in Torrevieja on the 8th and 9th of April. In Orihuela, there will be a “food trucks” event in the city between the 11th and 13th of March, then coming to the coast shortly after, bringing the homeless soup-kitchen experience to the masses, for over inflated prices. Okay, I am joking about that bit, but it does seem a little odd that with so many restaurants and bars struggling at the moment, the tourism department would see fit to arrange an event that takes even more business away from them. I know these nomad truck holders are trying to earn a living, but so are the other small business owners. Enough of the politics though, just a small point.
St Patrick´s day is fast approaching, the 17th of March, but before then you must not, MUST NOT, forget Mother´s Day in the UK which is next Sunday. Don´t say you weren´t warned.
A final point, before I bid you a fond farewell, if you´re based in the Torrevieja or surrounding area and looking for a job, TKO Media are recruiting. They have openings for presenters on TKO Radio, and also for sales team members for their media platforms, TKO Radio and The Courier newspaper. If you´re interested, send your CV to admin@tko.media, full details in The Courier out on Friday.
Final, final bit. On TV this weekend we have Eurovision: You Decide to look forward to. Please, pick something that might actually win this time. There is a comedy about a hospital radio station, but I have to stress that it is comedy and so sends up radio presenters and their hospital station. It is not a documentary or training video, so if you are going to apply for a job as a radio presenter, keep that in mind, even though there are actually for too many people on radio who are just like that!!! Churchill´s Secret on ITV on Sunday looks like the highlight of my weekend, along with all the usual suspects of course, and Grantchester is back next week, so do not miss that. I am so looking forward to it, personally.
Our video song of the week is Teddy Pendergrass and Love TKO, because, well, why not.

Right then, that´s your lot for this week. Stay safe and happy, have a great weekend and I will see you on the other side.
M.x
 
 

Excerpt: Hi, Mark Nolan here with your local guide of things to do this weekend here on the costa blanca. Or, actually, wherever you are, welcome to the weekend, but I happen to be on the costa blanca. The bad news Read More ...

### Irish Fugitive Arrested

The National Police arrested a British citizen in Alicante this week, wanted on a European arrest warrant for alleged sexual assaults on a minor.
Four incidents of sexual abuse have been recorded, all on the same victim, between January 1991 and June 1993, when the victim was the girl, the daughter of a former partner of the aggressor, was aged from 9 to 11 years old.
The Dublin District Court issued the warrant in January who was located by the organised crime and fugitive investigation group of the judicial police.
Two Garda detectives had previously questioned the man in Alicante last year, resulting in the Irish director of public prosecutions recommending that he face four charges in connection with the victim´s more recent allegations.
The suspect, a man in his 60´s, is reported in the Irish press as being a known supporter of Sinn Féin, is also an alleged senior IRA commander who was in charge of operations to bomb England.
He was also said to have been wanted for questioning in connection with the 1996 murder of Garda Jerry McCabe during a botched armed robbery in Adare, Co Limerick, but this investigation was dropped a decade later during political and diplomatic negotiations regarding the formation of the policing arrangements in Northern Ireland.

Excerpt: The National Police arrested a British citizen in Alicante this week, wanted on a European arrest warrant for alleged sexual assaults on a minor. Four incidents of sexual abuse have been recorded, all on the same victim, between January 1991 Read More ...

### British Driver Arrested for Drug-Fueled Wrong-Way Crash

A 42-year old British resident of Orihuela was arrested by officers from the Guardia Civil after driving the wrong way along the AP-7 motorway and crashing into a vehicle driving in the correct direction.

The incident occurred last weekend when the vehicle driving in the Cartagena direction of the Alicante bound side of the motorway. The Guardia Civil had received a number of warnings over the vehicle and sped to the scene, but a collision had already occurred when they arrived at kilometre 4,700 of the CT-32 road.
The collision caused damage to both vehicles and minor injuries to the other occupant.
According to sources, the driver showed “obvious signs of impairment” and was therefore tested for alcohol and drugs, giving a positive result for cocaine and cannabis. He was arrested on suspicion of a crime against road safety, a crime of reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs, and was made available to the courts in Cartagena.

This week, another driver was arrested after driving for around two kilometres the wrong way on the road between Yecla with the Alicante town of Villena, in a location where two other drivers were stopped last August in the space of a 24-hour period.

Excerpt: A 42-year old British resident of Orihuela was arrested by officers from the Guardia Civil after driving the wrong way along the AP-7 motorway and crashing into a vehicle driving in the correct direction. The incident occurred last weekend when Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Save Baby at Roadside

Two officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department based in Córdoba have been praised for saving the life of an 18-month old baby who was unconscious and not breathing.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening on the A431 main road near to Villarrubia. The patrol was approached by a woman, clearly in distress, who asked for their help with the baby.
The officers treated the toddler at the roadside and managed to revive him before taking the baby, and his mother, to the Reina Sofía maternity hospital in their patrol car.
Although remaining in hospital and under observation, sources state that the baby is recovering well.

Excerpt: Two officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department based in Córdoba have been praised for saving the life of an 18-month old baby who was unconscious and not breathing. The incident occurred on Saturday evening on the A431 main road Read More ...

### Focus on Vans and Trucks This Week

All of this week, a special campaign to check commercial vehicles is taking place on the roads of Spain, with the Guardia Civil and local police collaborating to check safety factors relating to the operation of trucks and vans.

The campaign, which runs through until the 21st of February, will focus on such elements as driving hours, tachographs, vehicle weight and cargo security, and technical defects.
Whilst carrying out the vehicle checks the officers will also check the correct documentation of both the vehicle and the driver, whilst also monitoring for three of the main factors in road traffic collisions, the use of alcohol and drugs, distractions (such as using a mobile phone), and inappropriate speed. Finally, the officers will also monitor that the correct use of seat belts is adhered to at all times.
Trucks and vans are the second most numerous vehicle traveling on the road, and with their increase in weight, can be a dangerous combination if not operated in a safe manner. In fact, trucks and vans are involved in 16% of all injury incidents and, according to the latest data from the DGT, were the type of vehicle resulting in 127 deaths last year, 68 travelling in vans, 59 in trucks. Aside from the deaths of vehicle occupants, vans and trucks were also involved in more than 500 injury incidents on urban and intercity roads.
The reason for this focus becomes clear when the data shows such facts as distractions being a contributing factor in a third of all incidents last year. Almost a third of the people killed in vans and trucks were not wearing a seatbelt, and the age of the fleet, on average, is 12 years, which makes the vehicle components susceptible to failure.

Excerpt: All of this week, a special campaign to check commercial vehicles is taking place on the roads of Spain, with the Guardia Civil and local police collaborating to check safety factors relating to the operation of trucks and vans. The Read More ...

### Blocking Junctions

Offence: Blocking Junctions.
When you stop at a junction, if you block the passage of other vehicles, you face a fine.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: The idea of junctions is to allow traffic to flow in different directions safely. If a junction is blocked, delays soon follow and delays can lead to a build-up of traffic and unsafe conditions. It is crucial that junctions are kept clear. Although yellow box junctions are in use in many places in Spain, you should still not enter any junction, with or without a yellow box, unless your exit is clear.

Excerpt: Offence: Blocking Junctions. When you stop at a junction, if you block the passage of other vehicles, you face a fine. Fine: 200 euro Reason: The idea of junctions is to allow traffic to flow in different directions safely. If a junction is Read More ...

### Insecure Animals in the Vehicle

Offence: Insecure Animals in the Vehicle.
Having an animal in the vehicle that could interfere with the driver can result in a fine, so a dog sat loose on the front seat for example is not allowed. Carrying animals which are not properly restrained is dangerous to them too. The same applies for cases, cages and boxes with the animal inside, they too must be properly secured.
Fine: 80 euro.
Reason: Animals are unpredictable, especially in environments they are unsure of or not used to. If loose, they could interfere with the driver´s ability or visibility. In the event of a crash, the animal would suffer considerable injury and, most likely, death.

Excerpt: Offence: Insecure Animals in the Vehicle. Having an animal in the vehicle that could interfere with the driver can result in a fine, so a dog sat loose on the front seat for example is not allowed. Carrying animals which are Read More ...

### Using Your Mobile Phone Whilst Driving

Offence: Using Your Mobile Phone Whilst Driving.
Using your mobile phone when driving also carries a fine, even if you are holding it on “speaker”, you are still holding and using your mobile. You are also not allowed to wear any kind of headphone or headset. Even the popular single-ear Bluetooth headsets are not permitted when you are driving. You cannot have any headphones or headsets which go into your ear. The police, and others besides, communicate by Bluetooth headsets when they are patrolling on their motorbikes, but the difference is that these headsets are built into the helmet and do not go into the ears. This sort of integral device is permitted, but no others.
Fine: 200 euro and the loss of 3 points
Reason: Distractions are one of the main contributing factors to road traffic collisions. Using your mobile means that the driver´s attention is distracted from the most important function, driving the car. Even the distraction for a second can be deadly, when the vehicle is moving at the same time.

Excerpt: Offence: Using Your Mobile Phone Whilst Driving. Using your mobile phone when driving also carries a fine, even if you are holding it on “speaker”, you are still holding and using your mobile. You are also not allowed to wear any Read More ...

### Failing to Carry the Correct Emergency Equipment

Offence: Failing to Carry the Correct Emergency Equipment.
Failing to carry the correct emergency equipment in the car will result in a fine. The mandatory equipment you must carry are two warning triangles, a reflective vest, and spare wheel, along with the tools to change it. It is no longer mandatory for you to carry spare bulbs or a spare set of spectacles, if you wear them, although it is advisory to do so.
Fine: 80 euro
Reason: In the event of an emergency it is important to be prepared. Warning triangles and high visibility vests save lives in the event of vehicle occupants having to leave the vehicle and move about the carriageway. Having an emergency wheel is also important to ensure you can continue with your journey in the event of one of the most common mechanical issues, a puncture.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Carry the Correct Emergency Equipment. Failing to carry the correct emergency equipment in the car will result in a fine. The mandatory equipment you must carry are two warning triangles, a reflective vest, and spare wheel, along with Read More ...

### Failing to Indicate

Offence: Failing to Indicate.
Turning through a junction without the appropriate signals also carries a fine.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: Indicators are designed to tell other road users of our intentions. They indicate what we intend to do. If we fail to use our indicators then we are posing a risk as other road users will be unaware of our intentions.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Indicate. Turning through a junction without the appropriate signals also carries a fine. Fine: 200 euro Reason: Indicators are designed to tell other road users of our intentions. They indicate what we intend to do. If we fail to use Read More ...

### Failing to Respect the Priority of Pedestrians

Offence: Failing to Respect the Priority of Pedestrians.
Failing to respect the priority of pedestrians and the fact that pedestrians take precedence will result in a fine and, depending on the potential risk to those pedestrians, the loss of 4 points.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of all road users. Facing a potential collision with a vehicle, the pedestrian will always come worse off, and so they need the most protection.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Respect the Priority of Pedestrians. Failing to respect the priority of pedestrians and the fact that pedestrians take precedence will result in a fine and, depending on the potential risk to those pedestrians, the loss of 4 points. Read More ...

### Failing to Give Way

Offence: Failing to Give Way.
Failing to give way to another vehicle when that vehicle has priority and forcing them to brake or manoeuvre sharply will result in a fine and the loss of points.
Fine: 200 euro and the loss of 4 points
Reason: Junctions are very dangerous places. Vehicles which have priority and are already moving mix with other vehicles which try to join the flow but at generally lower speeds. Forcing any vehicle to deviate from its course, speed or direction creates a hazard which is dangerous.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Give Way. Failing to give way to another vehicle when that vehicle has priority and forcing them to brake or manoeuvre sharply will result in a fine and the loss of points. Fine: 200 euro and the loss of Read More ...

### Driving on a Motorway in a Prohibited Vehicle

Offence: Driving on a Motorway in a Prohibited Vehicle.
Driving on a motorway in a prohibited vehicle, such as a horse or hand drawn vehicle, a cycle or moped for example, will result in a fine, as will carrying an insecure load which can fall or that compromises the stability of the vehicle.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: Motorways are designed for fast and safe traffic. Although speed can be a contributing factor to incidents on the roads, motorways are designed in such a manner that they are generally safer at higher speeds than normal roads, with long sweeping curves and flat, straight sections, free from more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cycles, and largely free of distractions. Vehicles which are unable to reach a minimum threshold of speed are banned because as traffic is moving faster, reaction and stopping times are increased and if a slower vehicle is in the path of one moving at high speed there is less time to deal with that hazard.

Excerpt: Offence: Driving on a Motorway in a Prohibited Vehicle. Driving on a motorway in a prohibited vehicle, such as a horse or hand drawn vehicle, a cycle or moped for example, will result in a fine, as will carrying an insecure Read More ...

### Wanted Driver Killed in Reckless Crash

The local police in Marbella have identified the victim of a late-night road traffic collision after a vehicle was found to have crashed into a tree.
The investigation concluded that the driver, a 33-year old male, died as a result of injuries sustained when his vehicle collided with the tree whilst travelling at 270 kilometres per hour.
The vehicle was also carrying a young female of 18-years of age who survived the crash but was trapped inside the vehicle, upside down, suspended by her seatbelt and in a distressed state.
The identification of the victim was further complicated by the fact he was carrying five different identities, including those of a Algerian and Belgian nationalities, but with the help of family members the identity was confirmed and it transpired that there were three outstanding arrest warrants in place for the deceased.

Excerpt: The local police in Marbella have identified the victim of a late-night road traffic collision after a vehicle was found to have crashed into a tree. The investigation concluded that the driver, a 33-year old male, died as a result Read More ...

### Failing to Allow an Overtaking Vehicle to Return

Offence: Failing to Allow an Overtaking Vehicle to Return.
Driving close behind another vehicle and / or not allowing sufficient space for an overtaking vehicle to return to the lane safely carries a fine and the loss of points.
Fine: 200 euro fine and the loss of 4 points
Reason: Overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres any vehicle can carry out. Moving into the path of oncoming traffic means that the impact speed would be a calculation resulting from the total speed of each of those vehicle, and so on a stretch of road where the maximum permitted speed is 50 kilometres per hour, assuming both vehicles are travelling at that speed, in the event of an impact the overall speed would be the same as hitting a solid object at 100 kilometres per hour. Therefore, it is crucial that any overtaking manoeuvre is conducted in the shortest time possible. Preventing a vehicle from returning into the correct lane risks lives.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Allow an Overtaking Vehicle to Return. Driving close behind another vehicle and / or not allowing sufficient space for an overtaking vehicle to return to the lane safely carries a fine and the loss of points. Fine: 200 euro Read More ...

### Not Driving in the Right Hand Lane

Offence: Not Driving in the Right Hand Lane.
Not driving in the right-hand, normal driving lane, whether it hinders other traffic or not, and irrespective of the number of lanes available, will result in a fine.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: The “normal” driving lane in Spain is the right-hand lane. In fact, the law not only says that we must drive on the right, it also says we must drive as far to the right as possible, subject to anything that might prevent this. Therefore, there is no reason to be in any lane other than the right-hand one, unless we are overtaking or there are other restrictions.

Excerpt: Offence: Not Driving in the Right Hand Lane. Not driving in the right-hand, normal driving lane, whether it hinders other traffic or not, and irrespective of the number of lanes available, will result in a fine. Fine: 200 euro Reason: The “normal” driving Read More ...

### Unnecessarily Lane Changing

Offence: Unnecessarily Lane Changing.
Changing lanes without respecting a vehicle already in that lane carries a 200 euro fine. Zigzagging between lanes will result in a 200 fine but may qualify as reckless driving, thus resulting in a 500 euro fine and the loss of 6 points.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: The flow of normal traffic runs smoothly until such a time as the roads become congested, then it may be necessary for traffic to use more than one lane. Changing lanes impedes the flow of traffic, causes delays and can be dangerous, depending in the severity of your actions. Causing any other vehicle to deviate from its course speed or direction means that you have become a hazard, which is dangerous in itself.

Excerpt: Offence: Unnecessarily Lane Changing. Changing lanes without respecting a vehicle already in that lane carries a 200 euro fine. Zigzagging between lanes will result in a 200 fine but may qualify as reckless driving, thus resulting in a 500 euro fine Read More ...

### Failing to Maintain a Safe Distance

Offence: Failing to Maintain a Safe Distance.
Driving behind a vehicle without maintaining the correct and safe distance (which does vary with weather and road conditions), will result in a fine and the loss of points.
Fine: 200 euro fine and the loss of 4 points
Reason: Driving too close to the vehicle in front reduces your reaction time and your overall stopping distance, this making it more likely that you will collide with that vehicle if they have to react to something in front. Although there are mathematical calculations relating to the correct distance, always remember the 2 second rule and leave a 2 second time gap between you and the vehicle in front. To do this, find a fixed object ahead such as a sign or tree and count the time between the vehicle in front passing that point and the time you do. If you can´t time 2 seconds, at your normal speaking speed, say the phrase, “only a fool breaks the 2 second rule”, which takes about 2 seconds to say. In wet conditions, the gap should be at least doubled and considerably lengthened in the event of cold and icy conditions.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Maintain a Safe Distance. Driving behind a vehicle without maintaining the correct and safe distance (which does vary with weather and road conditions), will result in a fine and the loss of points. Fine: 200 euro fine and the Read More ...

### Using Radar Detectors

Offence: Using Radar Detectors.
Using radar detectors will result in a fine and the loss of points. Using radar inhibitors will see you lose 6,000 euro (with no discount by the way) and losing 6 points. Some GPS devices have information which tells you where fixed radars and cameras are located. As this information is provided freely by the DGT with the intention of slowing traffic in these areas, devices which give this sort of fixed data information are permitted.
Fine: 200 euro and the loss of 3 points
Reason: Radar speed detectors are aimed at reducing casualties through detection. Anything which inhibits the safe operating of the roads is potentially deadly. The use of information relating to incident “black spots” is acceptable as this information is designed to reduce the speeds on entire stretches of roads.

Excerpt: Offence: Using Radar Detectors. Using radar detectors will result in a fine and the loss of points. Using radar inhibitors will see you lose 6,000 euro (with no discount by the way) and losing 6 points. Some GPS devices have information Read More ...

### Programming Your GPS When Driving

Offence: Programming Your GPS When Driving.
It is perfectly legal to use GPS navigation devices in your vehicle, but you are not allowed to touch them when you are driving. Set your journey before you leave. If you go wrong, most devices will recalculate the route, so leave it alone until you are stopped safely.
Fine: 200 euro plus the loss of 3 points
Reason: Distractions are one of the main contributing factors to road traffic collisions. For a driver to reprogram a GPS, their attention is distracted from the most important function, driving the car. Even the distraction for a second can be deadly, when the vehicle is moving at the same time.

Excerpt: Offence: Programming Your GPS When Driving. It is perfectly legal to use GPS navigation devices in your vehicle, but you are not allowed to touch them when you are driving. Set your journey before you leave. If you go wrong, most Read More ...

### Failing to Maintain the Proper Position in the Vehicle

Offence: Failing to maintain the proper position in the vehicle.
This can refer to passengers with their feet on the dashboard, drivers with their arms out the window, or any other situation where proper posture is not maintained.
Fine: 80 euro.
Reason: There are many reasons why this rule is important. For example, in the event of impact, the injuries sustained by a person with their feet on the dashboard are nothing less than horrific. The same goes for instances where limbs have been lost or severely injured on account of them protruding from the vehicle. Plus, the seats in a vehicle are designed to give maximum protection, and comfort, and not being correctly positions poses a risk, and can hinder visibility by the driver.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to maintain the proper position in the vehicle. This can refer to passengers with their feet on the dashboard, drivers with their arms out the window, or any other situation where proper posture is not maintained. Fine: 80 Read More ...

### New Section Launched – Fines and Sanctions

Being occasionally lapse with driving rules may be the scourge of the majority of road users, but when those simple one-offs become habits, you are not only risking lives, but a considerable financial outlay.
Without exception, ALL traffic rules and laws are aimed at one thing, to make the roads a safer place. The penalties associated with infractions are mostly intended to be a deterrent, which is why repeat offenders in some cases face harsher penalties, as do those who carry out the most dangerous acts.
However, because the risks associated with many of the commonest habitual offences go largely unnoticed, we are lulled into a false sense of security, that is until we get caught out, either by being involved in an incident where a contributing factor has been one of these risks, or, the better option in fact, being caught doing wrong by the traffic police.
Throughout February and beyond we will be building a new section of the website, one which details many of the most common traffic offences, and the fines and sanctions for committing them. The idea is of course to educate everybody by not only showing you the fines and sanctions faced, but also explaining a little bit about why it is a problem.
We also need to be clear about who we are referring to, because we are not only talking about drivers. When a cycle is being ridden, that bike then becomes a vehicle and is governed by the same laws as a car. If the bicycle is being pushed along then it is not classed as a vehicle, but pedestrians also have a legal responsibility when on or about the roads, as do passengers. In fact, quite simply, traffic law refers to everybody.
Keep checking back every day for the latest post and you will then be more knowledgeable in the risks surrounding these issues.

Excerpt: Being occasionally lapse with driving rules may be the scourge of the majority of road users, but when those simple one-offs become habits, you are not only risking lives, but a considerable financial outlay. Without exception, ALL traffic rules and Read More ...

### The Revenge of a Radar Speeder

Traffic police in France have finally managed to identify the cause of seemingly random vehicles being clocked by a fixed radar traveling at excessive speeds.

The investigation, carried out by the gendarmes in Marie-Ségolène Poitou, began when an off-duty police officer was caught doing 120 kilometres per hour in his Porsche. Convinced of his innocence, the officer challenged the report and found that there had been similar drivers in the same situation, although many of those had accepted their fate and paid the appropriate fines, whilst some had received bans, with some of the drivers recorded driving in excess of 200 kilometres per hour and one of those clocked at a staggering 304 kilometres per hour.
As the investigation continued, the officers inspected the evidence recorded by the cameras and noticed that on each one, there was an unusual and unexplained apparition, a shadow that appeared near to the vehicles.
As the location was near to an airfield, the officers believed that the most likely explanation for the shadow was that it was being cast by something airborne, which was a stroke of genius, a consideration that turned out to be true.
Having set a trap, it wasn´t long before the investigators caught the low flying pilot performing his manoeuvre above the road and triggering the radar. With an inflight chase then resulting in the pilot being identified, he was promptly arrested.
The conclusion of the subsequent interview was that the pilot admitted that he had taken the action “for revenge”, having himself lost his car driving licence having been caught speeding by the radar.
The pilot will be brought before the courts but emergency legislation had to be brought into force as the case is believed to be the first of its kind in Europe.

Excerpt: Traffic police in France have finally managed to identify the cause of seemingly random vehicles being clocked by a fixed radar traveling at excessive speeds. The investigation, carried out by the gendarmes in Marie-Ségolène Poitou, began when an off-duty police Read More ...

### Tunnels and Undrepasses

Traffic laws must be strictly adhered to in tunnels or underpasses on account of the increased risk factors involved in this type of road route, with attention specifically to such matters as using headlights, observing speed and safe distance requirements and not stopping, parking, changing direction or reversing.

When approaching most tunnels a blue rectangular sign provides some key information about the tunnel, such as the name and the length, as well as details about emergency help points within.

The speed limit in tunnels is controlled with the R-301 mandatory maximum speed limit sign (a red circle with the speed limit in the centre), although many also have an advisory maximum speed limit, indicated by the S-7 blue square with white numbers.

Before entering the tunnel we will also see the R-413 sign, a blue circle with a headlight pictogram in the centre, telling us that it is mandatory for us to use headlights at all times.

There may be other signs on the entry to tunnels such as the R-306 which prohibits heavy goods vehicles over 3,500 kg from overtaking.
Some tunnels have indicators above the carriageway which shows if the lane is open or closed. This is sometimes by means of a standard red or green traffic light and sometimes by means of a green arrow or red cross. These indication signs must be observed at all times. All signs, whether fixed or temporary, visual or audible, must be adhered to at all times.

In tunnels or underpasses where the traffic flows in both directions, overtaking is prohibited, unless an additional lane or lanes are provided for this.

A safe distance must always be maintained from the vehicle in front, with a minimum of 100 metres being required between each vehicle, the equivalent of a 4 second gap. Some tunnels have markings on the lanes to assist in keeping this distance. For those with no markings the four second gap can be monitored by counting the time between the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point and the time it takes your vehicle to pass that same place.
In the case of vehicles with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 3,500 kg, the safe distance is increased to at least 150 metres or a minimum interval of at least 6 seconds.
Tunnels of some length will have pedestrian exits and help points which are for use in emergencies only. The exits are indicated by the universal emergency exit signs of a pictogram of a figure about to leave a door, and often accompanied by the words “Salida” or “Salida de Emergencia”.

The location of the closest emergency point is indicated by arrows on the wall of the tunnel. In the event of an emergency access point being in both directions, often a larger arrow will indicate the direction to the nearest emergency point or exit, which may be in front or behind.
In the event of being involved in an emergency in a tunnel, you must:
Switch off the engine, switch on emergency hazard lights and leave your vehicle lights on.
If the emergency makes it impossible for the vehicle to continue, try to steer the vehicle to the area reserved for emergencies in the direction of travel, such as the hard shoulder if available, or an emergency layby. In the absence of these features, you must try to stop your vehicle as close as possible to the right side of the edge of the roadway.
Use your emergency triangles to indicate your vehicle is creating a hazard.
All vehicle occupants must leave the vehicle and proceed to the nearest evacuation emergency exit.
In case of fire, the driver must make every effort to ensure vehicles do not block the path of the emergency vehicles attending. Turn off the ignition, leaving the key, and leaving the doors open. All vehicle occupants must leave by the nearest available exit in the opposite direction to the fire.
Hopefully our passage through the tunnel will be without incident and as we leave the tunnel, we will see more signs. As well as the S-6 sign indicating the end of the tunnel and subsequent restrictions, we sometimes a change in the speed limit but always a reminder about our headlights. This S-24 sign is different to the R-413 as it is a blue rectangle which displays a pictogram of the headlights along with a question mark. Whereas it is mandatory to switch lights on when entering a tunnel, it is not necessarily mandatory to switch them off, as it could be night time or during a period of poor visibility, so this sign is an informative version reminding us to check if we need to continue with our headlights illuminated.

Excerpt: Traffic laws must be strictly adhered to in tunnels or underpasses on account of the increased risk factors involved in this type of road route, with attention specifically to such matters as using headlights, observing speed and safe distance requirements Read More ...

### N332 Attended the first CLARO Friday Forum

On Friday of last week, members of N332 gace a presentation at the first C.L.A.R.O. Friday Forum on the Orihuela Costa.

The objective of the forum is to present local groups and associations to the residents so that they are aware of the work that they do in helping the community and also this gives the residents the opportunity to collaborate with these causes.
More than 150 people attended this first event in the Asturias Restaurant, which, according to C.L.A.R.O. President Paul Piccio, is intended to bring the residents and business owners of Orihuela together to share in the benefits of knowledge from the presentations by guest speakers which are of interest and use to all residents and visitors alike.

The presentation lasted just over an hour with Francisco Morales, a serving officer from the Guardia Civil traffic department, and former driving instructor Mark Nolan, talking about many of the most common questions that occur on the roads, and detailing some of the most common problems that the Guardia Civil come across on a daily basis, with the intention of educating and advising drivers of the correct procedures.

Recent changes to traffic laws were also covered in detail and at the end of the presentation there was an open forum for discussion and for any other questions to be answered.
The Friday Forums will occur throughout the year with a variety of guest speakers and are open to both members and non-members of C.L.A.R.O. alike.





C.L.A.R.O had a successful first FRIDAY FORUM last January 22, 2016 with the attendance of more than 150 residents. Thanks to everyone who attended and also thanks for the association N333 who were our guest speakers.C.L.A.R.O tuvo éxito en su primer FORO el 22 de Enero 2016 con la participación de más de 150 Residentes. Gracias a todos que han participado y también gracias a la asociación N332 por participar y ser nuestros invitados.
Posted by CLARO on Saturday, 23 January 2016

Excerpt: On Friday of last week, members of N332 gace a presentation at the first C.L.A.R.O. Friday Forum on the Orihuela Costa. The objective of the forum is to present local groups and associations to the residents so that they are Read More ...

### Priority Vehicles

Blue or orange flashing lights, sirens, bells, the very thought conjures up the image of an emergency vehicle, attending or dealing with a life threatening or emergency situation, but what about a car intermittently sounding its horn and waving a handkerchief? That too is a priority vehicle in certain circumstances, and other vehicles must move out of the way, if it´s safe to do so. Let us explain.

The rules relating to emergency vehicles are detailed in the text “Reglamento general de circulación sobre vehículos prioritarios”, or the general traffic regulations on priority vehicles.
Article 67 states that vehicles, either private or public, responding to an emergency situation have priority over all other road users. Under certain conditions, they are exempt from certain other rules and regulations whilst responding to emergencies, such as speed limits. They also have priority through junctions, intersections and traffic lights, so long as they take appropriate precautions to avoid collisions with other road users, such as ensuring other vehicles are topped or safe and that there are no pedestrians in their path, for example. These exemptions only apply when responding to an emergency situation.
Article 67 also states that the installation of light and sound emitting devices can only be done with specific authority from the Provincial Traffic Department, in accordance to rules governing this type of vehicle.
In Article 68, the correct procedures for drivers of emergency vehicles is detailed, including the provisions for not endangering other road users, and where vehicles responding to emergencies can, under certain circumstances, also have exemptions to other rules and regulations, including turning around on motorways and driving in the opposite direction to that permitted, and use their vehicles to block the road to assist others in dealing with emergencies.
Article 68 also explains how vehicles of law enforcement authorities such as the police and Guardia Civil, fire service, Protección Civil, rescue services and health, public or private, are all considered priority vehicles when dealing with emergencies and will warn of their presence by means of lights (as detailed in Article 173), and special acoustic signals (sirens or bells). The drivers of these vehicles also have to be considerate as to when they use their signal equipment so as not to present a hazard to other road users.
Tow trucks (gruas) attending emergencies are also considered priority vehicles when their orange lights are flashing. This is to ensure the fastest response time to clear up the debris and vehicles following road incidents and collisions, so those vehicles too are allowed to proceed in the same way as the ones already detailed.
So far, we have looked at the requirements of those operating the emergency vehicles, now we will look at the obligation of other road users regarding priority vehicles.
Article 69 explains the expected behaviour of other road users, which states that as soon as a driver notices the presence of a priority vehicle, by hearing the siren or seeing the lights for example, drivers must take appropriate measures, according to the circumstances of the time and place, to facilitate the passage of the priority vehicle, usually by moving to the right hand side, or stopping if necessary.
When a police or law enforcement vehicle positions itself behind any vehicle and also activated a red or yellow flashing, intermittent light, the driver of the vehicle must take appropriate precautions to stop their vehicle on the right-hand side of the road as soon as it is safe and practical. A police or law enforcement vehicle behind you with a flashing red or yellow light is telling you to stop.
Once stopped, you must remain in the vehicle and await instructions from the officers involved, either by means of a loud speaker, or directly.
The police and law enforcement officers also use other methods for instructing vehicles to stop, which are detailed in the article “Sings and Signals from Police Officers Controlling Traffic”.
The final section of this article deals with a seemingly very unusual situation, but one which could save a person´s life, which is why it is included in the legislation.
Article 70 explains how other vehicles can become priority vehicles dealing with an emergency, and are afforded similar rights to those official vehicles detailed already.
In certain circumstances, and only when there is a risk to life, any other vehicle can assume the role of a priority vehicle by intermittently sounding the horn, connecting an emergency light (if available) and using hazard lights, or waving a cloth, flag or even a handkerchief to raise the awareness of their presence to other road users.
Extreme caution must be exercised when driving under these circumstances, remember that the drivers of emergency vehicles are highly trained in the procedures and processes for moving through traffic and junctions at high speed, and even with their lights and sirens, there are numerous incidents recorded where drivers still fail to move over, and also numerous incidents of collisions. A normal vehicle without a livery, siren and lights may well confuse other road users, despite the use of the horn and waving a sheet.
In these situations, you must still respect the laws relating to the movement of vehicles, such as speed limits and giving way at junctions, this is not an excuse for any driver to break the law. You should also be aware that if you do take on the role of saviour with your vehicle, you are highly likely to have to explain the circumstances which prompted you drive in this manner to law enforcement officers, as the process is reserved for life-threatening situations, but one that may well mean the difference between life and death for a victim, and so is a valuable piece of information worth knowing.
Finally, remember, that if you see any vehicle displaying these characteristics, the situation they are responding to is likely to be one where a life or lives are in danger, so please respect their signals and move over to allow these priority vehicles to pass.

Excerpt: Blue or orange flashing lights, sirens, bells, the very thought conjures up the image of an emergency vehicle, attending or dealing with a life threatening or emergency situation, but what about a car intermittently sounding its horn and waving a Read More ...

### Punto Negro?

Do you know the difference between “an accident blackspot” (“Punto Negro”) and “a dangerous stretch of road”?
An accident blackspot is a stretch of road in which 3 or more accidents involving victims occur within a calendar year, within 100 metres of each other.
A dangerous stretch of road (Tramo de concentración de accidentes or “TCA” in Spanish) is a stretch of road which has a significantly higher than average number accidents when compared to similar stretches of road.
The DGT used road signs to warn drivers that they are approaching a stretch of road where accidents are known to occur, in order to avoid further accidents.

Thanks to one of our followers; Sra. Linda White, for the translation. It is good to have people willing to collaborate with us on their free time. Thank you

Excerpt: Do you know the difference between “an accident blackspot” (“Punto Negro”) and “a dangerous stretch of road”? An accident blackspot is a stretch of road in which 3 or more accidents involving victims occur within a calendar year, within 100 Read More ...

### Burning Truck Caught on Dash Cam

A driver with a dash cam captured an unnerving image in an undersea tunnel in Hong Kong, when a truck was captured driving through the tunnel with its load on fire.
Luckily, nobody was injured and the truck managed to leave the tunnel where fire fighters extinguished the blaze.

Excerpt: A driver with a dash cam captured an unnerving image in an undersea tunnel in Hong Kong, when a truck was captured driving through the tunnel with its load on fire. Luckily, nobody was injured and the truck managed to Read More ...

### New Radars Capture Seatbelt and Mobile Phone Use

A new range of radar speed detectors in stalled by the DGT not only monitor for vehicles traveling in excess of the maximum permitted speed limit, they are also able to tell if a driver is not wearing a seatbelt or is talking on a mobile phone.
The cameras, which have been installed in 70 locations across the country already, look similar to the existing devices, but can capture images at 50 frames per second, which results in higher definition still images being captured which result in more details being collected and then analysed, such as the driver´s current activities, recording the vehicle information and processing the relevant evidence to qualify a sanction or complaint.
The aim of the investment in the devices is to improve road safety, with the latest data revealing that in the most recent campaign 1,349 drivers were reported for not using seatbelts and other 1,113 to using a phone whilst driving.
With the Pegasus radar already capable of capturing this detail, and recording the necessary evidential data, these latest ground-based cameras add to the arsenal of monitoring tools.
Further data also reveals that 77% of all people killed in vehicles are not wearing a seatbelt, and so by changing attitudes through enforcement, a significant number of lives can be saved.

Excerpt: A new range of radar speed detectors in stalled by the DGT not only monitor for vehicles traveling in excess of the maximum permitted speed limit, they are also able to tell if a driver is not wearing a seatbelt Read More ...

### Insurance Fraud has Tripled Since 2013

In the latest data released this week, it has been revealed that out of every 100 insurance claims, 6 are attempted scams, resulting in an increase cost of 1,190 million euro per year, almost 20% more than in the last report from 2013, a cost which is inevitably passed on to those who choose to insure their vehicle correctly.

This data has been collated in the third such report since 2009, which reveals that 94.5% of attempted fraudulent claims are related to property damage, although the average claim is around 550 euro. Fraudulent injury claims make up 4.5% of the total, but with the average claim reaching 17,300 euro, the cost is far more than property.
Damage resulting in the total loss, or damaged beyond repair, is the most commonly occurring fraudulent claim, representing 3 out of 4 of these claims. In terms of claims of physical injury, whiplash is the most common fraudulent claim.
Most fraudulent claims are made in the summer months, between May and July, and in January, with Monday being the most likely day that fraudulent claims are made with 19% of all cases recorded. During the weekend, there are only 10% on a Saturday and 9% on a Sunday, as the fraudsters presumably enjoy their rest period.
The Murcia region is in the top three locations for insurance fraud, along with Cuenca and Jaén, whereas Soria, Salamanca and Burgos are the locations with the least fraudulent cases.
The average amount of each attempted fraud across the country is around 1,284 euros, 45% more than in 2013, although there are significant variations between some provinces. In Huesca, Lugo and Almería the average fraudulent claim is 4,800€, 3,600€ and 3,200€ respectively, whereas the fraudsters in Segovia, Zamora and Zaragoza make the smallest claims, with just 230€, 301€ and 390€ respectively on average.
The profile of the most prolific fraudster is a young male, under 26, with precarious employment or unemployed, or, surprisingly almost the opposite, middle-aged, educated and gainfully employed.
Men are more likely to boast of their fraudulent claims, even to strangers, whereas women pretend their injuries are worse than they are.
However, according to another report which surveyed of more than 1,200 drivers throughout Spain reveals that the intent to commit fraud has halved from two years ago. In addition, 73% of drivers (the equivalent of 19 million) would be willing to report someone if you got a direct economic benefit in return, a very common practice in the US or UK.
Nevertheless, more than 5 million motorists admit that they might commit fraud if they knew they would not be discovered. There is also greater awareness of the legal implications involved in these practices.

Excerpt: In the latest data released this week, it has been revealed that out of every 100 insurance claims, 6 are attempted scams, resulting in an increase cost of 1,190 million euro per year, almost 20% more than in the last Read More ...

### Breakdowns and Assistance Increase

According to a report by the RACE automobile club, mechanical failures on the road increased by 9% in 2015, and assistance following crashes or other incidents increased by 11.2%, compared to the previous year.

The data was collated from information gathered whilst attending 600,000 roadside assistance cases in 2015, with the most common problems being batteries and tyres.
There were 122,935 battery related call-outs in 2015, although this did drop by 0.4%. IN second place was tyre related incidents with 56,624 call-outs, an increase of 11.1%. The company was called out to 29,914 crashes or similar incidents, an increase of 7.2%. There were 27,266 engine faults, up 7.2%, but these did not take into account the 28,389 alternator problems which increased by a staggering 58.3% over 2014.
There was particular concern pointed towards the condition of tyres, which can seriously affect the safety of the vehicle, made worse by weather conditions. In 11% of all faults recorded in tyre call-outs, replacement was necessary. In 17.9% of all cases, the spare wheel was not usable for one reason or another.
Regular checks on key areas of the vehicle, including tyres, is crucial to road safety. Simple checks on tread depth, pressure and signs of damage or wear can make the difference between life or death.
You can read more about tyre pressure by clicking this link. If you want to know more about Spanish tyre law, click here.
 

Excerpt: According to a report by the RACE automobile club, mechanical failures on the road increased by 9% in 2015, and assistance following crashes or other incidents increased by 11.2%, compared to the previous year. The data was collated from information Read More ...

### Presentation on the Orihuela Costa on Friday

On Friday, members of the N332 group will be giving an informative talk in the Asturias Restaurant, between Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa.
The talk has been arranged by the CLARO political party, who represent the residents of Orihuela, but everybody is welcome to attend.
The event starts at 5pm and runs through until 7pm. The talk will cover various aspects of driving in Spain, including some of the latest changes to the law.
Although everybody is welcome, we ask that you drop a quick email to news@n332.es saying how many people will be attending in your group, so that we can pass that on to CLARO and they can ensure that there are enough seats available.
After the presentation, the N332 members will be on hand to discuss any of the points raised or mentioned throughout the presentation.

Excerpt: On Friday, members of the N332 group will be giving an informative talk in the Asturias Restaurant, between Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa. The talk has been arranged by the CLARO political party, who represent the residents of Orihuela, but Read More ...

### Alicante Bank Robber Arrested

Officers from the National Police in Alicante arrested a bank robber on Friday after he stole 1,800 euro and then fled on foot with one of the employees as a hostage.
The incident took place at around noon on Friday when the man used a simulated weapon to hold the tellers at what they thought was gun point demanding the cash.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police in Alicante arrested a bank robber on Friday after he stole 1,800 euro and then fled on foot with one of the employees as a hostage. The incident took place at around noon on Friday Read More ...

### What Types of Vehicles Can I Drive?

If you look at the back of your driving licence you will see a list of vehicle categories determined by both a letter and a pictogram indicating the type of vehicle referred to. The license also displays dates next to those categories for which you are permitted to drive, in the columns headed 10, 11 and 12, which detail validity from and to dates and any observations respectively.

The vast majority of drivers in Spain have a category “B” licence, which means they are certified as qualified to drive a normal passenger car, but being qualified in that category also allows you to drive some other vehicles.
As a category B licence holder you are permitted to drive specially designed passenger cars, for private use, ranging from a small urban car, an SUV, minivan or sports car. There is no limitation to the type of vehicle, so long as it is registered as a private car, but there are limitations to the physical characteristics. Namely, a private car must be equal to or less than 3,500 kg in weight and can have a maximum of nine seats, including the driver. The vehicle can only be driven for private and leisure use and not for any commercial gain, whether that be for business or carrying passengers in exchange for cash or goods.
In the case of vans, you can drive any van in which either passengers, goods or both can be transported, whether that vehicle is approved as a private or commercial vehicle, so long as it has a maximum weight equal to or less than 3,500 kg and no more than nine seats including the driver.
For both cars and vans you can also attach a trailer with a category B licence, provided the total combined weight of the vehicle and trailer do not exceed the maximum weight permitted by the technical specifications of the vehicle.
In the case of passenger cars, there are two options allowed under a category B licence. Firstly, a passenger vehicle of up to up to 3,500 kg and a trailer not exceeding 750 kg, representing a maximum combined weight of 4,250 kg. Or a passenger car (up to 3,500 kg) and a trailer exceeding 750 kg, provided that the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg.
If the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the joint between car and trailer exceeds 3,500 kg but not exceeding 4,250 kg, it is necessary to take two specific practical tests which covers vehicle manoeuvres and dealing with traffic.
If the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the joint between car and trailer also exceeds 4,250 kg, it is necessary to obtain a BE category certification, which enables a passenger car to tow up to 7,000 kg, spread over 3,500 kg maximum weight for the car and 3,500 kg maximum weight for the trailer. This requires both a theoretical test and two practical tests, one of manoeuvres and the other in traffic.
However, in addition to what we might consider to be the normal vehicles one would expect to be able to drive with a category B licence, but there are others.
You are permitted to drive some two-wheeled vehicles with the category B qualification. Having the “B” category automatically qualifies licence holders for the AM category. That permits drivers to ride small mopeds with engines smaller than 50cc or an electric motor, provided that the vehicle has a maximum limited speed of 45 kilometres per hour and they are only ridden on urban roads.
After holding your category B licence for a period of 3 years, you are automatically upgraded to be allowed to drive vehicles requiring the A1 category, which permits you to drive small motorcycles up to 125 cc and with a maximum power of 11 kW (15 hp). However, you must be aware that this is only the case in Spain. This automatic classification is not effective in other European countries without obtaining the A1 classification qualification separately. That is why, even if your license is issued in Spain, you will not see the validity dates filled in on the back of the licence unless you have undergone specific examinations. In the event of a category B licence holder riding a 125cc motorbike and getting stopped to have your details checked at the roadside, the Guardia Civil traffic officers will refer to the dates of your category B validation to ensure you qualify.
With the category B license you are permitted to drive three-wheeled bikes or tricycles, provided that two of the three wheels are on the same axle. There are no limitations in terms of power, the only condition is that the manufacturer has had the vehicle approved as a tricycle and not as a three-wheeled motorcycle. The difference is that the tricycle requires specific approval and must have certain standard characteristics including a parking brake, minimum track width and lighting specific to this type of vehicle. If the vehicle does not meet these characteristics then they are subject to the conditions of licencing for motorcycles. A motorcycle with a sidecar for example is not classed as a tricycle and is governed by motorcycle licencing requirements.
All microcars and vehicles which have been approved as quads can be driven with the category B licence. This includes two categories of light quadricycle (with a maximum weight of 350 kg and maximum power of 4kW) and normal quads that can reach up to 550 kg maximum and up to 15 kW (20 hp). The four-wheel buggy type vehicle of more than 15 kW can also be driven, so long as they are classed as passenger cars. You can also drive quads or ATVs, whether of leisure or agricultural type and regardless of engine size or power.
 
 

Excerpt: If you look at the back of your driving licence you will see a list of vehicle categories determined by both a letter and a pictogram indicating the type of vehicle referred to. The license also displays dates next to Read More ...

### Huge Increase in Biker Deaths

Despite positive trends to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads of Spain, 2015 ended with the worst results for four years for deaths involving one particular type of vehicle – motorbikes.

In total, there were 247 motorcycle deaths on the main road network last year, 60 more than in 2014, representing an increase of 32%. This has been the worst year since 2011 when a similar number of people lost their lives in motorbike related incidents.
According to successive annual reports issued by the Ministry of the Interior, 270 deaths were recorded in 2011; 218 in 2012; 215 in 2013; 187 in 2014; and 247 in 2015. The data shows that a downward trend had been consistent, but the massive increase last year has given considerable cause for concern.
The Director General of the DGT, Maria Segui, had already expressed her concerns over the problem as the year was nearing a close, explaining the three apparent major contributing factors to the increase in motorbike deaths, namely increased mobility, the rise in the average age of such vehicles, and an increasing number riders not wearing a helmet properly, of the deaths last year, 13 people were not wearing a helmet.
The DGT believes that the increase in deaths is also related to the increase in use of vehicles. The economic upturn in 2015 resulted in an increase in traffic on the roads, partly for leisure and partly for work, as more people also managed to secure a job. In addition, according to the Bikers Mutual Association, the improved weather conditions throughout the year, especially during holidays such a Easter, meant that motorbike use seemed a more attractive option than ever before.
María José Alonso, Vice President of the Bikers Road Safety Platform, has blamed the authorities for not doing enough, especially in rural areas, by not improving roads and for not placing proper signage in appropriate places.
Many other groups representing the riders themselves are still denouncing the poor state of the roads and the lack of investment. The Spanish Road Association released a report claiming that the situation of the roads was “the worst since 1985” and that it needs 6,500 million euro investment in order to return them to their optimal state. Moreover, according to data from the DGT, 18% of those killed in 2015 died after crashing into a crash barrier, according to the group, reinforcing their calls for improvements or the rehabilitation of the roadbed, repairing the many cracks, potholes and poorly painted pavements, whilst also demanding that all crash barriers be replaced by those specifically designed to assist motorcyclists in the event of a collision.

Excerpt: Despite positive trends to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads of Spain, 2015 ended with the worst results for four years for deaths involving one particular type of vehicle – motorbikes. In total, there were 247 motorcycle deaths Read More ...

### Police Seek Cyclist Riding at 80 Kilometres per Hour

An investigation was launched on Tuesday to identify a cyclist videoed travelling at 80 kilometres per hour behind a bus in Barcelona.

The occupants of a car videoed the cyclist on the Ronda de Litoral, using the slipstream from the bus to ease pedalling.
Despite being below the maximum speed whereas a radar detector would have caught the vehicle, cyclists, along with mopeds, pedestrians and vehicles transporting goods are not permitted on the particular stretch of road.

Meanwhile, complaints were once again raised this week over the dangerous practice of skateboarding along the steep and winding mountainous path at sa Calobra in Mallorca. A popular pastime for some years now there have yet to be any recorded serious incidents or fatalities, but motorists are urging the authorities to take action as it is only a matter of time before one of these frill seekers is killed or seriously injured at the hands of another road user innocently going about their business.

Excerpt: An investigation was launched on Tuesday to identify a cyclist videoed travelling at 80 kilometres per hour behind a bus in Barcelona. The occupants of a car videoed the cyclist on the Ronda de Litoral, using the slipstream from the Read More ...

### Massive Increase in Drug Tests This Year

The Interior Ministry has announced that on behalf of the DGT the Guardia Civil intend to carry out more than 120,000 drug tests on drivers during 2016, representing an increase of 38% over 2015.
This increase of more than 45,000 tests compared to those in 2015 is in line with the Strategic Plan for Road Safety 2010-2020 and especially with one of the five areas of activity that the agency has defined as a priority for the “zero vision” in relation to the use of drugs and alcohol before driving.
In order to perform these tests, the DGT has a budget of 12 million euro specifically for the purchase of drug testing kits and supplementary materials, as well as the recruitment of laboratory services for the analysis of samples.
In the most recent data published, 59% of the drivers who had committed an offence and tested for the use of drugs gave a positive reading. Similarly, 33% of drivers tested at preventive controls were also positive for drug use.
In addition, in the annual report from the National Institute of Toxicology, statistics revealed that 39.09% of the deceased and analysed drivers (614 in total) had alcohol, drugs or psychotropic medication present in their blood. For pedestrians analysed (173), this figure rises to 40%.
It has been found that the saliva test for detecting the presence of drugs in drivers has had a deterrent effect, as was also the case with the introduction of alcohol testing. The increase in these controls among drivers, has already represented a reduction of at least 17% in the number of traffic incident.
The ministry is also investigating further developments in training and awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol use and is encouraging regional and municipal authorities to also increase testing and awareness on the country´s minor roads.

Excerpt: The Interior Ministry has announced that on behalf of the DGT the Guardia Civil intend to carry out more than 120,000 drug tests on drivers during 2016, representing an increase of 38% over 2015. This increase of more than 45,000 Read More ...

### Almost 700 Euro Raised for the Children

At the start of December we launched the eBook, “The New Rules of the Road”, promising that all proceeds from the sale of the eBook between the launch date and 3 King´s Day would be given to the extremely worthwhile Elche Children´s Home.
We can now tell you that we sold almost double the target number of books and, with the exception of a small processing fee for our financial service provider, and the payment of VAT / IVA in the country of purchase, almost 700 euro was raised from the sales which has directly benefited the children.
Rather than handing over the cash direct, the money was spent on things that the home had asked for. Earlier in the campaign, we showed you how a football tournament was organised using some of the funds. That involved buying every child a Spain football kit, plus a trophy each, as well as the footballs and other football related materials.
A party was then held for the winners, who fortunately were the children from the home who beat the Guardia Civil officers in the tournament and were awarded their trophies. All of the food and drinks for the party were paid for with your contributions, making the overall event something that the children will remember for a very long time.
This week, the children have been presented with a new screen for their projector, so they can enjoy films, videos and other shows together in the group.
Finally, all of the children and their teachers are being taken for a day out at the cinema, making another memorable experience, all of which has been made possible thanks to your contributions to purchasing this eBook.
The campaign is now over and the eBook is on sale normally, although we have reduced it for the January sales. Any money now received will go towards funding our next projects and campaigns, including a second eBook which is due for release at Easter, with some of the proceeds from the sale of that product also being used to benefit another charitable group.
We will tell you more about the new eBook nearer the time, as well as details of our next chosen charity. For now, all that remains is for everybody involved in the N332 project to thank you for your contributions which we feel have gone a long way to making this Christmas period an unforgettable one for the children. Thank you.

Excerpt: At the start of December we launched the eBook, “The New Rules of the Road”, promising that all proceeds from the sale of the eBook between the launch date and 3 King´s Day would be given to the extremely worthwhile Read More ...

### New record low in road fatalities

According to figures released by the Minister of the Interior, Jorge Fernández Díaz, and the Director General of Traffic, María Seguí last week, in the year just ended there have been 1,126 deaths from traffic accidents on urban roads in Spain, 6 fewer than in 2014

The minister said that Spain now has the fifth best road safety record in the EU along with Denmark and the United Kingdom and the figure represents the twelfth consecutive year that the country has achieved a reduction despite more than 14 million long-haul journeys, an increase of mobility of 4% over the previous year
During 2015, on interurban roads there have been 1,018 fatal accidents in which 1,126 people have died with an additional 4,843 requiring hospitalization for their injuries. The figures represent a 1% decrease (-6) in the number of deaths and 2% reduction (-105) in those admitted to hospital. Disappointingly, however, the number of accidents has actually increased by 3% (+34).
The death toll represents a record low since statistics first became available in 1960, when there were 1,300 deaths, however the scenario was quite different then, with just over one million vehicles on the roads, as compared to the 2015 figure in which the fleet exceeds 31 million.
The Director General said that the figures are only provisional, however, and refer only to fatal accidents on interurban roads which were recorded within 24 hours of the accident. The final and consolidated figures, which will take into consideration the victims who died within 30 days of accidents, on both urban and intercity roads, will be available in the coming months.
The figures show that Spain has a rate of 3.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants which is well below the average mortality rate in the EU of 5.1 per 100.000 inhabitants.
Drivers aged 65 years or over with 255 deaths accounted for 22% of the total, while in the age group 35-44 years, there were 211 deaths, 19% of the total, followed by those aged 45 to 54 years with 184 deaths 16% of the total.  Fatalities involving children up to 14 years of age were 20, 4 fewer than in 2014.
By sex there were far more male deaths than female. The proportion of males was 79%, an increase of 3% compared to 2014. For women, there was a 14% reduction over the previous year, with 38 fewer women killed.
22% of drivers and passengers killed in cars and vans in 2015 were not wearing a seatbelt.
 
Image:
The Minister iof the Interior, Jorge Fernández Díaz, with the Director General of Traffic, María Seguí, at the press conference.

Excerpt: According to figures released by the Minister of the Interior, Jorge Fernández Díaz, and the Director General of Traffic, María Seguí last week, in the year just ended there have been 1,126 deaths from traffic accidents on urban roads in Read More ...

### Plans to Extend Cycle Paths in Alicante Province

A governmental committee from the province of Alicante has submitted a project for which they hope to achieve a grant from Europe in order to extend the bicycle lane network.
The president of the group, Jaime Albero, who also holds the post of mayor of Sant Joan d’Alacant, explained that the plan is to “present a sustainable project for urban mobility”, which includes connecting the existing cycle routes through the province, improving those existing routes, and developing an inter-municipal accessibility focus in order to provide continuity throughout.
The president explained that although many of the municipalities already have cycle routes, there is no interconnectivity between those municipalities. As a result, the network is fragmented and, to an extent, contradicts the aim of sustainable mobility, as other road vehicles are required to move between some relatively close areas.
The project, with it estimated budget of 1,250,000 euro, proposes to make nine routes, all of which have already been planned and now may soon become a reality.
The first route is around the Urbanova residential area and linking that to Alicante. A second takes in the beaches and tourist routes around El Altet and Los Arenales.
In Alicante city there is a route through the El Campello area, as well as one connecting Via Parque and Gran Via, as well as the university. El Campello will also be connected with the beaches of San Juan. The route from Orgegia and Mutxamel is to be covered by the project, connecting with San Vicente, and around San Juan.

Excerpt: A governmental committee from the province of Alicante has submitted a project for which they hope to achieve a grant from Europe in order to extend the bicycle lane network. The president of the group, Jaime Albero, who also holds Read More ...

### Road Markings and Lines

Road markings are there to serve as a means of separation for traffic, but they also provide the driver with information about the type of road and potential risks ahead.
Every road paints a picture, whether marked or not, the clues are there.
Continuous White Lines
A continuous white line on the road means that no vehicle is allowed to cross that line. A longitudinal mark consisting of two continuous lines has the same meaning. You are not allowed to cross the solid white line for any reason, such as turning into another road or overtaking. The only exception is in order to pass a cyclist, giving the minimum distance, and only when no other vehicles are approaching and only when it is safe to do so.

Broken White Lines
A broken white line is intended to guide the movement of vehicles within lanes and no vehicle should cross that line unless it is necessary and the flow of traffic permits it.
You are permitted to cross the broken white line in order to carry out a manoeuvre such as overtaking, so long as the way is clear, you don´t impede the movement of other vehicles. You must avoid the manoeuvre if you will not have time to return to your lane safely and before any other markings.
Where the white line is broken and singular we are permitted to cross, if needed and if it´s safe to do so.
Broken white lines are also used to indicate the approach to hazardous areas and locations. In the event of the gap between the lines is shorter than normal, it indicates an area more hazardous than usual. These lines are also often wider.
Broken white lines are also used to indicate a special lane for certain types of vehicles, in this case the lines are significantly wider than in the general case.
Double Solid Lines
Double solid lines have the same obligation as single lines, in that no vehicle is allowed to cross that line. Double lines are also used on reversible lanes or when traffic flows in both directions.
This road has double solid white lines in the centre. No vehicle is permitted to cross that line. However, it would also have the same meaning if it was only a single, solid white line.
In the event of one side of the double line being broken, vehicles on that side of the lane are allowed to cross the line if necessary, but vehicles on the side of the lane where the line is solid are not permitted to cross. This does not prevent vehicles which have been carrying out an overtaking manoeuvre to return to their own lane however.
In this example, vehicles heading in the direction of the picture are not permitted to cross the solid white line. Vehicles coming in the opposite direction are permitted to cross as their line is broken, but only if it is safe to do so.
The lines marking the edges of the road and parking areas are not considered longitudinal markings.
Stop Line
A solid line arranged across the width of one or more lanes indicates that vehicles must not cross that line unless the obligations of the road are complied with. If there is an octagonal “Stop” sign for example, or if the words are written on the road, then the vehicle must stop and give way to traffic on the main road. In the event of the line being located at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings then the obligations of the driver to stop are as per the rules relating to those signs or signals.
In the event of your vehicle being a motorcycle, the rider must put a foot down on the ground in order to ensure that the vehicle has stopped correctly.
The Stop Line is across the road just beyond the octagonal road sign. Here the word “STOP” is also painted on the road, but that is not always the case.
Give Way Line
A broken line across one or more lanes indicates that, except in unusual circumstances that reduce visibility, no vehicle may cross that line until the way is clear and they have given way to vehicles on the main road. These marking may also be used at crossings, in which case the traffic lights and general rules of the road must also be adhered to.
The Give Way lines on this picture are in the distance at the end of the lanes on the right, protecting traffic on the roundabout. They are accompanied by an inverse triangle painted on the road, but this is not always the case.
Pedestrian Crossing
A series of wide-width lines arranged in parallel to the axis of the road and forming a transverse set to the same band, indicate a pedestrian crossing, where drivers of vehicles must allow pedestrians to cross.
Vehicles must allow pedestrians to cross. Pedestrians also have a responsibility not to endanger themselves or other road users.
Cycle Crossing
A cross consisting of two parallel dashed lines on the roadway indicates a pathway crossing for cyclists.
Cycles may be ridden over crossings designated as for their use. Cycles may NOT be ridden across pedestrian crossings.
Give Way
A triangle marked on the roadway indicates the obligation at the next intersection to give way to other vehicles. If the symbol appears within a single lane, the obligations are only for vehicles in that lane.
Vehicles moving ahead must Give Way, as indicated by the inverse triangle painted on the road towards the right of the picture.
Stop
The <stop> symbol, marked on the road, indicating the driver required to stop the vehicle at or near the stop line or, if it does not exist, just before the road to which the vehicle is approaching and give way to vehicles on that road. When the symbol is placed within a lane, the obligation only refers to vehicles in that lane.

Speed ​​Limit Sign
In the event of a speed limit being printed on the road, usually by means of numbers within a circle, no vehicle may exceed the speed in kilometres per hour. If the figure is located within a lane, the prohibition only applies to that lane.
Lane Arrow
An arrow within the confines of a lane indicates that every vehicle must follow the direction indicated by the arrow. If your intention is to continue in a direction other than where the arrow points you must instigate the necessary safe procedure to move into the correct lane.
Double arrows, such as those on motorways at junctions, indicate that the lane may be used by vehicle continuing in the direction of the main carriageway, and those preparing to exit.

An arrow at the approach to the end of a lane indicates that another move needs to be correctly initiated in order to leave the lane.
A curved arrow situated between the spaces of the central white lines moving from the left of that line to the right, indicates the approach to a section of road where a continuous white line separates traffic and therefore vehicles such as those overtaking must return to their correct lane as soon as it is safe.
Other Markings
The letters P and N indicates the proximity of a level crossing.
Other areas may be identified as being for a particular type of vehicle, such as buses or taxis, or priority lanes for vehicles with higher occupancy. Parking may be indicated in some areas by means of working on the road and may indicate restrictions such as being reserved only for use by scooters.
Chevrons
An area marked by parallel oblique stripes framed by a continuous line indicate an area where no vehicle is permitted in that zone, except when forced to do so.
An area indicated by parallel oblique stripes framed by a dashed line has the same meaning, although vehicles are permitted to use this area in the event of needing to in order to carry out a manoeuvre that does not represent any danger.

Yellow Zigzags
Locations marked with yellow zigzag markings indicate zones where parking is generally prohibited as the area is reserved for special purposes which require the area to be kept clear.
 
Continuous Yellow Lines
A solid yellow line at the curb or at the edge of the road means that the stopping and parking are prohibited or subject to any temporary restriction, as indicated by signs along the entire length of the line and on the side in which it is located.

Discontinuous Yellow Lines
A broken yellow line on the curb or at the edge of the road means that parking is prohibited or subject to any temporal restriction, as indicated by signs along the entire length of the line and on the side in which it is located.
Yellow Grids
A yellow grid indicates an area where vehicles must not stop unless the exit route from the grid is clear and the only thing preventing the vehicle from continuing is oncoming traffic. If you think that your vehicle will stop and block the area marked out by the box junction, you must not enter the area.

Blue Line
Blue lines indicate areas where parking is permitted, and indicates that, at certain times of day, a fee may be payable.

Excerpt: Road markings are there to serve as a means of separation for traffic, but they also provide the driver with information about the type of road and potential risks ahead. Continuous White Lines A continuous white line on the road Read More ...

### Couple and Baby Found Dead in Torrevieja Home

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the death of a couple and their baby found in their home in Torrevieja on New Year´s Eve.
The gruesome discovery was made at around 18:00 on Thursday in their home, where it is thought they may have lay for several days.
A full investigation is being carried out although the initial hypothesis is that the man may have killed the woman and child before taking his own life.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the death of a couple and their baby found in their home in Torrevieja on New Year´s Eve. The gruesome discovery was made at around 18:00 on Thursday in their home, where it Read More ...

### Happy New Year

Everybody at the N332 road safety project would like to wish you a very happy, peaceful and SAFE New Year for 2016.
The growth in the project in less than a year has been down to each and every one of you who have read the articles, asked questions, interacted, attended our sessions and took part in even the smallest of ways, because the aim or improving road safety is not a goal that can happen overnight, it takes a long time and will continue to, and so your continual involvement is both welcome and crucial to the success.
We thank you all.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors who have supported us this year. It is with their help that we have been able to develop to spread the message through different ways. We have other projects lined up for 2016, which we will reveal in the fullness of time, and they too are only possible through the support of these businesses, which we hope you will also support by visiting them and using their services as trusted partners of the N332 project.

Thank you all for 2015 and together we head into 2016.
Al Andalus Car Hire
Autos Direct
Ibex Insurance
Mercury FM
PSI Consultants
If you run a business and would be interested in joining these supporters, visit this link for details.

Excerpt: Everybody at the N332 road safety project would like to wish you a very happy, peaceful and SAFE New Year for 2016. The growth in the project in less than a year has been down to each and every one Read More ...

### Second Phase of Operation Christmas

Phase 2 of the special operation monitoring the roads of Spain starts on Thursday the 31st of December and runs through to Sunday the 3rd of January.
During this period, it is estimated that 3,450,000 trips will be made on the roads, of the 13.6 million journeys over the whole Christmas period.

The roads are expected to be busier around coastal and mountainous tourist destinations, as well as shopping and leisure centres.
The worst days are expected to be Thursday the 31st of December and Sunday the 3rd of January. These dates will see an increase mostly in longer journeys, as tourists move from inland and city areas to their coastal destinations. In between these dates, the increase will largely be on shorter journeys to the leisure and shopping centres, restaurants and bars.
Major cities will also see road closures in the centre for the celebrations to see in the New Year. Careful planning will be needed if you do intend to travel to the city centres to join in these celebrations.
It is also a tragic likelihood that there will be an increase in drivers consuming alcohol or drugs. As always, the best advice is to consume neither if you intend to drive and if traveling in groups assign a dedicated driver who will not consume any alcohol, or drugs, prior to driving.
Throughout the entire operation the Guardia Civil traffic police will be out in force to keep the roads safe, supported by colleagues from local, regional and national police forces.
The third and final operation coincides with the celebration of Three Kings, which will run between Tuesday the 5th and Wednesday the 6th of January.

Excerpt: Phase 2 of the special operation monitoring the roads of Spain starts on Thursday the 31st of December and runs through to Sunday the 3rd of January. During this period, it is estimated that 3,450,000 trips will be made on Read More ...

### Changes to Spanish Traffic Laws – January 2016

Whilst renewing many of the older traffic laws in order to adapt to the modern world, Spain is also undergoing changes to legislation to meet the requirements of the European Union and help create a standardised road network across the continent.
These changes are constantly being developed and adapted and, although many of them are aimed at creating safer roads, some of them are questionable, although are to become mandatory in the New Year along with others.
One of the changed that is causing most concern is that of pillion passengers on mopeds. From January, moped riders who qualify for the AM licence for mopeds are permitted to carry passengers, so long as the vehicle is adapted thereof. This new rule is regardless of the age of the rider. Prior to this change, in Spain children under 18 were not permitted to carry passengers.
The BTP category will be removed from licences and is absorbed within other categories, so there is no longer a special requirement for drivers of emergency vehicles, taxis or school bus, other than the standard requirements.
So called “Mega-Trucks” up to 60 tonnes in weight and 25.25 metres in length are now permitted on the roads of Spain. This authorises trucks with more than six axles to travel through the road network, although special authority must be obtained so that the impact on road safety can be assessed. The idea is reducing transportation costs and, subsequently, passing savings onto consumers.

Sufferers of sleep apnea will no longer be automatically banned from driving, so long as the medical condition is certifiably under control by a medical professional.
In the event of death from a road traffic incident, the costs associated with medical examinations and autopsies will be covered by the government, which is hoped to provide better investigate resources in the event of a major incident.
There are many other laws which are set to change in Spain, many of which are detailed in the eBook, The New Rules of the Road, available from the website, n332.es/ebook.

Excerpt: Whilst renewing many of the older traffic laws in order to adapt to the modern world, Spain is also undergoing changes to legislation to meet the requirements of the European Union and help create a standardised road network across the Read More ...

### A Total of 2,328 Drivers Detected Having Consumed Alcohol or Drugs

In a week-long campaign focussing on detecting drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs, 2,328 drivers tested positive in checks conducted mostly by the Guardia Civil with collaboration from the local police forces.

A total of 154,474 tests were performed during the week between the 14th and the 20th of December and of the 2,328 drivers who failed the test, 570 proved positive for drug use and 1,758 for excessive alcohol.
There were 152,795 breathalyser tests conducted, with 1,758 drivers proving positive. In the 1,679 drug tests performed, 34% of drivers subject to testing gave positive saliva tests. Cannabis and cocaine are still the drugs most consumed by drivers who tested positive.
The focus of the DGT to eradicate drivers who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs with the intended aim of zero tolerance.
The maximum permitted rates of alcohol consumption when driving are lower in Spain than many other countries. In providing a sample of exhaled air, the maximum reading allowed is 0.25 mg/l for normal drivers, 0.15 mg/l for professional and novice drivers.
Depending on the reading given in the breathalyser test will determine if the offence is treated as an administrative infraction or as a crime.
Producing a 0.25 mg/l and 0.50 mg/l reading in the breathalyser test will result in the loss of 4 points and a 500 euro fine. Exceeding the limit with a result more than 0.50 mg/l in exhaled breath will result in the loss of 6 points and a 1,000 euro fine. For repeat offenders, the fine is automatically 1,000 euro, plus the loss of more points, depending on the severity of the reading given.
If the reading is 0.60 mg/l in the breathalyser, then the infraction is automatically treated as a criminal offence. This reading would result in imprisonment of between three to six months or a fine of six to twelve months or community service from 30 to 90 days, as well as the deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.
Refusal to submit to testing will also result in criminal proceedings resulting in imprisonment for six months to a year and deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.
In the event of having consumed drugs before driving, the penalty is imprisonment of three to six months or a fine of six to twelve months or community service from 30 to 90 days, and deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.
Refusal to submit to testing will also result in imprisonment for six months to a year and deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.
As usual in campaigns carried out by the DGT, the collaboration with local and regional police forces has been very important, since alcohol and drug controls were performed in both urban and interurban roads. Data from these sources during this latest campaign are still being processed and will be added to the final results in due course.
Although the campaign has ended, officers of the Guardia Civil continue to control the use of alcohol and drugs by drivers at any time of day and on any road in order to discourage this extremely dangerous activity.

Excerpt: In a week-long campaign focussing on detecting drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs, 2,328 drivers tested positive in checks conducted mostly by the Guardia Civil with collaboration from the local police forces. A total of 154,474 tests were performed Read More ...

### Torrevieja Joins Home Rent Aid Scheme

Torrevieja town hall has announced the joining of a funding scheme which will allow grants to be used to help pay the rent of residents facing eviction in the town.
The Mayor, José Manuel Dolón, has reported that evictions for not paying rent are far higher in Torrevieja than those who have defaulted on their mortgage payment, but are equally vulnerable and at risk in the event of eviction.
The Regional Government of Valencia has allocated 2.2 million euro to the scheme across the entire region, and will assess cases on an individual basis through the local social services and welfare departments.
Torrevieja has been tagged as one of the poorest areas in the whole of Spain and so social funding is a necessary aid to help those unable to secure work in a town which has lost tens of thousands of foreign residents, and seen numerous businesses fall victim to the growth of centralised commercial outlets such as Habaneras and Zenia Boulevard.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall has announced the joining of a funding scheme which will allow grants to be used to help pay the rent of residents facing eviction in the town. The Mayor, José Manuel Dolón, has reported that evictions for Read More ...

### Handcuffed Man Escapes Custody in Torrevieja

A handcuffed man escaped police custody on Saturday after finding out at the courts that he was to be removed from the country for not having the necessary paperwork to remain in the country.
The man, of Moroccan nationality, was set to be transported to the immigration detention centre in Zapardores, Valencia, but as the officers opened the van doors there was a moment of confusion and the man fled the scene, still handcuffed.
As of Tuesday, the fugitive was still missing.

Excerpt: A handcuffed man escaped police custody on Saturday after finding out at the courts that he was to be removed from the country for not having the necessary paperwork to remain in the country. The man, of Moroccan nationality, was Read More ...

### Roadside Licence Withdrawal

As we all get older, our body changes with us. Sometimes at a rate that is noticeable, but all too often without us realising the impact that some of these seemingly gradual changes can have.
Reduced vision, limited mobility due to aching bones, tremors and muscle spasms, general confusion and the body naturally slowing down are all problems associated with aging, but they are problems that can have fatal consequences when mixed with roads and traffic, as can the methods many of us adopt to try to reduce these symptoms, prescription medication.
In the event of being involved in an incident on the roads, the Guardia Civil traffic department can withdraw your licence at the roadside if they feel that your health and status is a contributing factor, a matter which you may need to have medical proof to resolve.
In early October in the Ourense area of Spain, an octogenarian driver was stopped by the Guardia Civil for entering the motorway on the opposite carriageway and driving towards oncoming traffic. The driver was intercepted by the Guardia Civil and, rather than admitting or accepting that he had done anything wrong, proceeded to argue with the officers that he was in fact driving correctly. His licence was withdrawn immediately.

In the Ourense area, some 45 drivers have had their licences withdrawn this year on suspicion of being unfit to drive on medical grounds. Most of those drivers have accepted fate and given up driving altogether, others have taken to obtaining a certificate through a fitness course and test. Three of those drivers failed that test.
Frequent check-ups with the doctor and optician are a must, becoming more frequent the older we get. It is crucial that you mention to your doctor that you drive, so that they can monitor the effects and consequences of treatments and conditions.

Excerpt: As we all get older, our body changes with us. Sometimes at a rate that is noticeable, but all too often without us realising the impact that some of these seemingly gradual changes can have. Reduced vision, limited mobility due Read More ...

### Man Fined For Adapting Road Markings

A court in the Extremadura town of Zafra has fined a farm owner for modifying the white lines on the road in order to seemingly allow him permission to enter his property.

The man was fined 1,440 euro, the equivalent to 6 euro per day for 8 months, and 14 days community service.
Solid white lines indicate areas where vehicles are not permitted to cross the line. In the event of a centre line being solid, it is not possible to cross that line for any reason, including overtaking or accessing or egressing junctions. The only exception is if that line is broken, or broken on one side, which indicates that you are allowed to cross.
Seemingly knowing that the markings indicated that the farm owner was not allowed to cross the line to enter his property, the man took it upon himself to break the solid line, thus giving the impression that the manoeuvre was permitted.
Prosecutors considered this to create a “serious risk” to other road users, as the solid line concept is designed to afford increased protection from vehicles crossing the path of others. In this case, the area near to a bend and a dip in the road, which made the area increasingly dangerous due to a reduction in visibility and reaction time.
Although this type of activity is relatively rare on main roads, the instances always occur in areas of heightened risk, which is why the prosecutor considers the activity to be so serious. The matter is covered by the Penal Code and is so serious that it can lead to a custodial sentence of up to two years.
The occurrence of road marking changes are more common in local authority areas where access to individual homes require licencing through the Vado scheme, although some residents ignore this requirements and create their own access routes.
Road markings and signs are there to help all road users, and in areas where additional protection is considered important, it is crucial to be alert for potential hazards.

Excerpt: A court in the Extremadura town of Zafra has fined a farm owner for modifying the white lines on the road in order to seemingly allow him permission to enter his property. The man was fined 1,440 euro, the equivalent Read More ...

### Busy Roads for Christmas

The special operation monitoring Christmas traffic begins at 15:00 on Wednesday 22 December, and runs through until Wednesday the 6th of January.

During the period, the DGT estimate some 13.5 million journeys will be made on the roads of Spain as families get together to celebrate the festive season, schools and offices close their doors and there is an increase in visitors to shopping and leisure centres.
The operation is separated into three distinct phases, divided as Christmas, New Year and Three Kings. The 1st phase runs between Thursday the 24th and Sunday the 27th of December. Phase 2 is from Thursday the 31st of December until Sunday the 3rd of January. Phase 3, the final operation, runs from Tuesday the 5th until Wednesday the 6th of January.
There will be a number of problem times when driving is only recommended if it is necessary, as the roads will be particularly busy.
During the Christmas operation, the worst times are between 18:00 and 21:00, with an hour either side also being problematic. Mornings are also expected to be busier than normal.
For the New Year period, the worst times of day are between 10:00 and 13:00, and again an hour either side. Late night over New Year itself is also a particularly dangerous time.
During the final stage for Three Kings, the worst times are between 19:00 and 21:00, and an hour either side.
There will be a temporary ban on most road works and restrictions in place for certain heavy goods vehicles in order to ease congestion. Additional lanes will be provided in some areas, especially near larger cities.
There will be an intensified campaign to identify problem drivers, especially those who consume alcohol or drugs.
In order to ensure safety on the roads, there will be around 10,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers on duty, supported by 800 monitors and 13,000 operational staff.
The traffic flow will be monitored through 1,603 cameras, 2,388 data collection stations and by use of 2,214 variable message signs.
The 12 helicopters operated by the DGT will also be in the air carrying out surveillance missions from bases in Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, Seville, Zaragoza, Valladolid and A Coruña. Of those, 8 of them are equipped with the Pegasus radar detection equipment.
Always allow extra time for your journey, take plenty or rest breaks, take your time, observe the rules and laws and try to avoid the busiest times where possible. Avoid consumption of alcohol or drugs and respect your fellow road users and you should be able to enjoy the festive season safely.

Excerpt: The special operation monitoring Christmas traffic begins at 15:00 on Wednesday 22 December, and runs through until Wednesday the 6th of January. During the period, the DGT estimate some 13.5 million journeys will be made on the roads of Spain Read More ...

### ‘Discussion’ Leads to Airport Crash

Two vehicles were involved in a serious collision near to Málaga airport on Tuesday afternoon in what is being described as a road range incident.

The incident occurred at 16:25 when the local police received an emergency call alerting them to the incident. A number of patrols attended the scene and, having found neither driver to be injured, set about investigating the circumstances.
The officers ascertained that the two drivers were employees of car hire companies operating at the airport and had been involved in a “discussion” about a manoeuvre prior to the incident. The drivers also reported their “intention” was to report the altercation to the National Police before the two vehicles had crashed.
The investigation continues, meanwhile, here are some tips and advice for avoiding road rage.

Excerpt: Two vehicles were involved in a serious collision near to Málaga airport on Tuesday afternoon in what is being described as a road range incident. The incident occurred at 16:25 when the local police received an emergency call alerting them Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Injured by Insecure Load

Two Guardia Civil officers involved in a routine patrol were injured when their vehicle was in collision with logs which had fallen from a truck transporting them.

This particular incident occurred in Alconada in Soria in January of 2014, but is serves as a timely reminder that it is important to make sure that any load being carried in or on a vehicle is secure at all times. During the Christmas period there are often more trips made on the roads, sometimes carrying presents and gifts, sometimes with extra loads as families go to stay away from their homes.
Objects inside a vehicle become projectiles in the event of a collision or sudden braking and can cause damage to both the people inside the vehicle and the vehicle itself, such as smashing windows.
Loads carried outside the vehicle must be secure and fixed firmly. In this case they became loose. There are also restrictions to loads overhanging vehicles, aimed at safeguarding those outside and surrounding your car.
The result of this incident could have been considerably worse than it was for those involved.
The officers were lucky to walk away with only minor injuries whereas the truck driver was charged with driving with an insecure load and speeding.
This story contains links to some of our archived articles about carrying loads in vehicles. Please click the links to learn more.

Excerpt: Two Guardia Civil officers involved in a routine patrol were injured when their vehicle was in collision with logs which had fallen from a truck transporting them. This particular incident occurred in Alconada in Soria in January of 2014, but Read More ...

### New Windscreen Scam Warning

A warning has been issued regarding a new scam warning that is being spread through social networks around the globe.
The instigator of the scam places a cash note on the windscreen of the car, affixed by the windscreen wipers.

The idea is that once inside the vehicle, the driver will see the note and, thinking that their luck has just come in, exit the car in order to retrieve their booty.
At this point, with the engine still running, the scammer would rush into the vehicle and drive off, leaving the victim holding a note, which is actually a fake.
Although there are currently no reported cases of this happening in Spain, it is only a matter of time before somebody attempts it, and succeeds.
The advice is always to check around the vehicle before you enter it, not only looking for things placed on your windscreen or back window, but also checking for obvious damage and that your tyres are inflated.
By the way, it is highly unlikely that anybody would leave money for you in this way, so if you do see such an occurrence, don´t build your hopes up and stay alert.

Excerpt: A warning has been issued regarding a new scam warning that is being spread through social networks around the globe. The instigator of the scam places a cash note on the windscreen of the car, affixed by the windscreen wipers. Read More ...

### Merry Christmas from N332

Firstly, we would like to wish you all the compliments of the festive season, a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
We thought we would share a little bit of information with you as an overview of what has been happening this year for us, and some of our plans for next year.
The holiday season is always a worrying time on the roads, as more journeys are made, to the shops and to visit relatives for example, the days are shorter and the dark nights longer, the weather is cooler and can pose additional problems on the roads, and, unfortunately, there is often an increase in the number of drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs.
All this week, both the Guardia Civil and Local Police have been out in force carrying out intensified checks for drivers who have got behind the wheel having consumed alcohol or drugs, with a target of 25,000 tests each day. Those checks will continue right through the holiday season. Although the permitted alcohol limit in Spain is lower than that of the UK, the best advice, as always, is if you are going to drive, don´t consume any alcohol or drugs.
We would like to thank you for your support of the N332 Road Safety project so far. Both the Facebook page and the website have grown considerably in a short space of time, proving to everybody involved that there is a need for the information we share, and your appreciation of it.
We have had an interesting year as well. We have spoken to a number of groups about road safety, such as the Royal British Legion in Spain, the Association of Retired Police Officers and the ADAPT association. We also gave two presentations to international residents in the Orihuela Costa town hall, one to an English speaking group, the other to German speakers. Only this week, to the pupils of El Limonar International School. In January we already have a talk scheduled with the CLARO group on the Orihuela Costa, and will also be giving talks to the clients of IBEX insurance, as well as others that we are scheduling now.
We also met with the new Vice Consul for the Alicante area in the British Consulate, to see how we can work together in sharing their information as well as being present in some of their talks, another positive move to spread the word of safety to others.
We published our first eBook, The New Rules of the Road, which details some of the changes to traffic laws in Spain, which we have been able to do thanks to the support of our sponsors, Al Andalus Car Hire, Mercury FM, Autos Direct, IBEX Insurance and PSI Consultants.

When the eBook was launched at the start of December, we decided that all of the proceeds, with the exception of VAT/IVA and a small credit card processing fee, would go to help those in need this Christmas, namely at the Elche Children´s Home.
This week, the proceeds donated so far were spent on creating a unique event for the children, where the officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department played a football tournament against the children.
All of the children (who beat the Guardia Civil by the way) were given a football shirt, trophy, footballs and then a celebratory party afterwards with all the food laid on as part of the day´s event.

Your generosity made that possible and made every one of those children raise a smile and enjoy a special day that will stick in their mind for a long time.
By the way, the eBook is still available and we will continue to donate ALL of the proceeds received up until the night of the Three Kings to the children´s home. You can find out more about the book, and purchase it if you haven´t already, on the website, n332.es/ebook.
By Easter, we will have another eBook available, and we are talking to other charities to see how we can offer them some support from those proceeds.
Traffic law changes all the time, there are some changes which come into force in January, which we will tell you about shortly too. Therefore, we will continue into 2016 with the positive message of safer roads for all by sharing the information with you, and these email newsletters will be a regular occurrence, as well as the videos we are producing, complimenting the information we post. It is because of your appreciation and your support that we do this, because together we can make the roads safer for all.
We have a few opportunities for businesses to support our future projects too. If you have a business and would be interested in sponsoring us in exchange for advertising on our website, future eBooks or our monthly newsletter, please get in touch by emailing admin@n332.es or visiting n332.es/about-us/advertise/
Please keep checking the website for regular updates and, if you´re on Facebook, make sure you follow the DrivingSpain page, where you can interact with the Guardia Civil traffic officers who post their articles on a regular basis.
All that is left for this newsletter to once again wish you a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas and New Year.

Excerpt: Firstly, we would like to wish you all the compliments of the festive season, a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. We thought we would share a little bit of information with you as an overview of what has Read More ...

### Thanks for Helping the Children

Since the start of December, many of you have purchased the eBook, The New Rules of the Road, which details some of the changes to traffic laws in Spain, some already implemented and some due in the near future.
When the eBook was launched, we decided that all of the proceeds from the eBook, with the exception of VAT/IVA and a small credit card processing fee, would go to help those in need this Christmas, namely at the Elche Children´s Home.
This week, the proceeds donated so far were spent on creating a unique event for the children, where the officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department played a football tournament against the children.

All of the children (who beat the Guardia Civil by the way) were given a football shirt, trophy, footballs and then a celebratory party afterwards with all the food laid on as part of the day´s event.

Your generosity made that possible and made every one of those children raise a smile and enjoy a special day that will stick in their mind for a long time.

As a final gesture, the officers have all signed a Guardia Civil Trafico shirt which they are now auctioning, with the winning bidder being asked to donate a voucher, such as for Decathlon for example, to the children´s home.

You have until a minute to midnight on Sunday night to make you bid for this extremely precious prize, not only because of what the item is, but also because of what will come from your generosity.

You can bid by leaving a comment on the Facebook link, by clicking here. Or by filling in your details below…
[contact-form-7]
By the way, the eBook is still available and we will continue to donate ALL of the proceeds received up until the night of the Three Kings to the children´s home. You can find out more about the book, and purchase it if you haven´t already, by clicking this link to the web page http://n332.es/ebook/.
Thank you for your support so far.

Excerpt: Since the start of December, many of you have purchased the eBook, The New Rules of the Road, which details some of the changes to traffic laws in Spain, some already implemented and some due in the near future. When Read More ...

### Minor Quake in Torrevieja

Torrevieja felt a 1.8 magnitude earthquake in the middle of Monday night, with its epicentre just to the north east of the town.

Some local residents reported feeling the tremor, including in the surrounding towns, but many more didn´t even notice a rumble as the quake shook at 01:41 in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

### Light and spacious 3 bedroom apartment in Playa San Juan

Stunning and spacious 3 bedroom flat for sale
Light and spacious 3 bedroom apartment in Playa San Juan, one of the best areas of Alicante. This fantastic apartment has 122,80 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, fully equipped kitchen and a large lounge-dining room.
It has a private gated complex, with communal swimming pool in lovely residential area.
Great location also, as it is surrounded with all kinds of services, shops, restaurants, school, leisure. and transport links, as it is situated just a few metres away from a tram stop.
In essence, it is perfect for living, investing or holidays!!
Features:

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Full description:
ROOMS:

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EXTRAS:

All furniture, lights, curtains and other fixtures and fittings included.
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LOCATION:

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Supermarkets, shops, restaurants and bars all within walking distance.
20 minute walk to San Juan Beach (5 minute drive) with its beautiful promenade and more bars and restaurants.
Walking distance from Golf course.

TRANSPORT LINKS:

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Tram – 15 minutes to centre of Alicante with its pretty harbour, beach, restaurants, bars, casino and night-life.
Buses and trains also nearby.

Priced at 208.500 euro (Negotiable)














[contact-form-7]

Excerpt: Stunning and spacious 3 bedroom flat for sale Light and spacious 3 bedroom apartment in Playa San Juan, one of the best areas of Alicante. This fantastic apartment has 122,80 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, fully equipped kitchen and a Read More ...

### Alcohol and Drugs Test Focus This Week

All this week, there will be a focus on one of the main contributors to road traffic incidents, alcohol and drugs.

The Guardia Civil Traffic police will be out in force with plans to conduct at least 25,000 alcohol and drugs tests each day until Sunday.
The main goal is to detect and deal with habitual offenders, who get behind the wheel on a regular basis whilst having consumed alcohol or drugs. The latest figures extracted from the most recent data available suggests that there may be around 12,000 drivers who met this continually dangerous criteria.
So far this year, more than 84,000 drivers have tested positive, risking not only their own but the lives of many innocent victims who all too often leave the scene of the carnage facing a life dealing with serious injuries and, on too numerous occasions, leaving the friends and families of loved ones having to deal with their death.
According to the annual report of the National Institute of Toxicology, the 39.09% of deceased drivers displayed the presence of alcohol or drugs in their blood. The figure rises to 40% when pedestrians are analysed.
Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can affect driving ability and so, despite Spain having considerably lower maximum limits than countries such as the UK, the best advice is always zero consumption before getting behind the wheel.

Excerpt: All this week, there will be a focus on one of the main contributors to road traffic incidents, alcohol and drugs. The Guardia Civil Traffic police will be out in force with plans to conduct at least 25,000 alcohol and Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Injured in Car Ramming

The Guardia Civil in Madrid activated a search protocol on Sunday to try to locate an individual who rammed a patrol car and then absconded after the two officers attempted to stop a vehicle.
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon in the Las Rozas area of the capital when the officers tried to stop a car for a routine check. Rather than stopping the vehicle accelerated and attempted to escape.
The vehicle then rammed the patrol car and fled the scene. The officers were naturally shaken by the incident but otherwise uninjured.
The Guardia Civil subsequently launched a region-wide search to find the assailant.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil in Madrid activated a search protocol on Sunday to try to locate an individual who rammed a patrol car and then absconded after the two officers attempted to stop a vehicle. The incident took place on Sunday Read More ...

### Orihuela Motorway to be Widened

The Spanish Ministry of Development has published details of formal plans to widen the A-7 motorway to three lanes between kilometres 741 and 757 through the Alicante province.

The route runs through the mountainous region near to Orihuela on the section that links Benferri, Monteagudo and Fortuna with Orihuela.
The 14 kilometre section has a budget of 84.2 million euro and is a road which is frequently used my heavy goods vehicles and tourist traffic due to the importance of the networks linked.
The widening scheme will extend the current path of the road where most of the infrastructure is already in place.

Excerpt: The Spanish Ministry of Development has published details of formal plans to widen the A-7 motorway to three lanes between kilometres 741 and 757 through the Alicante province. The route runs through the mountainous region near to Orihuela on the Read More ...

### Different Shapes of Road Signs

Road signs provide a wealth of information that not only keeps us safer on our journeys, but also provides useful information.
Pictograms are used to allow us to absorb the subject matter quicker than if we have to read the information in text form, and the shape of the sign also tells its own story.

There are three basic shapes for road signs. There are actually another two but we will talk about those separately. The three main shapes are circles, triangles and rectangles or squares.  Each one of those shapes tells us something different.
Circular signs are mandatory, they give us orders. It´s easy to remember if we think of the “O” for orders. There are two different types of circular sign.
Circular signs with a red border tell us what we must NOT do. For example, no overtaking, no left turn, don´t go over the maximum speed indicates. Red circles tell us what we must NOT do.

Blue circles are the opposite, they tell us what we MUST do. For example, ahead only, turn right, switch on your lights, go around the roundabout in an anti- clockwise direction. Blue circles tell us what we MUST do.

Triangular signs are warnings. They give us advanced information of a hazard ahead, such as a pedestrian crossing, traffic lights, road narrows ahead. Triangles are warnings.

Rectangular or square signs are advisory or informative. They tell us something useful, such as the recommended maximum speed, no through road, or tunnel for example. Some of the signs indicate areas where mandatory rules also apply, such as signs indicating the start of a motorway, or on a one-way street or a bus lane, so it is important to know which ones are which.

By knowing these basic shapes it allows us to determine and process the information and the importance of what we are being told.
The other two shapes, which don´t fall into any of the other categories because of their uniqueness are the octagonal “Stop”, sign, an almost universal symbol, which is important because it is telling us to stop and give way, and the inverted triangle which is also unique as that sign is also telling us to give way to traffic on the major road. Both of the signs are mandatory and are two of the most important signs on the road.
Remember, circles are orders, triangles are warnings and squares and rectangles are advisory information. They are the three main shapes of road signs.
By the way, this principle is the same as in the UK, and many other countries too.

Excerpt: Road signs provide a wealth of information that not only keeps us safer on our journeys, but also provides useful information. Pictograms are used to allow us to absorb the subject matter quicker than if we have to read the Read More ...

### What is Virtual Crash Testing?

Brian Cooley from Cnet on Cars takes a look at how CAD — computer-aided design — is changing how automotive crash testing will be performed in the future.

Excerpt: Brian Cooley from Cnet on Cars takes a look at how CAD — computer-aided design — is changing how automotive crash testing will be performed in the future.

### Almost 25,000 Drivers Reported in Latest Campaign

During the latest campaign focussing on three of the most common contributors to road traffic incidents, which ran at the end of November, 480,000 vehicles were checked during the seven-day surveillance campaign, resulting in 24,543 drivers being reported.

The biggest proportion of the complaints filed were for failure to comply with the maximum permitted speed. A total of 39% of vehicles were found to be exceeding the speed limit, 13% were exceeding the maximum limit by more than 20 kilometres per hour. In total, 15,301 drivers are now financially worse off, but hopefully more aware of the dangers of inappropriate speed.
There were still far too many vehicle occupants not wearing a seatbelt. During the single week, 1,041 people were reported for seatbelt related offences, whereas 61 drivers were brought to account for not securely restraining children in the appropriate seatbelt and security system. The message that wearing a seatbelt halves the risk of death is not getting through to some people.
Similarly, the importance of wearing a crash helmet correctly is being ignored by some. A total of 39 people were reported for not wearing a crash helmet whilst riding a motorcycle or scooter. Not wearing a helmet increases the risk of head injury, the severity of the injuries, the length of hospital admission and the likelihood of death from head injuries. It is worth remembering that 3 out of 4 motorcyclists die as a result of head injuries.
Using a mobile phone earpiece or headphones whilst driving is another common occurrence, in addition to drivers using their mobile phone or programming their GPS, all of which are not permitted when driving. During the campaign, 885 drivers were reported for distractions such as these. A seemingly simple process of answering a call, send a whatsapp or holding a conversation whilst driving diverts the driver and, in far too many cases, has had lethal consequences. Of those drivers reported, 646 were for using their mobile phone while driving.
Continuing with the goal of zero tolerance on alcohol and drugs on driving, during the campaign there was an increase in the number of alcohol and drugs checks for drivers. In the seven days, 1,116 drivers tested positive, 807 for alcohol and 309 for drugs.
Because of the dangers associated with conventional roads, overtaking, crossings or passing priorities are especially controlled. For a week, 268 drivers were caught carrying out a dangerous overtaking move and 234 for failing to stop or give way at a junction.
The maintenance and physical characteristics of the vehicle can also be a contributing factor to road incidents. Within the week, 1,457 drivers were reported for driving vehicles with significant technical deficiencies, 53 of them were immobilized for technical deficiencies that made it impossible to continue the journey.
Finally, not carrying the appropriate or up to date documentation resulted in 1,123 drivers being reported, in most cases for not having last ITV. Finally, 648 drivers were reported for not carrying or having incorrect or out of date correct personal documentation.

Excerpt: During the latest campaign focussing on three of the most common contributors to road traffic incidents, which ran at the end of November, 480,000 vehicles were checked during the seven-day surveillance campaign, resulting in 24,543 drivers being reported. The biggest Read More ...

### Mariano Rajoy to Visit Orihuela

The President of the Spanish government and electoral candidate, Mariano Rajoy, will visit Orihuela on Friday as part the build up to the elections on the 20th of December.
He´s not alone in the list of ruling PP ministers visiting the Valencia region, Health Minister Alfonso Alonso will visit on Wednesday and Deputy Secretary of the PP, Fernando Martínez Maíllo, will be in the region on Thursday.

Excerpt: The President of the Spanish government and electoral candidate, Mariano Rajoy, will visit Orihuela on Friday as part the build up to the elections on the 20th of December. He´s not alone in the list of ruling PP ministers visiting Read More ...

### New Vice Consul For Alicante Appointed

The British Embassy announced that Sara Munsterhjelm has been appointed as Vice Consul for the British Consulate
in Alicante.

Sara has worked at the Alicante Consulate for more than six years, assisting vulnerable British nationals, and previously worked in the Department of Health team, also based in Alicante. Her roles have given her an insight into many of the challenges and benefits experienced by those visiting or living in Spain.
Sara said: “I am really excited about the opportunity to take a lead in the support we offer British nationals in this area of Spain. My experience means I have a good understanding of the needs of residents and tourists, and I’m looking forward to working with the local Spanish authorities and the voluntary sector to ensure Brits can access the support and information they need.”
Sara has lived in Alicante for nine years with her family, having moved to Spain shortly after completing a degree in Spanish and German at the University of Manchester.
Sarah-Jane, Consul for Alicante and Madrid said: “I’m very pleased that Sara is taking over as Vice Consul in Alicante.
Her experience puts her in a great position to make sure we continue to offer a high quality service to all our customers.”
Alicante is one of the busiest British Consulates in the world, and handled almost 450 deaths, detentions and hospitalisations in 2014/15. The team also dealt with more than 1200 cases of lost and stolen passports.
The consular region covers Alicante, Valencia, Castellón, Murcia and Albacete. The region has 120,000 Britons registered on the padrón and receives more than two million British tourists each year.
Sara Munsterhjelm replaces Lloyd Milen, who has taken over as Consul-General for north-east Spain and the Balearic Islands, based in Barcelona.

Excerpt: The British Embassy announced that Sara Munsterhjelm has been appointed as Vice Consul for the British Consulate in Alicante. Sara has worked at the Alicante Consulate for more than six years, assisting vulnerable British nationals, and previously worked in the Department of Health Read More ...

### Have you got Your eBook Yet?

The new eBook, The New Rules of the Road, is now available from the n332 website.
With 76 pages, complete with pictures, the ebook takes you through some of the latest and proposed changes to the traffic laws in Spain.
Some of the laws are already in force, such as children no longer being allowed in the front seats of vehicles, other laws will come into force soon.
For more information, visit the page, n332.es/ebook.

Excerpt: The new eBook, The New Rules of the Road, is now available from the n332 website. With 76 pages, complete with pictures, the ebook takes you through some of the latest and proposed changes to the traffic laws in Spain. Read More ...

### Bikers Injured in N-332 Crash

Three people were seriously injured on Saturday in an incident involving four motorcycles and a car on the N-332 main road between El Campello and Villajoyosa.

The incident occurred at around 16:00 at kilometre 128.
Emergency medics attended the scene along with the Guardia Civil. One of the motorcyclists reportedly tested positive for alcohol at the scene.
Traffic was backed up for some time whilst the debris was cleared from the road.

Excerpt: Three people were seriously injured on Saturday in an incident involving four motorcycles and a car on the N-332 main road between El Campello and Villajoyosa. The incident occurred at around 16:00 at kilometre 128. Emergency medics attended the scene Read More ...

### Bikers Injured in Saturday Crash

Three people were seriously injured on Saturday in an incident involving four motorcycles on the N-332 main road between El Campello and Villajoyosa. The incident occurred at around 16:00.
A second crash occurred in the Alicante province on Saturday on the A-70 motorway near Elche. The crash in the Valencia direction resulted in four kilometres of queuing traffic.

Excerpt: Three people were seriously injured on Saturday in an incident involving four motorcycles on the N-332 main road between El Campello and Villajoyosa. The incident occurred at around 16:00. A second crash occurred in the Alicante province on Saturday on Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Smashes 15 Cars

A drunk driver who was six-times over the maximum permitted limit caused damage to fifteen vehicles, as well as his own, whilst driving through the maritime district in Castellón on Sunday night.

The driver of the BMW lost control of the vehicle at around 00:45 and smashed into the other cars which were parked on the street.
A witness alerted the local police who attended the scene and found the driver conscious, though displaying signs of having consumed alcohol. The officers requested a testing unit attend the scene and breathalysed the 23 year old Spanish national who found him to be positive for alcohol.
The driver had suffered numerous, though not life threatening injuries, and the subsequent inspection of the area revealed a variety of street furniture and features had also been damaged.

Excerpt: A drunk driver who was six-times over the maximum permitted limit caused damage to fifteen vehicles, as well as his own, whilst driving through the maritime district in Castellón on Sunday night. The driver of the BMW lost control of Read More ...

### Isabel Pantoja Explores Freedom

Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja, who once performed in Torrevieja, has left prison for a six-day release, the fourth time she has been granted temporary freedom since being sentence to two years in prison in 2014 for money laundering.
This temporary license was granted by the courts in Malaga on the agreement that Pantoja reports to the police station and carried an electronic tag whilst remaining overnight in her own home.
Pantoja has already paid the 1.14 million euro fine and has already enjoyed freedom in October of this year.

Excerpt: Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja, who once performed in Torrevieja, has left prison for a six-day release, the fourth time she has been granted temporary freedom since being sentence to two years in prison in 2014 for money laundering. This temporary Read More ...

### Serving the Community, Helping the Society

Serving the Community, Helping the Society ;)All this material has been donated by the  police officers from N332,…
Posted by N332 on Saturday, 5 December 2015

Excerpt: Serving the Community, Helping the Society ;)All this material has been donated by the police officers from N332,… Posted by N332 on Saturday, 5 December 2015

### Man Killed By A Falling Woman Trying To Commit Suicide From A Balcony In Alicante

An 80 year old man died today in Alicante after being hit by a falling woman, who it’s believed was trying to commit suicide.
At 11.15 am today on Calle Enrique Madrid in Alicante the woman, a 48 year old Spaniard, fell from the balcony of her home and landed on top of the victim, also of Spanish nationality and a resident of Alicante.
The victim, a man, who was sitting on a bench with his wife, died on the spot due to the impact, whilst  his wife had to be taken to hospital de Sant Joan in a state of shock.
According to the National Police, it seems that the woman was suicidal and she was also taken to the same hospital.

Excerpt: An 80 year old man died today in Alicante after being hit by a falling woman, who it’s believed was trying to commit suicide. At 11.15 am today on Calle Enrique Madrid in Alicante the woman, a 48 year old Read More ...

### Worker Injured in Fall

A man was injured on Wednesday morning in a workplace incident in Torrevieja.

The 112 Emergency Centre received a call at around 09:00 stating that the victim had fallen between 2 and 3 metres and required an ambulance.

A paramedic unit attended and took the victim to hospital.

### Traffic Fine Options

We would like to inform you about the options you have when you receive a traffic ticket. On every traffic offence…
Posted by N332 on Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Excerpt: We would like to inform you about the options you have when you receive a traffic ticket. On every traffic offence… Posted by N332 on Tuesday, 1 December 2015

### Torrevieja Fire Brigade Calendar In Aid of The Animal Shelter

The fire-fighters of Torrevieja have participated in a charity calendar with the municipal shelter dogs, whose main purpose to raise funds to cover the veterinary services needed by animals in the shelter

This was explained at a press conference given by Councillor for Animal Protection Carmen Morate,  accompanied by the president and the vice president of the Animalist Association of Torrevieja and Guardamar, Antonio Pastor and Irene Bonales, and the chief of the Fire Station  Antonio Pastor. The photos in the calendar were all take by local photographer  ​​Joaquín Carrión.

In the calendar fire-fighters have posed in fire station with dogs from the municipal shelter. This calendar is also intended to raise awareness to these animals that need  to be adopted. Councillor Carmen Morate gave an example of the dog that features on the cover of the calendar, Miller, who "has been six years in the kennel and I think it would be nice if we could find a family for him."

The calendars can be purchased at the price of  just five euro at Peluquería Canina “Marta”, Centro Veterinarinario  el Arca , Centro Veterinario  San Esteban, Restaurante Casa Mama and Torrevieja Town Hall.

### Two Injured in Alicante Tram Collision

Two people were injured on Monday evening in a collision between a tram and a car in Alicante.
The incident occurred on avenida de Miriam Blasco when the vehicle apparently crossed the path of the tram which was unable to stop before colliding with it on a controlled crossing.
The victims in the car suffered minor injuries as a result, including neck pain and concussion.

Excerpt: Two people were injured on Monday evening in a collision between a tram and a car in Alicante. The incident occurred on avenida de Miriam Blasco when the vehicle apparently crossed the path of the tram which was unable to Read More ...

### Protest for the Completion of Emergency Centre

It was September, 2010, when history was made and the future set, with the laying of the foundation stone for the new Emergency Coordination Centre for the Orihuela Costa, which would also better serve the surrounding areas including Torrevieja.



The pomp and ceremony of the day was marked by the burying of a ”time capsule”, with a variety of local newspapers, Spanish and English, a selection of coins, a CD and certificate detailing the project signed by the two main dignitaries of the day, the Mayoress of Orihuela, Monica Lorente, and the Interior Minister of the Valencian Community, Serafín Castellano.



However, the day didn´t quite go as smoothly as planned, as a group of protestors from the CLARO political group attended to raise awareness of the failed promises of the then government, and the lack of emergency and security coverage that the coastal zone received.



The new centre was to house the Local Police, Guardia Civil, National Police, Fire, ambulance and Civil Protection services in a building with superb access to all the main road networks in the area. The centre will also act as a communications hub, where emergency and none emergency calls will be routed to the relevant bodies for a smoother and faster response.

The six thousand square metre plot featured nearly five thousand metres of floor space in order to better serve the citizens of the area from a central point. At an overall cost of over three million euro, it represented a bold but much needed investment in improving the security and safety of everyone living, working in or visiting the area.



However, since the fine times of 2010, the world quickly changed and that centre, along with many other projects, still stands in its skeletal form, a beacon many believe of the neglect of one of the fastest growing areas along the Costa Blanca, and a token that highlights how one area which brings in a third of taxable revenue, falls short to the investments lavished on the city funded by the residents on the coast.

Whereas the area has continued to thrive, even through the austere times, the population has largely been maintained, unlike neighbouring town such as Torrevieja which has seen an almost mass exodus as tens of thousands of people have left, the Orihuela Costa is just as populated as it ever was.

Part of the success in maintaining the population figures has been attributed to the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre. The largest retail space in the area, in its second year of operation, 2013, the Boulevard had already topped 11 million visitors. In fact, the Zenia Boulevard is now so popular it has almost become a city in its own right. Perhaps not housing residents within the complex, the surroundings have boomed with property, and within the workings of the centre there is a constant operation, around the clock, bringing in goods, food, people, all set to spend their money, and then return to where they came from, all of which adds to the problems of both logistics on already paralysed roads, and the security that these visitors and workers perhaps don´t demand, but certainly require.

That need for security comes in many forms. The risk of fire is amplified, as is the need for law enforcement and crime prevention, and the need for medical assistance in the event of an emergency. With so many people often concentrated into one area, the risks are greater than normal, and whereas the staff at the centre may well be trained to deal with emergency and first response, where does the assistance come from in the event of anything happening that requires the emergency services to attend?

Had the emergency coordination centre been completed, they would all have been on the doorstep, ready to respond to emergencies, not only at the Zenia Boulevard, but also to serve the tens of thousands of regular residents. Now, the nearest fire crews are in Torrevieja. If they are already dealing with an emergency then assistance is summoned from Almoradí, or Elche, sometimes even as far away as Alicante.

Ambulances are equally fragmented. There is a paramedic unit based near Cabo Roig, but it is not a full-time service. In fact, cuts to the health service have been making the headlines throughout the same period. In June 2013, further cuts were announced to the ambulance service, with the axe falling on many locations from July of that year.

The report attempted to show the cuts in a positive light, detailing how there would be 45 SAMU paramedic vehicles covering the whole of the Valencia region. Most of them, 35 in total, would operate on a 24-hour schedule, whereas the other 10 will cover additional shifts of 12 hours each day. In addition to the 45 SAMU ambulances, the remaining fleet of 465 vehicles in total is made up of 100 basic life support ambulances and 312 TNA´s, which are used for transporting patients and offer no medical assistance.

The Valencia region has an estimated population of 5.1 million people, spread over 23,255 square kilometres of land. To put those figures into context, within Greater London in the UK, London Ambulance Service, which covers the emergency response needs of the 8.1 million people of their 1,572 square kilometre area, operates around 900 ambulances and, in addition, can deploy around 100 rapid-response units in various cars, motorcycles or bicycles.

Despite warnings that those cuts would cost lives, little was actually done to reverse the decision. Tragically, there were numerous reports of people waiting for ambulances that either failed to arrive or were too late. In July 2015, a three month old baby died at the Altabix health centre in Elche, with many people blaming the 20 minute wait for an emergency ambulance as a contributing factor in the death. The ambulance service disputed the claim and said that the ambulance attended in just 12 minutes.

In December of 2013, a doctor filed an official complaint against both the emergency medical coordination service and the Ministry of Health of the Junta de Andalucía, after a delay in an ambulance arriving at the scene of a road traffic incident, citing an “excessive and unacceptable” delay in emergency crews attending the scene. After multiple and repeated calls to the emergency services, the doctor was told that the nearest ambulance was already on a call and the closest was some distance away. The victim, a motorcyclist who had suffered multiple trauma, died at the scene, having waited over 30 minutes for an ambulance, despite that incident occurring just 200 metres from a medical centre.

Earlier that year, in July, in the wake of the Santiago de Compostela train crash, a number of questions were raised regarding cuts to the healthcare service and the impact that those cuts had on this major incident. The government said that the cuts played no part but the 300 volunteer off-duty nurses, 200 fire fighters and 500 citizens who responded to calls to help argued otherwise.

One of the biggest questions at the time was why the nearest hospital to the disaster was bypassed and could not be used to treat the injured. A number of unions are now questioning why the emergency coordination teams made the decision to transfer patients to a private facility, rather than the public one which was closest. The Hospital Medico Quirurxico de Conxo was closest to the crash site, had been renovated only a few years ago, and was fully equipped with the latest technology, in its five units and operating theatres, trauma units, surgical wards and more, but the hospital had been closed, due to cuts to the health service. Effectively mothballed, it was capable of opening and operating, with empty beds and staff waiting to offer their help.

In Orihuela, it could be argued that the fact that the emergency centre is left unfinished is not part of these cuts. In fact, the money was allocated when the project started in 2010, and that money remained available. However, with the company contracted to complete the construction falling into bankruptcy, there is no question that the project was a victim of the financial crisis, but that money which was allocated could still have been spent, and the project could still have been completed, if the regional and local governments actually followed on with their promised commitments and made it happen.

More recently, on the Orihuela Costa, the lack of emergency cover has once again been highlighted with the tragic death of Keith Wightman in early November. Whilst seemingly healthy, Keith was playing football and suddenly collapsed. Although nobody who witnessed the scene would question the professionalism of the emergency crew which attended, the fact that the ambulance was not based on the Orihuela Costa at the time would at the very least add to the doubt of whether Keith is another victim of that neglect, raising the question once again as to why the centre is not finished an operating.

Now, many of those protesters who campaigned at the site in 2010 are set to return once again, as the question is brought back into the public limelight on the 12th of December.

CLARO has once again organised a peaceful protest to highlight the need for the centre´s completion. Whereas CLARO may well be a political group, they believe that this campaign should have all party support. After all, there are no politics when it comes to an individual needing lifesaving assistance.

CLARO themselves say how the empty shell stands as a symbol of the neglect of the interests of Orihuela Costa by the local government of Orihuela and the regional government of Valencia. The need for these basic services is not academic, they say. The local press report several recent cases of delays of 40 minutes in the arrival of ambulances which have contributed to the deaths of local residents. We all need an efficient ambulance service. The fire brigade responsible for Orihuela Costa is located in Torrevieja and the fire crews are not familiar with the sprawling concrete jungle of Orihuela Costa. The local police do not have an office open 24 hours because the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall closes when the officials finish their day at 3 p.m. The local police are located in the basement of the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall and they could easily place a police reception desk at the entry of the Town Hall when the local officials go home for the day. We could have a 24 hour police station immediately. They could also fight with determination the need for the Valencia government to re-tender and complete the skeleton Emergency Services Centre. But they do not take us seriously.

The protest will take place on Saturday the 12th of December at 11:00. There will be a number of guest speakers on hand, some of whom have been personally affected by the lack of the centre. The group encourages everybody to come along and make a presence felt, because a united front will really show the need for these basic services, before a tragedy befalls on the area that raises the more serious question of whether death or serious injury could have been avoided.

 

### Protest for the Completion of Orihuela Costa Emergency Centre

It was September, 2010, when history was made and the future set, with the laying of the foundation stone for the new Emergency Coordination Centre for the Orihuela Costa.
The pomp and ceremony of the day was marked by the burying of a ”time capsule”, with a variety of local newspapers, Spanish and English, a selection of coins, a CD and certificate detailing the project signed by the two main dignitaries of the day, the Mayoress of Orihuela, Monica Lorente, and the Interior Minister of the Valencian Community, Serafín Castellano.
However, the day didn´t quite go as smoothly as planned, as a group of protestors from the CLARO political group attended to raise awareness of the failed promises of the then government, and the lack of emergency and security coverage that the coastal zone received.
The new centre was to house the Local Police, Guardia Civil, National Police, Fire, ambulance and Civil Protection services in a building with superb access to all the main road networks in the area. The centre will also act as a communications hub, where emergency and none emergency calls will be routed to the relevant bodies for a smoother and faster response.
The six thousand square metre plot featured nearly five thousand metres of floor space in order to better serve the citizens of the area from a central point. At an overall cost of over three million euro, it represented a bold but much needed investment in improving the security and safety of everyone living, working in or visiting the area.
However, since the fine times of 2010, the world quickly changed and that centre, along with many other projects, still stands in its skeletal form, a beacon many believe of the neglect of one of the fastest growing areas along the Costa Blanca, and a token that highlights how one area which brings in a third of taxable revenue, falls short to the investments lavished on the city funded by the residents on the coast.
Whereas the area has continued to thrive, even through the austere times, the population has largely been maintained, unlike neighbouring town such as Torrevieja which has seen an almost mass exodus as tens of thousands of people have left, the Orihuela Costa is just as populated as it ever was.
Part of the success in maintaining the population figures has been attributed to the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre. The largest retail space in the area, in its second year of operation, 2013, the Boulevard had already topped 11 million visitors. In fact, the Zenia Boulevard is now so popular it has almost become a city in its own right. Perhaps not housing residents within the complex, the surroundings have boomed with property, and within the workings of the centre there is a constant operation, around the clock, bringing in goods, food, people, all set to spend their money, and then return to where they came from, all of which adds to the problems of both logistics on already paralysed roads, and the security that these visitors and workers perhaps don´t demand, but certainly require.
That need for security comes in many forms. The risk of fire is amplified, as is the need for law enforcement and crime prevention, and the need for medical assistance in the event of an emergency. With so many people often concentrated into one area, the risks are greater than normal, and whereas the staff at the centre may well be trained to deal with emergency and first response, where does the assistance come from in the event of anything happening that requires the emergency services to attend?
Had the emergency coordination centre been completed, they would all have been on the doorstep, ready to respond to emergencies, not only at the Zenia Boulevard, but also to serve the tens of thousands of regular residents. Now, the nearest fire crews are in Torrevieja. If they are already dealing with an emergency then assistance is summoned from Almoradí, or Elche, sometimes even as far away as Alicante.
Ambulances are equally fragmented. There is a paramedic unit based near Cabo Roig, but it is not a full-time service. In fact, cuts to the health service have been making the headlines throughout the same period. In June 2013, further cuts were announced to the ambulance service, with the axe falling on many locations from July of that year.
The report attempted to show the cuts in a positive light, detailing how there would be 45 SAMU paramedic vehicles covering the whole of the Valencia region. Most of them, 35 in total, would operate on a 24-hour schedule, whereas the other 10 will cover additional shifts of 12 hours each day. In addition to the 45 SAMU ambulances, the remaining fleet of 465 vehicles in total is made up of 100 basic life support ambulances and 312 TNA´s, which are used for transporting patients and offer no medical assistance.
The Valencia region has an estimated population of 5.1 million people, spread over 23,255 square kilometres of land. To put those figures into context, within Greater London in the UK, London Ambulance Service, which covers the emergency response needs of the 8.1 million people of their 1,572 square kilometre area, operates around 900 ambulances and, in addition, can deploy around 100 rapid-response units in various cars, motorcycles or bicycles.
Despite warnings that those cuts would cost lives, little was actually done to reverse the decision. Tragically, there were numerous reports of people waiting for ambulances that either failed to arrive or were too late. In July 2015, a three month old baby died at the Altabix health centre in Elche, with many people blaming the 20 minute wait for an emergency ambulance as a contributing factor in the death. The ambulance service disputed the claim and said that the ambulance attended in just 12 minutes.
In December of 2013, a doctor filed an official complaint against both the emergency medical coordination service and the Ministry of Health of the Junta de Andalucía, after a delay in an ambulance arriving at the scene of a road traffic incident, citing an “excessive and unacceptable” delay in emergency crews attending the scene. After multiple and repeated calls to the emergency services, the doctor was told that the nearest ambulance was already on a call and the closest was some distance away. The victim, a motorcyclist who had suffered multiple trauma, died at the scene, having waited over 30 minutes for an ambulance, despite that incident occurring just 200 metres from a medical centre.
Earlier that year, in July, in the wake of the Santiago de Compostela train crash, a number of questions were raised regarding cuts to the healthcare service and the impact that those cuts had on this major incident. The government said that the cuts played no part but the 300 volunteer off-duty nurses, 200 fire fighters and 500 citizens who responded to calls to help argued otherwise.
One of the biggest questions at the time was why the nearest hospital to the disaster was bypassed and could not be used to treat the injured. A number of unions are now questioning why the emergency coordination teams made the decision to transfer patients to a private facility, rather than the public one which was closest. The Hospital Medico Quirurxico de Conxo was closest to the crash site, had been renovated only a few years ago, and was fully equipped with the latest technology, in its five units and operating theatres, trauma units, surgical wards and more, but the hospital had been closed, due to cuts to the health service. Effectively mothballed, it was capable of opening and operating, with empty beds and staff waiting to offer their help.
In Orihuela, it could be argued that the fact that the emergency centre is left unfinished is not part of these cuts. In fact, the money was allocated when the project started in 2010, and that money remained available. However, with the company contracted to complete the construction falling into bankruptcy, there is no question that the project was a victim of the financial crisis, but that money which was allocated could still have been spent, and the project could still have been completed, if the regional and local governments actually followed on with their promised commitments and made it happen.
More recently, on the Orihuela Costa, the lack of emergency cover has once again been highlighted with the tragic death of Keith Wightman in early November. Whilst seemingly healthy, Keith was playing football and suddenly collapsed. Although nobody who witnessed the scene would question the professionalism of the emergency crew which attended, the fact that the ambulance was not based on the Orihuela Costa at the time would at the very least add to the doubt of whether Keith is another victim of that neglect, raising the question once again as to why the centre is not finished an operating.
Now, many of those protesters who campaigned at the site in 2010 are set to return once again, as the question is brought back into the public limelight on the 12th of December.
CLARO has once again organised a peaceful protest to highlight the need for the centre´s completion. Whereas CLARO may well be a political group, they believe that this campaign should have all party support. After all, there are no politics when it comes to an individual needing lifesaving assistance.
CLARO themselves say how the empty shell stands as a symbol of the neglect of the interests of Orihuela Costa by the local government of Orihuela and the regional government of Valencia. The need for these basic services is not academic, they say. The local press report several recent cases of delays of 40 minutes in the arrival of ambulances which have contributed to the deaths of local residents. We all need an efficient ambulance service. The fire brigade responsible for Orihuela Costa is located in Torrevieja and the fire crews are not familiar with the sprawling concrete jungle of Orihuela Costa. The local police do not have an office open 24 hours because the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall closes when the officials finish their day at 3 p.m. The local police are located in the basement of the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall and they could easily place a police reception desk at the entry of the Town Hall when the local officials go home for the day. We could have a 24 hour police station immediately. They could also fight with determination the need for the Valencia government to re-tender and complete the skeleton Emergency Services Centre. But they do not take us seriously.
The protest will take place on Saturday the 12th of December at 11:00. There will be a number of guest speakers on hand, some of whom have been personally affected by the lack of the centre. The group encourages everybody to come along and make a presence felt, because a united front will really show the need for these basic services, before a tragedy befalls on the area that raises the more serious question of whether death or serious injury could have been avoided.

Excerpt: It was September, 2010, when history was made and the future set, with the laying of the foundation stone for the new Emergency Coordination Centre for the Orihuela Costa. The pomp and ceremony of the day was marked by the Read More ...

### The New Rules of the Road – For Elche Children´s Home

You can now purchase the eBook “The New Rules of the Road” in PDF form by following the link below.
All the proceeds from the sale of this eBook will be donated to the Elche Children´s Home.
To purchase your copy, click the button at the bottom, which will take you to PayPal via our on-line partner, PayHip. It is totally secure and if you have a PayPal account you can simply use that, or you can pay by Credit or Debit card by looking at the symbols on the PayPal page. 
You will also be asked for your name and address. This is not for postal purposes but it to determine the country where VAT / IVA is applicable. Sadly, downloadable items such as eBooks are liable to VAT / IVA.
Thank you for taking the trouble to read this and thank you for your support. We also thank Mercury FM, Autos Direct, PSI Consultants, Al Andalus Car Hire and IBEX Insurance for their assistance. Please see their adverts inside or around these pages…
Buy Now
…


Thank you,
N332 with the Elche Children´s Care Home

Excerpt: You can now purchase the eBook “The New Rules of the Road” in PDF form by following the link below. All the proceeds from the sale of this eBook will be donated to the Elche Children´s Home. To purchase your Read More ...

### Helping Children with The New Rules of the Road eBook

The rules of the road change constantly. It is an idea that we don´t always keep abreast of, sometimes allowing our knowledge to lapse and often being surprised when we encounter the reality of what those changes mean.
Currently, the trend is about creating safer, shared spaces on the roads, where all different types of vehicles can move in a harmonious manner, whilst still maintaining safety for all, especially those more vulnerable road users.
Slowing down and adjusting to the environment is crucial to this trend, as is staying safe both within and outside the vehicles.
In Spain, some of those changes have already come into force, for example restricting children to travelling in the back seats, others will come into force in the future.
In order to help with the transition we have created an eBook, “The New Rules of the Road”, which details those changes in full, and how the future of traffic management and flow is geared more towards those shared spaces.
In addition, knowing that not everybody has access to the internet, we have also included some of the most popular articles from the n332.es website, which we hope can serve as a resource to accompany the information which we update on a regular basis.

The overall aim of the publication is to help and assist. To provide the information that may make the roads safer for all. However, because we are approaching Christmas, a time of year many people face with dread, we have decided to donate all of the proceeds from the sale of the eBook to those who are in need, facing the daunting time of Christmas without their natural family environment, by donating the profits to the Elche Children´s Care Home.
We decided to pass on the financial benefits of the sales to this registered charity because we are heading towards Christmas, which can be a very hard and difficult time for these children. So, with your help, we can all do our bit to help give them a very special Christmas, whilst you too benefit from the knowledge and information in the eBook.
We will publish a link on the website in the next few days, explaining how to purchase your own personal copy of the eBook, and at the end of the campaign we will details exactly how much your generosity has contributed towards making this a very special Christmas for the children in the Elche Children´s Care Home.
Thank you,
N332 with the Elche Children´s Care Home

Excerpt: The rules of the road change constantly. It is an idea that we don´t always keep abreast of, sometimes allowing our knowledge to lapse and often being surprised when we encounter the reality of what those changes mean. Currently, the Read More ...

### Fire Fighters Rescue Cat from Burning Building

Fire fighters in the south west Galician town of Vigo saved the life of a cat which they rescued from a burning building.
The crews were called to attend a fire in the property by neighbours and came across the cat which had suffered smoke inhalation and was barely able to breathe.
The fire fighters gave the animal oxygen and revived it, suffering no other injuries.
The owner of the home was also treated for an anxiety attack.

Excerpt: Fire fighters in the south west Galician town of Vigo saved the life of a cat which they rescued from a burning building. The crews were called to attend a fire in the property by neighbours and came across the Read More ...

### Man Dies in Torrevieja Bridge Fall

A 55 year old man, of Belgian nationality, died on Sunday falling from a bridge over the N-332 main road.

The incident happened at around 13:00 when the man, accompanied by a woman, is believed to have lost his footing on a notorious bridge where no pedestrian walkway is available, near to the musical auditorium.

The Guardia Civil are investigating the circumstances.

### Postman Fails To Deliver

The National Police have arrested a 42 year old man, a former Correos employee in Alcoy, Alicante,  on suspicion of breaching his duties of care and confidentiality. The man, who had accumulated 3,200 undelivered items, including letters, court notices, prescription pads, voting cards, Dgt and work permits in a storage room in a property in Alcoy. It’s believed he’d  had been hording the items for 10 years.
The arrest happened earlier this month,  but the man was dismissed late last year after the  detection of irregularities in his deliveries.
The investigation began when agents learned that a person had accumulated large amounts  of correspondence in a storage room of a property in Alcoy. Officers identified the owner as a former  Correos employee and managed to recover the correspondence.
After studying the correspondence, the officers found that the  letters had been accumulated since 2004 and as recent as late 2014. The illegal activity took place in the towns of Ibi, Alcoi, Muro, Alicante, Concentaina and Ontinyent.
The research was conducted by agents of the Judicial Police Station of Alcoy.

Excerpt: The National Police have arrested a 42 year old man, a former Correos employee in Alcoy, Alicante,  on suspicion of breaching his duties of care and confidentiality. The man, who had accumulated 3,200 undelivered items, including letters, court notices, prescription Read More ...

### Torrevieja Freezes Water Rates

Torrevieja water supply company AGAMED, part owned by the town hall and Hidrqua, has announced that there will be no increase in the cost of their services in 2016.

The announcement was made following the financial statement for the budget of next year, where Chairperson Jose Manuel Dolón, who is also the mayor of the town, reported a continued investment in the infrastructure of 2.7 million euro and a budget of 215,000 euro to help those with low income.

All major projects to ease flooding with continue, as will the renewal of pipes and supply developments.

### The DGT Provides 10,000 Drug Test Kits to Local Police

The DGT has invested in the provision of 10,000 drug testing kits which it will give to local police forces around the country in order for them to better monitor local roads for drivers under the influence of drugs.

The kits will be shared with 100 municipalities across 15 provinces where 450 officers have also been trained in their use. The overall goal is to reduce the consumption of drugs and narcotics at the wheel and thus improve road safety on urban roads.
Under the agreement with local authorities, the police will be required to carry out at least 20,000 drugs tests in 2016.
The latest statistics for urban and local roads, collated from data in 2014, show that 61% of all injury incidents and 26% of all deaths on the roads occurred in the areas policed by the local authorities. In addition, 4,740 people were hospitalised.
These figures show that incidents with victims in urban areas still account for a significant percentage of road incidents in Spain, and so the DGT is widening its overall enforcement campaign to take in these roads and thus reduce the number of incidents.

Excerpt: The DGT has invested in the provision of 10,000 drug testing kits which it will give to local police forces around the country in order for them to better monitor local roads for drivers under the influence of drugs. The Read More ...

### Breakdowns on the Increase

According to the Real Automóvil Club de España (RACE), breakdowns and recoveries have increased by 8.4% in the last two months, with more than 104,000 vehicles assisted during September and October.

The RACE believe that the upward trend is indicative of a worrying lack of maintenance of vehicles, stressing the importance of properly maintained vehicles at all times, but especially during the winter months.
The increase in mechanical problems, poorly maintained vehicles and poor road conditions all spell a recipe for disaster on the roads, more so in older vehicles.
During September and October the RACE attended 23,640 flat batteries, an increase of 2%, 10,276 tyre related incidents, an increase of 13.2%, and 4,889 engine problems, an increase of 2.5%.
In order to reduce potential problems a regular check of the battery, tyres, liquid levels and windscreen and lights is recommended.

Excerpt: According to the Real Automóvil Club de España (RACE), breakdowns and recoveries have increased by 8.4% in the last two months, with more than 104,000 vehicles assisted during September and October. The RACE believe that the upward trend is indicative Read More ...

### Majority of UK Drivers Support Minimum Age Rise

Six out of ten motorists in the UK back raising the driving age from 17 to18 – to save lives on Britain’s roads, according to new survey.
And 76% of drivers support the introduction of 12-month probationary licences for all teenagers who have passed their test.
A further 62% of people believe young drivers should have to display a green P – probationary – plate as a warning to other road users.
Less popular were night-time curfews for teenagers.
Just 34% supported new measures preventing young drivers from driving between 10pm and 5am unless a passengers aged over 30 was in the car.
The results were revealed in a new survey of 1,000 motorists by the road safety company SmartWitness, which makes Britain’s most popular dash-cams.

It found that 67% of motorists support tougher rules for drivers aged 17-19.
One popular measure – supported by 63% of drivers – was making the ages of 17-18 a learner year.
Young people would be able to learn to drive under supervision but could not take their test till they were 18.
A year’s probation for all drivers aged between 17 and 19 was supported by 64% of those polled.
Seven out of ten motorists (72%) support an immediate road ban for any teenager caught speeding.
Department for Transport statistics show that nearly one in eight (11.9%) of all road casualties are hurt or killed in collisions involving a car driver aged 17 to 19 – despite the fact that this age group makes up only 1.5 per cent of licensed drivers.
And a fifth of deaths on British roads involve drivers aged 17-24.
Around 20% of SmartWitness sales to private drivers are cameras for parents who want to monitor their teenage children’s driving when they are not in the car.
SmartWitness chief executive Paul Singh said: “It is sad fact that young motorists drive around 5% of all the miles driven in Britain but are involved in about 20% of the crashes where someone is killed or seriously injured.
“It is clear there is overwhelming support for tougher laws governing young drivers.
“At SmartWitness we are committed to improving safety for young drivers and helping to give parents’ peace of mind when their teenage children are behind the wheel.
“They can check on the footage when their children have been out in the car on their own to make sure they are driving responsibly.”
Sales of SmartWitness cameras have shot by 30% in the last two years as more motorists use the technology to guard against cash-for-crash fraudsters and to improve their driving standards.
Most countries in Europe have a minimum driving age of 18 but the limit has been 17 in the UK since the driving test was introduced 80 years ago in 1935.
Statistics show that road accidents remain the biggest killer of young people in the UK, higher than both alcohol and drugs.

Excerpt: Six out of ten motorists in the UK back raising the driving age from 17 to18 – to save lives on Britain’s roads, according to new survey. And 76% of drivers support the introduction of 12-month probationary licences for all Read More ...

### Plane Crash Simulation in Extremadura

On Tuesday, the Base Aérea de Talavera la Real (Badajoz) will be the location of a mock plane crash, aimed at testing the emergency services in the event of a real incident.
The training exercise will see all elements of the emergency services working together as if a real crash has happened, in order to identify both strengths and weaknesses in their operation and communication protocols.
As a result of the incidents, there will be a number of road closures around the base in Extremadura, between 10:00 and 14:00.
This sort of drill is common practice for the emergency teams. During this last month alone there have been mock rescues at sea, a training exercise at one of the nuclear power plants and even a fire evacuation exercise at Alicante-Elche airport.

It is stressed that these activities are routine aimed at preparing operatives for the stark reality of potential emergencies. They do not form any hidden agenda of an increased threat, as the government of Spain are keen to point out, the current threat level in Spain is being maintained at the same level as it was before recent atrocities.

Excerpt: On Tuesday, the Base Aérea de Talavera la Real (Badajoz) will be the location of a mock plane crash, aimed at testing the emergency services in the event of a real incident. The training exercise will see all elements of Read More ...

### Six Times Over Limit Driver Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil detained a 57 year old Spanish man at the weekend who was driving whilst six times over the maximum permitted limit of alcohol.

The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday morning at a checkpoint set up on the N-332 as it passes through l’Alfàs del Pi.
The officers stopped the vehicle on account of the driver acting suspiciously and carried out a breath test. The first test reveals a positive result of 1.49 mg / l, and 1.62 mg / l in the second test, six times higher than the permitted maximum.
The man was arrested for crimes against road safety and brought before the courts in Benidorm.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil detained a 57 year old Spanish man at the weekend who was driving whilst six times over the maximum permitted limit of alcohol. The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday morning at a Read More ...

### Incident Black Spot Focus This Week

The DGT has published the latest list of black posts where particular attention is required when driving due to a history of incidents at the locations.

In total, 1,314 dangerous sections have been identified, including curves, crossings, blind-spots and straight stretches of road, covering a distance of some 150,000 kilometres.
The majority of these stretches are on conventional roads, with a single lane in each direction and no separation, where over 900 people lose their lives each year.
These locations will also be where intensified checks will be carried out all this week, up until Sunday, with the aim of reducing incidents on these roads and, subsequently, saving lives.
Inappropriate speed, the use of mobile phones and headsets and improper overtaking will be the initial factor being monitored in the locations, which will then also lead to checks for alcohol and drugs, driver and vehicle documentation and other breaches or risks to road safety.
Because of their high incident rates, conventional roads are one of the primary objective of the DGT. This summer alone, 1 in 3 road fatalities occurred on this type of road.
Last year, 957 people were killed on conventional roads, representing 74% of the 1,247 fatalities that occurred on interurban roads. In addition, 3,813 people were injured and required hospitalization following incidents on these roads.
Such roads account for over 90% of the total kilometres of the road network which are the most dangerous in terms of a higher incident rate, although traffic density is less than that on motorways.
The entire list can be viewed on the DGT website by clicking this link. An example of the information is here, where locations on the N-332 have been identified (list as of 23/11/2015 and subject to change).



N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
42.260 – 53.89
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
46.875
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
46.925
Decreciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
54.390 – 95.8
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
70.950
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
86.050
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
116.690 – 134.0
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
134.000 – 143.44
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
140.998
Decreciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
141.002
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
143.440 – 147.8
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
147.800 – 204.54
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
149.775
Decreciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
151.675
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
171.565
Decreciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
173.200
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
203.200
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
204.450
Decreciente

Excerpt: The DGT has published the latest list of black posts where particular attention is required when driving due to a history of incidents at the locations. In total, 1,314 dangerous sections have been identified, including curves, crossings, blind-spots and straight Read More ...

### Speeding Fines on the Increase

Speeding motorists are handing over 470,000 euro to the DGT every single day, a 30% increase on last year.

In the first three quarters of 2015, 127.4 million euro has been collected from drivers caught by fixed and mobile radars. In 2014, the total was 129.6 million, increasing from 124 million in 2013 and 120 million in 2012. In the current trend continues, the end of year figure will be almost 170 million euro for 2015.
The figures show a continual increase in the trend for speeders being fined, increasing from 355,075 euro per day last year to the 470,396 euro per day currently.
The DGT believe that the increase is not caused entirely by an increase in speed by individuals, but by an increase in the number of vehicles using the roads. Similarly, the DGT also say that despite the figures for speeding fines increasing, other sanctions show a downward trend.
Another possibility is that traffic studies influenced the decision to drastically modify the plan for speed control on the roads. In February, following a 40% increase in speed related deaths in January, it was announced that more focus would be given to secondary roads, which account for 80% of all related fatalities, a figure which compares directly with the 81% increase in speeding motorists caught on this type of road.
Speeding fines have something of a unique character in so much as many people who get caught speeding fail to acknowledge or accept their own failings and many of those believe that the fines are nothing more than a way for the government to increase taxation. In fact, a recent survey states that 90% of speeding driver believe that their fine is nothing more than a hidden tax. However, the DGT point out that the taxable element of fines has reduced, despite the increase in revenue, dropping from 392 million euro in 2011 to 458 million in 2014.
Former Director General of the DGT, Pere Navarro, says that “Traffic law remains the law most violated in our country with nearly 13 million penalty proceedings a year between all administrations, which indicates that fines are necessary”, whilst also pointing out the need to raise awareness amongst drivers of the need to reduce speed, because, “If we only do surveillance, control and punishment, there will be a rejection of the citizens”, because they will not understand the real reasons behind the sanctions and the fact that inappropriate speed is one of the main contributing factors to road traffic incidents and fatalities, and, therefore, the reality of the sanctions is that they are there to save lives.

Excerpt: Speeding motorists are handing over 470,000 euro to the DGT every single day, a 30% increase on last year. In the first three quarters of 2015, 127.4 million euro has been collected from drivers caught by fixed and mobile radars. Read More ...

### Cocaine smuggler jailed after fleeing ‘most wanted’ campaign in Spain

One of the UK’s most wanted fugitives, captured after being on the run for nearly two years in Spain, has been sentenced at the Old Bailey in London to 13 years 4 months in prison for his role in a major international drug smuggling operation.

Anthony Dennis, aged 48, from Ongar, Essex, plotted with criminals in the UK and overseas to import up to three tonnes of cocaine worth hundreds of millions of euros into Europe.
Dennis and his co-conspirator Anthony Wilson, aged 38, from Harlow, Essex, who was sentenced  to 12 years in prison, were identified following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in cooperation with the Dutch National Police.
Dennis went on the run in Spain after his Netherlands-based associates failed to remove 67.5 kilos of cocaine from a shipping container at Antwerp in Belgium, which was later discovered and seized by the German authorities.

He was then featured in the joint Spanish–UK Operation Captura campaign, which highlights the UK’s ‘most wanted’ fugitives. After his face appeared on a mobile digital billboard that was touring Spanish beach resorts this summer, he returned to the UK and was arrested in Hertfordshire.
Dennis and Wilson were sentenced at the Old Bailey on 18 November after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit a foreign drug trafficking offence.
The men had been regulars at a café in Rotterdam that hid a global operations centre for international drug traffickers. The café could only be entered via a buzzer system and provided a meeting place where criminals negotiated with cartel members and arranged the financing and transportation of huge quantities of drugs.
Dutch police officers covertly recorded meetings that proved Dennis and Wilson were sourcing cocaine from South America and arranging its transport in shipping containers carrying legitimate cargo. Their associates were then responsible for extracting the drugs using corrupt port officials.
Brendan Foreman, the NCA’s Regional Head of Investigations, said: “Dennis and Wilson joined forces with international criminals to bring up to three tonnes of cocaine into Europe, some of which was highly likely to have ended up on UK streets.
“They thought the café in Rotterdam was a safe place to conduct their operations but by working in partnership with the Dutch National Police, the NCA was able to identify them and put a stop to their plan.”
Coordinated strikes in the Netherlands and UK resulted in multiple arrests in October 2013 but Dennis, who was in Spain at the time, evaded arrest for nearly two years.
Anthony Hill of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Organised Crime Division, said: “These men worked with criminals overseas to plan a large and complex drug-smuggling operation, plotting to bring up to three tonnes of cocaine from South America. If successful, this would have flooded the streets of Europe with drugs worth hundreds of millions of euros.
“Their criminal activity was co-ordinated overseas, but so was the response from the criminal justice system. We worked closely with Dutch authorities and the National Crime Agency and the strength of our evidence left the defendants with no choice but to plead guilty.”

Excerpt: One of the UK’s most wanted fugitives, captured after being on the run for nearly two years in Spain, has been sentenced at the Old Bailey in London to 13 years 4 months in prison for his role in a major Read More ...

### Police Arrest Driver After Orihuela Pedestrian Collision

Local police in Orihuela arrested a 40 year old van driver after his vehicle ploughed into two women on a pedestrian crossing on Avenida Teodmiro on Friday.
The incident occurred at 09:30 when the women were crossing the road and the van failed to stop in time, hitting the two women.
An emergency ambulance attended and treated both of the victims, one for a head injury. They were taken to hospital whilst the police questioned the driver, only to find that he had no licence.

Excerpt: Local police in Orihuela arrested a 40 year old van driver after his vehicle ploughed into two women on a pedestrian crossing on Avenida Teodmiro on Friday. The incident occurred at 09:30 when the women were crossing the road and Read More ...

### Drink Drive Message Still Being Ignored

The stark realities of the impact of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is still failing to reach far too many drivers who are putting their own lives, and the lives of many innocent bystanders at risk.

So far this year, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department have found 83,978 drivers who have tested positive for excessive alcohol or drugs. This shocking figure doesn´t include those detected by various local and regional police forces across the country.
Out of this figure, 6,171 are recent reoffenders, in other words, drivers who have already been caught and penalised in the previous year, who have now received a 1,000 euro fine and the deduction of 6 points from their licences.
In addition, 30,000 drivers have been reported in the last year having produced positive tests with more than double the maximum permitted amount of alcohol in their body.

During this year, 2,975 drugs tests were carried out following an incident on the roads, from which 611 drivers tested positive, 21% of the total. There were 2,678 drugs tests following a road traffic infraction, resulting in 1,542 drivers being found over the limit, a staggering 57.6%. A total of 59,653 drugs tests were at checkpoints, where 18,868 drivers failed, a total of 32%.
When we look at alcohol test figures, we find that 81,681 tests were carried out following an incident or collision, resulting in 3,615 positive tests, 4.42% of the total. There were 510,131 alcohol tests following an infraction with 3,893 drivers testing positive, 0.76% of the total, and at checkpoints there were 3,787,746 alcohol tests conducted, which 55,450 positive results, 1.46% of the total.
As a result of these findings, the DGT has announced an intensified campaign to increase the number of controls monitoring for alcohol and drugs with road users expected to undergo tests on any roads and at any time of day.
However, special emphasis will be placed on those groups and people who get behind the wheel and regularly consuming alcohol and or drugs. The latest study of prevalence of psychoactive substances produced by the DGT in 2013 concluded that driving after consuming psychoactive substances is frequent in Spain, reaching twelve hundred drivers.
The presentation of these statistics is not just aimed at raising the awareness of the increased controls, but rather the impact that alcohol and drug use by road users has on the lives of those who so easily become their victims. In 2014, 39.09% of the drivers who died in road traffic incidents produced positive blood results revealing alcohol or drugs, or both, in their system. Similarly, 40% of all pedestrians killed last year tested positive for alcohol or drugs, highlighting that the problem is not exclusive to drivers.
It is worth remembering that the maximum permitted alcohol limit in Spain is much lower than that in the UK and other countries, however the only recognised safe limit is zero alcohol or drugs when driving.
There is no escaping the fines and sanctions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In fact, the matter is so serious that it becomes a criminal offence if the maximum rate is excessively exceeded, resulting in a prison sentence. However, fines, sanctions and imprisonment are nothing compared with knowing that you have caused death or serious injury to somebody you never met before, or somebody you claim to love or care for, because the reality is precisely that, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs wrecks lives.

Excerpt: The stark realities of the impact of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is still failing to reach far too many drivers who are putting their own lives, and the lives of many innocent bystanders at risk. So Read More ...

### Winter Tyre Sales Expected to Increase

Over the next four months, winter tyre sales in Spain are expected to reach 500,000 units, an increase of 25% over last year.
According to tyre distributor Grupo Andrés, tyres specifically designed for winter roads are becoming increasingly popular in Spain, with more than 800,000 vehicles expected to be fitted with them for next year.
The tyres are specifically designed for areas where the temperature drops below 7 degrees, and reduce the risk of incidents during rain, snow and ice by up to 38%, according to European data.
CEO of the company, Eduardo Salazar, pointed out that a car travelling at 50 kilometres per hour fitted with traditional tyres require an additional 5 metres to stop on wet ground during winter. On icy roads, a car with traditional tyres require requires an additional 8 metres, the equivalent of two cars placed one after the other.
The company also pointed out that winter tyres are between 15% and 25% cheaper than conventional tyres, and are more cost effective during the season when driven at appropriate speed and with gentle manoeuvring such as acceleration and braking.

Excerpt: Over the next four months, winter tyre sales in Spain are expected to reach 500,000 units, an increase of 25% over last year. According to tyre distributor Grupo Andrés, tyres specifically designed for winter roads are becoming increasingly popular in Read More ...

### Time Running Out for Foreign Licence Renewals

Friday the 20th of November marks just 5 weeks until Christmas day. It may be a time that many people are looking forward to, but it also marks 6 weeks until January 1st, when some drivers holding foreign licences can once again be fined.

The rules had already come into force last year, but on account of the number of foreign drivers living in Spain, the DGT issued an amnesty in March of this year, allowing those drivers who would be liable to a fine until the 1st of January to sort out their documentation. That amnesty will expire on New Year´s day.
Full details about the instructions clarifying European driving licence renewals were published when the amnesty was first announced and are available to read on the website, but it is also important to remember that as the deadline approaches, so does the holiday period, and therefore the time to act is now, as there will be zero tolerance.
If your license has an indefinite date, or more than 15 years validity and you were legally resident in Spain before January 19, 2013, you should have already renewed your driving license. If you only became resident after that date, you had until 2 years from your date of residency to renew.
If your license has expired or is due to expire, you must renew it in your country of residence, in other words, if you are a resident in Spain, your current licence, once it expires, must be renewed in Spain.
The rules only apply to foreigners who are resident in Spain but please don´t think that simply denying you live here will mean you can get away with it. You will still be fined and it would be up to you to appeal through a long and complex process. That said, there are also a number of benefits to changing your licence to a Spanish one. The Spanish issued licence is linked to your NIE, and so officers at a roadside check can see all of your relevant information immediately, thus speeding up that process. You will also not be liable to on the spot cash fines as is the case for foreign licenced drivers, you will be given a ticket with a qualifying period in which to pay at a reduced rate.
Time really is running out. Please, make the change today.

Excerpt: Friday the 20th of November marks just 5 weeks until Christmas day. It may be a time that many people are looking forward to, but it also marks 6 weeks until January 1st, when some drivers holding foreign licences can Read More ...

### Transferring a Vehicle Following Death

In the event of a vehicle owner passing away, there is a standard procedure for having the vehicle ownership transferred to a living beneficiary.

Article 609 of the Civil Code dictates the modes of acquiring ownership of property succession, and the administrative procedure set out in Article 32.6 of the Reglamento de Vehículos details the process.
PROVISIONAL TRANSFER OF A VEHICLE
Immediately after a death, the vehicle can be transferred to a new named owner who may not be the long-term benefactor, but may seek ownership on a temporary basis.
In this event, the temporary custodian of the vehicle has 90 days in which they must notify the traffic department of this temporary custody and their legal address.
The person registering the vehicle must produce the following to the traffic department:

A formal request
The payment for transfer (the prices in 2015 are 52.80€ for most vehicles, 26.40€ for mopeds)
Identity documents
Death certificate of the original owner or marriage certificate stating the death
Document proving the possession of the vehicle
Driving license
ITV card or technical status document of the vehicle
An appointment at the traffic office

The new provisional holder is deemed as the subject of any obligations corresponding to the holder of the vehicle.
FINAL TRANSFER OF THE VEHICLE
The intended permanent vehicle owner must apply for the final transfer of the vehicle within a 90 day period.
The intended permanent owner must submit the same documentation as above, but with two additions:

Certificate of liquidation or exemption from inheritance tax.
Declaration of heirs, or will, accompanied by a certificate of wills, or document stating the award of the vehicle.

You must also request a printed official form that will facilitate the transfer of the vehicle by the traffic department on behalf of the state. If the applicant is a minor or incapacitated, the documentation must also include the additional data and signature of the legal guardian or representative.
You will also have to pay the fees for the transfer.
If the applicant is an individual and a Spanish national, the National Identity Document (DNI) can be used in place of the driving license.
If the applicant is a person of foreign nationality, there are other processes to consider. If a Green Card is in force, that must also be presented, or, failing that, the official Identity of the country of origin (for citizens of other Member States of the European Union, the other States party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation) or Passport or Certificate of Citizenship if you are a citizen of a third country with the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE).
You may also have to produce the original document attesting to your home in Spain if you are not registered with foreign identity documents (e.g. certificate of ownership, lease, or police census card or certificate).
If the new owner is a legal entity or company, rather than an individual, you will also be required to produce the following:

Original Tax identification card (CIF).
Original ID, passport, identity card and NIE
Original document attesting to power to act on behalf of the company (available from the www.dgt.es website).

The process seems a very complicated one, especially given the time frame in which it must be completed, but the process is also a standard administrative procedure and so your advisor or lawyer will be able to advise you further. Always obtain advice from registered, legal representatives in Spain if there is any doubt.
Our associates at PSI Consultants offer legal and fiscal advice for a range of different topics including wills, power of attorney, notarial services and more. Visit their website for more details, psiconsultants.es, or telephone 966 730 104.

Excerpt: In the event of a vehicle owner passing away, there is a standard procedure for having the vehicle ownership transferred to a living beneficiary. Article 609 of the Civil Code dictates the modes of acquiring ownership of property succession, and Read More ...

### Road Fatality Statistics Decrease Slightly

Statistics revealed this week show that 83 people have lost their lives on the roads of the Valencia region so far this year.

The data represents the first ten-months of the year, and shows a 12% decrease on the same period of 2014. Last year, 94 people were killed in the same period.
The information was released as part of the World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Traffic Accidents which was held at the weekend.
Government representative for the Comunitat Valenciana, Juan Carlos Moragues, said that the trend is a positive one, although still too high as the aim is for zero deaths and injuries from traffic related incidents.
“We are facing a global problem affecting all countries and we have to do all sorts of campaigns to improve road safety in Valencia, on the roads of Spain and around the world”, he said.
Moragues also took the opportunity to point out that road traffic incidents are the main cause of death amongst the 18 to 29 year old age group, a problem that has “global significance”, from which the entire family suffers.
Moragues will be meeting with various road safety groups in order to encourage greater cooperation in achieving the road to zero.

Excerpt: Statistics revealed this week show that 83 people have lost their lives on the roads of the Valencia region so far this year. The data represents the first ten-months of the year, and shows a 12% decrease on the same Read More ...

### Women Safer Drivers – When Assisted by Men

According to a study conducted by the Fundación Línea Directa, the safest combination for a driver and co-pilot is for a woman to be the driver and the man to be the navigator.
According to the study, this combination is six times less likely to result in a collision or incident than the most popular mix on Spanish roads, two men.

The study sought to ascertain the influence on a co-driver in preventing traffic based incidents from a “gender perspective”. It is in fact the first time such a study has been conducted in Spain aimed at measuring the real impact on road safety.
The experts analysed the profiles of the passenger, based on age and gender, concluding that the “imperfect passenger” is a young male between the age of 18 and 29, as they do not cooperate with the driver, talks excessively, constantly criticises the driver or constantly manipulates devices on the dashboard.
However, on the opposite end of the scale is the “perfect passenger”, a male between the ages of 60 and 69, who usually have a more collaborative attitude, cause fewer distractions, always compliment (even if it is a lie) and will signal notices to the driver.
For drivers carrying an “imperfect passenger” there is a likely increase in irresponsible driving behaviour, such as inappropriate speed and unnecessary braking, being involved in discussions with the passenger and other distractions.
Carrying a “perfect passenger” reduces the risk of infringement, improves other factors such as seatbelt use, a reduction in alcohol and drugs, using appropriate signals and a reluctance to use a phone whilst driving.
As drivers, women are less likely to be influenced by the irresponsible encouragements of their passengers, such as breaking the speed limit or reducing the safe distance between vehicles.
Overall, the study reveals that the influence on a co-pilot or passenger is “very positive”, because being accompanied on journeys significantly reduces the risk of incidents. In fact, having a companion in the car reduces the overall risk by 35%.
In fact, that was the aim of the study, to highlight the important role which passengers and co-drivers can play in road safety, and to encourage all co-drivers to get involved in active and responsible driving attitudes.

Excerpt: According to a study conducted by the Fundación Línea Directa, the safest combination for a driver and co-pilot is for a woman to be the driver and the man to be the navigator. According to the study, this combination is Read More ...

### Most Wanted Fugitive Arrested in Spain

Another of Britain´s most wanted fugitives has been arrested by the Guardia Civil in Spain.

Michael Roden, nicknamed “Dodge” went missing after fleeing the UK whilst on prison leave. The 26 year old criminal was caught living amongst around 2,000 ex-pats in Alomartes, Illora, in the Sierra de Parapanda area of Granada.

Heavily armed officers broke into his home to enact the arrest after operation Hoya 18 was launched earlier in the year, when investigators started to follow the trail of international marijuana trafficking in the Granada, Murcia and Alicante areas.
The officers also arrested six other people in the raid, three men and three women, of English, Chilean, Romanian, Georgian and Spanish nationalities, accused of belonging to a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, forgery and illegal possession of weapons.

This is the seventh arrest of British fugitives so far this year as part of the collaborative efforts between the two countries to bring those who attempt to evade the law back to justice.
The first arrest came just four days after the publication of the Operation Captura list of fugitives when the Police arrested Shane Walford, a former soldier of 38 years accused of killing a firefighter. In April, Jayson McDonald was arrested in Amsterdam and Paul Monk in Jávea (Alicante), wanted for drug trafficking. In August, it was the turn of Anthony Dennis, also accused of drug trafficking, and Paul Buchanan, suspected of attempted rape. The latest arrest took place on September 28th: ​​Carlo Dawson, suspected of sexually assaulting a 12 year old girl.

Excerpt: Another of Britain´s most wanted fugitives has been arrested by the Guardia Civil in Spain. Michael Roden, nicknamed “Dodge” went missing after fleeing the UK whilst on prison leave. The 26 year old criminal was caught living amongst around 2,000 ex-pats Read More ...

### Security Threat Level in Spain

The Interior Ministry has issued a statement clarifying the current alert status in Spain, dismissing rumours being spread through social network sites over an imminent attack on the country.

The statement points out that given the unfounded information, the Interior Ministry clarifies that:
The information being disseminated through some social networks and other communication channels such as WhatsApp relating to a possible attack in Spain lack any credibility and are only meant to elicit states of fear and alarm in the population, or other malicious purposes which are totally unrelated to safety.
The Ministry of Interior has not modified the Terrorism Alert Level (Nivel de Alerta Antiterrorista – NAA) which is still Level 4 – High Risk, as established on the 26 June following the terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia, Kuwait and Somalia.
Any amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Alert Level (NAA), arrest or committing a terrorist attack is always transmitted to the media and made ​​public through the usual official channels of the Ministry of Interior (www.interior.gob) and state security forces (National Police and Guardia Civil).

Excerpt: The Interior Ministry has issued a statement clarifying the current alert status in Spain, dismissing rumours being spread through social network sites over an imminent attack on the country. The statement points out that given the unfounded information, the Interior Read More ...

### Every Twenty Five Seconds a Person Dies

The average person reads at two hundred words per minute. Around the world, a person dies on the roads every twenty five seconds. If we divide two hundred by sixty and then multiply our answer by twenty five, we reach a total of eighty three words in twenty five seconds. This paragraph has eighty three words in total. That stark reality means that in the time it has taken you to read this paragraph, another life has been lost somewhere on the roads.

Sunday the 15th of November was recognised as the World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Accidents, prompting the latest statistics to be revealed by the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon.
Despite the evolution of road safety technology, the roads still claim the lives of 1.25 million people every year. Road traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for the 15 to 29 year old age group and 49% of the victims are vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists.
The UN has therefore called on the governments of member states to go further, strengthening enforcement of the main contributing factors which result in fatalities, inappropriate speed, alcohol and drugs and the use of seatbelts and crash helmets.
In its report on the global road safety situation in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the number of deaths from traffic incidents has stabilized since 2007, despite the increase in the number of motor vehicles between 2010 and 2013 growing by 16%, and the world population increasing by 4%.
Amongst all member countries, 17 of them have introduced legislative improvements in the last 3 years that deal with at least one of the five most common risk factors. This legislation across the countries has seen added protection to 409 million people, 5.7% of the world´s population.
Spain is named amongst countries which have seen success in the campaigns to reduce deaths on the roads, through changed legislation and enforcement, as well as education. The WHO report places Spain as the thirteenth country in the world and the fifth in the EU with the lowest mortality rate from traffic incidents, with 3.7 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
However, associations representing victims of road traffic incidents still see the need for even harsher penalties when dealing with road traffic offences. Despite the high number of fatal and serious injury causing incidents, the majority still find at least one person accountable for the outcome. Education is still a major contributor to raising awareness of road safety, but enforcement is the only way of ensuring compliance when vehicle design leaves those inside feeling less vulnerable and often almost invincible, when the more vulnerable are offered less protection in the event of a collision caused often by drivers breaking the law and not being held to account.

Excerpt: The average person reads at two hundred words per minute. Around the world, a person dies on the roads every twenty five seconds. If we divide two hundred by sixty and then multiply our answer by twenty five, we reach Read More ...

### WANTED!

WANTED!This person has collaborated with the terrorists in the attacks in Paris. He could have gone to a near country,…
Posted by N332 on Sunday, 15 November 2015

Excerpt: WANTED!This person has collaborated with the terrorists in the attacks in Paris. He could have gone to a near country,… Posted by N332 on Sunday, 15 November 2015

### N332 Campaign: “Nothing to hide, Nothing to fear”

N332 Campaign: "Nothing to hide, Nothing to fear"When we publish information about where the Police Check Points are…
Posted by N332 on Saturday, 14 November 2015

Excerpt: N332 Campaign: "Nothing to hide, Nothing to fear"When we publish information about where the Police Check Points are… Posted by N332 on Saturday, 14 November 2015

### Brit Freed after Year on Remand

A British man facing 11 years in prison has been acquitted by the Provincial after spending a year behind bars on remind on a charge of rape on the Orihuela Costa.

The incident occurred in November, 2012, when the man met with a woman in a bar on the Orihuela Costa. The couple then left to go to a private property to engage in a sexual act. According to the ruling, this sexual activity was consensual.

The judge said that the victim's statement was full of contradictions, having expressed different things each time. The court also noted that even the forensic experts told a different story of what happened.

The statements varied from the victim sleeping at the time of the alleged assault and the fact that the sex was consensual but led to violation when anal intercourse was attempted.

The defendant was facing 11 year in prison but contradictions from the alleged victim and the absence of evidential injuries have led to the case being dismissed.

### New Start for CLARO Orihuela

C.L.A.R.O’s 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 13 November was well attended and positive, adopting innovative plans for the future and electing a new President.

Paul Piccio Hernandez, new President of C.L.A.R.O., being congratulated by Bob Houliston and other members of Executive Committee

The first debate in the meeting was on the results of the municipal elections in May.   Although not as good as hoped for, the AGM stressed that for the third time C.L.A.R.O. had won the majority of votes cast in Orihuela Costa, nearly 50% again, and missed securing representation in the new Town Council by the narrow margin of some 30 votes.      It was acknowledged that the main reason for not doing as well as hoped for was low voter participation by non-Spanish residents.   It remains a challenge for the party to motivate residents on the coast to realise that  in return for contributing the greater part of Orihuela Town Council’s income, they receive wholly inadequate and insufficient services.

Confusion and changes in the polling stations on the coast, in particular use of the little known, isolated and badly sign posted Reading Point, affected hundreds of voters and was another important reason for falling short of the votes necessary for  continued representation.

Finally, among the adverse factors affecting the result for C.L.A.R.O.,  the AGM stressed that the official name and the description on the voting forms of C.L.A.R.O. “Party for Orihuela Costa” was used by C.L.A.R.O’s opponents to smear the party as separatist and uninterested in other parts of the municipality with a consequent loss of potential voters.

The AGM overwhelmingly affirmed that C.L.A.R.O. WAS HERE TO STAY and must continue to promote and defend the interests of Orihuela Costa.   It also agreed to change the statutes and official name of the party dropping “Party for Orihela Costa” to encourage wider support for the party outside of Orihuela Costa.

An important debate took place on the need for C.L.A.R.O. to be more proactive and better project knowledge of its aims and activities on the coast.   To achieve this objective, in addition to continuing our mainstream, essential political activities, it was agreed to launch a series of initiatives.   The weekly Friday meetings, open to all, which take place in the Asturias Restaurant and which characterise the transparent nature of the party, would, in future, also be used to enable guest speakers, hopefully once a month, to address issues of interest and concern to those living on the coast,    A programme of speakers would include representatives of local charities, campaign organisations like the Pink Ladies, a representative of the Residential Care Home in Villamartin, newspaper editors, environmental organisations and real estate agents.   The first speaker, on a date to be announced, would be a representative of the Guardia Civil Traffic Corps.    These Friday Forums will be in English and where possible also Spanish.

Also at least once a month, the Friday meetings would take place in different parts of the coast and would be informal and social in character, not political.    They would be Tapas and Chat events.

Finally, to underline C.L.A.R.O’s strong commitment to social welfare on the coast, which the local government neglects so conspicuously, it was agreed to hold an important, annual fund-raising event for the charities and social groups who do so much for those living on the coast.

This debate was also marked by resentment and indignation at the fact that Orihuela Costa with a population greater than that of Orihuela city, which increases to some 250,000 during the summer months and to which must be added the thousands of visitors daily to La Zenia Boulevard, still lacks a 24 hour local Police Station and locally based ambulance and fire service.    The skeleton building of a future Emergency Services Centre, near La Zenia roundabout, paralysed for years because of political inaction, is a testament to the neglect and lack of concern of the local government and competent authorities for the health and safety of Orihuela Costa residents and visitors.   There was outrage that at least 3 recent deaths on the coast have been associated with delays in the arrival of an ambulance.   The AGM demanded action on this major priority.

The Annual General Meeting decided important changes in the composition of the party   Executive Committee.    Paul Piccio was elected President of the party.     After holding this office for 9 years, Bob Houliston stood down but will remain a member of the Executive Committee where, with his knowledge and experience, he will continue to contribute to the party.   Paul Piccio is a well known businessman in Orihuela Costa.   He has an international background and is bilingual in English and Spanish.   Another party veteran and leading figure in local charities, Norah Bond stood down to make way for Paulina Wysokinska.    Paulina is very involved in Orihuela Costa’s social activities including the La Zenia church and Parents Association.  She is fluent in several languages including English and Spanish.

The list of members of the Executive Committee decided by the Annual General Meeting is as follows:

President   Paul Piccio

Secretary General  David Lorenzo

Antonio Cerdan

Karl Failoni

Jan Holden

Bob Houliston

Paulina Wysokinska

### Daytime Running Lights on Motorbikes

The installation of Daytime Running Lights has become the norm for more modern vehicles, where additional illumination would allow other road users to have a heightened awareness of approaching vehicles.

However, this development has not been without its own problems, sometimes caused by the lack of knowledge by the driver, but also on occasion caused by the slowness in having laws adapted to satisfy the technology.
Firstly, we must be aware that Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are not a replacement for headlights. In fact, they are completely different. Many versions of Daytime Running Lights also switch off intermittently when the turning indicators are used so as not to distract from the purpose of those lights. Again, to stress their purpose of DRL, they are to make the vehicle more visible to other road users. Unlike headlights, they are not designed to illuminate the path for the driver. That is what headlights are for.
There have been numerous instances of drivers being seen and stopped whilst their vehicle only has Daytime Running Lights illuminated when headlights are required, such as at night or whilst driving through tunnels. In these circumstances, headlights must be switched on.
More recently, motorcycles have also seen Daytime Running Lights fitted to the front. However, for bikers there was another problem, in that the law dictates that headlights must be illuminated on motorbikes during the day. The legislation did not allow for any variation on this, and so there have been numerous riders fined for riding whilst only having their Daytime Running Lights illuminated and not their headlights.
However, as of a change in the law in October of this year, Daytime Running Lights have been incorporated into the legislation and are now legally accepted as being adequate illumination for motorbikes during the normal daylight hours and suitable conditions.
Instruction number 15/S-140 /V-112 clarifies that under European Legislation, category “L” vehicles (mopeds of two or three wheels, motorcycles with or without sidecar, tricycles, light quadricycles and quadricycles) are incorporated into the laws regarding the use of Daytime Running Lights.
The legislation makes a clear distinction between Daytime Running Lights and low-beam headlights.
Low-beam lights are used to illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle without causing undue dazzle or discomfort to drivers coming in the opposite direction, or to other road users.
Daytime Running Lights face forward and are used to make the vehicle more visible in daylight.
The directive also clarifies the required colour of the Daytime Running Lights, stating that the only permitted colours are white or amber.
Motorcycles must be visible to other road users on the grounds of road safety, but as Daytime Running Lights have been developed for this purpose, manufactured specifically to meet this objective, they are acceptable under normal daytime conditions of visibility.

Excerpt: The installation of Daytime Running Lights has become the norm for more modern vehicles, where additional illumination would allow other road users to have a heightened awareness of approaching vehicles. However, this development has not been without its own problems, Read More ...

### Mileage Clocking Gang Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Guadalajara have dismantled a gang of criminals who would manipulate the recorded mileage of vehicles in order to increase their apparent value before selling them.

The gang would obtain vehicles through leasing companies created for the sole purpose of the deception and after purchasing the vehicles they would then manipulate the mileage and documentation to increase the market value, then sell them through internet portals where the vehicle history was less likely to be checked.
The final transaction was usually completed in car parks and shopping centres, and so the victims had no record of the real location or address of the sellers.

The gang was based in the Guadalajara and Madrid areas, but sold the vehicles across the country, conning innocent buyers into buying overpriced and potentially dangerous vehicles.
In total, the investigators have identified more than 200 victims of the scam, although they believe that more victims will be revealed as the complex investigation continues. So far, victims of these scams have been located in the provinces of Guadalajara, Toledo, Ávila, Madrid, Cáceres, Castellón, Tarragona, Tenerife, Palma de Mallorca, Bizkaia, Málaga, Jaén and Almería.

In total, six people have been arrested so far, five men and a woman, all aged between 33 and 42, all suspected of the crimes of fraud, forgery and conspiracy.
One arrestee has already entered prison having been wanted in connection with other offences. An additional eight people are also under investigation.
During the raids, the officers recovered documentation, numerous car keys, mobile phones, cash, computer equipment and business stamps for six companies.
If you are purchasing a second-hand car you can check the vehicle´s history yourself via the DGT´s website. There are a number of articles about buying and selling a used car in Spain on this website, just look at the driving in Spain FAQ list or search above, and you should always complete a sales record form and take copies of documents from the seller. It is also wise to use a reputable dealer, such as our supporters at Autos Direct, where the history of the transaction is recorded and maintained.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Guadalajara have dismantled a gang of criminals who would manipulate the recorded mileage of vehicles in order to increase their apparent value before selling them. The gang would obtain vehicles through leasing companies created Read More ...

### New Electronic ITV Certificates Enter Into Use

From this week, new vehicles registered in Spain will have a new, electronic version of the technical characteristics document, rather than the traditional paper or card version.

The new tarjeta electrónica de características técnicas (eITV) will automatically be issued with the vehicle for all newly registered cars, vans and trucks from Wednesday 11th November, 2015.
All previously registered vehicle will continue to use the paper and card documentation.
The DGT has already implemented a system whereas manufacturers, importers and vehicle sales companies can submit the registration information by electronic means, which can be accessed and checked by officials.
Once checked and validated, the DGT will store the information in an electronic register, the Registro de Vehículos Prematriculados, which in turn issues the vehicle identification number, the Número de Identificación del Vehículo (NIVE), which then becomes the unique identifier for that vehicle.
The DGT will then assign the registration number of the vehicle and issue the Tarjeta de Inspección Técnica, or technical inspection card, in electronic form only, which can be accessed on-line.
The vast majority of vehicle manufacturers are already integrated into the project and in October, nearly 50% of registered vehicles are already equipped with electronic tokens.
As of May 11, 2016, this type of electronic card will also be issued for mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quads.
Remember though, this is only for newly registered vehicles, those already on the roads and registered are not affected by this change. If your vehicle has the paper version, you must carry this document with you in the vehicle.

Excerpt: From this week, new vehicles registered in Spain will have a new, electronic version of the technical characteristics document, rather than the traditional paper or card version. The new tarjeta electrónica de características técnicas (eITV) will automatically be issued with Read More ...

### Seven of the Eight Weekend Fatalities were Bikers

A total of eight people have lost their lives on the main road network of Spain this weekend, six of whom were motorcyclists and one was riding a scooter, according to the preliminary data released by the DGT.
The weekend coincided with the motorcycle Grand Prix in Cheste, near Valencia, and therefore a special operation monitoring the roads was in place.
Throughout the weekend there were seven fatal incidents with Saturday being the worst day when four bikers were killed in Asturias, Cádiz, Pontevedra and León. However, the most serious crash occurred on Sunday in the Cádiz town of Arcos de Frontera where a mother and her young son were killed and another five injured.

On Sunday, a motorcyclist was killed in Alicante, whereas on Friday a moped rider was killed when in collision with a truck.

Excerpt: A total of eight people have lost their lives on the main road network of Spain this weekend, six of whom were motorcyclists and one was riding a scooter, according to the preliminary data released by the DGT. The weekend Read More ...

### Remembrance Day 2015

Representative of both the N332 Facebook page and website attended the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Parade.
 

Excerpt: Representative of both the N332 Facebook page and website attended the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Parade.
 

### Man Hunt Launched

The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating a Ukrainian man wanted in connection with a murder in Torrevieja.

ANDRIY LYTVYN is described as 178 centimetres tall with short blonde hair and light blue eyes.
He is wanted for questioning in connection with a homicide in Torrevieja in May, 2011. His current whereabouts are not known.
If you see anybody matching his description, please call the Guardia Civil immediately on 062 or alert the police.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating a Ukrainian man wanted in connection with a murder in Torrevieja. ANDRIY LYTVYN is described as 178 centimetres tall with short blonde hair and light blue eyes. He is wanted for Read More ...

### Student Speeder Caught at 205 kmph

Officers from the Guardia Civil have charged a 25 year old male with crimes against road safety after his vehicle was recorded travelling at 205 kilometres per hour on a road where the maximum permitted limit is 100.

The man is a resident of Porto do Son in the north-western Spanish province of A Coruña, where he was studying.
A patrol car recorded the speeder but was unable to catch up with the vehicle for safety reasons and so radioed ahead for other officers to assist.
The white Volkswagen Sirocco was located at the school in Compostela where the man was a student of automotive studies.
An officer and a sergeant attended the school and identified the driver who mitigated his actions on account of him having to attend an exam.
The man will now receive a hefty fine and a ban from driving which will not help his chosen career in the automotive industry.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have charged a 25 year old male with crimes against road safety after his vehicle was recorded travelling at 205 kilometres per hour on a road where the maximum permitted limit is 100. The man Read More ...

### Identifying Ambulances

A number of people have asked what the different letters on the side of ambulances mean. Whereas there are some groups of letters which form the company´s name, there are those which indicate the role and purpose of the ambulance.

These codes may differ slightly in some areas and not all ambulances display them, but it is perhaps useful to know the difference between those ambulances we can identify.
The SAMU, or Servicio de Atención Médica de Urgencia, is an emergency ambulance, consisting of a full team of emergency personal, including a physician, nurse and support team member.
The second type of vehicle is the SVB, or Soporte Vital Básico, which is similar to the SAMU, although not usually carrying a doctor.
The third type of vehicle, perhaps most commonly seen, is the TNA, or Transporte No Asistido, which offers emergency response and ability to transport patients, but does not normally carry staff capable of rendering any medical assistance beyond basic first aid.
The difference between the three main types, SAMU, SVB and TNA, lies in the team of professionals who are on board. The SAMU are the only emergency vehicles that have a full team, consisting of physicians, nurses and orderly, therefore capable of dealing with more serious situations, and could be considered the equivalent of a paramedic unit in the U.K.
In total there are 45 SAMU vehicles that specialize in emergency services in Castellón, Valencia and Alicante. Most of those, 35 in total, operate on a 24-hour schedule, whereas the other 10 cover additional shifts of 12 hours each day. In addition to the 45 SAMU ambulances, the remaining fleet of 465 vehicles in total is made up of 100 SVB´s and 312 TNA´s, with an additional 6 support vehicles and two specifically adapted for transporting transplant organs.
Irrespective of the letters displayed, all these ambulances become priority vehicles when responding to an emergency and it should be remembered that if they are seen with lights flashing or sirens sounding then it could be quite literally a question of life or death and so we must all give way to allow them to pass safely.

Excerpt: A number of people have asked what the different letters on the side of ambulances mean. Whereas there are some groups of letters which form the company´s name, there are those which indicate the role and purpose of the ambulance. Read More ...

### Weekend Motorbike Event in Cheste

This weekend is likely to see large concentrations of motorbikes on the roads, as the Gran Premio de Motociclismo de la Comunidad Valenciana is held at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo de Cheste.
The DGT has therefore launched a special campaign on the roads to improve safety during the event which runs from Friday the 6th of November through to Sunday the 8th. During this period, it is expected that around 205,000 spectators will attend the event, with 10,000 motorbikes and 17,000 cars expected on Sunday alone.
The busiest areas are likely to be the A-3 Madrid-Valencia, the AP-7 and N-340 from Tarragona to Valencia and the A-7 and AP-7 from Valencia to Alcira.
The special operation will see Guardia Civil officers out in force in the area monitoring such activities as risky and dangerous behaviour, speeding and alcohol and drug use.
A team of 150 officers will focus on the key areas, accompanied by three helicopters, one of which will be equipped with the Pegasus radar equipment.
The roads are likely to be very busy near to the circuit and so the advice is to avoid the area is possible if you are not attending, or to use public transport, such as the train, in order to reduce congestion.
Cheste is a municipality in the comarca of Hoya de Buñol in the Valencian Community, located 26 km from Valencia.

Excerpt: This weekend is likely to see large concentrations of motorbikes on the roads, as the Gran Premio de Motociclismo de la Comunidad Valenciana is held at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo de Cheste. The DGT has therefore launched a special campaign Read More ...

### Road Safety is No Joke

Revellers in the Seville town of Tomares have found themselves considerably out of pocket, when the consequences of what they considered to be an innocent prank saw them brought before the courts.
The local police had closed off a road for a local fiesta. Cones had been placed at the access to one of these roads. At around 05:20 in the morning, the youths were returning from a night out and decided to remove a couple of these cones, not realising that their actions were being watched by the police.
The youths not only hit a number of vehicles with the cones, they were also observed using them as “trumpets”.
Considering their actions in removing the cones a risk to public safety, the police reported them contrary to Article 142 of the Reglamento General de Circulación, considering their actions of removing or damaging temporary signalling a serious infringement.
The four youths now face a 3,000 euro fine, although they have the right to appeal and can see the fine halved for prompt payment.

Excerpt: Revellers in the Seville town of Tomares have found themselves considerably out of pocket, when the consequences of what they considered to be an innocent prank saw them brought before the courts. The local police had closed off a road Read More ...

### Local Police In Increased Road Safety Drive

Local Police in the Asturian town of Gijón in the north of Spain have a new weapon at their disposal to tackle motoring offences, a laser-guided detector that does far more than monitor speed.

The TruCAM unit has a built in camera and monitors the vehicle´s movements, recording speed but in addition it is capable to monitoring if the vehicle occupants are wearing seatbelts and if the driver is talking on a mobile phone.

Not only that, the infrared laser allows the unit to operate at night, without having to use a flash or other illumination, thus rendering its use impossible to spot.

The unit price starts at 18,000 euro, although optional extras such as the night-vision capabilities will increase the cost to 24,000 euro and up to 74,000 euro for it to be installed in a vehicle. The road safety implications far outweigh the costs however, given the number of drivers who are likely to be caught by the officers using the kit.
Unlike the Guardia Civil patrols who display signs indicating their presence when monitoring speed by the roadside, there is no requirement for the local police to do the same, although the police have said that they “will not hide” when using it, as the main objective is to increase safety and not only issue fines. The police have issued a list of locations where they will rotate the use of the device in order to show their transparency.
It is believed that this is the first time this sort of equipment has been used in Spain, although the success will be tested but both the infractions identified and the reduction in road related incidents.
You can read more about the device via their website here.
TruCAM Specifications



Weight:
3.3 lbs (1.50 kg)


Size:
8.27 x 3.86 x 12.47 in (21.0 x 9.8 x 31.7 cm)


Construction:
Composite polycarbonate outer shell; Aluminum internal chassis


Maximum Range:
4,000 ft (1,200 m)






Minimum Range:



Speed Mode:
50 ft (15 m)


Weather Mode:
200 ft (60 m)


Continuous Mode:
50 ft (15 m)






Range Accuracy:
± 6 in (±15 cm) absolute accuracy







Display Resolution:



Speed:
+ 1 mph (+ 2 km/h)


Range:
± 0.1 unit of measure






Speed Range:
± 200 mph (± 320 km/h)


Speed Accuracy:
± 1 mph (± 2 km/h)


Measurement Type:
Automode and single-shot






Power:



Battery Pack:
Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery pack
(up to 15 hours of cordless operation)


Battery Charger:
Automatic laser jammer avoidance


   Main Charger:
110 v ac to 240 v ac


   Automobile Charger:
11 v dc to 16 v dc






Communication:
RS232, serial communications port RS485, nighttime flash signal,
USB 2.0, image data transfer, touch-panel input


Measurement Time:
0.33 second


Environment:
NEMA 4/IP55 water- and dust-Resistant


Temperature Range:
14° F to 140° F (-10° C to +60° C)


Eye Safety:
FDA Class 1 (CFR 21) IEC 60825-1


Laser Wavelength:
905 nanometers nominal


Beam Divergence:
2.5 milliradians nominal






Hardware:



Capture Data Storage:
Removable SD card (supports up to 2 GB and larger; SD and SDHC formats)


Display:
2.7 in (6.9 cm), 240 x 320 pixel, color, 18 bits per pixel (bpp)


Camera Lens:
3.1 megapixel (2048 x 1536) 75 mm


GPS Receiver:
20 channels






Firmware:



Operating System:
Linux based


Anti-Jam:
Automatic laser jammer avoidance


Video Size:
Standard format: 240 x 180 pixels,
Extended format: 480 x 360 pixels


Video Modes:
LP (long play), EP (extended play)


Still Image Sizes:
Selectable (1920 x 1440 pixels or 1440 x 1080 pixels)


Data Encryption:
AES-128, U.S. Federal Information Processing Standards,
Advanced Encryption, Standard 128 bit



 
NOTE: All specifications are subject to change without notice. (Rev. 9.12) 

Excerpt: Local Police in the Asturian town of Gijón in the north of Spain have a new weapon at their disposal to tackle motoring offences, a laser-guided detector that does far more than monitor speed. The TruCAM unit has a built in Read More ...

### Never Leave Valuables on Show

Opportunistic thieves are everywhere and they will target any vehicle where valuables are on show.
That was the stark reality discovered by an ambulance crew in Palma de Mallorca this week, when they returned to their vehicle to find the window smashed and their belongings stolen in broad daylight.

The ambulance was parked in the street whilst the crew were enjoying their lunch, but they had left a number of items on show, including both a laptop and a tablet computer.
The local police attended and have called on their colleagues in the National Police to assist in trying to obtain forensic evidence, but with the absence of witnesses or CCTV, and with fingerprints unlikely, it is doubtful that it will result in any arrests. The only hope might be if the stolen items are sold on and the police manage to trace them back to the thieves.
The thieves did not target any medical equipment or drugs, only the personal items left on show, although their actions rendered the ambulance unusable whilst evidence was gathered and repairs were carried out, leaving a shortage in medical cover for the duration for an already stretched emergency service.
The incident does serve as a reminder to all of us never to leave valuables on show, as thieves operate everywhere where opportunity exists, irrespective of morals or trust.

Excerpt: Opportunistic thieves are everywhere and they will target any vehicle where valuables are on show. That was the stark reality discovered by an ambulance crew in Palma de Mallorca this week, when they returned to their vehicle to find the Read More ...

### Lucky Escape for Banana Truck Occupants

An articulated lorry crashed on the A-7 motorway between Elche and Aspe on Wednesday, resulting in the cab hanging precariously over a 15 metre drop.

The incident occurred at around 07:30 in the morning as the truck loaded with bananas collided with the guardrail and landed wedged in a gap between the carriageways.
A fire broke out but was quickly brought under control as the two occupants of the vehicle were treated for minor cuts and bruises.
The crash resulted in delays through the area for most of the day whilst experts assessed the scent in order to work out how to recover the truck.

Excerpt: An articulated lorry crashed on the A-7 motorway between Elche and Aspe on Wednesday, resulting in the cab hanging precariously over a 15 metre drop. The incident occurred at around 07:30 in the morning as the truck loaded with bananas Read More ...

### Roadside Robbers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested six people believed to have been involved in a gang who would target vehicles on highways and motorways, who would damage vehicles in order to pretend to offer assistance whilst then robbing their unsuspecting victims.

The investigators believe that this gang alone are responsible for 450 thefts and robberies committed mainly on the AP-7 motorway, as well as other routes across Valencia, Catalonia, Aragon, the Basque Country, Castille y Leon and Madrid.
The detainees, who are of Serbian, Romanian, Kosovar and Spanish nationality, are charged with the crimes of robbery, theft, forgery, dangerous driving, money laundering and being members of a criminal organization.

During the search of five properties in the province of Tarragona, in the towns of Montroig del Camp and Hospitalet de L’Innfat, the officers seized cash, perfumes, mobile phones, tablets, computers, handbags, watches, knives, glasses, clothing and numerous documents relevant to the investigation, as well as five vehicles.
The investigation revolved around the knowledge of several thefts and robberies committed in the service areas of the AP-7 in the province of Castellon. The gang would puncture a tyre on a target vehicles, which would then continue on its journey, followed by the gang members. As the innocent driver of the target vehicle pulled over to examine the vehicle, the gang would stop with the target vehicle and offer assistance, whilst distracting the driver and other vehicle occupants to allow a second gang member to snatch bags and goods from their target vehicle, before making off in such a short time that the victim was confused by the situation for long enough to enable their escape.
In addition to the Guardia Civil, the operation also involved officers from the Judicial and USECIC Police. The detainees have been made available to the courts in Vinaròs, Castellón.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested six people believed to have been involved in a gang who would target vehicles on highways and motorways, who would damage vehicles in order to pretend to offer assistance whilst then robbing their unsuspecting Read More ...

### Tenerife Based Traffic Officer Killed By Drunk Driver

A traffic officer from the Guardia Civil has been killed, hit by a drunk driver.

The incident took place at around 17:00 on Tuesday at kilometre 23 of the TF-5 road in the Santa Cruz direction in the La Matanza area of the island of Tenerife.
The officer, who was identified as 38 year old Félix García Rosa, who lived with his partner on the island and whose family live on the peninsula, was travelling on his private motorcycle at the time and was not on duty.

Despite being off duty, he saw a vehicle in trouble having broken down on the carriageway and stopped to assist.
The officer was about to dismount when a van collided with his motorbike, dragging the bike and the officer for several metres.

Two doctors who were passing the incident stopped to assist and rendered treatment to the officer who had suffered multiple trauma and cardiopulmonary arrest.
Further medical assistance had been dispatched by the emergency coordination centre, but the officer had gone into cardiac arrest and nothing more could be done to save his life.
The driver of the van tested positive for having consumed alcohol and gave a reading of 0.41 milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air. The maximum permitted alcohol limit in Spain is 0.25 milligrams for normal car drivers and 0.15 mg for professionals.

Excerpt: A traffic officer from the Guardia Civil has been killed, hit by a drunk driver. The incident took place at around 17:00 on Tuesday at kilometre 23 of the TF-5 road in the Santa Cruz direction in the La Matanza Read More ...

### Always There to Help

Whatever the weather, come rain or shine, the man and women of the emergency services are always there to help.
During the storms of this week, they have all been pushed to the limit, and yet they are still there, ready to help.
This picture shows one such patrol from the Guardia Civil who tried to push the vehicle in front out of danger, when it had become stranded trying to pass a flooded road.

Please, monitor the weather, and in the event of a warning, only drive if absolutely necessary. Take care and stay safe, for everybody´s sake.

Excerpt: Whatever the weather, come rain or shine, the man and women of the emergency services are always there to help. During the storms of this week, they have all been pushed to the limit, and yet they are still there, Read More ...

### Blue Lights for All Priority Vehicles

From February 2016, all priority vehicles on Spain´s roads will display flashing blue lights.

Currently, fire and ambulance vehicles, and tow trucks responding to an emergency, indicate that they are priority vehicles by use of flashing orange lights, with only the police and Guardia Civil using blue.
Spain was the only European country which had not adopted the standard but a change to the law which covers this provision has been published in the official gazette this week, along with many other changes to traffic laws, which will come into force early next year.
We will detail many of those changes over the next few months to allow you time to get used to them, so make sure you bookmark this site or subscribe to our newsletter.

Excerpt: From February 2016, all priority vehicles on Spain´s roads will display flashing blue lights. Currently, fire and ambulance vehicles, and tow trucks responding to an emergency, indicate that they are priority vehicles by use of flashing orange lights, with only Read More ...

### Visibility is Important

If you have a breakdown on road, be careful. Despite of using hazard lights, two warning triangles and blue flashing lights….a truck crashed into a Guardia Civil patrol car whilst attending an accident.
Fortunately the officers were out of the car, helping the driver and their family.
Distractions are one of the three main contributing factors to road traffic incidents. Never think that all drivers have seen your vehicle on the hard shoulder. Some of them are talking with the copilot, talking on the phone, programming a gps, even…texting while driving.
This costs lives, please, be safe when you are on the road.

Excerpt: If you have a breakdown on road, be careful. Despite of using hazard lights, two warning triangles and blue flashing lights….a truck crashed into a Guardia Civil patrol car whilst attending an accident. Fortunately the officers were out of the Read More ...

### Latest Campaign Statistics Reveal Driver Attitudes

Results of the latest campaign monitoring secondary roads in Spain have revealed that excessive speed, not using seatbelts or child restraints and lack of maintenance as the top three traffic violations reported.

The campaign, which ran from the 19th to the 25th of October, saw more than half a million vehicles checked and 27,370 drivers reported, 5.15% of the total.
Of the drivers sanctioned in the campaign, 39% of them were reported for exceeding the maximum permitted speed limit, and 13% were exceeding the limit by 20 kilometres per hour over that maximum. In total, 16,564 drivers have been reported for speeding.
The second most common report was for the non-use of seat belts. In one week alone, 1,349 people were reported for not wearing a seat belt, as well as those responsible for the welfare of children in the vehicle were reported for carrying 81 children in vehicles where they were not secured in the appropriate child restraint system.
In addition, 57 people were reported for not wearing a crash helmet on a motorbike or scooter. Thus increasing the risk of becoming one of the three out of four bikers who die as a result of head injuries.
Bearing in mind that wearing any kind of device in your ear is illegal in Spain, including headphones and hands-free mobile devices, 1,113 drivers were sanctioned for distractions whilst driving, including the wearing of such devices.
Plus, 1,196 drivers tested positive in alcohol and drug tests, 308 were reported for dangerous overtaking and 292 failed to stop or give way at a junction.
Regarding vehicle maintenance standards, 1,324 drivers were reported for driving vehicles with technical defects and another 67 for major faults resulting in the vehicle being immobilised by traffic officers.
Finally, 1,447 drivers were reported for not having the correct documentation, relating to the vehicle, in most cases not having an up to date ITV, and another 750 were reported for driver documentation errors.

Excerpt: Results of the latest campaign monitoring secondary roads in Spain have revealed that excessive speed, not using seatbelts or child restraints and lack of maintenance as the top three traffic violations reported. The campaign, which ran from the 19th to Read More ...

### Be Prepared: What´s Around the Next Corner?

A truck carrying bags of concrete along Phuket’s west coast road crashed when the brakes failed between Kamala and Patong.
The load spilled across the road but the driver escaped with minor injuries.
When driving, things can happen when you least expect it. Always maintain appropriate speed and distance and stay alert.

 

Excerpt: A truck carrying bags of concrete along Phuket’s west coast road crashed when the brakes failed between Kamala and Patong. The load spilled across the road but the driver escaped with minor injuries. When driving, things can happen when you Read More ...

### Warning: Never Attempt to Bribe Your Way Out of Trouble

Officers from the Guardia Civil have charged two Moroccan nationals who they stopped in the Toledo town of Talavera de la Reina, one with road safety offences, the other with charges of bribery after he tried to convince the officers to let them go in exchange for cash.
The officers stopped the vehicle on suspicion of it being overloaded, with the rear axle collapsing. Upon stopping the vehicle they found it to be 1,225 kilos in excess of the maximum permitted weight allowed to be carried on the vehicle.
A routine check then revealed that the driver had lost his license and had not completed a mandatory education course and was subsequently banned.
The passenger in the vehicle, who was found to be carrying 2,515 euro in cash, attempted to bribe the officers to turn a blind eye and let them continue.
The officers denied the offer and promptly arrested both parties.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have charged two Moroccan nationals who they stopped in the Toledo town of Talavera de la Reina, one with road safety offences, the other with charges of bribery after he tried to convince the officers Read More ...

### Junctions

A road junction is a location where multiple roads intersect, allowing vehicular traffic to change from one road to another.
Priority
The notion of “priority” refers to the passage of vehicles and which vehicles are allowed to move through junctions and roadways first. In modern terms, we refer to priority in a similar manner to how the phrase “right of way” was once used, but in a time of shared space and multiple different uses for roads and vehicles, to which nobody has a “right” to be on the roads over any other vehicle, it is acknowledged that drivers do have to “give way” to other road users and so we not only replace the terminology but also the notion of how traffic flows.
The driver of a vehicle that has to give way to another must not initiate or continue a manoeuvre across a junction in the event of that manoeuvre causing a hazard by forcing the other vehicle to deviate from its speed, course or direction.
Unmarked Crossings

When no signs, signals or road markings indicating priority are present at a junction, drivers must give way to approaching vehicles from their right, irrespective of the type of vehicle that it is, including cycles, horse and carts, agricultural vehicles, cars, buses and trucks, except in the following cases:
In the event of movement from an unpaved road to a paved road, the vehicles on the paved road have priority.

Vehicles running on rails have priority over all other road users.

At roundabouts, vehicles on the roundabout have priority over those wishing to enter it.
Vehicles traveling on a motorway have priority over those seeking to access the highway.
Signalled Junctions
Drivers of vehicles approaching a junction controlled by an officer of official controlling traffic must stop their vehicles when ordered. The instructions of officials controlling junctions overrule the signs.
The driver of a vehicle approaching a junction controlled by traffic lights must stop their vehicle in order to give way when indicated by a red of flashing yellow light.
Road signs P-1, which are formed of pictograms enclosed in a red triangle warn of a junction ahead, indicate the priority through that junction by means of the larger, bolder arrowed line.

Road sign P-2, which is formed of an “x” type cross in a red triangle warns of a junction where the general rule offers priority to vehicles approaching from the right.

At junctions where road markings indicate the need to give way or to stop and give way, drivers passing through that junction on the major road in either direction have priority through the junction.

Irrespective of the priority through a junction, no vehicle is permitted to enter any junction or pedestrian crossing unless the exit from the junction or crossing is clear.
Some junctions are protected by yellow boxes which dictate the same, although the rule applies irrespective of the presence of such a feature that a junction must not be blocked by any vehicle unless the exit from that junction is clear and the only thing impeded the egress is the flow of traffic crossing its path.

Excerpt: A road junction is a location where multiple roads intersect, allowing vehicular traffic to change from one road to another. Priority The notion of “priority” refers to the passage of vehicles and which vehicles are allowed to move through junctions Read More ...

### Google Helping to Identify Drivers

As far too many humans are still incapable of acknowledging the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, developers are taking to use the devices themselves to solve the problem.

Distractions whilst driving are one of the principal contributing factors to road traffic collisions and using the mobile is right at the top of the list when it comes to identifying one of the biggest causes of distraction.
Using your mobile whilst driving is illegal. Wearing a headset, even just one, is illegal. Using a hands free kit which does not go in your ear is legal. Touching your GPS device whilst driving is illegal. The only legal way of using these devices whilst driving is to stop your vehicle in a safe and legal place which doesn’t cause inconvenience to other road users.
With the explosion in the market of smartwatches, linked to your mobile phone, the possibility of distractions is increasing.
Whilst the development of driverless cars is continuing, Internet giant Google is also trying to help solve the problems caused by allowing humans behind the wheel, having patented a system, primarily for smartwatches, that detects your location in the vehicle, thus allowing the device to determine if you are located in the driver´s seat. Not only does the system identify your location, it also monitors movement, such as if you are steering the vehicle or changing gears.

If the device identifies that you are the driver, it automatically disables some of the more distracting functions, such as notifications, thus reducing the risk.
That said, so long as humans are in control of these devices, the element of risk still remains, and the system can of course be bypassed simply by removing the watch. However, the fact that a global enterprise is trying to go some way to assist in the problem should be recognised.

Excerpt: As far too many humans are still incapable of acknowledging the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, developers are taking to use the devices themselves to solve the problem. Distractions whilst driving are one of the principal contributing Read More ...

### Mercury FM Spain – Our New Media Partner

We are pleased to announce a new media partnership with Mercury FM Spain.
As well as bringing you all of the latest traffic and road information here, we are now also able to share information through the radio, thanks to this agreement.
There will be regular updates on Mercury FM across the Costa Blanca, so make sure that your radio is tuned in to their frequencies, 91.1fm & 106.7fm on the Costa Blanca South and 107.5fm on the Costa Cálida, and bookmark their website where you can also listen on-line, mercuryradio.fm
You can also follow them on Facebook, just search for Mercury FM and on Twitter search Mercury Radio Spain.
Thanks to this latest collaboration we are able to share information to a wider audience and their assistance allows our work to continue with more projects which we will announce soon.

Excerpt: We are pleased to announce a new media partnership with Mercury FM Spain. As well as bringing you all of the latest traffic and road information here, we are now also able to share information through the radio, thanks to Read More ...

### DGT to Test Traffic Drones

Already ground-breaking in their method of policing the roads from the air, the DGT has contracted a Spanish company to create an “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or “drone” to monitor traffic.

With many of their helicopters already fitted with the pinpoint accurate Pegasus radar system, the DGT already use their eyes in the sky for speed detection as well as traffic flow, this latest development could revolutionise the skies once again.
However, the current legislation does not allow for the use of drone to monitor traffic, as the pilot of the drone has to be able to maintain visual contact with the aircraft, and so monitoring could only be done on a local level.
That said, it is intended that the first prototypes will take to the air in summer of 2016, equipped with a camera and setting about monitoring the conventional road network.
The drone is much cheaper to fly that a conventional aircraft and offer a faster response. In addition to monitoring traffic flow, it is hoped that they could be used emergency and incident response, following exceptional loads, fault detection and (eventually) enforcement.
Drones are already in use by numerous police forces around the globe, often for monitoring purposes, and in America there was a huge outcry in 2013 when California´s highways suddenly saw warning signs about Law Enforcement by Drones, although on this occasion it was part of an art project and not real.

Excerpt: Already ground-breaking in their method of policing the roads from the air, the DGT has contracted a Spanish company to create an “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or “drone” to monitor traffic. With many of their helicopters already fitted with the pinpoint Read More ...

### N332 Meet ADAPT

Representatives from both the n332.es website team and the Guardia Civil officers who run the N332 Facebook page got together this week in a presentation organised by the ADAPT association based in San Pedro del Pinatar.
After an introduction by the ADAPT President John Frame, Fransisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil officer based in Torrevieja, then took to the stage to start the presentation. Joined by Mark Nolan from the n332.es website, the pair showed a series of videos, including the famous “How to Identify an Unmarked Guardia Civil Patrol Car” film, and the infamous “How to Drive on a Roundabout” animation, before taking the audience through a series of slides detailing the laws relating to driving in Spain.
During the 90 minute presentation, some of the most popular questions were answered, and the most popular topics covered, including everything from documents and equipment you must carry, trailers and loads, speed, alcohol and drugs, licensing and emergencies, as well as the latest changes to the laws, such as children no longer being allowed to travel in the front of vehicles.
This was the latest presentation aimed at the ex-pat community, which was kindly made available partly through the assistance of Autos Direct, who will be collaborating with the N332 project in the future to provide other information such as mechanical advice and allow us to produce a number of videos related to vehicle maintenance at their facility in San Miguel.
Together, we thank ADAPT for inviting us to give the presentation and for providing the photographs.
You can find out more about ADAPT, who aim to assist all nationalities integrate into life in Spain, by visiting their website, www.adaptsanpedro.com.

Excerpt: Representatives from both the n332.es website team and the Guardia Civil officers who run the N332 Facebook page got together this week in a presentation organised by the ADAPT association based in San Pedro del Pinatar. After an introduction by Read More ...

### BTP Being Removed from Licences

From the 1st of January, 2016, the “btp” classification on Spanish driving licences will be removed, in line with EU legislation.
The “btp” classification is already only valid in Spain and the removal of the classification is part of the Single European Driving Licence standardisation program.
The “btp” classification is a specific category for drivers of certain types of vehicles, such as those who drive priority or emergency service vehicles, taxis and school transport drivers, with a maximum permissible weight not exceeding 3,500 kg mass and the number of seats, including the driver, not exceeding nine.
Drivers of these vehicles will still be permitted to drive them as their standard licences will cover the validity, namely category “B”, so long as all other criteria is met. There is also no need to apply to change the licence as the category will automatically be removed at the next, normal renewal.
As the normal category “B” licence covers such activities in countries other than Spain, the removal is part of the standardisation and will be reflected in the driver regulations through the publication of the Official Gazette.

Excerpt: From the 1st of January, 2016, the “btp” classification on Spanish driving licences will be removed, in line with EU legislation. The “btp” classification is already only valid in Spain and the removal of the classification is part of the Read More ...

### Eight Weekend Road Deaths

Eight people have lost their lives on the roads of Spain this weekend, in the provisional balance from the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday.
Friday was the worst day of the weekend when five people were killed, including two pensioners who were knocked down in the Cantabrian town of Liérganes. A third pensioner was injured in the same incident.
Saturday saw the remaining three people lose their lives, whereas there were no fatalities registered on Sunday.

Excerpt: Eight people have lost their lives on the roads of Spain this weekend, in the provisional balance from the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday. Friday was the worst day of the weekend when five people were Read More ...

### Traffic Fine Information in English

The DGT Spanish traffic department has expanded some of the information on their website to include more details in languages other than Spanish, namely English, French and German.

On the main page of their website, http://www.dgt.es/es/, information is now available in English which tells you what to do in the event of receiving a traffic violation ticket.
Once you click on the link in English, the sections are then presented in five topics, detailing what to do if you have received a traffic violation ticket, how to identify the offending driver if it was not the vehicle owner, and details of how to appeal against and pay a fine, as well as their contact details.
Each one of the topics then explains, in detail, the procedures to follow. You can read the information at any time, whether you have received a fine or not, so it is worth visiting the site to become accustomed with the procedures in the event of receiving a fine in the future.

Excerpt: The DGT Spanish traffic department has expanded some of the information on their website to include more details in languages other than Spanish, namely English, French and German. On the main page of their website, http://www.dgt.es/es/, information is now available Read More ...

### Intensified Campaign on Secondary Roads

All this week, the DGT will be operating a special campaign monitoring the secondary road network in Spain.

The campaign will run from Monday the 19th until Sunday the 25th of October and will pay close attention to factors which contribute most to incidents on these roads.
As a result, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be out in force carrying out extensive checks on speed, as well as monitoring for seatbelts, restraining devices and helmets, alcohol and drug use, improper overtaking, use of mobile phones and wearing of headphones and earpieces, as well as vehicle and driver documentation and standards.
The local police will also be assisting in the campaign and the DGT will have their own enforcement vehicles out monitoring the network too, both on the ground and from the air.
Secondary roads are the scene for most fatal incidents on the road network and so this campaign not only serves to raise awareness of the dangers associated with additional risk factors, but also aims to reduce casualties and fatalities.

Excerpt: All this week, the DGT will be operating a special campaign monitoring the secondary road network in Spain. The campaign will run from Monday the 19th until Sunday the 25th of October and will pay close attention to factors which Read More ...

### San Javier Air Academy Open Day

Here are a few pictures from the open day at the San Javier Air Academy this weekend. You can see some of these aircraft performing in the air show on Sunday, full details here.

Excerpt: Here are a few pictures from the open day at the San Javier Air Academy this weekend. You can see some of these aircraft performing in the air show on Sunday, full details here.

### Checking Limits

La Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has upped the number of mobile radar speed traps across the Valencian region with a focus on roads which have seen an increasing number of accidents. Monitoring was increased over last weekend’s holiday period and one route that is being covered more extensively is the N-332 between Torrevieja and Santa Pola. DGT say that the expanded list of roads now sees 154 stretches that are being monitored for speeding and other infractions.
Meanwhile, new speed reading equipment has been put into the San Juan tunnel on the A-70 motorway near Alicante. The old speed detectors have been replaced by more modern gear, situated at the side near to the tunnel entrances, rather than above, which can now monitor vehicles over a longer distance than before, looking for motorists who break the 80 kilometres per hour limit.

Excerpt: La Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has upped the number of mobile radar speed traps across the Valencian region with a focus on roads which have seen an increasing number of accidents. Monitoring was increased over last weekend’s holiday period and one route that is being covered more extensively is the N-332 between Torrevieja and Santa Pola. DGT Read More ...

### Flags Raised

Valencia Day was commemorated last Friday across all of the municipalities in the Valencia region including Torrevieja and Orihuela. Every year, October 9th is the date the region celebrates the same day in 1238 when King James I officially entered the city of Valencia, freeing it from Moorish rule.
In Torrevieja, the Valencia flag was raised in the Plaza de la Constitucion by the mayor, José Manuel Dolon, who said it was a great day for celebration, but made the point that after years of “looting and pillaging” by the previous Partido Popular regional government, he was happy that the new left of centre administration was full of people that would change things.
Over in Orihuela, the PP mayor, Emilio Bascuñana pulled no punches in asking the Valencian government to respect the wishes of the area, and that people should not be discriminated against for not speaking the regional Valenciano language, adding that school children should not be forced to “use a language that isn’t heard in the street”. Bascuñana added that the traditions and history of the Orihuela area should be respected, and that meant no negativity from Valencian authorities towards people that have “only learnt and speak Spanish/Castilian”.

Excerpt: Valencia Day was commemorated last Friday across all of the municipalities in the Valencia region including Torrevieja and Orihuela. Every year, October 9th is the date the region celebrates the same day in 1238 when King James I officially entered the city of Valencia, freeing it from Moorish rule. In Torrevieja, the Valencia flag was Read More ...

### Handbrake Hell

An elderly couple had the shock of their lives last week when their car rolled from the Nautilus Restaurant car park at Rocío del Mar, Torrevieja and straight into the sea. The frightened passengers remained in their Seat Ibiza car until a young man jumped into the water to help them, releasing them through the window. The fire brigade had to be called in later as the vehicle recovery teams were unable to retrieve the car, which apparently rolled into the water due to the handbrake either not being put on or failing to work.

Excerpt: An elderly couple had the shock of their lives last week when their car rolled from the Nautilus Restaurant car park at Rocío del Mar, Torrevieja and straight into the sea. The frightened passengers remained in their Seat Ibiza car until a young man jumped into the water to help them, releasing them through the Read More ...

### Turning Turtle

20 of a batch of loggerhead turtle eggs that were found on La Mata beach in Torrevieja during the summer have hatched at La Albufera beach in Valencia. The eggs were discovered by tourists and were transferred to the safety of La Albufera. A total of 85 eggs have been monitored by volunteers since then and the little turtles that hatched have been taken to an incubator to help in their survival.

Excerpt: 20 of a batch of loggerhead turtle eggs that were found on La Mata beach in Torrevieja during the summer have hatched at La Albufera beach in Valencia. The eggs were discovered by tourists and were transferred to the safety of La Albufera. A total of 85 eggs have been monitored by volunteers since then and the Read More ...

### Warning Over Ikea Voucher Scam

The Spanish National Police have warned of the latest scam that is circulating through social network sites, offering vouchers to spend in Ikea.

The police explain that consumers are invited to complete a brief survey in exchange for a 150 euro voucher to spend at the furniture store, but this is nothing more than a scam.
Ikea themselves have become aware of the problem and have also circulated a warning through their own sites.
No rellenes esta encuesta, se trata de un #fraude que nada tiene que ver con IKEA #phishing pic.twitter.com/R3Guoiyx3H
— IKEA España (@IKEA_Spain) October 15, 2015

The aim of the scam is to extract personal information from the users which could then be used for fraudulent means.
If you come across anything like this, the advice is to not submit any data and to report the post through the social network site´s own reporting procedure.
 

Excerpt: The Spanish National Police have warned of the latest scam that is circulating through social network sites, offering vouchers to spend in Ikea. The police explain that consumers are invited to complete a brief survey in exchange for a 150 Read More ...

### San Javier Air Show This Weekend

This weekend, the air academy in San Javier will open its door to the public to visit a static display of aircraft, and offer a fantastic air show over the coastal waters of Santiago de la Ribera.

This is the first time such an event has taken place since 2006 and is in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Eagle Aerobatic Patrol, the Patrulla Acrobática Águila.

On Saturday the 17th of October the air base will be open for public visits between 10:00 and 17:00, with a static display laid out along the second runway at San Javier, where you can photograph the aircraft and even meet some of the pilots.

Aircraft on display will include transporters such as the CL-215T Apagafuegos, commonly in use as a fire-fighting water carrying plane, the C-295 twin-turboprop tactical military transport aircraft, the Transall C-160 designed and produced as a joint venture between France and Germany, and the Cessna Citation mini-jet.

There will also be a Eurofighter Typhoon and a Harrier jump-jet amongst the displays, sitting along an F-18 and others planes, plus helicopters, including the HE-25, also used in aerobatic displays, and a police patrol helicopter.

One of the highlights of the static display will be the CASA C-101 Aviojet, a low-wing single engine jet-powered advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, which is the plane used by the Eagle Patrol in their displays.

Special parking has been arranged, which will be clearly signposted, with buses provided to shuttle visitors to and from the base.

On Saturday evening there will be a special presentation with the renaming of a street in the town and a concert by the military band.

On Sunday, the action moves to the air with a display in the skies above the Santiago de la Ribera starting at 10:00 and lasting 5 hours.

First on display will be the FACV, flying classic Dornier and Bucker aircraft, taking up the first ten minutes of the show. A police helicopter display is second with the action continuing throughout the afternoon, including displays from Italian and French military teams, a helicopter aerobatic display, wing-walker Ainoha Sanchez, and culminating with the Eagles giving a 30 minute display from 14:01 until 14:31, followed by the climatic end of the parachute display team returning the show to earth.

During the air show, the beaches will be fitted with sound equipment to enable visitors to follow the schedule and it will be broadcast live on the 7RM television channel.
With much more going on throughout the weekend, for full details you can visit the San Javier official website, www.sanjavier.es.

Excerpt: This weekend, the air academy in San Javier will open its door to the public to visit a static display of aircraft, and offer a fantastic air show over the coastal waters of Santiago de la Ribera. This is the Read More ...

### Serious Crash at Los Alcazares

The emergency services attended an incident on the A-/ motorway near to Los Alcazares on Wednesday afternoon.

The alarm was raised at the emergency coordination centre at 18:41 reporting the incident on the A-7 in the Alicante direction, near to bridge number RM F-26.

A car had apparently crossed the central reservation and collided with a truck heading in the opposite direction.

The fire and rescue service was dispatched immediately, along with local police who called for assistance from the Guardia Civil.

The two injured parties, a male ages 23 and a female aged 21, were taken to the Los Arcos hospital with numerous injuries.
Pictures from @112rmurcia

Excerpt: The emergency services attended an incident on the A-/ motorway near to Los Alcazares on Wednesday afternoon. The alarm was raised at the emergency coordination centre at 18:41 reporting the incident on the A-7 in the Alicante direction, near to Read More ...

### The Blue to White Line in Orihuela

Orihuela local police have taken to Facebook to appeal for help in identifying problem roads where pedestrian crossings need repainting.

This week, they posted pictures of word being carried out on Calle José Avila in the city, advising that the work will be carried out every Wednesday.

They then asked for their followers to report any areas where pedestrian crossings are in urgent need of painting, whether in the city, the local villages or the coastal zones.
The police will then pass the information on to the municipal contractors based on the priority and urgency of the work.
You can email information about the problem areas, giving as much location information as possible, to policialocal@orihuela.es, and if you´re on Facebook you can follow the daily work of the officers, as well as receiving important advice and information, by searching for Policía Local de Orihuela.

Excerpt: Orihuela local police have taken to Facebook to appeal for help in identifying problem roads where pedestrian crossings need repainting. This week, they posted pictures of word being carried out on Calle José Avila in the city, advising that the Read More ...

### Officers Injured in Drugs Arrest

Two officers from the Guardia Civil in Málaga were injured on Wednesday when their vehicle was rammed by a car attempting to evade capture.

The suspect vehicle was found to be carrying 1,900 kg of hashish, with the actions of the officers preventing the distribution of a large quantity of drugs.

Excerpt: Two officers from the Guardia Civil in Málaga were injured on Wednesday when their vehicle was rammed by a car attempting to evade capture. The suspect vehicle was found to be carrying 1,900 kg of hashish, with the actions of Read More ...

### Signs on Approach to Bends

What do the directional panels mean?
Directional panels are placed in addition to the warning signs, and let drivers know how severe a bend is, allowing them to make the correct decision to reduce their speed.
Whether there is one, two or three signs indicates the severity of the bend and therefore how much the driver should slow down.
The directional panels have strips of dark blue and white and are located at the start of the bend.
They must be visible at least 100 meters away from the driver and are there to warn you that the next turn is very dangerous and the driver needs to be aware.
Most importantly they are there to warn the driver of the speed at which they can take the bend safely. This speed is at least 15 km / h lower than the speed at which the driver is approaching in line with the legal spend limits.
If you see one panel, you need to reduce your speed by 15-30 km/h. If you see two, you need to reduce your speed by 30-45 km/h. Finally, if you see three panels you need to reduce your speed by more than 45 km/h.

Excerpt: What do the directional panels mean? Directional panels are placed in addition to the warning signs, and let drivers know how severe a bend is, allowing them to make the correct decision to reduce their speed. Whether there is one, Read More ...

### CD Torrevieja v CD Castellón – 25 October 2015

On Sunday the 25th of October, CD Torrevieja will be playing against CD Castellón in a match that is set to be one of the most tense and exciting to be played at Torrevieja´s Vicente Garcia stadium for some time.
As the local football club where the N332 project is run from, we support CD Torrevieja and their local community initiatives, as well as during their games.
Please, make a note in your diary and come along to join in the excitement on the day.

 

Excerpt: On Sunday the 25th of October, CD Torrevieja will be playing against CD Castellón in a match that is set to be one of the most tense and exciting to be played at Torrevieja´s Vicente Garcia stadium for some time. Read More ...

### Holiday Weekend Sees 15 People Lose Their Lives

A total of 15 people lost their lives and another 12 have been injured on the main road network of Spain during the long holiday weekend, according to the preliminary figures from the DGT.
A special operation was in place between Friday and Monday, during which time an estimated 4.8 million trips were expected to take place. That operation finished at 20:00 on Monday.
Saturday was the worst day of the weekend with 8 people being killed, 3 of them motorcyclists, in 6 incidents. A collision between a truck and a car on the N-234 road in the Soria town of Casarejos resulted in 3 fatalities. A car collided with the central reservation on the A-23 in Barracas resulting in 2 deaths, and a head-on collision between 2 cars resulted in a further fatality near the Málaga town of Mijas, after a vehicle drove the wrong way down the A-7 motorway for one kilometre.
On Sunday, there were 5 incidents with 6 fatalities, and on Monday, the day when most of the domestic tourists returned home, there was 1 fatality in El Ejido, Almería.

Excerpt: A total of 15 people lost their lives and another 12 have been injured on the main road network of Spain during the long holiday weekend, according to the preliminary figures from the DGT. A special operation was in place Read More ...

### Truck Crash Blocks Motorway

A vehicle transporter carrying a variety of different cars crashed on the AP-7 motorway near La Zenia on the Orihuela Costa on Sunday, blocking both lanes of the carriageway.
The driver received medical attention at the scene but was not seriously injured.
The Alicante to Cartagena motorway had to be closed in the Alicante direction as a result of the crash, with vehicles being diverted away from the toll road and into the N-332 main coastal road.

Excerpt: A vehicle transporter carrying a variety of different cars crashed on the AP-7 motorway near La Zenia on the Orihuela Costa on Sunday, blocking both lanes of the carriageway. The driver received medical attention at the scene but was not seriously injured. Read More ...

### The Air Service of the Guardia Civil

Since the Helicopter Service was created in 1973, Guardia Civil has increased the services provided to citizens by means of its Helicopter Units, which have strengthened the operational capacity of the Institution in many senses, either working separately or in co-ordination with other units.
The Air Service is the specialized group acting when the mission entrusted requires the use of aeronautical means and equipments. Its specific mission consists in organizing, coordinating and exploiting the GC air resources. It also provides technical advice regarding the exercise of competences covered by GC as aeronautical administrative police. Besides, it cooperates with the relevant judicial authorities in issues corresponding to this field.
Since 2008, the airborne service has a fixed wing section in which operate two CESSNA CN-35 devices, that basically carry out immigration control services.

Excerpt: Since the Helicopter Service was created in 1973, Guardia Civil has increased the services provided to citizens by means of its Helicopter Units, which have strengthened the operational capacity of the Institution in many senses, either working separately or in Read More ...

### Structure and Organization of the Guardia Civil

The Civil Guard provides a public service to the Community following the main principles of their code of conduct. All the Civil Guard members are committed to these principles when performing their daily duties.
As a State Security Force and as established under article 104.1 of the Spanish Constitution, the Civil Guard are entrusted with the mission of “protecting the free exercise of rights and freedoms and ensuring public order”.
Therefore, within the Constitutional framework, the Civil Guard members perform their tasks being absolutely impartial and politically neutral, without any kind of discrimination on the grounds of race, religion or ideology. Therefore, they treat the public in a correct and tactful manner, devoting their efforts to help and protect the public based on the laws and relying on the appropriate and adequate resources.
To that end, the Civil Guard employs 80,000 police officers deployed throughout the national territory, including the Spanish national waters. Also, their active participation in international missions worldwide is to be emphasized.
As for their distribution, the Zonas, or Regional Headquarters, represent the first territorial division and normally cover an Autonomous Region. These are, in turn, divided into Comandancias, or Provincial Headquarters that comprise an entire province or the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
The provincial headquarters, are also divided into Companies and these are divided into Stations, these being the smallest territorial units upon which the prevention, community policing and emergency intervention tasks rely. The Station covers one or several municipalities and, according to their tasks, they are divided into Main Stations, Ordinary Stations and Auxiliary Stations.
Thanks to this distribution, the Civil Guard is the State Institution with the largest representation along the Spanish territory.

Excerpt: The Civil Guard provides a public service to the Community following the main principles of their code of conduct. All the Civil Guard members are committed to these principles when performing their daily duties. As a State Security Force and Read More ...

### AP-7 Crash Rojales

On Friday morning, officers from the Guardia Civil attended a serious traffic accident in the AP-7 (Rojales).
The driver was taken to the hospital and one lane in the Alicante direction was closed during the morning.

Excerpt: On Friday morning, officers from the Guardia Civil attended a serious traffic accident in the AP-7 (Rojales).
The driver was taken to the hospital and one lane in the Alicante direction was closed during the morning.

### Do You Know The Latest UK Traffic Law Changes?

The rules of the road change constantly, sometimes as new procedures are implemented, sometimes as a result of lessons learnt from incidents and sometimes because the world around us is constantly changing and evolving too.
When we first studied to pass our driving test, we focussed on a key set of these rules and procedures in order to pass the test, and although many of these rules are still valid today, there were many others which will have changed.
Although we focus on driving in Spain, we do know that many of our readers sometimes return to their native countries, and so we thought it might be useful to share some of the most recent changes to the U.K. Highway code.
Smoking laws have changed. In England and Wales, the driver MUST NOT smoke or allow anyone to smoke in an enclosed private vehicle carrying someone under 18, including motor caravans. This became law on 1 October 2015.
It is not just the police who have the power to stop vehicles. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers have powers to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads, in England and Wales. They will attract your attention by flashing amber lights either from the front requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop, or from behind directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator. It is an offence not to comply with their directions. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency replaced the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency who previously had these powers in April 2014.

Dangerous driving now commands a much higher fine than ever before. The £5,000 limit on fines for the most serious offences was removed on 5 June 2015. These now carry an unlimited fine.
Some vehicles have been allowed to go faster. The national speed limit for lorries on single carriageways increased from 40 mph to 50 mph on 6 April 2015.
The maximum permitted alcohol limit is different in Scotland. The legal limits for breath alcohol in Scotland was lowered from 5 December 2014. The limit is 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath in England and Wales.
If you would like to be kept up to date with U.K. traffic laws, you can follow The Highway Code on Twitter (@HighwayCodeGB) or Facebook, or sign up to get a weekly email reminder about different rules and regulations.
It is always a good idea to keep up to date and be reminded of rules we may have got a bit rusty on. Driving can be a dangerous event, but we can all do our bit to try to make the roads a safer place.

Excerpt: The rules of the road change constantly, sometimes as new procedures are implemented, sometimes as a result of lessons learnt from incidents and sometimes because the world around us is constantly changing and evolving too. When we first studied to Read More ...

### Stolen Vehicle Recovered

Two detained after crashing a stolen vehicle in Nogales (Badajoz).

Excerpt: Two detained after crashing a stolen vehicle in Nogales (Badajoz).

### History of the Guardia Civil

The Guardia Civil was founded in the reign of Elizabeth II of Spain, and endorsed by Gonzalez Bravo’s Government, with a general consensus among the different political forces. The Decrees of 28 March and of 13 May 1844 gave shape to this new Corps, establishing that it was accountable to the Ministry of Governance as regards its tasks, and to the Ministry of War
as regards its structure, discipline, personnel, supplies and financing. In 1824, the Duke of Ahumada, inheritor of the first project conceived in 1824 by his father, the Marquis of Las Amarillas, put his own stamp on it (strong discipline, stamina, loyalty and a praiseworthy spirit). GC´s engagement in humanitarian activities, its tribute to honour and thoroughness in the performance of its tasks has conferred it, from the very beginning, the respect and admiration of the people, who started calling it the ‘Benemérita’ (Praiseworthy or Meritorious Corps); this has been its official denomination since 4 October 1929.
From the very beginning, Guardia Civil has devoted itself to the surveillance of roads, adapting its methods to new challenges. In fact, the generalised use of vehicles on the roads required an organizational response: the creation of the Road Traffic Group in 1959, a pioneering experience which became a model for other groups and units within the Corps. Throughout its long history, the
Guardia Civil has provided exceptional services in an effort to prevent both general and specialized crimes-remarkably succeeding in its fight against terrorism. As a result thereof, both its members and their relatives have been the target of the most extreme and coward violence, with 241 fatalities.
The Guardia Civil is one of the most appreciated values for the Spanish people and is closely linked to them, since it embodies some of the most distinguishing marks of Spaniards. Given its tradition, vocation and performance, Guardia Civil is an essential law enforcement agency for the future of Spain, since it serves citizens from a modern perspective and according to new challenges, while keeping the traditional values that have distinguished the daily work of this institution for more than one century and a half.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil was founded in the reign of Elizabeth II of Spain, and endorsed by Gonzalez Bravo’s Government, with a general consensus among the different political forces. The Decrees of 28 March and of 13 May 1844 gave shape Read More ...

### Latest Mobile Radar List Released

The DGT has published the latest list of locations where mobile and fixed radar speed detection equipment will be operating. All of the locations have been identified based on their dangerousness, by the number and severity of incidents that have occurred and the average speed detected.
This latest list now has a total of 1,314 sections of secondary roads covered by the jurisdiction of the DGT, thus excluding Catalonia and the Basque Country, but includes new sections and updates that were released in July.
This is the first update to the list since July, during which time statisticians have been monitoring the roads closely, revealing that 1 in 3 road deaths occurred in sections classed as dangerous, resulting in 86 deaths.
Although monitoring for speed is the main objective at these locations, the officers operating the check-points will also be checking for evidence of the presence of alcohol or drugs, and correct documentation and status of the driver and vehicle, including licence, insurance and ITV.
You can view the entire list, sorted by section and searchable, on the DGT website here. Alternatively, this link takes you direct to the list of radars in the Alicante province.

Excerpt: The DGT has published the latest list of locations where mobile and fixed radar speed detection equipment will be operating. All of the locations have been identified based on their dangerousness, by the number and severity of incidents that have Read More ...

### Another Major Weekend Operation

As we begin the latest holiday weekend in Spain, the road network is expected to be particularly busy once again.
Friday is a regional holiday across Valencia and Monday is a National holiday affecting the whole country.
The special operation begins at 12:00 on Friday and runs until midnight on Monday the 12th, where the Valencia region alone is expected to see 2.1 million vehicle movements.
Across the country there will be an anticipated 5,750,000 journeys made, with Valencia accounting for 20% of all traffic.
Within the Valencia region there is expected to be 1,100,000 movements in the province of Valencia, 800,000 in Alicante and 300,000 in Castellon.
Although the special operation begins on Friday, Thursday is when traffic is expected to begin to accumulate, with the late afternoon expected to be busiest. After that, Friday between 08:00 and 14:00 and Monday between 16:00 and 21:00 will be the busiest times overall.
The coastal hotspots are likely to be the busiest, including Benidorm, El Altet, Santa Pola and Torrevieja, as well as the connections from the motorway network and the N-332 main coastal road.
In order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safest possible journey, the DGT will be using the “maximum” resources available, including strengthening the Guardia Civil patrols, and using their helicopters to monitor traffic. All none essential road works will be suspended and the transport of dangerous goods will be controlled.
When driving on long journeys the usual advice still stands, mainly to allow plenty of time for your journey, try to avoid the busiest times, take plenty of breaks and maintain a safe speed and distance appropriate to the conditions.
For shorter journeys, local drivers should be aware that many of the vehicles on the roads will be driven by people not as used to the roads as they are, and so patience and understanding are also important.

Excerpt: As we begin the latest holiday weekend in Spain, the road network is expected to be particularly busy once again. Friday is a regional holiday across Valencia and Monday is a National holiday affecting the whole country. The special operation Read More ...

### Specialties of the Guardia Civil

Video where images of the different specialties of the Guardia Civil are compiled extracted of the network during this year.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/IVjm7TAQz9M” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

Excerpt: Video where images of the different specialties of the Guardia Civil are compiled extracted of the network during this year. <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/IVjm7TAQz9M” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

### Hero Rescues Couple in Car

An elderly couple had a shock on Wednesday when their vehicle rolled from the Nautilus Restaurant car park near Torrevieja and into the sea.
The couple remained in the vehicle until a young man who witnessed the incident jumped into the water to help them, releasing them through the window.
An ambulance attended some 30 minutes after the call for assistance and the fire brigade had to be called later as the vehicle recovery teams were unable to retrieve the Seat Ibiza car.

Excerpt: An elderly couple had a shock on Wednesday when their vehicle rolled from the Nautilus Restaurant car park near Torrevieja and into the sea. The couple remained in the vehicle until a young man who witnessed the incident jumped into Read More ...

### Stalemate Park

Over two thousand four hundred residents of the La Siesta and El Chaparral areas of Torrevieja have signed a petition which has been handed in to the council, which calls on the mayor, José Manuel Dolon, to re-start a major local park development project which was suspended in the summer by the new administration.  48 people from the Mediterraneo employment workshop had been involved with the 40 thousand square metre area being scheduled for completion by the end of the year, with skateboard facilities, and water fountains as part of the reinvigoration of a former piece of wasteland. Before May’s local elections, the previous Partido Popular-run council claimed that the project was all running to schedule and would be finished before the end of the year. The new coalition authority say invoices for materials amounting to 140 thousand euros were not produced and the project has run out of cash.
 

Excerpt: Over two thousand four hundred residents of the La Siesta and El Chaparral areas of Torrevieja have signed a petition which has been handed in to the council, which calls on the mayor, José Manuel Dolon, to re-start a major local park development project which was suspended in the summer by the new administration.  48 Read More ...

### Square Eyed

Spain is television crazy, with average figures showing that people watch TV for 226 minutes a day, putting it in one of the highest viewing brackets in the world. Figures from Kantar Media say that the Costa Blanca and the Valencia region are the hotbed for viewing, with the largest amount in Spain, clocking in at an astounding four hours and four minutes per day, per person. In contrast, the Canary Islands are the shortest watchers, but still view almost three and a half hours. In contrast with other European countries, and probably down to the high cost, satellite viewing in Spain is virtually non-existent with just three point seven percent of programming being watched via a dish.

Excerpt: Spain is television crazy, with average figures showing that people watch TV for 226 minutes a day, putting it in one of the highest viewing brackets in the world. Figures from Kantar Media say that the Costa Blanca and the Valencia region are the hotbed for viewing, with the largest amount in Spain, clocking in Read More ...

### Shark Out Of Water

The rotting corpse of a three-metre long shark washed up on a Torrevieja beach last weekend. The  bluntnose sixgill shark washed up on El Cura beach and is common in local waters but is rarely seen near the coast as they live in deep water. Fully grown, the shark can reach up to five metres in length, and so this specimen was relatively young. The body was removed and disposed of by municipal cleaners.
 
 

Excerpt: The rotting corpse of a three-metre long shark washed up on a Torrevieja beach last weekend. The  bluntnose sixgill shark washed up on El Cura beach and is common in local waters but is rarely seen near the coast as they live in deep water. Fully grown, the shark can reach up to five metres Read More ...

### All Change?

The Cruz Roja may end up being out in the cold after over 20 years of providing lifeguard cover for Torrevieja’s beaches. Beaches councillor Javier Manzanares says that finishing touches are being together for a new tender for next year, which will include an extension of hours covered by lifeguards, with an extra hour in the morning as well as the evening. That will mean ten hours of cover during the three-month contract period during the summer.  There are fears that quality of service might be sacrificed in a bid to cut costs on the tender, with the Cruz Roja unable to compete with other bidders(and perhaps not even tendering in the first place), thus ending a long seaside safety cover association with Torrevieja.  Manzanares said that price was not the sole objective when the council advertises the tender, with safety provision and what is offered absolutely vital.

Excerpt: The Cruz Roja may end up being out in the cold after over 20 years of providing lifeguard cover for Torrevieja’s beaches. Beaches councillor Javier Manzanares says that finishing touches are being together for a new tender for next year, which will include an extension of hours covered by lifeguards, with an extra hour in Read More ...

### Special Intervention Unit of the Guardia Civil

The Special Intervention Unit (established by General Order No 6, of 3rd February 1982) was conceived as an independent and specialized central Unit, designed to carry out specific missions both in the national territory and abroad. Its tasks include: handling of situations involving hostage-taking or kidnappings, and neutralizing the danger once the victims have been located; arresting exceptionally dangerous criminals (such as members of terrorist organizations or of drug trafficking networks) or insane individuals especially aggressive, as well as people under particularly dangerous circumstances (only in exceptional cases); in extraordinary cases, providing close protection to dignitaries and VIPs in imminent danger of becoming targets of a terrorist attack; and in general, conducting operations which require an early and highly specialised response or their specific intervention, due to the type of danger or threat such a situation poses.

Excerpt: The Special Intervention Unit (established by General Order No 6, of 3rd February 1982) was conceived as an independent and specialized central Unit, designed to carry out specific missions both in the national territory and abroad. Its tasks include: handling Read More ...

### Busy Day Cruising

Alicante had a particularly busy day on Tuesday as 6,100 cruise passengers and crew arrived at the same time on board two ships.
P&O´s El Ventura arrived from Italy with 3,200 passengers on board, whereas the Artania carried 1,200 passengers from Málaga.
Unlike Torrevieja there was no little train waiting to take them on a tour of the city but numerous coaches were laid on to take the passengers on a variety of excursions both in Alicante itself, and the surrounding area.

Excerpt: Alicante had a particularly busy day on Tuesday as 6,100 cruise passengers and crew arrived at the same time on board two ships. P&O´s El Ventura arrived from Italy with 3,200 passengers on board, whereas the Artania carried 1,200 passengers from Málaga. Unlike Torrevieja there was no little train waiting to take them on a Read More ...

### Wake Up Call

Residents in the Juan XXIII area of Alicante were woken with a surprise on Tuesday morning when a garbage collection truck caught fire and exploded whilst carrying out its collection rounds.
The residents took to their mobile phones and video cameras to record the smouldering mess on their doorstep, posting the results on social network sites.
The fire brigade attended and controlled the blaze whereas an investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Excerpt: Residents in the Juan XXIII area of Alicante were woken with a surprise on Tuesday morning when a garbage collection truck caught fire and exploded whilst carrying out its collection rounds. The residents took to their mobile phones and video cameras to record the smouldering mess on their doorstep, posting the results on social network Read More ...

### Local Council Collaboration

Councillors involved in social welfare and employment from Torrevieja, Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada met on Tuesday in Torrevieja to discuss the possibility of a joint strategy to create employment across the area.
The councillor for employment in Torrevieja, Victor Ferrández, explained how the intention is to create plans, both short and long term, in order to share employment opportunities across the coastal area related to tourism, the beach or the environment and conservation, thus create synergies that have more strength in obtaining aid from the central Government administration or the European Union.
Ferrández concluded saying that “The most vulnerable and the most affected by the crisis deserve special effort by government at these two joint ventures, one short term and one with a little more foresight, in order to guarantee solutions to Torrevieja, Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada”.

Excerpt: Councillors involved in social welfare and employment from Torrevieja, Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada met on Tuesday in Torrevieja to discuss the possibility of a joint strategy to create employment across the area. The councillor for employment in Torrevieja, Victor Ferrández, explained how the intention is to create plans, both short and long term, Read More ...

### Tunnel Speed Equipment Upgraded

Drivers who frequent the A-70 motorway near Alicante may be pleased to know that the radar speed detectors fitted to the San Juan tunnel have been removed.
However, before you get too excited, the speed detectors have been replaced by more modern equipment, situated at the side near to the tunnel entrances, rather than above, which are monitoring for vehicles over a longer distance than before, looking for vehicles exceeding the 80 kilometres per hour limit.
The other equipment installed in the tunnel and at the exit still remains and will be monitoring traffic all the way through the tunnel.
It might be worth noting that these radar speed detectors are amongst the most successful in the Alicante province for catching speeders, and so the upgrade is quite befitting to equipment that is working so tirelessly to make the roads safer.

Excerpt: Drivers who frequent the A-70 motorway near Alicante may be pleased to know that the radar speed detectors fitted to the San Juan tunnel have been removed. However, before you get too excited, the speed detectors have been replaced by Read More ...

### The Maritime Service of the Guardia Civil

Although the Royal Decree of 22nd February 1991 could be considered the Founding Act for the Guardia Civil Sea Service, it started working in 1992 (General Order No 51, of 17th March). This service originated in the requirements to provide the institution with adequate equipment and qualified human resources to cope with all the tasks assigned within Spanish territorial waters and, exceptionally, beyond them.
The functions entrusted to this service are: prevention and investigation of criminal offences; drafting of preliminary and technical reports; fighting illegal immigration; prevention and fight against fraud and smuggling; environmental protection; fishery inspection and supervision; and protection of the Spanish national sunken heritage.
 

Excerpt: Although the Royal Decree of 22nd February 1991 could be considered the Founding Act for the Guardia Civil Sea Service, it started working in 1992 (General Order No 51, of 17th March). This service originated in the requirements to provide Read More ...

### Torrevieja Lifeguard Tender

Torrevieja Town Hall has announced that the contract for providing beach rescue services in the town will be put to public tender, with the aim of improving the service.
The Cruz Roja had been the chosen provider in Torrevieja but the cost of providing the service had been increasing.
The town hall believe that by putting the work to public tender will mean that they can get more for their money, as the new contract will include additional requirements, such as extending the coverage time to be from 10:00 until 20:00, an hour longer at both the start and end of the day.
Although they will not be excluded from bidding, it is widely believed that the Cruz Roja will not be able to provide the level of service required within the financial constraints.
In summer, 2015, the life guards in Torrevieja were involved in 3,244 interventions in the sea, of which 290 were rescues, as well as 1,676 social assistances and 80 support cases.

Excerpt: Torrevieja Town Hall has announced that the contract for providing beach rescue services in the town will be put to public tender, with the aim of improving the service. The Cruz Roja had been the chosen provider in Torrevieja but the cost of providing the service had been increasing. The town hall believe that by Read More ...

### Police Silencers

The Local Police in Orihuela have embarked on a week-long campaign to control excessive noise emitted by motorcycles and scooters.
All this week the officers will be conducting random and spot checks aimed at silencing the noisier vehicles which cause disturbances to the peace and quiet of neighbourhoods, and also cause problems for the local environment and ecosystems as the noise if often caused by modifications to the vehicles which also result in excessive pollution.

Excerpt: The Local Police in Orihuela have embarked on a week-long campaign to control excessive noise emitted by motorcycles and scooters. All this week the officers will be conducting random and spot checks aimed at silencing the noisier vehicles which cause disturbances to the peace and quiet of neighbourhoods, and also cause problems for the local Read More ...

### British Police Collaboration Identifies Murder Suspect

Officers from the Guardia Civil, who were being assisted by colleagues from the British Police, arrested a man wanted in the UK on suspicion of murder.
The British Police were working as part of a collaboration which allowed them to patrol with the Guardia Civil in the Balearic Islands, which saw them patrolling the areas of Calvià and Sant Antoni de Portmany in order to boost security over the summer.
The officers were called in to deal with a suspected domestic violence case involving the man allegedly attacking a female in August in Calviá. The incident occurred on the 3rd of August with the arrest of the man, identified as A.C.J., dating back to the 10th.
The subsequent investigation which was carried out with both agencies revealed the man to be wanted in the UK and being recalled in connection with the murder whilst on probation, as well as ignoring requests for him to return.
Since he was detained the Guardia Civil, British Police and National Crime Agency have been working to complete the necessary formalities to have the man returned to the UK. He had been detained under the terms of a European Arrest Warrant.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil, who were being assisted by colleagues from the British Police, arrested a man wanted in the UK on suspicion of murder. The British Police were working as part of a collaboration which allowed them to Read More ...

### Nature Protection Service of the Guardia Civil

The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) is responsible for those tasks regarding protection of the environment and other nature-related issues.

Excerpt: The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) is responsible for those tasks regarding protection of the environment and other nature-related issues.

### Nine Fatalities this Weekend

Nine people lost their lives on the roads of Spain during the course of the weekend, according to the preliminary data provided by the DGT.
Three of those who were killed were motorcyclists.
Sunday was the most fatal day when 5 people were killed and another 3 were injured. The remaining 4 fatalities occurred on Saturday.
Although all involved were lucky to be alive, one of the biggest crashes of the weekend occurred on Sunday in the Valladolid town of Medina.
A total of 15 people were injured in a multi-vehicle collision on the A-6 main road when 40 vehicles were involved in the crash, closing the road for around 2 hours.
The initial hypothesis is that reduced visibility caused by a sandstorm was a contributing factor and the drivers failed to respond appropriately to the conditions.

Excerpt: Nine people lost their lives on the roads of Spain during the course of the weekend, according to the preliminary data provided by the DGT. Three of those who were killed were motorcyclists. Sunday was the most fatal day when Read More ...

### About the Guardia Civil

The Guardia Civil is an armed institution of military nature, whose point of reference and origin is the Spanish people. GC’s ‘raison d’être’ is the protection of citizens, their property and assets, and its core mission consists in ensuring the full exercise of rights and freedoms. Guardia Civil is not only the traditional pair of agents patrolling on foot the Spanish territory. Based on its traditions, and by means of new systems of state of the art technologies, Guardia Civil evolves to face new challenges. If something defines the past, present and future of GC, it is its ability to adapt to new realities and social needs, its permanent sense of duty and its innovative nature.
GC keeps facing challenges with confidence, transparency, sense of duty and efficiency, always in tune with modern times, treading carefully towards the future, while remaining loyal to their motto: “Honour is the token of each and every GC officer”.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is an armed institution of military nature, whose point of reference and origin is the Spanish people. GC’s ‘raison d’être’ is the protection of citizens, their property and assets, and its core mission consists in ensuring the Read More ...

### Dog handling Unit of the Guardia Civil

In 1948, Guardia Civil was authorized to use dogs for the first time. One year later, with the intent to pursue criminals in a more organized manner and to improve the control over border areas and the coastline, Stations and Units start including the use of service dogs.
The first Dog Training Centre in Spain was established in 1951, at El Pardo (Madrid). In 1982, Guardia Civil establishes the Dog Handling Service, through General Order No 51, of 13th September, in order to support the GC Operational Units and to contribute with specialized and technical aspects in situations such as: searches for missing persons; intervention in disasters; drug and explosive detection; mountain rescues; as well as any other activity that, due to the nature of the mission and the specific training requirements of the animals to be used, are deemed necessary to achieve the goals established, while always aiming at protecting the free exercise of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and ensuring public safety.
 

Excerpt: In 1948, Guardia Civil was authorized to use dogs for the first time. One year later, with the intent to pursue criminals in a more organized manner and to improve the control over border areas and the coastline, Stations and Read More ...

### Mountain Service of the Guardia Civil

The specific mission of the Mountain Rescue Service consists in carrying out those tasks assigned to GC in mountain areas or in other locations that, due to their difficult orographic or climatological characteristics, require special physical and technical skills, and the use of appropriate technical equipments. This specific mission comprises the following basic tasks: to provide assistance to injured, lost or isolated people in mountain areas or in places difficult to access; to look after the enforcement of the environmental protection laws in high mountain areas; to carry out surveillance and prevention tasks; and to maintain law and order on ski runs and at mountain sports competitions.
 

Excerpt: The specific mission of the Mountain Rescue Service consists in carrying out those tasks assigned to GC in mountain areas or in other locations that, due to their difficult orographic or climatological characteristics, require special physical and technical skills, and Read More ...

### The Road Traffic Policing Group of the Guardia Civil

The Road Traffic Policing Group is tasked with traffic safety and traffic control on our roads. The Group patrols these roads and enforces the traffic law.

Excerpt: The Road Traffic Policing Group is tasked with traffic safety and traffic control on our roads. The Group patrols these roads and enforces the traffic law.

### The Best Of Health

New pledges on a better deal
Prescription charges are set to be scrapped for low income pensioners and the disabled on the Costa Blanca and across the Valencia region, whilst patients in the Murcia region with serious acute or chronic conditions will be guaranteed appointments, surgery and treatment within one month. These major pledges were made by the health ministers of the respective two regions.
In Valencia, anyone earning 18 thousand euros a year or more in gross pay has had to pay half of the full retail price for any medication prescribed, with a few lines of chronic-care drugs exempt. This can be anything from a couple of euros to 50 euros or more per prescription. Anyone in receipt of a State pension from any country for retirement or permanent disability has always been exempt from payment, with ‘red’ prescription documents showing they get free medicine as opposed to ‘green’ prescriptions for those who have to pay a contribution. Now everyone of any age and with any level of income has to pay towards their essential medication. But Health Minister, Carmen Montón says this is due to stop for pensioners who take home less than one thousand euros a month, or for the permanently disabled.
“Many have to choose between taking necessary medication, and paying their bills,” said health minister Montón. “In the last two months alone, seven point nine percent of people in the Valencia region have had to stop taking their medication because they cannot afford it – and that’s desperately unfair.”
As part of her department’s plan to reduce health service costs, Montón says the privatised hospitals in Elche and Torrevieja will be put back in public-sector hands, but before this takes place, her team will ‘scrupulously enforce’ the terms of contracts held with the district healthcare management companies and closely monitor their finances
In the Murcia region, the government has explained their new waiting list pledge involving people being given treatment within a month if they are suffering from a serious condition. Murcia’s health minister, Encarna Guillén says her department wants to cut waiting lists to a minimum, starting with patients classed as ‘priority one’, whose medical conditions are not an immediate emergency but are among the most serious.
 
Guillén will allow patients to be transferred to private hospitals who would then bill the Murcia health service or state hospitals will be able to pay their own doctors and nurses overtime without getting prior approval from the regional health department, Anyone who has been on a waiting list for a full year or more will be the first to be seen. Where practical, patients may be sent to hospitals in other districts for treatment or consultations.
The Murcia region sees over 50 thousand patients treated per day, with emergency departments dealing with around two thousand cases on a daily basis, with over 175 thousand operations carried out each year. Sra Guillén has pledged to ensure full job security for all healthcare employees and the best possible working conditions in order to “guarantee a quality and efficient service for patients.”  Investments totalling 58 million euros have been made in the region’s main hospitals, and an additional 24 million euros will be ploughed into the local health service over the next four years.

Excerpt: New pledges on a better deal Prescription charges are set to be scrapped for low income pensioners and the disabled on the Costa Blanca and across the Valencia region, whilst patients in the Murcia region with serious acute or chronic conditions will be guaranteed appointments, surgery and treatment within one month. These major pledges were made Read More ...

### Carry On Spending

Spain’s record-breaking tourist year is being matched by record-breaking spending according to the latest government figures. The Tourism Ministry says that up to the end of August, over 46 billion euros was spent by foreign tourists in the country, a seven percent rise on the same figure last year, with British visitors spending over nine billion euros. During August, tourist spending averaged just over 300 million euros a day.
Locally, just under four billion euros was spent up to the end of August in the Valencia and Costa Blanca regions, which was an increase of six point six percent on the same period in 2014. British tourists accounted for over 29 percent of the local spend, parting company with one point one seven billion euros.

Excerpt: Spain’s record-breaking tourist year is being matched by record-breaking spending according to the latest government figures. The Tourism Ministry says that up to the end of August, over 46 billion euros was spent by foreign tourists in the country, a seven percent rise on the same figure last year, with British visitors spending over nine Read More ...

### Bus Blast

Criticism over poor school transport was amongst the key issues raised in a meeting last Friday between recently-appointed Alicante regional education director Tudi Torró and Orihuela mayor, Emilio Bascuñana. Sports facilities at secondary schools and the funding of the adult education centre at IES Tháder were some of the other topics that were discussed. Meanwhile a fresh protest took place last week over the lack of school buses to and from the Playas de Orihuela school.

Excerpt: Criticism over poor school transport was amongst the key issues raised in a meeting last Friday between recently-appointed Alicante regional education director Tudi Torró and Orihuela mayor, Emilio Bascuñana. Sports facilities at secondary schools and the funding of the adult education centre at IES Tháder were some of the other topics that were discussed. Meanwhile Read More ...

### Children in Cars

New traffic laws come into force this week in Spain, with the main objective of protecting children in cars.
As of the 1st of October, all children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats of a vehicle, irrespective of their age, and in addition to the requirements of the correct seat being provided appropriate to their size and weight.
There are a number of exceptions to the rule, for example, when the vehicle does not have rear seats, when all rear seats are already occupied by others under the same characteristics, and where it is not possible to install approved child restraints in those rear seats. These are the only occasions when children may occupy a front seat, but they must always use the restraint system approved for their height and weight.
This new provision is contained in the amendment of art. 117 Rules of the road (seat belts or other approved child restraint systems), made by Royal Decree 667/2015 of the 17th of July (BOE of July 18, 2015).
The amendment of that article also stipulates that child restraints must be installed in the vehicle in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer and the instructions that will indicate how and what kind of vehicles can be used safely. With this modification the EU Directive 2014/37 / EU on the compulsory use of safety belts and child restraints in vehicles is transposed.
The modification of the law also reflects the scientific evidence from numerous studies that demonstrate the benefit of children traveling in the rear seats of vehicles in order to strengthen their protection.
A study in the United States looked at 5,751 vehicle occupants under the age of 15 who had suffered a serious car incident. The report shows that sitting in the back seat had a protective effect with respect to serious injury or death.
A further study in Australia concluded that the risk of death in children under 4 years of age involved in an incident whilst travelling in a car was doubled if they sat in the front. The risk of death was four times higher if the person was under 1 year of age, according to the study.
Not only is the overall risk of injury higher in the front seats, but also the severity of injuries sustained, according to the CIREN institution, the Crash Injury Research Engineering Network.
The change to the law in Spain has been prompted on account of the DGT seeing growing concerns for the safety of children in vehicles. In 2014, 2 of the 14 children under 12 years of age who were killed whilst travelling in vehicles were not wearing any safety device at the time of the accident. It was the same for 9 out of the 82 children who were seriously injured, they too were not wearing any kind of restraint.
The DGT therefore made it one of their priority objectives in the 2011-2020 Road Safety Strategy, to ensure that no child loses their life as a result of not being properly restrained.
Therefore, as well as clarifying the laws and making them easier to understand, the DGT have also increased the powers of the traffic police in dealing with adults who fail to take necessary responsibility for children, including the immediate immobilisation of a vehicle where children are found to be travelling without appropriate safety restraints.
To make the matter even clearer, there are a number of Golden Rules that must be followed regarding children in vehicle.
Never carry a child in your arms or use the same seat belt that is protecting the adult.
The use of child restraint systems (CRS) reduced the risk of death by 75% and the severity of injuries by 90%.
Make sure the seat is properly installed. It should not move and ought to be properly secured, the recommended option being the Isofix anchorage system
The child’s head should never hover higher than or over the back of the seat. If this happens it must be replaced by another of a suitable size.
If the child has to ride in the front seat, because of one of the three exceptions, if the vehicle has front airbags, you must only use a rear-facing restraint if the airbag has been deactivated.
Always make sure that the restraints are well anchored, even on short journeys, where the highest number of risk behaviours accumulate.
It is recommended that you continue to use appropriate and approved child restraint system until the child reaches 150 cm in height. Once a child is taller than 150 cm, then they must use the vehicle seat belt.
It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the adults transporting children to ensure their safety, as well as their own.

Excerpt: New traffic laws come into force this week in Spain, with the main objective of protecting children in cars. As of the 1st of October, all children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats Read More ...

### German Tourist Drowns of La Zenia

A German tourist died off the coast of Orihuela on Monday, whilst bathing on the beach of Cala del Bosque, in the La Zenia area.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, just days after the lifeguards were stood down following the official end to the summer season, and just after the European Championship Lifeguard competition was held in Torrevieja.
The man´s body was spotted floating in the sea near Cala Capitán as strong currents kept the body moving. In view of the sea conditions, a helicopter had to be called in to assist a Guardia Civil boat involved in the recovery operation.

Excerpt: A German tourist died off the coast of Orihuela on Monday, whilst bathing on the beach of Cala del Bosque, in the La Zenia area. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, just days after the lifeguards were stood down following the official end to the summer season, and just after the European Championship Lifeguard competition Read More ...

### Tourist Boost

A best-ever figure of 47.2 million foreign tourists visited Spain this year up till the end of August this year, just over four percent more than the same eight months of 2014. There were nine point two million visitors last month, some one point six percent more than August last year. Last month’s figures showed that the French and British accounted for close on half of the foreign visitors, with French tourists amounting to just over 23 percent, marginally more than those from the UK.  The Asian market is showing some substantial rises, with visitors from that part of the world up by over 22 percent on last year. The Valencia region, including the Costa Blanca, had one of the biggest regional rises in Spain, with a six point three percent yearly increase over August 2014’s statistics, with British, French, and Dutch tourists fuelling the upward trend.
 

Excerpt: A best-ever figure of 47.2 million foreign tourists visited Spain this year up till the end of August this year, just over four percent more than the same eight months of 2014. There were nine point two million visitors last month, some one point six percent more than August last year. Last month’s figures showed Read More ...

### Internet Speedster Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 25 year old male, a resident of the León town of La Robla, accused of a crime of road safety, after the man posted a video of himself speeding on the internet.
The video was posted on social network sites and clearly showed the vehicle traveling along the LE-473 Pola de Gordón to Pantano de Luna road at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour, where the maximum permitted speed is 90 kilometres per hour.

The officers were then able to identify the driver as well as the vehicle and proceeded to file a complaint against him for a serious road traffic offence.
The driver now faces a prison sentence of three to six months, or a fine of six to twelve months and community service, as well as a ban from driving for up to four years.
The fact have been presented to the Magistrate’s Court of León by the officers working in the Guardia Civil traffic department of Castilla y León.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 25 year old male, a resident of the León town of La Robla, accused of a crime of road safety, after the man posted a video of himself speeding on the internet. Read More ...

### Summer Sizzler

With the arrival of autumn, Valencia region weather experts have been reflecting on the summer of 2015, which overall was the fourth hottest since 1950, with temperatures around one point two degrees above average figures.  July was the month when all the records tumbled, yet there were still substantial variations across the whole of the region, which meant overall that the summer of 2015 was still, in terms of figures and averages, not as hot as 2003, 2009, and 2012. In Alicante Province and the Costa Blanca though, the July temperatures were the second highest in living memory, only beaten by the recorded figures way back in 1877. In contrast it was the wettest summer since 2002, with big storms recorded in August and September. Forecasters are predicting that temperatures will be above average for the rest of the year.
 

Excerpt: With the arrival of autumn, Valencia region weather experts have been reflecting on the summer of 2015, which overall was the fourth hottest since 1950, with temperatures around one point two degrees above average figures.  July was the month when all the records tumbled, yet there were still substantial variations across the whole of the Read More ...

### Traffic Officer Killed in Segovia

An officer from the Guardia Civil traffic department was killed in the line of duty on Thursday.
The emergency coordination centre for Castilla y León received the call at around 09:10 on Thursday reporting that the officers was involved in an incident whilst riding his liveried motorcycle at kilometre 68 of the N-VI road in the Segovia town of El Espinar.
The officer was said to be unconscious. The emergency centre despatched medical assistance and a helicopter but they could do nothing other than to confirm the death of the officer at the scene.
The officer was said to be 31 years of age.

Excerpt: An officer from the Guardia Civil traffic department was killed in the line of duty on Thursday. The emergency coordination centre for Castilla y León received the call at around 09:10 on Thursday reporting that the officers was involved in Read More ...

### Detached Trailer Causes Torrevieja Crash

Officers from the Guardia Civil attended yet another major crash on the now infamous N-332 main road in the La Mata area of Torrevieja on Monday, just a short distance away from a number of other crashes this year.
A trailer being towed by a vehicle became detached and crossed to the opposing lane, smashing into the front of a car travelling in the Cartagena direction.

As a result of injuries sustained in the crash, one woman had to be taken to hospital. The road was closed for a short time whilst the debris was cleared up.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil attended yet another major crash on the now infamous N-332 main road in the La Mata area of Torrevieja on Monday, just a short distance away from a number of other crashes this year. A Read More ...

### Valencia Slows Down

Valencia council has implemented a 30 kilometre per hour limit on all roads within the city centre.
The measure, which came into force at the start of September, aims to expand the space for pedestrians, increase road safety, reduce environmental pollution and promote local businesses.
A promotional campaign called “El centro ya va a 30” was launched which detailed how the limit is enforced on all roads within the first ring-road, in the area known as the “Ciutat Vella” or “old town”.
Valencia is not the first city to implement a reduced limit and follows in the footsteps of the likes of Bilbao, Pontevedra and Vitora in Spain, as well as Paris, Copenhagen and London.
Limiting the speed is not where the story will end however, as the Mayor of the city, Joan Ribó, accompanied by the councillor for mobility, Guiseppe Grezzi, explained that this first stage of “pacification of road traffic in the city centre”, will ultimately lead to a restricted zone being created where only authorised vehicles will be allowed access. This is intended to streamline traffic in the city centre, and create a safer place for pedestrians.
The campaign message will have a heavy presence on publicity posters and street furniture in the centre, advising as many people as possible of the change, so that the city centre can become a more attractive and safer space for all.

Excerpt: Valencia council has implemented a 30 kilometre per hour limit on all roads within the city centre. The measure, which came into force at the start of September, aims to expand the space for pedestrians, increase road safety, reduce environmental Read More ...

### Over 3,000 caught not wearing a seatbelt

During the latest campaign focussing on seatbelts and child restraints, the Guardia Civil caught more than 3,000 people in vehicles who were not wearing a seatbelt.
During the seven day campaign which ran between the 7th and the 13th of September, there were 2,830 adults and 206 children under 12 who were not wearing seatbelts.
Of the adult, 1,766 were drivers, the remaining 1,064 were passengers, divided as 649 in the front and 415 in the rear seats.
The campaign coincided with the return to school, and so the aim was to reduce the risk to children as well as adults by raising awareness of the need to wear this life-saving security device.
The use of seatbelts is mandatory for all occupants of vehicles, both in the front and the rear seats.

Excerpt: During the latest campaign focussing on seatbelts and child restraints, the Guardia Civil caught more than 3,000 people in vehicles who were not wearing a seatbelt. During the seven day campaign which ran between the 7th and the 13th of Read More ...

### Market Wars Restart in Orihuela

The councillor for markets in Orihuela, Damasco Aparicio of the Partido Popular, is set to reignite a battle between the town hall and market traders after announcing that the licences for 80 stalls in the Tuesday market would not be renewed, thus taking the retail allocation down from 320 stalls to 240.
The idea, according to the councillor, is to provide more space between the stalls to allow for loading and unloading and make the area more visually spacious.
Those casualties of this market are welcome to apply for any of the 166 vacancies in other locations including 6 in Campoamor, 2 in Playa Flamenca and 7 other locations around the municipality.

Excerpt: The councillor for markets in Orihuela, Damasco Aparicio of the Partido Popular, is set to reignite a battle between the town hall and market traders after announcing that the licences for 80 stalls in the Tuesday market would not be renewed, thus taking the retail allocation down from 320 stalls to 240. The idea, according Read More ...

### Speed Limit Signs

Some of the most confusing signs for drivers moving to Spain are those related to speed limits. There are some similarities in the UK Highway Code.
When we look at road signs we remember some basic principles. Red circles tell us what me must NOT do, blue circles tell us what we MUST do, squares and rectangles offer information, triangles are warnings. There are a couple of others, such as the hexagonal stop sign, but they are the principle points to remember. Red circles DON´T, blue circles DO, squares and rectangles are info, triangles are warnings.
The maximum permitted speed on a road is indicated by means of a circular sign with a red border and the numbers in black the centre. This is a mandatory speed limit sign, known as R-301.
The UK Highway Code says, “Maximum Speed”.

There is also a minimum required speed sign, the R-411, which is a blue circle with numbers in white in the centre. A minimum speed is a requirement on a number of roads, and so if your vehicle is incapable of reaching those speeds, you will not be allowed on them.
The UK Highway Code says, “Minimum Speed”

These signs can also appear in conjunction with other information, such as denoting the minimum or maximum speed in a particular lane, such as the S-50.

The third signs relating to speed are the S-7 and S-9, which is an advisory maximum speed limit sign. It is a blue square with white numbers printed in the centre and denotes the advised maximum speed which your vehicle should travel on through the stretch in question. This sign can also be accompanied by a danger warning and is active for the stretch of road where the danger exists.

The S-9 sign denoted a variable recommended maximum speed, with the advice being to keep the speed between the parameters shown, depending on the weather and environmental conditions of the road and traffic. When placed under a warning sign of a danger, the recommendation refers to the section in which that danger persists.

 
All roads have a speed limit, even those which don´t display speed limit signs. It is important to know the different characteristics of the roads so as to determine the maximum permitted speed, especially in the event of no signs being displayed.
Roads are separated into four main groups. The first group is toll roads and motorways, otherwise known as autopistas and autovias. The second group are conventional roads, which is split again into two subgroups, vías automóviles and carreteras convencionales with a hard shoulder equal to or greater than 1.5 m or more than two lanes for either direction (3 lanes or more in total); and other conventional roads, otras carreteras convencionales. The final group are urban roads, or Vías urbanas, travesías.
The table below indicates the maximum permitted speed on the four different types of roads, under optimum conditions.

There are other restrictions on certain types of vehicles and activities which must also be taken into consideration.
 
 

Excerpt: Some of the most confusing signs for drivers moving to Spain are those related to speed limits. There are some similarities in the UK Highway Code. When we look at road signs we remember some basic principles. Red circles tell Read More ...

### New Software to Prevent Kamikaze Drivers

A new application has been created by Bosch, which aims to alert so called “kamikaze” drivers, who either intentionally or accidentally drive the wrong way down the road.
The software, which will be available integrated into the vehicle´s technology such as GPS systems or SmartPhones, hopes to form a part of the future of safer vehicles by alerting drivers of the potential risk.
Should the driver still fail to respond to the warning, the equipment is capable of forcing the vehicle to stop within a few seconds, simultaneously sending an alert to approaching vehicles of the potential hazard ahead.
Bosch aim to put the technology into production in 2016, although the ability to stop the vehicle will only be available in those cars which have computerised assistance built in.

Excerpt: A new application has been created by Bosch, which aims to alert so called “kamikaze” drivers, who either intentionally or accidentally drive the wrong way down the road. The software, which will be available integrated into the vehicle´s technology such Read More ...

### Runaway Bus Goes on Shopping Trip

A runaway bus crashed into the doorway of a department store on Monday, though miraculously nobody was injured in the bizarre crash.

The bus had stopped at the nearby terminal at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and passengers and driver disembarked. Without warning, the bus apparently decided to continue on its own shopping trip and left the bus station in reverse heading towards the entrance of the El Corte Inglés store.
The bus was said to be in good mechanical order and all paper work was in place and correct, but an investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The only damage was to the back of the bus and some bicycles that were parked at the front of the store.

Excerpt: A runaway bus crashed into the doorway of a department store on Monday, though miraculously nobody was injured in the bizarre crash. The bus had stopped at the nearby terminal at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and passengers and driver disembarked. Read More ...

### Unlucky Looky Looky Men

Officers from the Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal network that would import counterfeit clothing from London through Alicante airport to be distributed by Looky-looky men in coastal towns of the Costa Blanca.
Five people were arrested as part of the operation and a further 21 people have been charged in connection with the operation.
The officers seized 2,150 fake football shirts which were destined to be sold to the 2015 / 2016 season supporters, with an estimated value of 240,000 euro.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal network that would import counterfeit clothing from London through Alicante airport to be distributed by Looky-looky men in coastal towns of the Costa Blanca. Five people were arrested as part of the operation and a further 21 people have been charged in connection with the operation. The Read More ...

### Cyclists Killed by Hit and Run Drunk

Catalan police have arrested a 23 year old driver who ploughed into a group of cyclists, killing two of them and injuring two others, before fleeing the scene on foot.
The incident occurred just after 08:00 on Sunday morning on the L-7041 road in the Segriá town of Soses, between Zaragoza and Barcelona.
The group of cyclists were hit head-on by the car that was travelling in the opposite direction. Javier M. B., who was 57, and Juan José R. M., aged 54, who were brothers in law, were killed by the impact. Two others were treated at the scene by attending medical staff, before being taken to hospital where one remained with a broken collarbone and in a serious condition.
The driver was located by the police and found to be a 23 year old resident of nearby Aitona. The driver, when subsequently tested, proved positive for alcohol and will be dealt with by the courts.

Excerpt: Catalan police have arrested a 23 year old driver who ploughed into a group of cyclists, killing two of them and injuring two others, before fleeing the scene on foot. The incident occurred just after 08:00 on Sunday morning on Read More ...

### Intensified Seatbelt Checks This Week

All of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be carrying out intensified checks on the wearing of seatbelts and child restraints in cars.
The seatbelt is a fundamental element of vehicle safety and reduces the risk of death by a half. Not wearing a seatbelt, along with alcohol and drugs and inappropriate speed is one of the principal factors in road fatalities and serious injuries.
The use of a seatbelt is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle, in both the front and rear seats, and the number of passengers allowed to be carried are equal to the number of seatbelts. In other words, if there are only two seatbelts in the back, only two passengers can be carried.
Children less than 1.5 metres in height are also required to use appropriate restraints in vehicles which match their height and, in some cases, weight.
Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to travel in the front seat, unless using a properly fitted and approved restraint, with the only exception being when the child’s height is equal to or greater than 135 centimetres, in which case they can use the normal seatbelt.
In the rear seats, people whose height does not reach 135 centimetres must use a properly fitted child restraint system suitable for their height and weight. People whose height is equal to or greater than 135 centimetres and no greater than 150 centimetres, may either use a child restraint system suitable for their height and weight or the fitted seatbelt.
According to the DGT, 70% of children in cars are not properly protected. The correct use of child restraints helps reduce the injuries from an accident by 75%. Incredibly, nine out of ten children in serious or fatal crashes were not using child restraints correctly.
In the last campaign in March, over 5,000 adults were fined for not wearing their seatbelt. In addition, a staggering 287 children under 12 were found travelling without any kind of restraint, 70 of whom were in the front seat, 217 in the rear.
The intensified campaign will run from the 7th through to the 14th of September.

Excerpt: All of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be carrying out intensified checks on the wearing of seatbelts and child restraints in cars. The seatbelt is a fundamental element of vehicle safety and reduces the risk of death Read More ...

### Wet Roads Mean Slippy Conditions

The first rainfall means that the roads will be particularly slippy as the water lays on top of an accumulation of dust and dirt on the roads. Take extra care when driving. Slow down, make gentle movements and take it easy.
Before heading out onto the roads you should check your tyres to make sure they are properly inflated and that the tread is sufficient and equal.
Use your headlights, keep your speed well under control and low and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, remembering that stopping distances are increased on wet roads.
Keep an eye on the road surface and look for colour changes. The appearance of brown in the water could indicate mud or dirt, if the water looks multicoloured and has a rainbow effect, it could indicate oil mixed with the water.
Remember, slow, gentle movements, and take it easy.

Excerpt: The first rainfall means that the roads will be particularly slippy as the water lays on top of an accumulation of dust and dirt on the roads. Take extra care when driving. Slow down, make gentle movements and take it Read More ...

### Speeding Footballer Fined

A Spanish footballer, Antonio Amaya who currently plays for Rayo Vallecano, was arrested by the Guardia Civil last week accused of a crime against road safety.
The player was clocked driving his vehicle at 234 kilometres per hour in a section of the M-303 road near San Martín de la Vega, where the maximum permitted speed limit is 100 kilometres per hour.
As a result, the speeding driver was fined 20,000 euro and a ban of 12 months from driving.
The player has also published a letter in which he apologises to his family, his club and his teammates, as well as the fans of his team.

Excerpt: A Spanish footballer, Antonio Amaya who currently plays for Rayo Vallecano, was arrested by the Guardia Civil last week accused of a crime against road safety. The player was clocked driving his vehicle at 234 kilometres per hour in a Read More ...

### Busy Weekend on the Roads

Motorists are warned to prepare for a busy weekend on the roads of the Costa Blanca, as the final stage of the summer rush takes hold this weekend.
Operation Return sees the remaining bulk of inland tourists returning home after their summer holidays, resulting in busier roads as those vehicles head away from coastal and mountainous regions and back inland. The operation runs from Friday through to Sunday with Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday all day, being the busiest anticipated times.
There will be an expected 5,9 million trips made throughout the weekend.
To make matters worse, the cycling tour of Spain also starts its stage in Torrevieja on Sunday, heading north along much of the N-332 route, which will result in road closures to allow the safe passage of the cyclists during one of the busiest times of the year.

Excerpt: Motorists are warned to prepare for a busy weekend on the roads of the Costa Blanca, as the final stage of the summer rush takes hold this weekend. Operation Return sees the remaining bulk of inland tourists returning home after their summer holidays, resulting in busier roads as those vehicles head away from coastal and Read More ...

### End of Summer Traffic Flow

This weekend marks the end of the summer road campaigns with “Retorno del verano”, when traffic starts to return from holiday destinations such as the coast and mountains to inland areas of Spain.

The special operation will run from 15:00 on Friday until midnight on Sunday with an anticipated 5.9 million vehicle movements expected during the course of the weekend.
The weekend will be further complicated as there will still be an increase in movement towards the coast, and the Spanish cycle race, La Vuelta, will mean various road closures during the course of the weekend, where Sunday is expected to be the busiest, coinciding with the race stage starting from the Torrevieja area and moving north on the N-332, a road already notorious for congestion.
In order to ensure a safe flow of movement, there will be 10,000 traffic officers from the Guardia Civil on duty, supported by an army of engineers, technicians and traffic management staff throughout the country.
There will be restrictions on the movement of some freight and none emergency road works will be suspended. There will also be additional lanes created in some areas in order to maximise the space available for traffic.
Drivers are advised to check their vehicle before a long journey, looking for any signs of potential damage or risk, take frequent breaks, take your time and plan your route, allowing extra time on the way, and ensure compliance with the law at all times, including speed limits, the avoidance of alcohol and drugs (there will be additional checks in place throughout the weekend), and ensuring that all vehicle occupants use the seatbelts.

Excerpt: This weekend marks the end of the summer road campaigns with “Retorno del verano”, when traffic starts to return from holiday destinations such as the coast and mountains to inland areas of Spain. The special operation will run from 15:00 Read More ...

### Dangerous Driver Blocking Ambulance

Dashcams are not unusual, especially in places like Russia where they are used to try to combat insurance fraud, but this particular vehicle caught an inconsiderate BMW driver who not only refused to move over, the driver actively tried to then block the path of this overtaking vehicle.
The most worrying part being that this dashcam is installed in an ambulance responding to an emergency call. We can only hope that the driver of the BMW never needs the emergency services with this sort of unsafe and idiotic attitude.

Excerpt: Dashcams are not unusual, especially in places like Russia where they are used to try to combat insurance fraud, but this particular vehicle caught an inconsiderate BMW driver who not only refused to move over, the driver actively tried to Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Arrest ‘Fake Police’ Robbers

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two men, aged 24 and 37, who are believed to have posed as police officers in order to rob foreign motorists across the Alicante province.

The two men are charged with committing at least nineteen counts of robbery or theft, as well as offences of forgery, belonging to a criminal gang and impersonating the police.
The investigation began in March when the Guardia Civil became aware of two men committing robberies in this way and sought to catch the perpetrators.
According to the investigators, in order to commit the offences the men would wear fake uniforms and other items of clothing and target foreign drivers who they believed would not know the actual appearance and routines of the Spanish security services.
The men also fake identity cards and badges which gave the impression that they were police officers, all of which were in fact fakes.
The pair would sometimes pretend to carry out “routine inspections” of vehicles in order to commit their crimes, and would routinely target foreigners in rest areas and service stations along the motorway network, as well as in the main roads and streets. They would often pull alongside vehicles and identify themselves as police, and demand to check for drugs, as well as checking bags and bumbags, and stealing money during these checks.
During the arrest the officers found various items which they believed were used to commit the offences, including police identity cards, false number plates, clothing which bears similarities to those worn by the police, documents, cash and other items.
The two arrestees have been handed over to the courts in Villena.
A video is available on the N332.es website to help identify unmarked Guardia Civil traffic cars so as to help avoid such incidents.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two men, aged 24 and 37, who are believed to have posed as police officers in order to rob foreign motorists across the Alicante province. The two men are charged with committing at Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Arrested After Attempted Escape

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 26 year old Spanish national after the driver of a vehicle attempted to avoid a breathalyser test, then drove for over 30 kilometres in a reckless manner, injuring two Guardia Civil officers and colliding with another vehicle.

The incident occurred on Sunday on the A-30 in the San Javier area of Murcia when officers stopped a vehicle at a routine alcohol and drugs checkpoint on the RM-19.
Having noticed the officers instructing the driver to stop, the vehicle sped off at high speed in the direction of Murcia, and so a routine operation was immediately implemented to attempt to stop the vehicle without risking other traffic on the road.
As the vehicle continued it was observed by the officers carrying out a variety of illegal and dangerous moves whilst travelling at speeds in excess of the maximum limit. A number of other vehicles had to take evasive action to avoid being hit by the fugitive vehicle.
Upon entering the A-30 Albacete road the driver lost control of the speeding vehicle and collided with the central reservation, leaving the lane and proceeding in the opposing direction on the other side of the road before colliding with a vehicle heading in the correct direction.
The fugitive eventually became trapped but continued to try to escape by ramming the vehicle with which it had collided, with the innocent victims still inside, before eventually being brought to a stop by a traffic car and the officers arresting the fugitive, although not before two of them were injured in the continuing attempts to resist arrest.
The driver was subjected to a breathalyser test which showed double the maximum allowed amount but by refusing to complete the test the driver was arrested for refusing.
The driver was presented to the courts for sentencing.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 26 year old Spanish national after the driver of a vehicle attempted to avoid a breathalyser test, then drove for over 30 kilometres in a reckless manner, injuring two Guardia Civil officers Read More ...

### Serious Crashes on the N-332

It has been another bleak week on the N-332 main road with a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening in the Torrevieja area resulting in one person suffering serious injuries and another five being treated for minor cuts and bruises.
Two vehicles crashed head on near to the salt factory of Torrevieja with initial investigations suggesting that one of the vehicles invaded the opposite lane.
Meanwhile, just after midnight on Wednesday morning a five-vehicle crash occurred on the same road near to Alicante-Elche airport in the Santa Pola direction. Four people were taken to hospital following that crash, including a woman who suffered various broken bones and a 12-month old baby who was taken to hospital as a precaution but not showing any obvious signs of injury.
The roads of the Costa Blanca are still at their busiest at the moment with the major traffic operation signalling the end of summer taking place this coming weekend.
Operation Return sees the remaining bulk of inland tourists returning home after their summer holidays, resulting in busier roads as those vehicles head away from coastal and mountainous regions and back inland. The operation runs from Friday through to Sunday with Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday all day, being the busiest anticipated times.
To make matters worse, the cycling tour of Spain also starts its stage in Torrevieja on Sunday, heading north along much of the N-332 route, which will result in road closures to allow the safe passage of the cyclists during one of the busiest times of the year.

Excerpt: It has been another bleak week on the N-332 main road with a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening in the Torrevieja area resulting in one person suffering serious injuries and another five being treated for minor cuts and bruises. Two vehicles crashed head on near to the salt factory of Torrevieja with initial investigations suggesting Read More ...

### More Serious Crashes on the N-332

It has been another bleak week on the N-332 main road with a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening in the Torrevieja area resulting in one person suffering serious injuries and another five being treated for minor cuts and bruises.
Two vehicles crashed head on near to the salt factory of Torrevieja with initial investigations suggesting that one of the vehicles invaded the opposite lane.
Meanwhile, just after midnight on Wednesday morning a five-vehicle crash occurred on the same road near to Alicante-Elche airport in the Santa Pola direction. Four people were taken to hospital following that crash, including a woman who suffered various broken bones and a 12-month old baby who was taken to hospital as a precaution but not showing any obvious signs of injury.
The roads of the Costa Blanca are still at their busiest at the moment with the major traffic operation signalling the end of summer taking place this coming weekend.
Operation Return sees the remaining bulk of inland tourists returning home after their summer holidays, resulting in busier roads as those vehicles head away from coastal and mountainous regions and back inland. The operation runs from Friday through to Sunday with Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday all day, being the busiest anticipated times.
To make matter worse, the cycling tour of Spain (La Vuelta) also starts its stage in Torrevieja on Sunday, heading north along much of the N-332 route, which will result in road closures to allow the safe passage of the cyclists during one of the busiest times of the year.

Excerpt: It has been another bleak week on the N-332 main road with a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening in the Torrevieja area resulting in one person suffering serious injuries and another five being treated for minor cuts and bruises. Two Read More ...

### It Can Wait

This incredibly powerful video should be watched by everybody.
In Close to Home, we are introduced to six characters on a perfectly average day. Their lives are then irrevocably changed by the devastating consequences of a seemingly innocent glance at a phone while driving.
The message, “No post is worth a life. It Can Wait.”

Excerpt: This incredibly powerful video should be watched by everybody. In Close to Home, we are introduced to six characters on a perfectly average day. Their lives are then irrevocably changed by the devastating consequences of a seemingly innocent glance at Read More ...

### Young Worker Killed in Los Arenales

A 24 year old resident of Santa Pola was killed on Monday whilst working on a property in Arenales del Sol.
The man was reported to have been working on a television aerial on the roof of a six-storey building on calle Ibiza at the time of the incident which occurred around midday.
Both the local and National Police attended the scene and an investigation will be carried out once an autopsy confirms the cause of death, although the initial hypothesis is that he died of a heart attack and fell from his ladder.

Excerpt: A 24 year old resident of Santa Pola was killed on Monday whilst working on a property in Arenales del Sol. The man was reported to have been working on a television aerial on the roof of a six-storey building on calle Ibiza at the time of the incident which occurred around midday. Both the […]

### Police Parking Picture Complaint Archived

The sub delegation of Alicante has archived a complaint submitted by the Petrer town hall for the possible infringement of the Public Safety Act, commonly known as the “gag law”, after a photograph appeared on social network sites of a police car parked in a disabled parking bay.
The images and subsequent threat of action has been covered my most media in both Spain and other countries in the UK, with the photographer facing an 800 euro fine, the first of its kind under new legislation aimed at controlling public order incidents.
Article 36.23 of the new Public Safety Act prohibits photographing the security forces in the event that “could endanger the personal or family security of the agents from the protected premises” put them at risk.
The central government of Alicante has shelved the action as, according to a spokesperson, there was” no offence in relation to the Public Safety Act”.

Excerpt: The sub delegation of Alicante has archived a complaint submitted by the Petrer town hall for the possible infringement of the Public Safety Act, commonly known as the “gag law”, after a photograph appeared on social network sites of a police car parked in a disabled parking bay. The images and subsequent threat of action […]

### Bigastro Clean-Up

Bigastro town hall has announced the installation of ten new waste bins in the town, specifically designed for the collection of dog waste.
The bins are also accompanied by a sign warning pet owners that allowing your animal to foul the street will result in a fine of 200 euro, in an attempt to clean up the image of the town.

Excerpt: Bigastro town hall has announced the installation of ten new waste bins in the town, specifically designed for the collection of dog waste. The bins are also accompanied by a sign warning pet owners that allowing your animal to foul the street will result in a fine of 200 euro, in an attempt to clean […]

### More Zoo Visitors in Murcia

Aside from celebrating the birthday of Elefanta Petita this weekend in the Terra Natura park in Benidorm, the sister centre in Murcia has this week celebrated welcoming their half a millionth visitor since they opened in 2007.
Last year alone the animal park was visited by 240,000 people, 30% of whom are foreigners, and in the first seven months of this year the figure has been 150,000 people.
The park owners have invested 24 million euro for maintenance and improvements to the park which is now considered one of the main tourist attractions and leisure facilities in the region of Murcia, according to park manager, Gustavo Martínez.

Excerpt: Aside from celebrating the birthday of Elefanta Petita this weekend in the Terra Natura park in Benidorm, the sister centre in Murcia has this week celebrated welcoming their half a millionth visitor since they opened in 2007. Last year alone the animal park was visited by 240,000 people, 30% of whom are foreigners, and in […]

### Cruising into Torrevieja

Spokesperson for the government of Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, who also holds the post of councillor for tourism, has hit back at accusations that the town hall is doing nothing to promote the city to the cruise passengers who will be visiting on board the AMADEA on Saturday.
Facing criticism from the former mayor, Eduardo Dolón, Serrano has insisted that the cruise ship arrival was arranged last year and is a relatively small affair, with just 600 passengers and 200 crew on board, due to arrive at 16:30, departing at 21:00, and so this leave “a relatively small margin to manage”.
Excursions had already been arranged to places such as Cartagena, a popular cruise destination already, and the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, and the most optimistic forecast is for “about 150 or 200” people being left behind, who will be cared for once the shuttle boats arrive at the Marina Salinas, and can then enjoy the benefits that Torrevieja has to offer.

Excerpt: Spokesperson for the government of Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, who also holds the post of councillor for tourism, has hit back at accusations that the town hall is doing nothing to promote the city to the cruise passengers who will be visiting on board the AMADEA on Saturday. Facing criticism from the former mayor, Eduardo Dolón, […]

### Cartagena Shark Fishers Caught

Six people were arrested this week for capturing a Basking Shark off the coast of Cartagena.
The creature, which is harmless to humans, is protected under international conservation laws.
The action was taken against those involved after they subsequently tried to sell the meat to local hotels and restaurants in the area.
The investigation began in July when the authorities were made aware of illegal fishing activities around Cartagena.
Those arrested, all Spaniards and aged between 32 and 76, were brought before the courts in Cartagena.

Excerpt: Six people were arrested this week for capturing a Basking Shark off the coast of Cartagena. The creature, which is harmless to humans, is protected under international conservation laws. The action was taken against those involved after they subsequently tried to sell the meat to local hotels and restaurants in the area. The investigation began […]

### Santa Pola Fire Extinguished

A forest fire which took hold in the Salinas de Santa Pola on Wednesday was finally brought under control at 18:30, but not before it had destroyed almost a hectare of shrub land.
Two amphibious planes, a helicopter and numerous ground crews battled the flames which followed on from a similar incident in Guardamar dunes the day before, in a location already affected by fire just weeks ago.
The area remains on high alert for the risk of forest fires with experts asking everybody to be extra vigilant and refrain from leaving any kind of litter, not just smoking paraphernalia, and refrain from throwing cigarettes from cars, an activity which is also being clamped down on by the traffic police.

Excerpt: A forest fire which took hold in the Salinas de Santa Pola on Wednesday was finally brought under control at 18:30, but not before it had destroyed almost a hectare of shrub land. Two amphibious planes, a helicopter and numerous ground crews battled the flames which followed on from a similar incident in Guardamar dunes […]

### Celebrate Petita’s Birthday in Benidorm

The Terra Natura animal park in Benidorm will be celebrating this weekend, as one of their most famous residents, Elefanta Petita, celebrates her 43rd birthday.
When Petita first arrived at the park she was picked on by the other elephants who considered her ugly, until one of the younger elephants, Kaiso, who had felt pity on Petita, started to play with her and gradually managed to integrate her into the family.
This weekend, the park will arrange a special Hindu Holi festival her birthday with music, dancing and a special elephant cake which will be enjoyed by the entire elephant family as they wear their own ornamental dresses in Hindu tradition.
The party will culminate with a colour and water battle, encouraging everybody to ·forget their troubles” and enjoy the colours of the spectacle.

Excerpt: The Terra Natura animal park in Benidorm will be celebrating this weekend, as one of their most famous residents, Elefanta Petita, celebrates her 43rd birthday. When Petita first arrived at the park she was picked on by the other elephants who considered her ugly, until one of the younger elephants, Kaiso, who had felt pity […]

### Wheelchair Bound Smuggler Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested a man for smuggling drugs into the country on a boat from Algeria.
The drugs were found stashed in a cushion which was being used by a second person travelling in a wheelchair.
In a separate action, officers also located 100 kilos of drugs hidden in a van that also came from Algeria. The activities were part of an ongoing campaign that is running through the summer to tackle drug smuggling into the peninsular.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a man for smuggling drugs into the country on a boat from Algeria. The drugs were found stashed in a cushion which was being used by a second person travelling in a wheelchair. In a separate action, officers also located 100 kilos of drugs hidden in a van […]

### Hostess Club Fraudsters Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 20 members of an organised gang believed to be responsible for fraudulently obtaining around 45,000 euro from credit cards of mostly British visitors to hostess and strip clubs in the Magalluf area of the island of Mallorca.
The investigating officers believe that the amount of money stolen could be higher, on account of some of the victims being reluctant to report the theft on account of their embarrassment of admitting attending such venues.
The victims were said to be intoxicated at the time that the fraud would take place, with numerous consecutive high amounts put on their credit cards.
The British, as well as visitors from Scandinavia and the Nordic countries, were easier targets for the gangs on account of them offering their security information, such as pin and security codes more freely when asked.
In total, 16 women and 4 men were arrested, one of whom at least has previous convictions for similar offences.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 20 members of an organised gang believed to be responsible for fraudulently obtaining around 45,000 euro from credit cards of mostly British visitors to hostess and strip clubs in the Magalluf area of the island of Mallorca. The investigating officers believe that the amount of money stolen could […]

### Keeping Cool Inside The Car

Although many people still ignore the warnings, it is common knowledge that animals and humans will die if left in a hot car, now a study conducted by the RACC Automobile Association, in conjunction with the Swiss Automobile Club, has shed light on some of the affects of vehicles in the sun.
Among the key findings of the study, it has been confirmed that if a vehicle left in direct sunlight, where the outside temperature is 35°C, standing without air conditioning, the inside temperature of the vehicle will reach a dangerous 55°C, or 131°F.
A recent study in America stated that high environmental temperatures can be dangerous to the human body. In the range of 90 to 105°F, heat cramps and exhaustion may occur. Between 105 and 130°F, heat exhaustion is almost certain, and environmental temperature over 130°F is likely to lead to heatstroke.
The RACC study wanted to confirm if the colour of a car can impact the internal temperature. They chose two different coloured vehicles for this comparison, a white one and a black one. They found that in the black car, the temperature reached up to 17°F more than the white one.
As for the myths concerning leaving the windows open a fraction to decrease the temperature inside, the results under lab conditions revealed just a 2 degree difference, which is why the advice of never leaving a pet in a parked car, even with the windows open, is such an important one to heed.
The advice concluded from the report is to try to remain stationary in direct sunlight for as shorter time as possible. Parking in the shade or under a carport will help lower the temperature.
Using windscreen shades when parked will also help lower the internal temperature, as will covering exposed areas such as the dashboard, and especially metallic features inside the vehicle, which can cause burns when touched.
Skin damage can occur from a temperature of 45°C. The internal elements like the dashboard, the seats, the steering wheel or gear lever can reach temperatures approaching 80°C if they are not protected.
Never leave anybody inside a car in the sun, although children and animals are more susceptible to damage caused by heat.
Leaving the windows open, if the place you are parked is secure, can reduce the temperature slightly, as can choosing a lighter colour car when you purchase it.
Take time before you start your trip to open all the vehicle doors and windows and let fresh air flow through for a few minutes before entering. This will help to avoid high temperatures during the trip.
You should also be aware that using air conditioning can also be detrimental, especially if the difference between the interior and exterior temperatures are severe, so make sure you adjust the setting accordingly.

Excerpt: Although many people still ignore the warnings, it is common knowledge that animals and humans will die if left in a hot car, now a study conducted by the RACC Automobile Association, in conjunction with the Swiss Automobile Club, has Read More ...

### The Cycle Tour of Spain is Coming to Torrevieja

The race will depart from Torrevieja at 13:18 in the direction of Alicante along Av. Ronda Samper, joining the N 332 at kilometre 63, near to the Chinese restaurant shaped like a boat.
The race will then follow the route through…

Guardamar de Segura. N 332
La Marina
Sta. Pola N 332
El Altet. N 332ª
Alicante. N 332
San Joan de Alicante
El Campello. N 332
Villajoyosa
Av. Finestrat, Av. de Villajoyosa
Benidorm
Altea. N 332
Calpe. CV 746
Moraira. CV 743
Alto de Puig Llorenca
El Poble Nou de Benitatxell. CV 740
Teulada. CV 740
Gata de Gorgos. N 332
Javea. CV 742
Bahía de Jávea
Poble Nou de Benitatxell
El Poble Nou de Benitatxell. Alto de Puig Llorença

The race will finish at El Poble Nou de Benitatxell. Alto de Puig Llorença, between 17:28 and 18:00.

For more information, you can visit the official website, where you can download maps and view the full race schedule, starting at this page, http://www.lavuelta.com/la-vuelta/2015/es/etapa-9.html for the Torrevieja stage detailed above.

Excerpt: The race will depart from Torrevieja at 13:18 in the direction of Alicante along Av. Ronda Samper, joining the N 332 at kilometre 63, near to the Chinese restaurant shaped like a boat. The race will then follow the route Read More ...

### Gladiators Visit Benidorm

Benidorm will be besieged by Gladiators next week, as the legendary Circus Maximus visits the bullring in the town as the venue for an epic battle.
A total of 25 actors will take part in the event with chariot races and sword fights for a unique experience in the historic grounds.
The action starts at 22:15 on Wednesday the 25th of August and tickets cost just 5 euro, with more information available from the tourist information offices.
Meanwhile, the Mundomar theme park in Benidorm is offering visitors the chance to “sleep with the fishes”, or dolphins to be exact, offering groups the chance to spend their Friday nights sleeping next to the dolphinarium and join in their nocturnal activities. The initiative is aimed primarily at children and is intended to offer an insight into these amazing creatures.

Excerpt: Benidorm will be besieged by Gladiators next week, as the legendary Circus Maximus visits the bullring in the town as the venue for an epic battle. A total of 25 actors will take part in the event with chariot races and sword fights for a unique experience in the historic grounds. The action starts at […]

### Busy Holiday Weekend Ahead

Once again the roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy this weekend, with 4.8 million trips expected, nearly half a million more than last weekend.

Saturday is a national holiday in Spain which means that many more workers will be taking time off, mixing with the already increased tourist traffic, resulting in a higher concentration of vehicles in coastal and holiday hot spots, as well as the routes from the inland areas at the start of the weekend, and back inland on Sunday.
This weekend also coincides with an intensified campaign against drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs before driving, and so there will be more checks and checkpoints on the roads throughout, with a daily target of 25,000 drivers being stopped.
Pegasus radar equipped helicopters will also be taking to the skies focussing on main roads looking to catch speeding motorists, and there will be restrictions on the movements of dangerous goods, whilst all none urgent road works will be suspended and traffic management procedures put in place.

Excerpt: Once again the roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy this weekend, with 4.8 million trips expected, nearly half a million more than last weekend. Saturday is a national holiday in Spain which means that many more workers Read More ...

### Stolen Spanish Vehicle Recovered in Manchester

With Europe-wide policing becoming more of a priority, forces from across the continent can share information, not only for the purposes of fining foreign drivers in other countries, but also in assisting their colleagues in recovering stolen property.
As part of the Crossing Borders campaign, Greater Manchester Police successfully stopped a vehicle in Rochdale following a pursuit on Wednesday.

The silver Renault Clio had been reported stolen in Spain and has now been recovered.
You can follow Greater Manchester Police on Twitter, @gmptraffic
This vehicle stolen in Spain, yes Spain, was recovered after a pursuit in Rochdale this morning. @TISPOLorg pic.twitter.com/G3x261V4gQ
— GMP Traffic (@gmptraffic) August 11, 2015

Excerpt: With Europe-wide policing becoming more of a priority, forces from across the continent can share information, not only for the purposes of fining foreign drivers in other countries, but also in assisting their colleagues in recovering stolen property. As part Read More ...

### Cycling Burglar Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 46 year old man accused of two separate burglaries from the same property.
The investigation began after a couple reported a number of items missing from their home, including jewellery and cash, despite their property being securely locked. The husband had recently been the victim of theft when his backpack was stolen in Torrevieja containing his house keys and documentation.
During the investigation, witnesses reported seeing a man wearing cycling gear and a helmet hanging around near the property, two days before the theft occurred. The investigation then led officers to a shop nearby which was selling items matching the descriptions of those missing, the shop owner describing the seller as wearing the same clothing as the person witnesses reported near the property.
The officers believed a third party was also involved in the sale of the goods without proof of ownership who was also arrested for handling stolen goods.
The perpetrators were delivered to the courts in Orihuela.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 46 year old man accused of two separate burglaries from the same property. The investigation began after a couple reported a number of items missing from their home, including jewellery and cash, despite their property being securely locked. The husband had recently been the victim of theft […]

### Union Calls for Torrevieja National Police Station

The UFP-CV union, which represents police officers across the Valencia region, are demanding the “urgent” creation of a National Police station in Torrevieja.
They say that the population of the town quadruples in the summer, increasing from 107,000 people to over 400,000. Cities over 100,000 people would normally qualify for a National Police presence, although the official census figure for Torrevieja now stands at just 91,415, far below the required threshold, following an apparent mass exodus of foreign residents and subsequent cleanup of the padrón last year.
The police union however are concerned that the lack of a police station “threatens the quality of public safety in the area”, as the needs of Torrevieja “are covered almost daily by members of the police station of Alicante” and the area is at increased risk from organised gangs from Eastern Europe.
The union say that despite years of promises of the creation of a police station, “There are always excuses and obstacles, it is never a priority,” and therefore the role of public safety is assumed by the Guardia Civil and local police.

Excerpt: The UFP-CV union, which represents police officers across the Valencia region, are demanding the “urgent” creation of a National Police station in Torrevieja. They say that the population of the town quadruples in the summer, increasing from 107,000 people to over 400,000. Cities over 100,000 people would normally qualify for a National Police presence, although […]

### Hotel Occupancy Up

Hotels across the Costa Blanca are already celebrating an overall anticipated 90% occupancy for the month of August, an increase from the 87% in July.
The figures so far are representing the best summer since 2008, attributed mainly to the recovery of domestic tourism, as well as an increase in visitors from Scandinavian countries.
The results in July were 2% higher than last year and so far this year the figures show a 5% increase overall.

Excerpt: Hotels across the Costa Blanca are already celebrating an overall anticipated 90% occupancy for the month of August, an increase from the 87% in July. The figures so far are representing the best summer since 2008, attributed mainly to the recovery of domestic tourism, as well as an increase in visitors from Scandinavian countries. The […]

### Councillor for the Coast Post Reinstated

The mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has announced that the role of Councillor for the Coast in Orihuela will be reinstated, with the Councillor for Tourism, Beaches, international residents and urban transport, Sofía Álvarez, assuming the responsibilities that were taken away from the role and centralised in the city of Orihuela when the new government took over after the elections.
According to the town hall, the goal is to provide residents of Orihuela Costa access to services and the care they require and improve the organisation.
Many coastal residents voiced concerns after the competencies were taken away from the coast as the state of the streets and beaches were an apparent indication of the amount of neglect they were suffering.
In the previous government of Orihuela the role was fulfilled by councillor Martina Scheurer.

Excerpt: The mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has announced that the role of Councillor for the Coast in Orihuela will be reinstated, with the Councillor for Tourism, Beaches, international residents and urban transport, Sofía Álvarez, assuming the responsibilities that were taken Read More ...

### Pirate Website Manager Arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 44 year old Spanish national in Torrevieja, accused of being the manager of a website dedicated to providing films and TV shows on demand via the internet.
The investigation began following complaints from various film companies regarding the illegal distribution of their films. Viewers were able to subscribe to the services and watch via their computers, televisions and mobile phone applications, with the individuals behind the website profiting from their activities.
The officers explained that whilst many of these websites which have been previously investigated carried links to shows and films, in this case the files were stored on servers operated by the web managers.
During the raid, officers seized a laptop, a mobile phone, three pen drives and a tablet.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 44 year old Spanish national in Torrevieja, accused of being the manager of a website dedicated to providing films and TV shows on demand via the internet. The investigation began following complaints from various film companies regarding the illegal distribution of their films. Viewers were able to […]

### Summer Work Boost

Unemployment in the Vega Baja area is down once again in July, thanks to the summer season, with an additional 394 people finding work overall, with the registered jobless figure now standing at 31,818.
The tourist rich areas have seen the biggest decline, with Torrevieja leading the way with 377 people finding work, followed by Pilar de la Horadada where 81 jobs were found and Guardamar with 67.
However, it´s not all good news as unemployment increased in Cox, where another 40 people joined the unemployment register, Bigastro saw 35 job losses and Callosa de Segura saw 25 more people now looking for work.

Excerpt: Unemployment in the Vega Baja area is down once again in July, thanks to the summer season, with an additional 394 people finding work overall, with the registered jobless figure now standing at 31,818. The tourist rich areas have seen the biggest decline, with Torrevieja leading the way with 377 people finding work, followed by […]

### Alcoy Armed Robber Locked Up

A resident of Alcoy has had his 5-year prison sentence confirmed by the court of appeal, after he was found guilty of armed robbery, having threatened a priest at knifepoint and made off with 20 euro.
The man was given the sentence in February and appealed through the courts, after evidence stated that the man hid his face behind a ski mask and put a letter opener or knife at the priest´s throat, demanding money from the priest who was praying at the time.
The priest gave the man the 20 euro from his pocket and called the police immediately after the thief had fled, giving a description of the man. The police were able to apprehend the robber and found him carrying a letter opener and 20 euro note, the priest then confirming his identity having recognised his voice and the smell of his aftershave.
The appeal was based around the allegation of insufficient evidence of identity, which was declined, the perpetrator now facing 5 years locked up and having to financially compensate the priest to the tune of 20 euro.

Excerpt: A resident of Alcoy has had his 5-year prison sentence confirmed by the court of appeal, after he was found guilty of armed robbery, having threatened a priest at knifepoint and made off with 20 euro. The man was given the sentence in February and appealed through the courts, after evidence stated that the man […]

### Pegasus Catches Dangerous Speeder

Details have been revealed as to how the DGT´s airborne radar speed detector, Pegasus, clocked a Porsche Panamera travelling at 218 kilometres per hour on the R-4 ring road of Madrid, where the maximum permitted speed is 120 kilometres per hour.

In addition, the footage recording the speeding vehicle identified that it had French license plates and in the back seat of the vehicle was a child who was not wearing the mandatory restraining system or seatbelt.
Whereas Pegasus caught speeders normally receive later notification of their activities and fines due, given the gravity of the offences being committed by this vehicle, and the serious risk to road safety, the helicopter crew called on ground troops to intercept and stop the vehicle.
The driver was identified as a Spanish national of 31 years of age and his son was just 8. He was arrested at the scene and faces up to a four year ban from driving, a hefty fine and community service.
The post Pegasus Catches Dangerous Speeder appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Details have been revealed as to how the DGT´s airborne radar speed detector, Pegasus, clocked a Porsche Panamera travelling at 218 kilometres per hour on the R-4 ring road of Madrid, where the maximum permitted speed is 120 kilometres per Read More ...
The post Pegasus Catches Dangerous Speeder appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Dangerous Speeder Caught by Pegasus

Details have been revealed as to how the DGT´s airborne radar speed detector, Pegasus, clocked a Porsche Panamera travelling at 218 kilometres per hour on the R-4 ring road of Madrid, where the maximum permitted speed is 120 kilometres per hour.

In addition, the footage recording the speeding vehicle identified that it had French license plates and in the back seat of the vehicle was a child who was not wearing the mandatory restraining system or seatbelt.
Whereas Pegasus caught speeders normally receive later notification of their activities and fines due, given the gravity of the offences being committed by this vehicle, and the serious risk to road safety, the helicopter crew called on ground troops to intercept and stop the vehicle.
The driver was identified as a Spanish national of 31 years of age and his son was just 8. He was arrested at the scene and faces up to a four year ban from driving, a hefty fine and community service.

Excerpt: Details have been revealed as to how the DGT´s airborne radar speed detector, Pegasus, clocked a Porsche Panamera travelling at 218 kilometres per hour on the R-4 ring road of Madrid, where the maximum permitted speed is 120 kilometres per Read More ...

### Drones On Order

The Spanish Government has announced 25 million euro investment in the purchase of four reconnaissance drones and two ground stations.
The announcement was made as part of the 2016 budget with the total amount allocated to the program being 171 million euro over 5 years.
The order has been placed with a private American company to provide the Reaper drones, which are already in use in the UK, France and Italy, which can fly for 24 hours uninterrupted and reach an altitude of 45,000 feet.

Excerpt: The Spanish Government has announced 25 million euro investment in the purchase of four reconnaissance drones and two ground stations. The announcement was made as part of the 2016 budget with the total amount allocated to the program being 171 million euro over 5 years. The order has been placed with a private American company […]

### More Tragedy in the Sea

A 71-year old bather died at the weekend after apparently drowning off the coast of Torrevieja.
This latest tragedy bring the total number of deaths by drowning this summer to 17 across Valencia, since the official start of the summer season on the 20th of June.
A total of 69 people have been attended to by the emergency services, mostly in the Alicante province, far more than were attended to last year.
Throughout the entire summer of 2014 there were 33 people killed and a total of 38 attended to by the health service.
The health department are calling on everybody to be extra vigilant and take additional precautions in and near the sea and swimming pools in order to try to reduce the number of casualties in what is looking set to be one of the bleakest summers on record.

Excerpt: A 71-year old bather died at the weekend after apparently drowning off the coast of Torrevieja. This latest tragedy bring the total number of deaths by drowning this summer to 17 across Valencia, since the official start of the summer season on the 20th of June. A total of 69 people have been attended to […]

### Using the Correct Lane

There have been a number of reports in the press regarding drivers in Spain being fined for driving in the centre lane of a motorway, even when the road is clear. This is an offence and drivers who do so can be fined, but the reality is, other than we drive on the right in Spain, there is no difference to the UK, where “middle lane hogging” is also an offence.

Looking at how the two countries compare on roads with more than one lane in the direction of travel, if we first look at the UK, and what Rule 264 of the Highway Code states.
“You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.”
Comparing that to Spain, where we drive on the right, in fact the rule says as far to the right as possible, Article 31 of the Reglamento General Circulacion is where we see rules for normal traffic flow explained.
“On roads with more than one lane for the direction of travel, the normal flow of traffic is in the right hand lane, although you can use the other lane(s) when traffic circumstances dictate”, there is also an extension of the rule which states “provided you do not hinder the progress of another vehicle”.
Although the wording is slightly different, bearing in mind the Spanish version is an interpretation for ease of understanding and not a literal translation, the concept is the same. Under normal traffic circumstances, unless traffic determines otherwise, in the UK we should always drive in the left-hand lane, in Spain we should always use the right-hand lane.
The problem has always been one of understanding the rules of the road. The concept forms an integral part of UK driver training, and has done for many years. You only have to look through historic copies of the Highway Code and you will see the rules clearly printed. But it is a rule seemingly difficult for many to understand.
In 2004, the UK launched a pilot scheme with road signs pointing out the correct lane discipline, and yet these were still largely ignored.
More recently, the UK changed their procedure for dealing with drivers who remain in the centre lane, by changing the procedure for reporting the offence and making it punishable by fixed penalty notice, thus drivers can be fined on the spot and be 100 pound out of pocket.
Back in Spain, the same process is already in place. That is why drivers are issued with on the spot fines, not because they are targeted for being foreigners or any of the other excuses that have been made, but because driving in the right-hand lane is the normal procedure for the flow of traffic, and the fact that “nobody else was around” is not a justifiable excuse for committing any offence.
The post Using the Correct Lane appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: There have been a number of reports in the press regarding drivers in Spain being fined for driving in the centre lane of a motorway, even when the road is clear. This is an offence and drivers who do so Read More ...
The post Using the Correct Lane appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Intensified Alcohol and Drugs Checks

From Monday the 10th until Sunday the 16th of August, there will be an intensified safety campaign on the roads of Spain, focusing on one of the main contributors to vehicle incidents, alcohol and drugs.

The Guardia Civil officers out in force on the roads, carrying out random spot checks, as well as creating special drug and alcohol checkpoints.
According to statistics from the DGT, alcohol is present as a concurrent or triggering factor in a third of all fatal accidents. Their presence can multiply the risk of an incident by up to 15 times.
There has been a significant decrease in the percentage of positive tests between 2001 and 2013, down from 5% to 1.7% in that time, although the aim is to reach a figure of below 1% of drivers at the checkpoints. In 2014 there were 46,000 more tests conducted than the previous year, with a 13.6% reduction in positive results.
Drug use on the other hand had seen an increase, although new legislation has meant harsher penalties, and so the impact on reducing the use of drugs by drivers is starting to improve, with figures showing some 11% of drivers tested were on some kind of banned substance, with cannabis and cocaine the two substances most frequently found.
Regardless of the effect on drivers, alcohol and drugs also pose a risk to pedestrians, mainly in urban areas, which makes the participation of all municipalities in this Special Campaign of extraordinary importance.
Spain has one of the lowest permitted alcohol rates in Europe, significantly lower than the UK for example, although the only real safe amount of alcohol to consume before driving is zero.
The legal alcohol limit is in general 0.25 mg/l (or 0.15 mg/l if you are a learner driver / professional drivers). If the amount of alcohol exceeds this limit, the driver will be heavily fined and lose several points.
In the event such amount of the breathalyzer exceeds 0.60 mg/l, the driver becomes subject to a criminal proceeding and will be arrested.
A blood test is only available when you have completed the standard test and you disagree with the result. Refusal to co-operate is also considered a criminal offence.
Remember, the responsibility for alcohol and drug consumption lies with the driver and the only safe limit is zero.
The fines for being caught are significant, but the worst result for driving after consuming alcohol or drugs is death, not only of the driver, but the passengers and other road users as well.

The post Intensified Alcohol and Drugs Checks appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: From Monday the 10th until Sunday the 16th of August, there will be an intensified safety campaign on the roads of Spain, focusing on one of the main contributors to vehicle incidents, alcohol and drugs. The Guardia Civil officers out Read More ...
The post Intensified Alcohol and Drugs Checks appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### High Risks of Forest Fires

Whilst we are feeling the heat of summer, much of Spain remains on high alert for the risk of forest fires. The dry land and strong sun cause a heightened risk of occurrences.

Some of you may already be aware of the “fire triangle” or “combustion triangle”, a simple model for understanding the necessary ingredients for most fires. The triangle illustrates the three elements a fire needs to ignite: heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen). It´s sometimes simplified into the elements of heat, something to burn and oxygen. The removal of any one of the three elements of the triangle means that fire cannot take place.
Oxygen is present in the air, so there is not a lot we can do about removing that risk. Similarly, there is little that can be done to remove the fuel of forest fires, the dry trees and shrubbery themselves, but there is something we can do about the heat source, the ignition.
In Spain, it is estimated that more than 80% of all forest fires are caused by human interaction. In America incidentally the figure is as many as 90%.
Whereas some of those fires are started deliberately, and the reason for those fires is usually down to the individual concerned, the vast majority are caused by accidental ignition, but accidents can be prevented.
Through simple awareness and action we can all do something to reduce the risks of forest fires. Taking all your rubbish home and depositing it in a safe place is one easy task. You probably remember old TV public service announcements about how glass can start a fire, but any litter can be a contributing factor to fire.
Burning embers from summer BBQ´s are a common source of ignition, so these too must be disposed of correctly.
Smoking paraphernalia is perhaps the worst contributor however. Throwing a smouldering match or an almost extinguished cigarette butt is a recipe for disaster. If you do smoke, make sure that you dispose of all of your smoking materials safely and correctly, not just on the ground.
There are a variety of processes implemented to try to reduce the risk of fire, including a ban during the hottest months on farmers and industrial locations starting controlled fires, and there are also fines for individuals caught risking the threat of fire, such as throwing a cigarette out the car window?
If you do throw a cigarette out of a car window, lit or otherwise, you could be risking the lives of many people as forest fires are relentless and run so easily out of control, therefore you will be fined on the spot if you are spotted.
The law is quite clear, “No person in any vehicle shall throw or discharge from or upon any road or motorway or adjoining area, public or private, any lit or non lit cigarette”.
If you do get caught you face a fine of 200 euro and 4 points deducted from your license. Do it more than once and you are getting closer to a ban.
It might seem harsh and expensive, but when you consider the damage that can be caused by laziness or sometimes simple stupidity, you might soon realise that it is not expensive at all, so please don´t do it for everybody´s sake.
The post High Risks of Forest Fires appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Whilst we are feeling the heat of summer, much of Spain remains on high alert for the risk of forest fires. The dry land and strong sun cause a heightened risk of occurrences. Some of you may already be aware Read More ...
The post High Risks of Forest Fires appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### San Francisco Police QuadSki

As part of their fleet of patrol vehicles, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) use QuadSkis, an amphibious vehicle that converts from a water-based jet ski to a land-based quad at the touch of a button.

The post San Francisco Police QuadSki appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: As part of their fleet of patrol vehicles, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) use QuadSkis, an amphibious vehicle that converts from a water-based jet ski to a land-based quad at the touch of a button.

The post San Francisco Police QuadSki app...

### Italian Tourists Injured in Coach Crash

A collision between a touring coach and an articulated lorry in the Granada area on Thursday evening resulted in three people being seriously injured.

The coach was carrying 19 Italian tourists, the driver and two guides who were on their way to an evening event in the city as part of their excursion.
As a result of the incident the three most seriously injured people were rushed to hospital, one of them by helicopter. The remaining victims suffered minor injuries of varying degree and were treated at the scene.
As a result of the crash several lanes of the main ring-road were closed to traffic and considerable delays experienced by those caught up in the clean-up operation.
An investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The post Italian Tourists Injured in Coach Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A collision between a touring coach and an articulated lorry in the Granada area on Thursday evening resulted in three people being seriously injured. The coach was carrying 19 Italian tourists, the driver and two guides who were on their Read More ...
The post Italian Tourists Injured in Coach Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Search Launched for Hit and Run Cyclist

The Local Police in Burgos in Northern Spain have requested the help of the Guardia Civil to try to locate a cyclist who ran over an 87 year old woman on Tuesday.
The cyclist struck the woman on a pedestrian crossing which was being controlled by traffic lights. The rider then stopped at the scene of the incident but fled having noticed that the woman was not conscious. The victim died as a result of injuries sustained when she fell to the ground and hit her head on the kerb.
Officers are currently analysing CCTV images, and so far the police are able to offer a description of the rider as a man in his 40´s, who was wearing short jeans and a light coloured shirt.
The post Search Launched for Hit and Run Cyclist appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Local Police in Burgos in Northern Spain have requested the help of the Guardia Civil to try to locate a cyclist who ran over an 87 year old woman on Tuesday. The cyclist struck the woman on a pedestrian Read More ...
The post Search Launched for Hit and Run Cyclist appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Sea Rescue off Cartagena Coast

The search and rescue team based in Cartagena assisted a fisherman off a boat off the coast of Cartagena on Thursday, after receiving an urgent medical call from the Belmonte Hernandez ship.
The call was received at 09:25 resulting in the quick response craft being, Salvamar Mimosa being launched which met the fishing boat 30 miles off the coast, transferring the injured sailor back to the port of Cartagena with a left leg trauma and possible fracture, arriving at noon.

Excerpt: The search and rescue team based in Cartagena assisted a fisherman off a boat off the coast of Cartagena on Thursday, after receiving an urgent medical call from the Belmonte Hernandez ship. The call was received at 09:25 resulting in the quick response craft being, Salvamar Mimosa being launched which met the fishing boat 30 […]

### Two More Airborne Speed Detectors Launched

The DGT has launched another two Pegasus equipped helicopters, bringing their total quota of their airborne speed detecting fleet to eight aircraft.

The equipment has been installed on two of their existing helicopters and is in direct response to the increase in both the number of vehicles on Spain´s roads during the summer, and the increase in road related incidents.
The helicopters will be mostly be patrolling the main road network, the scene of the majority of speed related incidents and fatalities.
Since the first Pegasus was launched in March, 2013, the fleet has flown for 1,576 active hours, monitored 31,320 vehicles and reported 8,644 drivers for speeding.
The average speed which offenders were caught by the radar was 30 kilometres per hour above the permitted limit. The fastest car spotted was travelling at 242 kilometres per hour on road where the limit was 120, whereas another driver was detected at 195 kilometres per hour on a road limited to a maximum of 90. Neither of these were an issue for Pegasus which can monitor and record speeds up to 360 kilometres per hour at a distance of 1,000 metres away.

The remaining four helicopters will be used for traffic management duties.
The post Two More Airborne Speed Detectors Launched appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The DGT has launched another two Pegasus equipped helicopters, bringing their total quota of their airborne speed detecting fleet to eight aircraft. The equipment has been installed on two of their existing helicopters and is in direct response to the Read More ...
The post Two More Airborne Speed Detectors Launched appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Twenty-Five Drivers Caught After Orihuela Night Party

Following the all-night party on the Orihuela Costa on Wednesday, the Guardia Civil launched a monitoring campaign against drink and drug driving, successfully taking 25 dangerous drivers off the roads.
In total, 20 drivers tested positive for driving under the influence of alcohol, and another 5 were charged with driving having consumed illegal drugs.
With harsher penalties now in place for drink and drug driving, these latest offenders will at least be considerably out of pocket as a result of their actions.
The post Twenty-Five Drivers Caught After Orihuela Night Party appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Following the all-night party on the Orihuela Costa on Wednesday, the Guardia Civil launched a monitoring campaign against drink and drug driving, successfully taking 25 dangerous drivers off the roads. In total, 20 drivers tested positive for driving under the Read More ...
The post Twenty-Five Drivers Caught After Orihuela Night Party appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Roman Popularity Increasing

The Roman Theatre in Cartagena has been visited by more than a million people since it reopened as a museum in July, 2008.
The historic site has now been visited by 1,029,717 people, after reaching a record for a single month this July, when 17,672 people visited, a 10.7% increase.
Although the majority of visitors are Spanish, in second place are British, with 42% of all summer visitors being originally from the UK.
The location is easily accessible from the harbour end of the main street through the city and leads through the hillside offering stunning views from the top across most of the cityscape.

Excerpt: The Roman Theatre in Cartagena has been visited by more than a million people since it reopened as a museum in July, 2008. The historic site has now been visited by 1,029,717 people, after reaching a record for a single month this July, when 17,672 people visited, a 10.7% increase. Although the majority of visitors […]

### Drugs Seized in San Miguel

Officers from the National Police have seized 105 kilos of marijuana buds, with a street value of more than half a million euro, in the town of San Miguel de Salinas.
A 39 year old British national has been arrested in connection with the case, after the police stopped a van near to the AP7 toll road. The police became suspicious after the driver of the vehicle displayed signs of “high anxiety” and proceeded to inspect the vehicle contents, discovering items of furniture, one of which had the drugs concealed in a hollowed out area.
It is believed that the drugs were destined for distribution in the United Kingdom.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have seized 105 kilos of marijuana buds, with a street value of more than half a million euro, in the town of San Miguel de Salinas. A 39 year old British national has been arrested in connection with the case, after the police stopped a van near to the AP7 […]

### Five-Vehicle Smash in Torrevieja

A five-vehicle crash on the N-332 in Torrevieja on Wednesday resulted in numerous casualties having to be taken to hospital.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near to kilometre 55 of the main coastal road, just metres away from another fatal incident at the weekend where two young people were knocked down, one of them being killed, and a few kilometres away from a separate incident where an undocumented man was stuck by a car and died on Sunday afternoon.
Traffic was standing at a notorious black spot where traffic merges onto the main carriageway in the stretch of road that is only one lane.

A silver Seat car travelling in the Alicante direction apparently failed to notice the standing traffic and ploughed into a white Opel Corsa, which was then shunted into the standing traffic queue ahead.

The junction was the scene of another fatal crash not too long ago and the problematic stretch had been changed so that overtaking is no longer allowed for the 8 kilometre, single carriageway, although in the height of summer the road still becomes extremely congested and unable to cope with the amout of traffic trying to use it.
The post Five-Vehicle Smash in Torrevieja appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A five-vehicle crash on the N-332 in Torrevieja on Wednesday resulted in numerous casualties having to be taken to hospital. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near to kilometre 55 of the main coastal road, just metres away from another Read More ...
The post Five-Vehicle Smash in Torrevieja appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Worrying Trend in Driver Theory Knowledge

More than 20,000 qualified motorists completed an online driving theory test recently, revealing a frightening statistic that and 1 in 3 qualified drivers in the UK failed.
Webuyanycar.com, the national online car buyer, asked drivers all over the UK to test their knowledge of common road signs and driving rules.
The interactive test was designed along the same lines as the official theory questions set for learner drivers by the DVSA. In fact, the questions were taken from the actual DVSA test.  People taking the test were asked to opt for one of four possible answers.
The driving theory test results varied by age, sex and location, but considering there were more newly qualified drivers in the 17-21 age group, it was surprising that they had the lowest pass mark of any age group.  Drivers in the 46 to 65-year-old group had the highest pass rate.
Age                        Fail         Pass
17-21                     48%        52%
22-30                     34%        66%
31-45                     31%        69%
46-65                     25%        75%
65+                         30%        70%
The online test showed pictures of various road signs all in use today and simple motoring questions similar to the official theory test.  The test results showed a slightly lower pass rate for women.
Sex                         Fail         Pass
Female                 36%        64%
Male                      23%        77%
The webuyanycar.com test results are at odds with the latest DVSA statistics showing 53.6% of women pass the official theory test whereas men have a 48.7% pass rate.
The pass rate for the webuyanycar.com driving theory test also depended on where a driver lives with more rural counties like Somerset, Denbighshire and Derbyshire coming top of the tables for pass rates.  Some of the lowest pass rates were found in London and Middlesex, where the test was passed by only 2 out of 3 qualified drivers.
If your daring enough to try yourself, the test can be found at www.webuyanycar.com/driving-theory-quiz, feel free to email us your results.

The post Worrying Trend in Driver Theory Knowledge appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: More than 20,000 qualified motorists completed an online driving theory test recently, revealing a frightening statistic that and 1 in 3 qualified drivers in the UK failed. Webuyanycar.com, the national online car buyer, asked drivers all over the UK to Read More ...
The post Worrying Trend in Driver Theory Knowledge appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Road Safety Boost

The Spanish Government has budgeted 754.52 million euro for road safety in 2016, 2.8% more than this year. The increase was announced on Tuesday during the state budget presentation to congress.
The increase is aimed at three key areas of road safety, such as reducing the number of victims of traffic incidents, ensuring mobility through proper traffic management and the management of documentation through the eGovernment computerized system.
There is also an anticipated increase in the number of driving instructors in 2016, although the driver education industry has been critical of the lengthy delays for examinations and the financial suffering their industry has faced through this summer.
The post Road Safety Boost appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Spanish Government has budgeted 754.52 million euro for road safety in 2016, 2.8% more than this year. The increase was announced on Tuesday during the state budget presentation to congress. The increase is aimed at three key areas of Read More ...
The post Road Safety Boost appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Ambulance Concerns for Dangerous Fiesta

Elche will have an increase in ambulances for one of the most dramatic and dangerous fiestas on their summer calendar, the Nit de l’Albà, when thousands of fireworks are ignited above the eager crowd.
The municipal government has announced that there will be a total of 10 ambulances on standby on the nights of the 13th and 14th of August, although these ambulances will be basic life support units, and there will still be a lone paramedic unit covering the entire city.
Elche normally has 2 paramedic ambulances but one of these is relocated to the coast for the summer season.
The event usually ends with numerous people injured, one of the worst being in 2008 when 23 people were injured on the night.

Excerpt: Elche will have an increase in ambulances for one of the most dramatic and dangerous fiestas on their summer calendar, the Nit de l’Albà, when thousands of fireworks are ignited above the eager crowd. The municipal government has announced that there will be a total of 10 ambulances on standby on the nights of the […]

### Search Launched for Missing Diver

An emergency rescue helicopter assisted search and medical teams from Cartagena on Tuesday trying to locate a diver who had gone missing off the coast of Cabo de Palos, near La Manga.
The alarm was raised just after noon that the diver, who was exploring the wreck of the famous Stanfield ship, had failed to surface and return to the support vessel, and was 45 minutes overdue.
Tragically, the rescuers found the lifeless body of the diver, said to be a British male in his 50´s, in the sea.

Excerpt: An emergency rescue helicopter assisted search and medical teams from Cartagena on Tuesday trying to locate a diver who had gone missing off the coast of Cabo de Palos, near La Manga. The alarm was raised just after noon that the diver, who was exploring the wreck of the famous Stanfield ship, had failed to […]

### Elche Bike Hire Returns

After being withdrawn for two weeks for improvement works, the bicycle hire service in Elche returned to operational status on Monday.
The work was largely in response to complaints from users over malfunctions and other similar problems, which had resulted in numerous refunds having to be issued.
Now, visitors and residents of the city of Elche can hire the public bikes from locations across the city, and can even partake in a special offer, by means of compensation, of liability insurance until the end of the year.

Excerpt: After being withdrawn for two weeks for improvement works, the bicycle hire service in Elche returned to operational status on Monday. The work was largely in response to complaints from users over malfunctions and other similar problems, which had resulted in numerous refunds having to be issued. Now, visitors and residents of the city of […]

### Sky High Figures

A total of 5,544 aircraft movements, with 882,347 seats, saw the busiest Monday of the year in the Spanish airport network.
Coinciding with the early August weekend when many inland tourists return home, to be replaced by those who are taking the later weeks of holidays coming to the coast, the airport traffic proved projections of a busy summer.
For the Costa Blanca, Alicante-Elche airport had 277 flight movements, with a total of 46,000 seats available, making it the sixth busiest airport in the AENA network on the day.

Excerpt: A total of 5,544 aircraft movements, with 882,347 seats, saw the busiest Monday of the year in the Spanish airport network. Coinciding with the early August weekend when many inland tourists return home, to be replaced by those who are taking the later weeks of holidays coming to the coast, the airport traffic proved projections […]

### Further Fatality on the N-332

A man believed to be in his 40´s was killed on the N-332 in the Orihuela municipality on Sunday night.
The incident occurred in the area close to the Carrefour supermarket and go-karts track close to Cala Mosca, when the victim was struck by a vehicle on the road.
There are no official pedestrian crossings or bridges in the area, on account of a lengthy battle between the town hall and developer who wants to build properties on land which was illegally sold to the builder.
The victim, who was not carrying any identity documents, died at the scene.
This fatality is added to the tragedy of the weekend when two pedestrians were hit on the same road in Torrevieja.

Excerpt: A man believed to be in his 40´s was killed on the N-332 in the Orihuela municipality on Sunday night. The incident occurred in the area close to the Carrefour supermarket and go-karts track close to Cala Mosca, when the victim was struck by a vehicle on the road. There are no official pedestrian crossings […]

### Orihuela Costa Preparing for Wednesday Party

Orihuela local police will have a stronger presence on the coast on Wednesday, with support from the Guardia Civil, in preparation for a situation that many of the local residents dread.
On the first Wednesday of August, thousands of partygoers from all across the local descend on the area for a beach party, leaving their mess behind the morning after.
In Friday´s plenary session, the government team agreed to ask for more police and security services to be present, as well as promising stronger fines for such events which take place in smaller scales throughout the year, and an increase in cleaning the next day.

Excerpt: Orihuela local police will have a stronger presence on the coast on Wednesday, with support from the Guardia Civil, in preparation for a situation that many of the local residents dread. On the first Wednesday of August, thousands of partygoers from all across the local descend on the area for a beach party, leaving their […]

### No Bull in Guardamar

Guardamar del Segura has become the first municipality in the Vega Baja area to ban bullfighting.
The minority PSOE government approved the motion, which follows on from a previous ban on circuses with animals, although they later faced criticism of this when they allowed a circus to take place, saying that the animals belonging to the circus were not performing, and so it did not contravene their local legislation.
Animal rights groups have supported the bullfighting ban and hope that Guardamar will become the benchmark for other municipalities to do the same.

Excerpt: Guardamar del Segura has become the first municipality in the Vega Baja area to ban bullfighting. The minority PSOE government approved the motion, which follows on from a previous ban on circuses with animals, although they later faced criticism of this when they allowed a circus to take place, saying that the animals belonging to […]

### Cilla Black Dies in Spain

Reports on Sunday morning state that entertainer and Singer Cilla Black has died whilst in her Spanish home.
It is believed that the popular 72 year old may have died over night and initial indications suggest natural causes, although an autopsy will be carried out.
The shutters were said to be down in her Marbella home when she was found.

Excerpt: Reports on Sunday morning state that entertainer and Singer Cilla Black has died whilst in her Spanish home. It is believed that the popular 72 year old may have died over night and initial indications suggest natural causes, although an autopsy will be carried out. The shutters were said to be down in her Marbella […]

### Fatality on the N332 in Torrevieja

Two young people were hit by a vehicle on the N-332 main road on Saturday morning, one of them being killed at the scene, the other seriously injured.
The incident occurred at around 7:30 on Saturday in the area close to the desalination plant in Torrevieja.
The two victims were walking along the hard shoulder when they were struck by a vehicle. The impact was so strong that one of the victims was thrown against the crash barrier and suffered a head injury resulting in death. The other suffered serious leg injuries and fractured ribs and was admitted to hospital.
The vehicle involved in the incident failed to stop at the scene and so the Guardia Civil launched an immediate search to try to locate the vehicle and driver.
The post Fatality on the N332 in Torrevieja appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Two young people were hit by a vehicle on the N-332 main road on Saturday morning, one of them being killed at the scene, the other seriously injured. The incident occurred at around 7:30 on Saturday in the area close Read More ...
The post Fatality on the N332 in Torrevieja appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Torrevieja Taxi Improvements

The councillor for transport in Torrevieja, Javier Manzanares, has announced that the town hall will be making improvements to various taxi ranks throughout the city and surrounds, having met with the two main taxi associations and agreed to their requests.
As well as improving and moving some of the existing taxi ranks, there will be better sign posting and vehicles parked in taxi ranks illegally will be removed by a tow truck and the drivers fined.
Meanwhile, in Orihuela, the main road which runs under the railway line at the Bigastro end of the city will be open to traffic once again from Friday. This main arterial route has been closed for some time whilst work on the new high speed rail line was being carried out above.

Excerpt: The councillor for transport in Torrevieja, Javier Manzanares, has announced that the town hall will be making improvements to various taxi ranks throughout the city and surrounds, having met with the two main taxi associations and agreed to their requests. As well as improving and moving some of the existing taxi ranks, there will be […]

### School Bus Minimum Distance Annulled

The Supreme Court in Valencia has annulled the requirement for school children to live further than 3 kilometres from their school before being eligible to use the school bus.
The rule was established by the Partido Popular regional government in 2012, whereas a pupil had to live further than 3 kilometres away, in a straight line. Many parent objected to this at the time, including those in rural areas where a straight line distance could be considerably different to that on the road.
The new ruling this week is added to a previous ruling which also outlawed the condition, as it is contrary to the constitutional right to equal treatment, according to Article 14 of the Spanish Constitution.
The complaint was raised by the Compromís political group who have praised the decision of the courts.

Excerpt: The Supreme Court in Valencia has annulled the requirement for school children to live further than 3 kilometres from their school before being eligible to use the school bus. The rule was established by the Partido Popular regional government in 2012, whereas a pupil had to live further than 3 kilometres away, in a straight […]

### A Busy Summer Weekend on the Roads

This weekend marks the next major traffic operation on the roads of Spain, marking the midpoint between the summer holiday start and finish.

As a result, there will be increased traffic flowing from both inland areas towards the coast and mountains, and returning from the holiday areas back inland.
The main flow of traffic is expected to be on Friday afternoon heading from the cities to the coast, and on Sunday heading back to the inland areas, although both directions will be busy throughout, as this is one of the few weekends in the traffic calendar when traffic flows in both directions.
In total, there will be an estimate 4.6 million journeys on the roads between Friday the 31st of July, and Sunday the 1st of August.
In order to minimize disruption, the DGT will be operating a special campaign on the roads, which includes restricting the movement of dangerous goods, suspending all routine road works, creating special lanes to ease the flow of traffic, and having more Guardia Civil traffic officers and support staff on the roads throughout.
Throughout the month of August, the DGT expect 43.2 million trips to be made on the roads.
The post A Busy Summer Weekend on the Roads appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: This weekend marks the next major traffic operation on the roads of Spain, marking the midpoint between the summer holiday start and finish. As a result, there will be increased traffic flowing from both inland areas towards the coast and Read More ...
The post A Busy Summer Weekend on the Roads appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Thousands Caught Speeding

In the latest campaign against speeding drivers, 34,075 vehicles were checked in the Valencia region and 2,244 drivers were reported for driving at speeds in excess of the maximum permitted limit.

Throughout the country, there were over half a million vehicles checked and 27,854 drivers caught speeding in the campaign which ran from the 20th to the 26th of July.
The focus was mostly on conventional roads, the location where the majority of speed related incidents and fatalities occur.
On conventional, main roads, more than 369,500 vehicles were checked and 18,899 drivers reported, whereas on motorways there were 211,843 vehicles checked and 8,988 drivers reported.
Andalusia was where the biggest number of complaints were recorded, with 6,516 drivers reported, whereas Valencia is in fifth place.
The post Thousands Caught Speeding appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: In the latest campaign against speeding drivers, 34,075 vehicles were checked in the Valencia region and 2,244 drivers were reported for driving at speeds in excess of the maximum permitted limit. Throughout the country, there were over half a million Read More ...
The post Thousands Caught Speeding appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### VIP Increase at Alicante-Elche Airport

Although much is often said about the increase in low cost airlines at Alicante-Elche airport, VIP services have also been increasing, up 80% since 2011.
In just four years, the VIP lounge has increased its clients from 45,416 in 2011, to 80,090 in 2014, and in the first half of this year alone, some 40,665 users.
Almost half of the people who use the VIP lounges are from the UK, at 49%, followed by 14% Spanish and 9% Norwegian.
The price to be amongst the growing elite set is just 26,50€ for adults, half price for children, and kids under 3 are allowed in for free, if accompanied.

Excerpt: Although much is often said about the increase in low cost airlines at Alicante-Elche airport, VIP services have also been increasing, up 80% since 2011. In just four years, the VIP lounge has increased its clients from 45,416 in 2011, to 80,090 in 2014, and in the first half of this year alone, some 40,665 […]

### Critical Ambulance Delay

A three month old baby died on Monday at the Altabix health centre in Elche, with many people blaming the 20 minute wait for an emergency ambulance as a contributing factor in the death.
The baby had suffered heart problems and was in a serious condition at the clinic prompting calls for the paramedics to attend, but as the only paramedic unit in service was already busy, the nearest available ambulance was in Alicante.
It is claimed that the ambulance arrived 20 minutes after the first call, although the department of health are disputing this, saying that the ambulance did not come from Alicante, it was local, and the response time was just 12 minutes.
Elche normally has 2 emergency ambulances but one of them is transferred to Santa Pola for the summer, a move which the local government are trying to stop.

Excerpt: A three month old baby died on Monday at the Altabix health centre in Elche, with many people blaming the 20 minute wait for an emergency ambulance as a contributing factor in the death. The baby had suffered heart problems and was in a serious condition at the clinic prompting calls for the paramedics to […]

### Dog Dies in Torrevieja Parked Car

Torrevieja town hall has confirmed the death of a dog left abandoned in a car in the city on Tuesday.

Local police were alerted by several people of the presence of three dogs inside a vehicle parked on calle capitán García Gea. The police attended and were advised that the dogs had been left in the car for several hours.
The attending officers smashed the windows of the car to free them but one of the dogs was already dead. The other two are being treated by a vet, as death can occur several hours after an incident such as this.
The police then arrested two people and delivered them to the Guardia Civil for processing for crimes of animal abuse.
The councillor who issued the statement, Carmen Morate, thanked the neighbours for their actions and pointed out that the dogs had been subject to temperatures in excess of 50 degrees. The councillor also reminded everybody of the advice to never leave a dog in a car, for any length of time, not even with the windows open, and if you see such an incident to call the police immediately.
The post Dog Dies in Torrevieja Parked Car appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall has confirmed the death of a dog left abandoned in a car in the city on Tuesday. Local police were alerted by several people of the presence of three dogs inside a vehicle parked on calle capitán Read More ...
The post Dog Dies in Torrevieja Parked Car appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### No Flies on Us, Please

A total of 18 European environmental organisations are collaborating to complain and hopefully prevent a British company from releasing 1.8 million transgenic flies into Spain.
The genetically engineered fly would set out to destroy the native Olive Fly which has been destroying crops in some areas of the country. Around 5,000 flies would be released each week in an area of 1,000 square metres near to Tarragona, but there are concerns that the flies could escape and spread further, resulting in a massive reduction in the native species and considerable damage to the biodiversity and ecosystem of the country.
One association warns that in the event of the flies coming into contact with organic farmed crops, the farmers would lose their certification and that would damage consumer confidence.
Greenpeace has described it as a “dangerous experiment” that would “turn Europe into a outdoor laboratory”.

Excerpt: A total of 18 European environmental organisations are collaborating to complain and hopefully prevent a British company from releasing 1.8 million transgenic flies into Spain. The genetically engineered fly would set out to destroy the native Olive Fly which has been destroying crops in some areas of the country. Around 5,000 flies would be released […]

### More Self Employed

Torrevieja is leading the way in terms of the number of self employed workers who secured their own employment in June, with 78 of the 146 people registering as self employed across the Vega Baja being based in Torrevieja.
Second place was joint between Orihuela and Rojales, although the 18 posts in each is far lower than the lead town.
However, Benijofar and Bigastro suffered a loss of 5 workers each, compared to the figures from the previous month.

Excerpt: Torrevieja is leading the way in terms of the number of self employed workers who secured their own employment in June, with 78 of the 146 people registering as self employed across the Vega Baja being based in Torrevieja. Second place was joint between Orihuela and Rojales, although the 18 posts in each is far […]

### Better Airport Checks

The Interior Ministry inaugurated a new intelligent border control system at Barcelona’s El-Prat airport on Monday, which will shortly be installed at Alicante-Elche airport as part of a rollout to locations where more cross-border transfers take place.
The aim is to streamline the airport transit process for passengers with digitized documents and works through facial recognition and fingerprint detectors, as well as reading the data on the passport.
“This is to facilitate access to the country without compromising safety”, said Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz, during the presentation of the new cabins, whilst pointing out that “We can do better control with fewer people”.

Excerpt: The Interior Ministry inaugurated a new intelligent border control system at Barcelona’s El-Prat airport on Monday, which will shortly be installed at Alicante-Elche airport as part of a rollout to locations where more cross-border transfers take place. The aim is to streamline the airport transit process for passengers with digitized documents and works through facial […]

### All Inclusive Questions

Benidorm town hall has announced the unanimous approval of the creation of an investigatory commission to investigate the impact of all-inclusive holidays on the town´s businesses.
Spokesperson for the PSOE government, Rubén Martínez, said that the plan was to open a “healthy, positive and crucial” debate on Benidorm, which will prevent “damage” to the city and “preserve the tourist model”.

Excerpt: Benidorm town hall has announced the unanimous approval of the creation of an investigatory commission to investigate the impact of all-inclusive holidays on the town´s businesses. Spokesperson for the PSOE government, Rubén Martínez, said that the plan was to open a “healthy, positive and crucial” debate on Benidorm, which will prevent “damage” to the city […]

### Identifying an Unmarked Guardia Civil Vehicle

Depending on the role they need to fulfil, the Guardia Civil traffic department has a range of vehicles at their disposal. Sometimes, it´s necessary for them to use unmarked or camouflaged vehicles in the course of law enforcement.
In the case of the vehicle pictured with this article, we are looking at a Toyota which is fitted with radar speed detecting equipment, actually the Multanova 6F, and is mostly used for speed checks on major roads.
However, there are also other unmarked vehicles on the roads and we´d like to explain some of the identifying features of these cars, not so you can avoid detection if you are breaking the law, but as there have been a few occasions where criminals have pretended to be the police to stop innocent victims and carry out robberies, we want to make sure you know how to identify a real unmarked traffic car that might be trying to stop you.
At the front of the vehicle there are blue lights hidden in the grill. These will be illuminated and flash in the event of the vehicle responding to an emergency, or in the event that the officers are trying to stop you.
In the front window, on the passenger side, the sun visor has been replaced by an illuminated display. This will display the words “G.Civil”, “Trafico” and “Alto”, or stop, alternating. These words are displayed in reverse, so that they will be visible and easy to read in your rear view mirror.
You might also spot other equipment in the window, but remember, the vehicle we are looking at here  is a radar car and not all unmarked vehicles are fitted with this type of equipment.
As we move along this vehicle, we will see that the officer is dressed in a high visibility uniform, as worn only by the traffic officers. When the Guardia Civil traffic officers are patrolling in unmarked cars, they will always, without exception, be wearing a variation of this type of uniform, with high visibility features.
It is important to note though that other departments of both the Guardia Civil and police use unmarked cars, such as detectives for example, but those officers will not be wearing this uniform. Another important point is that it is only Guardia Civil traffic officers who are wearing the high visibility uniform who are allowed to take money from you as payment of traffic fines. In the event of an officer from another department coming across an incident on the roads, they will always call for the traffic department to take charge, issue fines and take any money that may be due in fines. Only the officers in the high visibility uniforms bearing Guardia Civil Trafico are allowed to take money, this is important.
Looking towards the rear of the vehicle, we can see that the windows are laminated with tinting. This is not an exclusive feature of unmarked or camouflaged cars, but in the back window there is another hidden illuminated display.
This display will once again say the words “G.Civl”, “Trafico” and “Alto”, alternating and accompanied by flashing blue lights on the matrix. The cars also carry a detachable rooftop blue light, but it is unlikely this will be used as part of the procedure to stop you.
Always remember the key point of identifying a Guardia Civil Trafico Car. The matrix sign in the front and rear and the officers wearing uniforms. If you are ever in any doubt as to whether you have been stopped by a real Guardia Civil patrol, you can always call 062 and quote the registration number of the vehicle, but these key points, we hope, will also help you stay a little safer on the roads.
The post Identifying an Unmarked Guardia Civil Vehicle appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Depending on the role they need to fulfil, the Guardia Civil traffic department has a range of vehicles at their disposal. Sometimes, it´s necessary for them to use unmarked or camouflaged vehicles in the course of law enforcement. In the Read More ...
The post Identifying an Unmarked Guardia Civil Vehicle appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Boat Passengers Treated for Food Poisoning

More than 60 people were treated for suspected food poisoning on Saturday after falling ill whilst on board two tourist boats off the coast of Murcia.
The two boats were in different locations and both had around 30 people on board but were both supplied by the same catering company.
The department of health are investigating the circumstances.

Excerpt: More than 60 people were treated for suspected food poisoning on Saturday after falling ill whilst on board two tourist boats off the coast of Murcia. The two boats were in different locations and both had around 30 people on board but were both supplied by the same catering company. The department of health are […]

### Caple Soaking

A car ran into the port of Calpe on Saturday, but nobody was inside the vehicle
IMage by QUIQUE IVORRA
The post Caple Soaking appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: IMage by QUIQUE IVORRA
The post Caple Soaking appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Books Not Bull Fights

The town hall in the Toledo town of Villafranca de los Caballeros has announced that it has withdrawn subsidy for bull fights this year.
Instead, the 18,000 euro set aside in the annual budget will be used for an aid program to subsidise school text books and supplies for families who are facing financial difficulties.
The department of education in the PSOE government, Marta Guerrero, has said that “the PSOE gave a commitment in its electoral program to ease family economies, whereas the Mayor, Julián Bolaños, says that there should be no other commitment than “the education of our children”.

Excerpt: The town hall in the Toledo town of Villafranca de los Caballeros has announced that it has withdrawn subsidy for bull fights this year. Instead, the 18,000 euro set aside in the annual budget will be used for an aid program to subsidise school text books and supplies for families who are facing financial difficulties. […]

### Students Injured in Coach Crash

Twenty eight people have been injured, four of them seriously, when a Spanish coach crashed into a low bridge as it was travelling in France.

The incident occurred at 05:15 on Sunday morning when the coach was near the French city of La Madeleine, in the Lille region.

The coach was carrying students from Bilbao to Amsterdam. There were 59 passengers on board, along with 2 drivers, who were both tested for alcohol and proved negative at the scene.
The roof of the coach was completely ripped off in the collision.
The post Students Injured in Coach Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Twenty eight people have been injured, four of them seriously, when a Spanish coach crashed into a low bridge as it was travelling in France. The incident occurred at 05:15 on Sunday morning when the coach was near the French Read More ...
The post Students Injured in Coach Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Pick up the latest Courier newspaper with Motoring Plus

Make sure you pick up this week´s copy of The Courier newspaper if you are in the Torrevieja area.
This week, it includes the latest Motoring Plus pull-out, which contains articles from the n332.es website, so those who don´t have the internet can also read the articles. Please, tell your friends.
The Courier is the media partner of the n332.es website in the Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa areas, so you can be sure that the information they print is approved by us.
Here, you can read the latest on-line version, but tell your friends to make sure they pick up The Courier each week, and you can read our articles, some of them exclusively firstly available in The Courier, every two-weeks.


The post Pick up the latest Courier newspaper with Motoring Plus appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Make sure you pick up this week´s copy of The Courier newspaper if you are in the Torrevieja area. This week, it includes the latest Motoring Plus pull-out, which contains articles from the n332.es website, so those who don´t have Read More ...
The post Pick up the latest Courier newspaper with Motoring Plus appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Thirteen Injured in Benidorm Water Park

Thirteen people suffered minor injuries at the Aqualandia water park in Benidorm this week, when a leak is believed to have been responsible for excessive chlorine becoming present in the water.
The facility was immediately closed and the thirteen people taken to two private clinics for treatment of conditions including irritation, itchy throats and eyes and mild breathing difficulties, whilst an investigation has been launched to ascertain what went wrong.

Excerpt: Thirteen people suffered minor injuries at the Aqualandia water park in Benidorm this week, when a leak is believed to have been responsible for excessive chlorine becoming present in the water. The facility was immediately closed and the thirteen people taken to two private clinics for treatment of conditions including irritation, itchy throats and eyes […]

### Donkey Protection in Almoradí

The town hall in Almoradí has banned an event due to take place this weekend on account of it being cruel to the animals involved.
The traditional donkey race sees riders take to the backs of the animals which are then raced as a sport, with the animals suffering physical abuse in the process.
The town hall therefore withdrew subsidy for the event and have removed the licenses thus prohibiting it from taking part on public land.
However, the event organizers have now moved to a private area and so the race is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, although the town hall are seeking an injunction to also prevent this. The animal protection group, PACMA, also plan to attend the event to prevent the donkeys from being mistreated.

Excerpt: The town hall in Almoradí has banned an event due to take place this weekend on account of it being cruel to the animals involved. The traditional donkey race sees riders take to the backs of the animals which are then raced as a sport, with the animals suffering physical abuse in the process. The […]

### No Gifts for the Torrevieja Mayor

The new mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has explained the reasons why he has implemented a policy whereas he will not accept any gifts whilst in the role of head of the municipality.
Dolón has said that he does not want to achieve personal gains whilst in the role of serving the public office, but has acknowledged that sometimes gifts from visiting dignitaries cannot be refused for fear of offending those visitors.
Therefore, if the mayor does receive a gift, it will either be placed in the municipal heritage property, such as is the case of a musical score presented this week, or will be donated to charitable and none profit entities in order for them to benefit.
“These can be put to good use in raffles and drawers”, he said, whilst also highlighting historic cases of previous political members who benefitted from gifts ranging from suits to holidays.

Excerpt: The new mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has explained the reasons why he has implemented a policy whereas he will not accept any gifts whilst in the role of head of the municipality. Dolón has said that he does not want to achieve personal gains whilst in the role of serving the public office, […]

### Drugs Arrests in Torrevieja

Six people, aged between 29 and 46, have been arrested by the National Police, accused of being part of a drugs distributions network operating around Elche and Torrevieja.
The initial investigation began a month ago and surrounded a resident of Torrevieja. The police then found that that the man sold on the drugs to others for distribution.
As a result of the raid on two homes in Torrevieja, the head of the gang was arrested along with the distributors, and heroin, cocaine, marijuana seized, along with materials believed used in the preparation and sale of drugs and a quantity of cash.

Excerpt: Six people, aged between 29 and 46, have been arrested by the National Police, accused of being part of a drugs distributions network operating around Elche and Torrevieja. The initial investigation began a month ago and surrounded a resident of Torrevieja. The police then found that that the man sold on the drugs to others […]

### Orihuela Government to Increase Salaries

Following last Tuesday´s late announcement that the Partido Popular and the Ciudadanos in Orihuela have come to an agreement to support the government as a majority, they are now able to get on with the job in hand, with their first priority being an increase in their own salaries.
They will now award themselves a 15% pay rise on average, with the new mayor seeing his salary increased to 56,000 euro from the 48,000 taken by Monserrate Guillén​, the previous mayor.
The CLARO political group on the Orihuela Costa pointed out that when the mayor of Orihuela proposed a 5% increase in salaries, the Ciudadanos party rejected it. But when the mayor proposed a 15% pay rise, the Ciudadanos party accepted and with it they get 17,000 euro per year for all their 3 Councillors even if they do not have actual positions in Government. “Great way to earn money at our EXPENSE!! Orihuela Costa again will suffer”.
Although the Ciudadanos members will not be active in government, they have vowed to support them in decisions, which gives the PP the majority vote.
The PP mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has justified the payment to the Ciudadanos members as being “compensation” for their support.
The proposal will be tabled in the plenary meeting on Friday and is likely to be approved by this new majority. The government team will also be paid for attending that meeting to vote on their pay increase.
Meanwhile, considered more of a priority for residents, the streets remain unclean, with rubbish piled high and no apparent action by the government to clean them.

Excerpt: Following last Tuesday´s late announcement that the Partido Popular and the Ciudadanos in Orihuela have come to an agreement to support the government as a majority, they are now able to get on with the job in hand, with their first priority being an increase in their own salaries. They will now award themselves a […]

### Italian Police Trust Spanish Vehicles

SEAT wins fleet contract to supply the Italian Polizia di Stato and the Carabinieri
Fleet to be Leon 2.0 TDI 150 PS; extensive special equipment with armour protection
Major international growth in fleet business for the SEAT brand

SEAT has won the fleet contract to supply new Leon cars to the Italian police forces, Polizia di Stato and the Carabinieri. The first 206 vehicles have already started being handed over, with an initial 106 service vehicles being delivered to the Carabinieri and a further 100 to the Polizia di Stato. Overall, the contract includes the option for up to 4,000 vehicles over the next three years. So far, they have taken orders for 925 cars, split between 475 “panthers” (Polizia di Stato) and 450 “gazelles” (Carabinieri).

This marks the first time that both police forces have tendered and selected the same brand and the same vehicle. Major factors in this decision included the Leon’s low fuel consumption and emissions figures, as well as its high quality and excellent total cost of ownership – all core competences of the SEAT brand.

“We are honoured by the trust given by the Italian police in SEAT and the Leon. And we are very proud to be able to contribute thanks to reliable, secure and high quality vehicles to public safety,” says Jürgen Stackmann, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SEAT. “The contract is also a good example of the great success and major growth of the SEAT brand within the fleet business sector.”

The total level of fleet business conducted by the Spanish brand internationally in 2014 grew by 33% to 68,900 vehicles, making a significant contribution to the brand’s 10% sales growth last year. The new Leon family has been key to this success, with the Leon ST (Sports Tourer) version enjoying particularly high regard as a fleet car. SEAT’s fleet business achieved considerable growth primarily in major European markets like Germany, Spain, the UK , France and Italy.
Armour protection for added safety
The basis for the new Italian police cars is provided by the five-door Leon powered by the punchy 150 PS version of the 2.0 TDI engine. The law enforcement vehicle also needs excellent pulling power supplied by high torque, as the front end of the Leon will be armoured against small arms fire.
Special safety tyres are a further element of the equipment package, with the suspension adapted perfectly to suit – at the end of the extensive day. The Italian security forces will also be calling upon the Leon’s light-footed dynamics. The service vehicle is rounded off by warning and alarm lights, radio and communications equipment, weapons carriers and other items of equipment. The back seat is also laid out as a secure “prisoner cell”, with police officers seated in the front protected by a dividing partition.
Endurance tests with “panthers” and “gazelles”
Extensive prototype tests were conducted with two vehicles codenamed “gazelle” and “panther”, while comprehensive endurance testing assured the quality of the vehicles, which will face harsh and demanding conditions in day-to-day use. The armoured door, for instance, was opened and closed 100,000 times. Finally, the two vehicles were driven continuously for 30,000 kilometres, stopping only to refuel and relieve drivers. The base vehicles for the new Italian police cars are produced at the SEAT factory in Martorell near Barcelona. Subsequently these cars are transferred to Chivasso, Italy for further adaption at N.C.T. – Nuova Carrozzeria Torinese , a company that has converted most of the police cars in Italy since 2003. This process is supported and contributed by experts of SEAT and Volkswagen Group Italy.
The post Italian Police Trust Spanish Vehicles appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: SEAT wins fleet contract to supply the Italian Polizia di Stato and the Carabinieri Fleet to be Leon 2.0 TDI 150 PS; extensive special equipment with armour protection Major international growth in fleet business for the SEAT brand SEAT has Read More ...
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### Guardia Civil Officers Injured in Stolen Car Collision

Two officers from the Guardia Civil were injured on Tuesday when their vehicle collided with a stolen car in the Navalcarnero area of the community of Madrid.

The officers were involved in a routine check when a vehicle containing three individuals wearing hoods started to accelerate towards them, hitting the patrol car and speeding off.
The officers were taken to hospital suffering from minor injuries.
The occupants of the vehicle are believed to have been of North African origin and one of them was visibly identified as being wanted by the police.
The vehicle, a Land Rover, was found shortly after burnt out on the M-501. A search has been launched to find the perpetrators.
The post Guardia Civil Officers Injured in Stolen Car Collision appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Two officers from the Guardia Civil were injured on Tuesday when their vehicle collided with a stolen car in the Navalcarnero area of the community of Madrid. The officers were involved in a routine check when a vehicle containing three Read More ...
The post Guardia Civil Officers Injured in Stolen Car Collision appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Demolishing Tabarca Properties

A development of new properties which have stood vacant on the island of Tabarca for 15 years will soon be demolished, according to the councillor for planning in Alicante town hall, Miguel Ángel Pavón.
Following a lengthy battle, the properties were deemed illegal by the courts in 2009 and the demolition is scheduled to take place in September. The construction should never have taken place due to coastal planning laws, although they are now described as a “regrettable” episode of town planning by the PP government.
The councillor said that the town hall hopes that, “little by little the urban legality and prevailing public interest over private interests of individuals is restored”.
The planning department is also enforcing the rejection of converting the lighthouse on the island into a hotel.
The cost of the work will be funded by the regional government.

Excerpt: A development of new properties which have stood vacant on the island of Tabarca for 15 years will soon be demolished, according to the councillor for planning in Alicante town hall, Miguel Ángel Pavón. Following a lengthy battle, the properties were deemed illegal by the courts in 2009 and the demolition is scheduled to take […]

### Self Employment Increasing

According to data released on Tuesday, the number of self-employed workers in the province of Alicante grew by 486 people in June.
Showing a similar trend to contracted workers, the service sector saw the biggest growth, with 159 people registering as working for themselves. The motor trade was also a key player in June with 153 people finding self-employed work, and there were 60 people who are working for themselves in the construction industry.
However, for the growth in the service and motor trade, June saw self employed workers in education suffer a significant drop thanks to the school holidays, with 92 education workers no longer on a self-employed status.

Excerpt: According to data released on Tuesday, the number of self-employed workers in the province of Alicante grew by 486 people in June. Showing a similar trend to contracted workers, the service sector saw the biggest growth, with 159 people registering as working for themselves. The motor trade was also a key player in June with […]

### New Guns for Torrevieja Local Police

No doubt hoping they will never have to use them, the local police of Torrevieja will soon be receiving 40 new pistols, as announced by the procurement department of the town hall.
The new weapons will replace some of the older models in the armoury, which may pose a risk if used on account of their age.
The new weapons are capable of carrying more bullets than the old ones and have added security features which prevent misuse by those not trained in their procedures.
The move is also seen as the latest commitment given to the police by the new government after years of complaints of neglect previously.

Excerpt: No doubt hoping they will never have to use them, the local police of Torrevieja will soon be receiving 40 new pistols, as announced by the procurement department of the town hall. The new weapons will replace some of the older models in the armoury, which may pose a risk if used on account of […]

### Bank Detail Hacker Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 27 year old computer expert, accused of hacking into accounts and selling the details of Spanish bank users.
The hacker is said by the police to be well known in the cybercrime field and could have shared the data of 1,100 bank card holders, with economic losses valued at between one and four million euro.
Thanks to the extensive investigation, the arrest was made in Madrid, where 4 laptop computers, 4 hard drives, 8 storage devices and 3 mobile phones were seized.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 27 year old computer expert, accused of hacking into accounts and selling the details of Spanish bank users. The hacker is said by the police to be well known in the cybercrime field and could have shared the data of 1,100 bank card holders, with economic losses […]

### Ryanair Flight Diverted due to Sick Passenger

A Ryanair flight from Bournemouth to Alicante declared an emergency whilst flying over France on Monday, diverting to Limoges airport.
Flight FR9083, the 17:30 flight from the UK, due to arrive in Alicante at 20:30, declared an emergency about an hour into the flight and landed safely.
On the ground, it was revealed that a female passenger had been taken ill.
The aircraft left France at around 20:45, under a different flight number, FR9088.

Excerpt: A Ryanair flight from Bournemouth to Alicante declared an emergency whilst flying over France on Monday, diverting to Limoges airport. Flight FR9083, the 17:30 flight from the UK, due to arrive in Alicante at 20:30, declared an emergency about an hour into the flight and landed safely. On the ground, it was revealed that a […]

### Increase in Speed Checks This Week

The DGT has announced a special vigilance campaign against speeding motorists, which will take place between the 20th and 26th of July.
Extra mobile speed checks will be in place around the country, especially on roads which are known to have more incidents than others, such as main roads.
According to the DGT, inappropriate speed was a factor in 10% of the 89,500 injury incidents during 2013, a figure that rises to 17% when filtering out incidents to only include those on the main roads.
In fatal incidents, excessive speed was a contributory factor in 22% of all incidents. Therefore, according to the DGT, if all vehicles were travelling at the right speed, a quarter of those killed, around 400 people, would still be alive and 1,680 incidents would have been avoided.
All roads have speed limits, generic or specific, and if this limit is exceeded then a driver, if detected, will be punished. But even if a vehicle is driving below the allowed maximum limit, external circumstances such as rain or ice, or vehicle characteristics such as using an emergency wheel can alter what is an appropriate speed to drive at.
The Road Safety Laws dictate that a driver must respect the speed limits and adapt the vehicle´s speed so as to allow it to stop in its field of view, taking into account any obstacles or hazards that might present themselves, taking into account their physical and mental conditions, characteristics and condition of the road, vehicle load, weather, traffic and other circumstances. That is the safe speed.
The faster your car is travelling, the more distance and time it will take to stop. Stopping distances consist of two parts, reaction time and braking time. The average reaction time is between 1 and 1.5 seconds, during which time the vehicle is continuing towards a potential hazard at speed. The faster the vehicle is travelling, the more distance it will cover in this time. Reaction times can be altered by other characteristics such as distraction, alcohol or drugs, or other factors.
The actual braking distance then depends on the speed of the vehicle, as well as other factors such as the road and weather conditions, condition of the vehicle and brakes, the age of the vehicle and the actions of the driver, amongst other factors. In wet conditions, the stopping distance is doubled. In icy conditions, in the case of ice, stopping distances can be up to ten times that of normal, optimum conditions.
Reducing speed not only allows for more reaction time and an increased chance of stopping, it also reduces the damage in the event of a collision, possibly even making the difference between life and death in many cases. According to the 2004 Nilsson report, a decrease of 1% of the average speed on a road produces a 4% reduction in fatal crashes. In addition, it is argued that a reduction of 10 km / h of speed limits would imply a reduction in mortality of around 10%.
Although traffic police will be out in force monitoring speed, it is in everybody´s interest to be more vigilant and respectful of the limits put in place, not only by means of the signs on the road, but also the signs that indicate the factors that may mean the need to slow down is greater.

The post Increase in Speed Checks This Week appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The DGT has announced a special vigilance campaign against speeding motorists, which will take place between the 20th and 26th of July. Extra mobile speed checks will be in place around the country, especially on roads which are known to Read More ...
The post Increase in Speed Checks This Week appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Corvera Contracts to be Reissued

The Murcia regional government has prepared a new tender document in order to assign a contract for the management of Corvera airport, thus once again making the new regional airport a possibility.
The Minister of Development, Francisco Bernabé, has invited a number of companies to participate in developing a new business plan, updating the figures from 2006, when it was calculated that the airport would transport 1.5 million passengers a year by 2015, doubling in a short time.
The Minister hopes to have the new economic study later this year, which would, according to his calculations, enable the contract to be signed by next summer, and so the airport should finally be able to operate by the end of 2016.
This would also result in the closure of San Javier airport, which is one of the few airports in Spain where passenger numbers are declining.

Excerpt: The Murcia regional government has prepared a new tender document in order to assign a contract for the management of Corvera airport, thus once again making the new regional airport a possibility. The Minister of Development, Francisco Bernabé, has invited a number of companies to participate in developing a new business plan, updating the figures […]

### Tourism Still Increasing

Tourism on the Costa Blanca is continuing to increase, partly due to a rise in domestic tourists visiting the coastal area.
Figures released this weekend show that in the first half of July, the average occupancy across the Costa Blanca was 85%.
Add to that the already large figures recorded for the Easter period, and the record breaking number of passengers arriving at Alicante-Elche airport, there is no doubt that the summer of 2015 will yield record results for businesses working in the tourism sector.

Excerpt: Tourism on the Costa Blanca is continuing to increase, partly due to a rise in domestic tourists visiting the coastal area. Figures released this weekend show that in the first half of July, the average occupancy across the Costa Blanca was 85%. Add to that the already large figures recorded for the Easter period, and […]

### New Airport Parking Facility Opens on Tuesday

The new short-stay, pick-up and drop-off area at Alicante-Elche airport will be opened on Tuesday. The improvement work has cost 116,568.48 euro.

The new “Exprés” car park will offer 80 places for 15 minutes of free parking and replaces the current open drop-off and collection zones which currently a short stop of 5 minutes but are frequently abused by drivers who leave their vehicle for longer.
However, drivers need to be aware that should you stay longer than 15 minutes in the new zone, you will be charged a fee which is actually higher than if you were to use the traditional airport car park.
The new car park will also mean that vehicle movements are recorded, which will please the legal taxi drivers as the information could be used to clamp down on pirate and illegal operators.
There is also no other alternative available for dropping off and picking up, thus providing even more control and monitoring of vehicle movements around the terminal building.
More information about Alicante-Elche airport can be found at the airport operator’s website, here.
The post New Airport Parking Facility Opens on Tuesday appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The new short-stay, pick-up and drop-off area at Alicante-Elche airport will be opened on Tuesday. The improvement work has cost 116,568.48 euro. The new “Exprés” car park will offer 80 places for 15 minutes of free parking and replaces the Read More ...
The post New Airport Parking Facility Opens on Tuesday appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Infanta Cristina Returning to Cartagena Port

On Friday the 17th of July, at 9.30 am, the naval patrol boat ‘Infanta Cristina’ is scheduled to return to Cartagena after participating in operations to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean.
The vessel will be received by Admiral Salvador María Delgado Moreno.
The ‘Infanta Cristina’ sailed from Cartagena in February for the third time to participate in Operation Atalanta, a mission carried out by the Navy of the European Union.

Excerpt: On Friday the 17th of July, at 9.30 am, the naval patrol boat ‘Infanta Cristina’ is scheduled to return to Cartagena after participating in operations to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean. The vessel will be received by Admiral Salvador María Delgado Moreno. The ‘Infanta Cristina’ sailed from Cartagena in February for the third time […]

### New Alicante Airport Parking Facility Opens on Tuesday

The new short-stay, pick-up and drop-off area at Alicante-Elche airport will be opened on Tuesday.
The area, which is immediately outside the departure complex and is protected by barriers, offers up to 15 minutes parking for free and replaces the previous open drop-off area which was limited to 5 minutes, although many drivers waited around for longer.
However, drivers need to be aware that should you stay longer than 15 minutes in the new zone, you will be charged a fee which is actually higher than if you were to use the traditional airport car park.
There is also no other alternative available for dropping off and picking up, thus providing even more control and monitoring of vehicle movements around the terminal building.

Excerpt: The new short-stay, pick-up and drop-off area at Alicante-Elche airport will be opened on Tuesday. The area, which is immediately outside the departure complex and is protected by barriers, offers up to 15 minutes parking for free and replaces the previous open drop-off area which was limited to 5 minutes, although many drivers waited around […]

### Webmaster Arrests

Officers from the National Police have arrested three directors of a website used for downloading films and TV shows. The economic benefit, which was achieved through adverts and benefits posted on the website, is estimated as exceeding 600,000 euro over three years.
The proceeds came from users in Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Mexico, Chile, Finland, Switzerland and Ecuador.
The investigations began following a complaint filed by the major film producers and videographic distribution companies directed against those responsible for the website for an offence against intellectual property. Such sites offer audiovisual works such as films or TV series, which they are unauthorised to distribute. Access to the content was by direct download links to files and through streaming from dedicated servers.
The investigations allowed agents to determine that the site was owned by a company run by three people, who also ran other networked sites for commercial purposes.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested three directors of a website used for downloading films and TV shows. The economic benefit, which was achieved through adverts and benefits posted on the website, is estimated as exceeding 600,000 euro over three years. The proceeds came from users in Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Mexico, […]

### Taco Bell Comes to Alicante

Popular Mexican inspired food chain Taco Bell opened its 21st restaurant in Spain on Thursday, this time in a 250 square metre unit in Alicante centre.
Offering a range of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and their trademark Crunchywrap, the brand prides itself on using top quality ingredients for the best value in their sector.
The company already has restaurants in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, and are now branching out to the smaller cities across the country.

Excerpt: Popular Mexican inspired food chain Taco Bell opened its 21st restaurant in Spain on Thursday, this time in a 250 square metre unit in Alicante centre. Offering a range of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and their trademark Crunchywrap, the brand prides itself on using top quality ingredients for the best value in their sector. The company […]

### Dumped Baby Rescued by Police

A newborn baby was rescued from an underground rubbish container in the Mejorada del Campo area of Madrid on Wednesday morning.
A man walking his dog heard what he thought were the cries of a baby and alerted the police, who in turn called on the fire service to assist in accessing the underground container.
The baby was found in a plastic bag inside a rucksack but was said to be in good health.
An investigation has been launched to try to identify the parents.

Excerpt: A newborn baby was rescued from an underground rubbish container in the Mejorada del Campo area of Madrid on Wednesday morning. A man walking his dog heard what he thought were the cries of a baby and alerted the police, who in turn called on the fire service to assist in accessing the underground container. […]

### Orihuela Drugs Raid

In a collaborative operation between the National and Local Police of Orihuela, a cannabis club in the city has been shut down.
The operation saw teams of police officers swoop on the address on calle San Agustin and confiscate materials from inside.
Locals gathered to watch the activities as more than a dozen people were identified by the police and will be summonsed to testify.

Excerpt: In a collaborative operation between the National and Local Police of Orihuela, a cannabis club in the city has been shut down. The operation saw teams of police officers swoop on the address on calle San Agustin and confiscate materials from inside. Locals gathered to watch the activities as more than a dozen people were […]

### Cash Stash Find

Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized 700,000 euro from a taxi passenger in Tarragona, as the carrier was unable to prove the origin of the money.
The officers stopped the vehicle during a routine road block in the Sant Salvador area of the city and found the suitcase in the boot with a variety of note denominations.
The passenger in the taxi, a Lebanese citizen with a German passport, did not have any authorisation to transfer this money, as detailed in the laws governing the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.
The man confirmed that the suitcase was his and said he did not know the exact amount of money he had and that was to buy vehicles, but could not prove its origin.
The officers arrested the man for violation of the financial rules relating to the movement of money and deposited the cash in a bank pending a court ruling.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized 700,000 euro from a taxi passenger in Tarragona, as the carrier was unable to prove the origin of the money. The officers stopped the vehicle during a routine road block in the Sant Salvador area of the city and found the suitcase in the boot with a variety […]

### Fire Fighting Plane Crash

A pilot of a fire-fighting aircraft was injured on Wednesday when his plane failed to take off and crashed back to the ground at the Doade airbase in Lugu.

The Dromader M18, which carried the registration EC-FAT, was manufactured in Poland in the early 1980´s, designed for crop dusting.
The pilot, himself a Polish national, was taken to hospital after the crash but was not thought to be in a serious condition.
An investigation has been launched to ascertain the details surrounding the crash.

Excerpt: A pilot of a fire-fighting aircraft was injured on Wednesday when his plane failed to take off and crashed back to the ground at the Doade airbase in Lugu. The Dromader M18, which carried the registration EC-FAT, was manufactured in Poland in the early 1980´s, designed for crop dusting. The pilot, himself a Polish national, […]

### Twelve Million Brits Could Drive On The Wrong Side Of The Road This Summer

As the nation gears up for the great Summer getaway, a new study from TomTom has revealed that almost 12 million of the 20 million Brits planning on driving in Europe this Summer* could find themselves driving on the wrong side of the road.
A new Europe-wide study of over 10,000 drivers, including 2,000 from the UK, looks at summer driving habits.  It highlights that whilst 44% of British drivers are planning to drive in Europe this summer, 71% didn’t know the driving laws of popular holiday destinations when tested.  Although 85% said they do research road regulations before driving abroad, a simple road rule knowledge test, commissioned by TomTom, showed UK drivers are stumped by everyday international driving laws.  For example:

In Scandinavia it is illegal to drive without headlights, even in daylight
Cyprus has a zero tolerance policy on all drinking at the wheel, including non-alcoholic drinks like water and eating any food
In some Spanish cities, cars must be parked on different sides of the road according to the day of the week
In Portugal it is illegal to carry bicycles on the back of a car
In Denmark you must do a routine check for sleeping children under your car every time you drive

And it isn’t just specific regulations that are causing confusion on European roads for British drivers, with many admitting they have struggled in the past when faced with foreign driving cultures. The most common issues faced when driving abroad include:

Not knowing where and when you can park (27%)
Driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road (26%)
Knowing which lane is best to travel in (22%)
The correct speed limit to travel at (19%)
Not understanding the road signs (18%)

Indeed, almost two thirds of UK drivers (61%) said they would prefer someone else to drive because they don’t feel confident driving abroad (47%) and find it too stressful (44%).
European Data
It isn’t just British drivers who feel like they are driving round in circles when it comes to international road laws – our European counterparts are also struggling. German drivers are perhaps the most likely to exceed the speed limit with more than a quarter (29%) admitting to have done so whilst driving abroad in the past and 27% admit to having been pulled over by the police. Nearly one in three Italians also admit to being pulled over by law enforcement when abroad, which maybe links to the fact that more than one in ten (15%) have had a near miss.
Corinne Vigreux, co-founder and managing director, TomTom Consumer, said: “There are a huge number of varying and complex road rules that exist across the globe. And, as our research reveals, it’s understandable that drivers aren’t always completely aware of the rules in every country they visit. We try to take the headache out of driving abroad with our range of navigation devices and services** – whether that’s making sure you’re aware of the speed limit, that you’re in the right lane, or even by guiding you to the nearest car park in an unfamiliar city.”

The post Twelve Million Brits Could Drive On The Wrong Side Of The Road This Summer appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: As the nation gears up for the great Summer getaway, a new study from TomTom has revealed that almost 12 million of the 20 million Brits planning on driving in Europe this Summer* could find themselves driving on the wrong Read More ...
The post Twelve Million Brits Could Drive On The Wrong Side Of The Road This Summer appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Summer Job Boost

Thanks to the onset of summer, the service sector has led the way in job creation across the Vega Baja in June, with 68% of all jobs secured being from the sector.
In total, 7,992 people were employed in serving, compared to 1,757 in agriculture, 828 in construction and 754 in industry.
The temporary nature of summer jobs is always a later concern however, with 91% of the 10,631 contracts issued in June being for temporary jobs.
Well over half of the workers now employed are men, with 6,588 contracts compared to 4,043 women.
Once again, Orihuela has led the way in job creation with 2,679 people now finding work, followed by Torrevieja with 2.401, Pilar de la Horadada with 1,194 and Guardamar del Segura with 711.

Excerpt: Thanks to the onset of summer, the service sector has led the way in job creation across the Vega Baja in June, with 68% of all jobs secured being from the sector. In total, 7,992 people were employed in serving, compared to 1,757 in agriculture, 828 in construction and 754 in industry. The temporary nature […]

### Fake Sailing Qualification Network Disbanded

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 22 people, with a further 851 under investigation, charged in connection with falsifying nautical qualifications.
The operation began in October last year when investigators became aware of an individual who would provide qualifications in exchange for money, without ensuring that the applicants had trained for and successfully passed the relevant examinations.
The investigation then revealed a network of people involved in the scam, culminating in inspections across 29 coastal provinces and the subsequent arrests.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 22 people, with a further 851 under investigation, charged in connection with falsifying nautical qualifications. The operation began in October last year when investigators became aware of an individual who would provide qualifications in exchange for money, without ensuring that the applicants had trained for and successfully passed […]

### British Tourist Dies on the Costa Dorada

A 51 year old British tourist has died after drowning in the sea at the Tarragona beach of L’Ametlla de Mar.
The man is believed to have been camping with his family on the Costa Dorada when the tragedy happened on Monday afternoon.
Reports sate that the man was snorkelling when some people in his vicinity realised he wasn´t moving and so summonsed help.
Emergency services attended but could do nothing to revive the man. An autopsy is being carried out to confirm the cause of death.

Excerpt: A 51 year old British tourist has died after drowning in the sea at the Tarragona beach of L’Ametlla de Mar. The man is believed to have been camping with his family on the Costa Dorada when the tragedy happened on Monday afternoon. Reports sate that the man was snorkelling when some people in his […]

### Flying Dry

An Easyjet Airbus flying from Newcastle to Alicante on Friday made an emergency landing in Paris on account of the aircraft being low on water.
Flight U2-6417 was around 100 nautical miles southwest ofParis when the crew decided to divert due to low water supplies. The crew declared an emergency to ensure a smooth passage to the ground, landing some 40 minutes after the alert.
The aircraft remained in Paris for 70 minutes whist taking on water and fuel before continuing to Alicante where it arrived with a 2 hour delay.
The airline confirmed that the crew declared emergency as a precaution due to limited water supplies on board.

Excerpt: An Easyjet Airbus flying from Newcastle to Alicante on Friday made an emergency landing in Paris on account of the aircraft being low on water. Flight U2-6417 was around 100 nautical miles southwest ofParis when the crew decided to divert due to low water supplies. The crew declared an emergency to ensure a smooth passage […]

### Abducted Child Reunited in Torrevieja

The Guardia Civil has successfully located and returned a child to his mother in Torrevieja after investigators found that the boy had been brought to Spain illegally by his father.
The events date back to 2013, when the couple separated. Custody of the child was left to the mother, who took up residency in a village in Italy.
The father started a judicial process to obtain custody, but rather than waiting for the judgement, it became apparent that the boy had been taken from his mother´s care when he disappeared whilst playing in a park near his home.
Believing they had fled to Spain, the Guardia Civil launched a search and located the boy in a home in the Guadalupe area of Cáceres.
Having received the appropriate authority, the child was seized and reunited with his Cuban mother in Torrevieja, where they had lived as a couple before the split, whilst the Spanish father now faces charges of abduction and has been delivered to the courts.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil has successfully located and returned a child to his mother in Torrevieja after investigators found that the boy had been brought to Spain illegally by his father. The events date back to 2013, when the couple separated. Custody of the child was left to the mother, who took up residency in a […]

### Record Breaking Airport Figures

Following on from serving over a million passengers in May, Alicante-Elche airport broke its June passenger record this year with 1,073,957 passengers using the facility, 3% more than the same period of last year.
The information was revealed this week in the latest figures from airport operator AENA, who also say that the UK is the top destination for passengers, with 473,274, followed by Germany and Norway.
For the first six-months of the year, Alicante saw 4,684,771 passengers, 3.6% more than last year.
Sadly, for its part, Murcia San Javier airport saw 454,085 passengers in the first six-months of the year, 2% less than in the same period of 2014. In addition, from January to June, there were 3,876 flights, 3.2% less than last year.

Excerpt: Following on from serving over a million passengers in May, Alicante-Elche airport broke its June passenger record this year with 1,073,957 passengers using the facility, 3% more than the same period of last year. The information was revealed this week in the latest figures from airport operator AENA, who also say that the UK is […]

### Torrevieja Electromar Given Go Ahead

Torrevieja town hall has given the go ahead for this weekend´s Electromar music festival to take place at the Antonio Soria park.
The event will take place from 8pm on Saturday and run through until 8am on Sunday morning with some 40 artists performing on the three stages.
However, although the town hall has given permission for the leasing of the site, the organisers still have to provide all the necessary documentation, including liability insurance and a safety plan, as well as paying the fee to rent the municipal land.
Some 10,000 people are expected to attend the event, with tickets at 24 euro each, and so traffic will also be particularly bad around the area with roadblocks in place to ensure that potential problems relating to parties and traffic are avoided.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall has given the go ahead for this weekend´s Electromar music festival to take place at the Antonio Soria park. The event will take place from 8pm on Saturday and run through until 8am on Sunday morning with some 40 artists performing on the three stages. However, although the town hall has given […]

### Europe Fines Spain for Valencia Accounting

The European Union has fined Spain 18.93 million euro for manipulating statistics on the deficit in the Autonomous Community of Valencia between 2011 and 2012, the end period of the presidency of Francisco Camps as he handed over to successor, Alberto Fabra, both of the Partido Popular.
The file was opened in Brussels in July 2014 and the fine already announced, but this week the Council of the European Union have issued a statement blaming the penalty on a “lack of registration of health spending and breach of accrual by the regional office”.
This is the first time that the EU has imposed a fine for handling the deficit from legislation passed in 2011 in order to increase fiscal surveillance.
Having promised no tax increases during their electoral campaign for 2001, the government formed by Mariano Rajoy immediately launched a campaign blaming their imposed tax increases on the “hidden deficit” left by the previous socialist government. However, this latest revelation suggests that the problems Rajoy blamed the tax increases on actually stemmed from the senior members of his own party at a regional level.

Excerpt: The European Union has fined Spain 18.93 million euro for manipulating statistics on the deficit in the Autonomous Community of Valencia between 2011 and 2012, the end period of the presidency of Francisco Camps as he handed over to successor, Alberto Fabra, both of the Partido Popular. The file was opened in Brussels in July […]

### No More Baby on Board Signs?

A Spanish company is hoping that the traditional “Baby on Board” sign for cars will soon be a thing of the past, as they have patented a new design which they hope will be the future of delicate passenger warnings.

Patrimi Innovación has designed “Babyled”, an illuminated triangular sign which will warn that a vehicle is carrying a baby by use of LED lighting.
Without wires or harmful electrical waves, the device composes of two parts. The first is a pressure mat which is placed in the child seat of the car. The second part is the illuminated triangle which is designed to be stuck to the rear window of the vehicle, and is removable.
Once the child is placed in the seat, the sensor becomes aware of its presence and so illuminates the sign, switching it back off once the pressure is eased by the removal of the child.

The manufacturer is confident that the device is legal for use in Spain, so much so they state that the product is certified and complies with all current regulations and that it does not contravene any road safety regulations.
So much so, the company provide a certificate in the box which they say will allow the driver to present the facts to a law enforcement officer in the event of being stopped or questioned about the device.
However, with a price tag of just under 80 euro for Babyled, the more traditional sticker might be the cheaper option, but the manufacturer also says that the batteries and device can last up to 13 years, and therefore the entire childhood from birth.
The post No More Baby on Board Signs? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A Spanish company is hoping that the traditional “Baby on Board” sign for cars will soon be a thing of the past, as they have patented a new design which they hope will be the future of delicate passenger warnings. Read More ...
The post No More Baby on Board Signs? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Brits Arrested in Benidorm

The local police in Benidorm arrested two British women on Saturday night, one aged 20 and the other 24, accused of selling Nitrous Oxide gas to revellers.
The pair were said to have been selling a dose of the gas for five euro, which they provided in balloons filled from a siphon.
The arrests were made in an area popular with British tourists with the officers seizing hundreds of capsules containing the gas, balloons, dispensing bottles and 200 euro in cash.

Excerpt: The local police in Benidorm arrested two British women on Saturday night, one aged 20 and the other 24, accused of selling Nitrous Oxide gas to revellers. The pair were said to have been selling a dose of the gas for five euro, which they provided in balloons filled from a siphon. The arrests were […]

### Elche Forest Fire Extinguished

A forest fire which took hold near the beaches in Elche Sunday was brought under control within a few hours thanks to the collaboration of the emergency services.
In addition to local and regional ground crews, a helicopter and two planes joined in the battle to control the flames, with all indications pointing to the fire being caused by reckless behaviour, most likely as a result of inconsiderate human activity.
Around 3,000 square metres of Pine Forest were destroyed in the Guardamar and La Marina area with the lack of wind allowing for the fire to be controlled quicker.
The entire area remains on high alert for forest fires with everybody being asked to be extra vigilant, especially in disposing of smoking materials and other rubbish, as the majority of these types of fires are caused by human interaction.

Excerpt: A forest fire which took hold near the beaches in Elche Sunday was brought under control within a few hours thanks to the collaboration of the emergency services. In addition to local and regional ground crews, a helicopter and two planes joined in the battle to control the flames, with all indications pointing to the […]

### Norwegian Air Shuttle Announces Canary Islands Shuttles

Norwegian Air Shuttle has announced a range of flights serving the Canary Islands from Mainland Spain this winter.
Begins 25th October
Madrid to Las Palmas (0830 – 1025 (except Sunday 1600-1755))
Las Palmas to Madrid (1115 – 1510 (except Sunday 1845 – 2240))
Madrid to Tenerife North (0800 – 0955)
Tenerife North to Madrid (1045 – 1440)
Begins 26th October
Barcelona to Las Palmas (0700 – 0910 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Las Palmas to Barcelona (0950 – 1410 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Barcelona to Tenerife North (0700 – 0930 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
Tenerife North to Barcelona (1005 – 1425 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
Malaga to Tenerife South (1055 – 1225 on Monday & Friday)
Tenerife South to Malaga (0700 – 1020 on Monday & Friday)
Begins 27th October
Barcelona to Fuerteventura (0600 – 0805 on Tuesday, Thursday (0700 – 0905 on Saturday))
Fuerteventura to Barcelona (0845 – 1300 on Tuesday, Thursday (0945 – 1400 on Saturday))
Begins 30th October
Malaga to Las Palmas (0900 – 1020 on Sunday (1100 – 1220 on Friday)
Las Palmas to Malaga (1100 – 1425 on Sunday (0700 – 1025 on Friday)

Excerpt: Norwegian Air Shuttle has announced a range of flights serving the Canary Islands from Mainland Spain this winter. Begins 25th October Madrid to Las Palmas (0830 – 1025 (except Sunday 1600-1755)) Las Palmas to Madrid (1115 – 1510 (except Sunday 1845 – 2240)) Madrid to Tenerife North (0800 – 0955) Tenerife North to Madrid (1045 […]

### Hot Air Balloon Crash Death

One person was killed and six others injured on Sunday when a hot air balloon crashed in the Vilanova del Camí area of Barcelona.
The balloon crashed into an embankment whilst performing a landing manoeuvre. The victims were participating in the European Balloon Festival, held in Igualada. The festival organisers reported the death of the 51 year old pilot, who was a resident of Sitges, via their Twitter account.

Excerpt: One person was killed and six others injured on Sunday when a hot air balloon crashed in the Vilanova del Camí area of Barcelona. The balloon crashed into an embankment whilst performing a landing manoeuvre. The victims were participating in the European Balloon Festival, held in Igualada. The festival organisers reported the death of the […]

### Are You Aware of the UK Driving Law Changes?

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning people to be ready for a host of changes coming up in driving laws in the UK – and fear many are totally unaware of what’s in store in 2015.
New regulations that have changed driving licences, drug-drive limits and speed limits have already taken place in 2015. There are, however, other changes expected to take place later in the year.
For motorists oblivious to these changes, the IAM is raising awareness to ensure all road users understand the new driving laws and changes.
In March a new law on driving under the influence of legal or illegal drugs including cannabis and cocaine and prescription drugs including diazepam, methadone and morphine came into force across England and Wales.
Earlier this month, the IAM revealed the true scale of drug-driving since the new regulations started and found 902 arrests have already been made by police forces. Motorists convicted of drug-driving will get a minimum one year driving ban, unlimited fine, up to six months imprisonment and a criminal record.


It’s illegal to drive if either:

you’re unfit to do so because you’re on legal or illegal drugs
you have certain levels of illegal drugs in your blood (even if they haven’t affected your driving)


Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you’re taking them and not sure if you should drive, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.

The police can stop you and make you do a ‘field impairment assessment’ if they think you’re on drugs. This is a series of tests, eg asking you to walk in a straight line. They can also use a roadside drug kit to screen for cannabis and cocaine.
If they think you’re unfit to drive because of taking drugs, you’ll be arrested and will have to take a blood or urine test at a police station.
You could be charged with a crime if the test shows you’ve taken drugs.
Prescription medicines
It’s illegal in England and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving.
It’s an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you haven’t been prescribed them.
Talk to your doctor about whether you should drive if you’ve been prescribed any of the following drugs:

amphetamine, eg dexamphetamine or selegiline
clonazepam
diazepam
flunitrazepam
lorazepam
methadone
morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, eg codeine, tramadol or fentanyl
oxazepam
temazepam

You can drive after taking these drugs if:

you’ve been prescribed them and followed advice on how to take them by a healthcare professional
they aren’t causing you to be unfit to drive even if you’re above the specified limits


You could be prosecuted if you drive with certain levels of these drugs in your body and you haven’t been prescribed them.

The law doesn’t cover Northern Ireland and Scotland but you could still be arrested if you’re unfit to drive.
Penalties for drug driving
If you’re convicted of drug driving you’ll get:

a minimum 1 year driving ban
an unlimited fine
up to 6 months in prison
a criminal record

Your driving licence will also show you’ve been convicted for drug driving. This will last for 11 years.

The penalty for causing death by dangerous driving under the influence of drugs is a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Other problems you could face
A conviction for drug driving also means:

your car insurance costs will increase significantly
if you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence
you may have trouble travelling to countries like the USA






Last updated: 21 May 2015


In April, the speed limit for the largest heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) travelling on a single carriageway across England and Wales increased from 40mph to 50mph, and on a dual carriageway it has increased from 50mph to 60mph.
I have today (28 November 2014) announced that the government intends, following a public consultation, to increase the national speed limit for heavy goods vehicles of more than 7.5 tonnes on dual carriageway roads from 50 mph to 60 mph.
This complements the decision that the government has already announced to raise the national speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads, and is part of a wider package of associated measures that the government is bringing forward to continue to increase economic efficiency and remove outdated restrictions.
The national speed limit increase on dual carriageways will modernise an outdated regulation dating from the 1980s, better reflecting the capabilities of modern HGVs. It will help to free professional hauliers from unnecessary regulation.
The change will ensure that HGV speed limits are proportionate and better aligned with the limits for HGVs on motorways and single carriageways, and with other vehicles such as coaches and cars towing caravans. Our evidence indicates that actual average speeds are unlikely to change in response to the change in national speed limit. Our impact assessment, which has been scrutinised by independent experts, concludes that there is not expected to be an adverse effect on road safety, but we will be monitoring the impacts closely.
The speed limit increases for HGVs will be implemented via a change in the law to be put to Parliament during the next few months, with implementation scheduled for 6 April 2015. The existing limits continue to apply until the change has been put into effect. The amended speed limit will cover dual carriageway roads in England and Wales, unless specific lower local or urban speed limits are in effect.
The Department for Transport is publishing the summary of dual carriageway HGV speed limit consultation responses. The department is also publishing an impact assessment.
Copies of these documents will be placed in the libraries of both Houses.
Changes to driving laws and other-related procedural changes have also come into force this year to take advantage of the internet, increase convenience and save time on administration.
From the government’s launch of the ‘Make a Plea’ service in March, which enables motorists charged with minor motoring offences including speeding, failing to identify the driver or using a vehicle without insurance to respond to the charges made against them digitally, to the scrapping of the the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) paper counterpart of the photo card on 8 June, in which all driver information such as endorsements and which category of vehicles you are entitled to drive is stored electronically – the changes have allowed motorists to access information remotely. Important changes have also come into force with how motorists provide proof of their driving records to a third party and will need to obtain a special code from online to allow sharing of data.
A new scheme in London will be introduced later this year on 1 September that ensures all lorries and construction vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are fitted with basic safety equipment.
The Safer Lorry Scheme, which will be enforced by the Metropolitan Police, City of London Police and the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency, will aim to tackle the number of fatal collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians. The scheme will run 24 hours a day across the city and any drivers found in charge of a non-compliant vehicle may be issued with a £50 penalty notice and a potential £1000 fine at the Magistrates Court.
Upcoming changes to driving laws will also see smoking in cars carrying children under the age of 18 becoming illegal from 1 October. Potential fines and penalties are expected to be announced closer to the time.
The new rules will come into force on 1 October 2015 and people failing to comply could face a £50 fixed penalty notice.
Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said:
Three million children are exposed to secondhand smoke in cars, putting their health at risk. We know that many of them feel embarrassed or frightened to ask adults to stop smoking which is why the regulations are an important step in protecting children from the harms of secondhand smoke.
Public Health England will launch its campaign to raise awareness of the dangers that secondhand smoke in homes and cars can cause to children’s health. PHE will also be running a campaign later in the year to raise awareness of the new legislation.
The regulations will become part of the existing smokefree laws and would make it an offence to smoke or to fail to prevent smoking in a private vehicle with someone under the age of 18 present. The regulations do not apply to a driver on their own in a car.

Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer said: “This year has seen some of the biggest changes in motoring procedures we have ever seen. It is very important drivers and riders are fully up-to-date on what is happening – they will affect everyone in one way or another. So don’t get caught out, get informed.”
The post Are You Aware of the UK Driving Law Changes? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning people to be ready for a host of changes coming up in driving laws in the UK – and fear many are totally unaware of what’s in store in 2015. New regulations Read More ...
The post Are You Aware of the UK Driving Law Changes? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Pick up The Courier with Motoring Plus

The Courier newspaper is out now and features the latest copy of their fortnightly Motoring+ supplement.

The Courier is the only official media partner of the n332 project in the Torrevieja and Orihuela areas, and they will bring some of the motoring related articles endorsed by us to their readers locally, expanding our information network even further.
They will also be bringing their readers some first-to-publish articles, so not only can you be sure that their motoring section articles are correct, they will also be first.
The Courier is distributed every Friday across the Torrevieja and Orihuela areas, and you can read the latest version online at their website…
http://thecourier.es/latest-issue/
The post Pick up The Courier with Motoring Plus appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Courier newspaper is out now and features the latest copy of their fortnightly Motoring+ supplement. The Courier is the only official media partner of the n332 project in the Torrevieja and Orihuela areas, and they will bring some of Read More ...
The post Pick up The Courier with Motoring Plus appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Torrevieja Bike Patrol

The Department of the Environment in Torrevieja has launched a parkland observation project in which 32 cyclists will routinely patrol the protected parkland of La Mata and Torrevieja looking for and reporting incidents of environmental and other concerns in order to preserve the ecological values ​​of this protected natural area, preventive monitoring of forest fires and promoting the implementation of best practices in nature in order to protect the area.

Excerpt: The Department of the Environment in Torrevieja has launched a parkland observation project in which 32 cyclists will routinely patrol the protected parkland of La Mata and Torrevieja looking for and reporting incidents of environmental and other concerns in order to preserve the ecological values ​​of this protected natural area, preventive monitoring of forest fires […]

### Lucky Rescue in La Manga

A man in his 80´s was rescued on Thursday after being knocked unconscious whilst bathing on a beach in La Manga del Mar Menor-
The 1-1-2 emergency coordination centre received a call just after 15.00 explaining how an elderly man was unconscious in the water near to the Cabo Romano urbanisation.
Emergency medics and lifeguards were sent to the scene, but an off duty police officer, who had witnessed the incident from his balcony, was already retrieving and reviving the man until the medics took over, transferring him to the Santa Lucia hospital in Cartagena.
Meanwhile, earlier on Thursday, divers assisted lifeguards in rescuing a 54 year old Swedish national who had suffered a suspected heart attack whilst diving off the coast of Cabo de Palos. That call came in just before 10:00 in the morning warning that a dive boat was returning to port with the unconscious woman on board.
Two doctors were on board the boat and maintained her vital signs until she was able to be transferred to the same hospital´s intensive care unit for treatment.

Excerpt: A man in his 80´s was rescued on Thursday after being knocked unconscious whilst bathing on a beach in La Manga del Mar Menor- The 1-1-2 emergency coordination centre received a call just after 15.00 explaining how an elderly man was unconscious in the water near to the Cabo Romano urbanisation. Emergency medics and lifeguards […]

### Hero Cop Stops Runaway Stolen Truck

Officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered a stolen articulated lorry in Salamanca which contained tobacco and stolen goods valued at around 150,000 euro.

The officers received a report of a robbery from a service station at Pedrosillo el Ralo at around 05:00 on Tuesday. As a patrol attended the scene the attending officers witnessed a refrigerated lorry fleeing the scene and upon seeing the patrol the truck almost hit one of the patrols.
After joining the A-62 in the Valladolid direction it became apparent that the truck driver was aware of officers in pursuit and abandoning the vehicle by jumping from it and fleeing on foot, leaving the truck moving and out of control.
Fearing for the safety of other road users a patrol car carried out a maneuver to allow one of the officers to climb into the moving truck, stopping the vehicle before it could cause further incidents.
The officers then discovered that the truck had been stolen that morning from an industrial area in Villares de la Reina and was loaded with boxes of cigarettes and other items stolen from another truck that was parked nearby.
An investigation is underway to identify the suspects of the robbery.





The post Hero Cop Stops Runaway Stolen Truck appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered a stolen articulated lorry in Salamanca which contained tobacco and stolen goods valued at around 150,000 euro. The officers received a report of a robbery from a service station at Pedrosillo el Ralo Read More ...
The post Hero Cop Stops Runaway Stolen Truck appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Pilgrim Flasher Patrol

Officers from the local police in Ames have disguised themselves as pilgrims in order to catch an exhibitionist reported for lewd behaviour along the religiously important Camino de Santiago.
Responding to complaints from walkers that a male had been seen on numerous occasions “performing obscene gestures and acts of exhibitionism” along the route.
Unable to locate or identify the man, the police decided to set a trap by pretending to be pilgrims and in a very short time witnessed hat they had been warned about.
The police identified themselves to the man and warned him of the consequences of his actions, and the added seriousness should such actions be performed in the presence of children or those with mental disabilities.

Excerpt: Officers from the local police in Ames have disguised themselves as pilgrims in order to catch an exhibitionist reported for lewd behaviour along the religiously important Camino de Santiago. Responding to complaints from walkers that a male had been seen on numerous occasions “performing obscene gestures and acts of exhibitionism” along the route. Unable to […]

### Weapons Found

Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized a variety of weapons and other materials believed to have been used in criminal activities, including caps which could be confused as being to those worn by the security service personal, which have the word “police” embroidered on.

The officers noticed a vehicle on the A-7 motorway in Cádiz that upon approaching a traffic queue decided to turn around and drive in the opposite direction on the motorway. The officers witnessed the occupants of the vehicle throw a large bag from the car, which they retrieved, and found to contain the items described, as well as car number plates, one corresponding to a vehicle from the Alicante province.
The officers continued to pursue the vehicle but the occupants managed to abandon the vehicle and flee, evading capture.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized a variety of weapons and other materials believed to have been used in criminal activities, including caps which could be confused as being to those worn by the security service personal, which have the word “police” embroidered on. The officers noticed a vehicle on the A-7 motorway in […]

### Crucifixion Protest Not a Crime

The judge presiding over a case brought against 8 local police officers in Torrevieja has deemed that a protest, in which a crucifixion was faked to highlight the poor working conditions imposed on the officers by the town hall, did not constitute a crime.
The judge states that the officers had a right to protest and were exercising that right legally, as it did not contravene the laws relating to the rights of assembly and protest, and that it could only have been prevented by the government office if there were reasonable grounds to believe that disorderly conduct might endanger people, which there was not.
The former mayor, Eduardo Dolón, had filed for a private prosecution for disorderly conduct, but the judge believes that this case should be dismissed as at no time was there a serious disturbance to the plenary hall preventing normal operation, and that the suspension of the town hall meeting was the mayor´s initiative, but it had no impact.

Excerpt: The judge presiding over a case brought against 8 local police officers in Torrevieja has deemed that a protest, in which a crucifixion was faked to highlight the poor working conditions imposed on the officers by the town hall, did not constitute a crime. The judge states that the officers had a right to protest […]

### Military Honoured in La Mata on Friday

Members of the Guardia Civil traffic department, along with a couple of their motorbikes, weather permitting, will be involved in a display recognising the work of the armed forces in La Mata, Torrevieja, on Friday, 10th of July, 2015.

The event will commence at 12:00, noon, with the hoisting of the Spanish flag in the main square of La Mata, plaza Encarnación Puchol. Then, the exhibition of military might will be open for the public to explore, visiting and viewing some of the vehicles and equipment that the members of the military use in their protective duties.

There will then be a display from Ezapac del Ejército del Aire, a squadron of paratroopers who will be in the air carrying a 4 metre by 6 metre flag in tribute to the country they serve.

Around 200 military personnel will also be involved in the exhibition, able to offer real life experiences in the armed forces, which may well encourage some of the younger members to consider a career in the military, whether that be any number of the branches of the army, air force or navy, or indeed the Guardia Civil.

Coinciding with the celebration of the feat of San Cristóbal, amongst the attendees at the event will be the Unidad Militar de Emergencias, el Cuerpo Nacional de Policía, la Policía de la Generalitat, la Brigada Paracaidista del Ejército de Tierra, el Batallón de Inteligencia Militar, el Escuadrón de Zapadores Paracaidistas del Ejército del Aire, el Batallón de Policía Militar, las Unidades Cinológicas, MOE de Rabasa-Alicante, la Unidad Policial de Rescate y Operaciones Especiales (UPROE), el Grupo Especialista de Seguridad Ciudadana de Policía Local de Orihuela (GESC), and units from the Academia General del Aire and of course, the Guardia Civil.

Later in the day, at 19:30, there will be a special tribute to the fallen comrades of the military who have been killed in the line of duty, followed by a mass and awards ceremony.

Finally, at 20:30, a concert will be held in tribute to all of those who serve, which will be performed by the band of the Unidad de Música de la Academia General del Aire de San Javier, which will conclude with a special tribute to Andrés Moreno Ramírez, the biographer of composer Ricardo Lafuente, who died last Friday.

The post Military Honoured in La Mata on Friday appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Members of the Guardia Civil traffic department, along with a couple of their motorbikes, weather permitting, will be involved in a display recognising the work of the armed forces in La Mata, Torrevieja, on Friday, 10th of July, 2015. The Read More ...
The post Military Honoured in La Mata on Friday appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Minor damage in Distraction Crash

A passenger car crashed into the back of a vehicle in Boiro, a municipality in the province of A Coruña in the autonomous community of Galicia, with the Guardia Civil immediately on the scene to ensure everybody was safe.
The reason for the prompt attention was that the vehicle that was hit from behind was a liveried Guardia Civil vehicle.

The incident occurred at around 15:00 on Tuesday afternoon on Calle Principal, near to the town hall, but as the traffic was moving at walking pace nobody was injured.
The initial investigation suggests that the driver of the rear vehicle had become distracted, resulting in the crash.
Distractions are one of the three major contributing factors to road traffic incidents, along with inappropriate speed and alcohol and drugs.
The post Minor damage in Distraction Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A passenger car crashed into the back of a vehicle in Boiro, a municipality in the province of A Coruña in the autonomous community of Galicia, with the Guardia Civil immediately on the scene to ensure everybody was safe. The Read More ...
The post Minor damage in Distraction Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Santa Pola and Torrevieja Researching Dog-Friendly Beaches

Both Santa Pola and Torrevieja town halls have announced plans to investigate the possibility of allowing dogs onto the beach in selected areas.
Playa La Cuartel and Playa de la Gola are the first options for Santa Pola, whereas in Torrevieja a beach in La Mata is under scrutiny.
Currently, El Campello has the only dog friendly beach on the Costa Blanca after attempts to implement the same in Alicante were blocked by the previous government there.

Excerpt: Both Santa Pola and Torrevieja town halls have announced plans to investigate the possibility of allowing dogs onto the beach in selected areas. Playa La Cuartel and Playa de la Gola are the first options for Santa Pola, whereas in Torrevieja a beach in La Mata is under scrutiny. Currently, El Campello has the only […]

### Elche Government Seeking Help for Taxi Drivers

The Elche municipal government has said that it will support the local taxi drivers in trying to find a solution to the problem of legal taxis from other areas taking work away from them, and the problem of illegal, pirate taxis.
The councillor for urban mobility, Esther Díez, and the councillor for institutional representation, Mireia Mollà, will collectively ask the regional government for help in providing more inspections in the area. In addition, the government will seek to update the local laws relating to taxis, which they consider to be “outdated”.
In a recent survey it was revealed that there were 40 foreign, but legal taxi drivers per day using Alicante-Elche airport, compared with the 82 licensed in Elche. These are mainly from Torrevieja, Murcia and Cartagena, as are the illegal pirate taxis which have collectively resulted in a 40% drop in work for the Elche drivers.
A recent number plate reader has proven ineffective, according to the government, and so more drastic measures are called for.

Excerpt: The Elche municipal government has said that it will support the local taxi drivers in trying to find a solution to the problem of legal taxis from other areas taking work away from them, and the problem of illegal, pirate taxis. The councillor for urban mobility, Esther Díez, and the councillor for institutional representation, Mireia […]

### Car Driver Injured in Orihuela Train Crossing Crash

An Alicante to Murcia commuter train smashed into a car on an unguarded level crossing in the Orihuela municipality on Tuesday, the car driver apparently oblivious to the presence of the train or the warning lights on the crossing.

The incident occurred at around 15:15 when the train driver noticed the car crossing the railway and immediately applied the emergency brakes. The train was not able to stop in time and crashed into the car, coming to a stop several metres after.
The train driver was able to then go to assist the woman driver and summon the emergency services who arrived at the scene and transferred the injured driver, who was conscious at the time, to hospital.
After the incident the train driver was heard to state his surprise that the train didn´t derail, causing serious injuries to those on board. The train had to return to Callosa de Segura on account of the front being too badly damaged to continue.
The car was almost completely destroyed in the impact as was the crossing warning system. The judicial police are investigating the circumstances.
 
The post Car Driver Injured in Orihuela Train Crossing Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: An Alicante to Murcia commuter train smashed into a car on an unguarded level crossing in the Orihuela municipality on Tuesday, the car driver apparently oblivious to the presence of the train or the warning lights on the crossing. The Read More ...
The post Car Driver Injured in Orihuela Train Crossing Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Car Driver Injured in Train Crossing Crash

An Alicante to Murcia commuter train smashed into a car on an unguarded level crossing in the Orihuela municipality on Tuesday, the car driver apparently oblivious to the presence of the train.

The incident occurred at around 15:15 when the train driver noticed the car crossing the railway and immediately applied the emergency brakes. The train was not able to stop in time and crashed into the car, coming to a stop several metres after.
The train driver was able to then go to assist the woman driver and summon the emergency services who arrived at the scene and transferred the injured driver, who was conscious at the time, to hospital.
After the incident the train driver was heard to state his surprise that the train didn´t derail, causing serious injuries to those on board. The train had to return to Callosa de Segura on account of the front being too badly damaged to continue.
The passengers were transferred to another train to continue their journey.

Excerpt: An Alicante to Murcia commuter train smashed into a car on an unguarded level crossing in the Orihuela municipality on Tuesday, the car driver apparently oblivious to the presence of the train. The incident occurred at around 15:15 when the train driver noticed the car crossing the railway and immediately applied the emergency brakes. The […]

### Another Hot Tuesday Expected

The weather alert for high temperatures has been reissued, with parts of the Valencia region now on red alert as temperatures will exceed 40 degrees in places.

In Ontinyent and Gandia, temperatures my reach 41 degrees, whereas in Orihuela and Elche, the temperature is likely to reach 39 degrees.
For Tuesday, the southern coast of the Valencia province is on red alert for heat; the rest of the province is on orange alert. Both Castellón and Alicante are on yellow alert.
For the most part, it is the inland areas which will be the hottest, and the sky may be cloudy at times, with occasional showers in some places and the occasional afternoon storm, particularly in the central areas. A breeze will be felt for most of the day along the coast.
The advice is to remain indoors during the hottest part of the day, but if you do have to go out, walk in the shade, drink plenty of water, cover up with loose fitting clothing and a hat, and wear plenty of high factor sun cream.

Excerpt: The weather alert for high temperatures has been reissued, with parts of the Valencia region now on red alert as temperatures will exceed 40 degrees in places. In Ontinyent and Gandia, temperatures my reach 41 degrees, whereas in Orihuela and Elche, the temperature is likely to reach 39 degrees. For Tuesday, the southern coast of […]

### Different Coloured Pedestrian Crossings

We have been asked many different times about the significance of other colours used on pedestrian crossings. Most people are aware of what we might call a “zebra”, with black and white alternating stripes across the road, but what about the red ones, or blue ones or any other colours?

There are two ways of answering the question, and so we will start with the simple and legal one. Article 168 of the Tráfico, Circulación y Seguridad Vial, says…
“c) Marca de paso para peatones. Una serie de líneas de gran anchura, dispuestas sobre el pavimento de la calzada en bandas paralelas al eje de ésta y que forman un conjunto transversal a la calzada, indica un paso para peatones, donde los conductores de vehículos o animales deben dejarles paso. NO podrán utilizarse líneas de otros colores que alternen con las blancas.”
To explain what that means in as literal way we can, it states that pedestrian crossings are formed of a series of wide lines arranged from the pavement and parallel to the axis thereof, forming a set across the road where drivers of vehicles or animals must let pedestrians pass.
However, in answer to your question about different colours used on crossings, the last phrase, “NO podrán utilizarse líneas de otros colores que alternen con las blancas”, states that you must not use other colours that alternate with the white ones.

Therefore, by the legal definition set out in this document, the only colours which should exist on pedestrian crossings are white, and the colour of the road.
However, the more complex answer comes about when we look at different methods of traffic calming, means to slow down road traffic to create a safer environment for all.
There have been many different studies relating to traffic calming, and highlighting pedestrian crossings better has been the outcome of some of that research.

A study in 2014 concluded that the best way to make crossings safer for pedestrians was to “transform these pedestrian passages into eye-grabbing spectacles: a school of colorful fish, a skein of yarn, a skeleton, a row of large-caliber bullets.”

However, that study was done by an artist rather than a road safety professional, although the impact was successful. By creating a surface which drivers looked out for could improve the awareness of the crossing, but other experts also suggest that these could do more damage than good, as distracting a driver from the vulnerable road users is a recipe for disaster, as drivers look at the crossing and not the people on it or waiting to cross.

You will see that many of the coloured crossings are on raised humps, again traffic calming measures, but a lot of these humps also don´t fall in with the legal requirements set down by law, and so quite a lot have been removed in recent years.
There are many different reasons why crossings are different colours, but as the majority of those which have been marked other than that laid down in law are under the control of local authorities, it is the reasoning for each one of those that is the only answer to the question, as nationally, all we can say it what the law clearly states, “NO podrán utilizarse líneas de otros colores que alternen con las blancas”.
The post Different Coloured Pedestrian Crossings appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: We have been asked many different times about the significance of other colours used on pedestrian crossings. Most people are aware of what we might call a “zebra”, with black and white alternating stripes across the road, but what about Read More ...
The post Different Coloured Pedestrian Crossings appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Road Fatality and Injury Statistics Released

The Director General of Traffic, María Seguí, has this week presented the conclusions of road incident statistics for 2014.
Last year there were 91,570 injury incidents in which 1,688 people died and 9,574 were injured to such a severity they needed admission in a hospital. On average, there were 4.6 deaths on the road every day.
One of the most worrying trends is the increase in deaths in vans, doubling from 51 deaths in 2013 to 100 deaths in 2014. Also worrying is the fact that 2 out of every 5 people killed in cars or vans were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident.
However, despite that for the first time since 2009 there has been an increase in the number of long-haul journeys by 1.6%, with 359.8 million journeys on the roads, 5 out of the 13 key performance indicators for road safety between 2010 and 2020 have already been achieved.
During 2014, in addition to the 1.6% increase in traffic, there has been a 2% increase in the number of injury incidents. There has also been a 5% decrease in the number of hospitalisations, and a 0.4% accidents and the minor injuries, a decrease of 5% in hospitalized wounded but a 0.4% increase in the number of fatalities.
Specifically, of the 91,570 injury accidents, in which 1,688 people died, that is an increase of 8 fatalities over 2013.
The data maintains Spain´s position in fifth place in the scale of European rankings by rate of fatalities with 36 deaths per million inhabitants, well below the European average rate which stands at 52, and ahead of countries like France, Germany, Italy and Finland.
The aging fleet of vehicles on the roads is still continuing, despite incentives for subsidies on new cars. Now, more than half of the cars on Spanish roads are 10 years of age or older, a fact that increases the risk of dying or being seriously injured compared to incidents involving vehicles of 5 years of age or less. In the case of fatal incidents in 2014, the average age of passenger cars involved was 12.1 years on urban roads and 13.3 years on urban roads.
In 2014, the number of registered vehicles cars on the roads was 30,976,047. During that year, 1,146,125 new vehicles were registered, 3,095,592 vehicles were transferred and 1,100,176 were decommissioned.
In terms of drivers, there are now 26,217,202 licensed drivers in charge of vehicles, a figure slightly below the previous year of 26,401,660. In addition, last year, 411,583 new drivers were registered and 3,089,952 driving license renewals were made. The data also reveals that the age of drivers is gradually increasing, parallel to the aging of the population, with 13% of drivers now 65 or older.
As regards the road network, it is estimated that there are over 660,000 kilometres of roads, of which over 489,000 are urban and managed by the municipalities, and more than 165,567 are intercity roads, of which 2% (3,036 km.) correspond to toll roads; 7% (11,682 km.) to free motorways and expressways; 1% (1,640 km.) of dual carriageways and 149,209 km (90%) to other conventional roads.
As the details of road incidents, 3 out of every 5 injury incidents occurred on urban roads, but fatal incidents were concentrated on intercity roads.
Last year, 38% of all injury incidents took place on interurban roads, representing 35,147 of the total. However, that was a 6% decrease compared to 2013. There were also a decline in the number of serious injuries by 7% and minor injuries by 5%, but there was a 1% increase in the number of fatalities. On these roads, 74% of all fatalities occurred.
On urban roads, there were 56,423 injury incidents, in which 441 people died (26% of the total), 4,740 were injured and hospitalized and 68,365 suffered minor injuries. Over the previous year, the number of injury incidents and minor injuries grew by 8%, but the number of deaths decreased by 9 people.
As has become the norm in recent years, 66% of incidents where at least one person died happened on weekdays and 63% of those incidents between 8am and 8pm.
Incidents where vehicles left the road is the biggest cause of fatalities, with 32% of deaths attributed to that type of incident, whereas the second most frequent incidents where a death occurred involved a pedestrian, 18% of the total number of incidents. In fact, 20% of all road fatalities in 2014 were pedestrians, with 336 people losing their lives, 132 they were in intercity roads and 204 on urban streets. In total, 336 pedestrians were killed, 40 less than the previous year.
There was a decline in the number of deaths in all age groups except the 45 to 54 years of age group, where an additional 48 people lost their lives, and those aged over 85, where an additional 9 people were killed compared to 2013.
Of the 746 people killed in cars, 23% were not wearing a seatbelt, 171 people losing their lives as a result. In addition, 23 of the 76 fatalities in vans were also not strapped in.
In addition, 11 of the 287 motorcyclists killed were not wearing a crash helmet at the time of the incident, and for moped riders, 9 of the 53 people who were killed were also not wearing a helmet.
The post Road Fatality and Injury Statistics Released appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Director General of Traffic, María Seguí, has this week presented the conclusions of road incident statistics for 2014. Last year there were 91,570 injury incidents in which 1,688 people died and 9,574 were injured to such a severity they Read More ...
The post Road Fatality and Injury Statistics Released appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Santa Pola Paraglider Death

A paraglider died on Sunday after an incident whilst jumping from the cliff top at Santa Pola lighthouse.
A rescue helicopter from the provincial fire consortium attended to render assistance to the man, but there was nothing that could be done to save his life.
Santa Pola lighthouse is one of the principal locations for paragliders to practice their spot, and has been the scene of previous incidents.

Excerpt: A paraglider died on Sunday after an incident whilst jumping from the cliff top at Santa Pola lighthouse. A rescue helicopter from the provincial fire consortium attended to render assistance to the man, but there was nothing that could be done to save his life. Santa Pola lighthouse is one of the principal locations for […]

### Body Washed Up on Alicante Beach

Bathers received an unpleasant surprise on the beach of Arenales del Sol near Gran Alacant, Alicante, on Sunday, when a body was washed up on shore.
The body was seen floating a few metres from the sand and so rescuers attended to enact a recovery.
The degree of decomposition of the body suggests that it had been in the water for several days, with no other obvious signs of injury or cause of death.
In autopsy is being carried out to determine the facts and identify the victim.

Excerpt: Bathers received an unpleasant surprise on the beach of Arenales del Sol near Gran Alacant, Alicante, on Sunday, when a body was washed up on shore. The body was seen floating a few metres from the sand and so rescuers attended to enact a recovery. The degree of decomposition of the body suggests that it […]

### British Couple Arrested on Fake Kidnapping Charge

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two British nationals in Guardamar del Segura accused of organising a fake kidnapping.
The supposed victim was the daughter of a couple from Manchester and was the girlfriend of the alleged perpetrator.
The “kidnapper” sent SMS messages and emails to the girl´s parents threatening to kill her, unless the sum of 5,000 pounds was received.
The messages also included pictures of the girl having apparently suffered injury with bruises to her body and locked in a room.
The parents complained to the UK police without knowing that the kidnapping was a fake, believing the threatening and frightening messages to be genuine and that their daughter was at risk.
The British National Crime Agency collaborated with the Guardia Civil to investigate the facts, resulting in the Guardia Civil identifying the property involved and concluding that the kidnapping was in fact false.
One of the two people arrested, the male, was already being known to the UK police for previous offences. They were brought before the courts in Torrevieja.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two British nationals in Guardamar del Segura accused of organising a fake kidnapping. The supposed victim was the daughter of a couple from Manchester and was the girlfriend of the alleged perpetrator. The “kidnapper” sent SMS messages and emails to the girl´s parents threatening to kill her, unless […]

### Religion Led Group Warn of Beach Dangers

A political group is reminding its religious followers of the risk of scandal and sin associated with going to mixed-sex beaches in the summer, and warned of practices which must be avoided in order not to offend God.
The Carlistas group, which recognises what they consider to be traditional catholic and Christian values, says that there are dangers of morality in mixed-sex beaches and so should be avoided. For men bathing together they must wear a “simple trunk” or a garment known as a “Meyba”, whereas women bathing together must wear a swimsuit which covers their torso and skirts when not in the water. Both sexes should be covered with a bathrobe when not in the water, they say.
Sunbathing should not be an excuse to abuse by exposing the naked body, which is usually not necessary, and when it is, should be performed away from the sight of others.
Extra care should also be taken during picnics, with mixed bathing in a pond or river; for the inconvenience the public bathing must also be added the additional risk of frivolity, lightness and excessive freedom of a day trip.
The Comisión Episcopal de Ortodoxia y Moralidad set out these rules in 1958, because God, who has given us so much beauty and so many ways of recreation, is entitled to expect of its rational creature other correspondence, more in harmony with reason and faith.

Excerpt: A political group is reminding its religious followers of the risk of scandal and sin associated with going to mixed-sex beaches in the summer, and warned of practices which must be avoided in order not to offend God. The Carlistas group, which recognises what they consider to be traditional catholic and Christian values, says that […]

### Busy Weekend at the Airport

During the first official weekend of the holiday season, Alicante-Elche Airport welcomed 264,000 passengers through its doors, 10% more than the same weekend of last year.
With the roads also seeing an increase in traffic over last year, there is now no doubt that this summer will be one of the busiest for some time on the increasingly popular Costa Blanca.

Excerpt: During the first official weekend of the holiday season, Alicante-Elche Airport welcomed 264,000 passengers through its doors, 10% more than the same weekend of last year. With the roads also seeing an increase in traffic over last year, there is now no doubt that this summer will be one of the busiest for some time […]

### Fined for Offensive T-Shirt

Social network sites have been going wild this weekend sharing news from Alicante that a girl was allegedly issued with a 651 euro fine at the weekend for wearing an offensive t-shirt.
The t-shirt had the phrase “ACAB” on the front, an English language acronym which is known to be disrespectful of the police.
The fine was issued under new laws which came into force this week making it easier for the authorities to punish those who do not show proper respect for law enforcement officers.

Excerpt: Social network sites have been going wild this weekend sharing news from Alicante that a girl was allegedly issued with a 651 euro fine at the weekend for wearing an offensive t-shirt. The t-shirt had the phrase “ACAB” on the front, an English language acronym which is known to be disrespectful of the police. The […]

### Orihuela Censure Motion Block was Legal

The judge presiding over the case in raised objecting to the blocking of a censure motion in Orihuela town hall in January, 2014, has ruled that it was correct that the Table of Elders blocked the motion which would have otherwise overthrown the government and brought the Partido Popular back into power.
Although largely an academic decision as the PP have returned to power following the last election result, it will no doubt be a relief for the members of the table of Elders, including British politician Bob Houliston, who was facing legal action for his part in blocking the motion.

Excerpt: The judge presiding over the case in raised objecting to the blocking of a censure motion in Orihuela town hall in January, 2014, has ruled that it was correct that the Table of Elders blocked the motion which would have otherwise overthrown the government and brought the Partido Popular back into power. Although largely an […]

### Panic at the Amusement Park

Thrill seekers at a Santa Pola amusement park had more of a shock than they had bargained for on Saturday night, when a power cut plunged the Pola Park into darkness, shutting down the rides.
The power cut at around 23:30 on Saturday night affected most of the town for up to an hour, but for the 2,500 people in the park the initial panic was clear as the safety systems kicked in and the rides all came to a halt, with park staff having to manually push them to the starting position to allow riders to disembark, whilst other attractions such as bouncy castles also became deflated, many with people still inside.
Luckily, nobody was injured at the park with those who had paid for all-inclusive wristbands offered entrance on an alternative day.

Excerpt: Thrill seekers at a Santa Pola amusement park had more of a shock than they had bargained for on Saturday night, when a power cut plunged the Pola Park into darkness, shutting down the rides. The power cut at around 23:30 on Saturday night affected most of the town for up to an hour, but […]

### Major Fire in Zaragoza

A major incident alert has been implemented in Zaragoza as a forest fire took hold on Saturday in the Luna area.

The ferocity of the fire has led to home evacuations in the towns of Asín, Orés and Farasdués, with the fire spreading through Cinco Villas.
As well as ground crews, three helicopters from the Aragon government and one from the environment ministry are fighting the flames, with three amphibious aircraft also sent to the scene.
The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, although the area is on high alert for fires and many of these are as a result of human error or intention.

Excerpt: A major incident alert has been implemented in Zaragoza as a forest fire took hold on Saturday in the Luna area. The ferocity of the fire has led to home evacuations in the towns of Asín, Orés and Farasdués, with the fire spreading through Cinco Villas. As well as ground crews, three helicopters from the […]

### Roof Rescue in Barcelona

Fire fighters in Barcelona were called to rescue a man from a rooftop on Saturday, after reports that he was precariously balanced on the edge.
The Catalan police were in attendance at the scene at the junction of calle Rosselló and Rambla de Catalunya, and the fire service came to assist on account of the man´s position.
However, there was a surprise in stores as they found the man to be completely naked, with hs back to the street, and looking towards the sun.

With an inflatable support in place on the ground in case he fell, the rescuers used a hydraulic platform to reach the man, who was seemingly oblivious to their arrival, maintaining is pose of apparent sun-worship.
The fire fighters slowly approached the man and gave him some gentle persuasion to a safer point on the roof, before being able to remove him completely and have him taken to hospital for assessment.
Meanwhile, the police entered his home as part of the investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and found a variety of narcotic substances, for which he was arrested at the hospital as an alleged perpetrator of a crime against the public health.

Excerpt: Fire fighters in Barcelona were called to rescue a man from a rooftop on Saturday, after reports that he was precariously balanced on the edge. The Catalan police were in attendance at the scene at the junction of calle Rosselló and Rambla de Catalunya, and the fire service came to assist on account of the […]

### Mallorca Traffic Officer Killed on Duty

A Guardia Civil traffic officer has been killed whilst on duty following an incident in Llucmajor, the largest municipality of the Balearic Island of Majorca, on Thursday.
The officer was hit by a van whilst attending an incident in which two cars had collided moments earlier.
The officer was in a critical condition as a result of the collision and was taken by ambulance to hospital, under an escort of Guardia Civil colleagues on account of the seriousness of the injuries sustained.
The officer passed away at 03:00 on Friday morning in the Hospital de Son Espases, another tragic loss in the line of duty.
The post Mallorca Traffic Officer Killed on Duty appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer has been killed whilst on duty following an incident in Llucmajor, the largest municipality of the Balearic Island of Majorca, on Thursday. The officer was hit by a van whilst attending an incident in which Read More ...
The post Mallorca Traffic Officer Killed on Duty appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Major International Crime Ring Disbanded

A total of 130 people have been arrested in a global operation deployed at 140 airports in 49 countries all believed to be involved in a criminal organisation dedicated to obtaining airline tickets fraudulently.

The operation was coordinated by Europol and Interpol in the framework of the so-called “Operación Blue Amber”, aimed at tackling organised crime on several fronts.
In Spain, the operation was coordinated by the Centre for Intelligence against Organized Crime and Terrorism (CITCO) and was undertaken in the airports of Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Malaga-Costa del Sol and Palma de Mallorca-Son Sant Joan.
A total of 38 European companies, comprised of 33 airlines and 5 travel agencies, filed complaints with the police relating to a number of frauds committed at the airports during the days of the operation.
The card payment networks, card issuers, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) all supported the operation by providing information to confirm the suspected fraudulent transactions.
During the operation, 222 suspicious transactions (163 in Europe, 23 in Asia and the Pacific, 18 in Latin America and 18 in Canada) were detected. As a result a total of 130 people were arrested (101 in Europe, 11 in Asia and the Pacific, 10 in Latin America, 2 in the United States and 6 in Canada).
Research shows that, in many cases, this type of fraud is related to other forms of serious crime. During the operation, it was believed that the detainees were involved in other forms of crime such as trafficking in human beings, illegal immigration, smuggling of goods, drug trafficking, fraud, cybercrime and terrorism. Therefore, these operations are very effective to discover other forms of serious crime, providing greater security at airports.
As part of the network which developed beyond the airline ticket operation, some 500 people have been arrested as part of Operation Blue Amber, including several intermediaries who would irregularly introduce people in Europe thanks to the cooperation of the countries of the Western Balkans. Indeed, in Hungary a safe house linked to illegal immigration was discovered.
Europol Director, Rob Wainwright, explained that “once again we have seen that successful international cooperation can have a huge impact against organised crime. The result of this operation, with more than 500 arrests, is a direct message that criminals should not feel safe anywhere”, whilst issuing the assurance that Europol will continue to support the police and judicial authorities of the Member States of the European Union through “their unique intelligence and technical capabilities”.

Excerpt: A total of 130 people have been arrested in a global operation deployed at 140 airports in 49 countries all believed to be involved in a criminal organisation dedicated to obtaining airline tickets fraudulently. The operation was coordinated by Europol and Interpol in the framework of the so-called “Operación Blue Amber”, aimed at tackling organised […]

### Hot and Humid June

The weather in the Valencia region in June was hot and humid, according to the latest data collated by the Spanish met office, AEMET.
The average temperature was 21.6 degrees, which was 0.7 degrees higher than the norm for June.
It was also quite wet with an average of 44.5 litres per square metre of rain falling, a 75% increase over the normal average rainfall for the month. This was particularly worsened by storms at the end of the month, although the coastal areas were largely free from too many problems due to a prevailing wind.
If you´d like to read more weather related stories relating to the heat wave of this week, make sure you pick up The Courier newspaper which is out now, or visit the website, thecourier.es.

Excerpt: The weather in the Valencia region in June was hot and humid, according to the latest data collated by the Spanish met office, AEMET. The average temperature was 21.6 degrees, which was 0.7 degrees higher than the norm for June. It was also quite wet with an average of 44.5 litres per square metre of […]

### Back to School Later

The Regional Education department of Valencia has agreed with the educational community and will delay the start of the first school term in September.
Many workers in the education sector believed that a return to work on the 3rd of September was too soon after they finished at the start of June, and proposed a delay until the 10th.
The Valencian government will meet next week to finalise the dates but now look set to agree that the school year should start on the 10th of September for those in primary education, and two or three days later for those in secondary school.

Excerpt: The Regional Education department of Valencia has agreed with the educational community and will delay the start of the first school term in September. Many workers in the education sector believed that a return to work on the 3rd of September was too soon after they finished at the start of June, and proposed a […]

### Happy Birthday to the Penalty Point

This week marked the ninth anniversary of Spain´s driver penalty point system for traffic offences. Unlike the UK where points are added for committing offences, in Spain, drivers start with an allocation of points, which can increase in the case of good, incident-free driving, but are taken away in the event of being liable for an offence.
According to the data released by the DGT this week, 73% of all Spanish drivers have their full quota of points intact, but there are 7 million drivers who have been penalised.
Since the launch of this system, over 7 million drivers have lost a total of 35.5 million points, out of which 21.6 million were withdrawn by DGT sanctions and 9.07 million to be imposed by the municipalities. Responsible for policing their own road networks, 1.06 million were withdrawn by the Basque Government and 3.7 million by the Catalan Traffic Service.
A total of 203,283 drivers have lost their driving license on account of exhausting all of their points. Of those, 183,342 were men and 19,940 were women.
The most likely reason for losing points is for speeding. Last year alone there were 640,996 speed related infractions. What might surprise many is that it´s not the younger generation who seem to be the most speed obsessed but the middle aged. Some 54% of drivers who lost points for speeding are aged between 35 and 54, whereas only 20% are younger.
Speeding is also precept where there are a higher percentage of women offenders, with 27%, ten points above the recurrence of other offenses.
Regarding the consumption of alcohol and drugs at the wheel, violations have increased in these nine years, from the 94,027 complaints the first year, to 119,345 in 2014, with the highest peak being in 2011 with 141,170.
Unlike the profile of speeding drivers, young people and men have a major problem with alcohol and drugs and driving, with 87% being male and 59% being under the age of 35.
Last year, 30,630 drivers lost points as a result of having consumed alcohol or drugs before driving, 17,160 drivers have been penalised twice in the last three years and 1,854 three times in the same period for driving with higher than the permitted alcohol rate in their system. In the case of drugs, there are 932 drivers with two penalties in the last three years and another 167 with three penalties in the same period. The DGT is now investigating harsher penalties in order to deter this activity.
Distractions whilst driving, the third major contributor to road traffic incidents, has also seen a startling increase in recent years. In 2007, there were 71,536 sanctions for using a mobile phone at the wheel. Last year that figure had almost doubled to 139,671, which have led to the withdrawal of more than 400,000 points.
Once again, it is not the young who are most at fault as the majority of violations, some 39%, are between the ages of 40 and 55.
Not wearing seat belts and child restraints has actually seen a decline in the number of offences, from 135,815 nine years ago, to 122,822 last year, resulting in the withdrawal of 368,466 points. The most likely offender when it comes to not wearing a seatbelt are men however, responsible for a staggering 90% of all violations.
The post Happy Birthday to the Penalty Point appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: This week marked the ninth anniversary of Spain´s driver penalty point system for traffic offences. Unlike the UK where points are added for committing offences, in Spain, drivers start with an allocation of points, which can increase in the case Read More ...
The post Happy Birthday to the Penalty Point appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Road Fatalities Declined in First Semester

With still a long way to go on the road to zero, fatalities on the roads of Spain declined in the first six months of the year, with 11 fewer deaths than 2014.
Tragically, 496 people still lost their lives in the first semester, after an increase last year bucked the trend of thirteen consecutive years of decline.
The Director General of the DGT, María Seguí, said this week, “We are at historic lows and now we have to be extremely vigilant. These results place us among the best countries in the world”.
Specifically, this year began with two consecutive months of rising deaths on Spanish roads, increasing by 44% in January and 14.5% in February, according to provisional figures provided by the DGT, which accounts for the deaths recorded in the 24 hours after an incident on the intercity roads throughout the country, except Catalonia and the Basque Country. In the first quarter of the year, the death toll showed an increase for the first time since 2002, although in March we saw a decline with 80 deaths, compared to 90 in 2014.
The average age of cars involved in fatal incidents in 2015 is 13.6 years, whereas in 2014 the average age was 12.3 years. The age of a vehicle is statistically linked to the risk of death as studies show that the risk of death in passenger cars aged between 10 to 14 years old is 1.6 times higher than those of less than four years; and 2.2 times higher in those aged 15 to 19 years.
Spain currently has a rate of 36 deaths per million inhabitants, one of the lowest in the world, but still not low enough.
In an attempt to slow vehicles down, from Thursday, the DGT will publish 1,500 locations of mobile radars on the roads, in the hope that the awareness of such speed checking devices will encourage drivers to slow down.
Shortly, the laws will change giving more attention to the most vulnerable road users and general maximum speed limits on some roads will reduce as a result. Slowing vehicles down and focussing on the two other main factors in road traffic incidents, alcohol and drugs and distractions, should go further to the road to zero and make the roads safer for all.
The post Road Fatalities Declined in First Semester appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: With still a long way to go on the road to zero, fatalities on the roads of Spain declined in the first six months of the year, with 11 fewer deaths than 2014. Tragically, 496 people still lost their lives Read More ...
The post Road Fatalities Declined in First Semester appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Calls to Ban Sexist Advert Campaign

A women’s group from a trade union in Alicante has demanded the immediate withdrawal of an advertising campaign for a shopping centre which has adorned the back of buses in the city.
The posters depicting three young ladies wearing swimsuits from behind are considered sexist and demeaning by the group, and are both “outdated and cheesy”.

The union state that the posters are a “flagrant breach of Article 41 of the Organic Law for Effective Equality of Women and Men”, which states that “advertising which involves a discriminatory conduct is considered illegal in accordance with the provisions of general law”.
The Councillor for Equality in the city of Alicante, María José Espuch, has also called for the immediate withdrawal of that advertising campaign, stating that this advertising campaign has a “clearly macho” character and offers a “sexist and inadequate” image of women.

Excerpt: A women’s group from a trade union in Alicante has demanded the immediate withdrawal of an advertising campaign for a shopping centre which has adorned the back of buses in the city. The posters depicting three young ladies wearing swimsuits from behind are considered sexist and demeaning by the group, and are both “outdated and […]

### Busy Week for the Airports

Spanish airports are in the middle of the first summer operation this week, with 30,094 aircraft movements between Monday and Friday.
Friday is anticipated as being the busiest day of the week with 5,538 scheduled flights offering 876,265 seats. Locally, Alicante is set to see 1,548 operations with 263,002 seats.
The weekend ahead is also set to be even busier, which also coincides with the first official operation on the roads with traffic set to increase by around 4% compared to last year.

Excerpt: Spanish airports are in the middle of the first summer operation this week, with 30,094 aircraft movements between Monday and Friday. Friday is anticipated as being the busiest day of the week with 5,538 scheduled flights offering 876,265 seats. Locally, Alicante is set to see 1,548 operations with 263,002 seats. The weekend ahead is also […]

### A Policeman’s Lot

Details were released this week of a case where a local police officer in Vigo has been slapped with a 645 euro fine after repeatedly parking his private car in a disabled parking spot.

Local residents took photographs of the officer parking his silver Audi which they said had been used for at least three days.
The pictures were sent to the local council who then issued a 200 euro fine for each of the three occasions he parked there, plus a 45 euro fine for not correctly displaying an ITV sticker.
The officer is also facing disciplinary action which was initiated when the case was first brought to light in March.
Meanwhile, a local police patrol in Oviedo became the victim of a prank, when an unknown passer by placed a “for sale” sign on the back of one of their older vehicles.
The officer in charge of the vehicle carefully removed the sign, under the watchful eye of the nearby amused passersby.

Excerpt: Details were released this week of a case where a local police officer in Vigo has been slapped with a 645 euro fine after repeatedly parking his private car in a disabled parking spot. Local residents took photographs of the officer parking his silver Audi which they said had been used for at least three […]

### Summer Road Campaign Launched

The Director General of the DGT traffic department, María Seguí, has announced details of this year´s summer road operation, which begins on Friday.
With the intention of ensuring the safety and fluidity in the roads, there will be an anticipated 81.5 million journeys are expected during July and August, almost 4% more than last year.
There are a number of key times when the roads are particularly busy, firstly as inland residents move away from the cities towards coastal and mountainous holiday areas, then again as they return home.
In addition, every weekend from now and through the summer will pose particular problems in terms of traffic flow and are likely to be extremely busy, especially in tourist and leisure focussed areas.
It is also worth noting that in the interests of safety there will be heightened campaigns focussing on speed and alcohol and drug use, two of the three main contributing factors to road traffic incidents.
Specifically, of the 8.1 million anticipated road journeys, 38.3 million will be made in July and 43.2 million in August. Collectively, the roads are anticipated to be 3.85% busier than last year.
Typically, most tourists choose to take their holidays over full weeks, which is why the weekends tend to be busier for long haul journeys, transferring the visitors from their home to the holiday destination and back.
Typically, the first weekend of both July and August are busy for the tourists heading from home to the coast and mountains.
There are four major operations planned in terms of traffic management, three focussing on the movement to the coast and mountains, and one focussing on the return. The first summer operation will be between the 3rd and 5th of July, the second between the 31st of July and 2nd of August, the third from the 14th to the 16th of August. The return operation will focus on the weekend of the 28th to the 31st of August, although there will also be return operations on a smaller scale on all weekends in between.
In order to ensure the safer flow of traffic, the DGT has already set out a number of measures which include the creation of additional lanes to ease the traffic flow on certain roads. All major road works will be suspended, and there will be restrictions on the movement of dangerous goods.
On the ground, there will be 10,000 officers of the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by 600 officers and specialised technical personnel, employees from conservation and the emergency services, all of whom will combine their efforts so that drivers can make a safe trip.
The advice for drivers on long journeys is always the same, allow extra time for your trip in peak times, take plenty of breaks, observe the speed limits and the traffic conditions and generally prepare for a busier than normal route.
For local drivers the advice reminds us that summer traffic has different characteristics to those produced in other time of the year and this must be taken into account. Many of the drivers we encounter will be new to the area and not used to driving on either the route they have chosen or during such busy times, so patience must be exercised.
As well as heavy traffic on the roads linking coastal towns and tourist areas of the coastline with beaches, both on weekdays and especially on weekends, there will be an increased presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road, a greater movement throughout the road network of foreign registered vehicles, an increased number of sports that use the road, for which additional traffic measures will be taken, including the most important road race in the cycling calendar of Spain.
Last year, there were 220 fatalities on the roads of Spain during July and August. With the aim of ultimately reaching a zero death count, it is hoped that the number will decrease significantly this year, to that end, the Guardia Civil will be dedicating 80% of their monitoring time to conventional roads, the scene of the majority of fatal incidents.
In addition, there will be a number f specific checks put in place, the fist, which will run from the 6th to the 12th of July will focus on vehicle standards. There will also be a major speed clamp down between the 20th to the 26th of July, with 1,500 sections of road being targeted.
In addition, for the first time in a summer campaign, foreign drivers will not be able to escape the lengthening arm of the law, as sanctions can now be imposed across other European member states.
These are just some of the intensive campaigns that will run through the summer season, but with the majority of traffic officers taking to the streets for the whole period, there will be intensified attention to all traffic related matters, as the need to keep the roads safer during one of the busiest times of year takes hold once again.
The post Summer Road Campaign Launched appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Director General of the DGT traffic department, María Seguí, has announced details of this year´s summer road operation, which begins on Friday. With the intention of ensuring the safety and fluidity in the roads, there will be an anticipated Read More ...
The post Summer Road Campaign Launched appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Not Always a Hero

Spanish pop star Enrique Iglesias is in trouble with the law in America, facing misdemeanour charges of obstruction and driving on a suspended license.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, the singer was stopping in May driving on a highway in lanes closed to traffic.
Having been stopped by the police, the officers state that Iglesias jumped from the driver´s seat and into the back and the passenger assumed the driving position. The officers are under no doubt that Iglesias was behind the wheel of the car and his later actions were as a result of having a suspended license.
The court case is set for the 10th of July.

Excerpt: Spanish pop star Enrique Iglesias is in trouble with the law in America, facing misdemeanour charges of obstruction and driving on a suspended license. According to Florida Highway Patrol, the singer was stopping in May driving on a highway in lanes closed to traffic. Having been stopped by the police, the officers state that Iglesias […]

### Four Killed in Gas Explosion

Four people were killed on Tuesday, one of them a child, in a gas explosion in a home in the Alicante town of Villajoyosa.
Investigators are trying to work out if the explosion was caused by gas canister, or if the origin was a fire in the surrounding shrub land.
Meanwhile, the president of the government of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, issued a personal statement of condolence to the family and friends of the victims.

Excerpt: Four people were killed on Tuesday, one of them a child, in a gas explosion in a home in the Alicante town of Villajoyosa. Investigators are trying to work out if the explosion was caused by gas canister, or if the origin was a fire in the surrounding shrub land. Meanwhile, the president of the […]

### More Mobile Radar Locations to be Published

Following the success of the pilot scheme launched in Asturias and Castile y Leon, the DGT has announced that from July they will expand the publication of the location of mobile speed detectors on the roads.

Specifically, from July, the DGT will publish the periodic locations of 1,200 sections of roads, divided into 50 provinces, detailing the approximate location at any point of any of their 800 mobile radar units.
The initiative was announced in February as part of a package of improvements to help manage excessive speed on the roads, by advising drivers of the approximate location so as they may slow down for a longer period than if they only spot the radars at the last moment, thus resulting in a safer flow of traffic for longer periods of time.
According to the head of the DGT, María Seguí, “The criteria for locating these radars are the result of applying a method developed and tested in seven provinces and takes into account four parameter; the number of serious incidents, the overall number of incidents irrespective of severity, the information relating to the speed of the road and the road characteristics”.
The post More Mobile Radar Locations to be Published appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Following the success of the pilot scheme launched in Asturias and Castile y Leon, the DGT has announced that from July they will expand the publication of the location of mobile speed detectors on the roads. Specifically, from July, the Read More ...
The post More Mobile Radar Locations to be Published appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Woman Killed and 16 Injured as Motorbike Slams into Terrace

A 72 year old woman was killed and 16 other people injured when a motorbike slammed into the terrace of a bar in Valencia on Monday.

The incident occurred on avenida Burjasot at around 20:30 when the motorcyclist lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the terrace of the bar.
The biker is amongst those injured and will be answering questions relating to the incident that left traffic suspended for over an hour and so many people injured.
The post Woman Killed and 16 Injured as Motorbike Slams into Terrace appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A 72 year old woman was killed and 16 other people injured when a motorbike slammed into the terrace of a bar in Valencia on Monday. The incident occurred on avenida Burjasot at around 20:30 when the motorcyclist lost control Read More ...
The post Woman Killed and 16 Injured as Motorbike Slams into Terrace appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Dramas for Ambulance Crews

It has been a dramatic few days for emergency medical teams on Monday, after incidents across the country.

In the Mollet del Valles area of Barcelona an ambulance was in a collision with a truck on the AP-7 motorway and suffered considerable damage. Luckily, there were no serious injuries in the crash.

Meanwhile, in Ovideo, an ambulance was burnt out on Saturday. It is the second time such an incident has occurred with a vehicle belonging to a private clinic suffering fire damage.

An investigation is being conducted although the initial hypothesis is that it was a deliberate act, on account of tools and materials found nearby.
The post Dramas for Ambulance Crews appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: It has been a dramatic few days for emergency medical teams on Monday, after incidents across the country. In the Mollet del Valles area of Barcelona an ambulance was in a collision with a truck on the AP-7 motorway and Read More ...
The post Dramas for Ambulance Crews appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Hot Flight to Mexico

Passengers on board an aircraft at Madrid airport called the Guardia Civil to assist them after they had spent an hour and a half trapped on the plane due to a mechanical fault, in temperatures that the passengers say were in excess of 50 degrees.
The Wamos airlines flight to Cancun in Mexico was set to take off at 15:00 with 520 passengers on board. However, due to a fault the departure was delayed for over an hour with the passengers remaining on board.
The aircraft was then prevented from moving as the tow truck also suffered damage, resulting in the passengers still sitting on board, without information being given to them, prompting the call to the Guardia Civil.
The aircraft finally departed almost 5 hours late, with four passengers less than intended as they opted not to continue.

Excerpt: Passengers on board an aircraft at Madrid airport called the Guardia Civil to assist them after they had spent an hour and a half trapped on the plane due to a mechanical fault, in temperatures that the passengers say were in excess of 50 degrees. The Wamos airlines flight to Cancun in Mexico was set […]

### Unions Denounce Lack of Threat Information

The AUGC union, which represents officers of the Guardia Civil, has denounced the body for failing to issue instructions as to what the increase in terror threat to level 4 means to them.
The union considers it reckless that despite the existence of a “higher level of alert” there are no specific measures having been taken, instructions issued or service modified for officers on the front line. A statement from the union says that although they are supposed to be in a state of “high tension”, the reality is that most members of the Guardia Civil began their service since the attacks on Friday with no more information than other citizens.

Excerpt: The AUGC union, which represents officers of the Guardia Civil, has denounced the body for failing to issue instructions as to what the increase in terror threat to level 4 means to them. The union considers it reckless that despite the existence of a “higher level of alert” there are no specific measures having been […]

### Pepper Pickers Arrested

Information has been released on Monday about the arrests of two men in Pilar de la Horadada last week, accused of an alleged crime of continual misappropriation.
The events date back to September when investigators became aware of a group who were acquiring peppers from an agricultural cooperative for the last year.
The two suspects, aged 25 and 42, were arrested on the 23rd of June, within the cooperative, with a van loaded with peppers in their possession.
Three people were arrested in total and delivered to the courts in Orihuela.

Excerpt: Information has been released on Monday about the arrests of two men in Pilar de la Horadada last week, accused of an alleged crime of continual misappropriation. The events date back to September when investigators became aware of a group who were acquiring peppers from an agricultural cooperative for the last year. The two suspects, […]

### Beach Lockers Launched at La Zenia

Last year, Orihuela took a leap into the future, by having the first beach in the world which hosted a secure and automated locker system for bathers.

This year, in conjunction with contracted beach facility provider Chiringuitos del Sol, the lockers return once again but this time to a brand new location and offering even more than ever before, part of the ever increasing facilities being installed on the beaches of the municipality, which is no wonder that Orihuela can boast more Blue Flags and accreditations than just about anywhere else.
The lockers have an integrated information screen with them, available in a variety of languages, including English, which will guide you through the process of acquiring your locker.

Although they were hugely successful in keeping many belongings of many beach goers secure last summer, this year there have been a few changes which makes the service even better.
The biggest change has been to the pricing structure. Now, you not only pay for the day, you can book by the hour and even the whole week. The longer you rent a locker the cheaper it is, but at just 1 euro per hour, it´s a bargain already when you consider the risk of losing your belongings. The price for the day is a bargain at just 5 euro, but it´s only 25 euro for the week, to come and go as much as you please.
Not only that, just like last year, if you rent a locker you also get free high speed Wi-Fi on the beach. You can also subscribe to the Wi-Fi on its own, if you don´t want a locker.
When you reach the locker unit you simply use the guided process which explains every step on the new and easier to see screen, pay by credit or debit card, or in cash by coins and the system allocates you a locker and number and delivers a small plastic token with a secure barcode on.
A simple scan of the barcode on the “magic eye” of the locker will start the process of releasing the locking mechanism, allowing you to securely leave your belongings out of temptations way. Once finished, lock the door and take your taken with you, maybe tied around your wrist with one of the provided bands, and enjoy they day at the beach.
The whole process is secure and automated, but whereas computerisation tends to replace workers in many of the factories around the world and such, this system also generates work for local people.
On the Orihuela Costa, there is now a full time employee who looks after the lockers and provides support whenever needed. Fluent in both Spanish and English, you can be reassured that, although unlikely, if you do run into problems there is somebody on hand to help.

The brains behind the scheme, Jef Van Hyfte who created the idea along with Koen Mortelmans, explained that “we envision expansion next year to have several beaches in the north as in the south of Spain who are hiring mobile lockers. Therefore, we intend to hire more people in the upcoming years”.
Jef also explained how the system has received worldwide interest, as they “weekly receive requests from all over the world, the USA, Costa Rica, Brazil, Portugal and so on. We now also have a unit in Antwerp subway station in Belgium and we foresee a steady growth, mostly in Spain but also in other countries”.
You can read more about the lockers on their website, mobilelocker.eu, or contact them by email to info@beachlocker.es.

Excerpt: Last year, Orihuela took a leap into the future, by having the first beach in the world which hosted a secure and automated locker system for bathers. This year, in conjunction with contracted beach facility provider Chiringuitos del Sol, the lockers return once again but this time to a brand new location and offering even […]

### Ten Point Action Plan for Torrevieja

The new government of Torrevieja has announced their ten-point action plan of priorities they intend to achieve as they move towards cleaning up the political history of the municipality.
Key areas focus on saving money, avoiding corruption and ensuring transparency in government.
The councillors now, for example, will no longer use mobile phones paid for by public money. Not only will this avoid scandals that rocked the previous government when some of them were found to be using their mobile illegally, it also helps to solve a long term problem of an incorrectly awarded contract for the supply of the mobile phones.
In 2013, whilst in opposition, it was brought to light that the annual bill for the town hall was in the region of 300,000 euro, most of which can now be directed into services for the people of the municipality.
The town hall will be dropping charges against officers from the Local Police who were facing a range of offences for protesting during the plenary meetings. The new government feel that their protests about working conditions were a legitimate way of raising awareness of their plight and that the matters of complaint should have been dealt with, rather than filing court proceedings.
They will also make a statement against corruption, by removing the names given to some municipal buildings and other titles given to those found guilty in corruption cases. This includes the removal of the title of “adopted son” given to former Valencia President Francisco Camps, and the sports facility named after Infanta Cristina.
The town hall will also create an office where residents facing eviction can obtain help and assistance and there will be a minutes silence in all town hall meetings in the event of a case of domestic violence being recorded.  Religious events will now be voluntary for town hall members and councillors and will no longer form part of their enforced agenda.
The government spokesperson, Fanny Serrano, listed the points in a press conference this week, explaining how the government intend to achieve all the points of the plan within the first 100 days of government, and so the clock is now ticking to see just how much they can achieve in such as short space of time.

Excerpt: The new government of Torrevieja has announced their ten-point action plan of priorities they intend to achieve as they move towards cleaning up the political history of the municipality. Key areas focus on saving money, avoiding corruption and ensuring transparency in government. The councillors now, for example, will no longer use mobile phones paid for […]

### The New Political Faces of Orihuela

The new Partido Popular mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has this week announced the roles his government team will play during this next administrative person.
Despite the Partido Popular ruling Orihuela for many years before being ousted by the coalition in the last elections four years ago, many of the names and faces in the new PP led government are new after internal problems and separations meant many of the established political characters started their own party before the elections, with the former PP head, Pepa Ferrando, being the only one who managed to secure enough votes to win a seat.
The result is a fresh government ruling in a minority, and the opposition led largely by the PSOE members of the previous government, and so the entire situation has led to an almost complete shake up of the political picture in Orihuela.
Emilio Bascuñana is the Mayor. He will control the departments of urbanism, regional planning and emergency coordination.
Rafael Almagro is the First Dupty Mayor and will manage the finance, heritage and human resource departments.
Paco Sáez is the Second Deputy Mayor and will manage procurement, infrastructure, services and maintenance.
Mariola Rocamora is the Third Deputy Mayor and will run the festivities, institutional relations and protocol and public safety departments.
Dámaso Aparicio is the Fourth Deputy Mayor and will manage the departments of sport, trade and markets.
Sabina Galindo manages social welfare, gender, immigration, disability and dependence, youths and citizenship.
Begoña Cuartero is the new councillor for education, culture and communication.
Miguel Ángel Fernández runs the environment, quality, modernization and industry departments.
Noelia Grao is responsible for health, street cleaning and solid waste departments.
Víctor Valverde looks after the pedanías, employment and agriculture.
Sofía Álvarez is the new councillor responsible for tourism, beaches, international residents and urban transport.
As the councillor for the coast and International residents, Sofía Álvarez is holding the most important post in terms of the ex-pat population, replacing Martina Scheurer in the coastal post. Like Scheurer, Álvarez is at least a resident of the Orihuela Costa, and so lives in the area of her concern. Therefore, she is considered best placed to deal with the problems of one of the largest and most populated areas of the municipality, with the most diverse mixture of residents and problems.
The councillors have all taken up their respective roles already and are now in the transitional period of assessing the work that needs to be done.
Meanwhile, the practice of forming the different elements of government is continuing. The Board of Governors will be formed by the councillors Paco Sáez, Rafael Almagro, Mariola Rocamora, Sabina Galindo, Begoña Cuartero, Dámaso Aparicio, Miguel Ángel Fernández, Sofía Álvarez, amd the Mayor himself, Emilio Bascuñana.
On Thursday, it was announced that the Procurement Committee is formed by Fernando Domínguez as President, along with Arturo López and Maria José Ros.
Paco Sáez will hold the roles as spokesperson for the Partido Popular.

Excerpt: The new Partido Popular mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has this week announced the roles his government team will play during this next administrative person. Despite the Partido Popular ruling Orihuela for many years before being ousted by the coalition in the last elections four years ago, many of the names and faces in the […]

### Another Tragic Weekend on the Roads

The weekend started of tragically on the roads when a man died at around 17:00 in the Oviedo area, when the truck he was driving overturned and burst into flames on the AS-215 road in El Rodical. Once the flames were extinguished fire fighters could then remove the lifeless body of the man from the vehicle.

A motorcyclist was injured after being in collision with a car at around 15:20 in Santander on Saturday. The biker suffered a variety of injuries and was taken to hospital as a result. Meanwhile, also in Santander and at around the same time, a 14 year old chils was injured in a collision between a bicycle and a car.
A 52 year old cyclist participating in a road race suffered injuries after falling from his bike in Elosua, when a chicken crossed the road in front of him.
At around 17:00 on Saturday a vehicle collided with the guardrail near to Can Picafort a Nuroon the island of Mallorca. As a result of the collision the driver was thrown from the vehicle and died as a result of multiple injuries sustained.
Four people were injured on Saturday afternoon in the O Porriño area of Pontevedra in a collision with a tractor.
One driver had a lucky escape when his car left the road in the Derio area of Bilbao, as the vehicle was leaving the N-663 at the airport junction at around 16:00 on Saturday. The sole occupant of the Audi A3 suffered minor injuries and had to be extracted from the vehicle by fire fighters. However, a subsequent breath test revealed that the driver was five times over the permitted maximum limit.
Six people were injured, including a pregnant woman and a 12 year old child, when two vehicles collided at around 23:00 on Saturday night in El Ejido on the N-340 main road.
Just after midnight on Saturday night two cars collided on the N-332 main road in Cartagena, resulting in one person being killed and two others injured. As a result of the impact some of the people remained trapped in the cars which then became more serious a situation as one of the vehicles burst into flames.
Local residents managed to control the flames by using fire extinguishers before the emergency services arrived. The dead man was reported to be 75 years of age and of Spanish nationality, whereas those injured were said to be 42 and 45 and of foreign nationality.
A car collided with a concrete wall which separates the motorway and a commercial centre at the Bahía de Santander at around six in the morning on Sunday, the vehicle overturning as a result. When the emergency services arrived at the scene the occupants had already fled.
On Sunday, a motorbike collided with a tractor in Moral de la Reina, in the province of Valladolid, with the 40 year old biker suffering injuries of varying degrees.
In the Álava town of Lantarón, a car and a motorbike crashed head on resulting in the biker being injured and being taken to hospital.
The post Another Tragic Weekend on the Roads appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The weekend started of tragically on the roads when a man died at around 17:00 in the Oviedo area, when the truck he was driving overturned and burst into flames on the AS-215 road in El Rodical. Once the flames Read More ...
The post Another Tragic Weekend on the Roads appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Weather Warning Continues

As the weather alert remains in place for high temperatures until at least Tuesday, Sunday saw thermometers reach 40 degrees in the centre of Orihuela.
Alcoi and Alicante peaked at 39 degrees on Sunday, whereas most other places were between 37 and 38 degrees.
Meanwhile, following an increase in the number of deaths by drowning, the interior ministry is advising everybody to take extra precautions when cooling down in the water, taking special care of young children and being extra watchful of their activities.

Excerpt: As the weather alert remains in place for high temperatures until at least Tuesday, Sunday saw thermometers reach 40 degrees in the centre of Orihuela. Alcoi and Alicante peaked at 39 degrees on Sunday, whereas most other places were between 37 and 38 degrees. Meanwhile, following an increase in the number of deaths by drowning, […]

### Zoo Explains Loss After Chimp Escape

Following yesterday’s incident at the Fuerteventura Oasis Park, the management have issued a statement intent on explaining the circumstances surrounding both what happened, and the history of the park and chimpanzees.

Firstly, the surviving chimp, Cheeta, is recovering well from surgery and the three humans are also stable and well.
The park explained that “Yesterday, June 26, was the saddest day in the history of Fuerteventura Oasis Park since it opened its doors in 1985”.
The statement continues to explain how human error cost the lives of two members of our family of chimpanzees, King and Felipa, and wounded three people working at the park.
King and Cheeta were welcomed by the park family as two orphaned babies after being confiscated by the environmental protection service of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, from a street photographer who used them in creating typical images which were popular with tourists in the late 80´s.
Felipa, the third member of the family of chimpanzees, was 22 years of age and was seized by SEPRONA as a victim of the illegal trafficking of animals. Felipa was integrated into the social group in the 90´s, with King and Cheeta.
The primate family were cared for by the human family owners of the zoo, who witnessed every stage of their lives whilst providing the best possible conditions and quality of life, resulting in a special family bond and affection between the chimps and human team at the park.
The park wanted to stress the importance of letting people know that many of the species that are taken from their natural habitat and lived in captivity are unable to return to the wild as they are unable to survive, as has been proven by many failed attempts in the past. In the case of chimpanzees, many of reintroduction attempts have failed and therefore for them to remain in the care of zoos like this is the best solution to provide care and the necessary power to provide the best life possible, and this has been the mission of Oasis Park Fuerteventura from their arrival.
The park point out that “this park has become more than a zoo, it is a centre for rescue and rehabilitation of animals from illegal trafficking and possession of animals in inadequate management conditions”.
It is because of the bond built over time that “the loss of our children”, Felipa and King has resulted in “excruciating pain” as the park staff were unable to save them, despite using tranquilizer darts and attempts to return them to their enclosure. Once the security breach was identified, the established protocol was initiated and the park owners fearlessly tried on several occasions to lead the animals back.
However, having been unsuccessful, the park team had “exceeded the timeout granted by the authorities and considering that there were human lives at risk, the security forces activated their actions that resulted in the loss of King and Felipa, the only male and female members of the family of chimpanzees. SEPRONA Civil Protection and acted according to established protocols, being respectful in our actions and in their own right”.
As for the humans who were injured in the escape, one worker was airlifted to Las Palmas and underwent plastic surgery and is out of danger. Two of the three owners of the zoo are recovering from minor physical injuries sustained.
The mental injuries and the loss felt by the park staff is a different matter, as it is clear that they are and will continue to suffer the loss of the two animals for some time to come. The support the park has received on their Facebook page is also overwhelming, as has been the response that the park has given to those who have shared in their grief.
The park´s official statement expresses their “sincere words of support to the family of the worker concerned”, as well as the visitors to the park and the team who dealt with the situation. The park is now working to get back to normal, despite the tragedy of this weekend.

Excerpt: Following yesterday’s incident at the Fuerteventura Oasis Park, the management have issued a statement intent on explaining the circumstances surrounding both what happened, and the history of the park and chimpanzees. Firstly, the surviving chimp, Cheeta, is recovering well from surgery and the three humans are also stable and well. The park explained that “Yesterday, […]

### Spain Increases Terrorism Threat to Level 4

Spain´s Interior Ministry called an urgent press conference of Friday afternoon in order to discuss the potential impact on state security by terrorists.

The Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, along with the Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, and Interior Committee spokesperson for the Congress of Deputies, Conrado Escobar, all spoke to the press in the conference.

As a result of incidents occurring in France, Tunisia and Kuwait, Spain has now increased the security threat to level 4. There are 5 levels of alert.

This will mean heightened security checks in all public areas, such as airports, ports and main roads, and an increase in patrols and road blocks. Level 4 puts state security on a higher alert and also includes activities by the military to be prepared for potential calls to assist, whilst increasing their own security.

The delegates were unable to detail any other information due to the sensitive nature of the events occurring around the world.

Excerpt: Spain´s Interior Ministry called an urgent press conference of Friday afternoon in order to discuss the potential impact on state security by terrorists. The Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, along with the Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, and Interior Committee spokesperson for the Congress of Deputies, Conrado Escobar, all spoke to the press in […]

### Three Injured by Escaped Chimpanzees

Two owners of the Oasis Park de La Lajita, on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura, as well as an employee, have been injured when three chimpanzees escaped from their enclosure at the zoo.

The park was forced to close its doors whilst the primates, King, Cheeta and Felipa, were rounded up, but not before the animals fought their captors of the last 30 years, with one of the humans being taken to the Fuerteventura hospital in a serious condition having been bitten by one of the chimps.

As part of the established security protocol, the doors to the park were closed to prevent admission and anybody already inside was taken to a closed area for their own protection.

Cheeta was shot by a tranquilizer dart, with vets at the scene treating her for her injuries sustained in the attempt to control the situation, and in a serious condition. King and Felipa were shot and killed by the Guardia Civil and Local Police who attended the incident.

Although the chimps had lived in captivity at the park for the last 30 years, they had been rescued from an illegal trade network.

Excerpt: Two owners of the Oasis Park de La Lajita, on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura, as well as an employee, have been injured when three chimpanzees escaped from their enclosure at the zoo. The park was forced to close its doors whilst the primates, King, Cheeta and Felipa, were rounded up, but not before the […]

### Torrevieja Shows Support for Gay Rights

On the eve of the celebrations supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and equality, International Gay Pride Day, Torrevieja town hall has proudly displayed the symbol of equality, the Rainbow Flag, for the first time.



There were technical problems in so much as the rope to hold the flag to the mast had become damaged, so the flag was prevented from being affixed on the mast of the town hall, but the fact that it was the two most senior members of the government who took it upon themselves to fly the flag, the new mayor José Manuel Dolón and future Mayor, Fanny Serrano, was indicative of the change that Torrevieja is making within the community.

Torrevieja had been rocked by scandals in the past including a parade only last year where homophobic and hate related chants were allowed to be shouted from a parade through the city and the cancellation in 2010 of a concert by one of Spain´s most popular singers, Miguel Bosé, after homophobic comments were made by the then mayor, now convicted criminal Pedro Hernández Mateo.

International Gay Pride Day is held each year on the first Saturday before the 28th of June, a date firmly fixed in history as that of the infamous Stonewall riots in New York in 1969.

Excerpt: On the eve of the celebrations supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and equality, International Gay Pride Day, Torrevieja town hall has proudly displayed the symbol of equality, the Rainbow Flag, for the first time. There were technical problems in so much as the rope to hold the flag to the mast had become […]

### AHSA DENOUNCE ERECTION OF HOARDINGS IN HONDO

The Environmental Group ‘La Asociación de Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante (AHSA), has filed a denuncia with SEPRONA, the Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza de la Guardia Civil about the existence of two advertising boards along the Hondo de Amorós in San Fulgencio, a wetlands protected area.
The conservation group says that it first made the complaint to the Ministry of Environment in January 2014 and received a response in March of that year indicating that he matter was being dealt with. However the hoardings still remain in place which the environmentalists say is unbelievable, a sign of “intolerable indifference by the agency”.
The group also said that in this area there are other similar boards in the Sierra del Molar in Elche about which they have filed a second complaint. They say that the boards belong to the same advertising company."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47746/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Environmental Group ‘La Asociación de Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante (AHSA), has filed a denuncia with SEPRONA, the Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza de la Guardia Civil about the existence of two advertising boards along the Hondo de Amorós in San Fulgencio, a wetlands protected area.
The conservation group says that it first made the complaint to the Ministry of Environment in January 2014 and received a response in March of that year indicating that he matter was being dealt with. However the hoardings still remain in place which the environmentalists say is unbelievable, a sign of “intolerable indifference by the agency”.
The group also said that in this area there are other similar boards in the Sierra del Molar in Elche about which they have filed a second complaint. They say that the boards belong to the same advertising company."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47746/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PIE AND PEAS OFF THE MENU FOR REAL SOCIEDAD

PIE AND PEAS are off the menu for players of La Liga outfit Real Sociedad - despite boss David Moyes initially pencilling in a pre-season friendly fixture against his former club Preston North End.
And instead of tasting Lancashire delicacies - such as pie and mushy peas - Real Sociedad players will have to do with a Chinese take-away!
Newly promoted Championship side Preston North End are looking to add another friendly to their pre-season schedule at Deepdale in July - with Real Sociedad now heading to China for a tour.
Moyes, who still owns a multi-million pound Mansion in Hoghton, Preston, Lancashire, was in charge at Deepdale during 1998-2002.
Moyes moved to Preston in 1993, from Scottish club Hamilton Academical, and became player manager at The Lilywhites, making 143 appearances for the club.
In the 1998-99 season Moyes guided Preston to the second division title. And in 2001 Moyes took Preston to the Championship play off final losing 3–0 against Bolton - thwarting him of Premier League status. 
Despite Moyes signing a new five-year contract with the club he left Deepdale in a move to Everton in 2002.
Moyes was appointed Manchester United manager in 2013 - replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. Moyes moved to Real Sociedad last November, after his Old Trafford exit, joining the Basque club, six months after his ill-fated reign at United.
Moyes has retained close-roots with his beloved Preston North End, and was at Wembley Stadium to watch The Lilywhites' in the League One play-off final 4-0 win against Swindon Town in May.
"I had plenty of opportunities before I went to Spain to stay in England, and I had made a decision that I would go and work in Spain," said Moyes.
Moyes, 52, added: "I wanted to try something different, wanted to try new culture, work with different players and see how La Liga works. I'm really enjoying it. It's a great club, I've had great fun as well."
Real Sociedad will meet Celtic in a pre-season friendly on July 10. Glasgow born Moyes played for Celtic during 1980-83.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47740/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: PIE AND PEAS are off the menu for players of La Liga outfit Real Sociedad - despite boss David Moyes initially pencilling in a pre-season friendly fixture against his former club Preston North End.
And instead of tasting Lancashire delicacies - such as pie and mushy peas - Real Sociedad players will have to do with a Chinese take-away!
Newly promoted Championship side Preston North End are looking to add another friendly to their pre-season schedule at Deepdale in July - with Real Sociedad now heading to China for a tour.
Moyes, who still owns a multi-million pound Mansion in Hoghton, Preston, Lancashire, was in charge at Deepdale during 1998-2002.
Moyes moved to Preston in 1993, from Scottish club Hamilton Academical, and became player manager at The Lilywhites, making 143 appearances for the club.
In the 1998-99 season Moyes guided Preston to the second division title. And in 2001 Moyes took Preston to the Championship play off final losing 3–0 against Bolton - thwarting him of Premier League status. 
Despite Moyes signing a new five-year contract with the club he left Deepdale in a move to Everton in 2002.
Moyes was appointed Manchester United manager in 2013 - replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. Moyes moved to Real Sociedad last November, after his Old Trafford exit, joining the Basque club, six months after his ill-fated reign at United.
Moyes has retained close-roots with his beloved Preston North End, and was at Wembley Stadium to watch The Lilywhites' in the League One play-off final 4-0 win against Swindon Town in May.
"I had plenty of opportunities before I went to Spain to stay in England, and I had made a decision that I would go and work in Spain," said Moyes.
Moyes, 52, added: "I wanted to try something different, wanted to try new culture, work with different players and see how La Liga works. I'm really enjoying it. It's a great club, I've had great fun as well."
Real Sociedad will meet Celtic in a pre-season friendly on July 10. Glasgow born Moyes played for Celtic during 1980-83.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47740/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### WEAPON AND DRUGS HAUL IN COX

Two people have been arrested by the National Police in Cox for the acquisition and illegal sale of arms. During a raid on 9 June they were also found to be cultivating 482 marijuana plants which they were using to finance their illegal activities.
After further investigation they have now been charged by the Directorate General of Police with crimes of illegal possession of weapons, drug trafficking and a further crime involving the theft of electricity supply.
Searches on another three properties resulted in the seizure of two additional firearms, ammunition of different calibre and even more marijuana plants.
The operation began in January, when investigators became aware of a small group of people engaged in the acquisition and sale of illegal weapons which they were storing in several different homes.
The agents also discovered that the group activities were being financed by the sale of marijuana, that they were cultivating within their properties.
They were also performing illegal connections to the main electricity supply, the cost of which has been estimated at 50,000 euros.
The two men, aged 32 and 19 years, are currently being held in police custody awaiting trial.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47739/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two people have been arrested by the National Police in Cox for the acquisition and illegal sale of arms. During a raid on 9 June they were also found to be cultivating 482 marijuana plants which they were using to finance their illegal activities.
Af...

### FIRE AND WATER TO CELEBRATE A MOST MAGICAL NIGHT

The whole coastline was alight with bonfires last Tuesday night in observance of San Juan (St John the Baptist), a celebration that dates back to pre-Christian times and marks the arrival of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Celebrated around the world during Midsummer the festivities were enjoyed in earnest throughout many cities and towns in Spain but nowhere more so than the Costa Blanca, up and down from the city of Alicante, which hosts the largest and most important festival in the country, and where many people head for the beach, build bonfires and party throughout the night
Fire and water are the protagonists of the night with everyone, families and their children, spending the previous days by preparing the bonfires. And then, once lit up, according to tradition, people jumped three times over the fire, after which they were cleansed and purified, their problems burned away as they embarked on a period of good luck.
Locally there were thousands of residents from Torrevieja, Guardamar and the Orihuela Costa, who all turned out in the hope that they could put their bad experiences of the last 12 months behind them. Barbecues, fridges full of drinks and the need to have fun were the common elements as people gathered to enjoy their evening out.
This is one of the most special nights for celebrating superstitious rituals, for bringing luck as well as it being an opportunity to take advantage of the tradition and to enjoy the evening on the beach in the company of family and friends.
The municipalities of Torrevieja, Guardamar del Segura, Catral as well as the coastline of the Orihuela Costa, held their celebrations, but only on the beaches where they were authorised to do so, the playas como la del Cura, la Mata, los Locos, los Naúgrafos and La Zenia. Fortunately the threat of rain had disappeared as the celebrations got underway, each lasting long into the night.
And to cap what had been a special night each of the councils had their ‘clean up team's out in force to ensure that the beaches were back in perfect condition for the early morning swimmers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47738/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The whole coastline was alight with bonfires last Tuesday night in observance of San Juan (St John the Baptist), a celebration that dates back to pre-Christian times and marks the arrival of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Celebrated...

### SEMINAKED SHOPPING IN ALICANTE

The Desigual Fashion outlet in Alicante had a rather novel way of welcoming their summer sales when they offered shoppers on Monday morning a completely new outfit....no strings, or at least ‘no clothes' attached.
The promotion was called 'The Seminaked Summer Edition' and required customers to arrive at the store wearing nothing more than a swimming costume, which plenty were quite willing to do.
The event was promoted through social networks and there were plenty that decided to give it a go with many quite willing to spend the all night outside in front of the Desigual shop in Avda Maisonnave, Alicante.
In the case of Alejandro Serrano, the first in the queue, he arrived at the store on Sunday evening at 7pm to be the first to get in line. And he was more than a little prepared as the young man had visited the shop on the previous Saturday when he had selected and tried on a number of Desigual outfits.
When he finally left the store on Monday morning he was delighted, saying that he had got exactly what he wanted, two free items, which would otherwise have cost him 230 euros.
Similar events have been held by the store in many Spanish cities as well as Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo and New York and they have always proved to be extremely popular with the public.
This is the first time that the promotion has been held in Alicante though, and unlike previous occasions organised in a number of other cities, when shoppers were required to arrive in their underwear, the requirement outlined in Alicante was for shoppers to turn up in either a swimsuit or bikini.
And all those who did turn up enjoyed the background music of top ‘dj' Cristina Bosta who described the initiative as "original" and "super fun" saying that that the store had made many new fans as a result of their promotion.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47737/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Desigual Fashion outlet in Alicante had a rather novel way of welcoming their summer sales when they offered shoppers on Monday morning a completely new outfit....no strings, or at least ‘no clothes' attached.
The promotion was called 'The Seminaked Summer Edition' and required customers to arrive at the store wearing nothing more than a swimming costume, which plenty were quite willing to do.
The event was promoted through social networks and there were plenty that decided to give it a go with many quite willing to spend the all night outside in front of the Desigual shop in Avda Maisonnave, Alicante.
In the case of Alejandro Serrano, the first in the queue, he arrived at the store on Sunday evening at 7pm to be the first to get in line. And he was more than a little prepared as the young man had visited the shop on the previous Saturday when he had selected and tried on a number of Desigual outfits.
When he finally left the store on Monday morning he was delighted, saying that he had got exactly what he wanted, two free items, which would otherwise have cost him 230 euros.
Similar events have been held by the store in many Spanish cities as well as Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo and New York and they have always proved to be extremely popular with the public.
This is the first time that the promotion has been held in Alicante though, and unlike previous occasions organised in a number of other cities, when shoppers were required to arrive in their underwear, the requirement outlined in Alicante was for shoppers to turn up in either a swimsuit or bikini.
And all those who did turn up enjoyed the background music of top ‘dj' Cristina Bosta who described the initiative as "original" and "super fun" saying that that the store had made many new fans as a result of their promotion.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47737/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### A SUMMER CRAFT FAIR IN THE PORT OF JÁVEA FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING

The Summer Craft Fair at the sea front in the port of Jávea is rapidly becoming fairly well known as an interesting meeting point between people looking for original craft work and the people who produce it. 
Last Friday some twenty or so craftsmen and women set up their stalls for the first time this summer along the promenade, and even the participants who had been there last year were surprised at the way that the people walking past the stalls welcomed them back:  there was a lot more interest shown than last year or the year before!
This particular craft fair is more than a little special, a set of stalls that is not the usual "craft" fair you will find on most promenades along the coast: only hand made goods made by the people on the stall are allowed. 
Here you will not find cheap imports from Third World countries, mass produced toys or "genuine souvenirs" made in Bangladesh.   The Shopkeeper's Association of Jávea port particularly wanted a quality fair on their sea front and for the third year running has asked the craft association Amata to select the particpants, to be sure that each and every item is hand made by the person in the stall.  
Amata will also be checking the quality of what is on the stalls at frequent intervals all summer - nothing is left to chance.
The participants are carefully chosen to guarantee not just good quality but also variety: leather bags, belts and children's shoes; decorative lamps of wood or metal wire that look like giant insects: design jewelry in silver, copper, silk, macramé, wrought iron or ceramics, sculptures and paintings, cuddly crochet animals and opera bags. 
Most participants bring their tools along so that a chosen item that is not quite what you wanted, can be adapted or personalised.  You can even order something special and probably pick it up a few days later!
Some of the participants live in the area and are there for the whole summer; others, who live further away, come only for a week or two, to combine a holiday on the beach with the chance to sell their work.  This way the fair changes from week to week, and sometimes from day to day. 
For the first ten days (and perhaps the whole summer) there is a caricaturist and like last year a local potter comes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with his wheel, to teach young and old how to make a bowl or cup.
The fair is set up in the Paseo Marítimo in the port of Jávea, and opens every evening (till 13 September) from 7 pm til midnight. More information about the fair and its participants on 639 979 678 or have a look on the web site of Amata www.amata.es (in Spanish and English).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47736/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Summer Craft Fair at the sea front in the port of Jávea is rapidly becoming fairly well known as an interesting meeting point between people looking for original craft work and the people who produce it. 
Last Friday some twenty or so craftsmen and women set up their stalls for the first time this summer along the promenade, and even the participants who had been there last year were surprised at the way that the people walking past the stalls welcomed them back:  there was a lot more interest shown than last year or the year before!
This particular craft fair is more than a little special, a set of stalls that is not the usual "craft" fair you will find on most promenades along the coast: only hand made goods made by the people on the stall are allowed. 
Here you will not find cheap imports from Third World countries, mass produced toys or "genuine souvenirs" made in Bangladesh.   The Shopkeeper's Association of Jávea port particularly wanted a quality fair on their sea front and for the third year running has asked the craft association Amata to select the particpants, to be sure that each and every item is hand made by the person in the stall.  
Amata will also be checking the quality of what is on the stalls at frequent intervals all summer - nothing is left to chance.
The participants are carefully chosen to guarantee not just good quality but also variety: leather bags, belts and children's shoes; decorative lamps of wood or metal wire that look like giant insects: design jewelry in silver, copper, silk, macramé, wrought iron or ceramics, sculptures and paintings, cuddly crochet animals and opera bags. 
Most participants bring their tools along so that a chosen item that is not quite what you wanted, can be adapted or personalised.  You can even order something special and probably pick it up a few days later!
Some of the participants live in the area and are there for the whole summer; others, who live further away, come only for a week or two, to combine a holiday on the beach with the chance to sell their work.  This way the fair changes from week to week, and sometimes from day to day. 
For the first ten days (and perhaps the whole summer) there is a caricaturist and like last year a local potter comes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with his wheel, to teach young and old how to make a bowl or cup.
The fair is set up in the Paseo Marítimo in the port of Jávea, and opens every evening (till 13 September) from 7 pm til midnight. More information about the fair and its participants on 639 979 678 or have a look on the web site of Amata www.amata.es (in Spanish and English).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47736/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### A DIFFERENT GASP

GASP ( Gran Alacant Santa Pola Theatre Group ) fresh from their last production are now busy rehearsing their next show which will be somewhat different to all that has gone before in their 6 years of presenting drama productions .
The group is a truly international with members from France , Spain , not to mention Great Britain , but has to date only presented productions in English .
The next presentation will be presented in both English and Spanish and will be an evening of comedy sketches to be performed in the CASA DE CULTURA in Santa Pola on Friday September 18th
Details of ticketing will be available nearer the date .
The Charity which GASP supports is the CRUZ ROJO .
So mark the date in your diary and enjoy the experience of “ sharpening up “ all the Spanish you have learned ,and by doing so you will help the GASP to help the CRUZ ROJO .
As always the group is on the look out for new members for both acting and back stage activities such as Props , Front of House ,and all the other essential jobs that are needed to make a well run show .
If you would like more details of the group contact Christine on 966 699 845 
or e-mail christinelombardy@terra.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47735/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: GASP ( Gran Alacant Santa Pola Theatre Group ) fresh from their last production are now busy rehearsing their next show which will be somewhat different to all that has gone before in their 6 years of presenting drama productions .
The group is a trul...

### REACHING OUT TO YOU

There was a spectacular Gospel Concert in Torrevieja Christian Fellowship to raise funds for Reachout. With the EME Gospel Choir
We would like to say thank you to all who organized and assisted with this free concert. Thank you.
Torrevieja Christian Fellowship hosted the event, EME (Evangelical Music Expression) Gospel Choir donated their service, and this was free to enter.
For many people this was their first experience of a Gospel concert.
The show started at 7pm, over 40 voices and an eight piece bank, all singing in harmony, all volunteers, what could be better on a Saturday evening. There was nearly a full house, over 220 people attended.
Raising in excess of 750.00€ - Plus 2 cars full of food donations – Incredible. Thank you to all. 
Many people are familiar with Reachout, and the charity name. Are you?  Reachout need more volunteers – Can you help? Telephone : 965 713 063 or 698 499 226 for more information.
The Reachout mission is to help the homeless and families in need. They help everyone irrespective of race creed or status with support and advice. They help the homeless find accommodation and work. They help families with food parcels and necessities such as clothing, furniture and toiletries.
Breakfast, a hot meal, and shower facilities, are provided for the homeless at the centre six days a week. Currently Reachout supports 35 families, approximately 200 individuals, including children.
Reachout is a registered charity, there is a board of elected directors, and members they have professional standing within the community. Why not get involved? Everyone is a volunteer, they are depend upon you and their voluntary workers to raise funds and they welcome donations of all kinds, from cloths to furniture.
Twice a week, or more they have a van which they use for home pick-ups to help with house furniture and white good removal.
The next big rock Gospel concert is in Albacete, Entrance is Free and starts at 20.00hrs you can see some great acts all live, featuring Alex Sampedro and his band.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47734/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: There was a spectacular Gospel Concert in Torrevieja Christian Fellowship to raise funds for Reachout. With the EME Gospel Choir
We would like to say thank you to all who organized and assisted with this free concert. Thank you.
Torrevieja Christian ...

### STRIKING THE RIGHT NOTE WITH STAGESTRUCK

Stagestruck theatre group have recently made a donation to the PTA of San Fulgencio and to the theatre who kindly let us perform there. 
The San Fulgencio PTA received 400€ to help them and another 200€ was given to the theatre. Altogether we managed to raise 2000€, other donations in coming weeks will be given to age concern and Alzheimer's
We have our Christmas show booked for the end of November but we are desperately looking for someone to play the prince. If anyone would like to have a go and awaken the beautiful Sleeping Beauty then we are looking for you..
We a also looking for anyone who would like to join our happy band or actors, singing, dancing or helping out behind the scenes or front of house .
We are an established group and support many local charities . Please contact jenny on 608129983 for more details.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47733/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Stagestruck theatre group have recently made a donation to the PTA of San Fulgencio and to the theatre who kindly let us perform there. 
The San Fulgencio PTA received 400€ to help them and another 200€ was given to the theatre. Altogether w...

### ICA HOLIDAY CLUB

Calling all kids - fancy having an adventure on a treasure island, complete with games, music, stories, and, of course, hunting for hidden treasure?
Here's your chance, because the International Christian Assembly hold their annual holiday club from June 30 to July 3, at the church at Calle Urbano Arregui 23, in Torrevieja.
Part of the church is specially decorated, transforming it this year into a treasure island.
Pastor Rafael Restrepo, his wife Mary, elders/deacons of the church and some of the congregation get together to run the club, from 11am to 1pm on each of the days.
Children can enjoy craft, playing games, winning prizes, taking part in drama and hearing stories.
Specially for children aged from 5-13, admission is free - just turn up, all are welcome.
For more information call 966799273 or 660127276 or on line at www.icatorrrevieja.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47732/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Calling all kids - fancy having an adventure on a treasure island, complete with games, music, stories, and, of course, hunting for hidden treasure?
Here's your chance, because the International Christian Assembly hold their annual holiday club from J...

### PLEASE FREE THE CONTAINER DOGS!!

Several dogs, including a newly born puppy, are held locked in a metal container at the mercy of the Spanish sun.
This fact was reported to the Animal Care Treatment International Network (ACTIN) over six weeks ago and, after checking that that the reports were correct, a formal complaint of severe animal abuse was presented to the court backed by expert testimony from three veterinary practitioners.
The court ordered that Seprona, the Spanish Nature Protection Service, make an immediate and full investigation. The dogs' owners were made aware of the inspection in advance and the Seprona investigator, as well as their vet', were able to issue a report stating that the dogs were not suffering.
With the independent evidence of many others, ACTIN cannot accept this report. The dogs are still locked in a metal container under forty degree sunshine and reports from passers-by suggest that noise from the captive animals is weakening. There is even concern that not all may still be alive. Witnesses also tell of serious smells coming from the container.
The Seprona report is, therefore, being strenuously challenged. ACTIN's immediate objective is to see these dogs rescued while, at the same time, to ensure that Spanish laws on animal abuse are respected and applied in this case and much further afield.
Neighbours first denounced the dog owners in 2010. Previous inspections, confirmed by the police, suggest that there have been as many as ten or fourteen dogs locked in this container.
Court costs, as well as the services of an expert animal welfare lawyer, have already cost the charity over thirteen hundred Euros. ACTIN does need urgent public support for this ongoing campaign. This is not an isolated example of abusive practices that need to be highlighted and stopped using existing laws.
More information on the charity can be seen at actin-spain.com and donations, using PayPal, can be made on the site or set up using admin@actin-spain.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47727/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Several dogs, including a newly born puppy, are held locked in a metal container at the mercy of the Spanish sun.
This fact was reported to the Animal Care Treatment International Network (ACTIN) over six weeks ago and, after checking that that the re...

### NEW CHARITY SHOP TO OPEN

Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity is expanding their charity shop base  by opening their fourth shop in Calle Espana 28, Almoradi on approximately 6th July.   
The charity has taken the opportunity to bring the Nurses Charity into an area that will be completely new to them and trust that the people of Almoradi will be supportive in this adventure.
However, we are currently looking for volunteers to work in the shop between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., six days a week. Should anyone be interested or require further  information on volunteering, please contact Chris Rodley on 650695482.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47714/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity is expanding their charity shop base  by opening their fourth shop in Calle Espana 28, Almoradi on approximately 6th July.   
The charity has taken the opportunity to bring the Nurses Charity into an area that will be co...

### Lucky Escape from Girona Plane Crash

A French couple escaped unhurt on Friday when their light aircraft crashed into a fence and burst into flames whilst landing at the Empuriabrava airfield at Girona.
The initial reports from the scene suggest that the plane´s landing gear hit the guardrail protecting the C-260 road and subsequently impacted with the runway.
An investigation is being carried out to determine if the crash was caused by human or mechanical error, but the lucky couple escaped with nothing more than a few scratches.

Excerpt: A French couple escaped unhurt on Friday when their light aircraft crashed into a fence and burst into flames whilst landing at the Empuriabrava airfield at Girona. The initial reports from the scene suggest that the plane´s landing gear hit the guardrail protecting the C-260 road and subsequently impacted with the runway. An investigation is […]

### New Signs Show Delay Times

The DGT has launched a subtle improvement to traffic information boards on some of the roads in Spain, indicating if there are delays en route.

Alongside timings for journeys to featured areas, some of the display panels will now display a clock face.
A white clock indicates that traffic is flowing normally, whereas a red clock indicates that there are delays.
The aim is to try to provide more information to motorists and therefore encourage safety though the awareness of problems ahead.

The post New Signs Show Delay Times appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The DGT has launched a subtle improvement to traffic information boards on some of the roads in Spain, indicating if there are delays en route. Alongside timings for journeys to featured areas, some of the display panels will now display Read More ...
The post New Signs Show Delay Times appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Foreigners Continuing to Leave Alicante Area

According to the latest data released on Thursday, the province of Alicante lost 22,000 foreign residents in 2014, for the second consecutive year.
The trend for foreigners moving to Spain had been increasing during the property boom, but in 2013 the decline had its most significant impact, which continued through last year.
The British, Romanians and Germans have led the decline, but across the province, 20.6% of the population are foreigners, a figure which has remained almost constant, as residents from Algeria and America in particular are topping the charts for more residents moving to Spain, keeping the overall figure balanced.
The city of Alicante is in first place in terms of foreign residents with 44,901, Torrevieja is in second place with 41,434 and Orihuela is in third place with 31,028 foreign residents.
The decline was most significant in Torrevieja however as the decline in the foreign population has resulted in the city losing its big city status and falling below the 100,000 resident threshold for the first time in almost a decade, resulting in less money per head in subsidy.

Excerpt: According to the latest data released on Thursday, the province of Alicante lost 22,000 foreign residents in 2014, for the second consecutive year. The trend for foreigners moving to Spain had been increasing during the property boom, but in 2013 the decline had its most significant impact, which continued through last year. The British, Romanians […]

### Urgent Drought Action Starting

Under the threat of drought across the entire country, the Ministry of the Environment has authorised the first emergency transfers of water between reservoirs, with 35 cubic hectometres of water being authorised to be taken from the Pedrera reservoir in Torremendo, in order to alleviate the severe threat to the agriculture sector.
This is in addition to the 15 cubic hectometres already transferred from the Pedrera to the central zone. As of Thursday of this week, before the 35 cubic hectometre transfer, the Pedrera reservoir was holding 155 cubic hectometres of its 246 capacity.
Across the Segura basin, the reservoirs are collectively holding 58% of their capacity. This time last year, the reservoirs were at 74% capacity.

Excerpt: Under the threat of drought across the entire country, the Ministry of the Environment has authorised the first emergency transfers of water between reservoirs, with 35 cubic hectometres of water being authorised to be taken from the Pedrera reservoir in Torremendo, in order to alleviate the severe threat to the agriculture sector. This is in […]

### Weather Alert for High Temperatures

A weather alert was issued by the Spanish government on Thursday evening, supporting warning from the Protección Civil and met office, warning of high temperatures from Friday.
Temperatures could reach 38 degrees in inland areas of the peninsular, whereas in Valencia temperatures are expected to reach 36 degrees.
The weather alert is expected to remain in place until at least Tuesday of next week, with extreme care required to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, remain in well ventilated and shaded places, drink plenty of water and wear light clothing and protection when outdoors.

Excerpt: A weather alert was issued by the Spanish government on Thursday evening, supporting warning from the Protección Civil and met office, warning of high temperatures from Friday. Temperatures could reach 38 degrees in inland areas of the peninsular, whereas in Valencia temperatures are expected to reach 36 degrees. The weather alert is expected to remain […]

### Real Hoverboard to Launch in Barcelona

Design and technology collaboration achieves creative breakthrough for new Lexus Amazing in Motionproject

A Lexus has always been a vehicle that rides on wheels, in contact with the ground. Until now. This summer a new Lexus takes flight, bringing the stuff of science fiction closer to real world fact.
Lexus has worked with experts in super-conductive technology to create one of the most advanced Hoverboards the world has seen. The concept is the fourth project in its Amazing in Motion campaign, demonstrating its commitment to pursuing new possibilities in advanced design and technology.
Mark Templin, Executive Vice President, Lexus International, said: “At Lexus we constantly challenge ourselves and our partners to push the boundaries of what is possible. That determination, combined with our passion and expertise for design and innovation, is what led us to take on the Hoverboard project. It’s the perfect example of the amazing things that can be achieved when you combine technology, design and imagination.”
The Lexus project team has used magnetic levitation with liquid nitrogen-cooled superconductors and permanent magnets to give the Hoverboard frictionless movement of a kind that had been thought impossible.
Although a completely different form of transport, the Hoverboard shares design cues with today’s Lexus cars, including the signature spindle grille. It has also been made using some of the same materials, both high-tech and natural, such as bamboo.
The Hoverboard is part of the fourth project in the Lexus Amazing in Motion campaign, an international showcase for the brand’s creativity and innovation. The prototype is being tested in Barcelona in the coming weeks prior to the campaign’s launch this summer.

Excerpt: Design and technology collaboration achieves creative breakthrough for new Lexus Amazing in Motionproject A Lexus has always been a vehicle that rides on wheels, in contact with the ground. Until now. This summer a new Lexus takes flight, bringing the stuff of science fiction closer to real world fact. Lexus has worked with experts in […]

### Fake Wines Seized in Major Operation

Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized 41,000 litres of wine and 200 litres of other alcoholic drinks, on account of their denomination of origin being fake.
The investigation began when officers carried out inspections at various fairs in the province of Cádiz, where the officers found a range of wines being sold at considerably lower than market price. That wine was immediately seized and its origin investigated, which led officers to a bodega whose owner has now been arrested and charged with crimes against intellectual property and fraud.
The operation was conducted with the collaboration of the Ministry of Health in the Government of Andalusia and the Sherry Regulatory Council.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized 41,000 litres of wine and 200 litres of other alcoholic drinks, on account of their denomination of origin being fake. The investigation began when officers carried out inspections at various fairs in the province of Cádiz, where the officers found a range of wines being sold at considerably […]

### UK Marijuana Network Disbanded

In a joint operation between the National Police and Guardia Civil, eight people have been arrested on suspicion of being part of a criminal network that would cultivate and distribute marijuana on a large scale mainly through the UK and Switzerland.
House searches were conducted in Málaga, Estepona, Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara, seizing 2,638 marijuana plants, two luxury cars, 10,000 euro in cash, a banknote counting machine, several computers and effects for the cultivation and processing of marijuana.
The Marbella plantation, which was run by the 68 year old head of the gang, contained 3,509 plants and there was 88.5 kilos of packaged marijuana ready for distribution.

Excerpt: In a joint operation between the National Police and Guardia Civil, eight people have been arrested on suspicion of being part of a criminal network that would cultivate and distribute marijuana on a large scale mainly through the UK and Switzerland. House searches were conducted in Málaga, Estepona, Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara, seizing […]

### Pedestrians Seriously Injured in Ambulance Crash

Two women, aged 62 and 70, have been seriously injured when they were knocked down by an ambulance whilst walking along the pavement in Alcorcón in the south west of Madrid.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when the ambulance was en route to an emergency call and invaded the pavement striking the two pedestrians.
The victims were taken to hospital in an alternative ambulance and an investigation is being carried out, the most likely outcome being driver error, according to sources close to the investigation.
The post Pedestrians Seriously Injured in Ambulance Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Two women, aged 62 and 70, have been seriously injured when they were knocked down by an ambulance whilst walking along the pavement in Alcorcón in the south west of Madrid. The incident occurred on Tuesday night when the ambulance Read More ...
The post Pedestrians Seriously Injured in Ambulance Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### CLR Lose Orihuela Summer Court Case

The administrative court in Elche has dismissed a case brought by Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas of the CLR political group against the then acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata.

CLR had complained to the courts that by not having the plenary meeting in August of last year, and by moving it to September, violated their fundamental rights.

However, the judge felt that there was no requirement to hold the meeting in August, especially as this is not a normal working month for the town hall, and so dismissed the case.

The Socialist Party issued a statement about the “absurd attempt by the opposition to discredit and question the reputation of the Socialist councillors”, as their “attitude and leadership of the government was successful and with scrupulous respect for the law”.

Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas are now condemned to pay the costs of the court case.

Excerpt: The administrative court in Elche has dismissed a case brought by Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas of the CLR political group against the then acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata. CLR had complained to the courts that by not having the plenary meeting in August of last year, and by moving it to September, […]

### Caravan and Car Crash

Caravan and car left the road at AP-1 at kilometre 58,000.

The post Caravan and Car Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Caravan and car left the road at AP-1 at kilometre 58,000.
The post Caravan and Car Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Staying Cool Uses Fuel

Using your car´s air conditioning at a temperature below 20 degrees can result in an increase of 20% in fuel consumption, according to a new report compiled by AutoScout24.

The report is aimed at raising awareness of using air conditioning and the impact on vehicle use, including an increase in maintenance.
The report also aims at encouraging users to reduce the settings of their units, so as to improve performance of both the vehicle´s fuel consumption and to avoid damage, by keeping the settings in the mid or low range, or just opening the windows to reduce the temperature.
AutoScout24 also highlights the importance of conducting proper maintenance of the air conditioning in winter and perform a thorough cleaning of the radiator, as well as checking the hoses and ducts of this system.
The firm points out that the gas is an essential element of air conditioning and a clear sign of a malfunction of this unit is that the device fails to cool when connected. Another sign of a malfunction is a sour smell inside the car.
You can get your air conditioning checked at a maintenance workshop or garage, remembering to ensure that the garage is competent in carrying out the repairs.
The post Staying Cool Uses Fuel appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Using your car´s air conditioning at a temperature below 20 degrees can result in an increase of 20% in fuel consumption, according to a new report compiled by AutoScout24. The report is aimed at raising awareness of using air conditioning Read More ...
The post Staying Cool Uses Fuel appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### TV Ban on Bullfighting Denied

Thanks to the majority votes of the ruling Partido Popular, the culture committee in the Spanish congress has rejected proposals to ban bullfighting broadcasts on television.
The motion was proposed by the Izquierda Plural and had the support of all other parliamentary groups. During the debate, the Izquierda Plural were critical of various initiatives implemented by the PP which aimed at promoting bullfighting, paying particular attention to an event which was broadcast on TV in May, at a time when children would be watching television, something which hadn´t been done since 2013.
A number of child protection associations have also expressed concerns over the broadcasts and want them at least moving to a time when children would not be watching, on account of the brutal nature of the events and the shocking images portrayed, which they believe are harmful to children.

Excerpt: Thanks to the majority votes of the ruling Partido Popular, the culture committee in the Spanish congress has rejected proposals to ban bullfighting broadcasts on television. The motion was proposed by the Izquierda Plural and had the support of all other parliamentary groups. During the debate, the Izquierda Plural were critical of various initiatives implemented […]

### Cars That Can See Round Corners?

Exiting blind junctions can be a nerve-wracking experience for drivers, as they inch forward into traffic and strain to see and hear oncoming vehicles.
Ford is introducing a new camera technology that can see around corners, even when drivers cannot, to help avert accidents.

The innovative Front Split View Camera – available as an option on the all-new Ford Galaxy and S-MAX – displays a 180-degree view from the front of the car, using a video camera in the grille. At a blind junction or exiting a driveway, the camera enables drivers to easily spot approaching vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists.
“It’s not just blind junctions that can be stressful, sometimes an overhanging tree, or bushes can be the problem,” said Ronny Hause, engineer, Driver Assistance Electronic Systems, Ford of Europe. “Simply driving off driveways can be a challenge. Much like a rear-view camera, Front Split View Camera is one of those technologies that people will soon find indispensable.”

The first-in-segment technology is activated at the push of a button. A 1-megapixel camera in the front grille enables drivers to see a real-time 180-degree view – both left and right – on the vehicle’s eight-inch colour touchscreen. Drivers can track road users that approach on either side and pass in front of the vehicle. The camera, just 33mm wide, is kept clear by a specially designed retractable jet-washer that operates automatically when the windscreen wipers are activated.
Data recorded by the European Road Safety Observatory SafetyNet project indicated that approximately 19 per cent of drivers involved in accidents at junctions experienced obstructions to view.* The U.K. Department of Transport said that in 2013, vision affected by external factors contributed to 11 per cent of all road accidents.**
“From sunrise to sunset we tested the Front Split View Camera on all kinds of roads, congested urban streets and areas with a lot of cyclists and pedestrians,” Hause said. “Tackling tunnels, narrow alleys and garages in all light conditions also meant we could ensure the technology worked well even when sunlight was shining directly into the camera.”
Ford models including the all-new Galaxy and S-MAX already offer Rear View Camera technology; and Cross Traffic Alert system, which uses rear-mounted sensors to warn drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. Further new driver assistance technologies offered on new Galaxy and S-MAX include:

Intelligent Speed Limiter, which when activated scans traffic signs and adjusts the throttle to help drivers stay within legal speed limits and avoid fines
Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which will reduce the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some impacts altogether
Glare-Free Highbeam technology for the adaptive LED headlamps, which detects vehicles ahead and fades out light that could dazzle oncoming drivers, while retaining maximum illumination for other areas

“Pulling out on a blind junction can be a tricky manoeuvre for new and experienced drivers alike. The best approach has traditionally been to simply lean forward to get the best view whilst creeping forwards with the windows wound down to listen for approaching vehicles, but cyclists are a particular risk as they can’t be heard,” said Keith Freeman, AA quality training manager in the UK, who also trains young drivers as part of the Ford Driving Skills For Life programme. “This technology will certainly make emerging from anywhere with a restricted view so much safer and the experience less nerve-wracking for those behind the wheel.”
The all-new Galaxy and S-MAX are available to order now, priced from £27,595 and £25,245 respectively, with front and rear cameras a £400 option. Front Split View Camera also will be offered on the all-new Ford Edge upscale SUV, available in Europe later this year.
The post Cars That Can See Round Corners? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Exiting blind junctions can be a nerve-wracking experience for drivers, as they inch forward into traffic and strain to see and hear oncoming vehicles. Ford is introducing a new camera technology that can see around corners, even when drivers cannot, Read More ...
The post Cars That Can See Round Corners? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### The Tweeting Pothole

Road managers in Panama are dreading the very creation of Twitter, after a new system was developed that sent them a tweet every time a vehicle went over a pothole in the road.

The system, named “The Tweeting Pothole”, was developed in conjunction with a media outlet and creative agency, and consists of two parts. The first is a small circular sensor which is placed in the pothole, the second is a communication module, so that when the sensor detects the pressure of a passing vehicle it automatically sends a tweet to the official account of the Ministry of Public Works of the country, as a reminder of the problem.
As the sensors were placed in potholes on some of the busiest roads in the city, it wasn´t long before the Twitter account of the Ministry had a flurry of automatic tweets, thus encouraging them to solve the problem.
Now, we just need the technology to be exported to other countries and we can all share the benefits of technological advances in road maintenance.

The post The Tweeting Pothole appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Road managers in Panama are dreading the very creation of Twitter, after a new system was developed that sent them a tweet every time a vehicle went over a pothole in the road. The system, named “The Tweeting Pothole”, was Read More ...
The post The Tweeting Pothole appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Kittens Looking for a Home

Four beautiful kittens were abandoned in the street in a Torrevieja urbanisation and are now looking for a home.



One is white with cream ears; the others are grey with darker spots and ears, one of those is likely to be long-haired.

They are litter tray ready free to a good home. They need attention but will be loving kittens given the attention they deserve.

Email: info@thisistorrevieja.com

### ORIHUELA COSTA’S FIRST OUTDOOR CHESS TOURNAMENT

On 18 July DTOC will organise a chess tournament starting at 10am through to 8pm in La Zenia Park. This will be the very first outdoor chess tournament held in the Orihuela Costa. 
All residentsare welcome. Free beer for all, while stocks last.
To participate in the tournament you have to be an orihuela costa resident.
Deadline for entry is Monday 13 of July.
Send applications to info@dtoc.eu. Entry fee for the tournament is 10€Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47702/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On 18 July DTOC will organise a chess tournament starting at 10am through to 8pm in La Zenia Park. This will be the very first outdoor chess tournament held in the Orihuela Costa. 
All residentsare welcome. Free beer for all, while stocks last.
To pa...

### Pascual Flores Returns

The schooner, Pascual Flores, beacon of the history of ship building in Torrevieja, has returned to her native port after being sent away for buoyancy work.

The ship arrived back in Torrevieja on Tuesday, ahead of the scheduled arrival on Thursday, and the town hall are now considering her future.

The ship is in a far worse condition that was first thought, despite millions invested in repairing the replica which contains some genuine pieces, with the crew having to stop every hour for twenty minutes to pump out sea water, despite the caretakers saying that she is in surprisingly good condition.

Excerpt: The schooner, Pascual Flores, beacon of the history of ship building in Torrevieja, has returned to her native port after being sent away for buoyancy work. The ship arrived back in Torrevieja on Tuesday, ahead of the scheduled arrival on Thursday, and the town hall are now considering her future. The ship is in a […]

### Torrevieja Resident Arrested on Islamic State Terrorism Suspicion

A Moroccan citizen, who is a resident of Torrevieja has reportedly been arrested in Warsaw on suspicion of terrorist activities for the Islamic State.

The man, who has the initials AAEK, was the subject of an International arrest warrant and was arrested whilst ravelling back into Europe.

Investigators believe that the man became radicalised in 2014 and fought in the Daesh region of the Islamic State. It is believed he had weapons and explosives training in addition to his combat role.

Excerpt: A Moroccan citizen, who is a resident of Torrevieja has reportedly been arrested in Warsaw on suspicion of terrorist activities for the Islamic State. The man, who has the initials AAEK, was the subject of an International arrest warrant and was arrested whilst ravelling back into Europe. Investigators believe that the man became radicalised in […]

### Body of a Man Found Eaten by Dogs

The body of a man has been found in his home, showing signs of having been eaten by his dogs.

This is the fourth such incident in seven months in the area, with similar circumstances reported in Hondón de las Nieves, Pinoso and Aspe previously.

There are no suspicious circumstances presented and the man was said to be in his eighties, but an investigation will be carried out.

 

Excerpt: The body of a man has been found in his home, showing signs of having been eaten by his dogs. This is the fourth such incident in seven months in the area, with similar circumstances reported in Hondón de las Nieves, Pinoso and Aspe previously. There are no suspicious circumstances presented and the man was said […]

### Photo Competition in Rojales

Rojales town council has launched a photography competition this week, which will run until the 5th of July, encouraging posting and sharing images of the town through social networks.

The competition is coinciding with the celebrations of San Pedro Apóstol de Rojales, and by using the hashtag #sanpedrorojales2015, and following them on Twitter at @AytoRojales, you have the chance to win the first prize of 100 euro, second prize of 75 euro and third prize of 50 euro.

Excerpt: Rojales town council has launched a photography competition this week, which will run until the 5th of July, encouraging posting and sharing images of the town through social networks. The competition is coinciding with the celebrations of San Pedro Apóstol de Rojales, and by using the hashtag #sanpedrorojales2015, and following them on Twitter at @AytoRojales, […]

### Train Safety Checks Planned

The Spanish Congress is putting together a plan to force systematic analysis of black boxes on trains, in order to monitor faults and other problems so as to promote measures for improvement.

The final draft of the proposal has been released this week which came about after the high speed train crash in July of 2013.

The draft also recommends the removal of level crossings and more automation of safety systems, as well as the monitoring of black boxes on both public and private services.

Excerpt: The Spanish Congress is putting together a plan to force systematic analysis of black boxes on trains, in order to monitor faults and other problems so as to promote measures for improvement. The final draft of the proposal has been released this week which came about after the high speed train crash in July of […]

### Orihuela Government Roles Announced

The Mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascañuna of the Partido Popular, has announced the roles his government will play for the next four year administration.

As well as mayor, he himself will take on the urbanism department as well as security, but the all important councillor of the coast and international residents will be a role filled by Sofía Áñvarez, a coastal resident, who will also take on the departments of tourism and urban transport.

Excerpt: The Mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascañuna of the Partido Popular, has announced the roles his government will play for the next four year administration. As well as mayor, he himself will take on the urbanism department as well as security, but the all important councillor of the coast and international residents will be a role […]

### British Woman Killed in Paragliding Incident

A British woman was killed on Sunday in a paragliding accident in the Sierra in Algodonales, Cádiz.

According to the fire consortium, the woman was 48 years of age and has the initials LP and was a resident of the Cadíz town of La Línea de la Concepción.

The victim is reported to have fallen to the ground after flying just “a few metres” and was said to have been killed instantly.

The fire service had to retrieve the victim as the location where she landed was difficult to access.

The emergency call was made at 14:43 and the incident concluded at 19:00. An investigation has begun.

Excerpt: A British woman was killed on Sunday in a paragliding accident in the Sierra in Algodonales, Cádiz. According to the fire consortium, the woman was 48 years of age and has the initials LP and was a resident of the Cadíz town of La Línea de la Concepción. The victim is reported to have fallen […]

### Seven Roads Deaths This Weekend

In the provisional count by the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday, seven people have lost their lives on the roads of Spain.
There have also been a number of incidents which have resulted in a variety of injuries, and some dramatic images from the scenes.
A bus caught fire on the M-40 in Madrid on Friday, although there were luckily no injuries as a result.

On Friday evening, fire fighters had to extract the occupants of two cars which collided at a junction in Madrid. Both drivers were taken to hospital for treatment whilst the police in Madrid are investigating the incident.

A van crashed through the wall of a house in Callosa de Segura, destroying most of the wall, but there were no reported injuries in the dramatic smash.

Two women, aged 83 and 93, were killed, and two others, aged 42 and 15, were injured, in a crash in Albacete on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at 16:30 at kilometre 464 of the N-430 when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned.
On Saturday, a 34 year old motorcyclist was seriously injured in a collision with a car in Pamplona. A motorcyclist was killed on Saturday evening at Galve de Sorbe in Guadalajara.
On Sunday, an airport bus crashed into the terminal building at the airport on the island of Gran Canaria, with medical staff treating a number of people for injuries.

A 70 year old was killed and two others injured when the driver of a car lost control in Tardobispo, Zamora, and crashed into the terrace of a pub where numerous people were sat enjoying the Sunday sunshine.
The post Seven Roads Deaths This Weekend appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: In the provisional count by the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday, seven people have lost their lives on the roads of Spain. There have also been a number of incidents which have resulted in a variety Read More ...
The post Seven Roads Deaths This Weekend appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Recycle More Calls

Torrevieja town hall launched an initiative to encourage more recycling, after figures revealed that each inhabitant only recycles 4.53 kilos of waste, almost half the average across Valencia, where the figure is 8 kilos per inhabitant.

Municipalities receive money for recycled materials, whereas they have to pay for disposing of residual waste, therefore, the more that can be recycled, the lower the overall bill and the better it is for the environment.

Government spokesperson, Fanny Serrano, explained that in 2014, Torrevieja received 95,783 euro for plastics and cans, and 32,000 euro for carton and paper. The figures could triple if enough attention was given to separating materials. Torrevieja has 159,216 recycling bins, with more on order.

As part of the awareness campaign, the town hall has produced 34,000 brochures explaining the benefits and importance of recycling, and how to dispose of each item correctly.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall launched an initiative to encourage more recycling, after figures revealed that each inhabitant only recycles 4.53 kilos of waste, almost half the average across Valencia, where the figure is 8 kilos per inhabitant. Municipalities receive money for recycled materials, whereas they have to pay for disposing of residual waste, therefore, the more […]

### Flight Warning

Pilots flying over Spain and Portugal were given a warning to look out for birds at the weekend, after 70,000 racing pigeons were released from Valencia on a journey back to Portugal.

Pilots were warned to take extra care when below 2,000 feet on account of the birds heading west from Valencia, probably in groups of between 5 and 20.

The birds had all travelled by road to Valencia before being released on Saturday in order to race back to their Portuguese homes.

Excerpt: Pilots flying over Spain and Portugal were given a warning to look out for birds at the weekend, after 70,000 racing pigeons were released from Valencia on a journey back to Portugal. Pilots were warned to take extra care when below 2,000 feet on account of the birds heading west from Valencia, probably in groups […]

### Peace for a Million

Over a million passengers have travelled in peace and quiet on Spain´s high speed rail network, since the silent coaches were introduced a year ago.

In total, 1.11 million passengers have now used the service where mobile phones and loud talking are banned, as well as with dimmed lighting and no announcements.

The ticket price is the same as the normal service with the added quietness also meaning that children under 14 and animals are not allowed in the carriages.

Excerpt: Over a million passengers have travelled in peace and quiet on Spain´s high speed rail network, since the silent coaches were introduced a year ago. In total, 1.11 million passengers have now used the service where mobile phones and loud talking are banned, as well as with dimmed lighting and no announcements. The ticket price […]

### RISKING THEIR LIVES FOR A DAY ON THE BEACH

Let us now hope that after all the pomp and ceremony which took place in Orihuela last week, with the swearing in of new Partido Popular mayor Emilio Bascuñana, despite barely a mention of the coast in his speech of acceptance, the new leader, will focus at least some of his attention on the Orihuela Costa, which in recent years has been so sadly neglected by a whole string of previous administrations.
Still employed as the director of Orihuela's Department of Health and the Vega Baja hospital, a post that he is expected to relinquish, 56 year old Bascuñana, is also the former chairman of the Provincial Red Cross and listening to some of his early speeches, he seems to be a man of principle.  
He said that during the next four years he will work with honesty and integrity to improve the situation of all of the residents of Orihuela, so in order to get you off to the easiest possible start, here are just a few areas that you could perhaps consider, all of which would go a long way to endearing you with coastal voters and improving the perception in which Orihuela politicians are held by the general public on the coast.
We really aren't all that interested in the ‘bigger picture', the General Urban Plan, the millions of euro's spent on the city's cultural heritage, or new roads and tunnels built to accommodate the arrival of the high speed train (AVE) network into Orihuela ten years down the line.
We simply want a town where the streets are regularly swept, where the rubbish and green waste is collected and the bin areas are kept clean, where residents don't have to walk on the roads because the sinking and broken pavements are too dangerous, where our beaches are manned by lifeguards throughout the whole of the summer so that the safety of the thousands of visitors who descend on the area, visitors on who our businesses so greatly rely, are not completely abandoned during the early and late summer months.    
We also want a town where attention is paid to the upkeep of green areas, where we can relax in local parks, where Palm trees are regularly pruned and maintained, where the police actually do their job, rather than continually hassling the small bars and restaurants who are simply trying to make a living. Perhaps a little more attention to illegally parked cars and to unlawful traders might keep them better occupied.
Many rural roads are also in dire need of repair, one example being the Carretera de Villamartin from the AP7 bridge by La Zenia Boulevard, through to Los Dolses, its continuation through Villamartin to Calle R Wagner and beyond.
Albeit rural, this series of minor roads is the main thoroughfare between San Miguel de la Salinas and La Zenia, carrying thousands of vehicles every day, many of which can regularly be seen veering from side to side in order to avoid the many potholes and tree stumps.
And in terms of a serious accident waiting to happen, there is nothing more dangerous than the walk along Calle Cabo Creus from La Regia toward Lomas de Cabo Roig and the Fuente Commercial Centre.
Quite how there aren't more deaths amongst the many pedestrians that regularly use the road, both adults and children, en route to and from the beach, and the Cabo Roig bars and restaurants, particularly at night, I am absolutely amazed. Ignored by the outgoing administration, this stretch of roadway is in critical need of a pedestrian footpath and lighting.
It was interesting to note ‘like articles' written in La Verdad and Informacion, two of the more popular Regional Newspapers, last week, where local journalists were demanding similar actions to many of those listed above, but all on behalf of Orihuela City residents. With so little support from the Spanish media it's perhaps not so surprising, therefore, that the Costa is so regularly ignored.
Perhaps they too ought to remember that it is only from the sale of coastal lands, the payment of coastal taxes, the purchase of coastal properties, that their city and it's infrastructure has been allowed to flourish in recent years, that local pedenias have seen similar investment; lets not forget La Apericida, where, with a population of less than 3,000 inhabitants, a new civic centre was recently built at a cost of €1.2 million in what was widely thought to be nothing more than an exercise in buying votes. 
And just last September “€320,000 was invested in improving eight parks and gardens in Orihuela city and its surrounds”.  The move got a great deal of publicity and was well received by the local population. Another vote winner in the build up to the Municipal elections.
The Orihuela Costa, meanwhile, doesn't have a single park worthy of the name. We have absolutely nothing, scandalous to say the very least.  One of the most densely populated parts of Orihuela Costa, La Florida, not only doesn't have a park, but the waste land which is designated as such is not even maintained. So the new investment for parks and gardens in the city and surrounding villages simply adds insult to injury on the Costa.
What you must remember is that the Orihuela Costa has the same population as Orihuela city but it has no power to look after itself so now, with the onset of the summer months, the busiest trading season of the year, it is even more important that the area is no longer allowed to continue its gradual degeneration into an urban slum because of neglect by Orihuela City based bureaucrats.
With a regular population of 30,000 people, that grows to over 300,000 during the summer months, positive action needs to be taken by the Orihuela town hall now, so that the area can once again look like a decent place in which to live, visit and to invest.
If you want the coast to continue as a successful source of income, to grow and to thrive like we all know that it can, the remedies and the necessary investment needs to be put in place now.
It must be taken care of or it will die and what will happen to your beloved Orihuela city then Mr Mayor. I doubt that it will be all that far behind!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47699/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Let us now hope that after all the pomp and ceremony which took place in Orihuela last week, with the swearing in of new Partido Popular mayor Emilio Bascuñana, despite barely a mention of the coast in his speech of acceptance, the new leader, w...

### SERRANO DENIES FOREIGNERS OFFICE CLOSURE

The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, denying the rumours that the International Residents Office is to close.
One of the most speculated issues has been the threatened closure of the International Residents Office. This has been vehemently denied. Serrano said, “absolutely not. I couldn´t believe that you asked that question.
I think the problem is that the PP think everything is their own. ‘It´s my office, it´s my town hall', no, it´s not yours, it´s for the citizens. The foreigners office is from the town hall, it´s for all citizens, so you can´t just close it in that way. I can´t understand why somebody would say something like this. It´s incredible!”
The plans submitted by the PSOE before the elections to increase the staffing in this office were raised “yes, of course” was the immediate response. When asked about improvements, “we have to study everything”, Serrano replied, “there are other departments which are over represented, so we need several weeks to study each department and make decisions”.
As for bridging the gaps between the city and urbanisations, especially that many of the residents in urbanisations feel neglected with a lack of police patrols, street lights failing, and many other problems, the question of how the government will solve that problem was responded by the comment, “we want to stop this separation between Torrevieja central and the surrounding urbanisations. It makes no sense, it is all Torrevieja”.
The PSOE planned to have a rolling plan for councillors to visit urbanisations, which “we plan to continue”. But, “we want the neighbours from the urbanisations to come to the town hall, to speak to us, just talk to us, write and tell us what´s happened, because now everything is open, we are not as closed as we used to be”.
“Torrevieja is going to be the best city”, a “new Torrevieja, a lively city, but overall, for us, foreigners are very important. We have more than half of the population which is foreign,
The PP forgot the foreigners, they only look for you when they need you, every four years, just to vote. We don´t want that, we want an interaction between the foreigners, the Spanish, the government and so on, we want another kind of town”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47698/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, denying the rumours that the International Residents Office is to close.
One of the most speculated issues has been the threatened closure ...

### FURY WITH IBERDROLA FOLLOWING VILLAMARTIN ELECTRICAL FIRE

Four properties were plunged into darkness last week as a power distribution box located in Barbero De Sevilla, Sol Golf Fase 2 in Villamartin, suddenly exploded and erupted into flames. 
Such was the force of the explosion that the locked cabinet in which the power units were located was ripped open and the metal doors blown into the adjacent street.
The fire, which occurred last Tuesday, was attended by Bomberas from Torrevieja and Policia Local from Playa Flamenca and since that time the four properties concerned have been without power, and pretty much uninhabitable.
One of the residents, Robert Kirkhope, told the Leader that both Iberdrola and insurers Mapfre, have washed their hands of the matter and are refusing to help or to become involved.
Electricity provider Iberdrola says that the matter is not of their concern, despite the fact that they provide the four properties with their power, so it would now seem that the occupants have little choice other than to employ and to pay a local electrician if they are to restore the electrical supply to their properties anytime soon.
Mr Kirkhope said that he was pleased that nobody was hurt but the real concern amongst the residents now is that there are many other similar distribution boxes in the urbanisation, all of a similar age and condition, that the reasons for the explosion and fire are not known and that Iberdrola are refusing to carry out any form of investigation into the matter.
He said that the doors to the electrical box were ripped off and thrown into the street so forcefully that they would have caused serious injury to anyone who was passing by and there is a distinct concern amongst the residents that this could quite easily happen again.
And with the onset of the summer and the ever increasing demand for electricity it is unlikely that this will not be the only occasion reporting such an incident.
This is just one more occasion in a long line of incidents reported to this newspaper where, once again, Iberdrola are failing to meet the standards expected of such a multi-national company. It is hardly surprising that their customers continue to look to alternative suppliers elsewhere.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47697/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Four properties were plunged into darkness last week as a power distribution box located in Barbero De Sevilla, Sol Golf Fase 2 in Villamartin, suddenly exploded and erupted into flames. 
Such was the force of the explosion that the locked cabinet in ...

### PRICES FOR VALENCIA GALLERY PURCHASES INFLATED BY UP TO 1500%

The former director of the IVAM, Valencia's premier contemporary art museum, Consuelo Ciscar, has come out in defence of her leadership of the museum, between 2004 and 2014, by responding to the interim report of the General Comptroller of the Generalitat , which has has identified numerous irregularities and administrative failures.
The museum is said to have overpaid for its purchases of works of art by as much as 1,500 percent over the  market value.
It also awarded numerous large contracts without putting them out to public tender, as is required by law; paid hefty amounts to individuals whose relationship to the museum was unclear; and grossly inflated its own attendance figures.
Details of the alleged mismanagement that took place under former director Consuelo Ciscar have emerged in a preliminary report analyzing the period between 2009 and 2013. The audit was commissioned by the Valencia regional government, which funds the IVAM.
In her statement, Ciscar, said that the gallery underwent several audits by the external auditor Audit Iberica SA, during her tenure, every one of which received a clean bill of health. These audits were subsequently endorsed by the Ministry of Finance with the assertion that there were no relevant breaches.
Ciscar says that as soon as she became aware of the content of the report she immediately requested a copy, without success, so that she could see the accusations herself and respond more accurately to all the allegations made.
Under Ciscar, the IVAM organized a number of controversial shows such as one featuring works by her own son, who goes by the artistic name Rablaci and in 2008, the gallery also purchased 63 photographs for €442,280 from Gao Ping, who was later arrested as the alleged head of a criminal ring that is thought to have laundered between €800 million and €1.2 billion over four years.
Earlier in the year the Valencian Goverment hired an expert, Jaime Brihuega, who teaches art history at Madrid's Complutense University. He was asked to estimate the market value of five randomly selected artworks.
His findings ruled that the difference between what was paid and what should have been paid ranged by between 45 and 1,520 percent more.
Just last year the deputy Valencia regional premier José Ciscar announced the departure of Ciscar praising her for attracting 1,163,419 visitors to the museum in 2013.
The figures lifted IVAM into sixth place in The Economist's annual list of most-visited world museums. But the real number was closer to 85,000 with the attendance inflated by over a million people.
It appears that the figures were inflated by everyone who received free tickets, those attending gallery shows, including fashion and cookery shows, and all of those also attending exhibitions across the country that featured gallery works.
And it was the same story in 2012: the museum claimed 1,147,637 visitors, when it was really 98,176. In 2011, the 1.1 million reported by Ciscar were actually 109,938.
The IVAM's new management team said in a statement that the irregularities highlighted in the report “represent yet another serious setback for the public purse, and most particularly for IVAM's depleted budget.”
Ciscar, who served for 10 years, stepped down in April of last year in what appeared to be a personal decision, but was really an undercover dismissal.
Her husband, Rafael Blasco, a regional deputy for the ruling Popular Party (PP), was standing trial at the time on charges of siphoning off millions of euros from a fund meant for development aid in poor countries. He was ultimately convicted to eight years in prison.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47696/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The former director of the IVAM, Valencia's premier contemporary art museum, Consuelo Ciscar, has come out in defence of her leadership of the museum, between 2004 and 2014, by responding to the interim report of the General Comptroller of the Generali...

### TORREVIEJA GOVERNMENT SETS OUT PLANS

In the wake of the new appointment of José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes as the mayor of Torrevieja, ousting the Partido Popular after 27 years, the new government has started to lay out its plans for the future, detailing some of the priorities that they intend to focus on during this first term of a “new Torrevieja”.
Primarily, the new government wants to create an era of openness and cleanliness, reaching out to the citizens of the municipality, making the city a vibrant and new destination, with concerns for the environmental impact, and bridging the gaps between the city and the surrounding areas.
Some of the changes to the General Plan will be reversed, such as plans to allow the destruction of protected land for the construction of a new DIY store, and the creation of a rubbish tip, also on protected land. Recently, Torrevieja has seen more than 100 changes to the General Plan altering plots of land ad their designated use, more than any other municipality in Spain.
Concluding the problems with street cleaning and waste disposal is also a priority, partly to finally terminate the illegal contracts that had been allowed to run, and partly to take on board the recommendations of the municipal technicians who had also been ignored in the past.
There have been many problems in the past with the relationship between the police and the town hall. Sometimes these have been seemingly petty problems like a street where a councillor lives having the parking restrictions altered, immediately after receiving a parking ticket, to major problems with shifts and shift patterns, which has left the municipality under covered at times, and officers in a vulnerable position.
The police have for a long time been trying to open dialogue with the town hall, but had not managed to make any progress.
The fact that José Manuel Dolón received a standing ovation in his first presentation to the police this week is indicative perhaps that they can finally see a better future.
There has been speculation that the Foreigner´s Office is to close; this has been denied vehemently by the town hall. They say that the office is an integral part of the town hall and they couldn´t close it if they wanted to. But, it is their intention to make it better, providing more staff and better help and communication, especially to foreigners, as they have been neglected in the past.
The new government do however accept that there will be no miracle cure for Torrevieja that will solve the problems overnight. Each councillor is now looking at their own departments and seeing what changes can be made.
They also accept that some departments are grossly overrepresented, and others are falling short, and so they aim collectively to ensure the balance is corrected.
It is a new era for the management of the municipality, once which they promise will be free of corruption. In fact, the government has already started to identify lots of issues which were jus “swept under the carpet” by the PP, which they will no deal with.
They have vowed to denounce through the courts ever case of corruption that they find. They also aim to be a more personally accountable government. For example, the mobile phone scandal that rocked the previous government could not happen again, as all of the councillors have opted to use their own personal mobile phones, which they will personally pay for, thus ending another extortionate drain on public money.
For his part, the mayor has also announced a cut in his salary, as he is retired and has a pension, and so he does not need to drain the public purse any further for his own benefit, that money also being able to be put back into public services.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47695/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the wake of the new appointment of José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes as the mayor of Torrevieja, ousting the Partido Popular after 27 years, the new government has started to lay out its plans for the future, detailing some of the pr...

### NEW PSOE LEADER TALKS OF STAGNANT TORREVIEJA

The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, detailing the government's plans for the future of the municipality.
When asked about the importance of forming a government that would oust the Partido Popular after 27 years, Serrano commented that “it´s not so important, the problem is not PP, the problem is that Torrevieja was stagnant, stopped, so we need to start a new Torrevieja”, continuing, “the problem is 27 years of the same thing”.
The government of Torrevieja is now formed of a collection of parties that are forming a coalition, but by the very nature of those parties collaborating, the government of Torrevieja is now formed by councillors who received the most votes. When asked if that was important, Serrano responded, “Yes, that´s the most important thing. That´s democracy, although correcting one element, saying, “you call it a coalition, I call it the government”, then explaining how the government is formed by representatives of “62% of the population, we got the majority, that´s democracy”.
The former head of the PSOE, Ángel Saez, stepped down after the elections, taking personal responsibility for the reduction in votes that the PSOE received compared to the last elections four years ago.
When asked if Eduardo Dolón of the PP should resign having lost the municipality after 27 years, Serrano said, “I´m not going to talk about another party”, but wanted to thank Ángel, “a very honest and responsible person”, who decided that if the results were worse than 4 years ago, he would take responsibility, “it was his decision, but we very much appreciate his decision which has come from a very honest person”.
The current mayor, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, was voted by the majority of councillors in the corporation and so took on the role of head of the government. As part of the agreement to form a government, the mayor will be a rotating post during this four-year term, with Dolón taking power for the first half, and Serrano herself taking over for the PSOE after two year.
When asked what motivated the decision to place Dolón in power first, Serrano replied, “José Manuel Dolón has been at the town hall for years, he really knows the city, the town hall, the government, everything, and it is something that he really deserved, to be the mayor of Torrevieja”.
Serrano was then asked about the pay cut that the new mayor has forced on himself, which was applauded by many, Serrano explained that “he is retired, like many of the people who live here, he has a pension, so he decided not to get more money from the public”, and so that money will be able to be spent on public services, which is “absolutely different”.
Incidentally, the councillors will now be using their own mobile phones, paid for by themselves, thus saving even more money from the public purse.
With a coalition formed in Orihuela after the last election, the obvious question was as to how it could work in Torrevieja, given the problems so early on in the neighbouring municipality.
Serrano explained, “it´s absolutely a different situation”, in Orihuela, as well as the main parties, one of the three was a coalition”, the two parties of CLARO and CLR formed together, “that was the problem”. In Torrevieja, we have five parties, with the same program, the same vision for Torrevieja, and all going in the same direction. That´s the difference for Torrevieja, we have no coalition inside the government”.
When asked about becoming mayor in two years, Serrano was asked about the unusualness of the situation, responding, “no, it´s not so unusual, it´s the new politics”, explaining how Spain now has more parties than ever before, and what “the citizens want is for everybody to discuss, everybody talk and then get the best solutions for the citizens, and not one party saying ‘I´m going to do the things in that way and that´s the way, I´m not going to change anything', no. We´ve got five, six or eight, it doesn´t matter, the change of the government was very clear.
PSOE got 4 councillors, Los Verdes got 4 councillors, so both parties got the same number of councillors. It´s normal that both of the parties, Los Verdes and PSOE, have the right to be the mayor. But, from the PSOE, we understand that José Manuel Dolón deserves that situation first”.
The subject then turned to corruption and how Torrevieja, like many other councils, has been marred by numerous scandals in the past. “That´s very sad”, was the reply, but when asked what safeguards there are for the future, Serrano explained that the first point made by the new government, “was no to the corruption”.
Explaining that it is very important for them, and they are “going to denounce every single case” that they find, as well as pursuing the current cases which are proceeding, such as the mobile phone scandal, the expenses in the municipal theatre, and other urbanism cases such as the waste disposal site and anything new that they discover, as they are “not going to allow any single case of corruption in the town hall”, stressing, “no more corruption”. 
When asked about how Torrevieja has become rundown in recent years, with many streets filled with closed business remises, Serrano said, “for us it is very important,,, What we want to get is a more lively city”, it has to be cleaner and a “place that people want to be.
That´s very important for the heart of the city, cleaner, greener with more spaces for the public and we are going to start with this. We are going to start with all the environmental matters to make Torrevieja better, but more lively”.
As for bridging the gaps between the city and urbanisations, especially that many of the residents in urbanisations feel neglected with a lack of police patrols, street lights failing, and many other problems, the question of how the government will solve that problem was responded by the comment, “we want to stop this separation between Torrevieja central and the surrounding urbanisations. It makes no sense, it is all Torrevieja”.
The PSOE planned to have a rolling plan for councillors to visit urbanisations, which “we plan to continue”. But, “we want the neighbours from the urbanisations to come to the town hall, to speak to us, just talk to us, write and tell us what´s happened, because now everything is open, we are not as closed as we used to be”.
On the subject of reversing the damage by the General Plan, the government will now be forming a new plan that changes things back to offer protection to areas which have been changed, such as the protected nesting land which permission has been granted for the construction of a DIY store, and other protected land where permission has been given for a rubbish dump, “today we start with this.
Today! I just gave instructions to the technicians to start with this procedure, because it is absolutely necessary”. Torrevieja has an “old plan with 103 modifications. That´s incredible, It´s the most changed plan in the whole of Spain. It´s absolutely incredible. Nobody can understand why” there as so many change.
One of the most speculated issues has been the threatened closure of the International Residents Office. This has been vehemently denied. Serrano said, “absolutely not. I couldn´t believe that you asked that question.
I think the problem is that the PP think everything is their own. ‘It´s my office, it´s my town hall', no, it´s not yours, it´s for the citizens. The foreigners office is from the town hall, it´s for all citizens, so you can´t just close it in that way. I can´t understand why somebody would say something like this. It´s incredible!”
The plans submitted by the PSOE before the elections to increase the staffing in this office were raised “yes, of course” was the immediate response. When asked about improvements, “we have to study everything”, Serrano replied, “there are other departments which are over represented, so we need several weeks to study each department and make decisions”.
When asked about the fact that some people think that what has happened to Torrevieja is a disaster, Serrano responded, “they are wrong. Because the disaster was PP, absolutely”. Continuing, “what we have discovered after just one week, maybe you think everything was clear, but the problem is it´s not true. With the PP, I do everything on my own, without regulation, out of law, and so on. We just discovered a carpet with a lot of rubbish swept under it”. The government now plan to, “open the windows, open the doors, sweep the carpet, open everything, we want to listen to the citizens”, concluding that,
Torrevieja is going to be the best city”, a “new Torrevieja, a lively city, but overall, for us, foreigners are very important. We have more than half of the population which is foreign, The PP forgot the foreigners, they only look for you when they need you, every four years, just to vote.
We don´t want that, we want an interaction between the foreigners, the Spanish, the government and so on, we want another kind of town”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47694/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, detailing the government's plans for the future of the municipality.
When asked about the importance of forming a government that would ous...

### TRBL AWARD FOR OLYMPIA RESTAURANT

The Orihuela Costa of the Royal British Legion held their June meeting at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening following which a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to restaurant owner Elaina for the help and support she has provided to the organisation since its formation at the beginning of 2008. 
The photograph shows Elaina receiving the award from Vice President Eddie Coleman.
The branch also held a spontaneous collection, initiated during AOB by member Ted Marsh, for the Gurkha Welfare Trust Earthquake Response Fund, created to provide emergency aid to the Gurkha and ex Ghurkha community affected by the earthquake last May.
A total of €255 was collected which has already been despatched to TRLB to be added to the initial £50,000 grant awarded by the charity last month.
Guest speaker for the evening was local broadcaster and journalist Keith Nicol who presented a short ‘What's on, in and around the local area' followed by an overview of cruising (by boat) in and around the Costa Blanca, which was remarkably well received.
Keith promised to return to the branch later in the year when he will treat the members to some previously unseen video footage of a dive onto the wreck of the Titanic.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47693/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa of the Royal British Legion held their June meeting at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening following which a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to restaurant owner Elaina for the help and support she h...

### SPAIN EXTENDS US LEASE ON MORÓN AIR BASE

The Secretary General for Defence Policy, Alejandro Alvargonzález, has finalised the terms of the agreement with his US counterpart, James Townsend, for a year's extension to their use of the Morón de la Frontera airbase near Seville.
Spain will also assign a liaison officer to the general headquarters of the United States African Command (AFRICOM) and establish the possibility of assigning officials to other general headquarters in the near future; in turn, the United States is considering establishing an operational liaison officer to the Spanish Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Similarly, both the number of people involved, and the scope and quality of the joint training of military personnel from both countries will be stepped up and they will carry out a greater number of joint exercises; an initial investment of 29 million dollars will be guaranteed to make improvements at the base which will generate the jobs necessary to carry this out.
Furthermore, the two countries will seek opportunities for both present and future workers in the local community, in adherence to the principle of proportionality between US and Spanish workers provided by the agreement currently in force.
The United States also intends to recommend the approval of systematic transfers of arms and services to help boost the interoperability of the Spanish Armed Forces with the US Armed Forces.
At an industrial level, the U.S. National Defense Industrial Association and the Spanish Defence,
Aeronautics and Space Technology Association (TEDAE), intend to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of promoting enhanced cooperation between Spain and the United States on issues related to weapons and cooperation on security issues.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47691/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Secretary General for Defence Policy, Alejandro Alvargonzález, has finalised the terms of the agreement with his US counterpart, James Townsend, for a year's extension to their use of the Morón de la Frontera airbase near Seville.
Sp...

### VAUXHALL ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL-NEW BRIT-BUILT ASTRA

New Astra in showrooms in October priced from £15,295 OTR. Up to £2,200 less expensive than the outgoing model
Class-leading powertrains achieve up to 91.1mpg and as low as 82g/km
Luton – Vauxhall's all-new Astra will be in showrooms in October priced from £15,295 on-the-road.
The new model, built at Vauxhall's manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, is up to £2,200 less expensive than the outgoing model with a simplified range. The new Astra range includes Design, Tech Line, Energy, SRi and Elite, with Nav versions of the SRi and Elite trims also available.
Range highlights include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £15,995 on-the-road. With an Easytronic five-speed automatic transmission, the same model achieves a class-leading 96g/km CO2 emissions.
The range-topping 1.6-litre (200PS) is available in SRi trim priced from £20,435 on-the-road. The diesel offering includes the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel' (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model (prices start at £17,495 on-the-road) that achieves 91.1mpg and class-leading CO2 emissions of 82g/km (provisional).
Each trim level features a high level of standard spec:
Prices start from £15,295 on-the-road, £150 less than outgoing model
16-inch alloy wheels
led daytime running lights, 6 airbags
Air conditioning
R4.0 IntelliLink audio system with digital radio
7-inch colour touchscreen, USB & aux in
Bluetooth connectivity, multi-function trip computer
Cruise control and steering wheel controls
Electrically operated front and rear windows  
Tech Line (over Design)
Prices start from £15,995 on-the-road, £775 less than outgoing model
Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8 inch colour touchscreen and voice recognition
Leather steering wheel, adjustable front armrest
Energy (over Design)
Prices start from £17,295 on-the-road, £625 less than outgoing model
17-inch 10 spoke alloy wheels
Heated front seats and heated leather steering wheel
SRi (over Design)
Prices start from £17,895 on-the-road, £970 less than outgoing model
17-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels
Driving Assistance Pack (front camera system)
OnStar, Sight & Light Pack
Sports seats, sports switch
Leather steering wheel
Front foglamps
SRi Nav (over SRi)
Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8 inch colour touchscreen and voice recognition 
Elite (over Design)
Prices start from £19,315 on-the-road, £1,960 less than outgoing model
17-inch multi spoke alloy wheels
Leather ergonomic sports front seats with extendable seat cushions, tilt and four-way electrical lumbar adjustment
Tilt and four-way electrical lumbar adjustment
Heated front and rear outer seats
OnStar, Sight & Light Pack
Electronic climate control
Front foglamps
Electrically foldable door mirrors
Two USB chargers for rear seat passengers
Elite Nav (over Elite)
Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8 inch colour touchscreen and voice recognitionFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47690/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: New Astra in showrooms in October priced from £15,295 OTR. Up to £2,200 less expensive than the outgoing model
Class-leading powertrains achieve up to 91.1mpg and as low as 82g/km
Luton – Vauxhall's all-new Astra will be in showroom...

### NO DRACONIAN MEASURES FOR THE COSTA BLANCA

Following the introduction of new rules to clean up the drunken image of Spanish party town Magaluf, a number of establishments in the Valencian Community are suggesting that many of the measures they have brought in are too draconian and not necessary on the Costa Blanca.
Hosbec, the association which represents over 200 hoteliers in the region, has said that it has negotiated the inclusion of a clause with the Ministry of Tourism, which allows Costa Blanca's establishments to impose their own internal rules against disruptive clients, as and when they are necessary, particularly in areas that are private, such as function rooms, swimming pools, gymnasiums or other such locales, enabling them to regulate their own quality standards.
Hosbec President Antoni Mayor says that Benidorm registers 11 million overnight stays per year and while there are some "extreme cases" that require some “extreme measures” they can be dealt with "in different ways”.
It is not necessary to impose blanket bans on such matters as the consumption of alcohol outdoors. In the event of unruly behavior brought about by drunkenness such individuals can usually be dealt with on a local basis.
Unfortunately ‘brand Magaluf' is being destroyed as a tourist destination by the images of drunken teenagers appearing in the media.
Fortunately this is not the case in this part of Spain, so as long as hoteliers are sensible with their treatment of the holidaying public, the Costa Blanca will continue to be the number one holiday destination for many millions of Europeans.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47689/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the introduction of new rules to clean up the drunken image of Spanish party town Magaluf, a number of establishments in the Valencian Community are suggesting that many of the measures they have brought in are too draconian and not necessary on the Costa Blanca.
Hosbec, the association which represents over 200 hoteliers in the region, has said that it has negotiated the inclusion of a clause with the Ministry of Tourism, which allows Costa Blanca's establishments to impose their own internal rules against disruptive clients, as and when they are necessary, particularly in areas that are private, such as function rooms, swimming pools, gymnasiums or other such locales, enabling them to regulate their own quality standards.
Hosbec President Antoni Mayor says that Benidorm registers 11 million overnight stays per year and while there are some "extreme cases" that require some “extreme measures” they can be dealt with "in different ways”.
It is not necessary to impose blanket bans on such matters as the consumption of alcohol outdoors. In the event of unruly behavior brought about by drunkenness such individuals can usually be dealt with on a local basis.
Unfortunately ‘brand Magaluf' is being destroyed as a tourist destination by the images of drunken teenagers appearing in the media.
Fortunately this is not the case in this part of Spain, so as long as hoteliers are sensible with their treatment of the holidaying public, the Costa Blanca will continue to be the number one holiday destination for many millions of Europeans.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47689/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW SUPPORT GROUP FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

My name is Dermott Gardner. I have Motor Neuron disease and Parkinson`s. I have realized although there are some specific large organizations for certain well known conditions. 
There is no support for those with unusual neurological issues.
I wanted to start the group as regardless of the condition, neurological patients are confronted with sometimes similar side effects and obstacles of everyday life.
As well as the language barriers of healthcare living here in Spain with a illness.
We have already had one meeting and are looking to meet others who suffer from any neurological condition. In fact there are over 600 neurological diseases and conditions.
The meetings are designed to be informal, where we can offer peer help as well as occasional guest speakers.
The next meeting is on the 22nd June at the Cosmopolitan bar in El Galan on Calle Pico Lobo. The guest speaker will be from the Help at Home, a local charity organization here on the Costa Blanca. For any information please call 617 214 313Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47688/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: My name is Dermott Gardner. I have Motor Neuron disease and Parkinson`s. I have realized although there are some specific large organizations for certain well known conditions. 
There is no support for those with unusual neurological issues.
I wanted...

### LAVENDER LEMONADE AND BISCUITS

One of our neighbours, Noelia, called to see us a few days ago, and I was a little taken aback when she pounced upon the lavender growing vigorously in our garden. 
Noelia excitedly pointed at the plants and told me that she had tried growing lavender on many occasions, but without success and couldn't understand why our plants were full of bloom and giving off a heady perfume, when after all, she only lived a few doors away. 
I am no gardening expert, so didn't really have a ready answer, but promised to try to grow some cuttings for her. It was a promise that I then immediately regretted, since I have never grown cuttings from lavender before.
Gardening and plants have always given me a lot of pleasure, and I have been working quite hard recently to improve our small garden. It has taken a few years to get around to developing it as I would like, mainly because I have been waiting to complete a long awaited extension, which would also mean digging up well established existing trees and shrubs, and a job that I have to admit to putting off.
However, the main work has now been done and I can concentrate on developing a garden that is easy to maintain, but also to reflect my love of a few special plants to remind me of our home in the UK, as well as Canarian plants that I know will grow well in the hot, often arid conditions of the south of Gran Canaria where I live.
One of the plants that I knew would grow easily in the Canary Islands and Spain is lavender. From my experience in the UK, I knew that once it is established it is relatively trouble free, its heady scent wards of some of the nasty insects and it would flower with ease until it grew too 'woody' and would have to be dug up.
It was during my research into how to successfully grow cuttings for Noelia, that I discovered that lavender is part of the mint family, and is actually native to the Canary Islands, as well as the South of France, so I am surprised that I do not see more plants growing in gardens and on patios. 
Its beautiful purple blooms, silver foliage and heady perfume make it an ideal garden plant. Bees love it too, and although some regard it as a short-lived plant, I have had the same plants flowering freely for many years, albeit with the occasional dramatic prune when it starts to look too 'woody'.
I also grow lavender in pots on our patio, as well as planted in the garden, and began to wonder why our plants have been so successful, whereas Noelia's plants died. I suspect it is due to poor drainage, since these plants do best, and produce more scented oil, in dry soil.
I use a simple watering system beneath the soil that operates for only two minutes, twice a day, and so the plants never have too much water, and both garden and pot plants are planted in gritty soil to provide good drainage.
Noelia also told me that one of the reasons why she wanted to grow lavender was to collect the flower sprigs and to dry them for use in her home. In addition, Noelia wanted to add lavender to freshly made lemonade to add flavour, as well as adding it to home made biscuits.
I am not at all sure about this, because as much as I like the plant, and appreciate its perfume for warding of mosquitoes and other nasty insects, I don't think I would appreciate too much of the perfume indoors, nor am I too keen on Noelia's idea of drinking or eating the plant.
If anyone does try this, do please let me know the outcome, but do only use lavender that has not been treated with garden chemicals.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47687/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: One of our neighbours, Noelia, called to see us a few days ago, and I was a little taken aback when she pounced upon the lavender growing vigorously in our garden. 
Noelia excitedly pointed at the plants and told me that she had tried growing lavender...

### HEAT WAVE WARNING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTED

The Ministry of Health has launched a meteorological monitoring system for the summer to help prevent and treat health problems as a result of extreme temperatures. 
The campaign, named “Ola de Calor 2015”, will operate throughout the country with every health department following the same protocols that have been in place since 2004, in order to “prevent, minimize and assess the impacts on the health of the population arising from high temperatures in the community, with particular attention to the possible occurrence of heat waves. “
Across Valencia, there are now 30 identifiable zones where temperature thresholds have been defined, with daily maps indicating the risk factor through the usual series of warning colours, green, yellow, orange and red.
Each temperature level is accompanied by a series of protocols and a series of actions required in order to maintain safety in the sun.
The heat map, along with other health related information, will be available on the health department´s website, http://cuidatecv.es/en in the Valencia community, as well as on http://www.ceam.es/ceamet/, where the UV index is also available.
Meanwhile, the spring season, which is from March to May, has been “very warm” and “very wet” across the Valencia region, with an average temperature of 14.9 degrees and an average of 178.7 litres per square metre of rainfall.
The data was presented this week in the climatology press conference held seasonally by the Spanish meteorological office, who also state that in view of the recent data, the summer season, June to August, is 40% likely to be “above normal” temperatures, and in any case will be “hot”. The good news for many is that there is likely to be a continuation of the rainfall throughout the summer, which will hopefully ease the current threat of drought.
Currently, as of the daily data from the 18th of June, most local reservoirs are currently just over half full. In the Segura basin, they are currently at 59.6% of their capacity, with the Pedrera at Torremendo only holding 157 cubic hectometres of its 246 cubic hectometre capacity and Crevillente only holding 5 cubic hectometres of its 13 cubic hectometre capacity.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47686/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Ministry of Health has launched a meteorological monitoring system for the summer to help prevent and treat health problems as a result of extreme temperatures. 
The campaign, named “Ola de Calor 2015”, will operate throughout the coun...

### MIDSUMMER HOGUERAS CELEBRATIONS

All of this week, many visitors to Torrevieja have witnessed the apparition of unusual creatures on the streets, and the papier mâché sculptures which will be burnt as part of the Hogueras, Midsummer night celebrations have been put on display.
The two main areas of focus to see the creations are Barrio Acequión and Barrio El Calvario, where the streets are dressed in bunting and the artistic creations on display.
A variety of events have been running through the weekend and continuing into the week, when the neighbours of the different areas come together to celebrate, in preparation for burning the effigies in a symbol ritual.
The event in Torrevieja will culminate on the evening of the 23rd, starting at 9pm, on the Playa del Cura. On the eve of Midsummer, thousands of people normally gather on the beaches to celebrate through the purifying ritual of lighting a bonfire on the beach and (hopefully) jumping over it, finally ending with a dip in the sea, and fireworks on Paseo Juan Aparicio.
Aside from the ritualistic element, the celebrations usually continue throughout the night as the partygoers celebrate the seasonal change in one of the most anticipated nocturnal events of the year.
However, this is not a unique Torrevieja event, similar events take place across Spain but the main location for the bonfires and party locally is in Alicante, particularly in the San Juan area, the main focus of the event.
Alicante celebrates a public holiday for the celebrations, after the event was declared as being of International Tourist Interest in 1983.
This festival itself dates back to the times when Alicante farmers celebrated the longest day of the year for the harvesting of crops and the shortest night for the destruction of evil, a tradition which soon spread to Alicante, although the then town hall effectively tried to ban the event before it began, issuing a notice stating, “Do not light bonfires in the streets, or shoot rockets on the night of San Juan”, with a penalty imposed on those who continued.
However, in 1881, an oversight by the council meant that the proclamation was not published, and so, taking advantage, the residents of Alicante joined together in neighbourhood groups to create their own street parties.
It was in 1928that the celebrations became official in the city of Alicante, founder José María Py urged the city council to give the celebration the same focus and attention as in Valencia, and so from tradition, the event which takes place today was officially born.
For its part, Valencia celebrated the event officially from 1932, although there was a break for the Civil War between 1936 and 1939 throughout, and is the ultimate destination for anybody wanting to celebrate the fallas in true style.
Valencia becomes awash with party spirit for the five days that conclude on Midsummer, with parades, bonfires and fireworks, much like the other celebrations, but on a much larger scale.
Fireworks, bangers, fires and costumes, plus the burning of the models are all part of the event, with music and drinking to accompany the action, you have a choice of locations to celebrate.
Maybe start small(er) with Torrevieja, go mid-range in Alicante, or travel to the ultimate party capital for fallas, Valencia. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47685/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: All of this week, many visitors to Torrevieja have witnessed the apparition of unusual creatures on the streets, and the papier mâché sculptures which will be burnt as part of the Hogueras, Midsummer night celebrations have been put on dis...

### DECLINE IN ORGANISED CRIME

Francisco Martínez, the Secretary of State or Security, says that the decline in organised crime in Spain is closely linked to the growing efficiency of the law enforcement agencies 
At a seminar on the application of the National Security Strategy organised by Grupo Atenea, which took place two years on from the approval of the National Security Strategy, the minister focused his speech on the two "major challenges" for the security and freedom of all citizens: organised crime and energy security in the area of critical infrastructures.
He pointed out that with the latest data of 662 criminal groups registered in 2011 and 456 in 2014 "there is a clearly falling trend in the activity of organised crime in Spain, which is closely linked to the growing efficiency of the law enforcement agencies and intelligence work, and a testimony to the civic values of Spanish society."
As he explained: "Spain is today the third safest country in the European Union, or to put it another way: one of the safest countries in the world." This statement is based on the fact that the current crime rate has fallen from 48.4 crimes per 1,000 residents recorded at the close of 2011 to 44.4 in April 2015.
In this respect, the State Secretary for Security has highlighted the "excellent work" of the Intelligence Centre for Terrorism and Organised Crime (Spanish acronym: CITCO), which in 2014 investigated more than 17,000 individuals and arrested over 6,000 related to this type of crime.
In addition, he said that in the fight against various forms of organised crime CITCO also detected 456 groups, of which 431 - in other words 94% - were totally or partially dismantled.
At the same time, Francisco Martínez highlighted the work carried out by the law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
He pointed out that on the preventive front, 14,000 people, mainly women, were identified in 2014 as being in a situation of risk and, with respect to policing, 270 police reports were issued, 561 people arrested and 63 criminal groups dismantled.
On energy security, Francisco Martínez stated that Spain is a country that depends excessively on foreign sources when it comes to energy resources such as natural gas and oil, making it a vulnerable country from the energy point of view.
That is why he explained that currently the State Secretariat for Security is participating actively in the preparation of a new National Energy Security Strategy, which is due to be approved in the coming weeks.
The State Secretary then referred to the system of protection for critical infrastructures against terrorist attacks or other threats.
Here he explained that the National Centre for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (CNPIC), which is part of the State Secretariat for Security, is responsible for developing strategic energy plans in the electricity, gas, oil and nuclear industry sectors.
Among the actions included is identification of the main critical infrastructures in the energy sector and design of the strategic measures necessary for their protection.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47684/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Francisco Martínez, the Secretary of State or Security, says that the decline in organised crime in Spain is closely linked to the growing efficiency of the law enforcement agencies 
At a seminar on the application of the National Security Strategy organised by Grupo Atenea, which took place two years on from the approval of the National Security Strategy, the minister focused his speech on the two "major challenges" for the security and freedom of all citizens: organised crime and energy security in the area of critical infrastructures.
He pointed out that with the latest data of 662 criminal groups registered in 2011 and 456 in 2014 "there is a clearly falling trend in the activity of organised crime in Spain, which is closely linked to the growing efficiency of the law enforcement agencies and intelligence work, and a testimony to the civic values of Spanish society."
As he explained: "Spain is today the third safest country in the European Union, or to put it another way: one of the safest countries in the world." This statement is based on the fact that the current crime rate has fallen from 48.4 crimes per 1,000 residents recorded at the close of 2011 to 44.4 in April 2015.
In this respect, the State Secretary for Security has highlighted the "excellent work" of the Intelligence Centre for Terrorism and Organised Crime (Spanish acronym: CITCO), which in 2014 investigated more than 17,000 individuals and arrested over 6,000 related to this type of crime.
In addition, he said that in the fight against various forms of organised crime CITCO also detected 456 groups, of which 431 - in other words 94% - were totally or partially dismantled.
At the same time, Francisco Martínez highlighted the work carried out by the law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
He pointed out that on the preventive front, 14,000 people, mainly women, were identified in 2014 as being in a situation of risk and, with respect to policing, 270 police reports were issued, 561 people arrested and 63 criminal groups dismantled.
On energy security, Francisco Martínez stated that Spain is a country that depends excessively on foreign sources when it comes to energy resources such as natural gas and oil, making it a vulnerable country from the energy point of view.
That is why he explained that currently the State Secretariat for Security is participating actively in the preparation of a new National Energy Security Strategy, which is due to be approved in the coming weeks.
The State Secretary then referred to the system of protection for critical infrastructures against terrorist attacks or other threats.
Here he explained that the National Centre for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (CNPIC), which is part of the State Secretariat for Security, is responsible for developing strategic energy plans in the electricity, gas, oil and nuclear industry sectors.
Among the actions included is identification of the main critical infrastructures in the energy sector and design of the strategic measures necessary for their protection.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47684/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ALICANTE POLITICIAN CALLS FOR REFERENDUM TO BAN BULLFIGHTING

Marisol Moreno, the new councillor for Animal Protection in Alicante, says that she supports a national ban of bullfighting in Spain, and calls for a referendum to ban the activity throughout the municipality.
She says that ban is supported by a large number of government councillors, members of the Guanyar Alicante, which is made up by EU, Podemos and politicians from plataformas Ciudadanas.
She also states that there is some support from members of the PSOE and Compromís parties and that a council vote would see the municipal government position itself clearly behind the veto.
Indeed the new Councillor for Youth and Animal Protection, was out protesting within hours of being sworn in, taking time to attend the protest at the Plaza de Toros in support of the Alliance Platform ‘Animals Feel'.
The organization is also calling for the closure of the Bullfighting School in Alicante which teaches the ‘sport' to children aged between 9 and 16. Moreno said that she believes many of the children are simply "victims" of bullfighting and pressured into attending the school by their parents.
And the protests are just beginning with the next demonstration scheduled for 20 June the first day of the San Juan bonfires in the city. The rally will be held in the Plaza de la Estrella under the title of ‘Bloodless Fires'.
Discussion surrounding bullfighting bans are not only being held in Alicante.  The new Los Verdes government team in Villena has already said that they will no longer allow bullfights to take place in the town.
In Alicante a further motion was passed to ban circuses in the city that use live animals in their shows.
Last year, Spain's parliament bestowed cultural-heritage status on bullfighting, making it much harder for further bans beyond that of Catalonia in 2010, and the Canaries in the early 1990s, to take effect. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the former Socialist Party prime minister, has said that he is not in favour of prohibition, too, while the currently ruling Partido Popular party has rejected the notion completely.
Bullfighting is also enjoyed in some southern parts of France which added La Corrida, as it is known, to its list of “intangible heritage” back in 2011, but subsequently removed any mention of it from their website after outrage from animal rights activists
It seems hard to believe that in this so-called civilised age, such a cruel spectacle continues to flourish in Spain.
Bullfighting is yet another example of a barbaric ‘sport' and many people feel that it should have been banned several years ago.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47683/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Marisol Moreno, the new councillor for Animal Protection in Alicante, says that she supports a national ban of bullfighting in Spain, and calls for a referendum to ban the activity throughout the municipality.
She says that ban is supported by a large number of government councillors, members of the Guanyar Alicante, which is made up by EU, Podemos and politicians from plataformas Ciudadanas.
She also states that there is some support from members of the PSOE and Compromís parties and that a council vote would see the municipal government position itself clearly behind the veto.
Indeed the new Councillor for Youth and Animal Protection, was out protesting within hours of being sworn in, taking time to attend the protest at the Plaza de Toros in support of the Alliance Platform ‘Animals Feel'.
The organization is also calling for the closure of the Bullfighting School in Alicante which teaches the ‘sport' to children aged between 9 and 16. Moreno said that she believes many of the children are simply "victims" of bullfighting and pressured into attending the school by their parents.
And the protests are just beginning with the next demonstration scheduled for 20 June the first day of the San Juan bonfires in the city. The rally will be held in the Plaza de la Estrella under the title of ‘Bloodless Fires'.
Discussion surrounding bullfighting bans are not only being held in Alicante.  The new Los Verdes government team in Villena has already said that they will no longer allow bullfights to take place in the town.
In Alicante a further motion was passed to ban circuses in the city that use live animals in their shows.
Last year, Spain's parliament bestowed cultural-heritage status on bullfighting, making it much harder for further bans beyond that of Catalonia in 2010, and the Canaries in the early 1990s, to take effect. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the former Socialist Party prime minister, has said that he is not in favour of prohibition, too, while the currently ruling Partido Popular party has rejected the notion completely.
Bullfighting is also enjoyed in some southern parts of France which added La Corrida, as it is known, to its list of “intangible heritage” back in 2011, but subsequently removed any mention of it from their website after outrage from animal rights activists
It seems hard to believe that in this so-called civilised age, such a cruel spectacle continues to flourish in Spain.
Bullfighting is yet another example of a barbaric ‘sport' and many people feel that it should have been banned several years ago.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47683/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### BIKE LANE CONFUSION CAUSES MORE SUFFERING FOR ELDERLY

Despite the plaudits, most of which were generated themselves, through press releases from the Orihuela Council, the introduction of a new cycle lane down Calle Fuego, opposite the Cabo Roig Medical centre, running alongside the Marinasol Bar and Restaurant is an absolute nonsense and yet another example of the lack of thought put into urban planning on the Orihuela Costa.
With parking for the aged and infirm in close proximity to the medical centre already in short supply, the former councillor for Mobility and Transport, Manuel Gallud, has now taken away a further 20 free spaces, forcing many of the sick and elderly who regularly attend the centre a much longer walk.
The removal of the spaces comes at the start of the summer and, with the installation of a fairground in the car park directly adjoining the centre, follows the loss of another 20 or so spaces in the area.
Having spoken to local residents and bar owners I understand that the new cycle lane is rarely used despite the orchestration of a couple of cyclists in the images used with the press release.
Or am I getting confused, as judging by the signs that are still in evidence 2 weeks after the opening of the lane, we can still park in it after all?
I suppose it will only be clarified after some poor soul tries to contest the 200 euro fine he got for taking the chance! 
            Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47682/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the plaudits, most of which were generated themselves, through press releases from the Orihuela Council, the introduction of a new cycle lane down Calle Fuego, opposite the Cabo Roig Medical centre, running alongside the Marinasol Bar and Resta...

### VENTURE FLEET SPONSOR FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA 7’S

This year is the 4th Formentera del Segura 7's, on 27 June, with Costa Cobras RFC helping out with the running of it, also a big thank you to our new sponsors, Venture Fleet Auto-Technician and Body Shop, who have taken over the sponsorship for the tournament trophies.
The club itself have also got a team involved in the tournament and over the last couple of weeks have gone from 6 players to 12 players joining the club of various nationalities, making the club a true international one.
The men's teams for the tournament will be split into two leagues with teams from Costa Cobras RFC, Albacete, Torrevieja Tigers, Lorca, Elche, Squalos (San Javier), Villena and Los Zorros playing, we also have ladies teams playing as well.
The tournament will be kicking off at 10.00 at the Polideportivo Formentera del Segura with the third half in Bar Pepito in the town. So come on down and see some local rugby and support this great sport.
We have now started training on Guardamar beach on Tuesday at 19.00 down in front of the restaurants, so all are welcome to come along and join in.
All ages, gender and nationalities are welcome, from beginners to experienced players, the more the merrier, as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport. So come along and join the newest rugby club on the Costa Blanca.
Also team bonding after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be. Training still takes place on Monday and Wednesday from 18.00-19.30 for the juniors, while the seniors will be training from 20.00-21.30 at Daya Vieja sports ground.
 
So get those boots out and come on down to Daya Vieja sports ground and join in the rugby revolution of 2015, with the Rugby World Cup to look forward to as well, get into this great sport.
For more information about the club contact myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242 or Robert on 697 286 416. Also I am back down at Zoco market on Sunday again from 09.00-13.30, so come on down and find more out about the club and rugby in the area.
Also for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals and Cotton Traders shirts. Also come down to the rugby 7's tournament on the Saturday and have a fun day out in true rugby spirit and chat to the club members.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47678/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This year is the 4th Formentera del Segura 7's, on 27 June, with Costa Cobras RFC helping out with the running of it, also a big thank you to our new sponsors, Venture Fleet Auto-Technician and Body Shop, who have taken over the sponsorship for the tou...

### POLICE SEIZE NEGLECTED STALLION AFTER PUBLIC COMPLAINTS

A grey stallion left without food and water has been seized by San Pedro del Pinatar police and handed to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales.
Police called in the rescue centre last Monday (June 15) after complaints from members of the public, who were concerned about the horse's skeletal appearance.
Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre co-founder Sue Weeding said veterinarian checks showed the stallion was malnourished but otherwise healthy. He will now be cared for at the rescue centre.
“We're delighted to see the police now acting on public complaints, which even just two years ago wouldn't have happened,” Sue said.
“We are so encouraged by the changes that we're seeing, there's a huge movement forward in Spain for animal welfare and these rescues do have a knock on effect because people start to realise that they can't get away with animal abuse.”
Sue said the challenge for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre now, after eight years of operation, was to continue raising enough money to grow as a structured organisation with the resources to respond to every case.
As part of its fundraising efforts, the centre will soon open its ninth charity shop selling second hand clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac in Dolores.
A manager and volunteers are needed to run the Dolores shop, which is expected to open in about four weeks' time. If you're interested in helping out, please call Sue on 652 021 980.
The centre also accepts donations to stock its charity shops. Large donated items such as furniture can be collected from your house and each shop also offers a delivery service for large items purchased from the charity stores.
Every cent donated to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre or spent in the charity shops goes towards the feeding and care of the more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
The rescue centre, located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59, opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month from 1pm to 4pm. For more details and directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47675/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A grey stallion left without food and water has been seized by San Pedro del Pinatar police and handed to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales.
Police called in the rescue centre last Monday (June 15) after complaints from members of the publi...

### STADIUM SPRUCE UP FOR TORRY

The players maybe having their summer break but they are still working hard behind the scenes at CD Torrevieja.  With the coaching team confirmed for next season, attention has turned to the stadium for different reasons.
Built in the 1970's, not much has changed at Estadio Vicente Garcia which is just opposite Sports City.  With the last coat of paint being applied nearly a decade ago, club director Chris Darwen and his Business and Community Manager Barrie Crawford are appealing to the local community to support them in their efforts to freshen the ground up.
 “Nobody can deny that the Vicente Garcia is a beautiful place to watch and play football.  I've watched a lot of games across the world and not many beat being here on a Sunday evening as the sun sets,” says Chris. 
"Sadly, the ground itself is looking a little tired and we are looking to get some hands on deck this summer to give it a makeover!”
Barrie continued, “on the 18th July we are holding a Painting Party here at the ground.  We are asking for two things really. 
Firstly, if you cannot make it, donate a pot of paint.  Just that gesture will show us that the club means something to the locals.  Better still, join us on the 18th, bring the paint and a roller and spend the day with us making the ground look great for the players next season!”
Club Vice-President Jefferson Scott has offered to pay for drinks aplenty for the workforce on the day and local businessman Sean Bell will providing some food at no cost to volunteers. 
The club are appealing for paint donations, white or blue, and asking local people to be at the ground at 10am on July 18th.  All you need to bring is a roller and tray, a great attitude and, again, some paint.
For more information, contact Chris at the club on cdtorreviejaofficial@gmail.com or on 966-923231.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47674/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The players maybe having their summer break but they are still working hard behind the scenes at CD Torrevieja.  With the coaching team confirmed for next season, attention has turned to the stadium for different reasons.
Built in the 1970's, not much has changed at Estadio Vicente Garcia which is just opposite Sports City.  With the last coat of paint being applied nearly a decade ago, club director Chris Darwen and his Business and Community Manager Barrie Crawford are appealing to the local community to support them in their efforts to freshen the ground up.
 “Nobody can deny that the Vicente Garcia is a beautiful place to watch and play football.  I've watched a lot of games across the world and not many beat being here on a Sunday evening as the sun sets,” says Chris. 
"Sadly, the ground itself is looking a little tired and we are looking to get some hands on deck this summer to give it a makeover!”
Barrie continued, “on the 18th July we are holding a Painting Party here at the ground.  We are asking for two things really. 
Firstly, if you cannot make it, donate a pot of paint.  Just that gesture will show us that the club means something to the locals.  Better still, join us on the 18th, bring the paint and a roller and spend the day with us making the ground look great for the players next season!”
Club Vice-President Jefferson Scott has offered to pay for drinks aplenty for the workforce on the day and local businessman Sean Bell will providing some food at no cost to volunteers. 
The club are appealing for paint donations, white or blue, and asking local people to be at the ground at 10am on July 18th.  All you need to bring is a roller and tray, a great attitude and, again, some paint.
For more information, contact Chris at the club on cdtorreviejaofficial@gmail.com or on 966-923231.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47674/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SANGUINE WINS HIS MARIGOLDS

The June meeting of the Vega Baja Garden Club was the final one of the season before the summer break.
Members enjoyed an informal lunch, and a garden quiz, which had been prepared by Alan Davis, a member of the club.
The marigold growing competition was judged by John Howes, an experienced RHS judge.  Some months ago, members were given seeds, the aim being to produce the best flowering marigold plant. The winning plant was grown by Terry Sangwine, John commended it for its even and balanced shape and flowers.
The meeting ended with the usual raffle of plants.
The next meeting will be held after the summer break at Bar Trasgu, Calle Alicante 12, Formentera del Segura, on Monday 7th September at 2.15 for a 2.30 start.
If you are interested in gardening and would like to come along to the meeting, please do so, you will be most welcome.
For further information, please contact The Vega Baja Garden Club at vegabajagardenclub@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47673/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The June meeting of the Vega Baja Garden Club was the final one of the season before the summer break.
Members enjoyed an informal lunch, and a garden quiz, which had been prepared by Alan Davis, a member of the club.
The marigold growing competition...

### TRAFFIC POLICE TO GET MOBILE VEHICLE INSPECTION UNITS

Traffic police in Spain will soon receive more equipment to help in their enforcement of the law, after two separate contracts were published in the state bulletin for acquisitions.
The first contract is valued at 363,000 euro and is for the supply of three mobile units which will be used to check for irregularities in both the vehicles and ITV certificates during routine checks.
The mobile inspection units will be able to detect faults in such elements as brakes, tyres, suspension and other vehicle components, with enforced immobilisation an option in the event of faults being detected.
The three mobile units will be given to the Guardia Civil and will carry two mechanics in each. 
It is estimated that 20% of all vehicles on the roads have irregularities with their ITV certificates and inspections and these units will support other technology such as automatic number plate recognition which checks the database for ITV expiration and alerts the central computer of its findings, so that sanctions can be issued.
In addition, the DGT has purchased an additional 18 radar cameras, at a cost of 900,000 euro, which will be used for monitoring the road network for speeding vehicles.
All of this is in addition to the recent purchase of camouflaged cars with new radar equipment installed, and the continual focus on reducing the problem of speeding on the roads.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47672/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Traffic police in Spain will soon receive more equipment to help in their enforcement of the law, after two separate contracts were published in the state bulletin for acquisitions.
The first contract is valued at 363,000 euro and is for the supply of...

### BRITAIN'S U20 NATIONAL TRIATHLON CHAMPION'S SUMMER VACATION IN LOS MONTESINOS

TRI-ATHLETE Jack Hindle will be jetting off to Spain - in the wake of becoming Britain's under 20s National Triathlon Champion this week.
"I am really happy to be the National U20 standard distance champion," Jack told me - ahead of boarding a flight to Alicante-Elche airport.
Lancashire star Jack is visiting his granddad John Hindle, who lives in Los Montesinos, Alicante, for a summer break.
Jack, a member of Blackburn Harriers, competed in the Deva Triathlon at Chester.  In the standard distance 1500m swim Jack returned at time of 19:09; in the 40km Bike race clocked 1:02:30, and in the 10km run returned at time of 36:57, finishing in a total time of 2:02:30.
Jack won first place in the age group 17-18 - and first in the U20s National Triathlon Championships.
And Jack, who finished 20th overall - out of 1100 competitors - said: "Thanks to all the lads that I train with - and the help and support they give. 
"Also a special mention to Brian Fogarty, Paul Guinan and George S Davies for the huge guidance - plus my mum and dad for everything!"
And Jack's granddad, John Hindle, who resides on La Herrada, Los Montesinos, said: "Well done Jack - I am so proud of you!
"I am 'chuffed to punch!', I am. All his hard work is paying off now."
Jack, who will be relaxing away from his racing schedule for a few weeks in Spain, said: "I fly back to England on July 4 - due to racing commitments,"Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47671/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: TRI-ATHLETE Jack Hindle will be jetting off to Spain - in the wake of becoming Britain's under 20s National Triathlon Champion this week.
"I am really happy to be the National U20 standard distance champion," Jack told me - ahead of boarding a flight to Alicante-Elche airport.
Lancashire star Jack is visiting his granddad John Hindle, who lives in Los Montesinos, Alicante, for a summer break.
Jack, a member of Blackburn Harriers, competed in the Deva Triathlon at Chester.  In the standard distance 1500m swim Jack returned at time of 19:09; in the 40km Bike race clocked 1:02:30, and in the 10km run returned at time of 36:57, finishing in a total time of 2:02:30.
Jack won first place in the age group 17-18 - and first in the U20s National Triathlon Championships.
And Jack, who finished 20th overall - out of 1100 competitors - said: "Thanks to all the lads that I train with - and the help and support they give. 
"Also a special mention to Brian Fogarty, Paul Guinan and George S Davies for the huge guidance - plus my mum and dad for everything!"
And Jack's granddad, John Hindle, who resides on La Herrada, Los Montesinos, said: "Well done Jack - I am so proud of you!
"I am 'chuffed to punch!', I am. All his hard work is paying off now."
Jack, who will be relaxing away from his racing schedule for a few weeks in Spain, said: "I fly back to England on July 4 - due to racing commitments,"Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47671/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LIFEGUARDS START WORK ON ORIHUELA COSTA BEACHES

Well at long last we seem to have lifeguards on the Orihuela Costa Beaches. 
They started work on Monday last, 15th June, far too late for some, unfortunately, but at least they will now be with us during the main holiday season, through until the 25th September.
They will be allocated according to the size and demand of each beach of course but on Campoamor, where I met up with Carlos Berra (left) and his team, there will be between 4 and 6, starting at 10am and working through until 8pm on all seven days of the week.
Each lifeguard will have the usual safety equipment as well as a 2 way radio in the event of needing help.
There will also be a number of jet ski's operating along the coast with the one in the photo above dedicated to the beaches at Cabo Roig, Campoamor and Mil Palmeras. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47667/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Well at long last we seem to have lifeguards on the Orihuela Costa Beaches. 
They started work on Monday last, 15th June, far too late for some, unfortunately, but at least they will now be with us during the main holiday season, through until the 25t...

### MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF - 22 JUNE 15

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘Around and About the courses - ALICANTE '
This Seve Ballesteros designed course of 6,333 metres is on the outskirts of Alicante City and close to the San Juan beaches and was opened in 1998 and is unique because the course is a Par 72 consisting of six par 3 holes, six Par 4 holes and six Par 5 holes.On the Par 5 14th hole you actually play over ‘Roman ruins' and the lake on the 9th hole is in the shape of an ‘S' for Seve.
The large split level clubhouse has excellent restaurant (which is currently closed for renovation) changing and shower facilities and well stocked pro-shop with welcoming and helpful staff.The practise facilities are excellent with a 70 bay driving range, practise bunkers and chipping and putting greens.
The course is relatively flat winding between houses and apartments in a typically American style but with some long distances between greens and tees this is not a course for the walking golfers amongst you, hence the inclusion of the buggy in the standard price.
The course architect (Seve) has drawn on all of his experience around the globe to produce a golf course that offers a little for everyone with reachable par 5's,long Par 3's and strategically well positioned bunkers and water hazards.
This is very much a risk and reward course, play positively and well and you will score well BUT play in a negative fashion and badly and this will soon reflect on your scorecard.
If you are planning to visit the Costa Blanca and play golf then very simply you MUST build a round of golf at Alicante into your schedule particularly during the summer months when the price including buggy is superb value.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deals of the week: La Manga from only €95 for 2 players and buggy and look out for last minute deals from only €25 at the Nike courses (Alhama,El Valle,Riquelme,La Torre,Mar Menor and Saurines).
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Hollow Tine Watch
La Manga South - 22nd to 24th June 2015.
Competition Watch
The Leader summer competition in support of the Royal Legion POPPY APPEAL for 2015 will be held at Vistabella on 19th & 26th September 2015 and more information will follow shortly.
Quotation of the Week
“When in trouble play the shot you KNOW you can play and not the shot you HOPE you can play” - Jack Burke Jnr.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47666/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### Jeep Renegade Joins the Police

It looks great in one of the nine optional colours already available, but now the new Jeep Renegade has a new colour scheme: blue and yellow stripes.

This striking Renegade police car is the result of a new partnership, announced this week, between Jeep’s Swindon-based dealership, T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre, and Wiltshire Police. In a first for the dealership, T H White has agreed an extended six month test drive with the force.
At the end of the test period, Wiltshire Police plans to buy the Jeep, which has been fitted with full police graphics, blue lights and sirens, and use it out of Gable Cross Police Station, Swindon.
The car, in 1.6 Diesel Sport specification, combines best-in-class off-road ability with world-class on-road driving dynamics. Inside, functional details crafted from high quality materials and using innovative colours ensure the Renegade will become an excellent addition to the force’s drivers. It’ll be a practical one too, courtesy of best-in-class interior space and clever, functional storage areas.
Stephen Botham, Fleet & Services Manager at Wiltshire Police, negotiated the deal with Lee Jones, Fleet Sales Manager – EMEA Region, FCA and T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre’s newly appointed Fleet Sales Specialist, Emma McArdle.

“We’re delighted to add the Jeep Renegade to our fleet of vehicles,” says Andrew Carr, Hub Superintendent, Gable Cross Police Station, Swindon. “It is the first Jeep we’ve used as a marked vehicle and we’re looking forward to the start of what we are confident will be a rewarding relationship between Wiltshire Police and T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre.”
“Handing over the Jeep Renegade to Wiltshire Police was a great moment,” says Emma McArdle. “We’re sure it will be the ideal vehicle for all their needs, both on and off-road, and we look forward to seeing it out and about on the streets of Swindon.”
The post Jeep Renegade Joins the Police appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: It looks great in one of the nine optional colours already available, but now the new Jeep Renegade has a new colour scheme: blue and yellow stripes. This striking Renegade police car is the result of a new partnership, announced Read More ...
The post Jeep Renegade Joins the Police appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### FEDERATION PRESIDENT’S CUP WIN FOR VISTABELLA

This prestigious 3 day tournament was held at Vistabella B.C. on 13-15 June, and played in a 2 wood triples format. 
Together with good weather and fine organisation, the bowling was of a high standard with some very close results.
In the semi-finals was Tony French, Maggie Furness and Martin Foulcer of Vistabella against Sandra Kavanagh, Yvonne Mallaburn and Frank Close of Emerald Isle, which went into the 18th end with one shot between the teams, with the E.I. trio winning the battle.
The other semi was an all Vistabella game between Steve Pearson, Annmarie Stevenson and Ian Kenyon against Beryl Regan, Andy Leggatt and Mike Regan, who struggled against a team who were on top form.
The final of Ian's trio against Frank's was tooth and nail throughout the game culminating in equal scores after 18 ends, so an extra end was  played, which Vistabella managed to hold.
An excellent competition, played in a competitive but friendly and sportsmanlike manner, for which thanks must go to everybody taking part.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47660/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This prestigious 3 day tournament was held at Vistabella B.C. on 13-15 June, and played in a 2 wood triples format. 
Together with good weather and fine organisation, the bowling was of a high standard with some very close results.
In the semi-finals...

### BEM FOR RETIRED SAMARITANS PRESIDENT

After nearly twenty years living overseas Chris Sumter has just returned to the UK to live in Clevedon having just retired as President of Samaritans in Spain. 
She had been president for the last four years but has been with the Samaritans 7 years as a Trustee. It came as a huge surprise to Chris to learn she had been nominated for the award of British Empire Medal in this year's Queens Birthday Honours List.
The citation is “For services to the British Community in Spain”. This reflects Chris's ongoing help and support to people in need, not just her work with the Samaritans. For example she helped and supported survivors of the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 while living and working in Thailand.
Chris took over as president of Samaritans in Spain from Stephen Ashley four years ago. He had inaugurated what was then called Costa Blanca Samaritans and built a very strong foundation, including all the legal requirements for setting up the organisation. However, the service needed expanding.
When Chris took over from Stephen it was still only operating four hours a day, seven days a week, with just the call centre. One other major obstacle was that it was virtually unknown of outside the Costa Blanca Region. With the help of a dedicated group of volunteers Chris began the process of expanding the organisation, getting its name and service out to the whole of Spain and the Islands.
Together they introduced a 24 hour service and opened what is probably the only Samaritans combined call centre, drop-in centre and charity shop.
With a massive campaign the Samaritans became a national, not just a local, service and a force to be reckoned with. Visiting English speaking prisoners in Spanish jails and supporting their families became a very important element of their work. Just before Chris retired and returned to the UK a second drop-in centre was established in Madrid.
Chris sees this award not just as recognition for all the work she has done over the years, but also a recognition of the hard work of all those involved in the Samaritans, both in Spain, the UK and around the world.
She took the very sound foundations laid by Stephen and the original founders and built a solid framework upon that. Upon retiring she passed on this sound framework to the next generation who will complete the structure.
Chris finally retired when she moved to Clevedon, but as all those who know her will attest, we probably haven't seen the last of her helping others.
LubbertusFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47658/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After nearly twenty years living overseas Chris Sumter has just returned to the UK to live in Clevedon having just retired as President of Samaritans in Spain. 
She had been president for the last four years but has been with the Samaritans 7 years as...

### PLAYERS START COMMITTING TO TORRY FOR NEW SEASON

Firstly, news of 2 pre season friendlies at Vicente Garcia Stadium.  On Sat 18 Jul, newly relegated from La Liga, Andalucia based Cordoba will provide a stern test for Pedreno's new look Torry side. 
But before the match (prov 8.30pm ko), fans are invited to come and help paint the stadium from 10am, where food and drink will be provided.  Then on Fri 24 Jul, Hull City will visit as part of their week long trip to the Costa Blanca.  Training commences on 13 Jul, when several youngsters will be flying over from UK for trials. 
Five players have put pen to paper, ensuring another season at the club.  Ever present, and last years player of the season, goalkeeper Oscar is one player we did not want to lose, and we haven't.  Senor Presidente's son, full back Vicente, will be embarking on his 6th season for us. 
Another long serving member is club captain Jorge, who is now approaching his 7th season.  Midfielder Burguillos is another loyal player, about to enter his 6th season. 
Finally, the old man of the team, 37 year old Carrasco will turn out for us yet again (if his legs allow him - only joking Carrasco!).  Another fans favourite, last seasons golden boot winner, is currently having talks concerning extending his stay.  Go on Rafa, you know you want to.
Finally, a new scheme entitled the 200 club, offers companies 2 season tickets, and entry into a draw for name and logo shirt, all for 200 euros.
Photo:Jorge BailenFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47654/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Firstly, news of 2 pre season friendlies at Vicente Garcia Stadium.  On Sat 18 Jul, newly relegated from La Liga, Andalucia based Cordoba will provide a stern test for Pedreno's new look Torry side. 
But before the match (prov 8.30pm ko), fans are inv...

### FREE TRY-DIVE - QUESADA COUNTRY CLUB

HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AND IN THE WATER The Dive Academy returns to Quesada Country Club on Saturday 27th June and for children and adults it will be a chance to try scuba diving for FREE - safe and controlled and especially designed for children 8 and above you and your children will have chance to have expert advice on scuba diving and snorkelling.
The divers will be there from 11.00a.m and you can just turn up but we would advise that you prebook by email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk or you can call into Quesada Country Club and leave your details and we will contact you. 
Younger children can have fun too - for full details of the ages and what is allowed please see fb re-post from The Dive Academy Santa Pola information on fb Susan Reader 15/06/15.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47644/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AND IN THE WATER The Dive Academy returns to Quesada Country Club on Saturday 27th June and for children and adults it will be a chance to try scuba diving for FREE - safe and controlled and especially designed for children 8 and ab...

### POOLSIDE SUMMER FASHION SHOW

Glamour Gamour have their Fabulous Poolside Summer Fashion Show at Quesada Country Club on Thursday 25th June at 12.30p.m.
Affordable Fashion with Flair 30 VIP tickets are FREE just email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for your reserved seat number and this also means you can arrive early for a VIP pre show preview at 11.30 a.m. 
All VIP's will be able to enjoy a FREE SANGRIA as the show starts at 12.30p.m. and at 2.00p.m. we have Jenni Ray expert florist who will be doing a flower arranging demonstration and answering any questions you have about plants and flowers.
Tricia Lee will be offering Indian Head Massage mini sessions for FREE - you can book to have a relaxing foot spa soak, a Monday appointment to have your hair washed and blow dried for just €3 and we hope to have other offers too!  
So do join us for a fabulous afternoon - you can pre order lunch from a special Fashion Show menu - email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for details. 
There will be a raffle with a hamper as first prize and we will be asking for a €1 donation at the gate for the Children's Home.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47637/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Glamour Gamour have their Fabulous Poolside Summer Fashion Show at Quesada Country Club on Thursday 25th June at 12.30p.m.
Affordable Fashion with Flair 30 VIP tickets are FREE just email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for your reserved seat number and thi...

### Drunk Driver in Spectacular Crash

Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil were called to a crash at km 453,700 of the N-122 main road on Friday, only to find a car lay on its side in the carriageway.

The vehicle had apparently left a roundabout at speed, destroying a road sign as it passed over the divisional kerb, colliding with the crash barrier and then landing on its side.

The driver of the vehicle was unharmed, although did provide a positive result for alcohol in a breathalyser test.
The post Drunk Driver in Spectacular Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil were called to a crash at km 453,700 of the N-122 main road on Friday, only to find a car lay on its side in the carriageway. The vehicle had apparently left a roundabout Read More ...
The post Drunk Driver in Spectacular Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### MY MY LITTLE PONY!

Orihuela local police intercepted a Walker on the CV-870 road in the Virgen del Camino are this week, taking him in for questioning as a result.

Not that any laws had been broken by the lone walker, but the fact that it was a four-legged pedestrian and walking unaccompanied raised their suspicions.

Once the lone pony was taken into custody, for its own safety, the Asoka municipal animal rescue centre were asked to look after it whilst an investigation was launched to confirm his identity and address.

The investigation ultimately revealing that the pony had ran away from the circus to find a home, and had escaped from a travelling fair which was in La Murada 3 months ago.

The owner told the police that the pony had escaped and they were unable to find him, and so left him behind to fend for himself in the wilderness of Orihuela.

The owner has made subsequent arrangements to return to Orihuela when the two will be reunited, one receiving his beloved pony, the other losing his last ditch attempt to join the free world and now returning to a life on the road with his animal and human companions.

 

### The New Head of the PSOE Talks About the Future

The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, detailing the government’s plans for the future of the municipality.

When asked about the importance of forming a government that would oust the Partido Popular after 27 years, Serrano commented that “it´s not so important, the problem is not PP, the problem is that Torrevieja was stagnant, stopped, so we need to start a new Torrevieja”, continuing, “the problem is 27 years of the same thing”.

The government of Torrevieja is now formed of a collection of parties that are forming a coalition, but by the very nature of those parties collaborating, the government of Torrevieja is now formed by councillors who received the most votes. When asked if that was important, Serrano responded, “Yes, that´s the most important thing. That´s democracy, although correcting one element, saying, “you call it a coalition, I call it the government”, then explaining how the government is formed by representatives of “62% of the population, we got the majority, that´s democracy”.

The former head of the PSOE, Ángel Saez, stepped down after the elections, taking personal responsibility for the reduction in votes that the PSOE received compared to the last elections four years ago. When asked if Eduardo Dolón of the PP should resign having lost the municipality after 27 years, Serrano said, “I´m not going to talk about another party”, but wanted to thank Ángel, “a very honest and responsible person”, who decided that if the results were worse than 4 years ago, he would take responsibility, “it was his decision, but we very much appreciate his decision which has come from a very honest person”.

The current mayor, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, was voted by the majority of councillors in the corporation and so took on the role of head of the government. As part of the agreement to form a government, the mayor will be a rotating post during this four-year term, with Dolón taking power for the first half, and Serrano herself taking over for the PSOE after two year.

When asked what motivated the decision to place Dolón in power first, Serrano replied, “José Manuel Dolón has been at the town hall for years, he really knows the city, the town hall, the government, everything, and it is something that he really deserved, to be the mayor of Torrevieja”.

Serrano was then asked about the pay cut that the new mayor has forced on himself, which was applauded by many, Serrano explained that “he is retired, like many of the people who live here, he has a pension, so he decided not to get more money from the public”, and so that money will be able to be spent on public services, which is “absolutely different”. Incidentally, the councillors will now be using their own mobile phones, paid for by themselves, thus saving even more money from the public purse.

With a coalition formed in Orihuela after the last election, the obvious question was as to how it could work in Torrevieja, given the problems so early on in the neighbouring municipality. Serrano explained, “it´s absolutely a different situation”, in Orihuela, as well as the main parties, one of the three was a coalition”, the two parties of CLARO and CLR formed together, “that was the problem”. In Torrevieja, we have five parties, with the same program, the same vision for Torrevieja, and all going in the same direction. That´s the difference for Torrevieja, we have no coalition inside the government”.

When asked about becoming mayor in two years, Serrano was asked about the unusualness of the situation, responding, “no, it´s not so unusual, it´s the new politics”, explaining how Spain now has more parties than ever before, and what “the citizens want is for everybody to discuss, everybody talk and then get the best solutions for the citizens, and not one party saying ‘I´m going to do the things in that way and that´s the way, I´m not going to change anything’, no. We´ve got five, six or eight, it doesn´t matter, the change of the government was very clear. PSOE got 4 councillors, Los Verdes got 4 councillors, so both parties got the same number of councillors. It´s normal that both of the parties, Los Verdes and PSOE, have the right to be the mayor. But, from the PSOE, we understand that José Manuel Dolón deserves that situation first”.

The subject then turned to corruption and how Torrevieja, like many other councils, has been marred by numerous scandals in the past. “That´s very sad”, was the reply, but when asked what safeguards there are for the future, Serrano explained that the first point made by the new government, “was no to the corruption”. Explaining that it is very important for them, and they are “going to denounce every single case” that they find, as well as pursuing the current cases which are proceeding, such as the mobile phone scandal, the expenses in the municipal theatre, and other urbanism cases such as the waste disposal site and anything new that they discover, as they are “not going to allow any single case of corruption in the town hall”, stressing, “no more corruption”.

When asked about how Torrevieja has become rundown in recent years, with many streets filled with closed business remises, Serrano said, “for us it is very important,,, What we want to get is a more lively city”, it has to be cleaner and a “place that people want to be. That´s very important for the heart of the city, cleaner, greener with more spaces for the public and we are going to start with this. We are going to start with all the environmental matters to make Torrevieja better, but more lively”.

As for bridging the gaps between the city and urbanisations, especially that many of the residents in urbanisations feel neglected with a lack of police patrols, street lights failing, and many other problems, the question of how the government will solve that problem was responded by the comment, “we want to stop this separation between Torrevieja central and the surrounding urbanisations. It makes no sense, it is all Torrevieja”. The PSOE planned to have a rolling plan for councillors to visit urbanisations, which “we plan to continue”. But, “we want the neighbours from the urbanisations to come to the town hall, to speak to us, just talk to us, write and tell us what´s happened, because now everything is open, we are not as closed as we used to be”.

On the subject of reversing the damage by the General Plan, the government will now be forming a new plan that changes things back to offer protection to areas which have been changed, such as the protected nesting land which permission has been granted for the construction of a DIY store, and other protected land where permission has been given for a rubbish dump, “today we start with this. Today! I just gave instructions to the technicians to start with this procedure, because it is absolutely necessary”. Torrevieja has an “old plan with 103 modifications. That´s incredible, It´s the most changed plan in the whole of Spain. It´s absolutely incredible. Nobody can understand why” there as so many change.

One of the most speculated issues has been the threatened closure of the International Residents Office. This has been vehemently denied. Serrano said, “absolutely not. I couldn´t believe that you asked that question. I think the problem is that the PP think everything is their own. ‘It´s my office, it´s my town hall’, no, it´s not yours, it´s for the citizens. The foreigners office is from the town hall, it´s for all citizens, so you can´t just close it in that way. I can´t understand why somebody would say something like this. It´s incredible!”

The plans submitted by the PSOE before the elections to increase the staffing in this office were raised “yes, of course” was the immediate response. When asked about improvements, “we have to study everything”, Serrano replied, “there are other departments which are over represented, so we need several weeks to study each department and make decisions”.

When asked about the fact that some people think that what has happened to Torrevieja is a disaster, Serrano responded, “they are wrong. Because the disaster was PP, absolutely”. Continuing, “what we have discovered after just one week, maybe you think everything was clear, but the problem is it´s not true. With the PP, I do everything on my own, without regulation, out of law, and so on. We just discovered a carpet with a lot of rubbish swept under it”. The government now plan to, “open the windows, open the doors, sweep the carpet, open everything, we want to listen to the citizens”, concluding that, “Torrevieja is going to be the best city”, a “new Torrevieja, a lively city, but overall, for us, foreigners are very important. We have more than half of the population which is foreign, The PP forgot the foreigners, they only look for you when they need you, every four years, just to vote. We don´t want that, we want an interaction between the foreigners, the Spanish, the government and so on, we want another kind of town”.

 

 

### Woman Knocked Down on Orihuela Pedestrian Crossing

A woman was injured on Thursday when she was struck by a car on a pedestrian crossing on Avenida de la Vega, Orihuela. The incident occurred at around 2pm when the car failed to stop for the woman who was on the crossing, hitting her and sending her to the ground.

The driver of the vehicle summonsed help and emergency medics attended and treated the victim for a variety of injuries before transferring her to the Vega Baja hospital by ambulance. Her condition is not said to be serious.

### Terra Mitica to Help the Disadvantaged

The Terra Mitica Theme Park in Benidorm, owned by Aqualandia, has created a foundation to assist disadvantaged families.
The park will organize special campaigns and events for people at risk of social exclusion, which will be shared through local associations, hospitals and social groups.
On July 3rd, the park will present its social schedule for 2015, including a campaign to collect food, toys and clothing, as well as blood, and a range of sporting and cultural activities throughout the summer aimed at promoting social integration of the most vulnerable groups.

Excerpt: The Terra Mitica Theme Park in Benidorm, owned by Aqualandia, has created a foundation to assist disadvantaged families. The park will organize special campaigns and events for people at risk of social exclusion, which will be shared through local associations, hospitals and social groups. On July 3rd, the park will present its social schedule for […]

### Heat and Drought Risks for Summer

The Ministry of Health has launched a meteorological monitoring system for the summer to help prevent and treat health problems as a result of extreme temperatures.

The campaign, named “Ola de Calor 2015”, will operate throughout the country with every health department following the same protocols that have been in place since 2004, in order to “prevent, minimize and assess the impacts on the health of the population arising from high temperatures in the community, with particular attention to the possible occurrence of heat waves. “

Across Valencia, there are now 30 identifiable zones where temperature thresholds have been defined, with daily maps indicating the risk factor through the usual series of warning colours, green, yellow, orange and red.

Each temperature level is accompanied by a series of protocols and a series of actions required in order to maintain safety in the sun.

The heat map, along with other health related information, will be available on the health department´s website, http://cuidatecv.es/en in the Valencia community, as well as on http://www.ceam.es/ceamet/, where the UV index is also available.



Meanwhile, the spring season, which is from March to May, has been “very warm” and “very wet” across the Valencia region, with an average temperature of 14.9 degrees and an average of 178.7 litres per square metre of rainfall.

The data was presented this week in the climatology press conference held seasonally by the Spanish meteorological office, who also state that in view of the recent data, the summer season, June to August, is 40% likely to be “above normal” temperatures, and in any case will be “hot”. The good news for many is that there is likely to be a continuation of the rainfall throughout the summer, which will hopefully ease the current threat of drought.

Currently, as of the daily data from the 18th of June, most local reservoirs are currently just over half full. In the Segura basin, they are currently at 59.6% of their capacity, with the Pedrera at Torremendo only holding 157 cubic hectometres of its 246 cubic hectometre capacity and Crevillente only holding 5 cubic hectometres of its 13 cubic hectometre capacity.

 

### Calls to Ban Used Tyre Sales

Pressure is being put on the government to ban the sale of used tyres amid increasing safety fears from industry professionals.

It is estimated that 300,000 vehicles on the roads of Spain are fitted with used tyres, a figure which has increased in recent years due to the financial crisis. One mainstream supplier states that 80% of their business is in the sale of used, rather than new tyres. In addition, it is believed that 60% of all cars over 10 years of age are fitted with used tyres.
Meanwhile, accident investigators say that tyres are a factor in three out of four road traffic incidents, and point out that tyre wear and tear is different on all vehicles, makes and models.
Therefore, 35% of motor industry professionals are now lobbying for the sale of used tyres to be prohibited, a figure backed up by 45% of journalists who work in the sector.
As the most vulnerable part of a vehicle, facing constant abuse and wear, close monitoring and awareness of tyres is crucial to the safe running of a vehicle.
The post Calls to Ban Used Tyre Sales appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Pressure is being put on the government to ban the sale of used tyres amid increasing safety fears from industry professionals. It is estimated that 300,000 vehicles on the roads of Spain are fitted with used tyres, a figure which Read More ...
The post Calls to Ban Used Tyre Sales appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Dangerous Speeder Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department stopped a vehicle which had been driving at 235 kilometres per hour on the AP-7 motorway in the Corbera area of the Ribera Baixa in the Valencian Community.

The limit on the road in the section where the vehicle was caught is 120 kilometres per hour and so the officers stopped the car.
They found that the driver was a 22 year old French national and they proceeded to check the vehicle whilst confirming the identity of the driver, subsequently finding a sports bag with more than 200,000 euro in cash hidden inside.
As well as arresting the man for a serious crime against road safety, he also faces money laundering charges on account of him being able to justify the origin of the cash.
The post Dangerous Speeder Arrested appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department stopped a vehicle which had been driving at 235 kilometres per hour on the AP-7 motorway in the Corbera area of the Ribera Baixa in the Valencian Community. The limit on the road Read More ...
The post Dangerous Speeder Arrested appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Cadillac Seville

Cadillac Seville STS.

Colour: Blue / Silver

Year: 1999

Engine: 4.6L V8 Petrol

Mileage: 107,000 miles approx

Price: 4,100 euro o.n.o.

Leather interior, Bose music system, fully equipped, automatic.

This vehicle is right-hand drive and on UK plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this.


			
				
			
				
				Leather interior
				
			
				
			
				
				Large boot
				
			
				
			
				
				Sturdy body

### Porsche Boxster

Porsche Boxster.

Colour: Black

Year: 2003

Engine: 2.7L Petrol

Mileage: 100,000 miles approx

Price: 12,900 euro o.n.o.

A beautiful sporty mover with all the elegance you´d expect from one of the most envied car manufacturers.

This vehicle is LEFT-hand drive and on SPANISH plates and ready to roll for the summer.


			
				
			
				
				Sporty looks
				
			
				
			
				
				Beauty in design
				
			
				
			
				
				Cool interior
				
			
				
			
				
				Sporty feel
				
			
				
			
				
				Ready for summer
				
			
				
			
				
				Top control
				
			
				
			
				
				Smooth and sleek 
				
		




Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Ford Focus

Ford Focus

Colour: Red

Year: 2003

Engine: 1.6L Petrol

Mileage: 120,000 miles approx

Price: 2,700 euro o.n.o.

A nice, versatile, family car, clean and reliable.

This vehicle is LEFT-hand drive and on SPANISH plates so ready to pick up and go.


			
				
			
				
				Family sized
				
			
				
			
				
				Clean car
				
			
				
			
				
				Neat controls
				
			
				
			
				
				Spacious boot
				
			
				
			
				
				Ready to roll
				
		


Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Jaguar XK8

Jaguar XK8

Colour: Red

Year: 1998

Engine: 4.0L Petrol

Mileage: 126,000 miles approx

Price: 4,100 euro o.n.o.

British elegance and refinement in a car, the traditional beauty of machine and driver working together.

This vehicle is right-hand drive and on UK personalised plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this. You could even sell the UK number plate.


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		



Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Mercedes CLK320

Mercedes CLK320 Cabriolet

Colour: Black

Year: 2002

Engine: 3.2L Petrol

Mileage:

Price: 3,300 euro o.n.o.

A real head turner wherever you driver her, ready to take to the road for summer.

This vehicle is right-hand drive and on UK plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this.


			
				
			
				
				Roof up beauty
				
			
				
			
				
				Plenty of leg room
				
			
				
			
				
				The mark of quality
				
			
				
			
				
				Roof down and ready
				
			
				
			
				
				Space for all
				
			
				
			
				
				Summer ready
				
			
				
			
				
				Eye catching
				
			
				
			
				
				Sleek contour
				
		


Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Range Rover

Range Rover.

Colour: Black

Year: 1999

Engine: 4.6L Petrol

Mileage: 161,000 miles approx

Price: 2,800 euro o.n.o.

A sturdy and stunning looking workhorse of a luxury car, ideal for those rural areas.

This vehicle is LEFT-hand drive and on UK plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this.


			
				
			
				
				A stunning workhorse
				
			
				
			
				
				Ideal for road and country
				
			
				
			
				
				Spacious interior
				
			
				
			
				
				A commanding look
				
			
				
			
				
				Sleek body lines
				
			
				
			
				
				Finger controls
				
			
				
			
				
				Alloys
				
			
				
			
				
				Ready to drive
				
		


Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Mercedes SL500 Cabriolet

Mercedes SL500 Cabriolet.

Colour: Silver

Year: 2002

Engine: 5.0L Petrol

Mileage: 138,000 miles approx

Price: 10,500 euro o.n.o.

This is a smart, clean and stunning looking car, ready to take to the road for summer.

This vehicle is right-hand drive and on UK plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this.


			
				
			
				
				SL500 in Silver
				
			
				
			
				
				A stunning car
				
			
				
			
				
				Modern interior
				
			
				
			
				
				Smooth lines
				
			
				
			
				
				Alloy wheels
				
			
				
			
				
				Spacious inside
				
		


Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Searched Launched for Crashed Driver

Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department were forced to launch a search to find and identify the driver of a car which had crashed off the N-332 main road in the La Marina area of the southern Alicante province.

The vehicle was spotted around 20 metres off the road with the scene showing indications that the vehicle had left the road at speed, crashed through a protective fence, and come to a stop in shrubbery, where is was abandoned.

The search was launched to ensure the driver was okay and to then answer questions about the incident which resulted in the vehicle being left where it was found and the subsequent recovery operation.

The post Searched Launched for Crashed Driver appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department were forced to launch a search to find and identify the driver of a car which had crashed off the N-332 main road in the La Marina area of the southern Alicante province. Read More ...
The post Searched Launched for Crashed Driver appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Holiday Rental Prices Increased

The average price of renting a beachfront holiday apartment this summer has risen by 7% according to the annual report from TecniTasa.
The news is considered another indication of recovery of the economic situation in Spain with the average weekly rent now standing at 595 euro, compared to 552 euro in 2014.
Playa dén Bossa in Ibiza is the most expensive place to rent an apartment at 1,680 euro per week, whereas the cheapest is in Lugo, which costs around 200 euro per week.
One of the biggest increases in Spain has been Torrevieja, where rental rates have increased by 23% compared to last year, although with disposable income not increasing quite in line with that increase, it is feared that many Spanish families will choose alternative, cheaper destinations.
Related Posts:TORREVIEJA CHEAPEST FOR RENTALSFUEL PRICES FALL AGAINPRESCRIPTION PRICES INCREASING IN JANUARYMILLIONS IN FINES FOR CAR HIRE CARTELSPAIN THIS WEEK

Excerpt: The average price of renting a beachfront holiday apartment this summer has risen by 7% according to the annual report from TecniTasa. The news is considered another indication of recovery of the economic situation in Spain with the average weekly rent now standing at 595 euro, compared to 552 euro in 2014. Playa dén Bossa […]Related Posts:TORREVIEJA CHEAPEST FOR RENTALSFUEL PRICES FALL AGAINPRESCRIPTION PRICES INCREASING IN JANUARYMILLIONS IN FINES FOR CAR HIRE CARTELSPAIN THIS WEEK

### Ryanair Website Closure Warning

Budget airline Ryanair has announced that part of their website and mobile application will close for a 10 hour maintenance period from 8pm on Friday, 19th June, until 6am on Saturday, 20th June for an upgrade.
Ryanair is urging passengers who have journeys scheduled during this period to check-in in advance, before the temporary closure is initiated.
The website will also not be available for new reservations during the period.
The company has said that it is emailing clients direct and have apologised for the inconvenience caused by the upgrade.
Related Posts:RYANAIR SEES PROFIT DROPMore Ryanair FlightsRYANAIR DENY INFLATING PRICES FOR …RYANAIR CONFIRM RUMBO LEGAL ACTIONRYANAIR JET IN FIRE-EMERGENCY LANDING

Excerpt: Budget airline Ryanair has announced that part of their website and mobile application will close for a 10 hour maintenance period from 8pm on Friday, 19th June, until 6am on Saturday, 20th June for an upgrade. Ryanair is urging passengers who have journeys scheduled during this period to check-in in advance, before the temporary closure […]Related Posts:RYANAIR SEES PROFIT DROPMore Ryanair FlightsRYANAIR DENY INFLATING PRICES FOR …RYANAIR CONFIRM RUMBO LEGAL ACTIONRYANAIR JET IN FIRE-EMERGENCY LANDING

### Elche Council Welcoming Social Interaction

The new socialist Mayor of Elche, Carlos González (PSOE), has issued a notice to the municipal technicians to unlock the town hall´s social network sites to allow comments, shares and posts on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
The new mayor said in a statement that the previous PP run government had blocked interaction on the sites, as a consequence of their “policy of institutional communication”, whereas the new government feel that the public “have the right” to access municipal information, regardless of their opinion, and they should not block their freedom of expression.
Related Posts:Sexual Picture Poster ArrestedConsejo Social de la CiudadHATE-TWEETERS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOLLOWING POLITICIAN…Spanish Government condemns measures undertaken in certain…JESSICA SIMPSON EXPELLED FROM MOJACAR PLENARY

Excerpt: The new socialist Mayor of Elche, Carlos González (PSOE), has issued a notice to the municipal technicians to unlock the town hall´s social network sites to allow comments, shares and posts on their Facebook and Twitter pages. The new mayor said in a statement that the previous PP run government had blocked interaction on the […]Related Posts:Sexual Picture Poster ArrestedConsejo Social de la CiudadHATE-TWEETERS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOLLOWING POLITICIAN…Spanish Government condemns measures undertaken in certain…JESSICA SIMPSON EXPELLED FROM MOJACAR PLENARY

### New Mitsubishi Traffic Cars Arrive in Orihuela

The Guardia Civil traffic department are starting to take delivery of new vehicles across the country, replacing some of their older fleet with newer, more modern and powerful cars, all of which have been meticulously tested to ensure the maximum performance and capability for the roles required.
One of the latest additions to the fleet has been 24 Mitsubishi ASX DI-D 4WD, selected due to its multipurpose ability, standard equipment and safety features, as well as optimum fuel economy, four-wheel drive and excellent reliability.

Destined for use in areas where the traffic department police rural areas and countryside zones as well as major highways and roads, the traffic police station in Orihuela has taken delivery of their share of the fleet this week.

With its crossover diesel engine providing 150 horsepower, the new internal geometry and new valve timing system improves the response at low revs. Consumption is 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres, and has a top speed of 198 kilometres per hour. The vehicle can reach 100 kilometres per hour, from standing, in 10 seconds.

The vehicle design is said to be inspired by the Mitsubishi F-2 fighter aircraft, manufactured under license from the famous American Lockheed Martin F-16.

Orihuela has also recently taken delivery of the newer motorcycles for their patrols.
 
The post New Mitsubishi Traffic Cars Arrive in Orihuela appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil traffic department are starting to take delivery of new vehicles across the country, replacing some of their older fleet with newer, more modern and powerful cars, all of which have been meticulously tested to ensure the maximum Read More ...
The post New Mitsubishi Traffic Cars Arrive in Orihuela appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### New Torrevieja Government Named

The new mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuél Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, has today announced his government team, the councilors who will start to run the municipality with immediate effect, until the agreed reshuffle takes place in two years time.
José Manuél Dolón (Mayor): Police and Traffic; Urban Cleaning and Human Resources.
José Hurtado Paredes (LV): Economy and Finance; Education and Employment.
Carmen María Morate Arco (LV): Relations with the EU, Department of Citizenship (International Residents, Immigration, Coexistence and Integration); Health, NGOs and Volunteering and Zoology.
Manuel Osuna Rodríguez (LV): Commerce, Catering and Consumer Affairs.
Fanny Serrano Rodríguez (PSOE): Planning, Environment, Housing, and the Evnironment.
África Celdrán Ros (PSOE): Fiestas, Markets, Social Welfare, Accessibility, Equality, Dependency and Women.
Víctor Ferrández Esteve (IU): Modernization and Quality Services. Employment. Heritage and Archives; Development and Local Development, Citizen Participation.
Domingo Pérez Gutiérrez (PSOE): ): Elderly; Old People; Census and Statistics.
Javier Manzanares Solivelles (PSOE): Security Emergency (Fire, Civil Protection and Public Roads); Innovation and Information Society; Transport and Beaches.
Pablo Samper Hernández (ST): Sports and Youths.
Alejandro Blanco Vega (ST): Culture, Projects, Works and Services; Cemeteries, Street Lighting and Integral Cycle of water.
Domingo Soler Torregrosa (APTCe): Municipal Habaneras; Parks and gardens; Presidency and Government (Protocol and Internal Affairs).
Related Posts:José Manuel Dolón is the new mayor of TorreviejaNEW TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA COUNCILLORSTORREVIEJA PP WOULD LOSE OVERALL MAJORITYTHE LAST STAND FOR POLITICAL STABILITYPP CALL FOR EARLIER POLICE RETIREMENT

Excerpt: The new mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuél Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, has today announced his government team, the councilors who will start to run the municipality with immediate effect, until the agreed reshuffle takes place in two years time. José Manuél Dolón (Mayor): Police and Traffic; Urban Cleaning and Human Resources. José […]Related Posts:José Manuel Dolón is the new mayor of TorreviejaNEW TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA COUNCILLORSTORREVIEJA PP WOULD LOSE OVERALL MAJORITYTHE LAST STAND FOR POLITICAL STABILITYPP CALL FOR EARLIER POLICE RETIREMENT

### Cutbacks in Local Government

The new tripartite government of Alicante has formulated a proposal to sell off all but one of their official vehicles, keeping just the one for use on official visits.
The new socialist mayor, Gabriel Echávarri, made the announcement this week, in his first week of office, highlighting the expense that the fleet of 12 luxury vehicles costs the municipal funds.
The previous government run by Partido Popular majority purchased the high-end vehicles in 2010, including five Peugeot 607´s, two Wolkswagen Passats, a Chrysler and a number of Audi´s.
This news also comes after the Ciudadanos group in Almoradí have proposed plans to sell one of their 70,000 euro official vehicles in order to buy a new patrol car for the police.
Related Posts:Nearly 800 New Vehicles for the National PoliceNEW VEHICLES FOR TORREVIEJA POLICECars for Sale – One Careful Owner!Speed Check Cars Given to Local CouncilsTORREVIEJA POLICE FEEL THE PINCH

Excerpt: The new tripartite government of Alicante has formulated a proposal to sell off all but one of their official vehicles, keeping just the one for use on official visits. The new socialist mayor, Gabriel Echávarri, made the announcement this week, in his first week of office, highlighting the expense that the fleet of 12 luxury […]Related Posts:Nearly 800 New Vehicles for the National PoliceNEW VEHICLES FOR TORREVIEJA POLICECars for Sale – One Careful Owner!Speed Check Cars Given to Local CouncilsTORREVIEJA POLICE FEEL THE PINCH

### Mobile Phone Growth

Information released by the popular holiday reservation website booking.com has revealed that the mobile phone is fast taking over all other devices when it comes to searching for the perfect holiday.
Across Europe, the mobile has increased from 11th place in 2014 to 9th place this year, but a staggering 96% of Spaniards believe that the mobile phone makes it easier for them to book last minute deals.
The data also revealed that 21% of Spanish travellers wait until the week before to book their trip, whereas 41% normally book on the same week as their departure.
Related Posts:Muting Your PhoneARRESTED FOR INSTALLING SPY APP ON MOBILE PHONEWeekend Clampdown on Mobile Phone UseTORREVIEJA MOBILE PHONE TENDER FAILS FOR A SECOND TIMEBeware of Fake Message Scams

Excerpt: Information released by the popular holiday reservation website booking.com has revealed that the mobile phone is fast taking over all other devices when it comes to searching for the perfect holiday. Across Europe, the mobile has increased from 11th place in 2014 to 9th place this year, but a staggering 96% of Spaniards believe that […]Related Posts:Muting Your PhoneARRESTED FOR INSTALLING SPY APP ON MOBILE PHONEWeekend Clampdown on Mobile Phone UseTORREVIEJA MOBILE PHONE TENDER FAILS FOR A SECOND TIMEBeware of Fake Message Scams

### Appropriate Footwear in the UK

A lot of people in Spain are asking how the Spanish laws on appropriate footwear differ from the UK. You can read more about wearing flip flops and high heels when driving in Spain on the website, and then you can compare the UK rules which we explain here.

Wearing appropriate footwear is a must when driving. When you think about the physical process required to make a vehicle go, turn or stop, all of the actions are performed by our hands and feet.
In the UK, Rule 97 of the Highway Codes states that before setting off, you should ensure that “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”.
If we consider a driver who is barefoot, for example, there is nothing illegal about this, but controlling the clutch, and even the brakes, can require a lot of pressure, which may prove difficult if a driver is barefoot. Feet can sweat and reduce the traction and wearing of socks or stockings is not ideal either, on account of the pressure needed.
Flip flops and sandals are considered by far the most dangerous of all inappropriate footwear. Shoes which don´t fit securely may fall off when driving and can get in the way of the pedals. Equally dangerous is how the foot can slip whilst the shoe remains in contact with the pedal, thus reducing braking time and causing a considerable risk when stopping.
High heels also pose their own problems, largely because these shoes are designed to alter the shape of the foot and ankle in order to raise the profile of the wearer. That´s all very well for a glamorous stroll through a prestigious event, but when sitting in a driving position the shape of the shoe prevents correct contact with the pedals, again reducing the response time.
Other than in the Highway Code, there is no specific law about footwear in the UK, but wearing inappropriate footwear could contribute to an incident for which accountability could be deemed to be the driver´s if they have not adhered to the rule, and are prevented from using the controls in the correct manner.
Supposing a lack of control of the clutch makes the car lunge forward and hit something in front, or the reaction time is reduced due to stumbling feet and you are unable to stop before hitting an obstacle, if it is likely that the inappropriate footwear was a contributing factor, the driver may well see a fixed penalty notice issued. Similarly, if an insurance company decides that inappropriate footwear was a contributing factor, it may lessen the compensation amount in the event of a claim.
As for choosing the most appropriate shoe for driving, comfort is important and a flat shoe that will not easily slip off is best, not too wide and secure. You can buy specific driving shores, but laced, velcro or secure slip-on plimsolls or trainers are ideal, so long as they are flat, with rubber grip on the underside which provides excellent traction and control over the pedals.
Shoes that allow the driver to feel the pedal through the shoe, whilst still being able to apply sufficient pressure without discomfort, are the best for the job.
The post Appropriate Footwear in the UK appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A lot of people in Spain are asking how the Spanish laws on appropriate footwear differ from the UK. You can read more about wearing flip flops and high heels when driving in Spain on the website, and then you Read More ...
The post Appropriate Footwear in the UK appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Sexual Webcam Interviewers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Alicante have arrested two men who deceived women into performing strip teases and naked dance routines during interviews for nonexistent jobs as nightclub dancers.
The operation began last summer when investigators became aware of the existence of a profile on a social network site which was offering work as a waitress or dancer in a club in the Alicante town of Sax.
The interviews were then conducted via webcam, which were recorded, with the victims asked to perform a variety of routines and subsequently threatened to keep quiet under the risk of the videos being posted publicly.
The two men, aged 27 and 47 and of Spanish nationality, have been charged with crimes against sexual freedom and privacy.
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Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Alicante have arrested two men who deceived women into performing strip teases and naked dance routines during interviews for nonexistent jobs as nightclub dancers.
The operation began last summer when investigators b...

### Commemorative Coins Released

To mark the fourth centenary of the publication of the second part of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes , the Spanish mint has released two commemorative coins this week.

However, the coins will not be seen in circulation as they are collector’s pieces, including one with a value of 10 euro, and another with a value of 100 euro.
The 100 euro coin is particularly rare with just 2,500 of the gold piece being released and features an image of Don Quixote sitting and reading.
Meanwhile, there are 7,500 copies of the silver 10 euro coin available, which features an image of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza riding their horses.
There are cheaper versions also available but if you have a spare 1,082.28 euro to spend you might want to hurry if you fancy buying the full set.
More details here.
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Excerpt: To mark the fourth centenary of the publication of the second part of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes , the Spanish mint has released two commemorative coins this week. However, the coins will not be seen in circulation as they are collector’s pieces, including one with a value of 10 euro, and another with a value of 100 euro. The 100 euro coin is particularly rare with just 2,500 of the gold piece being released and features an image of Don Quixote sitting and reading. Meanwhile, there are 7,500 copies of the silver 10 euro coin available, which features an image of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza riding their horses. There are cheaper versions also available but if you have a spare 1,082.28 euro to spend you might want to hurry if you fancy buying the full set. More details here.Related Posts:BANKNOTE CIRCULATION DROPPED 12 PERCENT IN JANUARYTHERE’S (SPANISH) GOLD IN THEM THAR….BEACHES!…NEW 10 EURO NOTE PRESENTEDEuro Weekly News – 26 February 2015EURO AREA TO ISSUE NEW 10 EURO BANKNOTE

### Benefit Fraudsters Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested 85 people in connection with an investigation into a group which defrauded 800,000 euro from public money through seven fictitious companies.

The group, which was run by members of the same family, originated from Morocco and operated through different Spanish provinces, including Alicante and Murcia.
The gang were active between September 2014 and today, with the aim of offering foreigners the opportunity to receive an employment contract in Spain, thus benefit from social security and state aid.
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Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested 85 people in connection with an investigation into a group which defrauded 800,000 euro from public money through seven fictitious companies.

The group, which was run by members of the same family, origi...

### First Major Summer Traffic Operation Begins

The first major traffic movement monitoring campaign of the summer began on Monday, with Operación Paso del Estrecho set to facilitate 2.5 million people and 600,000 vehicles between Europe and Africa.

The operation runs until the 15th of September and will see two main elements of focus, the journey to Africa, which will be between the 15th of June and the 15th of August, and the return, which operates concurrently from the 15th of July until the 15th of September.
The busiest days are anticipated as being the first few days of August, namely the 1st to the 4th, whereas the busiest days for the return operation are expected to be from the 27th to the 30th of August. All weekends between the 10th of July and the 23rd of August will also be very busy.
The administrations at ports and harbours will be working together to ensure as smooth a flow as possible across the water, with ticket restrictions eased on most routes. Interpreters and technicians are on hand at the ports, and the roads will be policed by 9,000 officers having duties assigned to the operation.
The DGT will provide information relating to traffic problems during the course of the operation, but it is important to plan your journey carefully over the next few months, especially during the times stated on routes towards harbours and intercontinental links.
This operation will also coincide with the other major summer traffic flow plans, details of which will be released soon, when we see a major movement from inland and city areas to coastal and mountainous routes for the summer holidays.
The post First Major Summer Traffic Operation Begins appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The first major traffic movement monitoring campaign of the summer began on Monday, with Operación Paso del Estrecho set to facilitate 2.5 million people and 600,000 vehicles between Europe and Africa. The operation runs until the 15th of September and Read More ...
The post First Major Summer Traffic Operation Begins appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Vocational Training Scheme Extended

The Valencian employment ministry has extended the grant given to an employment scheme that has seen thousands of unemployed workers given six-month apprenticeship schemes to receive on the job training and a wage, thus reducing the unemployment figure and giving the workers tools to further their search for long-term employment.

The 18.4 million euro grant has now been extended to 22.9 million, meaning a total of 2,078 workers will have been involved in the 106 schemes across the area, including Torrevieja and Orihuela. In total, over the last 3 years, the scheme has received 40 million euro in investment.
The workshops are aimed at unemployed people over 25 years and gives priority to groups such as women, particularly victims of domestic violence, persons with disabilities, those  at risk of social exclusion, older than 55 years of age, people with low qualifications and the long-term unemployed.
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Excerpt: The Valencian employment ministry has extended the grant given to an employment scheme that has seen thousands of unemployed workers given six-month apprenticeship schemes to receive on the job training and a wage, thus reducing the unemployment figure and giving the workers tools to further their search for long-term employment. The 18.4 million euro grant has now been extended to 22.9 million, meaning a total of 2,078 workers will have been involved in the 106 schemes across the area, including Torrevieja and Orihuela. In total, over the last 3 years, the scheme has received 40 million euro in investment. The workshops are aimed at unemployed people over 25 years and gives priority to groups such as women, particularly victims of domestic violence, persons with disabilities, those  at risk of social exclusion, older than 55 years of age, people with low qualifications and the long-term unemployed.Related Posts:ALMERIA UNEMPLOYMENT RISESTEMPORARY CONTRACT BUDGET DOUBLED FOR YOUNG PEOPLEUnemployment Shows Biggest Drop in HistoryUNEMPLOYMENT FALLS AGAIN IN MAYGRANTS FOR HIRING ORIHUELA´S UNEMPLOYED

### Two Fatalities on the Roads this Weekend

Two people have lost their lives and eleven people have been injured in two major traffic incidents on the roads of Spain, in the provisional count by the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday.
The first incident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the BI-633, in the Berriz area when a young male, aged 29, was killed after his car left the road and crashed into a house, before bursting into flames.

The second incident occurred at 03:30 on Sunday morning, at kilometre 63 of the A-381 in Alcala de los Gazules, Cádiz. A bus carrying Gibraltar fans returning from the Portuguese town of Faro after watching a football match collided with a van, resulting in one person being killed and eleven injured.
Three people were injured in Valencia in two incidents on the roads. In the first, a vehicle rolled over on the approach to a roundabout, and in the second, two cars collided.
The post Two Fatalities on the Roads this Weekend appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Two people have lost their lives and eleven people have been injured in two major traffic incidents on the roads of Spain, in the provisional count by the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday. The first incident Read More ...
The post Two Fatalities on the Roads this Weekend appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### DONATION TO AFA TORREVIEJA

On behalf of AFA Torrevieja please find space for the following words and the attached photo about a recent donation from the El Raso Wine Club:
Members of El Raso Wine Club agreed to give a donation to a local charity and the Torrevieja Association of Friends and Relatives of Alzheimer's Sufferers (AFA) was chosen to receive this, for the second year running.
AFA volunteeer Jennie Mutter was present at the May meeting of the club and was presented with €200 by Elaine Wheatley, treasurer of the club.
Jennie thanked members for their generosity and then gave a short talk about the service that AFA provides to Alzheimer's sufferers in the Torrevieja area, almost all of which is paid for by charitable donations such as this.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47629/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On behalf of AFA Torrevieja please find space for the following words and the attached photo about a recent donation from the El Raso Wine Club:
Members of El Raso Wine Club agreed to give a donation to a local charity and the Torrevieja Association o...

### PAUL CUNNINGHAM, FASHION SHOW

" Despite torrential rain and thunderstorms, the Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity Fashion Show, went full steam ahead indoors last Thursday evening. 
We wish to thank everyone who braved the elements and supported the charity, including stall holders.
We also wish to thank the hard working staff and owners of the Quesada Country Club,
Open Car who kindly donated the cava and of course a huge thank you to  Mike Thornton from Lifecare Services,  who was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and brought fun and laughter to the show. Kristoff Wright donated his time and took wonderful photos of the volunteer models in their stunning outfits.
The evening raised a total of 795 Euros and all monies will be forwarded to the charity.
The next event is at The Posh Private Members Club, la Marina on Wednesday 1st July for an Hawaiian Night.  Bella Luna will also be coming back to the Quesada Country Club on 15th August.  Tickets will go on sale towards the end of July."
The photo taken by Kristoff shows the models in their evening wear outfits.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47626/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: " Despite torrential rain and thunderstorms, the Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity Fashion Show, went full steam ahead indoors last Thursday evening. 
We wish to thank everyone who braved the elements and supported the charity, including stall holders.
We also wish to thank the hard working staff and owners of the Quesada Country Club,
Open Car who kindly donated the cava and of course a huge thank you to  Mike Thornton from Lifecare Services,  who was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and brought fun and laughter to the show. Kristoff Wright donated his time and took wonderful photos of the volunteer models in their stunning outfits.
The evening raised a total of 795 Euros and all monies will be forwarded to the charity.
The next event is at The Posh Private Members Club, la Marina on Wednesday 1st July for an Hawaiian Night.  Bella Luna will also be coming back to the Quesada Country Club on 15th August.  Tickets will go on sale towards the end of July."
The photo taken by Kristoff shows the models in their evening wear outfits.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47626/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### Burglary Gang Arrested

Officers from the National Police have broken up an international group responsible for burglary of 32 homes in Valencia, Castellon and Madrid.

In total 38 people have been arrested, who operated in all levels of the network, including a business owner who would sell the stolen items. A total of 15 of those arrested have been sent to prison as a precautionary measure.
The investigations began after a burglary committed in Alicante which led investigators to consider the crime had been committed by a gang.
A variety of stolen goods, including jewellery, computers, games, tablets and mobile phones were seized in the raids.
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Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have broken up an international group responsible for burglary of 32 homes in Valencia, Castellon and Madrid.

In total 38 people have been arrested, who operated in all levels of the network, including a business owne...

### Tourist Drowns on Ibiza

A 60 year old tourist, said to be of foreign nationality, has drowned on the beach at playa Es Marques on Sunday.
The alarm was raised at 13:15 in the Ses Salines area. Emergency technicians were sent to the scene but could do nothing to save the life of the victim.
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Excerpt: A 60 year old tourist, said to be of foreign nationality, has drowned on the beach at playa Es Marques on Sunday. The alarm was raised at 13:15 in the Ses Salines area. Emergency technicians were sent to the scene but could do nothing to save the life of the victim.Related Posts:Man Drowns In A CoruñaMan dies from drowning in MallorcaPensioner dies rescuing childrenMan Killed in Motorway Hit and RunSeven Fatalities on the Roads this Weekend

### PLAYA BOSQUE - COLLECTIVE CULPABILITY IN THE ORIHUELA COSTA TOWNHALL?

An Open Letter to The Mayor of Orihuela Costa
I have just seen a man being pulled, unconscious, from the sea by strangers and then dragged across the rocks. He looked dead.
The day before, I had witnessed 8 people – men, women and children – being rescued by different individuals, all strangers. They were all, thankfully, conscious when they were helped ashore;  badly shaken, exhausted  and within minutes of drowning, but mercifully still alive.
On both days, of course, ambulances eventually arrived along the smart costal path, lights flashing. They were either unaware of the correct access route or they had been unable to access the walkway because parked cars had, quite legitimately, blocked the unmarked entrance. 
Policia Local and then the Guardia Civil hurried around, but were actually able to do very little.  Some long minutes later, as the man on Friday lay motionless on the rocks, paramedics performed cardiac massage, applied their charged defibrillator whilst all the while, a swelling, sickening crowd of young and old looked morbidly on.
I cannot help wondering……. How you, Mr Orihuela Mayor, would respond , if you had been  relaxing on Playa Bosque with your family, only to hear the distant but familiar cries for help from your desperate son, daughter, mother or father?
How would you feel, Mr Mayor, if, just as your relative was being swept onto the rocks by a shock, relentless, invisible current, you noticed, too late, a small, distant, rusty sign warning of Danger?
FOR THAT IS ALL THAT YOUR TOWNHALL HAS PROVIDED. 
How would you feel, as bare-footed strangers tracked your inert relative, from the relative safety of the jagged rocks, totally unable to help and in fear of their own lives?
Yet they can all see the metal post, a mere 10 metres away from your desperate relative; it has been specifically designed with a large hook on which to hang an emergency lifebelt - but, for any of your unfortunate relatives, Mr Mayor, just as for the man on Friday and for the countless others, there is no salvation -  for the lifebelt is missing and has been for many months.
I wonder, at that moment, whether, Mr Mayor, you might begin to feel any anger, frustration or even sickness building in the pit of your stomach as you visualised the penny-pinching official who decided that it was just too expensive to replace such life-saving devices between September and June?  Or even provide a safety rope, attached from the shore to a buoy?
Might it have crossed your mind, Mr Mayor, that the administration really ought to accept some moral responsibility and to begin to exercise its duty of care to the Townhall's visitors rather more seriously? 
Or perhaps, you feel, here on Playa Bosque, things are not that bad?
After all, you have found sufficient Townhall funds to be able to afford a tractor-manicure of the beach every night; the income from the rental contract of the Beach Bars flows into your coffers from April until October. 
And you have even funded rubbish collectors, who walk past the single empty lifebelt post every week, cleaning those parts that your tractor cannot reach; ironically, they even clean the same rocks over which that poor unconscious man was dragged; I doubt he appreciated it. 
BUT NO LIFEBELT.  NO DEFIBRILLATOR. NO BUOYANCY AID.  NO SAFETY ROPE.  NOTHING.
In fairness, on closer inspection, someone in the Townhall has had the foresight to install 2 emergency access signs. It is unfortunate that they are in the wrong place, as there is no access to the treacherous rocks from here. In fact, there is partial access only to the Lifeguard cabin, which remains locked and unattended between, I believe, the 10 months from September to July.
Well, Mr Mayor, I hope you and your family never do find yourselves on Playa Bosque, with one of your siblings on the point of drowning. I hope you never have to endure the sense of helplessness, or witness a relative or any other drowning human being raising an arm as a last, desperate plea for help, too exhausted, any longer, to cry out loud.
I wonder if there is any sense of collective moral culpability or even responsibility at your Townhall, Mr Mayor… and I wonder too, how many more tourists have to drown on Playa Bosque before you act…..
Still, at least your beach is clean!
Clive IrwinFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47624/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An Open Letter to The Mayor of Orihuela Costa
I have just seen a man being pulled, unconscious, from the sea by strangers and then dragged across the rocks. He looked dead.
The day before, I had witnessed 8 people – men, women and children &nda...

### A NEW DAWN FOR LOCAL POLITICS

In one of the most eagerly awaited weekends of the political world, Saturday saw a new picture painted for many local town halls, as coalitions and collaborations were formed, with the main onus being on removing the Partido Popular from power in many, and looking to the future of a new political framework.
One of the most eagerly anticipated results was in Torrevieja, where the PP lost their absolute majority after over 2 decades in power.
It was still possible for them to retain power howver through coalition, with the most likely partners being the Ciudadanos group, as the other main players.
The PSOE and Los Verdes, have both been instrumental in the fall of grace of the PP through the filing  of anti-corruption court cases.
It was in 1988 that Pedro Ángel Hernández Mateo of the PP came to power as Mayor, replacing Joaquín García Sánchez of the PSOE. The PP then remained in power, under the management of Hernández Mateo, who is now in prison having been found guilty of corruption and facing further charges. Eduardo Dolón Sánchez then took over the office in the last elections of 2011.
Now, after 27 years in power, Torrevieja wakes up with a new Mayor, and a new political power at the helm, a coalition of parties who collaborated to free Torrevieja of decades of PP rule. Having received the majority of votes in Saturday´s mayoral election, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party is the new mayor of Torrevieja.
Ciudadanos had played their cards very close to their chest until the last minute, announcing their intentions late on Friday evening, saying that they have “decided to give their vote to the Los Verdes, as 62% of citizens have requested a change and we will facilitate it”.
However, councillor Pilar Gómez Magán reiterated that Ciudadanos will not join the government, but would remain in opposition, •but we will work hard, now there was no other way to do it.”
They then stood by their commitment and voted for the green mayor, as did the PSOE, Los Verdes, Sueña Torrevieja, APTCe and IU, giving him 14 votes against the 11 received for Eduardo Dolón, all from his own party members, but not enough to retain power.
José Manuel Dolón will now sit in power for the next two years, when the position will rotate and the new head of the PSOE, Fanny Serrano, will take over office for the remaining two years of the administrative period.
During his inaugural speech, José Manuel Dolón said that he will “work with all the people who make up the corporation, right or left, as I value all the seats in the plenary hall”.
He also said that he will assume the functions of Mayor “with all the humility and simplicity” that he can, since to him, “politics is nothing but a commitment to serve the people and for that I hope to have the cooperation of all the people who form the new administration and the people who are now going to play the opposition, which is an important mission, and with all of you, those who wanted change and those who want to collaborate on this new journey”.
He summed up with the statement, “in a few months or a few years we will tell if this change has paid off”, concluding, “let the future be ours”.
For his part, the ousted former mayor, Eduardo Dolón, also appeared at a press conference at the PP headquarters, describing the actions of the Ciudadanos group as a “pantomime”. Eduardo Dolón said that “there has been no time for negotiation”, and stressed that he did not want to “retain power at all costs” but has vowed to return to power soon as “it is impossible” for a hexpartite government to work, on account of their differing opinions and trends.
He concluded by saying that he leaves the position feeling “tremendously positive” about the economic situation.
In the wake of the announcement, there was praise aplenty for the new found collaboration. Ciudadanos Torrevieja took to Facebook to praise the decision and comment how their councillors, Pilar Gomez Magan and Paqui Parra, have shown their commitment of regeneration of democracy, transparency, anti-corruption and all that Ciudadanos strive to achieve, congratulating the new mayor and all political groups.
José Serna Lorente, another former political critic of the PP and sportsman who is currently competing in South America, commented, “What joy, today my city, Torrevieja... Wakes up with a new government. It's time to open the windows of the city, raise the carpet and breathe in the new air.” Concluding, “Viva Torrevieja! Long live the new corporation!
Congratulations to the greens, PSOE, Sueña Torrevieja, Ciudadanos, Apetece and IU for making possible this historic moment.”
Meanwhile, in Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñna from the Partido Popular has won the Mayoral vote there, replacing the Los Verdes mayor of the previous administration, gaining his 11 votes and so still ruling in a minority.
Of the twenty municipalities of the Vega Baja, sixteen had absolute majorities in the vote, the remaining six being left in the air.
All areas will now see their governments formed and roles assigned. Other highlights from around the area include votes and agreements made.
Across the Valencia region, the PSOE now sit in 226 mayoral roles, the PP in 164. Antonio Pérez of the PSOE is the mayor of Rojales, José Luis Sáez of the PSOE rules in Guardamar, Ignacio Ramos of the PSOE is head of Pilar de la Horadada, Jaime Pérez of the PSOE is mayor of Almoradí, Miguel Ángel Gambín from Ciudadanos is ruling in Cox and Ángel Sáez of the PP will govern San Miguel.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47623/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In one of the most eagerly awaited weekends of the political world, Saturday saw a new picture painted for many local town halls, as coalitions and collaborations were formed, with the main onus being on removing the Partido Popular from power in many,...

### POSITIVE TRENDS IN TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA PROPERTY

The market for second homes on the Alicante coast has started to show a positive trend, especially in the towns of Torrevieja and Orihuela, mainly due to foreign demand, while in Castellon and Valencia a "phase adjustment" has been maintained.
The latest report on the housing market along the Valencian coast, prepared by the company Tinsa, concludes that Valencia as a whole "is beginning to wake up," except, that is, in a few certain areas of Alicante, where there is an exceptionally large amount of residual stock.
The regional director of Tinsa, Jose Antonio Lopez, said at a press conference last week that the prices in eight locations recorded annual price rises in the first quarter of the year: Jávea (11.2%), the Pobla de Farnals (5.3%), Benidorm (3.6%), Orihuela (1.6%) , Torrevieja (1.4%) and Elche (1%) as well as Benicarlo and Denia, where there has been a very slight increase of 0.5% and 0.2% respectively.
As for foreign demand in the province of Alicante, in 2014 the British market grew by 41% over the previous year, 22% Belgian, Swedish 7% and France with 15%, while the Russian market showed a small decline.
Also in this area the Chinese market, is beginning to emerge with growth of 63% and 243 transactions in 2014.
Orihuela, Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada are among the five municipalities with the most building permits, with the first two places also among the five with the highest number of purchases.
Promoter activity has begun to pick up in the Region, and is being especially aimed at foreign buyers who demand high quality housing with a preference for anything on the beachfront. Specifically, Oliva (Valencia), Orihuela, Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Torre de la Horadada, Alfas del Pi, Denia, Villajoyosa, Altea, Calpe and Benissa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47620/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The market for second homes on the Alicante coast has started to show a positive trend, especially in the towns of Torrevieja and Orihuela, mainly due to foreign demand, while in Castellon and Valencia a "phase adjustment" has been maintained.
The latest report on the housing market along the Valencian coast, prepared by the company Tinsa, concludes that Valencia as a whole "is beginning to wake up," except, that is, in a few certain areas of Alicante, where there is an exceptionally large amount of residual stock.
The regional director of Tinsa, Jose Antonio Lopez, said at a press conference last week that the prices in eight locations recorded annual price rises in the first quarter of the year: Jávea (11.2%), the Pobla de Farnals (5.3%), Benidorm (3.6%), Orihuela (1.6%) , Torrevieja (1.4%) and Elche (1%) as well as Benicarlo and Denia, where there has been a very slight increase of 0.5% and 0.2% respectively.
As for foreign demand in the province of Alicante, in 2014 the British market grew by 41% over the previous year, 22% Belgian, Swedish 7% and France with 15%, while the Russian market showed a small decline.
Also in this area the Chinese market, is beginning to emerge with growth of 63% and 243 transactions in 2014.
Orihuela, Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada are among the five municipalities with the most building permits, with the first two places also among the five with the highest number of purchases.
Promoter activity has begun to pick up in the Region, and is being especially aimed at foreign buyers who demand high quality housing with a preference for anything on the beachfront. Specifically, Oliva (Valencia), Orihuela, Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Torre de la Horadada, Alfas del Pi, Denia, Villajoyosa, Altea, Calpe and Benissa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47620/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW EMPHASIS ON HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING

Environment al councillor Manuel Gallud said last week that 25 new recycling containers will be placed around Orihuela. 
They are the first batch of 61 such bins provided by the company Ecoembes with the aim of increasing the volume of recycling in the city.
Gallud said that the recycling products deposited in the new bins will increase the money that the city receives from the company, currently in the region of 150,000 per year, derived from the use and reuse of these waste plastic containers
He spoke of the dual benefits of increased recycling, of course the benefits to the environment as well as  an increased amount that the city will receive for packaging and paper, perhaps as much as 300,000 euros
Orihuela is currently well below the European average as far as public awareness of recycling is concerned so he appealed to the general public, asking that they now start to take rather more notice of their waste and that the start to separate it as is required, dropping it into the appropriate bin.
It is understood that the new containers will be distributed around the city, starting with the commercial areas that have the greatest needs. Gallud also said that this increase in revenue could even pose "a reduction in the cost of the refuse service, which he expects to remain under municipal ownership."
Each of the containers is costing about 600 euros.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47619/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Environment al councillor Manuel Gallud said last week that 25 new recycling containers will be placed around Orihuela. 
They are the first batch of 61 such bins provided by the company Ecoembes with the aim of increasing the volume of recycling in the city.
Gallud said that the recycling products deposited in the new bins will increase the money that the city receives from the company, currently in the region of 150,000 per year, derived from the use and reuse of these waste plastic containers
He spoke of the dual benefits of increased recycling, of course the benefits to the environment as well as  an increased amount that the city will receive for packaging and paper, perhaps as much as 300,000 euros
Orihuela is currently well below the European average as far as public awareness of recycling is concerned so he appealed to the general public, asking that they now start to take rather more notice of their waste and that the start to separate it as is required, dropping it into the appropriate bin.
It is understood that the new containers will be distributed around the city, starting with the commercial areas that have the greatest needs. Gallud also said that this increase in revenue could even pose "a reduction in the cost of the refuse service, which he expects to remain under municipal ownership."
Each of the containers is costing about 600 euros.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47619/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SPAIN’S LITTLE ‘PRINCE BRAT’

We've had the rumoured affairs of former King Juan Carlos, the ongoing fraud trial of Princess Cristina, stripped of her title just last week. Well now it appears that the next generation of Spanish Royals are trying to get in on the act.
On the evidence of the tantrum that he threw at a Madrid leisure park last week, Fourth in line to the Spanish throne, Felipe Juan Froilán  de Todos los Santos de Marichalar y Borbón, known as Frolián, would seem to have all the signs of growing into yet another spoilt brat .
Not wanting to stand in a line along with us mere commoners, and suggesting that it was his birthright to do so, the little prince attempted to jump the queue on one of the park's more popular rides, but as he tried to push in he received a ticking off from a  school teacher who was also waiting in line along with his students.
According to a report in Spanish newspaper El Economista he promptly declared "I'm fourth in line to the Spanish throne."
The ride attendant then joined in then responding that being fourth in line to the Spanish throne did not mean he could push in line and get on the ride before the other visitors, who had been patiently queuing.
It was then that he threw his toys out of the pram making a racist slur at a young Chinese boy who also told him off for not queuing, shouting, "You shut up, you f...ing chino."
Spanish media reported that the prince was accompanied by several friends and a security guard. He eventually calmed down and moved away from the ride.
Unfortunately, as he continues to build a reputation as a royal bad boy, young Froilán seems to be hitting the headlines on far too many occasions, for the wrong reasons.
When he was 6-years-old, he famously kicked one of his female cousins at King Felipe and Queen Letizia's wedding.  After his parents got divorced, his behaviour is then said to have gone  downhill. Two and a half years ago he was kicked out of school for failing his end of year exams twice and in 2012 when he was just 14 years of age he shot himself in the foot (literally) while out hunting with his father Jaime de Marichalar.
During his last family holiday, he allegedly headbutted his cousin Paul and then tried to stab him with an iron skewer
But as with all rotten and spoiled children however, we can't really blame the children, in this case the young prince as much of the responsibility must sure by put firmly at the feet of his parents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47618/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We've had the rumoured affairs of former King Juan Carlos, the ongoing fraud trial of Princess Cristina, stripped of her title just last week. Well now it appears that the next generation of Spanish Royals are trying to get in on the act.
On the evidence of the tantrum that he threw at a Madrid leisure park last week, Fourth in line to the Spanish throne, Felipe Juan Froilán  de Todos los Santos de Marichalar y Borbón, known as Frolián, would seem to have all the signs of growing into yet another spoilt brat .
Not wanting to stand in a line along with us mere commoners, and suggesting that it was his birthright to do so, the little prince attempted to jump the queue on one of the park's more popular rides, but as he tried to push in he received a ticking off from a  school teacher who was also waiting in line along with his students.
According to a report in Spanish newspaper El Economista he promptly declared "I'm fourth in line to the Spanish throne."
The ride attendant then joined in then responding that being fourth in line to the Spanish throne did not mean he could push in line and get on the ride before the other visitors, who had been patiently queuing.
It was then that he threw his toys out of the pram making a racist slur at a young Chinese boy who also told him off for not queuing, shouting, "You shut up, you f...ing chino."
Spanish media reported that the prince was accompanied by several friends and a security guard. He eventually calmed down and moved away from the ride.
Unfortunately, as he continues to build a reputation as a royal bad boy, young Froilán seems to be hitting the headlines on far too many occasions, for the wrong reasons.
When he was 6-years-old, he famously kicked one of his female cousins at King Felipe and Queen Letizia's wedding.  After his parents got divorced, his behaviour is then said to have gone  downhill. Two and a half years ago he was kicked out of school for failing his end of year exams twice and in 2012 when he was just 14 years of age he shot himself in the foot (literally) while out hunting with his father Jaime de Marichalar.
During his last family holiday, he allegedly headbutted his cousin Paul and then tried to stab him with an iron skewer
But as with all rotten and spoiled children however, we can't really blame the children, in this case the young prince as much of the responsibility must sure by put firmly at the feet of his parents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47618/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MENU DEL DIA FOR JUST 4 EUROS

I am sure that those of you who are former members of the armed forces will look back on operational military rations with mixed emotions.
Most popular were the 24 hour packs which were required to provide one man with enough food to last for up to one day, and the ten man pack, a much larger assortment, which was the main pack used for operational purposes, said to provide a daily intake of in excess of 4000 calories for each of its recipients.
Compo was the name by which the provisions were popularly known or Ration Composite General Service if you want to be more formal.
I remember the steak and kidney pudding and the oatmeal blocks with particular affection, and those quirky little tin openers, and who could forget, of course, the shiny sheets of toilet paper, although I have yet to meet a man, or a woman, who every used them.
I personally found the rations very good and always managed to put on some weight when I went away on exercise or manoeuvre with my unit.
Quite whether that would be the case with the Spanish Military Ration Pack I don't know. Squid, which seems to be a regular ingredient, has never been one of my favourite meals. But the packs are quite comprehensive and the military I have spoken to recently feel that they certainly serve the purpose.
Unlike the British packs, which are now put together by scientists at the Defence Fuel and Food Services Team down in deepest Bristol, the Spanish Ration Packs are the responsibility of the Corps of Engineers, so the extra constituents, such as the mandatory water purifying tablets, 3 solid fuel tablets, matches and a small stove for cooking, would come as no surprise, but I can't say that I was particularly excited by the menu.
Designed to provide each of it's recipient with enough fuel to withstand enemy fire on a full stomach, the dexterity and geometric skills necessary to open some of it's sachets and cans would be more akin to those you might expect to acquire in order to complete a Tetris challenge. Presumably each also comes with an added extra, a stick of dynamite or a very big mallet.
But even once you get in there the selection leaves rather a lot to be desired.
With an expiry date deep into 2018, as well as the extras already mentioned, my pack contained a can of pate with black pepper, a can of green beans, one sachet of vegetable soup, a can of squid, peaches in syrup and two sachets containing powder to make an isotonic drink. 
Not that appetising really, although I have eaten worse in some restaurants and paid a darned sight more than the 4 euro that each pack is purported to cost.
But the strange thing is that they are extremely well received!  And when it comes to exchanging packs in joint exercises with foreign military (we have all been there at one time or another) the Spanish ration packs are in some (although I wouldn't say great) demand.
Personally give me the good old compo 10 man pack, although I suppose in a desert battlefield  scenario the peaches in the Spanish pack would always do a job as camouflage!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47617/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I am sure that those of you who are former members of the armed forces will look back on operational military rations with mixed emotions.
Most popular were the 24 hour packs which were required to provide one man with enough food to last for up to on...

### MASONS DONATE TO THE AGE CONCERN "HELP US BUY A NEW BUS" APPEAL

The photo shows Maurenn Payne, President of Age Concern receiving a cheque from the Master of Caledonia Lodge, Robin Goundry accompanied by the Master Elect David Turner and the Almoner Richard Beken. 
The cheque for 2,000 Euros is towards the Age Concern "Help Us Buy A New Bus" Appeal.
The President thanked the Masons for their very generous donation, which brings the current total to 13,250 Euros.
The Masons are well known for their Charity work and this year Caledonia Lodge has already made donations to the Alzheimers Association and Reach Out.
If you would like to know more about Masonry please contact Harry Palmer, Caledonia Lodge secretary on 966712326 or e-mail sec68@glpvalencia.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47614/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The photo shows Maurenn Payne, President of Age Concern receiving a cheque from the Master of Caledonia Lodge, Robin Goundry accompanied by the Master Elect David Turner and the Almoner Richard Beken. 
The cheque for 2,000 Euros is towards the Age Concern "Help Us Buy A New Bus" Appeal.
The President thanked the Masons for their very generous donation, which brings the current total to 13,250 Euros.
The Masons are well known for their Charity work and this year Caledonia Lodge has already made donations to the Alzheimers Association and Reach Out.
If you would like to know more about Masonry please contact Harry Palmer, Caledonia Lodge secretary on 966712326 or e-mail sec68@glpvalencia.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47614/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GUARDIA JOINS MEDITERRANEAN RECUE MISSION

We see regular reports of British and Italian operations in the Mediterranean as they continue to rescue thousands of North African immigrants who have been trapped on boats run by Libyan smuggling gangs.
While British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon slammed the rest of Europe for not doing enough as Italy and Britain bares the brunt of the rescue workload he might well have had a thought for the crew of the Guardia Civil (Servicio Maritimo) vessel Rio Segura that was busy rescuing  589 immigrants from Italian waters south of the island of Lampedusa
The rescue was carried out by the Guardia Civil in conjunction with a vessel from the British Border Force, both of which are deployed on Operation Triton in Italian territorial waters.
The 589 immigrants were in two boats, one of a timber construction with about 500 people on board and another rubber dinghy with about 100  people crammed inside.
The larger vessel, 30 meters long and 5 meters wide, carried no identification nor was it flying any flag. 
Transfer of the immigrants to the Rio Segura was carried out by two Guardia dinghy's together with a much larger British landing craft manned by personnel from the Royal Marines.
The immigrants were taken to the Italian port of Reggio Calabria where they were processed, receiving medical examinations, food and a change of clothing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47613/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We see regular reports of British and Italian operations in the Mediterranean as they continue to rescue thousands of North African immigrants who have been trapped on boats run by Libyan smuggling gangs.
While British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon...

### SLIGHT INCREASE IN DRIVING ARRESTS

The Guardia Civil has reported that it arrested 252 drivers in May for crimes against road safety in the Region
Of those who found their vehicles impounded, 63 people were driving without insurance or a driving license; 187 were driving under the influence of alcohol and two were speeding excessively, over 170 kilometers per hour in 80km limits.
The total number of arrests represents an increase of 0.80 percent compared with to the same month last year.
By province; in the Valencia action was taken against 26 drivers for lack of insurance or a license and 108 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In Castellon there were 6 arrests for driving without insurance or a license six and another18 who were driving under the influence of alcohol. In the province of Alicante, 31 drivers were found to be without insurance or a license, 61 for driving under the influence of alcohol and two for speeding.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47612/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil has reported that it arrested 252 drivers in May for crimes against road safety in the Region
Of those who found their vehicles impounded, 63 people were driving without insurance or a driving license; 187 were driving under the infl...

### STREET ART SMARTENS UP ORIHUELA

Orihuela councillors Rosa Martinez and Manuel Gallud were out on the streets last week looking at some of the ‘street art' that has been produced over the last six months by young local artists under the direction of graffiti artist Javier Agulló.
Cllr for Employment Manuel Gallud said that the work is "the culmination of an Employment Plan that has been developed by the Town Hall over the last six months and has involved the hiring of 26 people who have been used to smarten up and improve the area around the local sierra, mountain belt surrounding the Fundación Cultural Miguel Hernández.
Agulló said that, when performing his work, he was constantly thinking of Migue Hernandez, sitting at the foot of mountains years ago while writing his poems. "I've drawn humbly and colors represent the ideas that he provided," he added.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47611/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela councillors Rosa Martinez and Manuel Gallud were out on the streets last week looking at some of the ‘street art' that has been produced over the last six months by young local artists under the direction of graffiti artist Javier Agulló.
Cllr for Employment Manuel Gallud said that the work is "the culmination of an Employment Plan that has been developed by the Town Hall over the last six months and has involved the hiring of 26 people who have been used to smarten up and improve the area around the local sierra, mountain belt surrounding the Fundación Cultural Miguel Hernández.
Agulló said that, when performing his work, he was constantly thinking of Migue Hernandez, sitting at the foot of mountains years ago while writing his poems. "I've drawn humbly and colors represent the ideas that he provided," he added.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47611/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CAMEO ROLE FOR MAYOR IN BENIDORM

Shane Ritchie won't be the only new face that we'll see when series 8 of the popular ITV Sitcom Benidorm hits our screens later in the year. 
The 51-year-old, who has swapped the East End for Alicante, will be joined by the real life figure of PSOE Politician, Agustín Navarro, the current mayor of Benidorm, who has made a cameo appearance in the programme presenting the awards at a ceremony in the Melia Hotel.
Playing himself, the mayor was filmed presenting ‘The Pride of Benidorm Awards' in which he handed over prizes to the fictional characters Tiger and Joey, played by actors Danny Walters and Nathan Bryon. 
Filming for the series, comprising of seven 1 hour long episodes, began last March and will continue through to early July.
Following the ceremony the mayor took the opportunity for a 'selfie' along with Tiger and Joey played by actors Danny Walters and Nathan Bryon.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47609/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Shane Ritchie won't be the only new face that we'll see when series 8 of the popular ITV Sitcom Benidorm hits our screens later in the year. 
The 51-year-old, who has swapped the East End for Alicante, will be joined by the real life figure of PSOE Po...

### PROSECUTOR CALLS FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS BEHIND BARS

El Bacarot suburb of Alicante became a real Hollywood movie set last October as agents from the National Police made a dawn raid on a gang of alleged drug traffickers and thieves who had been committing robberies from vehicles parked in the Elche-Alicante airport.
Five arrests were made in the raids and when they appeared in an Alicante Court last week, on the first day of what could be a lengthy trial, the Prosecuting Counsel called for a total of 100 years jail time for the five accused.
The list of offenses with which the five are charged is lengthy and includes the illegal possession of weapons, drug trafficking, forgery, two counts of burglary and two of theft, assault, tax fraud, burglary with violence and disobedience.
Police said that the material recovered was substantial, comprising of electronic equipment such as mobile phones, laptops and cameras, 3,000 euros, numerous false documents, license plates, keys to luxury cars as well as firearms and documentation.
The defendants are alleged to have engaged in a large variety of criminal activities which included theft from vehicles belonging to foreign visitors who were arriving at El Altet airport.
The individual appearing in the dock are all men of Moroccan and Algerian nationality between 29 and 35 years.
When the raid took place they are all said to have resisted arrest putting up quite a fight against the police agents. Two of them escaped from the house but were eventually arrested later on the same day.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47608/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: El Bacarot suburb of Alicante became a real Hollywood movie set last October as agents from the National Police made a dawn raid on a gang of alleged drug traffickers and thieves who had been committing robberies from vehicles parked in the Elche-Alica...

### JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE, RINGO AND THOR

Its always good to hear of new visitors enjoying our wonderful island. However, I guess it is even better to learn about a resident that has been lurking on the island for thousands of years; not the same one, of course, but a family member.  
No, I am not talking about some ancient drag queen, who is suddenly discovered in an embalmed condition in the cellar of a long forgotten show-bar in Playa del Ingles, but a new species of beetle.
Love them or hate them, beetles (not drag queens) are all part of the Canary Islands' package of experiences, alongside cockroaches, millipedes and spiders.
This new species of beetle is called Oromia thoracica, not the catchiest name I grant you, but the people who study such things can be a tad boring when it comes to catchy sounding names. It is a blind weevil that lives beneath the depths of the Agaete Valley, to the north-west of Gran Canaria.
This area has some of the oldest soil on the island, somewhere between 5 and 23 million years old, but it is hard to be accurate about such matters, which can be irritating for those who like detail.
This new beetle, now commonly known as Thor, popped into the radar in the subsoil in this fertile valley about six years ago.
Traps were duly laid, but Thor and his kind are canny creatures that deceived the investigators until recently when five of them fell into a trap following a heavy night out on the town. When they awoke two days later, it was too late, because the scientists had discovered them and, sadly, they were popped into a collecting jar.
Now this is the part where it all gets a little personal. What Thor lacks in size, since he is not a big boy at less that five millimetres long, he gains in his extremities that are longer and flatter than his cousins.
This is actually a very useful attribute, because it means that Thor and his family can adapt more easily to life in their underground environment and narrow cracks, where headspace is at a bit of a premium. Thor and his family are blind, but are all dressed in rather natty reddish-brown jackets, which is typical of subsoil insects.
The clever thing about Thor is his thorax, which extends over his head as a sort of heart shaped shield, perfect for the more romantically inclined mate, which makes him unique from other species, but his opening line of "Love me, love my thorax", can be a little daunting to a potential mate.
When it comes to fine dining, forget it, because Thor indulges in the rotting roots of bushes prevalent in the Agaete Valley, which makes him cheap, if not boring, to feed. Still, if you are looking for a cheap night out...
Apparently, the underground world of Gran Canaria is still a bit of a mystery, but there are many more surprises in store, to which I am sure many of our visitors will testify. 
However, I am referring to biodiversity, since the island is considered to be a real hotspot for future discoveries. I am told that a new species is discovered on the island every six days or so, which is an amazing statistic. Meanwhile, I wish Thor and his family well, but he should warn the rest of his species to keep away from the traps that lie in wait in the Agaete Valley.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47607/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Its always good to hear of new visitors enjoying our wonderful island. However, I guess it is even better to learn about a resident that has been lurking on the island for thousands of years; not the same one, of course, but a family member.  
No, I am not talking about some ancient drag queen, who is suddenly discovered in an embalmed condition in the cellar of a long forgotten show-bar in Playa del Ingles, but a new species of beetle.
Love them or hate them, beetles (not drag queens) are all part of the Canary Islands' package of experiences, alongside cockroaches, millipedes and spiders.
This new species of beetle is called Oromia thoracica, not the catchiest name I grant you, but the people who study such things can be a tad boring when it comes to catchy sounding names. It is a blind weevil that lives beneath the depths of the Agaete Valley, to the north-west of Gran Canaria.
This area has some of the oldest soil on the island, somewhere between 5 and 23 million years old, but it is hard to be accurate about such matters, which can be irritating for those who like detail.
This new beetle, now commonly known as Thor, popped into the radar in the subsoil in this fertile valley about six years ago.
Traps were duly laid, but Thor and his kind are canny creatures that deceived the investigators until recently when five of them fell into a trap following a heavy night out on the town. When they awoke two days later, it was too late, because the scientists had discovered them and, sadly, they were popped into a collecting jar.
Now this is the part where it all gets a little personal. What Thor lacks in size, since he is not a big boy at less that five millimetres long, he gains in his extremities that are longer and flatter than his cousins.
This is actually a very useful attribute, because it means that Thor and his family can adapt more easily to life in their underground environment and narrow cracks, where headspace is at a bit of a premium. Thor and his family are blind, but are all dressed in rather natty reddish-brown jackets, which is typical of subsoil insects.
The clever thing about Thor is his thorax, which extends over his head as a sort of heart shaped shield, perfect for the more romantically inclined mate, which makes him unique from other species, but his opening line of "Love me, love my thorax", can be a little daunting to a potential mate.
When it comes to fine dining, forget it, because Thor indulges in the rotting roots of bushes prevalent in the Agaete Valley, which makes him cheap, if not boring, to feed. Still, if you are looking for a cheap night out...
Apparently, the underground world of Gran Canaria is still a bit of a mystery, but there are many more surprises in store, to which I am sure many of our visitors will testify. 
However, I am referring to biodiversity, since the island is considered to be a real hotspot for future discoveries. I am told that a new species is discovered on the island every six days or so, which is an amazing statistic. Meanwhile, I wish Thor and his family well, but he should warn the rest of his species to keep away from the traps that lie in wait in the Agaete Valley.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47607/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FOUR MEN ARRESTED IN CALLOSA FOR THEFT OF CITRUS FRUIT

Four men were arrested by Torrevieja's Civil Guard last week on suspicion of three counts of theft and four of burglary, valued at 10,000 euros, of citrus fruit in Callosa de Segura. 
The men were all of Spanish nationality and were aged between 27 and 48 years.
The investigation dates back to last April when complaints of the disappearing fruit were first made to the Guardia Civil. They began an investigation after being told of several robberies from farms in the Vega Baja.
The stolen fruit, was mainly oranges of the variety 'Power-lane'. It was later sold at roundabouts on the roads of the Vega Baja, while many of the other stolen items, farm tools and equipment, were sold at recycling centers around the area.
The four men are said to have watched the farmers, taking notice of their lunch and supper breaks. It was during these times that most of the thefts occurred. However, on one occasion a farmer returned early surprising the thieves at which point he had to flee, almost being run over.
He was able to provide descriptions however following which the arrests were made. The alleged perpetrators have now been made available to the Court of Instruction No. 1 in  Orihuela.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47606/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Four men were arrested by Torrevieja's Civil Guard last week on suspicion of three counts of theft and four of burglary, valued at 10,000 euros, of citrus fruit in Callosa de Segura. 
The men were all of Spanish nationality and were aged between 27 an...

### SITE CLEARED FOR TOWN HALL EXTENSION

The Torrevieja Planning Department has put out to tender the demolition of two buildings adjoining the Town Hall at a proposed cost of 450,000 euros. Details of the technical specifications were published on the Town Hall website last week.
The whole process is to be completed within eight months although the current mayor, Eduardo Dolon, said that he hoped the successful contractor would conclude the works within a much shorter period of time.
The two properties to be demolished were formerly houses occupied by priests from the Inmaculada Concepción church with the plot vacated being used to accommodate a three-story building containing municipal services that are scattered across the town in rented offices.
The first phase of the project will consist of the demolition of the existing buildings and the erection of the ground floor of a new building covering an area of more than five hundred square meters.
The project will see the creation of an internal courtyard which could be accessed from the street, connecting both the main building and the old City Hall directly across from the Plaza de la Constitution. A courtyard garden will also be provided by creating a space that could also serve as a waiting room for people who will be using the new administrative facility.
The deadline for submission of tenders will be 26 days from the publication of the original notice in the Provincial Gazette, which the mayor expects to appear in the coming days.
Eduardo Dolon said that he hopes the works can get underway after the summer as they have already been delayed by over a year because of technical problems.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47605/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Torrevieja Planning Department has put out to tender the demolition of two buildings adjoining the Town Hall at a proposed cost of 450,000 euros. Details of the technical specifications were published on the Town Hall website last week.
The whole ...

### TORRY V HULL CITY PRE SEASON FRIENDLY CONFIRMED

At last week's CD Torrevieja AGM, president Vicente Boix confirmed that Torry would be playing Hull City at Vicente Garcia Stadium on either 26 or 28 Jul. 
He also stated that friendlies are being arranged against Cartagena, Real Murcia, Hurcules, and possibly Elche. 
The playing squad will be commencing training on 6 Jul, when hopefully some new additions will be in evidence.
The top table, consisting of Vicente Boix, Jeff & Di Scott, Grahame Knight and Matilde Serapio, advised the socios in attendance, of any relevant information pertaining to the club. 
An encouraging point to come from the financial side, is that only 1,500 euros of debt are outstanding, which is a huge improvement on last years figures.  A council grant of 70,000 euros has been awarded, but will depend on which party are governing the Torrevieja council, as to whether this amount is actually received. 
Shirt sponsorship is required for the forthcoming season, and any interested parties are invited to contact club treasurer Jeff Scott.
 Wi fi has now been installed within the ground, which now boasts a superb pitch, having been twice reseeded last season.  Torry have a regular spot on TV Torrevieja, as well as reports on Exite, TKO and Sunshine radio.  Meetings with the mayor have continued throughout the season, resulting in the good relationship which now exists. 
CD Torrevieja end of season dinner was a tremendous success, enjoyed by all in attendance.  Vicente and his board of directors, are confident that in Pedreno, they have the right manager to take Torry into a play off slot in the coming season.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47604/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: At last week's CD Torrevieja AGM, president Vicente Boix confirmed that Torry would be playing Hull City at Vicente Garcia Stadium on either 26 or 28 Jul. 
He also stated that friendlies are being arranged against Cartagena, Real Murcia, Hurcules, and...

### RAQUEL LOOKS SET FOR ANOTHER WONDERFUL SUMMER

It looks like being another successful summer for Raquel Pena and her amazing Flamenco Dance Troupe. 
This iconic dancing star's own performances have mesmerised U.S. Presidents and Britain's royals over the years  and now the amazing troupe of her current dancers, all trained and choreographed personally by Raquel Pena, can be seen performing three times a week at the Rebate Restaurant, and really should not be missed.
Believe me; the restaurant is exceedingly fortunate to have been chosen as a place of performance by Raquel Pena.
You can see their amazing shows on Wednesday and Sunday lunchtimes and on Friday evenings where their heel work, astonishingly controlled in rhythm, dynamics and sound, often race to tempos that seem to defy the threshold of audible speed
This really is a taste of the very best of authentic Spain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47602/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It looks like being another successful summer for Raquel Pena and her amazing Flamenco Dance Troupe. 
This iconic dancing star's own performances have mesmerised U.S. Presidents and Britain's royals over the years  and now the amazing troupe of her cu...

### OKLAHOMA YIPPEE¡ ¡

Studio 32 have done it again, delighting the audience, with three sell out performances of Oklahoma.
The lead roles  of Curly and Laurey, were brilliantly portrayed by Rae Daniel andVerity Jo Spencer Hall with exceptional supporting roles from Jenni Hardy -Rooneyas the feisty Aunt Eller, the flirtatious Ado Annie played by Bev McEwan, along withthe talented Mark Lord as Will Parker.
Special credit must go to the gifted Mike Oates, who played the pedlar Ali Hakim and to Dan Ullah who played the mysterious sinister Jud Fry.
These were well supported by a host of dancing girls, cowboys, farmers wives and girlfriends, all going to make this a truly authentic  and fantastic show.
Oklahoma was incredibly produced  by Susan Zillah Wilson, backed by a dedicated back stage crew and Studio 32 members . 
                      
The  next production for Studio32,the popular Pantomime Dick Whittington, willbe staged in November, when it is anticipated that another large donation will be made to local charities to add to the 2,000 euros presented this time, to the Alzheimer's  association and San Fulgencio  town hall.
If you are interested in becoming a member of Studio 32 in any capacity , there will  be an open day at Casa Ventura ,San Luis, on Wednesday 17th. June between 4.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47599/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Studio 32 have done it again, delighting the audience, with three sell out performances of Oklahoma.
The lead roles  of Curly and Laurey, were brilliantly portrayed by Rae Daniel andVerity Jo Spencer Hall with exceptional supporting roles from Jenni H...

### BRITISH CONSUL PRAISES CHARITIES’ WORK, URGES MORE EXPATS TO VOLUNTEER

Local expat charities are working hard to support both British and Spanish nationals, British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris saw in a day-long visit to the north of Alicante province this week.
Mrs Morris spent a morning in the HELP centres in La Xara, and was impressed to see the work that the charity is doing to deliver respite and residential care for those in need.
In addition to the work that they do to help British citizens, HELP Marina Alta and other charities also fundraise for their local communities so that all nationalities can benefit. Recently, for example, HELP purchased hospital beds for local GP surgeries and provided funds to Fontilles care home.
Mrs Morris said: “The work that these charities carry out is really fantastic. Not only are HELP Marina Alta supporting British nationals who need help, they are also fundraising for Spanish charities, such as the Fontilles care home. This is partnership in action – Brits supporting each other and also giving something back to the local Spanish community.”
She added: “As always, all the local charities are crying out for volunteers, so I would really encourage anyone who has some spare time to get involved. It can be incredibly rewarding work to help others.”
The Consul spent the rest of the day in the north of Alicante carrying out two focus groups, in Javea and Moraira. Britons attending the groups asked Mrs Morris to provide clearer and more up-to-date information on official websites.
She encouraged British residents to follow the Consulate on Facebook (www.facebook/BritsLivingInSpain) and to look at www.gov.uk/living-in-spain when they have a question about common issues such as driving licences, residency and the padrón.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47591/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local expat charities are working hard to support both British and Spanish nationals, British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris saw in a day-long visit to the north of Alicante province this week.
Mrs Morris spent a morning in the HELP centres in La Xara, and ...

### CARTAGENA CELEBRATES NAVAL HISTORY

A week of celebrations commemorating el Día de las Fuerzas Armadas, or Armed Forces Day, came to a close at the weekend, with thousands of people having had an insight into some of the duties performed by the Spanish military.
Locally, the Orihuela local police arranged a special event in one of the municipality´s smaller villages, but there´s no question that the main highlight was in Cartagena, where there were numerous static displays as the navy opened up some of their ships for the public to visit.
The King of Spain, Filipe VI, presided over the main event in Madrid, the first time he did so as King, and also visited Cartagena on Thursday, celebrating the centenary of the Arma de Submarina, and unveiling a commemorative plaque.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47590/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A week of celebrations commemorating el Día de las Fuerzas Armadas, or Armed Forces Day, came to a close at the weekend, with thousands of people having had an insight into some of the duties performed by the Spanish military.
Locally, the Orih...

### LUXURY CAR CRUSHED IN STREET RACE

A car driver is lucky to be alive, although quite possibly feeling somewhat unlucky, having been caught out on Sunday after being involved in a crash whilst involved in a street race with a motorbike.
What makes this incident stand out more than most is that the car that crashed was a bright yellow Ferrari, which ended its race with considerable front end damage.
The incident occurred in the area of La Carrasqueta, to the south of Alcoi, in an area renowned for illegal street racing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47589/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A car driver is lucky to be alive, although quite possibly feeling somewhat unlucky, having been caught out on Sunday after being involved in a crash whilst involved in a street race with a motorbike.
What makes this incident stand out more than most ...

### AGE CONCERN ANNUAL SUMMER FAIR

On Saturday 6th June the Annual Age Concern Summer Fair was held in glorious sunshine. 
The Fair was well attended with visitors being entertained by the Dayamantes Singing Group and raised the fabulous sum of 3,281.20 Euros.
The President of Age Concern, Maureen Payne, thanked all those who had donated prizes for the Grand Raffle and all of the volunteers who helped make the day a success.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47587/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday 6th June the Annual Age Concern Summer Fair was held in glorious sunshine. 
The Fair was well attended with visitors being entertained by the Dayamantes Singing Group and raised the fabulous sum of 3,281.20 Euros.
The President of Age Con...

### José Manuel Dolón is the new mayor of Torrevieja

José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party is the new mayor of Torrevieja, having received the majority of votes, ousting the Partido Popular after 27 years in power.



As one of the politicians instrumental in bringing countless cases to court, fighting against the corrupt elements of the PP, José Manuel Dolón has ousted Eduardo Dolón from the top spot, and promises a future dedicated to serving the people of the town, rather than the pockets of the politicians.

The green councillor received 14 votes from the PSOE, Los Verdes, Sueña Torrevieja, APTCe and IU, along with the Ciudadanos who had kept their opinions secret until a last minute press conference late on Friday night.

Eduardo Dolón for his part received 11 votes, obtaining the full support of his own party.

Torrevieja is now set to be run by a multi-party coalition government whose Mayor will rotate after two years into the four year term.

### Alicante-Elche Airport Served Over a Million Passengers in May

Alicante-Elche airport exceeded one million passengers in May, for the first time in the El Altet´ airport´s history.
There were a total of 1,014,560 passenger movements in May, a 4.1% increase on the same month of last year.
Domestic traffic increased by 5.9% with 98,534 passengers, whilst international traffic grew by 4% to 914,137.
Visitors from the United Kingdom took the largest share with 449,111, followed by Germany with 72,617, the Netherlands with 63,011, Norway with 61,640, Belgium with 48,546 and Sweden with 40,709.
There were a total of 7,089 flights in May, also an increase of 3.1% over the same month last year.
Related Posts:ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT SERVES ALMOST 9 MILLION SO FARAir Passenger Numbers IncreasingDOMESTIC TRAFFIC GROWS BY 22% AT EL ALTETAIRPORT FIGURES SHOW COSTA BLANCA IS IN FOR A BUSY SUMMERREADY FOR A GREAT SUMMER TAKE-OFF FOR ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT

Excerpt: Alicante-Elche airport exceeded one million passengers in May, for the first time in the El Altet´ airport´s history. There were a total of 1,014,560 passenger movements in May, a 4.1% increase on the same month of last year. Domestic traffic increased by 5.9% with 98,534 passengers, whilst international traffic grew by 4% to 914,137. Visitors from the United Kingdom took the largest share with 449,111, followed by Germany with 72,617, the Netherlands with 63,011, Norway with 61,640, Belgium with 48,546 and Sweden with 40,709. There were a total of 7,089 flights in May, also an increase of 3.1% over the same month last year.Related Posts:ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT SERVES ALMOST 9 MILLION SO FARAir Passenger Numbers IncreasingDOMESTIC TRAFFIC GROWS BY 22% AT EL ALTETAIRPORT FIGURES SHOW COSTA BLANCA IS IN FOR A BUSY SUMMERREADY FOR A GREAT SUMMER TAKE-OFF FOR ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT

### Fairground Workers Found Dead

The bodies of two fairground workers have been found in the back of a truck in Logroño.
According to the police, the bodies of the 52 year old Spanish man and 57 year old Portuguese woman showed no signs of violence, and had apparently died in their sleep.
An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of the deaths.
Related Posts:THREE BRITS FOUND DEAD IN MIJASBODIES OF TWO WOMEN FOUND IN CARMAN KILLS WIFE BEFORE SLITTING OWN THROATEIGHT DEAD IN COX MOTORWAY CRASHFURTHER DETAILS REVEALED IN MIJAS SHOOTING CASE

Excerpt: The bodies of two fairground workers have been found in the back of a truck in Logroño. According to the police, the bodies of the 52 year old Spanish man and 57 year old Portuguese woman showed no signs of violence, and had apparently died in their sleep. An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of the deaths.Related Posts:THREE BRITS FOUND DEAD IN MIJASBODIES OF TWO WOMEN FOUND IN CARMAN KILLS WIFE BEFORE SLITTING OWN THROATEIGHT DEAD IN COX MOTORWAY CRASHFURTHER DETAILS REVEALED IN MIJAS SHOOTING CASE

### Alcohol and Drugs Campaign Success

During the latest campaign to clamp down on the consumption of alcohol and drugs whilst driving, more than 2,600 drivers tested positive.

During the campaign, which ran from the 1st to the 7th of June, officers from the Guardia Civil conducted a total of 208,782 tests, from which 1,978 were found to have consumed excessive alcohol and 622 were positive for drugs.
During the course of the testing phase, the officers conducted 1,909 drug tests on drivers who presented symptoms of having ingested some form of substance, had committed an offense or had been involved in a collision, of these tests, 622 were positive, some 32% of the total. Two of the drivers who tested positive were immediately arrested and brought before the courts after showing obvious signs of driving under the influence of drugs after having been involved in an incident.
Among the most frequently used drugs were cannabis, with 449 cases, cocaine with 198 cases and amphetamines in 72 cases, with almost 200 drivers testing positive for more than one substance.
Meanwhile, of the 206,873 breath tests conducted during the campaign, 1,978 drivers tested positive, of which 1,796 were routine checks, 99 after having committed another offense, another 72 for being involved in an incident and 11 showing more noticeable symptoms of having consumed alcohol.
Of the 1,978 drivers who exceeded the minimum permitted level of alcohol, 1,674 have been reported through the administrative process, whereas 304 will be brought before the courts for having presented a result in excess of 0.60 mg / l of exhaled air. In addition, another 10 drivers have been brought to justice for refusing breath tests.

Since the recently reformed Road Safety Act entered into force of the, the Ley de Seguridad Vial, more than 3,000 repeat offenders, who have been sanctioned in the previous year for testing positive for alcohol, have been punished with a 1,000 euro fine and the loss of 6 points. In addition, 30,000 drivers have been reported in the last year with more than 0.50 mg / l alcohol in exhaled air, twice the allowed rate. In addition, more than 20,000 drivers have been sanctioned for driving with the presence of drugs, an offence punishable by a fine of 1,000 euro and the loss of 6 points.
The post Alcohol and Drugs Campaign Success appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: During the latest campaign to clamp down on the consumption of alcohol and drugs whilst driving, more than 2,600 drivers tested positive. During the campaign, which ran from the 1st to the 7th of June, officers from the Guardia Civil Read More ...
The post Alcohol and Drugs Campaign Success appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### FEW EFFECTIVE RULES

An expert author in education said that in the family and school is where more orders are given and where fewer orders are carried out.
The positive is the opposite, I mean that there are few rules that are fulfill and allow that the child can express an opinion.
First, in the family must have few basic rules, taking into account the age of children and family circumstances. However, orders sometimes are given for anything, by impetus or affirm their own personality.
For example, a mother said to her servant: go to the children's room, watch what they are doing and prohibit them. She didn't know if what children are doing was good or bad, but anyway she had to reproach them strongly.
With this attitude two effects occur: parents lose their authority because children will not obey them and the stability of the family environment is broken since now it is arbitrarily prohibited what could be done before without problems. This creates insecurity in children's personality.
Second, it is necessary that few established rules are always fulfilled. The child must be convinced that can not break family rules established between parents and children. It is also necessary that teachers participate in the same decisions and demand that the child fulfills them. This consolidates the authority of parents and avoids many tantrums.
Instead of repeating many times the same things, such as pick up the jersey and the slippers, straighten the room, study, etc, we must achieve gently and calmly that the child fulfills immediately. This may involve some sacrifice since the mother will have to stand up, take the child of his hand to make that he does what must do.
Likewise, it is not good that the mother with little authority threatens the child to tell everything to his father to punish him. With these words, the mother demonstrates that she has no authority and does not know how to manage the home.
She shows the father as the bad ogre that punishes evil actions of children. In many occasions the father does nothing, because does not know how facts happened and the child can not remember or is aware of his past acts.
Third, the child must have the freedom to express an opinion, although some of his preferences do not share those of the adults.
This must be respected by virtue of the personal singularity of each person. Parents can not try to make their children in their image and likeness, as photocopies or decals.
Arturo Ramo García.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47569/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An expert author in education said that in the family and school is where more orders are given and where fewer orders are carried out.
The positive is the opposite, I mean that there are few rules that are fulfill and allow that the child can express...

### Parents of Child Aggressor Forced to Pay Compensation

The parents of a minor, of undisclosed age, have this week been condemned by the courts of Aragon to pay 662,100 euro to the victim of an assault.
The incident dates back to July, 2013, when the youth was identified as being part of a gang who assaulted the victim in a bar in Huesca.
The victim was hospitalised for 97 days, 30 of which were in an induced coma.
Although the facts were clear that it was a gang who assaulted the victim, this one youth was highlighted as being the main aggressor. The juvenile court already condemned the youth to pay a lesser amount, but it is the provincial court which has now increased the compensation that the parent must pay, as well as giving them just 10 days to do so before enforcement procedures are activated.
Related Posts:FOOTBALL COACH CHARGED WITH RAPEKILLER ARSONIST MAY GET 29 YEAR SENTENCEParents Forced to Compensate for Stone Throw DeathSENTENCE REDUCED FOR DRUG SMUGGLERAccident Compensation Scale to be Revised

Excerpt: The parents of a minor, of undisclosed age, have this week been condemned by the courts of Aragon to pay 662,100 euro to the victim of an assault.
The incident dates back to July, 2013, when the youth was identified as being part of a gang who assaulte...

### Hand Baggage Size Reduction

The International Air Transport Association, IATA, has issued new guidelines regarding the maximum size of hand luggage carried on aircraft. The new guidelines state that cabin bags should have maximum dimensions of 55cm x 35cm x 19cm, which is a volume of 36,575 cubic centimetres.

According to an IATA spokesperson, the change will “help to iron out inconsistencies and lead to an improved passenger experience”, as all passengers will theoretically have the same sized case and will also have more of a chance of sharing the restricted cabin space.
The biggest problem is that the new size is smaller than the current limit set by most major airlines, including those serving the Costa Blanca, but IATA stress that their limits are guidelines only and that airlines are still allowed to set their own standards.

Excerpt: The International Air Transport Association, IATA, has issued new guidelines regarding the maximum size of hand luggage carried on aircraft. The new guidelines state that cabin bags should have maximum dimensions of 55cm x 35cm x 19cm, which is a volume of 36,575 cubic centimetres. According to an IATA spokesperson, the change will “help to iron out inconsistencies and lead to an improved passenger experience”, as all passengers will theoretically have the same sized case and will also have more of a chance of sharing the restricted cabin space. The biggest problem is that the new size is smaller than the current limit set by most major airlines, including those serving the Costa Blanca, but IATA stress that their limits are guidelines only and that airlines are still allowed to set their own standards.

### Elche Burglars Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested 5 people between the ages of 39 and 65, believed to be part of a gang dedicated to robbing homes in the rural areas of Elche.
During the arrests, the police recovered a variety of items identified as stolen, including a kayak, a mountain bike and six marijuana plants. The officers also recovered a number of domestic birds which are believed stolen, including parakeets, parrots and pheasants.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested 5 people between the ages of 39 and 65, believed to be part of a gang dedicated to robbing homes in the rural areas of Elche. During the arrests, the police recovered a Read More ...

### Cycle Lanes Inaugurated

The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, in what is likely to be one of her final public engagements before leaving office this week, presented the latest completed stage of cycle lanes created on the Orihuela Costa.

Constructed through a campaign funded by both the Ministry of Employment and the European Union, the scheme gave temporary work and training to 24 unemployed people in order to provide further skills to assist them in finding permanent work.

This latest section is in the Aguamarina area and connects the roads near to the local health centre and the beach paseo, where a combined pedestrian and cycle lane has been introduced.

Excerpt: The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, in what is likely to be one of her final public engagements before leaving office this week, presented the latest completed stage of cycle lanes created on the Orihuela Costa. Constructed Read More ...

### Blind Dogs in Almoradí Being Helped

The animal welfare centre in Almoradí will take delivery of two devices this week known as Muffin’s Halo, which allows blind dogs to move around without bumping into surrounding objects.

First invented and patented in America, the devices are being sent over from the states and will be used by two dogs in the centre, a mother who gave birth to five puppies, and an 11 year old dog, both completely blind.
It is the first time that the device will be used in Spain and works by an attachment to the animal´s body which carries a protective halo on order to ensure safety in motion.

Excerpt: The animal welfare centre in Almoradí will take delivery of two devices this week known as Muffin’s Halo, which allows blind dogs to move around without bumping into surrounding objects. First invented and patented in America, the devices are being Read More ...

### Cyber Crime Action

The Spanish National Police have been collaborating with colleagues in the UK, Italy and Belgium, in a joint operation coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, cracking down on cyber crime networks.
In total, 49 people have been arrested, 10 of them in Spain, believed to be part of a gang that targeted corporate email accounts in order to interfere with international financial transactions between different countries, changing the target bank accounts in order to obtain money illegally.
A total of 28 homes were raided, 10 in Spain and 2 in the UK, where a variety of computer equipment was seized.

Excerpt: The Spanish National Police have been collaborating with colleagues in the UK, Italy and Belgium, in a joint operation coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, cracking down on cyber crime networks. In total, 49 people have been arrested, 10 of them Read More ...

### Sea Bed Rescuers Being Trained

Ten volunteers from Orihuela´s Protección Civil are attending a diving course which will allow them to gain the necessary qualifications to assist in sea rescues off the Orihuela Costa, and will also mean that they will be allowed to work cleaning parts of the sea bed.
The current councillor for the environment of Orihuela, Manuel Gallud, is calling on all beachgoers to take their rubbish away from the beaches, using the bins provided along the coast or take it home, so as to help preserve the natural environment of the sea and keep the beaches clean.

Excerpt: Ten volunteers from Orihuela´s Protección Civil are attending a diving course which will allow them to gain the necessary qualifications to assist in sea rescues off the Orihuela Costa, and will also mean that they will be allowed to work Read More ...

### Airport Strikes Continue

Wednesday marks the second strike by Spanish air traffic controllers, who will down tools for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, in protest of the treatment of their colleagues in a previous industrial dispute.
The fist of the stoppages was on Monday, although 70% of all flights were unaffected by the action. At Alicante-Elche airport the most significant delay was for 3 hours on a Munich bound flight, but this was not attributed to the strike. Other delays were up to 40 minutes but only on a handful of flights.
The strike will continue on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday this week, between 10:00 and 12:00 and 18:00 to 20:00.

Excerpt: Wednesday marks the second strike by Spanish air traffic controllers, who will down tools for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, in protest of the treatment of their colleagues in a previous industrial dispute. The Read More ...

### CHARITY CONCERT IN AID OF AECC

Saturday 20th June at 8pm, JB Brass Band will perform it's first annual Memorial Charity Concert in aid of Cancer Charity AECC. 
Just 3 years ago the Band lost a founder member and Chairman Brian Bewicke to Cancer and since then many members, family and supporters have been diagnosed, received treatment or been checked out for this dreadful disease.
With this in mind the Band feel it is appropriate to give something back. This will also be the Bands first opportunity to perform in the newly reformed Union Musical in San Miguel.
JB Band is the only Traditional Brass Band on the Costas and the evening will be a feast for the ears and anyone who has never heard them will be in for treat with  music from Vaughn Williams to Freddie Mercury! As regular supporters will know, this will be interspersed with humorous anecdotes from Band member, Ian Gibson.
Tickets are 3€ available from The Bookshop, San Miguel, Band Members or reserve tickets on 698 219 708.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47565/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Saturday 20th June at 8pm, JB Brass Band will perform it's first annual Memorial Charity Concert in aid of Cancer Charity AECC. 
Just 3 years ago the Band lost a founder member and Chairman Brian Bewicke to Cancer and since then many members, family a...

### PRESENTATION TO ALZHEIMER’S AND A COLLECTION FOR THE NEPAL DISASTER FUND.

Rascals finished the season with a final performance of Both Sides of the Pond at the Virgen del Carmen where they donated 1,154 Euros to Alzheimer's . 
Well known local character Andy Ormiston is quoted as saying it was a well organized and balanced variety show full of colour, song & dance as well as humour. A spectacular show.
Normally at the end of the show a bucket collection is made to help with costumes & music equipment but on this occasion the audience were told that the collection would go to the Nepal earthquake disaster fund  .280.26 Euros was collected and the cast contributed to the fund to make a total of  309.51 .
Rascals is a group whose aims are to support its members, entertain its audiences and give something back to the community by raising money for local charities by doing variety shows.
New members are sought not only to perform but help front & backstage so if you are interested in joining call Jill on 96 672 7282 or look on the website www.therascals.org  and contact a committee member.
Social events take place throughout the year as well as the light hearted entertainment to raise money for charity.
A coffee morning is held at Sacko´s El Limonar on Thursday mornings at 11 o´clock where members meet to socialize. Why not join us.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47563/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Rascals finished the season with a final performance of Both Sides of the Pond at the Virgen del Carmen where they donated 1,154 Euros to Alzheimer's . 
Well known local character Andy Ormiston is quoted as saying it was a well organized and balanced ...

### BRITISH WOMAN SKYDIVES TO RAISE MONEY FOR HORSE RESCUE CENTRE

A 60-year-old British woman has raised more than €500 for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre after jumping from a plane in the United Kingdom.
Elaine Sissons, who lives in the UK but has a holiday home in Spain, is a long-time supporter of the Rojales-based horse rescue centre and volunteer at centre's La Zenia charity shop.
Mrs Sissons said a parachute jump had long been on her “bucket list” and she decided to finally bite the bullet to celebrate her 60th birthday in April.
Rescue centre co-founder Sue Weeding expressed a heartfelt thanks to Mrs Sissons for dedicating her jump to helping abused and neglected horses in Spain. The jump raised €571.
“We just think it's lovely that British residents who have holiday homes here in Spain are willing to support us, both by volunteering at our shops and by fundraising,” Sue  said.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help support their important work. Every single cent donated to EHCRC or spent in their eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the more than 80 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
The EHCRC charity shops are located in La Zenia, Los Montesinos, La Siesta, Ciudad Quesada, Guardamar, La Marina, Pilar de Horadada and Gran Alacant. Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the shops are gratefully welcomed.
Large donated items such as furniture can be collected from your house and each shop also offers a delivery service for large items purchased from the charity store. EHCRC is also looking for volunteers to staff its shops for a few hours or days each week. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. Entrance is free and refreshments and tasty food are available in the garden café. The first horse tour begins at 2pm, where you can get meet and pat the residents, hear their stories and see firsthand where your money is spent.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more details and directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47560/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 60-year-old British woman has raised more than €500 for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre after jumping from a plane in the United Kingdom.
Elaine Sissons, who lives in the UK but has a holiday home in Spain, is a long-time supporter of the Roj...

### Property Market on the Up

The property market in Spain is showing further signs of recovery, as statistics reveal this week that there have been increases in both the number of properties sold, and the price.
In the Alicante province, the UK market is still the most important with 3,217 of the 16,443 homes sold to foreigners in 2014 being to UK buyers, an increase of 41%. However, the biggest increase has been in the Chinese market, which has grown by 63%, albeit with only 243 properties sold, the majority being valued at over 500,000 euro.

Excerpt: The property market in Spain is showing further signs of recovery, as statistics reveal this week that there have been increases in both the number of properties sold, and the price. In the Alicante province, the UK market is still Read More ...

### Guardia Civil and British Border Force Rescue Collaboration

The Guardia Civil, in collaboration with the British Border Force, have rescued 589 immigrants in Italian waters, south of the island of Lampedusa.
The Guardia Civil were using a boat which is currently permanently deployed on border patrols, Río Segura, and was assisted by their British colleagues to rescue the immigrants off their boats and take them to safety.
Almost 6,000 immigrants were rescued in joint operations during the course of this weekend alone in the Mediterranean.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil, in collaboration with the British Border Force, have rescued 589 immigrants in Italian waters, south of the island of Lampedusa. The Guardia Civil were using a boat which is currently permanently deployed on border patrols, Río Segura, Read More ...

### Bag Check

Details were revealed this week how officers from the Guardia Civil stopped a Portuguese woman at Madrid airport in April, in order to question her as to why she was varying 55,000 euro in cash in her hand luggage.
During the routine check, it transpired that the woman was Dolores Aveiro, the mother of footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The maximum amount allowed to be carried without declaring it is 10,000 euro, without the risk of a fine and confiscation. After a short discussion, the lady was allowed to continue on her journey to Lisbon, albeit carrying just 10,000 euro.

Excerpt: Details were revealed this week how officers from the Guardia Civil stopped a Portuguese woman at Madrid airport in April, in order to question her as to why she was varying 55,000 euro in cash in her hand luggage. During Read More ...

### CRIME  WATCH  ESPAñA

An English lady, from Rojales, found a wallet containing some money and documents. She decided to take it to the Police Station, and when she arrived to the office, an old English man was reporting losing his wallet, the wallet the lady was delivering there. What a lucky man!
National police officers have broken up an illegal gun dealing network that was operating out of Marina Baja, Alicante. They robbed several properties in Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi, and some in the Vega Baja.
Phone Company fraudsters arrested. The company use the name and banking details of different people, some of whom were dead, to take out the contracts, so they could sell on the routers, tablets and mobile phones.
BE AWARE.
Beware hoax calls. Vega Baja town halls, have warned residents to beware of phone calls from people pretending to be from social services departments.
A man from a Village in the Vega Baja, came to my gate for advice. Apparently one of his neighbours had been spraying some of his plants and trees with weed killer. I said to him that if he was sure about this he must tell to the Local Police. The Police will investigate the case.
The famous 50 Euros Dutch man, who used to con people in La Zenia area, is still around. He was seen at Dolores market last week asking for money again. Just say no, please, or report him to the nearest police station.  It is very interesting to stand up and speak, or sit down and listen, but still more important is to think before you ink, plan with common sense and sensibility, to take action when ready, and don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
Please help us to help you.
Jose A, Rivero Santana
President (Vecinos Colaborando Costa Blanca) Reg. Valencia G 8261/2002
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47555/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An English lady, from Rojales, found a wallet containing some money and documents. She decided to take it to the Police Station, and when she arrived to the office, an old English man was reporting losing his wallet, the wallet the lady was delivering ...

### WELCOME TO A.C.T.S.

We are a new drama group made up of novices and some folk from the now disbanded Dramatic License. We rehearse every Thursday at 6.30 at Cafeteria Trasgu, Calle Alicante, Formentera.
If you have ever had the desire to try your hand at amateur dramatics we would be pleased to hear from you. You don't need any experience ( although this is always welcome ) just enthusiasm. So, if you would like to appear on stage or assist back stage, you would be most welcome.
Anybody interested and for more information should either pop along to a rehearsal evening or contact Tony Goddard on newleaf2014@hotmail.co.uk.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47553/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: We are a new drama group made up of novices and some folk from the now disbanded Dramatic License. We rehearse every Thursday at 6.30 at Cafeteria Trasgu, Calle Alicante, Formentera.
If you have ever had the desire to try your hand at amateur dramati...

### VISTABELLA GOLF RYDER CUP GB&I vs.EUROPE 4th YEAR

6th JUNE 2015 at Vistabella Golf - This was the fourth year of the Ryder Cup style competition between a Great Britain and Ireland team and European team. The Vistabella course was in very good condition and the greens at a high standard following pre-season maintenance.
Each team consisted of 28 players each and the format was a modified matchplay with the winning players scoring a point per hole, and a half for a half, so having a maximum of eighteen points. The first 10 matches were singles match play playing off maximum handicaps and the remaining 9 matches being fourball better ball ¾ the difference, again a point for winning the hole. The champions would be the team with the best total number of points from both the singles and pairs.
It was an early “shot gun” start for the 56 players, with the weather just about perfect for golf, if a tad warm, and the course was set up well, with tricky pin positions for an exciting competition. During the competition all the players were provided with a Bocadillo and water by clubhouse restaurant.
With a new Europe Captain, Phil Smith It was obvious that this year it was going to be a hard fought match; the ten singles matches were all close with GB&I gaining a small lead of just three points 91.5 to 88.5. (5.5 matches to 4.5) The highest score was Martin Oakley (GB&I) with a 13.5 to 4.5 win, followed by Carol Firth (GB&I) 13.0 to 5.
So it was all down to the pairings, and the first two matches went GB&I's way with wins for two of the pairings of Andy Drinkall/Ray Muttocks and Rodney Smith/Mike Smith, But Europe came back with two matches the pairings of Roger Packer/Dennis Hart and Uehara Shigieru/Juan Gabriel making things more respectable for Europe.
This made for a nail biting finish. But it all changed in the next five matches with GB&I taking four of them, GB&I's Captain Ivie Davies among them. The pairings contained Europe's Captain Phil Smith winning their match with partner Derrie Heywood. The total pairings points score was GB&I 91.5 - Europe 70.5 (6 matches to 3)
So the final score was a win, to GB&I 183 points to Europe 159 points (11½ to Europe 7½) who have now won four years in succession.
Following a BBQ (thank you Robin) and refreshments on the clubhouse terrace the Vistabella Ryder Cup Trophy was presented to the GB&I Captain Ivie Davies by Golf Manager at Vistabella Golf – Diego Garcia Escolar, he also presented the winning team with individual medals.
Thanks to the prize sponsors:
Vistabella Golf, Mick Reeves at Mick the Grip, Quara Group, Marilyn and Simon at La Cosecha Restaurante – Benijofar, Briggita at The Vestry Restaurante – Algorfa, Terry Hewitt at El Tel Golf Products La Manga.
 
Congratulations to all the players for making this competition again such a memorable one and a big thank you to Diego Garcia Escolar – Golf Manager at Vistabella Golf and its very supportive staff for playing their part.
The trophy will be displayed in the Vistabella Golf clubhouse, until next year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47551/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 6th JUNE 2015 at Vistabella Golf - This was the fourth year of the Ryder Cup style competition between a Great Britain and Ireland team and European team. The Vistabella course was in very good condition and the greens at a high standard following pre-...

### Child Knocked Down on Crossing

A ten year old boy was knocked down in the centre of Alicante on Saturday, when a car hit the child who was on a pedestrian crossing.
The driver of the Opel Astra admitted that he had not seen the child on the crossing, on account of a badly parked vehicle on the crossing blocking his view.
The child was struck and did a somersault through the air, landing on the road, but was lucky to have not been seriously injured.
The driver of the car was shocked by the incident and unable to move for about an hour; as a result the vehicle was taken away by a grua for safety reasons.

Excerpt: A ten year old boy was knocked down in the centre of Alicante on Saturday, when a car hit the child who was on a pedestrian crossing. The driver of the Opel Astra admitted that he had not seen the Read More ...

### Hot Sunday

Temperatures reached 32 degrees in the Valencia region on Sunday with Javea recording the highest temperature.
In the Alicante province, Benidorm, Novelda and Alicante city were the hottest places, reaching 30 degrees.

Excerpt: Temperatures reached 32 degrees in the Valencia region on Sunday with Javea recording the highest temperature.
In the Alicante province, Benidorm, Novelda and Alicante city were the hottest places, reaching 30 degrees.

### More Torrevieja Workers Finding Jobs

Between January and May of this year, unemployment in Torrevieja dropped by almost 900 people, over a third, 331 people, found work in May alone.
There are now 9,186 registered unemployed workers in Torrevieja, 4,410 men and 4,776 women). It is expected that more people will find work in June, as the summer season takes hold, and so the figure will drop below 9,000, the first time it has done since 2009.

Excerpt: Between January and May of this year, unemployment in Torrevieja dropped by almost 900 people, over a third, 331 people, found work in May alone. There are now 9,186 registered unemployed workers in Torrevieja, 4,410 men and 4,776 women). It Read More ...

### Toll Traffic Increasing

Details revealed at the weekend show that traffic on Spain´s toll roads increased by 6.2% in the first quarter of the year, with heavy goods vehicles increasing by 8.8%
The Madrid to Toledo motorway was the only one to see a drop in traffic, losing 36.7% compared to last year.
On the Cartagena to Vera route, traffic increased by 5.1% and there was a 6.4% increase in Alicante.
The privatized toll roads are facing financial ruin with the government under increased pressure to subsidise the operation. Traffic on the bankrupt routes is now 60.7% lower than the national average, and 87.8% lower when comparing heavy goods traffic.

Excerpt: Details revealed at the weekend show that traffic on Spain´s toll roads increased by 6.2% in the first quarter of the year, with heavy goods vehicles increasing by 8.8% The Madrid to Toledo motorway was the only one to see Read More ...

### FREE LUNCH SPAIN

The team at Free Lunch Spain are celebrating their first anniversary of informing the community about life in Spain. 
Since June last year experts from four local companies have answered over 1,000 questions from the people who have attended. This has been a fantastic and a really great opportunity to get all the facts.
Everybody is able to ask the experts in various fields about how things work in Spain which is a fantastic opportunity.
Once again the highly respected UK & Spanish companies based in Costa Blanca are inviting all British, Irish & European nationals, spending time or living in Spain, to a meeting to answer all the questions they have regarding life in Spain. Some of the topics that will be covered will be as follows:-
1. Savings
2. Wills – New law in place from August 17th
3. Pensions
4. Inheritance law and taxes in Spain
5. Currency exchange 
6. Spanish funeral system
Experts from four companies will also be providing professional advice on all these topics and answering all the questions.
Everybody who wishes to attend the event can send their questions in advance and the answer will be provided at the meeting. How fantastic is that!! We could have all done with this type of event ages ago.
Once all the questions have been answered then everybody will get a free lunch at Quesada Fish & Chips in Quesada.
The events will begin at 12 noon on Thursday 11th June 2015. Lunch will be served at 1.30pm
To register your question and to attend this unique event you can e-mail freelunchspain@gmail.com with your name address and telephone number or call 966 799 070. Spaces are limited so I am off to register right now.
The thing is I have about ten questions that need answers. Apparently the experts will have an answer for each one! Great news.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47548/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The team at Free Lunch Spain are celebrating their first anniversary of informing the community about life in Spain. 
Since June last year experts from four local companies have answered over 1,000 questions from the people who have attended. This has...

### VISTABELLA RULE AT THE LA SIESTA 3 DAY TRIPLES COMPETITION.

Derek Stevenson, Barbara Brown & Ian Kenyon Joined Charlie Watkins, Maggie Furness & Eric Bishop in an all Vistabella Final at the La Siesta 3 day triples comp last weekend. Ian's team won their group to go head to head in one semi against Mike Edwards Greenlands trip while Eric's team played Gordon Fishers MonteMar trip in the other. 
Both semi's were brilliantly played by all teams, the winners being the two from Vistabella teams.  The Final was played on a rink which hadn't been played on for the duration of the competition, it was a shame as the final was not as thrilling as the semi's, the same for Ian & Eric's teams but never the less a difficult rink.
After ten ends Derek, Barbara & Ian were the deserving winners, we salute you! Well done Vistabella for keeping it in the family...so to speak.
VCL Red league Vikings were at home where they earned a good result over the MonteMar Lords, Maggie Furness won the Ladies Singles 21-19 after a tightly fought game, the Men's Singles was a mirrored game but went the other way 19-21. Steve Pearson & Eric Bishop won the Pairs 17-11, Lynne Bishop, Barbara & Arthur Brown won the Triples 25-16. Jenny & Dave Chaplin, Les Barber & Jenny Bowman managed a draw of 15-15 in the Rinks. Points, Vikings 9 (97) - 3 (82) Lords.
The Saxons had a bye this week.
SABA Spitfire Fairways played away against the San Miguel Christians, four great wins and the Long game made it a satisfying mornings bowling. Sandra burrows, Neil Burrows & Arthur Brown 23-7. Jenny Chaplin, Mike Regan & Richard Lee 24-10. Geoff Paylor, Andy Leggatt & Eric Bishop 21-12. Lynne Bishop, Dane Howard & Ken Cuthbert 16-8. Points, Fairways 10 (101) - 4 (77)  Christians.
The Greeners had a bye to enjoy doing whatever took their fancy.
Our men's four wood pairs won 4-1 on their first match, well done boys. The Premier twenty league gets on the road this week, we are the reigning champs so we need your commitment to defend the title, if your names are not down already then see Charlie Watkins.
Adios amigos.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47544/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Derek Stevenson, Barbara Brown & Ian Kenyon Joined Charlie Watkins, Maggie Furness & Eric Bishop in an all Vistabella Final at the La Siesta 3 day triples comp last weekend. Ian's team won their group to go head to head in one semi against Mike...

### THE LAST STAND FOR POLITICAL STABILITY

The political situation still remains volatile and inconclusive in many key areas of the Vega Baja, with the groups having until this weekend, June 13th, to decide and confirm what pacts will see governments formed in some town halls.
In Orihuela, the legal battles of the past look set to continue into the future after the coastal CLARO party has alleged suspected electoral fraud in the way in which voters were given directions and location allocations in which to vote, on account of them believing that many were confused by the instructions on their ballot papers and simply gave up, ultimately costing CLARO their seat in government.
Meanwhile the Partido Popular are still critical of the management of the previous government after it was revealed that the Ministry of Finance had punished Orihuela for not communicating the budgets to them, of course as history has also shown many of the problems surrounding budgets and other important notions was as a result of the continual objection by the PP which effectively paralysed the minority who were in power.
A situation now even more confused by the fact that most of the PP members who were in active opposition are no longer part of the group battling to take power through a collaboration, most likely still to be with the Ciudadanos party.
In Torrevieja, the PP mayor, Eduardo Dolón, has publicly stated that the best option for the future of the city is collaboration between his party and the Ciudadanos group. Of course he was not likely to say anything other than that given that both the Los Verdes and the PSOE, the other two key players in the municipality, are both responsible for numerous court cases brought against members of the PP for corruption, forgery and more, in their bid to clean up the politics of Torrevieja.
Meanwhile, the PSOE are still setting out their stall, with their new head Fanny Serrano Rodríguez at the helm. It is believed that their intention is to create a collaboration government will all political parties apart from the Partido Popular.
This would not only mean that Torrevieja is no longer governed by the PP after decades of rule, it would also mean that the government would be formed by representatives who collectively obtained the most votes.
The only question that would remain is whether or not those parties could work together, as the division of departments will inevitably lead to some people getting the top jobs and others getting the seemingly least important positions, and quite how that would work when the egos and ideologies take hold is the one area that is still largely unknown.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47537/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The political situation still remains volatile and inconclusive in many key areas of the Vega Baja, with the groups having until this weekend, June 13th, to decide and confirm what pacts will see governments formed in some town halls.
In Orihuela, the...

### 70 KM ROUND TRIP FOR SWIMMING LESSONS

Swimming lessons for the children of the Orihuela Costa organised by the Municipal Sports Department! We would all agree that they are very important indeed. 
But why, oh why, are the Costa's children, from the two schools, CEIP de Orihuela Costa and ÍES Playa Flamenca, being forced to make evening journey's to Orihuela City, a round trip of 70km, to undergo such training when we have a perfectly good swimming facility in the Municipal Sports Centre in Playa Flamenca.
This is an absolutely ridiculous decision by the Councillor for Sport. Swimming lessons YES, extremely important, but dont' drag the kids 30 miles down the road by coach for a 50 minute swimming lesson, not getting them back to the coast until 9.30 pm at night, when there is a perfectly adequate local pool that can be used.
Yet another example of the city's politicians paying nothing more than ‘lip service' to the people of the Orihuela Costa.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47536/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Swimming lessons for the children of the Orihuela Costa organised by the Municipal Sports Department! We would all agree that they are very important indeed. 
But why, oh why, are the Costa's children, from the two schools, CEIP de Orihuela Costa and ...

### REACHING OUT TO FASHION

"Reach Out" the charity for the poor and homeless in the area are presenting a Fashion Show at "Catorce" restaurant Benijofer on Friday June 26th at 3pm promoting  the good quality and cheap prices of the clothing in their charity shops. 
The restaurant are organising a "Cream Tea" to compliment the show at only 5 Euros a head and "Reach Out" have a  'Tombola' planned with some great prizes to make this afternoon an event not to be missed.
It is sure to be a huge success so booking is essential to ensure your place. Tel: 966 84 9030.
The photo shows from left to right "Reach Out" volunteer Pauline Lane together with 'Reach Out' charity shop managers and organisers of the Fashion Show David and Loraine Whitney.
They are standing outside the unique venue "Catorce" which is easily found off Benijofer High Street in Plaza Immaculada.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47535/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: "Reach Out" the charity for the poor and homeless in the area are presenting a Fashion Show at "Catorce" restaurant Benijofer on Friday June 26th at 3pm promoting  the good quality and cheap prices of the clothing in their charity shops. 
The restaurant are organising a "Cream Tea" to compliment the show at only 5 Euros a head and "Reach Out" have a  'Tombola' planned with some great prizes to make this afternoon an event not to be missed.
It is sure to be a huge success so booking is essential to ensure your place. Tel: 966 84 9030.
The photo shows from left to right "Reach Out" volunteer Pauline Lane together with 'Reach Out' charity shop managers and organisers of the Fashion Show David and Loraine Whitney.
They are standing outside the unique venue "Catorce" which is easily found off Benijofer High Street in Plaza Immaculada.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47535/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW EVENING ART CLASS IN BENIJOFAR.

Suzanne Stokes, who has been teaching art for more than ten years in the Quesada area, is considering starting a new evening class on Monday evenings at Restaurant Catorce in Benijofar.
‘Beginners are welcome' said Suzanne, ‘because I work with everyone individually, initially teaching them how to observe, and to draw accurately.
All drawing materials and projects are provided for the first few weeks, after which people can begin to try other mediums before deciding how they want to progress.' Please contact Suzanne on 680 961 025 or see her website www.sue-stokes.co.uk for more details and please let her know if you are interested in the evening class.
Suzanne also runs classes at PALS Social Club, La Siesta, on Monday mornings, and at La Herradura Restaurant (next to the REPSOL garage) in Los Montesinos on Thursday mornings, where an exhibition of her own work is on display.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47534/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Suzanne Stokes, who has been teaching art for more than ten years in the Quesada area, is considering starting a new evening class on Monday evenings at Restaurant Catorce in Benijofar.
‘Beginners are welcome' said Suzanne, ‘because I work...

### 101 NOT OUT

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, along with Councillor of the Third Age, Inmaculada Montesinos, visited Abelardo Carballo Belmonte last Wednesday morning, at his home in Los Balcones, on the occasion of his 101st birthday.
The mayor presented former soldier Abelardo with a plaque commemorating his birthday on which was inscribed "with our congratulations and affection in your 101 birthday."
Abelardo Carballo was born in 1914 in the Galician city of Ourense and has lived in the same house in Los Balcones since 1970.
Still in very good health, he delighted in sharing a number of anecdotes with Snr Dolon and the Councillor, reflecting on his 45 years in Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47532/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, along with Councillor of the Third Age, Inmaculada Montesinos, visited Abelardo Carballo Belmonte last Wednesday morning, at his home in Los Balcones, on the occasion of his 101st birthday.
The mayor presented former soldier Abelardo with a plaque commemorating his birthday on which was inscribed "with our congratulations and affection in your 101 birthday."
Abelardo Carballo was born in 1914 in the Galician city of Ourense and has lived in the same house in Los Balcones since 1970.
Still in very good health, he delighted in sharing a number of anecdotes with Snr Dolon and the Councillor, reflecting on his 45 years in Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47532/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### RADIO ENTHUSIASTS BROADCAST FROM TORREVIEJA SUBMARINE

Both the Amateur Radio Association of the Vega Baja (URE), and the Spanish Amateur Radio Union association (LRIs), composed mostly of local amateurs, spent the weekend transmitting from the submarine "S-61 Dolphin" and the Patrol Boat "Albatros III in the Torrevieja Marina.
The broadcasts were in celebration of ‘Ship Museum Weekend' which was organised by the Amateur Radio Station of the US Battleship New Jersey together with the cooperation of the City of Torrevieja.
The aim of the weekend was to make contact with as many other museum ships and amateur radio stations across the world as possible, which they did with transmissions reaching over a hundred countries.
Local operators say that contacts they made during the weekend will now enable them to draw a map of historic vessels that can be found throughout the world
The "Dolphin S-61" is 58 meters long, with capacity for 60 crew. It was given to the city of Torrevieja by the Ministry of Defence and first entered service as a Ship Museum in 2004.
Moored adjacent to the Dolphin is the 32 meter patrol boat "Albatros III” a former Marine Customs Surveillance vessel.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47531/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Both the Amateur Radio Association of the Vega Baja (URE), and the Spanish Amateur Radio Union association (LRIs), composed mostly of local amateurs, spent the weekend transmitting from the submarine "S-61 Dolphin" and the Patrol Boat "Albatros III in the Torrevieja Marina.
The broadcasts were in celebration of ‘Ship Museum Weekend' which was organised by the Amateur Radio Station of the US Battleship New Jersey together with the cooperation of the City of Torrevieja.
The aim of the weekend was to make contact with as many other museum ships and amateur radio stations across the world as possible, which they did with transmissions reaching over a hundred countries.
Local operators say that contacts they made during the weekend will now enable them to draw a map of historic vessels that can be found throughout the world
The "Dolphin S-61" is 58 meters long, with capacity for 60 crew. It was given to the city of Torrevieja by the Ministry of Defence and first entered service as a Ship Museum in 2004.
Moored adjacent to the Dolphin is the 32 meter patrol boat "Albatros III” a former Marine Customs Surveillance vessel.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47531/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE PHOENIX CONCERT BAND.

As the band is growing in numbers and going from strength to strength, now presenting music proven to be popular with the audiences, they still need Trombone, Bass/Tuba and Saxophone players, especially Baritone Saxophone and 2nd Percussionist.
Any experienced players , who are permanent Residents or Semi resident on the Costa Blanca South or Costa Calida interested in joining a well established band and able to commit themselves to regular rehearsals are welcome.
Contact : our email address : the phoenixconcertband@gmail.com 
Tel : Bill (Chairman) 634.310.309.  Julie (MD) 634.184.747.
The band rehearses every Tuesday 2.pm. - 4.pm at San Miguel de Salinas
FAN CLUB:  Anybody wishing to be informed of forthcoming performances
please email, your email address and Telephone Number to : Bill at : rytethen@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47528/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the band is growing in numbers and going from strength to strength, now presenting music proven to be popular with the audiences, they still need Trombone, Bass/Tuba and Saxophone players, especially Baritone Saxophone and 2nd Percussionist.
Any ex...

### CORVERA’S OPERATING LICENCES WITHDRAWN

As local airports continue to make headlines and as just about everyone in the area, apart from Murcia's politicians, question the viability and logic of building an airport within an hour's drive of Alicante, the future of Corvera International is being increasingly called into question.
 The latest development in the ongoing saga is the recent withdrawal by the Regional Government of Operator Aeromur's management contract, after it was concluded that the former Minister of Development, Manuel Campos, had acted irregularly by initially granting it's authorisation.
And what that essentially means is that all the initial airport licensing, which includes safety certification, flight path calibration, as well as a number of other management and operating licenses, are no longer valid and will have to be applied for once again.
The Regional Minister for Infrastructure, Francisco Bernabe, said that Aeromur should never have been allowed to apply for certification after their concession had been cancelled. However he also said that his department is now working on a new airport inventory which he hopes will be ready by the end of the month.
Once that is concluded a Private Consultant will be engaged to prepare the terms and conditions necessary which will then allow a new round of bidding by companies for the concession to operate the airport.
It can only be after this new concessionary appointment has been made, suggested as being toward the end of this year, that necessary licenses may once again be applied for. And of course there will also be one additional difficulty; the new European regulations which took effect in January will also be current, making any application process even more complicated than before.
He said that any inventory must be accurate and would be expected to include the current flight levels at San Javier Airport as well as realistic economic projections. He explained that even now the situation regarding the closure of San Javier Airport was still to be resolved, but that his department were currently working with the National Ministry of Development in a joint effort to formalise the situation, as well as drafting the necessary documentation which would outline any necessary compensation as well as its closure, which Aena would be required to sign.
The one very important factor that the Minister wouldn't be drawn on, however, was the continuing development, or otherwise, of the adjacent Paramount Theme Park, the building of which was one of the major issues in the original decision to build the new international airport. It is perhaps suggestive that the last “Official Press Release” issued by builders Premursa was 3 years ago in 2012 and that all subsequent news articles issued on their website have expertly avoided giving any sort of opening date for the new facility.
We all remember the launch three years ago when Jesus Samper, President of Santa Monica Sports Group and President and CEO of PREMURSA, said that at a cost of 10.5 million € the first park of it's kind in Europe was aimed at turning the Murcian municipality into a continental reference in the leisure and entertainment field by 2015
But as of today Corvera airport still stands empty. The main entrance to the airport is fenced off, and there is little sign of activity within the airport compound itself, and with the Paramount theme park project seeming to have stalled, and with little argument that San Javier Airport remains a far better location than Corvera for tourists visiting Torrevieja and other popular Costa Calida seaside resorts to the south, we continue to wonder whether Corvera will simply join the country's many other mothballed airports, testament to the falling passenger numbers and the ongoing economic pressures still being felt by us all.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47526/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As local airports continue to make headlines and as just about everyone in the area, apart from Murcia's politicians, question the viability and logic of building an airport within an hour's drive of Alicante, the future of Corvera International is bei...

### LAST DAY WIN SECURES SOL AMIGOS TITLE

The Cadena Sunrise Tenpin Bowling League reached it's conclusion last Wednesday, and what an exciting final day it proved to be.  
Going into the last round of matches, Sol Amigos (sponsored by Petra Honig Inmobiliaria) led by 2 points, ahead of Alley Gators, Fowl Play and GGs Pinbusters. 
Maximum point victories for GGs Pinbusters, and Fowl Play (against Alley Gators), meant that Sol Amigos needed at least a draw to be sure of the championship, and they delivered in style, by also recording an 8-0 win. 
Fowl Play and GGs Pinbusters leapfrogged Alley Gators, to finish 2nd and 3rd respectively, which was a cruel blow to AGs, who had led for the vast majority of the season. The season commenced way back in September last year, requiring all  12 teams to play each other 3 times. 
Sol Amigos line up in the photo are, from left to right:  Brian Tomlin, captain Barry Tolson, Steve Hibberd, Terry Bell, Maria Perez and Tony Vivers.  Full results and table from the final week, will be published in next week The Leader.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47525/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Cadena Sunrise Tenpin Bowling League reached it's conclusion last Wednesday, and what an exciting final day it proved to be.  
Going into the last round of matches, Sol Amigos (sponsored by Petra Honig Inmobiliaria) led by 2 points, ahead of Alley...

### ELCHE CF RELEGATED: NIGHTMARE BECOMES REALITY

Elche Club de Fútbol finally learned their fate on Friday morning and it was the decision feared by everyone connected with the club; relegation to the Segunda A Division.
After days and weeks of speculation, much of which was found to be correct, the waiting is over and a sentence has been passed. Acting on the recommendation of the presiding judge, Javier Tebas, president of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP), decreed Elche CF should be subject to an “administrative relegation” for repeated breach of the financial regulations contained in La Liga's bye-laws.
In addition, and as an additional sanction, the club was hit with a fine amounting to 180,303.63 euros.
Further details also emerged from the ruling which clearly indicated that in spite of the public utterances of newly installed Elche president Juan Anguix, who declared an agreement was in place with the Hacienda to settle the clubs entire tax debt by August the 1st, no such agreement was ever made.
In point of fact, the ruling clearly stated the liability to the Agencia Estatal de la Administración Tributaria (AEAT) is “neither paid, postponed nor guaranteed” The club, under it's previous board of directors is also widely reported to have reneged on previous promises.
Elche CF now has fifteen days to appeal the decision by one of three methods; The Administrative Tribunal of Sport (TAD), The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) or, if all else fails, the Spanish Civil Courts. The club was due to hold a press conference on Friday, to give their reaction to the judgement and confirm their intentions going forward.
Meanwhile, a massive demonstration by unhappy fans and season ticket holders was planned for Elche city centre on Friday evening.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47523/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche Club de Fútbol finally learned their fate on Friday morning and it was the decision feared by everyone connected with the club; relegation to the Segunda A Division.
After days and weeks of speculation, much of which was found to be corre...

### 112 EMERGENCY CALLS

If you are unfortunate to find yourself in a life threatening situation, whatever your emergency, be it the need for the police, fire, ambulance, coast guard, one number is all you need from any fixed or mobile phone, the number 112.
During the month of May, the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre for the Valencia region handled 264,635 calls, and managed a total of 54 496 incidents.
Of the total number of incidents managed, 27 652 were in the province of Valencia, 20,312 in Alicante and 5,916 in Castellon, the remaining 616 from neighbouring regions which were transferred to the appropriate emergency centres.
The majority of incidents were health related, with 32,268 calls, followed by 8,188 incidents relating to public safety. There were 2,490 traffic related incidents, 1,739 fires and 1,353 related to the environment.
The 112 number is a European wide initiative and your call can be dealt with in your own native language. For example, in May, the Valencia centre dealt with 1,358 incidents which were reported in other languages, 705 of which were in English, 114 in German and 83 in French.
Perhaps not surprising given the diverse foreign population on the Costa Blanca, the majority of foreign language calls were from the province of Alicante, where 842 calls were dealt with.
Although the 112 number is a European standard, it also has far wider use. In North America for example, dialling 112 will automatically transfer your emergency call to their domestic emergency number. The same applies in Australia.
The 112 number is also standard on mobile phones and will work even if the phone is locked.
The numbers were first chosen as being beneficial partly because using two different numbers reduced the possibility of accidental dialling. It was for this reason that the German police changed their emergency number to force a different key press, for example.
Another benefit was for the old style rotary diallers. Many phone owners chose to lock the dial to prevent misuse, by putting the lock in hole number 3 meant that the emergency number could still be dialled by anybody without a key.
Whatever your emergency and wherever you might be, the one number to remember is 112, because your call will always be answered and dealt with by a team of professionals, in your own language, who will coordinate the emergency, whatever it might be.
The only other piece of advice which needs to be considered is to know where you are if possible. Giving as much location information to the call operator will make for a quicker response.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47520/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: If you are unfortunate to find yourself in a life threatening situation, whatever your emergency, be it the need for the police, fire, ambulance, coast guard, one number is all you need from any fixed or mobile phone, the number 112.
During the month ...

### TRAFFIC OFFICER INJURED ASSISTING BROKEN DOWN VEHICLE

A Guardia Civil traffic officer was injured on Wednesday in the Canillas de Abajo area, when assisting a motorist who had broken down.
The incident occurred at 11:00 on the A-62 in the Salamanca direction when the officer went to assist the stranded motorist.
As the officer approached the vehicle the radiator exploded and sprayed antifreeze into his face, resulting in him ingesting some of the toxic material.
Medics treated the 40 year old officer at the scene before transferring him to the hospital in the city of Salamanca for further treatment.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47519/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer was injured on Wednesday in the Canillas de Abajo area, when assisting a motorist who had broken down.
The incident occurred at 11:00 on the A-62 in the Salamanca direction when the officer went to assist the stranded m...

### TOURIST ROBBERS ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested nine people, eight of them male and one woman, all aged between 22 and 42 and of Romanian nationality, believed to be involved in a series of robberies from foreign travellers arriving at Alicante-Elche and Murcia San Javier airports.
The information released on Monday reveals that the arrests occurred late last month in the towns of Guardamar del Segura and Formentera after the investigation began in April when officers became aware of a series of robberies with similarities.
The gang would track and follow their victims, mainly early in the evening, using rental vehicles that frequently changed, thus hindering surveillance. Upon following their victims to their destination the gang would then rob them of their belongings, often unseen.
During the course of the investigation officers identified the group as being responsible for robberies on the Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja, Algorfa, San Miguel de Salinas, Calpe and La Manga del Mar Menor.
During the raids of the homes the officers recovered several bags, a mobile phone and 1,150 euro in cash that corresponded to items stolen in robberies.
The detainees have been brought before the courts in Orihuela for processing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47518/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested nine people, eight of them male and one woman, all aged between 22 and 42 and of Romanian nationality, believed to be involved in a series of robberies from foreign travellers arriving at Alicante-Elche and...

### Police Officer Arrested for Shooting Truck Driver

The provincial police of Navarra have arrested a Basque police officer as a suspect in the shooting of a truck driver in the Navarre town of Leitza.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the Basque officer was driving his own vehicle to work at the police station in Oria. The off duty officer was allegedly involved in a “discussion” with the truck driver, with witnesses reporting that the officer got out of his car and shot the trucker several times in the head with his service weapon.
An investigation is being carried out in conjunction with both the judicial and scientific police to ascertain the facts relating to the incident.

Excerpt: The provincial police of Navarra have arrested a Basque police officer as a suspect in the shooting of a truck driver in the Navarre town of Leitza. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the Basque officer was driving his Read More ...

### Spanish Youths Lead Cocaine Charts

Data released on Thursday by the European Union shows that young people in Spain are leaders in Europe when it comes to cocaine use.
The latest report shows that 3.3% of Spaniards between the ages of 15 and 34 have used cocaine in the last twelve months, well above the EU average of 1.9%.
Spain however only come in third place for cannabis, with 17% usage compared to the11.7% average, but far lower than France with 22.1% and the Czech Republic with 21.6%.
The good news is that Spain also leads the way in the league of drug seizures by law enforcement officers for both cocaine and cannabis.

Excerpt: Data released on Thursday by the European Union shows that young people in Spain are leaders in Europe when it comes to cocaine use. The latest report shows that 3.3% of Spaniards between the ages of 15 and 34 have Read More ...

### Armed Forces Day

Armed forces day will be celebrated across Spain on Saturday with a range of displays organised in various locations.
There have been activities all week but this weekend there will be a number of naval ships opened to the public for viewing in Cartagena, along with static displays. In the La Murada area of Orihuela a special display by the local police has been arranged, with displays including an army ambulance and field hospital and a parachute display, as well as a local restaurant having its car park converted into a helipad for the day.
There will also be a major armed forces display in the capital Madrid,
For information about other local events, check with your local tourist information office or town hall.

Excerpt: Armed forces day will be celebrated across Spain on Saturday with a range of displays organised in various locations. There have been activities all week but this weekend there will be a number of naval ships opened to the public Read More ...

### Netflix Launching in Spain

Internet streaming film and TV service Netflix will launch in Spain in October, although it will have a reduced catalogue compared to other countries.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said, “I think Spain is going to be one of our most successful countries,” continuing, “There is a very high penetration of broadband Internet, and people are used to e-commerce and have shown they are interested in our product.”
The service is expected to offer films and TV shows similar to those available on their platform in France and Germany, and at a similar cost, with access to original shows like Daredevil available for subscribers.

Excerpt: Internet streaming film and TV service Netflix will launch in Spain in October, although it will have a reduced catalogue compared to other countries. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said, “I think Spain is going to be one of our most Read More ...

### FOUR STAR BARCELONA CITY BY TRAIN

Travel by train to this large, lively, exciting coastal city. Visit all the exciting places that you have heard of! See the thought provoking buildings of Antonio Gaudi. 
His masterpiece of course being the "unfinished cathedral" which was built in the late 19th century as a tribute to the coming 20th century, and still remains unfinished in the 21st century, but what a stunning piece of architecture it is.
Then, marvel at the wonderful Camp Nou football stadium, home to the mighty Barcelona football club  and a whole range of other sporting teams, basketball, volley ball, base ball  and so on. Then on the outskirts,  you have the university parks centred round the old Royal Palace. Then there is the mountain of the Jews (Montjuic), with a castle overlooking the bay.
Cable cars sweep across from here to the port and beyond.
The 1992 Olympics were held in Barcelona and the city still benefits from the superb facilities built for this event. In the Marina hundreds of small yachts bob up and down in the waves created by passing mini cruisers which are packed with happy sightseers.
In the nearby "Rambla" clearly the best known street in Spain, passers by are entertained by an incredible variety of performers, busking for an income.
This ranges from highly talented to outright zany. Flower vendors and artists compete with the entertainers for the many thousands of euros, which pass hands every day in this street. In the square in front of the original theatre, you encounter "classy" buskers, mostly music students earning a crust, playing some genuinely beautiful music on the cello, violin, and harp amongst other instruments.
Barcelona buzzes night and day and in this city you will never run out of things to see. A city like no other, it is simply fabulous. Now this superb low cost excursion, makes all this available to you at a really affordable price, because once again David's Coachtrips SL has come up with a great package.
4 days B&B in a 4* Barcelona City hotel. train, plus transfers by coach and a city tour included. A really fabulous price 295€. Dates July 10-13
Call (0034) 966785910 to reserve your place or visit our web site on www.coachtripsonline.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47511/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Travel by train to this large, lively, exciting coastal city. Visit all the exciting places that you have heard of! See the thought provoking buildings of Antonio Gaudi. 
His masterpiece of course being the "unfinished cathedral" which was built in the late 19th century as a tribute to the coming 20th century, and still remains unfinished in the 21st century, but what a stunning piece of architecture it is.
Then, marvel at the wonderful Camp Nou football stadium, home to the mighty Barcelona football club  and a whole range of other sporting teams, basketball, volley ball, base ball  and so on. Then on the outskirts,  you have the university parks centred round the old Royal Palace. Then there is the mountain of the Jews (Montjuic), with a castle overlooking the bay.
Cable cars sweep across from here to the port and beyond.
The 1992 Olympics were held in Barcelona and the city still benefits from the superb facilities built for this event. In the Marina hundreds of small yachts bob up and down in the waves created by passing mini cruisers which are packed with happy sightseers.
In the nearby "Rambla" clearly the best known street in Spain, passers by are entertained by an incredible variety of performers, busking for an income.
This ranges from highly talented to outright zany. Flower vendors and artists compete with the entertainers for the many thousands of euros, which pass hands every day in this street. In the square in front of the original theatre, you encounter "classy" buskers, mostly music students earning a crust, playing some genuinely beautiful music on the cello, violin, and harp amongst other instruments.
Barcelona buzzes night and day and in this city you will never run out of things to see. A city like no other, it is simply fabulous. Now this superb low cost excursion, makes all this available to you at a really affordable price, because once again David's Coachtrips SL has come up with a great package.
4 days B&B in a 4* Barcelona City hotel. train, plus transfers by coach and a city tour included. A really fabulous price 295€. Dates July 10-13
Call (0034) 966785910 to reserve your place or visit our web site on www.coachtripsonline.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47511/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MERRIMENT AND MELODY - In Support of AMMA

Campoverde Theatre Group has a really great show for you, good music, great dance numbers and lots of very funny sketches.
‘Let Us Entertain You' is a fast paced show will keep you entertained and smiling and will have you singing along with some of the well known numbers.  The show is full of colour, comedy and choreography, basically a show that has something for everybody. The show promises to be a really entertaining evening out.
Campoverde Theatre Group hope to raise lots of money for AMMA,  the Alzheimer's  Mar Menor Association, a new charity aimed at providing a much needed day care service for people suffering from Alzheimer's, an illness that not only affects the sufferer, but also their carers, who become increasingly more and more socially isolated as their loved one deteriorates. 
Unlike other Alzheimer's groups, AMMA provides day care in both English and Spanish. As everyone appreciates, it is essential that people suffering from this progressive disease are communicated with in a language they understand. AMMA accepts clients from a wide area, including Orihuela Costa and it will also accept people with severe Alzheimer's.
Come along to the Casa De Cultura, San Miguel de Salinas on either Friday 19th, Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st June and have a really fabulous night of entertainment whilst supporting a really good cause. Tickets available from Bargain Books, San Miguel or phone Jude on 96 684 4460 or 676 557 104.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47510/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Campoverde Theatre Group has a really great show for you, good music, great dance numbers and lots of very funny sketches.
‘Let Us Entertain You' is a fast paced show will keep you entertained and smiling and will have you singing along with som...

### HURCHILLO SCHOOL HONORS GRANDPARENTS

El colegio de Hurchillo paid tribute to local grandparents last week who help with the education of their grandchildren.
Children were asked to bring their grandparents into school where tributes were paid at a general assembly in recognition of the assistance they provide with the education and the upbringing of their grandchildren.
Always on the last Friday in May, similar tributes have been held at the school for the last 25 years. The evening event included poetry readings, plays and songs dedicated to the grandparents who help with the education of the ‘new generations', be it with homework, packing lunches or simply accompanying their grandchildren to and from school.
The event was named the Super Grandfather school was Antonio Espinosa Guillen and Superabuela, Lola Torah Vergara. The school management said yesterday that this "is one of the most emotional events conducted by the center, which wants to record the gratitude that the school has all the grandparents'.
The Super Grandfather was named as Antonio Espinosa Guillen while Lola Torah Vergara was awarded with the super grandmother prize.
The school headmaster said that ‘this is one of the most emotional events conducted by the center, which feels it is extremely important to acknowledge and to record the gratitude that the school has to all the grandparents'.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47509/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: El colegio de Hurchillo paid tribute to local grandparents last week who help with the education of their grandchildren.
Children were asked to bring their grandparents into school where tributes were paid at a general assembly in recognition of the assistance they provide with the education and the upbringing of their grandchildren.
Always on the last Friday in May, similar tributes have been held at the school for the last 25 years. The evening event included poetry readings, plays and songs dedicated to the grandparents who help with the education of the ‘new generations', be it with homework, packing lunches or simply accompanying their grandchildren to and from school.
The event was named the Super Grandfather school was Antonio Espinosa Guillen and Superabuela, Lola Torah Vergara. The school management said yesterday that this "is one of the most emotional events conducted by the center, which wants to record the gratitude that the school has all the grandparents'.
The Super Grandfather was named as Antonio Espinosa Guillen while Lola Torah Vergara was awarded with the super grandmother prize.
The school headmaster said that ‘this is one of the most emotional events conducted by the center, which feels it is extremely important to acknowledge and to record the gratitude that the school has to all the grandparents'.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47509/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ASOCIACION HAPPY ANIMALES SPANIEN

"Happy Animales Spanien" is a registered charity which is committed to the welfare of impoverished and abandoned animals. You will find it, 2 or 3 km north of Villamartin on the right hand side of the canal, heading toward San Miguel de Salinas, and believe me, it is well worth a visit.
Accommodated in outbuildings in and around an old finca the volunteers look after a variety of abandoned and sick animals that would otherwise starve to death or be put down. Currently in their charge there are three ponies, half a dozen horses, two pot bellied pigs, six or seven goats, chickens and a couple of dogs, a number of which are in need of regular medication or medical attention.
Founded only a couple of years ago, in spring 2013, the charity came about when the owner of a horse riding school located on the site fell on hard times. Mona Novak Fassbinder was a regular client, she often rode out and when she began to see a deterioration in the condition of the horses she decided that action must be taken, so together with a few friends, she set about tackling the numerous problems.
Initially food was purchased for the animals with their own money. The group then embarked on a fund raising mission collecting anything and everything that they could sell on for a profit. Local companies were approached for donations; friends were cajoled into helping, and so began the formation of the Happy Animales Charity.
Since those early days there have been many developments, the charity has now been formalized, the site secured, and a number of volunteers attend the centre on a regular basis but as the establishment became known to the wider public it also attracted the regular arrival of new animals, most of them also in need of help and medication.
But the charity's success brings with it, of course, many additional problems, not least of which is the need for additional funding and volunteers.
Financially it survives on donations from members of the public, in addition to which there is an onsite bbq and entertainment on the last Saturday of every month.  When I was shown around the site by Sol last weekend local vocalist Anni Perko was singing to a crowd of about a hundred people who were all enjoying the best of German refreshment and cuisine.
“We really do need far more help and funding than we are currently able to attract” she said. “I think that there are many people who simply don't know that we exist so close to Villamartin so I am hoping that the publicity that you are able to give us in the Leader might help to change all that”.
More information, including contact details, is available on their website at www.happyanimalesspanien.com or on Facebook at Finca de San Miguel de Salinas where you will find details of how you can either donate, become a member of the Association, sponsor an animal from just 5 euro a month, or volunteer your time and help.
Alternatively you can email sol at nicosolm@hotmail.com. She will be happy to have a chat and even show you around.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47508/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: "Happy Animales Spanien" is a registered charity which is committed to the welfare of impoverished and abandoned animals. You will find it, 2 or 3 km north of Villamartin on the right hand side of the canal, heading toward San Miguel de Salinas, and believe me, it is well worth a visit.
Accommodated in outbuildings in and around an old finca the volunteers look after a variety of abandoned and sick animals that would otherwise starve to death or be put down. Currently in their charge there are three ponies, half a dozen horses, two pot bellied pigs, six or seven goats, chickens and a couple of dogs, a number of which are in need of regular medication or medical attention.
Founded only a couple of years ago, in spring 2013, the charity came about when the owner of a horse riding school located on the site fell on hard times. Mona Novak Fassbinder was a regular client, she often rode out and when she began to see a deterioration in the condition of the horses she decided that action must be taken, so together with a few friends, she set about tackling the numerous problems.
Initially food was purchased for the animals with their own money. The group then embarked on a fund raising mission collecting anything and everything that they could sell on for a profit. Local companies were approached for donations; friends were cajoled into helping, and so began the formation of the Happy Animales Charity.
Since those early days there have been many developments, the charity has now been formalized, the site secured, and a number of volunteers attend the centre on a regular basis but as the establishment became known to the wider public it also attracted the regular arrival of new animals, most of them also in need of help and medication.
But the charity's success brings with it, of course, many additional problems, not least of which is the need for additional funding and volunteers.
Financially it survives on donations from members of the public, in addition to which there is an onsite bbq and entertainment on the last Saturday of every month.  When I was shown around the site by Sol last weekend local vocalist Anni Perko was singing to a crowd of about a hundred people who were all enjoying the best of German refreshment and cuisine.
“We really do need far more help and funding than we are currently able to attract” she said. “I think that there are many people who simply don't know that we exist so close to Villamartin so I am hoping that the publicity that you are able to give us in the Leader might help to change all that”.
More information, including contact details, is available on their website at www.happyanimalesspanien.com or on Facebook at Finca de San Miguel de Salinas where you will find details of how you can either donate, become a member of the Association, sponsor an animal from just 5 euro a month, or volunteer your time and help.
Alternatively you can email sol at nicosolm@hotmail.com. She will be happy to have a chat and even show you around.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47508/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ‘EL CAMPICO’ CONTINUES TO TRADE DESPITE COURT JUDGEMENT

Guardamar's ‘El Campico' market continues to open despite a warning from a rival market manager that he will denounce the Municipal Council for violating a judgment of the Superior Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) in that it has been operating without a license for over 20 years.
He alleges that the market, which is located on rural land, is operating outside the law, and does not have permission to trade. This follows judgments in 2010  ordering its cessation.
The manager, who did not wish to be identified to the press, is said to have filed a brief asking the City Council to take appropriate measures ordering its closure following the ruling of the Supreme Court.
He says that such businesses operating without a license, harms other markets in the region that do have operating permits and are trading legally.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47507/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Guardamar's ‘El Campico' market continues to open despite a warning from a rival market manager that he will denounce the Municipal Council for violating a judgment of the Superior Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) in that it has been operating without a...

### JET2.COM TAKES ZERO TOLERANCE STANCE

Leading leisure airline, Jet2.com has today pledged to take a harsh line against any disruptive and inappropriate behaviour onboard its flights, following a rise in incidents industry-wide. 
The zero tolerance policy is driven by Phil Ward, Managing Director of Jet2.com to protect families and holidaymakers, ensuring every customer has a safe, enjoyable and comfortable flight without the worry of disruptive behaviour onboard.
The stance, put in place at the end of May, on all flights to over 55 destinations across Europe, reassures passengers that their welfare is the airline's key priority. As appropriate, the following actions will be set in motion for unacceptable behaviour onboard including racist behaviour, threatening conduct towards passengers and staff, and excessive consumption of alcohol;
- Police prosecution
- Refusal to board
- Flight diversion
- Flight ban for life
Phil Ward, Managing Director of Jet2.com said:  “Jet2.com is a holiday airline.  We will not allow our customers' holidays to be upset by an individuals' obnoxious behaviour. Passenger welfare is and always will be our number one priority which is why we have brought in these measures to take action against anyone who causes offence and disruption to our passengers and crew. We will not hesitate to prosecute individuals where necessary.”
Just last week Jet2.com gave a lifetime ban to a male, Grant Marshall on a flight to Alicante from Leeds Bradford Airport. The individual was one of a party of 14 who was asked on numerous times to stop consuming illicit alcohol, using intimidating language and threatening behaviour. 
“Due to his unacceptable behaviour onboard, the pilot diverted the flight to Toulouse where the disruptive passenger was handed over to the police authorities and the remaining travelers continued onto Alicante. As well as Grant Marshall delaying holidaymakers, he could now be facing prosecution for his behaviour and could be found liable for the costs of the divert, which will run into thousands of pounds.”
Following this incident, Jet2.com has already received a number of calls from passengers on-board the flight thanking and congratulating the airline on taking this stance.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47506/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Leading leisure airline, Jet2.com has today pledged to take a harsh line against any disruptive and inappropriate behaviour onboard its flights, following a rise in incidents industry-wide. 
The zero tolerance policy is driven by Phil Ward, Managing D...

### ISLAND PRIDE

Visitors to the Canary Island of Gran Canaria may be forgiven for thinking that it is a non-stop party island. The recent successful vote in Ireland for equal marriage, the Eurovision Song Contest and Maspalomas Pride have created an atmosphere of one long, heady party. 
The Canary Islands are blessed with one of the best climates in the world, which lends itself to an endless succession of parties and outdoor living. However, I can assure readers that we do get down to doing some work as well, but at our own pace.
Maspalomas Pride, which is often billed as 'the largest Pride event in Europe', once again drew thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, and transgendered visitors to the island from all over Europe and further afield. There were also huge numbers of straight visitors too; many having visited in earlier years, and had such a good time that they come again each year to relive and share the experience.
Maspalomas Pride is a huge two-week party, with many spin off events, but above all it is a time to demonstrate equal rights, tolerance and equality, as well as a time to remember that respect and acceptance are not concepts yet shared across the world. The rainbow flag remains the centrepiece of the celebrations to remember those people across the world that still suffer from appalling discrimination and cruelty. Maspalomas Pride seeks to celebrate and give thanks for the freedoms enjoyed in Spain and the Canary Islands, as well as other countries that respect this equality.
This event was one of the biggest Pride events ever seen on the island, with more than 80,000 visitors and residents lining the parade route.
Visitors often ask me why Gran Canaria, which is the third largest Canary Island by landmass, has become such a draw for gay and lesbian tourists. Gran Canaria has a well-deserved reputation for inclusivity and equality that has embraced gay and lesbian visitors for many years. People of all races, colour and religions live and work on the island and, in the main, happily coexist together.
It is an island where the old adage 'live and let live' still strongly applies; as long as your activities don't hurt anyone else, then you are welcome. After visiting the island over many years, this was one of the main reasons that my partner and myself chose to move here; it was a decision that we have never regretted.
The Yumbo Centre, which is the main 'gay centre' and the centre for Pride is an uninspiring building, built 40 plus years ago as an arena. Over the years, it was slowly converted and now houses 40 plus gay bars, saunas, drag shows, supermarkets, gadget shops, cafe bars and restaurants. To some, it looks like a badly worn multi-storey car park, which by day is a rather tacky commercial centre.
However, by night, this uninspiring heap of concrete transforms itself into a throbbing and lively centre with something for everyone. From its early days, the Yumbo Centre became a beacon of hope for many gay men and women, and a place where they could relax and be themselves.  It is a place where many relationships have begun, and ended, but above all it continues to be a place where gay men and women continue to feel safe, welcomed and valued.
So how did all this begin? I recall a conversation that I had with an elderly man, an ex-soldier, many years ago when I first visited the island. He told me that during the Spanish Civil War, the dictator, General Franco, would exile any soldier who was found to be gay to an island penal colony that was far away from the Spanish mainland; that island was Gran Canaria.
As the Pride procession and parties take place, my mind often goes back to this story and the fight for equality that has taken place over the centuries in Spain, as well as elsewhere in the world. The fight for equality and acceptance continue, but I am sure that those exiled Spanish soldiers would be very impressed with the part that this small island in the Atlantic has played in the fight for equality and justice for all.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47504/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Visitors to the Canary Island of Gran Canaria may be forgiven for thinking that it is a non-stop party island. The recent successful vote in Ireland for equal marriage, the Eurovision Song Contest and Maspalomas Pride have created an atmosphere of one ...

### TICKING OFF FOR GUARDIA CIVIL

A vehicle belonging to the Guardia Civil in Pilar de la Horadada had to be abandoned last week when the two officers using it were attacked by fleas while on patrol.
They initially thought it was the rural terrain through which they were travelling but when the bites persisted they realized that the vehicle was actually infested. The situation, the second in only a couple of weeks, was immediately denounced by their union, The Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC).
A spokesman said that this is just one of many occupational hazards faced by Guardia officers and that the vehicle had now been taken out of service subject to its fumigation.
One of the agents said he was bitten on the arm on a number of occasions before he realized that the vehicle was infested by fleas.
A similar incident was reported just two weeks ago in a vehicle belonging to the Guardia Civil stationed in Fontcalent Prison.
The AUGC in Alicante issued a statement saying that they regret the incidents, both of which resulted in injuries to officers, and that they have to work daily in such precarious conditions, whilst the authorities seem to show little care.
However sources at the headquarters of the Civil Guard said that they were unaware of the incident in Pilar de la Horadada.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47503/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A vehicle belonging to the Guardia Civil in Pilar de la Horadada had to be abandoned last week when the two officers using it were attacked by fleas while on patrol.
They initially thought it was the rural terrain through which they were travelling bu...

### PILAR TOURIST OFFICE READY FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

The Tourist Information office in Pilar de la Horadada, introduced it's new summer opening schedule last week at their office in the Plaza Campoamor 2. Through till 30 September the new opening hours are 10am-7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 1pm on Sundays.
The department will provide detailed information to anyone visiting the town, 50% of which are expected to be overseas visitors from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia. All statistics will be coordinated and published on the dedicated website www.visitpilardelahoradada.com
The Pilareña Tourism Office moved to the center of town four years ago. It is currently situated on the ground floor of the Town Hall, where it has grown substantially in the number of visitors, from just 6744 in 2012 to 9141 in 2014, an increase of almost 30%. That number is expected to increase once again in the coming season.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47502/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Tourist Information office in Pilar de la Horadada, introduced it's new summer opening schedule last week at their office in the Plaza Campoamor 2. Through till 30 September the new opening hours are 10am-7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 1pm on S...

### FUN DAY REACHING OUT

Eddie Coleman, event organiser of the annual Fun Day, which was held on Sunday 24th May at Playa Flamenca beach side, is shown here presenting Karolina Leonard, the President of ‘Reach Out Torrevieja', with a donation of €600.
This very worthwhile local charity rely on the public, not only money, but clothes, toiletries, and saleable goods that they can move on through their retail outlet.
A further €250 was also given to Karolina for the mother and baby home which is also located in Torrevieja.
Additionally, a Fund Day Raffle was held during the function, with the first prize of a very generous Food Hamper, won by Mrs Christine Nickel, who kindly donated the basket, also to the charity.
Reach Out is an entirely voluntary organisation and 100% of all donations are used to benefit the homeless and poor in the Torrevieja area.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47501/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Eddie Coleman, event organiser of the annual Fun Day, which was held on Sunday 24th May at Playa Flamenca beach side, is shown here presenting Karolina Leonard, the President of ‘Reach Out Torrevieja', with a donation of €600.
This very wor...

### EVA BOWS OUT AT ROLAND GARROS

For the first time in their history, Torrevieja Tennis Club, had a representative at the French Open last week, playing in the Junior Girls Competition on the world famous tennis courts at Roland Garros.
Eva Guerrero, at just 15 years of age,  a member of the academy Equelite Villena Juan Carlos Ferrero, received an invitation following her victory in the Grade 1 ITF tournament, which catapulted her to number 52 in the world junior rankings and saw her achieve the pass to junior main draw in the Paris Grand Slam.
Unfortunately, however, Eva fell at the first hurdle, going out in Round One to Canadian Katherine Sebov 7-6, 6-3. But what an experience for the 15 year old Torrevejense.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47500/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: For the first time in their history, Torrevieja Tennis Club, had a representative at the French Open last week, playing in the Junior Girls Competition on the world famous tennis courts at Roland Garros.
Eva Guerrero, at just 15 years of age,  a membe...

### "SOME ENCHANTED EVENING"...... THE YEAR'S BIG SHOW SUPPORTING PINK LADIES & AECC.

The biggest event on the Costa is scheduled for Saturday 27th June in the Orihuela Costa Resort, La Zenia. "Some Enchanted Evening" - A Tribute To Rodgers & Hammerstein will be performed by the Costa's largest popular choir, the 60 strong Melody Makers International, along with the ever-popular Cantemos! Youth Choir, both conducted by Nigel Hopkins.
The concert will include many of R&H's fabulous hits from such shows as Carousel, Oklahoma, South Pacific, King & I, State Fair, and of course the Sound of Music. A professional band from the UK will accompany the shows and some of the finest soloists on the Costa will perform.
There are two shows on the day, a Matinee at 2pm and an evening performance at 8pm. Tickets are available from La Ponderosa gift shop at La Zenia, as well as The CardPlace at both Punta Prima and Benimar. Johnsons Supermarket at the Citrus Centre and Bargain Books in C/Ramon Gallud, Torrevieja also have tickets. The shows are supporting the Pink Ladies for AECC this year.
Conductor and producer Nigel Hopkins promises a superb evening of entertainment including beautiful harmonies and several surprises which audiences always look forward to. Tickets are on sale NOW.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47499/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The biggest event on the Costa is scheduled for Saturday 27th June in the Orihuela Costa Resort, La Zenia. "Some Enchanted Evening" - A Tribute To Rodgers & Hammerstein will be performed by the Costa's largest popular choir, the 60 strong Melody Makers International, along with the ever-popular Cantemos! Youth Choir, both conducted by Nigel Hopkins.
The concert will include many of R&H's fabulous hits from such shows as Carousel, Oklahoma, South Pacific, King & I, State Fair, and of course the Sound of Music. A professional band from the UK will accompany the shows and some of the finest soloists on the Costa will perform.
There are two shows on the day, a Matinee at 2pm and an evening performance at 8pm. Tickets are available from La Ponderosa gift shop at La Zenia, as well as The CardPlace at both Punta Prima and Benimar. Johnsons Supermarket at the Citrus Centre and Bargain Books in C/Ramon Gallud, Torrevieja also have tickets. The shows are supporting the Pink Ladies for AECC this year.
Conductor and producer Nigel Hopkins promises a superb evening of entertainment including beautiful harmonies and several surprises which audiences always look forward to. Tickets are on sale NOW.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47499/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CAR HIRE CONFUSION AS THE PAPER DRIVING LICENCE IS SCRAPPED

GEM Motoring Assist is warning drivers of holiday car hire confusion and delay when the paper counterpart driving licence becomes obsolete next Monday (8 June 2015).
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is scrapping the paper counterpart licence that accompanies all plastic photocard licences. This means information about penalty points can only be accessed online, by phone or through the post from DVLA.
Anyone hiring a car will need to log in online at the DVLA (www.viewdrivingrecord.service.gov.uk) to generate a licence check code. This will be valid for 72 hours and should be given to the hire company who will be able to access driver details.
To access the site, drivers will need to provide their driving licence number, post code and national insurance number.
GEM chief executive David Williams MBE says: “We predict long car hire delays, particularly at overseas holiday destinations, simply because many car hire firms are going to be unaware of the changes and are likely to want to examine a paper document, even though it will not be valid.
 “The scrapping of the paper licence gives already stressed holidaymakers one more task to remember before setting off. Worse still, if they're not hiring a car until later in their holiday, they will be forced to find internet access at their foreign destination, something that could be expensive as well as inconvenient.
 “Our advice is to obtain the licence check code as instructed by DVLA, but also to keep the paper counterpart licence as a back-up when you travel, even though it will have no legal status.
After all, if a rental desk is unfamiliar with the new rules, then producing your counterpart paper licence might be the only way for you to get behind the wheel of your holiday rental vehicle.”
Paper driving licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 will remain valid.
Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47496/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: GEM Motoring Assist is warning drivers of holiday car hire confusion and delay when the paper counterpart driving licence becomes obsolete next Monday (8 June 2015).
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is scrapping the paper counterpart lic...

### Trucks Destroyed in Pilar Crash

Two trucks were destroyed by fire in Pilar de la Horadada on Wednesday after a crash on the CV-941 road between Mil Palmeras and San Miguel.
The driver of the first truck, which was carrying plastics and cardboard, noticed that his vehicle was on fire and immediately stopped by the side of the road whilst trying to quell the flames with a fire extinguisher.
The vehicle, which was stopped on a slope, began to roll backwards and collided with the second truck which was carrying stones. The flames then spread to that second vehicle.
The local police and Guardia Civil accompanied fire fighters at the scene who managed to control the blaze, but not before both vehicles were destroyed.

Excerpt: Two trucks were destroyed by fire in Pilar de la Horadada on Wednesday after a crash on the CV-941 road between Mil Palmeras and San Miguel. The driver of the first truck, which was carrying plastics and cardboard, noticed that Read More ...

### Game of Thrones Returning to Spain

Popular fantasy TV show Game of Thrones will be returning to Spain to film scenes for its sixth series shortly.
Game of Thrones first began shooting in Spain with Season 5, using the Royal Alcazar in Seville as the Water Gardens of Dorne, and the Piaza de Toros in Osuna as the Meereen fighting pit. However, the show is not expected to return to location for series 6, but the action is expected to be taking place in the cities of Girona and Peñíscola.

Excerpt: Popular fantasy TV show Game of Thrones will be returning to Spain to film scenes for its sixth series shortly. Game of Thrones first began shooting in Spain with Season 5, using the Royal Alcazar in Seville as the Water Read More ...

### Software Fault Most Likely Cause of Plane Crash

In their initial findings released on Wednesday into the crash of an A400M military plane in Seville last month, Airbus has confirmed that the immediate area of concern was the engine control software.
The report states that the crew of the aircraft tried in vain to regain control of 3 engines that were frozen due to a suspected software problem.
The report has not explained the full details of the problem but has been able to rule out structural failure and instead is focussing on the assembly process.
A spokesperson said that investigators were mainly evaluating “the different processes around assembly of the aircraft, engines and preparations for the first flight”.
Airbus said that data from the black box and cockpit recordings indicate that three of the four turboprop engines registered high power shortly after takeoff, but the three affected engines “did not respond to attempts by the crew to control the power under normal procedures”.

Excerpt: In their initial findings released on Wednesday into the crash of an A400M military plane in Seville last month, Airbus has confirmed that the immediate area of concern was the engine control software. The report states that the crew of Read More ...

### Concerns after Dry and Hot May

The weather conditions recorded in May show that the month was not only dry and hot it broke records when temperatures reached 40.5 degrees in Orihuela, 40.2 degrees in Rojales and 37 degrees in Torrevieja on the 13th and 14th of May. During these days, the temperature was 15 degrees higher than what would be considered normal for the time of year, when the historical average is 19 degrees.
Rain was practically nonexistent during May, traditionally one of the wettest months of the year, with the month being classified as very dry in inland areas and extremely dry on the coast. The concern is that with little rain fall now the rest of the year is likely to remain dry, with droughts anticipated through the summer until the next rainy season in September.

Excerpt: The weather conditions recorded in May show that the month was not only dry and hot it broke records when temperatures reached 40.5 degrees in Orihuela, 40.2 degrees in Rojales and 37 degrees in Torrevieja on the 13th and 14th Read More ...

### Unemployment Shows Biggest Drop in History

The registered number of unemployed workers in Spain fell by 117,985 people in May, representing the largest drop in the fifth month of the year since records began in 1996.
The service sector saw the biggest drop, followed by construction, agriculture and then industry. There are now 4,215,031 registered unemployed workers, 1.93 million males and 2.28 million females.

Excerpt: The registered number of unemployed workers in Spain fell by 117,985 people in May, representing the largest drop in the fifth month of the year since records began in 1996. The service sector saw the biggest drop, followed by construction, Read More ...

### Pets on Parade

Around 50 animals and their owners attended the inauguration of a new dog park on the Gran Alacant urbanization this weekend.
A raffle was held to benefit local re-homing groups and the attendees were treated to specialized displays, including one from the local police of Santa Pola.

Excerpt: Around 50 animals and their owners attended the inauguration of a new dog park on the Gran Alacant urbanization this weekend. A raffle was held to benefit local re-homing groups and the attendees were treated to specialized displays, including one Read More ...

### 11th ANNUAL GARAY CUP - COSTA BLANCA GOLF LEAGUE vs. VEGA BAJA PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE

BONALBA GOLF RESORT – 29th MAY 2015
This was the eleventh annual tournament between the two golf league teams since its inauguration  in 2004 and each league has won the same amount of matches five each. It was played at Bonalba Golf Resort where 18 players represented their respective League.
The competition was originally suggested and sponsored by Snr. Manolo Garay So this year the competition as it would break the year long deadlock
The Bonalba course is always a challenging course and since its improvement sthe course, is an ideal venue although a Home course for Costa Blanca North.  The format was Fourball Better Ball Matchplay with the lowest handicap giving shots a 90% difference of the handicaps
It was a perfect day for golf with the temperatures a little down from the norm for the end of May, but very welcome by both teams
As the scores show there was not a lot to choose between the two teams as is nearly always the case in these annual competitions and for the Vega Baja Premier Golf League to come up short by a single and the ladies two of them representing the VBPGL came through both on the winning team.
FINAL SCORE:  CBGL          4½       VBPGL     3½ 
The tournament sponsor Manolo Garay also put up prizes and presented by Ivie Davies Secretary of VBPGL for the Nearest the Pin and Longest drive the result of were:
NEAREST THE PIN
Hole 4: Steve Robison (CBGL)   Hole 8: Malcolm Anderson (VBPGL) 
Hole 11: Mike Davison (CBGL)   Hole 16: Dennis Pyman (CBGL)
LONGEST DRIVE
Hole 15: Mark ‘Taff' Reynolds (CBGL)
As always the matches were played in the best of spirit and both teams stated how much they enjoyed the day and the major benefit they get to play with other golfers they would not normally come into contact with on the golf course, and this can only be good for both of these Leagues and golf. Thanks should go to players of the VBPGL who had an early start and travelled from the Costa Calida.
The Manolo Garay presented Richard Davis Captain of the CBGL with the trophy which means they are now 6 games to 5 in the overall tournaments. Ivie Davies thanked both teams for the good spirit in which the competition had been played and to Richard Davis and all the staff at Bonalba Golf Resort for ensuring the course was in good condition and their support in providing Tappas and beverages.
For more information go to www.vegabajapremiergolfleague.com and Facebook.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47495/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: BONALBA GOLF RESORT – 29th MAY 2015
This was the eleventh annual tournament between the two golf league teams since its inauguration  in 2004 and each league has won the same amount of matches five each. It was played at Bonalba Golf Resort wher...

### ALL THE FIN OF THE FAIR

Well alright there were no fish or dolphins in the water but The Dive Crew from Santa Pola certainly created a wave of interest at Quesada Country Club's Spring Fair and they will be back!  
The Dive Crew will be visiting QCC again so if you missed out this time and would like to know when they are back just email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk  T
hey have also kindly donated a TRY DIVE as an auction lot for THE ESTATE AGENTS SUMMER BALL which is on Friday 12th June at La Finca Golf and Spa Resort Hotel this event has been organised by Spanish Life Properties SL and there still a few tickets left, this is going to be a fabulous night with a fun casino and surprises throughout the evening email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for price and details. 
Another auction lot that anyone can bid for from today is 2 tickets to see Spandau Ballet live in Madrid on Thursday the 18 June  - bids for the try dive and the concert tickets can be made by email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk and this auction is also to raise money for the Elche Children.  
The Spring Fair raised over €200 for The Children's Home in Elche and our thanks go to Spanish Life Properties SL for once again sponsoring the free tea and taste of cake. It was a fun day and deVere Spain were there with their very popular drinks challenge and there were over 30 different stalls selling everything from Fashion and Shoes to Pies and Paintings! 
The next event on Thursday June 18th is mainly for the ladies A "Step Into Summer" Fashion Show at QCC and a little pampering too - Tricia Lee will also be with us to do Angel Card Readings - amazing at the very special show price of just €5 only if pre-booked.
Tricia will also be offering short taster Indian Head Massage treatments completely FREE!! so if you would like to book a FREE Indian Head Massage or a half price Angel Card Reading please email leeinspain@hotmail.com  
The Fashion Show is also FREE but we will be asking for a €1 charity donation on the door as we give you your drinks voucher - you can get a FREE SPECIAL VIP ticket by sending an email now to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk  - VIP's will be invited to a pre-show preview at 11.30a.m. and they will have chance to pre book some free treatments and demos and they will also have the choice of a glass of Cava or Sangria as the show starts. 
Many thanks to all of the people who helped make the Spring Fair a success especially our tea ladies Renee and Jacki plus the many cake bakers also big thanks to the radio DJ's who promoted this event and huge thanks to Kristoff for the wonderful photographs he took during the day.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47485/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Well alright there were no fish or dolphins in the water but The Dive Crew from Santa Pola certainly created a wave of interest at Quesada Country Club's Spring Fair and they will be back!  
The Dive Crew will be visiting QCC again so if you missed out this time and would like to know when they are back just email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk  T
hey have also kindly donated a TRY DIVE as an auction lot for THE ESTATE AGENTS SUMMER BALL which is on Friday 12th June at La Finca Golf and Spa Resort Hotel this event has been organised by Spanish Life Properties SL and there still a few tickets left, this is going to be a fabulous night with a fun casino and surprises throughout the evening email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for price and details. 
Another auction lot that anyone can bid for from today is 2 tickets to see Spandau Ballet live in Madrid on Thursday the 18 June  - bids for the try dive and the concert tickets can be made by email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk and this auction is also to raise money for the Elche Children.  
The Spring Fair raised over €200 for The Children's Home in Elche and our thanks go to Spanish Life Properties SL for once again sponsoring the free tea and taste of cake. It was a fun day and deVere Spain were there with their very popular drinks challenge and there were over 30 different stalls selling everything from Fashion and Shoes to Pies and Paintings! 
The next event on Thursday June 18th is mainly for the ladies A "Step Into Summer" Fashion Show at QCC and a little pampering too - Tricia Lee will also be with us to do Angel Card Readings - amazing at the very special show price of just €5 only if pre-booked.
Tricia will also be offering short taster Indian Head Massage treatments completely FREE!! so if you would like to book a FREE Indian Head Massage or a half price Angel Card Reading please email leeinspain@hotmail.com  
The Fashion Show is also FREE but we will be asking for a €1 charity donation on the door as we give you your drinks voucher - you can get a FREE SPECIAL VIP ticket by sending an email now to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk  - VIP's will be invited to a pre-show preview at 11.30a.m. and they will have chance to pre book some free treatments and demos and they will also have the choice of a glass of Cava or Sangria as the show starts. 
Many thanks to all of the people who helped make the Spring Fair a success especially our tea ladies Renee and Jacki plus the many cake bakers also big thanks to the radio DJ's who promoted this event and huge thanks to Kristoff for the wonderful photographs he took during the day.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47485/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NATURAL LAW

It is a commonly accepted fact, not only in moral philosophy but also in everyday life, that all human beings, when have full use of reasoning, possess an inner voice that informs them about good and evil, truth and lie, justice and injustice of human acts. 
This is what we call consciousness which not only informs us but also through the consideration of these acts, censures or approves them in an independent way.
The question is: what is conscience based to inform us about the goodness or evil of these human acts? I think that it is based on three factors: reason, faith in God and knowledge of the nature of things that person perceives in the world. With the reason it reflects and judges on the facts, with faith it perceives them with greater clarity and with the knowledge of the nature of things it shows its objective characteristics, challenging us to discover and know them deeply.
The natural law or natural moral law is the objective discovery of this nature of things done fairly by the person and its subsequent recognition For example, we discover the natural law when we say that people should not take over the property of others (steal) or deprive them of life (kill), or maltreat them (violence), or deceive them (lie), or abuse a minor (child sexual abuse) or have sex with another man's wife (adultery), etc.
But we have to consider the role that the will plays in human beings which have the last word in their decisions. In effect, people may reject the faith and even the natural law (the voice of God in the heart of man) to take a subjective stance that takes them to satisfy their ambitions of power, money, domain, influences and wealth or simply for convenience or cowardice. In this case the reason is the exclusive service of the selfish attitude and tries to justify it with fallacious reasoning, imposing its own servitude to human consciousness.
This is what is happening. Since old times until nowadays, many people have chosen to reject the faith in God and the natural law to follow the dictation of willingness inclined to the ego and the power over people. With this attitude they have caused countless harms and injustices to their fellow men with greater or lesser cruelty and intensity (I will not mention names) as the concentration and extermination camps or induced abortion.
These people are those who mock or blaspheme against the Church, Jesus Christ and the faith of believers. They insult, despise, and hate God and call riffraff those who do not think like them. Isn't it true that the blasphemy in some circles of coexistence is a common symptom of "manhood" and hateful arrogance? Or does the mockery against the Church is the cause of revelry? What a Pity!
These words do not intend to be negative, but help to discover the origin of evil that exists in the world from the beginning (the rejection of God, faith and natural law) in order to make that some people think and decide to choose radically God (the good). They must do it with greater determination and intensity and must fight hard against the evil so we can reduce it.
Roberto GraoFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47484/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It is a commonly accepted fact, not only in moral philosophy but also in everyday life, that all human beings, when have full use of reasoning, possess an inner voice that informs them about good and evil, truth and lie, justice and injustice of human acts. 
This is what we call consciousness which not only informs us but also through the consideration of these acts, censures or approves them in an independent way.
The question is: what is conscience based to inform us about the goodness or evil of these human acts? I think that it is based on three factors: reason, faith in God and knowledge of the nature of things that person perceives in the world. With the reason it reflects and judges on the facts, with faith it perceives them with greater clarity and with the knowledge of the nature of things it shows its objective characteristics, challenging us to discover and know them deeply.
The natural law or natural moral law is the objective discovery of this nature of things done fairly by the person and its subsequent recognition For example, we discover the natural law when we say that people should not take over the property of others (steal) or deprive them of life (kill), or maltreat them (violence), or deceive them (lie), or abuse a minor (child sexual abuse) or have sex with another man's wife (adultery), etc.
But we have to consider the role that the will plays in human beings which have the last word in their decisions. In effect, people may reject the faith and even the natural law (the voice of God in the heart of man) to take a subjective stance that takes them to satisfy their ambitions of power, money, domain, influences and wealth or simply for convenience or cowardice. In this case the reason is the exclusive service of the selfish attitude and tries to justify it with fallacious reasoning, imposing its own servitude to human consciousness.
This is what is happening. Since old times until nowadays, many people have chosen to reject the faith in God and the natural law to follow the dictation of willingness inclined to the ego and the power over people. With this attitude they have caused countless harms and injustices to their fellow men with greater or lesser cruelty and intensity (I will not mention names) as the concentration and extermination camps or induced abortion.
These people are those who mock or blaspheme against the Church, Jesus Christ and the faith of believers. They insult, despise, and hate God and call riffraff those who do not think like them. Isn't it true that the blasphemy in some circles of coexistence is a common symptom of "manhood" and hateful arrogance? Or does the mockery against the Church is the cause of revelry? What a Pity!
These words do not intend to be negative, but help to discover the origin of evil that exists in the world from the beginning (the rejection of God, faith and natural law) in order to make that some people think and decide to choose radically God (the good). They must do it with greater determination and intensity and must fight hard against the evil so we can reduce it.
Roberto GraoFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47484/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Escaped Convict : I’m In Spain

A violent criminal who managed to walk out of a high-security prison  says he has fled to the Costa del Sol.
Haroon Ahmed has been the subject of a manhunt since absconding from HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire on Wednesday afternoon.

The  26-year-old, revealed he had jokingly asked an officer if he could go home at the end of visiting time.
He could not believe it when he was then escorted to the gate.
Ahmed confirmed he travelled by road to Spain and is now deciding whether to follow legal advice to hand himself in.
“Nothing was planned,” said Ahmed, who was jailed for robbery. “I just got up when the visit was ending.
“I said to a prison officer ‘Is it okay for me to go home?’ as a joke.
“I just walked off with all the visitors and went through the security procedures. A prison officer escorted me to the gate.
“I know what I did was wrong. I just took an opportunity but I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder. I can’t run and hide forever.”
Sky’s Harriet Hadfield also spoke to the escapee’s mum.
“She said he’s not as violent a man as he’s being portrayed in much of the media,” Hadfield said.
“She also said he’d never been on holiday so she couldn’t believe he’d ended up in Spain as he didn’t have a passport.”
Ahmed managed to leave the prison, which is run by private firm Serco, despite being on a “watch list”.
His brother, Majeed Ahmed, 25, of Clarence Road, Derby, has been charged with assisting a prisoner in escaping from prison.
He has been released on bail to appear before magistrates in Burton on 25 June.
Michael Guy, Serco’s director at HMP Dovegate, said: “We are taking this extremely seriously and I have commissioned an urgent investigation into the circumstances of the escape.
“We are working closely with the police to identify what went wrong and to address any failings.”
HMP Dovegate was criticised by the Chief Inspector of Prisons in a report published on Friday.
It found there were high levels of violence in the jail and said visiting arrangements were poor.

Excerpt: A violent criminal who managed to walk out of a high-security prison says he has fled to the Costa del Sol. Haroon Ahmed has been the subject of a manhunt since absconding from HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire on Wednesday afternoon. Read More ...

### Patrol Car Fumigated

A union representing Guardia Civil officers in Pilar de la Horadada have denounced the conditions of some of the vehicles used by patrols, after one of them was taken out of service on account of a tick infestation.
Officers had suffered bites whilst using the vehicle and so it was taken to the workshop to be fumigated.

Excerpt: A union representing Guardia Civil officers in Pilar de la Horadada have denounced the conditions of some of the vehicles used by patrols, after one of them was taken out of service on account of a tick infestation. Officers had Read More ...

### Drugs Seized at Cabo de Palos

The Guardia Civil intercepted a boat of the coast of Cabo de Palos on Sunday morning, carrying around 2 tons of hashish.
The boat was detected by the coastal surveillance system with a patrol sent to intercept the craft 5 miles south of Cabo de Palos.
Upon locating and searching the boat, it was escorted to the port and the three occupants arrested.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil intercepted a boat of the coast of Cabo de Palos on Sunday morning, carrying around 2 tons of hashish. The boat was detected by the coastal surveillance system with a patrol sent to intercept the craft 5 Read More ...

### Drug Recall Notice – Euritox 88

The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), has issued a recall notice for a range of drugs manufactured by Merck SA.
The drug, Levothyroxine Sodium, is marketed under the brand name Euritox 88 in tablet form and the recall notice covers lots numbered M43009, M43012, M43015, M43016, M43017 and M43018 acquired before May 27 this year, and with a dated expiration of February 28, 2017.
The labels on the drugs display Euritox 25 mcg, whereas it should display the amount of 88 mcg.
You can return the drugs to the point of purchase for a replacement or refund.

Excerpt: The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), has issued a recall notice for a range of drugs manufactured by Merck SA. The drug, Levothyroxine Sodium, is marketed under the brand name Euritox 88 in tablet form and the Read More ...

### CLASSIC CARS ON SPANISH ROADS

We have been asked by a number of classic car owners and associations about the laws that refer specifically to this type of vehicle and what provisions the drivers must make when driving on Spanish roads. 
Royal Decree 1247/1995, deals with the reglamento de vehículos históricos, rules for historic vehicles, or classic cars, under article 10 of the Normas de circulación.
First and foremost, unless rules are specifically in place for this type of vehicle, classic cars are governed by the same laws and rules as normal vehicles, including the requirement of liability insurance.
The rules relating to the technical inspection and registration are also applicable, as per normal vehicles. The period of the technical inspection also remains the same, unless otherwise indicated in the official report.
Those vehicles which, on account of their age or constructive characteristics, do not have lights or indicators as are normally required by law, they are not allowed to travel between sunset and sunrise, or in circumstances which would normally require the use of these lights and indicators.
Historic vehicles that are not able to exceed the speed of 40 kilometres per hour should drive on the shoulder, if practicable and it is sufficient, or, alternatively, as close as possible to the right outside edge of the roadway, except when overtaking or turning left, manoeuvres which may force other drivers to abruptly change the direction or speed of their vehicles. Historic vehicles are not allowed on the motorway if they are unable to reach a speed of at least 60 kilometres per hour.
The Dirección General de Tráfico also reserves the right to prohibit classic cars on certain dates and routes, if they are not able to exceed the speed of 80 kilometres per hour.
As for situation when classic cars can travel on the roads as a group, Annex II of the Reglamento General de Circulación, article 32 of section 3 details Participación de vehículos históricos and refers to the question of group activities.
Vehicles categorised as classic cars under Royal Decree 1247/1995, or over 25 years old and in numbers greater than 10, and with a speed of less than 50 kilometres per hour on average, as well as participating in events or demonstrations, rallies, competitions or, in general, any kind of event in which there is established classification on the basis of vehicle movement, either in terms of speed or regularity, will require administrative authorisation.
Here are the relevant regulations referred to in this article.
Real Decreto 1247/1995, de 14 de julio, por el que se aprueba el reglamento de vehículos históricos.
Artículo 10 Normas de circulación
1. En lo no previsto específicamente, serán de aplicación a los vehículos históricos las normas que regulan la circulación de los vehículos en general y, en consecuencia, también la exigencia de estar provistos del certificado del seguro de responsabilidad civil de suscripción obligatoria.
2. En todo caso, deberán cumplirse las limitaciones que figuren en su tarjeta de inspección técnica y permiso de circulación.
3. La inspección técnica periódica de los vehículos matriculados como históricos se efectuará con la frecuencia que señale el régimen general de inspección técnica de vehículos, salvo que el laboratorio oficial en su informe indique otra periodicidad.
4. Aquellos vehículos que, por su antigüedad o características constructivas, no dispongan de los sistemas de alumbrado y señalización óptica exigidos por la legislación sobre tráfico, circulación de vehículos a motor y seguridad vial, no podrán circular entre la puesta y la salida del sol, ni en circunstancias que hagan necesario el empleo de tales sistemas.
5. Los vehículos históricos que no sean capaces de superar la velocidad de 40 kilómetros/hora circularán por el arcén, si fuera practicable y suficiente, o, en su defecto, lo más próximo posible al borde exterior derecho de la calzada, excepto cuando vayan a efectuar un adelantamiento o un giro a la izquierda, maniobras que únicamente podrán realizar si con ellas no obligan a otros conductores a modificar bruscamente la dirección o la velocidad de sus vehículos. Los vehículos históricos no circularán por autopista ni autovía si no alcanzan, como mínimo, la velocidad de 60 kilómetros/hora.
6. Asimismo, mediante resolución de la Dirección General de Tráfico podrá prohibirse, en determinadas fechas y vías, la circulación de los que no sean capaces de superar la velocidad de 80 kilómetros/hora.
Reglamento General de Circulación
ANEXO II
Pruebas deportivas, marchas ciclistas y otros eventos
SECCIÓN 3
OTROS EVENTOS
Artículo 32 Participación de vehículos históricos
Aquellos eventos en que participen vehículos históricos conceptuados como tales de acuerdo con el Real Decreto 1247/1995, de 14 de julio, por el que se aprueba su reglamento regulador, o de más de 25 años de antigüedad en número superior a 10, en los que se establezca una clasificación de velocidad o regularidad inferior a 50 kilómetros por hora de media, así como su participación en acontecimientos o manifestaciones turísticas, concentraciones, concursos de conservación o elegancia y, en general, cualquier clase de evento en los que no se establezca clasificación alguna sobre la base del movimiento de los vehículos, ya sea en función de su velocidad o de la regularidad, precisarán de autorización administrativa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47481/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We have been asked by a number of classic car owners and associations about the laws that refer specifically to this type of vehicle and what provisions the drivers must make when driving on Spanish roads. 
Royal Decree 1247/1995, deals with the regla...

### THE TURMOIL OF REPRESENTATION

Last weekend´s elections not only dealt a blow to some of the larger political parties, they will also have potentially serious repercussions on a local level, especially in the two ex-pat rich areas of Orihuela and Torrevieja.
Despite the often complex world of Spanish politics, marred recently with corruption and scandal in many areas, the reality of awarding the rights to run an administration for a period of time will affect those who live in the areas tremendously.
During the last four year period, the international residents of Orihuela has benefitted from having at least some representation in the town hall, through the coastal centric CLARO group and their head Bob Houliston, and the Los Verdes councillor Martina Scheurer. Now, both those representative are gone, Scheurer by her own choice not to stand again, and Houliston ousted by his party which was unable to gain the requisite 5% of the votes to enable them to be counted.
The result for Orihuela now is that the Partido Popular gained a majority, albeit not overall, and are likely to form a coalition government and regain power once more. It is true that the “new” PP is formed by largely different members than ran the administration before, many of those also facing corruption charged themselves, including Pepa Ferrando, although her newly formed renegade party did achieve enough votes for her to get a seat, despite the corruption threat.
But the question now remains as to what representation the coastal area will have, and the international residents, once the new government is formed. There was little in any manifesto promising a wave of improvements, in fact, the typical mantra throughout most of the campaigns was City, Pedanias, Costa, clearly pitching the coast at the end of the priorities.
It is a sad fact, like it or not, that the lack of representation that the coast will now have is the fault of those who chose not to vote, for whatever their reason. For CLARO to maintain a seat, they were just 47 votes short.
In fact, as Scheurer pointed out in her post-election analysis, around 8.200 citizens of the Orihuela Costa had the right to vote, but only 2.384 did so, which corresponds to 29,4%, a huge drop from the 42% in 2011. Across the municipality, the overall participation was 62,62%, nearly 9% less than in 2011. It is the lack of votes from the coast that will be the cause for the lack of real representation. In fact, according to Houliston, CLARO obtained almost half of the votes from the coast, and so the 50% who did choose them are now the real victims, as their votes become discounted.
The answer to how the coast will be represented will be revealed in the fullness of time, for now all we can do is wait to see what collaborations are formed and who takes control.
In Torrevieja, the ruling PP were dealt a considerable blow too, losing the overall majority they had held for over two decades. They lost two of the seats required for an overall majority, winning a total of eleven seats, but the reality was that they lost more than was apparent.
Having faced a reduction in the status of the town following the cleanup of the padrón carried out by the central government, the town hall had already lost two positions in government, wiped off the list on account of the huge fall in population figures. The local government therefore dropped from 27 council posts to 25, of which the PP gained 11, therefore actually losing 4 seats.
The unfortunate outcome for the reduction that was with fewer places to go round, the smaller parties had less opportunity to gain a seat there.
In terms of representation for international residents, in their election campaign, the PSOE promised more town hall facilities sin English. In particular, they promised to provide English speaking staff to accompany anybody who needed help through the administrative processes of the town hall.
They promised monthly platforms where the Mayor would visit local urbanisations and listen to the problems of the residents, rather than just ruling from the centre of the town. They promised information, press releases, news and more, all in English, because for them, all residents of Torrevieja were important, and they considered it their job to make everybody feel like a part of the town and fell important.
However, their promises were not enough either, only achieving 4 seats, losing out to the growing wave of other parties. Taking responsibility for the loss, the leader of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Ángel Sáez, announced his resignation on Wednesday.
The socialist party lost 600 votes from 2011, whereas the PP lost 3,000 votes, prompting Sáez to question why Eduardo Dolón has not taken the same responsibility and stood down.
It is quite possible that the PP in Torrevieja will collaborate with the new Ciudadanos party to form a majority government, but that is not the only option on the table.
There is also a distinct possibility that the remaining 6 political parti
s of Torrevieja will group together to form a mass coalition government. That would see Torrevieja run much the same as Orihuela has been for the last administration, with no doubt a quiet and positive start leading to what was seen in Orihuela towards the end, breakups and infighting, but the immediate result would be the toppling of the PP from power.
Although a 6-party coalition would be an unusual move, it would mean that for once the council is formed by candidate who collectively received the most votes, and so ought to be a true representation of democracy. When Sáez was asked if that was the reason for him resigning, to move aside to allow this pact to form, he neither confirmed nor denied the fact, simply answering, “it´s possible”.
Either way, the next few weeks will prove to be some of the most interesting in the world of local politics for some time. Once the collaborations are formed and governments created, they then might get back to doing whatever it is they promised to do, at least for the next 4 years.
Image: www.europapress.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47459/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last weekend´s elections not only dealt a blow to some of the larger political parties, they will also have potentially serious repercussions on a local level, especially in the two ex-pat rich areas of Orihuela and Torrevieja.
Despite the often...

### RYANAIR INCREASES PROFITS BY 66% TO 867 MILLION EURO

In the financial year ending 31March, Low cost airline Ryanair recorded a net profit of 867 million euros, representing a 66% increase on the previous year, when it recorded just 523 million euros. 
The Irish airline justified this improvement with their "the lowest cost model program 'Improving Always' ('Always Getting Better') that has attracted millions of new customers to the brand.
The airline increased its revenue by 12%, to 5.654 million euros, and increased its passengers by 11% to over 90.6 million, up from 81.7 million the previous fiscal year.
Fuel costs were down 1% to 1,992 million euros while handling and airport charges increased by 15%, to EUR 712.8 million.
This, the airline said was planned in advance and  due to new routes and airport hubs.
Spending was increased in marketing and distribution (+ 21%), to 233.9 million euros, followed by maintenance costs (+ 16%), to 134.9 million euros. Operating profit stood at 1,042.9 million euros, 58.3% more than in the previous year, when it reached 658.6 million euros.
As a result of their continued success and expansion programme the group has ordered 183 new Boeing B737-800 aircraft due to be delivered by 2018 and 200 further aircraft between 2019-2023. The company expects to make further savings in the next two years amid falling oil prices.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47457/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In the financial year ending 31March, Low cost airline Ryanair recorded a net profit of 867 million euros, representing a 66% increase on the previous year, when it recorded just 523 million euros. 
The Irish airline justified this improvement with their "the lowest cost model program 'Improving Always' ('Always Getting Better') that has attracted millions of new customers to the brand.
The airline increased its revenue by 12%, to 5.654 million euros, and increased its passengers by 11% to over 90.6 million, up from 81.7 million the previous fiscal year.
Fuel costs were down 1% to 1,992 million euros while handling and airport charges increased by 15%, to EUR 712.8 million.
This, the airline said was planned in advance and  due to new routes and airport hubs.
Spending was increased in marketing and distribution (+ 21%), to 233.9 million euros, followed by maintenance costs (+ 16%), to 134.9 million euros. Operating profit stood at 1,042.9 million euros, 58.3% more than in the previous year, when it reached 658.6 million euros.
As a result of their continued success and expansion programme the group has ordered 183 new Boeing B737-800 aircraft due to be delivered by 2018 and 200 further aircraft between 2019-2023. The company expects to make further savings in the next two years amid falling oil prices.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47457/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TRAFFICKING RING SMASHED IN JOINT SPAIN/UK OPERATION

In an operation involving Spain's National Police and the British Border Police, 24 people have been arrested, 13 in Spain and 11 in the UK, mostly from the same family, in a human trafficking network originating in Madrid
Those arrested were allegedly smuggling Afghan nationals, into several European countries, in exchange for 25,000 euros
By using falsified travel documents and accompanied by a "facilitator" the refugees would take a flight from Islamabad (Pakistan), transiting through Spain or Italy, before being transferred from there to other European states.
The investigations began when six illegal Afghans were discovered in Bilbao Airport as traffickers attempted to smuggle them into the country. National Police Agents soon realized they were closing in on a criminal network that was based in Spain, with a leader of Pakistani origin, who was coordinating activities throughout Europe from Madrid.
He allegedly managed the gang's logistics, and reinvested the proceeds of his activities in Spanish businesses in order to launder the money illegally obtained.
After recruiting Afghans who each paid 25,000 euros to the operation a facilitator would move groups of between 6 and 12 refugees from Pakistan into Spain or Italy. He would be responsible for handling all travel logistics including airline tickets, fake passports, hotels and any other issues that might arise.
From there the victims would be issued with false documentation with which they would be moved on to their final European destination.
As the investigation progressed, police found that, quite often, the organization used to London Heathrow as airport transit prior to their arrival in Spain, so contact was made with the British Border Police, who proceeded to arrest of 11 people, a Pakistani and 10 Afghans traveling with false passports.
The arrests saw an immediate change of routing by the network which had to immediately reorganize its travel system in order to avoid Heathrow, opting for direct travel from Islamabad to Barcelona.
With this information, the National Police began to identify and locate other members of the organization resulting in the arrest of 13 people, including the leader of the group.
A number of homes and commercial establishments were raided in which 18 forged British and Spanish passports were found, 20 Pakistani passports, fake UK visas, passport pages with exit stamps, computers and mobile phone were seized along with bank documents and cash.
A search was also carried out in a Logrono travel agency, where officers found numerous documents which revealed the existence of more than 170 trafficked trips between April and September 2014 amounting to US $ 4,250,000.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47456/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In an operation involving Spain's National Police and the British Border Police, 24 people have been arrested, 13 in Spain and 11 in the UK, mostly from the same family, in a human trafficking network originating in Madrid
Those arrested were allegedly smuggling Afghan nationals, into several European countries, in exchange for 25,000 euros
By using falsified travel documents and accompanied by a "facilitator" the refugees would take a flight from Islamabad (Pakistan), transiting through Spain or Italy, before being transferred from there to other European states.
The investigations began when six illegal Afghans were discovered in Bilbao Airport as traffickers attempted to smuggle them into the country. National Police Agents soon realized they were closing in on a criminal network that was based in Spain, with a leader of Pakistani origin, who was coordinating activities throughout Europe from Madrid.
He allegedly managed the gang's logistics, and reinvested the proceeds of his activities in Spanish businesses in order to launder the money illegally obtained.
After recruiting Afghans who each paid 25,000 euros to the operation a facilitator would move groups of between 6 and 12 refugees from Pakistan into Spain or Italy. He would be responsible for handling all travel logistics including airline tickets, fake passports, hotels and any other issues that might arise.
From there the victims would be issued with false documentation with which they would be moved on to their final European destination.
As the investigation progressed, police found that, quite often, the organization used to London Heathrow as airport transit prior to their arrival in Spain, so contact was made with the British Border Police, who proceeded to arrest of 11 people, a Pakistani and 10 Afghans traveling with false passports.
The arrests saw an immediate change of routing by the network which had to immediately reorganize its travel system in order to avoid Heathrow, opting for direct travel from Islamabad to Barcelona.
With this information, the National Police began to identify and locate other members of the organization resulting in the arrest of 13 people, including the leader of the group.
A number of homes and commercial establishments were raided in which 18 forged British and Spanish passports were found, 20 Pakistani passports, fake UK visas, passport pages with exit stamps, computers and mobile phone were seized along with bank documents and cash.
A search was also carried out in a Logrono travel agency, where officers found numerous documents which revealed the existence of more than 170 trafficked trips between April and September 2014 amounting to US $ 4,250,000.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47456/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW AIRPORT PARKING FACILITY

Drivers visiting Alicante-Elche airport will face two months of disruption, as work has begun to build a new short-stay car park for dropping off and collecting passengers.
The new “Exprés” car park will offer 80 places for 15 minutes of free parking and is set to replace the current open drop-off and collection zones which currently allow a short stop but are frequently abused by drivers who leave their vehicle for longer.
The new car park will also mean that vehicle movements are recorded, which will please the legal taxi drivers as the information could be used to clamp down on pirate and illegal operators.
The cost of the work is 116,568.48 euro and it should be fully operational by July.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47455/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Drivers visiting Alicante-Elche airport will face two months of disruption, as work has begun to build a new short-stay car park for dropping off and collecting passengers.
The new “Exprés” car park will offer 80 places for 15 minut...

### ENCOURAGING START FOR ELCHE MULTIADVENTURE PARK

During the first week of it's operation over 5000 people flocked into the Elche Multiadventure park far exceeding any expectations.
Director Rafael Garrido said he was inundated with compliments from visitors adding that “It's been incredible, during the weekend the park was absolutely full of people, exceeding all of our expectations."
This activity park, which opened last Thursday, has eight circuits of zip lines and rope bridges. It is intended "for the enjoyment of participants of all ages," so much so that, one of the visitors who dared to plunge from the heights was an 80 year old woman. She said that if she lived a little closer to Elche she would use the park more often as she thoroughly enjoyed her day.
The attractions include several circuits of zip lines, classified by age and difficulty, and a TriAction Tower, a unique construction in Spain, more than 20 meters high, intended for all kinds of climbing games which sees users exiting by way of a 200 meter zip line through the park between the palm trees.
There is also a 2000 sq mtr artificial lake and a pier for a relaxing boat ride. The lake enjoys a unique purification system based on a natural salt treatment that filters, cleans and purifies the water. There is also a area chill out intended for holding all kinds of events, an area where visitors can practice archery and a "laser camp '.
In addition of course a wonderful botanical garden setting which enjoys row upon row of palms. There are also canals, ponds, a visitor reception centre, cafeteria and meeting rooms.
The park opens to the public on weekdays, Monday through Thursday, from 17.00 to 22.00, and Fridays from five o'clock until midnight. On Saturdays and Sundays, the park opens from ten in the morning. During the school holidays the weekday hours will be extended.
Given the success of this first week, the intention now is to organize group visits from schools, clubs, businesses and societies during weekday mornings when the park would otherwise be closed. “Such groups will have much more freedom within the park”, said Garrido.
Currently, entrance to the park is absolutely free although visitors will have to pay between 3 and 14 euros for the use of the attractions.
More information go to http://elchepalmeralaventuras.com/
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47454/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: During the first week of it's operation over 5000 people flocked into the Elche Multiadventure park far exceeding any expectations.
Director Rafael Garrido said he was inundated with compliments from visitors adding that “It's been incredible, during the weekend the park was absolutely full of people, exceeding all of our expectations."
This activity park, which opened last Thursday, has eight circuits of zip lines and rope bridges. It is intended "for the enjoyment of participants of all ages," so much so that, one of the visitors who dared to plunge from the heights was an 80 year old woman. She said that if she lived a little closer to Elche she would use the park more often as she thoroughly enjoyed her day.
The attractions include several circuits of zip lines, classified by age and difficulty, and a TriAction Tower, a unique construction in Spain, more than 20 meters high, intended for all kinds of climbing games which sees users exiting by way of a 200 meter zip line through the park between the palm trees.
There is also a 2000 sq mtr artificial lake and a pier for a relaxing boat ride. The lake enjoys a unique purification system based on a natural salt treatment that filters, cleans and purifies the water. There is also a area chill out intended for holding all kinds of events, an area where visitors can practice archery and a "laser camp '.
In addition of course a wonderful botanical garden setting which enjoys row upon row of palms. There are also canals, ponds, a visitor reception centre, cafeteria and meeting rooms.
The park opens to the public on weekdays, Monday through Thursday, from 17.00 to 22.00, and Fridays from five o'clock until midnight. On Saturdays and Sundays, the park opens from ten in the morning. During the school holidays the weekday hours will be extended.
Given the success of this first week, the intention now is to organize group visits from schools, clubs, businesses and societies during weekday mornings when the park would otherwise be closed. “Such groups will have much more freedom within the park”, said Garrido.
Currently, entrance to the park is absolutely free although visitors will have to pay between 3 and 14 euros for the use of the attractions.
More information go to http://elchepalmeralaventuras.com/Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47454/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### AIR CONTROL STRIKE TO AFFECT 800 ALICANTE FLIGHTS

The National Union of Air Traffic Controllers called a 4 day strike last week which will take place on 8, 10, 12 and 14 June across the whole of Spain, affecting at the very least, 800 flights carrying in excess of 30,000 passengers in Alicante alone.
This is the first strike called by the Union in 26 years, was done so with it the support of 81% of the vote which took in over 90% of union members.
A spokesman said that the action is being called for two hours each morning, 10-12am, and two hours each afternoon, 6-8pm, across the country, saying this was in response to the sanctions handed down by Aena to 61 air controllers in Barcelona dating back to 2010.
In Alicante Airport, the strikes will affect the 800 scheduled flights (inputs and outputs) and about 30,000 passengers.
The strikes were originally called for last March but were postponed in the wake of the Germanwings air tragedy.
Once again air passengers will be affected by a strike of air traffic controllers taking place as the summer tourist season begins in the country in earnest, threatening to disrupt the industry that is responsible for generating over 10% of the nation's economy.
When we made contact with the airport operator AENA, they refused to comment saying only that the matter was being dealt with as a matter of the utmost urgency.
Five years ago, the government called in the army to take over control towers to try to break up a wildcat strike by air traffic controllers over pay and conditions which paralysed airports and stranded thousands of passengers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47452/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Union of Air Traffic Controllers called a 4 day strike last week which will take place on 8, 10, 12 and 14 June across the whole of Spain, affecting at the very least, 800 flights carrying in excess of 30,000 passengers in Alicante alone.
...

### VANDALS CAUSE DAMAGE AT LA PEDRERA

The popular La Pedrera Bar in Bigastro was attacked by vandals overnight last Sunday causing nine thousand euros worth of damage. 
Supervisor Manuel Andres, who has been managing the municipal complex since last summer, said that the damage was discovered when employees arrive at the venue on Monday morning to begin their day's work. The matter was immediately reported to the Policia Locale in the town who have now handed it over to the Guardia Civil.
It seems as though the vandals had broken into the premises with the intent of raiding the bar but when they realized the building was alarmed, and after they found themselves unable to smash through the reinforced door, they turned their frustrations onto the pool area, damaging poolside furniture which they threw into the pool along with adjacent rubbish containers and their contents. 
Manuel said that the pool would be closed all week while it was emptied, cleaned and refilled, with a view to reopening again at the weekend. He confirmed that he had applied for permission to install security cameras around the site some time ago.
Obviously this application would now be reviewed with a view to speeding the process up.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47450/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The popular La Pedrera Bar in Bigastro was attacked by vandals overnight last Sunday causing nine thousand euros worth of damage. 
Supervisor Manuel Andres, who has been managing the municipal complex since last summer, said that the damage was discov...

### GUARDIA CIVIL OFFICER KILLED IN CRASH

A Guardia Civil traffic officer was killed on Friday when the motorcycle he was riding was in a head-on collision with a van.
The incident occurred in the Altiplano area, between Yecla and Jumilla.
The emergency services were notified that the victim was unconscious, lying in the road and had a weak pulse. Medical staff attended but could do nothing to save the life of the officer who died in the line of duty.
José Fernando Almagro was 42 years of age, married and had three children. He was based in the traffic department of the Guardia Civil in Cieza.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47449/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer was killed on Friday when the motorcycle he was riding was in a head-on collision with a van.
The incident occurred in the Altiplano area, between Yecla and Jumilla.
The emergency services were notified that the victim...

### REGISTER NOW FOR PILAR SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Registration is now open for the program of summer activities for children “2015 Holiday in Your Town” which will take place during the months of July and August in el colegio Mediterráneo.
The project will cater for up to 400 children born between 2003 and 2011 and it is being operated by the town's Social services Department so as to enable parents to reconcile work and family life during the school holidays.
Children who attend the activity centre will play games, learn new crafts and skills and  join in with a full range of fun experiences that will transform the centre into a place of holiday as a result of the efforts and contributions of more than 30 teachers and Assistants.
The activities will take place from 1 to July 31 and from 3 to 28 August in the Mediterranean College and it will be managed by a team of highly qualified professionals with extensive experience, and all with formal qualifications.
There will be a number of different options available to parents, getting underway at 8am and lasting through until 6pm. Dining facilities will be available with prices ranging from 50 to 150 €, depending on the hours, and with a 50% single-parent or large families discount.
The registration period will open on June 1 and will run until June 18 inclusive, or until all places have been filled.  Those families which are registered on the Pilar de la Horadada padron will have preference when allocating places.
Registration forms are available in the Department of Social Services (Town Hall basement -1), from 9:00 to 13: 00h, from June 1.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47448/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Registration is now open for the program of summer activities for children “2015 Holiday in Your Town” which will take place during the months of July and August in el colegio Mediterráneo.
The project will cater for up to 400 child...

### TELL THE WORLD YOU LOOK GREAT IN GLASSES

Spectacle Wearer of the Year Competition 2015 starts June 1st. Optical group Specsavers Opticas want to celebrate specs as a fashion statement and great accessory, not merely a visual aid. 
To highlight and reward the millions of ordinary people in Spain who look amazing in their glasses they are launching the Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards on June 1st. People can enter between the 1st June and the 5th July via Facebook and online at en.specsavers.es/loveglasses
At the end of the competition, one champion will win a cash prize of €500 and five semi-finalists will win a pair of designer frames worth 159 €.
Natasha Gray, Frame Communications Manager and Global Stylist from Specsavers commented “We want to find people who make their specs a key part of their identity, no matter what their age or style, and love the way they look in their glasses.
There will be winners representing a range of ages thanks to our new age categories, so we hope lots of people will have fun with selfies which celebrate their unique sense of style.”
From 1st June entrants simply need to submit a recent colour photo of themselves wearing glasses. Anyone from the age of 16 or over can enter and there are five age categories; 16-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-59, 60+. The person crowned the overall Spectacle Wearer of the Year will win €500 and a pair of designer frames. There will also be a semi-finalist from each age category who will each win a pair of designer frames. More information, terms and conditions can be found on the website – en.specsavers.es/loveglasses
All Specsavers staff are fully trained to offer style advice on the latest trends and frames to suit all face shapes and help make glasses wearers look and feel great.
People can also enter in store at one of the eight Specsavers Opticas in Spain; Marbella and Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol, Santa Ponça in Mallorca, Calpe, Javea, Benidorm, Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47445/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spectacle Wearer of the Year Competition 2015 starts June 1st. Optical group Specsavers Opticas want to celebrate specs as a fashion statement and great accessory, not merely a visual aid. 
To highlight and reward the millions of ordinary people in Sp...

### NEW SCHOOL FINALLY A REALITY FOR PLAYAS DE ORIHUELA

Valencia's Ministry of Infrastructure has finally published the bidding process for the building of a new infant and Junior school to replace the portable cabin structure currently in use at the Colegio Playas de Orihuela.
The building will cost more than 6.63 million euro with a completion time of just 18 months
The process, essentially applications to tender, was published in the Official Journal of the Valencian Region, the DOCV.
But interested parties will have to get their skates on as the deadline for the submission of tenders, or requests to participate, is 1500 hrs on 30th of June, by which time all documentation must be presented to the Department of Infrastructure.
So after over 13 years in temporary accommodation, by far the longest in the whole of the Valencian region, and after many years of public demonstrations by teachers, parents and members of the public, it now looks as though the new school could soon become a reality.
A spokesman said that for the opening of tenders it is expected that the technical documentation will be examined on July 8 at 12:30 and the economic documentation on July 30 also at 12.30.
It was only 5 weeks ago that the Governing Board of the Orihuela Council approved the transfer of the building plot for the new junior school from council to regional ownership.
The plot is thought to be the area of land adjacent to the Los Dolses Commercial centre, just across the road from the current school and presently being used as an overspill car park.
Despite the delay, it will draw a close one of the longest standing school disputes in the area after children have been taught in the temporary accommodation for the last 13 years.
Spokesperson for the School Parent Teachers Association, Yolanda Fernandez Martinez, said “The Board of APA Playas de Orihuela want to thank everyone for the support they have shown with this struggle, Monday after Monday, year after year, that has taken us five years to get to this stage of tender. Many thanks on behalf of all the parents and students of the school. We are very grateful.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47443/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Valencia's Ministry of Infrastructure has finally published the bidding process for the building of a new infant and Junior school to replace the portable cabin structure currently in use at the Colegio Playas de Orihuela.
The building will cost more ...

### INCREASE IN FOREIGN WORKERS

The number of foreign citizens registered with the Spanish Social Security system stood at 1,607,883 in April, an increase of 2.85% - or 44,540 National Insurance contributors - compared with the previous month. The increase in contributor numbers to the system was the largest for the month of April in the last 10 years.
When compared with 2014, the number of foreign workers has increased by 2.83% - equivalent to 44,262 more NI contributors. This is the first April since 2008 in which the number of foreign workers has increased year-on-year. Previous years saw declines of up to -10.54% (April 2009).
The highest figures for foreign workers correspond to Romania (288,277), Morocco (202,159), China (91,669) and Ecuador (70,666). These countries are followed by Italy (69,422), Bolivia (57,266), the United Kingdom (56,648) and Colombia (52,222).
Autonomous Regions
When compared with the previous month, the number of foreign NI contributors in April rose in all autonomous regions except the Canary Islands (-0.68%). The largest increases were posted in the Balearic Islands (16.69%), Andalusia (5.92% and Extremadura (2.78%).
Compared with last year, the number of workers increased in all autonomous regions except Galicia (-0.85%) and Ceuta (-2.84%). The regions with the largest increases in foreign workers were the Balearic Islands (7.1%), the Region of Murcia (5.03%) and the Region of Valencia (4.33%).
The figures recorded for April show that 943,114 of the total foreign citizens registered with the Spanish Social Security system are from countries outside of the European Union, while the remaining 664,769 are from EU countries.
The majority of foreign citizens are registered under the General Regime: 1,352,992 in total, a figure that includes the Special System for Agricultural Workers (207,501) and the Special System for Domestic Workers (207,246). This is followed by the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (250,362), the Special Regime for Seamen (4,254) and the Special Regime for Coal Workers (275).
Most economic sectors saw an increase in foreign workers, both in monthly and annual terms.
Of the total foreign citizens in the system in April, 866,138 are men and 741,746 are women.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47442/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The number of foreign citizens registered with the Spanish Social Security system stood at 1,607,883 in April, an increase of 2.85% - or 44,540 National Insurance contributors - compared with the previous month. The increase in contributor numbers to t...

### RYANAIR GROUND WORKERS STRIKE IN MADRID

Ryanair's ground handling staff have called an indefinite strike at the Madrid-Barajas Airport which got underway last Saturday in protest at the working conditions, abuse and threats to which they are subjected by the airline management. 
The strike was endorsed by the unions including the CTA, UGT, CCOO and CGT which say that the company intends to cut handlers salaries by between 20% and 30% despite there being no collective agreement.
The unions also say that, despite the declaration of a 66% increase in profits announced just last week, the company is refusing to negotiate on the matter, either with the works council or with the union executive. They say that the conditions that are being affected include a salary reduction as well as changes to shift patterns, holidays and leave.
They are also extremely unhappy about the shortcomings in safety clothing and personal protective equipment which they say is putting their workers at risk.
“Poor tools will mean a poor job which will threaten the safety of workers as well as the passengers that they are serving” said a union spokesman.
The workers say that they want to denounce "the current poor organizational structure, the regular harassment of workers, threatening language, and the written penalty notifications they are subjected to while performing their duties".
They argue that the company intention of reducing the number of baggage staff to just two per aircraft will cause delays with the subsequent damage to the reputation of the airline and to the staff themselves and that they will be unable to unload and reload an aircraft in the time allowed.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47441/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Ryanair's ground handling staff have called an indefinite strike at the Madrid-Barajas Airport which got underway last Saturday in protest at the working conditions, abuse and threats to which they are subjected by the airline management. 
The strike was endorsed by the unions including the CTA, UGT, CCOO and CGT which say that the company intends to cut handlers salaries by between 20% and 30% despite there being no collective agreement.
The unions also say that, despite the declaration of a 66% increase in profits announced just last week, the company is refusing to negotiate on the matter, either with the works council or with the union executive. They say that the conditions that are being affected include a salary reduction as well as changes to shift patterns, holidays and leave.
They are also extremely unhappy about the shortcomings in safety clothing and personal protective equipment which they say is putting their workers at risk.
“Poor tools will mean a poor job which will threaten the safety of workers as well as the passengers that they are serving” said a union spokesman.
The workers say that they want to denounce "the current poor organizational structure, the regular harassment of workers, threatening language, and the written penalty notifications they are subjected to while performing their duties".
They argue that the company intention of reducing the number of baggage staff to just two per aircraft will cause delays with the subsequent damage to the reputation of the airline and to the staff themselves and that they will be unable to unload and reload an aircraft in the time allowed.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47441/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SPAIN'S IRISH EMBASSY HONOUR W.B. YEATS

In light of the celebrations taking place world-wide to honour the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland's most beloved poets, W. B. Yeats, the Embassy and the Yeats Society in Madrid will be holding an art exhibition “Of this place” which will take place in the Ateneo de Madrid (Sala Prado 19), Calle Prado 19, from 2-14 June (11.30-9pm daily). 
The exhibition features 32 paintings and sculptures by eight contemporary Irish visual artists inspired by the very landscapes that helped shape Yeats' poetry. 
To complement the art from Ireland, Madrid designer Sandra Ruiz Bellew will exhibit her “Minnaloushe Poetry in Jewellery” collection, inspired by Yeats' poetry and the women in his life. There will also be a third exhibition on the life and works of Yeats, “La Vida y Obra de William Butler Yeats”, courtesy of the Irish Embassy.
On Thursday 11 June at 7pm Embassy Staff will be hosting a special evening at the Ateneo to honour the poet with readings, song and music. We hope to see you there.
Admission to the exhibition is free and everyone is welcome.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47440/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In light of the celebrations taking place world-wide to honour the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland's most beloved poets, W. B. Yeats, the Embassy and the Yeats Society in Madrid will be holding an art exhibition “Of this place&rd...

### ELECTION RESULTS – ORIHUELA 2015

The Popular Party was the winner in the municipal elections in Orihuela on 24 May.   Despite being divided, they secured 11 seats in the new Town Council, two short of an absolute majority.   
On the left, the Socialists and Change Orihuela won 10 seats.   Ciudadanos, which is the former discredited CLR party, won 3 seats.  
Unfortunately, C.L.A.R.O. failed by some 50 votes to keep its one councillor.   We will see soon if the Popular Party chooses to govern as a minority or if they succumb to the temptation of forming a majority government with Ciudadanos, despite their frequent comments during the election campaign that Ciudadanos was a party of “interests” and not those of the people of Orihuela.
The vote in Orihuela Costa once again showed that C.L.A.R.O. is the party which enjoys overwhelming support from local residents – provisional figures
As in the two previous elections, C.L.A.R.O. won almost 50% of the vote of the coast.   This year we won almost the same number of votes as all the other parties together.  We also received more direct support for C.L.A.R.O. than previously from voters in Orihuela city.    Why then did C.L.A.R.O. not succeed in electing at least one councillor?    
We failed by  .03% to reach the threshold of 5% below which votes are not taken into account for the attribution of councillors by proportional representation.    We got 4.97% of the total vote, some 50 votes short of the 5% threshold.
There are several explanations why C.L.A.R.O. fell short of the required minimum.   Spanish but importantly, the majority of non-Spanish EU voters, mainly British, who live in the centre of Orihuela Costa, principally in Playa Flamenca, were obliged to vote in the little known, poorly sign posted Reading Point in Lomas de Cabo Roig, nearly 6 kilometres from Playa Flamenca Town Hall.     
Dozens, perhaps hundreds of voters turned up in the polling station in Playa Flamenca Town Hall and the Civic Centre expecting to vote close to where they live, many living as close as 150 metres from the Town Hall, only to be told they had to go to the polling station in Lomas de Cabo Roig.   
Many tried and could not find the Reading Point.   Others, because they did not have transport or were simply discouraged, did not bother.   The 50 vote shortfall could easily have been accounted for by their experience.   
The provision of polling stations is principally the responsibility of the Orihuela local government and the Socialist majority in the outgoing government just did not care to propose an additional  polling station, for example in one of the schools at the top of the market street in the heart of Playa Flamenca.   The Socialist Party in the outgoing  government had little political interest in facilitating votes on the coast since they get so few and have done so little for Orihueal Costa in the last 4 years.
However, we cannot ignore another important reason for the failure of the party of the coast to get at least one councillor elected:   APATHY.    The percentage turnout of voters on the coast fell from 42% in 2011 to just over 33% on 24 May.  
Too few people, although living permanently in Orihuela Costa, on the Padron and benefitting from the Spanish Health service, have registered to vote.   
There are potentially 25,000 non-Spanish EU residents, mainly British, entitled to register to vote but only just over 4,000 have done so (16%).   
We know they face difficulties in the Playa Flamenca Town Hall.   But the majority simply do not feel sufficiently concerned about getting a fair deal for the taxes they pay, the often shocking state of street cleanliness, lack of parks and gardens and social- cultural facilities and saving the last green area on the sea front, Cala Mosca.   
The majority of non-Spanish EU residents living here fail to realise that the value of their properties in our area depends on the quality of life and services they receive.
The lack of an elected C.L.A.R.O. councillor in the next Town Council, will contribute to another 4 years of neglect and deterioration in the services and investment in Orihuela Costa.  
C.L.A.R.O. will continue as a political party promoting and defending the interests of people living in Orihuela Costa.  We are the party of the coast.    We owe this much to those who, over 9 years, have given us 50% of the votes cast in 3 successive municipal elections.  
In the course of the next 4 years, hopefully an increased number of residents will register to vote and a higher percentage will turn out to vote at the next election.    
We hope that it will not require a serious deterioration in our quality of life, affecting the value of our properties, to persuade residents that it is in their interest to exercise their right to vote and to ensure that Orihuela Costa has a significant voice in the future Orihuela Town Councils.
CLARO PRESS RELEASEFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47438/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Popular Party was the winner in the municipal elections in Orihuela on 24 May.   Despite being divided, they secured 11 seats in the new Town Council, two short of an absolute majority.   
On the left, the Socialists and Change Orihuela won 10 sea...

### 'FORMBY'S LOST LOVE'

THE George Formby Society has given recognition to the book, 'Formby's Lost Love' - by Los Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson - telling the life story of fiancee, Pat Howson.
World renowned 'The Vellum' magazine - the official magazine of the George Formby Society - features 'Formby's Lost Love' in their Summer 2015 Edition.
"I am delighted 'Formby's Lost Love' has been given recognition within 'The Vellum' magazine with a full colour page feature," said author Andrew, who has a property in Los Montesinos, Alicante.
'Formby's Lost Love' tells the previously untold life story of ukulele legend Formby's fiancee, Preston, Lancashire lass Pat Howson, whom the Wigan born star was set to marry, prior to his death of a heart attack.
Britain's biggest star of the 1940s-50s Formby was engaged to Pat in 1961, but died, aged 56, weeks prior to their wedding in March 1961.  Religious Education teacher Pat, died, aged 46, from ovarian cancer, in November 1971.
Formby was engaged to Pat, just weeks after Formby's wife Beryl's death in December 1960. 
"The final manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love' has been sent to a London, Canary Wharf based publisher, upon their request, with the hope of a contract for publication," said Andrew.
'Formby's Lost Love' featured in The Vellum Summer 2015 issue - the official magazine of the George Formby SocietyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47437/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: THE George Formby Society has given recognition to the book, 'Formby's Lost Love' - by Los Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson - telling the life story of fiancee, Pat Howson.
World renowned 'The Vellum' magazine - the official magazine of the George Formby Society - features 'Formby's Lost Love' in their Summer 2015 Edition.
"I am delighted 'Formby's Lost Love' has been given recognition within 'The Vellum' magazine with a full colour page feature," said author Andrew, who has a property in Los Montesinos, Alicante.
'Formby's Lost Love' tells the previously untold life story of ukulele legend Formby's fiancee, Preston, Lancashire lass Pat Howson, whom the Wigan born star was set to marry, prior to his death of a heart attack.
Britain's biggest star of the 1940s-50s Formby was engaged to Pat in 1961, but died, aged 56, weeks prior to their wedding in March 1961.  Religious Education teacher Pat, died, aged 46, from ovarian cancer, in November 1971.
Formby was engaged to Pat, just weeks after Formby's wife Beryl's death in December 1960. 
"The final manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love' has been sent to a London, Canary Wharf based publisher, upon their request, with the hope of a contract for publication," said Andrew.
'Formby's Lost Love' featured in The Vellum Summer 2015 issue - the official magazine of the George Formby SocietyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47437/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THE RBL  AT THE PLAYA FLAMENCA FUN DAY

The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion were at the Fun Day at Playa Flamenca Beach on Sunday 24 May which was organised by Eddie Coleman, in aid of Reach Out and The RBL.
The day started with a parade by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums leading the way.  This was followed by standards of the Branches of the RBL, the Royal Naval Association, the Royal Marines Association and the Royal Air Force Association. 
Eddie Coleman organiser of the day welcomed everyone and invited The Counsellor for the coast Martina Scheurer to officially open the event.
There were many stalls which were kept very busy throughout the day along with many acts. The afternoon the was hosted by Simon Morton.
Final total raised on the day was €1172.30  Thank you for everyone who supported the day.
Further information is available at the Orihuela Costa Branch of the RBL at:
www.branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/orihuela-costaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47435/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion were at the Fun Day at Playa Flamenca Beach on Sunday 24 May which was organised by Eddie Coleman, in aid of Reach Out and The RBL.
The day started with a parade by the Torrevieja Pipe...

### SPANISH SENATE REJECTS HOMEOWNERS BID TO IMPROVE THE RELIABILITY OF THE LAND REGISTRY

Land Registry still not obliged to record existence of planning irregularities or demolition orders
 
Homeowners associations from across Spain failed in their bid to persuade the Spanish Senate to vote in favour of an amendment to the law regulating the Land Registry aimed at protecting buyers who purchase a house with a clean bill of health from a Land Registry Search (Nota Simple) only to find that the property has planning issues or even a demolition order. 
 
‘I think that we have lost a great opportunity to provide more legal security to those buying a house in Spain' said Maura Hillen from  AUAN, one of the two British groups who went to the Senate on 27th May in a last ditch effort to persuade Senators from the majority party, the Partido Popular, to support the amendment. ‘Given that all parties seem to agree on the necessity for this change it is difficult to explain why the change didn't happen' she said.
 
The amendment was submitted by the Socialist Senator, Fuensanta Coves from Andalucía, with the backing of her party, the PSOE. It was supported by 63 Senators from the Socialist group in the Senate but was defeated when 149 Senators from the ruling PP party voted against the change.
 
Gerardo Vazquez, the spokesperson for the second British group, SOHA, said ‘We believe that at least we ensured that these issues are being debated at the highest levels and that the Senate is now aware of the existence of these social issues. As a result we are sure that sooner or later these problems will be resolved. We of course hope that it will be sooner'.
 
Antonio Vilela, from the Spanish association, AMA, added ‘The PP agree that changes are required, but indicated that due to lack of time and other issues it couldn't be done in this Plenary session. They have invited us to submit our all our proposals so that they can consideration for incorporation with other legislative changes in subsequent Senate Plenaries.'
 
In response to this the associations have declared their intention to submit their initiatives to all political parties next week. In particular they will focus on a proposed change to the Contentious Administrative Law to guarantee prior compensation to purchasers in good faith should their property be demolished via the Administrative Courts.
 
In reference to the proposed change to the Land Registry legislation Mrs. Hillen concluded, ‘We may have lost that particular battle but we plan to move on to the next proposal and will submit our next initiative to all political parties next week. We won't give up because we have right on our side and we are not asking for the earth, just common sense measures that benefit everyone'. 
Contact: Maura Hillen 661329919 or info@almanzora-au.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47434/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Land Registry still not obliged to record existence of planning irregularities or demolition orders
 
Homeowners associations from across Spain failed in their bid to persuade the Spanish Senate to vote in favour of an amendment to the law regulatin...

### ARCHANGEL MICHAEL......THE MIGHTY WARRIOR ANGEL

We often call Michael “”St Michael” especially since Pope Pius named him the official patron saint of police officers and soldiers.  
No wonder...Michael is the defender of light and goodness and his chief role is to escort fallen people away so they cannot hurt other people.
Michael and his assistant angels, known as the The Band of Mercy take negatively minded people (both living and deceased) to the light of God where their minds are healed.
Archangel Michael is the might warrior angel who protects the vulnerable and gives the strength and courage to those who need it.  He often appears as a deep blue light or as a huge being, carrying a sword and shield.
Many people have reported they have returned home and glimpsed him or angels standing by their front door on guard duty and they are inevitably filled with a wonderful feeling of safety. He is known as the protector and will look after your home, your car and your family.  Remember: when you ask him to watch over you, you must have faith that he is there.
This means when you invoke him to protect your home while you away, you must let him do it.  If you keep worrying about it, it tells Archangel Michael that you do not trust him and he withdraws his energy.
Call upon Michael whenever you feel frightened by negative sources. If you are in a crowded place populated by upset people, for instance, ask Michael to cleanse away the negative energy. In the same vein, whenever you become burdened by worries and fears, ask Michael to cleanse your mind and 
heart. Angels can enter deep inside our bodies and thoughts and help us to see things from a more loving point of view.
Paintings of Michael often show him holding scales of justice in his hands as he is the overseer of truth and fairness. If you feel someone is treating you unfairly, ask Michael to intervene.  You´ll receive a miraculous solution, such as the other person suddenly calling with an apology or change of heart.
It´s a good idea to invite Michael´s presence into a room of your house or office that has a negative energy about it.
For instance, if you lived in a home previously occupied by unhappy people, ask Michael to purify the environment. I always ask Michael to clear the energy in the room or venues that I give workshops as Michael´s angelic energy creates a relaxed, loving atmosphere for the participants and me.
Whenever you are upset, call upon Michael to restore harmony and peace. If you travel into areas that feel unsafe in any way, be sure to ask Michael to guide you and protect you.
You can ask Him to intervene in contentious partnerships or marriages suffering from discord. Think of Michael as the protector of joy and you´ll always know when it is time to call for his help.
Those of you that are fire signs......Aries, Sagittarius and Leo are automatically aligned to his energy
ARCHANGEL MICHAEL ATTUNEMENTS
WOULD you like to be attuned to Archangel Michael´s energy. An attunement is an initiation when you are connected directly to his energy and can call on him at any time. You will feel an increase in your energy at once and experience a great peace. Angel energy is powerful and when you connect directly to Archangel Michael, his protection is felt immediately.
The attunement also means that you can work with him and make a difference to the world. The wonderful thing about the attunement is that you will then be able to attune people yourself so that wonderful energy can be spread gradually all over the world....just think about family and friends and anyone you may feel can spread this wonderful energy.
This Archangel Michael attunement workshop is being held on Saturday 6th June from 2.30-5.30/6.00 at the Lotus Yoga studios, 1st floor, Bahia Las Dunas C.C., behind Meradona, La Marina  and the cost is only 15 euros.
To book your place, please contact Christine Quinlan on 966 795  103...or email me on..bodyharmony@tinyworld.co.ukFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47432/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: We often call Michael “”St Michael” especially since Pope Pius named him the official patron saint of police officers and soldiers.  
No wonder...Michael is the defender of light and goodness and his chief role is to escort fallen pe...

### RESULTS OF LOCAL ELECTIONS IN ORIHUELA.

13 parties participated in the local elections of Orihuela 2015
8 of them did not get the sufficient votes to reach the 5% to get one councillor.
The results are as follows:
Partido Popular  11 seats
PSOE 8
Ciudadanos  3
Cambiemos  2
Foro Democrata 1
As we can see from those results, CLARO did not get enough votes to get a representation in the town hall, in spite of having Asun Mayoral as number 2 to attract votes from Orihuela town. Within the coming days and until the 13th of June the negotiations will take place to build a Government in
In Orihuela Costa there were 9 electoral tables distributed in 3 premises, the town hall Playa Flamenca, the Civic Center and the Reading Point in Calle Cipres.
Criticism came up stating that the Reading Point was too difficult to find and that for this reason "many people at the end did not vote", a fact which is denied by the following data:
Town Hall Playa Flamenca, 4 tables, total of 1.066 votes
Reading Point Calle Cipres, 3 tables, total of 908 votes
Centro Civico, 2 tables, total of 410 votes.
The most disappointing data of these elections is the very little participation of citizens of Orihuela Costa. Around 8.200 citizens in Orihuela Costa would have had the right to vote, but only 2.384 did so, which corresponds to 29,4% (42% in 2011) when the total participation of the whole municipality was 62,62% (nearly 9% less than in 2011).
Of course as usual before local elections, all parties "rediscovered" Orihuela Costa and did promise big improvements and it was difficult to make a choice, but citizens of Orihuela Costa unfortunately still do not understand that their participation in local elections is the way to achieve improvements and that they really could make a change in local government if they would want to.
Martina ScheurerFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47430/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: 13 parties participated in the local elections of Orihuela 2015
8 of them did not get the sufficient votes to reach the 5% to get one councillor.
The results are as follows:
Partido Popular  11 seats
PSOE 8
Ciudadanos  3
Cambiemos  2
Foro Democrata 1
As we can see from those results, CLARO did not get enough votes to get a representation in the town hall, in spite of having Asun Mayoral as number 2 to attract votes from Orihuela town. Within the coming days and until the 13th of June the negotiations will take place to build a Government in
In Orihuela Costa there were 9 electoral tables distributed in 3 premises, the town hall Playa Flamenca, the Civic Center and the Reading Point in Calle Cipres.
Criticism came up stating that the Reading Point was too difficult to find and that for this reason "many people at the end did not vote", a fact which is denied by the following data:
Town Hall Playa Flamenca, 4 tables, total of 1.066 votes
Reading Point Calle Cipres, 3 tables, total of 908 votes
Centro Civico, 2 tables, total of 410 votes.
The most disappointing data of these elections is the very little participation of citizens of Orihuela Costa. Around 8.200 citizens in Orihuela Costa would have had the right to vote, but only 2.384 did so, which corresponds to 29,4% (42% in 2011) when the total participation of the whole municipality was 62,62% (nearly 9% less than in 2011).
Of course as usual before local elections, all parties "rediscovered" Orihuela Costa and did promise big improvements and it was difficult to make a choice, but citizens of Orihuela Costa unfortunately still do not understand that their participation in local elections is the way to achieve improvements and that they really could make a change in local government if they would want to.
Martina ScheurerFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47430/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW SAMARITANS IN SPAIN FREE PHONE NUMBER 900 525 100

Thanks to the generous donations by their supporters Samaritans in Spain are now delighted to be able to provide a free phone number from 1st June. It is 900 525 100
Anyone in need of emotional  support can call 24/7  to speak to a trained listener free of charge. All calls are confidential.
More information can be found at  www.samaritansinspain.com
For the diary Samaritan's in Spain have a Summer Fayre at their Punta Marina  Centre on Saturday 6th June from 10am to 6pm. Sunshine F.M will be entertaining all day with surprise live performers. The fun day will include a fashion show, tombola, cake stall, Indian head massages and much more. Come along with all the family!
Other forthcoming events include restaurants The Vestry (Algorfa) and The Cloisters (San Miguel) hosting Ladies Day at Ascot lunches simultaneously on 18th June.  Gentleman are also welcome.Proceeds go to support the work of the Samaritans.
In July the Samaritans will be raising awareness and support for youth issues and are grateful to local rock band "Snowblind" and the Lansdowne at Playa Flamenca for their generous help with an event there 31st July. More details to be announced!
In addition to the new Freephone service there is also an email contact point: pat@samaritansinspain.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47429/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Thanks to the generous donations by their supporters Samaritans in Spain are now delighted to be able to provide a free phone number from 1st June. It is 900 525 100
Anyone in need of emotional  support can call 24/7  to speak to a trained listener free of charge. All calls are confidential.
More information can be found at  www.samaritansinspain.com
For the diary Samaritan's in Spain have a Summer Fayre at their Punta Marina  Centre on Saturday 6th June from 10am to 6pm. Sunshine F.M will be entertaining all day with surprise live performers. The fun day will include a fashion show, tombola, cake stall, Indian head massages and much more. Come along with all the family!
Other forthcoming events include restaurants The Vestry (Algorfa) and The Cloisters (San Miguel) hosting Ladies Day at Ascot lunches simultaneously on 18th June.  Gentleman are also welcome.Proceeds go to support the work of the Samaritans.
In July the Samaritans will be raising awareness and support for youth issues and are grateful to local rock band "Snowblind" and the Lansdowne at Playa Flamenca for their generous help with an event there 31st July. More details to be announced!
In addition to the new Freephone service there is also an email contact point: pat@samaritansinspain.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47429/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### New Airport Parking at Alicante-Elche

Alicante-Elche airport will soon have a new car park available, offering 15 minutes of free parking in their aptly named “Exprés” parking facility.
The work has already begun on the site near the departure terminal that will offer 80 places for collection and dropping off, aimed at providing the “maximum speed and comfort” for short term movements.
The work will result in some disruption at the airport whilst it´s being built, but it should be fully operational by July, at a cost of 116,568.48 euro.

Excerpt: Alicante-Elche airport will soon have a new car park available, offering 15 minutes of free parking in their aptly named “Exprés” parking facility. The work has already begun on the site near the departure terminal that will offer 80 places Read More ...

### School Tender Announced

The provincial education ministry has this week confirmed the tender for the contract for the construction of the Playas de Orihuela school. At a cost of 6.6 million euro, higher than the original quote, companies have until the end of June to submit their bids.
Once awarded, the work will have a lead time of 18 months and will therefore not be ready until at least the 2017 to 2018 school year, but once complete it will end what will be a 15 year long period of education in temporary portacabins.

Excerpt: The provincial education ministry has this week confirmed the tender for the contract for the construction of the Playas de Orihuela school. At a cost of 6.6 million euro, higher than the original quote, companies have until the end of Read More ...

### SPANISH AUTHORS AND WORLD LITERATURE

Don Quixote, is perhaps the best known Spanish book with Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), who wrote it, perhaps the best known Spanish writer abroad. 
Published during the so-called ‘Golden Age' of Spanish Literature (sixteenth and seventeenth century), it is one of the most translated books in history.
The Golden Age, beginning with the publication of Antonio de Nebrija's Spanish Grammar' (1492) and ending with the death of Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1681), also witnessed the release of The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes, and of his Fortunes and Adversities (anonymous, 1554), founding the genre of the picaresque novel and mirroring the Castilian Spanish vernacular of the Renaissance.
A little earlier, in 1499, Fernando de Rojas published La Celestina, or Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea. A blend of novel and play, this work marks the end of Medieval literature and the beginning of the Renaissance in Spanish.
It has been extremely popular since it was first published, having been read and staged by generations in Spain Latin America. In fact, we owe to Fernando de Rojas the archetype of the procuress, precisely called ‘celestina' in Spanish after the unforgettable character in his work.
Playwrights Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca revolutionised the Spanish theatrical scene in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Prolific and skilled, they wrote lots of plays, some – like Fuenteovejuna or La vida es sueño (Life Is a Dream) – still much staged in the Spanish-speaking world and beyond.
Francisco de Quevedo also wrote a picaresque novel, Historia de la vida del Buscón llamado don Pablos (The Life of Paul the Scavenger), as well as some of the finest metaphysical poetry and political satire. His arch-rival in literature, Luis de Góngora, author of the Fable of Polyphemus and Galatea, is the other major representative of the Spanish Baroque, whose influence can be felt in modern poets like the members of the so-called ‘Generation of 1927'.
Nineteenth-century Romanticism is best illustrated by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, whose Rhymes and Legends influenced late nineteenth-century writers like Juan Ramón Jiménez. A member of the ‘Generation of 1989', the author of Platero and I (the popular novel about a little donkey), was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1956.
The writers in the Generation of 1927 included Federico García Lorca, whose romances – Romancero Gitano (Gypsy Ballads) – and plays – Blood Wedding, Yerma, Bernarda Alba – are among the finest literary creations in Spanish.
http://marcaespana.es/en/
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47428/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Don Quixote, is perhaps the best known Spanish book with Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), who wrote it, perhaps the best known Spanish writer abroad. 
Published during the so-called ‘Golden Age' of Spanish Literature (sixteenth and seventeenth c...

### STRAWBERRIES, CHEESE AND THE WHITE BOTTOMED BUMBLE BEE

There was a serious clash on the islands last week. No, I am not talking about the forthcoming Spanish elections, but a ferocious clash between two food festivals in the old town of Santa Maria de Guia in the north west of Gran Canaria. 
The youngest food festival upstart, the Strawberry Festival, suddenly announced that they would hold their festival on the same day as the well-established Cheese Festival, which is its senior by 35 years. 
Well, you can imagine the shock horror of the townspeople, which I guess would be very similar to the indignation felt by the good ladies of the UK's Women's Institute should the date for an upstart dog show be on the same date as their annual jam making competition. Fur and feathers, if not jam and pickles, would fly.
In the strawberries and cheese clash, good old-fashioned Canarian common sense would eventually be applied, with the cheese festival being repeated the following week. Cheese and strawberry lovers could therefore enjoy both. What a beautiful combination too!
The Canary Islands know a thing or two about growing strawberries, with the municipality of Valsequillo being one of the few municipalities on the island of Gran Canaria that doesn't reach the coast. As such, the climate is perfect for growing strawberries, with over one million kilos of strawberries grown each year for local consumption, as well as for export.
Well-tried techniques are used to improve the quality and quantity of the crop, including setting garlic plants around the strawberry plants to ward off various insects that could damage the ripening fruit. White bottomed bumblebees are also recruited to pollenate the flowers on the strawberry fields, but please don't ask me how the bumblebees came to have white bottoms. 
The result of all this hard work from Canarian farmers, together with a little help from garlic and white bottomed bumble bees is delicious sweet tasting fruit, the like of which I have not tasted since growing up in rural Lincolnshire, and eating strawberries from my parent's garden.
As much as I enjoy eating strawberries throughout the year, my mind sometimes goes back to those childhood days when strawberries were only available for a few weeks of each year. How I used to look forward to those summer tea times when, I suspect, I enjoyed them even more due to their seasonal scarcity.
Maybe, in some ways, the ease of being able to buy strawberries, raspberries and what used to be other delicacies out of their normal growing season has taken the edge off the enjoyment felt when we knew that we could only enjoy them for a few precious weeks.
As far as possible, we only purchase strawberries grown in Valsequillo, or other parts of the island.  Sometimes, stocks are low and we are reduced to purchasing fruit from the local supermarket that has been imported from mainland Spain. The punnets of fruit look delicious enough with huge, red juicy fruit that is tempting to the eye, but are nearly always disappointing. Just one bite into the pallid, tasteless, watery flesh always makes me appreciate the qualities of the genuine Canarian strawberry even more.
A recent news article in a UK newspaper proudly boasted that strawberries are now available for 20 weeks a year, which is seen as a huge advance from just six weeks that was common in the 1990s. Now the UK strawberry season stretches from May to October, with any gaps in supply filled with chilled and often tasteless imports from Morocco, Israel, Jordan and, of course, Spain.
I am told that strawberries were seen on the shelves of UK supermarkets as late as December for the first time last year. The secret of the UK growers' success is the increasing use of polytunnels - huge flexible plastic greenhouses that stretch for acres across the British countryside, whereas in the 1990s there were none. Changing climate too has a part to play in the strawberry growers' success with mild winters and record levels of sunlight.
Back to Gran Canaria, and our plentiful supply of sweet, juicy strawberries for most of the year. I am pleased to report that both food festivals were a huge success and that the good people of Santa Maria de Guia can now enjoy both strawberries and cheese without fear of neighbourhood repercussions, and with grateful thanks to the white bottomed bumble bee.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle.  iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47427/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There was a serious clash on the islands last week. No, I am not talking about the forthcoming Spanish elections, but a ferocious clash between two food festivals in the old town of Santa Maria de Guia in the north west of Gran Canaria. 
The youngest ...

### NEW RECORD OF 16 MILLION INBOUND TOURISTS TO APRIL

The Inbound Tourism Survey, showed a record figure of 16 million inbound tourists in the first four months of the year, an increase of 4.4% on the same period last year.
The United Kingdom, France and Germany accounted for 53% of total inbound tourists, with increases in all three emitting markets. However, the largest year-on-year percentage increases were in smaller markets such as Italy, the United States, Ireland, Belgium and Asian countries.
All the autonomous regions posted increases, except for the Canary Islands, where the number was the same as last year. Particularly notable are the Region of Madrid - up 11.7%, the Balearic Islands - up 9.5% and Andalusia - up 6.8%.
The April figure for registered inbound tourists was also a record at 5.4 million, 2.8% up year-on-year. The result is largely due to the excellent performance of the French, Belgian and more distant markets such as Asia and Latin America.
Main emitting markets
A total of 3,276,016 tourists visited Spain from the United Kingdom, an increase of 5.5% on the first four months last year, accounting for 20.5% of all arrivals in the period.
France was the second biggest emitting market, at 2,638,825 tourists, up 4.7% on the first four months last year, and 16.5% of the total. Next came Germany with 2,521,835 tourists, representing a rise of 0.3% and 15.7% of the total for the four months. With 16.1% of the total, Germany stood in third place for April.
The Nordic countries contributed 1,510,455 tourists, a fall of 7.9% in the four-month period, and 9.4% of the total. In April, the figure was 375,291 tourists, a fall of 12.3%, which affected the Canary Islands above all. The April figure was 6.9% of the total, the fourth highest.
Italy was the emitting market for 990,444 tourists in the four months, a rise of 12.2% and 6.2% of the total. The April figure was 351,323 Italian tourists, with a rise of 4.6%. The Region of Madrid, the Balearic Islands and the Region of Valencia were the destinations of choice for Italian tourists.
Also worth noting are the increases in the first four months of the year of tourists from the United States (10.8%), Ireland (9.5%), Switzerland (8.7%) and Belgium (8.2%).
Main destination autonomous regions
Catalonia was the region with the highest number of inbound tourists between January and April, at 4,104,127 (up 4.5%), accounting for 25.6% of the total. It also led the list in April, at 1,424,243 tourists (up 3.2%), 26.3% of the total. French tourists were particularly significant in these figures.
The Canary Islands were visited by 4,049,190 tourists in the first four months of the year (down 0.7%), accounting for 25.3% of the total. In April, there was a fall of 5.5% to 904,050 tourists, accounting for 16.7%, with the fall mainly due to the British and Nordic markets.
Andalusia was visited by 2,165,691 tourists, up 6.8% between January and April and accounting for 13.5% of the total. In April, the total was 831,238 tourists, accounting for 15.4% of the total and a fall of 3.1%, due mainly to the German, British and Nordic markets.
A total of 1,205,083 tourists visited the Balearic Islands in the first four months of the year, a rise of 9.5% and 7.5% of the total. The figure for April was 690,647, 0.6% up, and 12.8% of the total. There was a rise in tourist numbers from Germany and Italy, which offset the fall from the Netherlands and Nordic countries.
The Region of Valencia was visited by 1,481,428 tourists between January and April, 9.3% of the total and a rise of 4%. In April, the number of tourists was 549,582, 10.2% of the total and a rise of 6.5% on April 2014, largely thanks to tourists from France and Italy.
The Region of Madrid was the chosen destination for 1,560,726 tourists, a rise of 11.7% and 9.7% of the total for the period. In April, 519,497 tourists came to Madrid, particularly from Asian countries, Italy and Latin America, accounting for 9.6% of the total. The April increase of 28.2% was the biggest for the month.
Form of travel, accommodation and type of holiday
A total of 13,107,491 inbound tourists arrived by air in the first four months of the year, 81.8% of all arrivals and up by 4.5%. In April, a total of 4,396,507 tourists came by air, 81.3% of the total and an increase of 2.2%.
Hotels were the accommodation of choice for 10,387,400 tourists, 64.9% of the total and a rise of 3.9%. The number staying in hotels in April was 3,405,536, up 0.5% and representing 63% of the total.
The number of tourists choosing to travel independently was up by 7.3% in the first four months of the year, at 11,442,896, or 71.4% of the total, while the remaining 28.6% (4,572,523)  came on a package holidays (down 2.1%).
In April the number arriving on package holidays fell by 11.1% year-on-year.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47426/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Inbound Tourism Survey, showed a record figure of 16 million inbound tourists in the first four months of the year, an increase of 4.4% on the same period last year.
The United Kingdom, France and Germany accounted for 53% of total inbound tourist...

### SENATE PLEA FROM AUAN

Representatives of the associations of purchasers in good faith of diverse nationalities are going to Madrid on Wednesday 27th May to ask the Senate to support a change to article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaría to provide the Land Registry with legal security for homebuyers. 
The delegation is composed of Antonio Vilela Fernández, the president of AMA (Asociación de Maltratados por la Administración) from Cantabria, Mario Blanke, a Belgian national and vice president of SOHA (Save Our Homes Axarquia) from Malaga, Maura Hillen, an Irish national and president of AUAN (Abusos Urbanísticas Almanzora No) from Almería, Gerardo Vazquez Nuñez, lawyer y spokesperson for SOHA and CALU y Raquel Paz representing FAUN.
The PP voted against this amendment in the Justice Comission on 5th May and the associations are appealing directly to the Senators to vote in favor of greater protection for purchasers in good faith.
AMA sent an open letter to every member of the Spanish Senate in Madrid asking for their support for this change, lending its voice to a solution initially promoted by AUAN and SOHA. The initiative is supported by many other associations and groups from various parts of Spain. The text of the letter is as follows.
Dear Senator:
We are writing to you respectfully and do not wish to waste your time, but we are convinced of the necessity for legislative change in order to protect purchasers in good faith. Our association has spent more than 10 years working for more just laws to protect citizens from the abuses of promoters, constructors…and our own administrations.
We believe that these legal changes are necessary to give legal security to everyone, so that the penalty for misdeeds is not paid by innocent families and so that we do not destroy the lives of people who are simply working to have a future.
Ladies and gentlemen, we assure you that we know what we are talking about. Our association is composed of families who have suffered decades of continued mistreatment from public administrations, town halls, the regional government and even from judgements of the courts. For many years our families, who committed no crime and who bear no responsibility, have had to endure a life sentence, which is the case when you are aware of the pending demolition of your home, through no fault of their own.
Currently, the Government of Cantabria and the Town Halls, via a resolution of the Parliament of Cantabria, have apologized to our families. The justice system has condemned the Administrations to pay moral damages to the families and the Government of Cantabria is making agreements with families whereby it assumes responsibility for the damage caused. **This road is not easy and there is still far to go for justice. We cannot punish good citizens without an end in sight and still comply with all legal and ethical precepts.
We have a serious problem. AMA has denounced this problem and has repeatedly called on regional, state and even European institutions for legislative changes to put an end to the uncertainty and gaps in our legal system which affect legal security at such an important moment as the purchase of a house.
Some changes have been achieved with changes to the law at both a regional level via Law 2/2011 of the 4th April of the Parliament of Cantabria ** and in Congress and recently in the Senate with the modification of article 319.3 of the Penal Code.
But unfortunately these changes are not enough, and the problem is not resolved, given that anyone can currently buy a house that is perfectly inscribed in the Property Register without any hint of a problem and yet, this house can be illegal and this person is not protected by the Property Register.
This creates an issue of legal insecurity that this proposed initiative serves to resolve, given that a third party who acts in good faith has the right to rely on the legality of a construction or work inscribed in the Register. The current lack of security has produced enough damage and suffering, as we have explained, but the repercussions are also international for people of other nationalities who have purchased registered houses and become trapped in a serious problem with their ** life savings held to ransom, something nobody can understand, whatever their nationality.
Therefore we take the liberty of asking you to seek comprehensive solutions, for all citizens, so that no one has to suffer the injustice that our families have suffered, because of legislation that has serious gaps in important moments such as the purchase of a family home.
Many associations such as AMA,AUAN,SOHA, CALU, FAUN, as well as other diverse groups and citizens have given their support, continuing to rely on the good work of the Senators and we appeal to your good sense to achieve improved legislation for something so important to everyone.
We thank you for your attention and the time you have given us. We hope that your good work will bring solutions, if possible, with the modification of article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaria. With kind regards from the thousands of families who are hoping for the solutions requested.
Antonio Vilela Fernández
Presidente de AMA
Contact: Maura Hillen 661329919 or info@almanzora-au.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47422/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Representatives of the associations of purchasers in good faith of diverse nationalities are going to Madrid on Wednesday 27th May to ask the Senate to support a change to article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaría to provide the Land Registry with legal...

### SPANISH WINES: AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST

Spain is the world's third winemaking country with as many as 17 Spanish wineries among the world's best 100, according to the list published every year by the World Association of Writers and Journalists of Wines and Spirits (WAWWJ).
On the 2014 list, Spain is the country with the largest number of wineries and ranks third in terms of winery awards, only behind the USA and France.
The WAWWJ list shows why Spanish wines are in vogue, the international presence of Spanish wineries growing all the time. Data exports from 2014 point in the same direction.
Winery Awards
The highest ranking Spanish winery on the list (6th) is González Byass, the recipient of 167 international awards in 2014. It is followed by Codorníu (8th) with 102 awards and Ramón Bilbao (20th) with 90.
Other well-ranked wineries are Hijos de Antonio Barceló (32nd), Emilio Lustau (33rd), Félix Solís Pagos del Rey (34th), Bodegas Murviedro (35th), Grupo Bodegas Olarra (45th), Vicente Gandía Pla (49th), Bodegas Barbadillo (58th) and Bodegas Burgo Viejo (67th).
Finally, there are Freixenet (72nd), Bodegas Iñaki Núñez (79th), Grupo Barón de Ley-El Coto de Rioja (82nd), Bodegas Rodríguez Sanzo (88th), Bodegas Muriel (89th) and Bodegas Avelino Vegas (99th).
Winemaking tradition
On the whole, there are 85 quality winemaking regions in Spain certified with Designations of Origin (DO). The most renowned are Jerez-Xères-Sherry (the oldest in the country, established in 1935), Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Other much appreciated DOs are Cava, Jumilla, Rueda, Rías Baixas, Bierzo, La Mancha.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47421/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain is the world's third winemaking country with as many as 17 Spanish wineries among the world's best 100, according to the list published every year by the World Association of Writers and Journalists of Wines and Spirits (WAWWJ).
On the 2014 list...

### CASH SMUGGLER ARRESTED IN BARCELONA

Officers from the National Police have arrested an Italian national who was attempting to bring 118,100 euro into Spain, hidden in different parts of his vehicle.
The man was a passenger on board a boat which had come from Italy to Barcelona, although he planned to travel to Marbella in Málaga by road.
The man was the subject of a pending police search and arrest warrant for allegedly committing a robbery with violence and intimidation.
Officers at the port of Barcelona requested to inspect the documentation of the man and noted “nervousness” in his attitude. Upon checking the documents the officers discovered that the man had been wanted for questioning since January for an alleged crime of robbery with violence and intimidation, issued through the police in Marbella.
Having then proceeded to inspect the vehicle, the officers discovered 5,000 euro hidden in the glove compartment. The man then claimed that he was not carrying anything else. However, with the collaboration of the Guardia Civil, a specially trained dog to detect bank notes was brought in to assist. The dog identified the spare wheel as being suspicious.
When subject to a scanner, the officers were able to visually confirm the dog´s suscion and continued with a detailed inspection.  Upon opening the tyre they discovered a large number of bundles of money wrapped in clear plastic and secured by rubber bands. 
In total, the officers found a total of 113,100 euro, mostly in 500, 200, 100 and 50 note denominations.
The bank notes were all genuine and were legal tender but the carrier could not justify their origin, and so the man was detained whilst the relevant proceedings are carried out.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47420/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested an Italian national who was attempting to bring 118,100 euro into Spain, hidden in different parts of his vehicle.
The man was a passenger on board a boat which had come from Italy to Barcelona, although...

### IRISH EMBASSY HONOUR W.B. YEATS

In light of the celebrations taking place world-wide to honour the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland's most beloved poets, W. B. Yeats, the Embassy and the Yeats Society in Madrid will be holding an art exhibition “Of this place” which will take place in the Ateneo de Madrid (Sala Prado 19), Calle Prado 19, from 2-14 June (11.30-9pm daily). 
The exhibition features 32 paintings and sculptures by eight contemporary Irish visual artists inspired by the very landscapes that helped shape Yeats' poetry.  
To complement the art from Ireland, Madrid designer Sandra Ruiz Bellew will exhibit her “Minnaloushe Poetry in Jewellery” collection, inspired by Yeats' poetry and the women in his life. There will also be a third exhibition on the life and works of Yeats, “La Vida y Obra de William Butler Yeats”, courtesy of the Irish Embassy. 
On Thursday 11 June at 7pm Embassy Staff will be hosting a special evening at the Ateneo to honour the poet with readings, song and music. We hope to see you there. 
Admission to the exhibition is free and everyone is welcome. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47418/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In light of the celebrations taking place world-wide to honour the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland's most beloved poets, W. B. Yeats, the Embassy and the Yeats Society in Madrid will be holding an art exhibition “Of this place&rd...

### MOTORWAY CLOSE BY TRUCK FIRE

The AP-7 motorway in the Barcelona area of Olèrdola was closed to traffic on Wednesday, as fire fighters tackled a blaze on a truck that was travelling on the road.
Emergency services were forced to stop traffic in both directions at 13:45 whilst they extinguished the flames, reopening one southbound lane 30 minutes later, reopening a second lane at 15:15.
The fire had spread to neighbouring vegetation resulting in four fire crews attending whilst traffic backed up for 3 kilometres.
Aside from this incident, with increased temperatures heading towards the summer, much of the country is on alert for the spread of forest fires, with motorists also asked to be vigilant at all times and not throwing anything from the vehicle, such as a lit cigarette or even rubbish, which can increase the risk of fire.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47416/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The AP-7 motorway in the Barcelona area of Olèrdola was closed to traffic on Wednesday, as fire fighters tackled a blaze on a truck that was travelling on the road.
Emergency services were forced to stop traffic in both directions at 13:45 whil...

### NEW TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA COUNCILLORS

Whilst we still dont know the makeup of the new councils these are the individuals in Torrevieja and Orihuela, and their parties, elected during the Municipal Elections last week who you voted for:
La nueva Corporación de Torrevieja
PARTIDO POPULAR 
1. Eduardo Jorge Dolón Sánchez
2. Joaquín Albaladejo Martínez
3. Josefa Agustina Esteve Huertas
4. María del Rosario Martínez Chazarra
5. Luis María Pizana Boj
6. Tomás Ricardo Ballester Herrera
7. María del Carmen Riera Iborra
8. María Sandra Sánchez Andreu
9. Inmaculada Montesinos Pérez
10. Miguel Alberto Cano Peña
11. María del Carmen Gómez Candel
 
PSOE
1. Ángel Sáez Martínez
2. Fanny Serrano Rodríguez
3. Domingo Pérez Gutiérrez
4. María África Celdrán Ros
 
LOS VERDES
1. José Manuel Dolón García
2. José Hurtado Paredes
3. Manuela Osuna Rodríguez
4. Carmen María Morate Arco
 
SUEÑA TORREVIEJA
1. Pablo Samper Hernández
2. Alejandro Blanco Vega
 
CIUDADANOS
1. Pilar Gómez Mañana
2. Francisca Parra Aparicio
 
APTCe
1. Manuel Domingo Soler Torregrosa
 
EUPV
1. Víctor Ferrández Esteve
 
La nueva Corporación de Orihuela
 
PP
1. Emilio Bascuñana Galiano
2. Francisco Manuel Sáez Sironi
3. Rafael Almagro Palacios
4. María Dolores Rocamora Gisbert
5. Sabina Goretti Galindo Benito
6. María Begoña Cuartero Alonso
7. Dámaso Antonio Aparicio García
8. Miguel Ángel Fernández Moreno
9. Sofía Álvarez Iñeguez
10. Noelia Grao López
11. Víctor Valverde Sáez
 
PSOE
1. Carolina Gracia Gómez
2. Antonio Damián Zapata Beltrán
3. María García Zafra
4. Víctor Manuel Ruiz Sáez
5. Carmen María Gutiérrez Marcos
6. Francisco Ruiz Galvez
7. María del Carmen Moreno Gómez
8. José Hernández Illescas
 
CIUDADANOS
1. Juan Ignacio López Bas
2. María Luisa Bone Campillo
3. María del Mar Ezcurra García
 
CAMBIEMOS ORIHUELA
1. Carlos Bernabé Martínez
2. Marta Guillén Llor
 
FORO DEMÓCRATA
1. Josefina Ferrando GarcíaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47414/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whilst we still dont know the makeup of the new councils these are the individuals in Torrevieja and Orihuela, and their parties, elected during the Municipal Elections last week who you voted for:
La nueva Corporación de Torrevieja
PARTIDO PO...

### Air Traffic Control Strikes

Spanish air traffic controllers have announced a series of walkouts in June in a dispute over penalties the airport authority Aena imposed during the strike in 2010.

A union spokesperson has said that the controllers will strike for two hours each morning and afternoon on the dates of the 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th of June.

### Arms Gang Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested eight people across Alicante, Murcia and Granada, accused of being part of an organised weapons smuggling gang.

During the raid on eight homes the officers seized five assault rifles and five pistols, as well as various knives, silencers, bows and crossbows, a large quantity of cash and a police shield.
Those arrested are of Spanish, Romanian and Dutch nationality and was conducted in collaboration of various security forces including the judicial police of Benidorm.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested eight people across Alicante, Murcia and Granada, accused of being part of an organised weapons smuggling gang. During the raid on eight homes the officers seized five assault rifles and five pistols, as Read More ...

### Torrevieja PSOE Head Resigns

In a press conference on Wednesday, leader of he Psoe in Torrevieja, Ángel Sáez, has announced his resignation.
The Psoe failed to topple the PP government in Sunday’s election, only managing to gain 4 seats, despite the PP losing their overall majority they had held for the last two decades.

Excerpt: In a press conference on Wednesday, leader of he Psoe in Torrevieja, Ángel Sáez, has announced his resignation. The Psoe failed to topple the PP government in Sunday’s election, only managing to gain 4 seats, despite the PP losing their Read More ...

### Cruise Passenger Evacuated

A 61 year old male was airlifted off a cruise ship 90 nautical miles south of Palma de Mallorca on Tuesday after suffering a fracture.
Helimer 213 picked up the passenger and transported him to the island of Mallorca for medical treatment.

Excerpt: A 61 year old male was airlifted off a cruise ship 90 nautical miles south of Palma de Mallorca on Tuesday after suffering a fracture. Helimer 213 picked up the passenger and transported him to the island of Mallorca for Read More ...

### Worker Dies in Electrocution Incident

A 54 year old man died on Tuesday after being electrocuted whilst working on an installation in an industrial estate in Albatera.
The incident occurred just after noon when the man was working at the top of the tower, secured by a safety harness. As a result of being electrocuted, his body remained suspended from the tower about 5 metres above the ground.
The fire service attended to rescue the man, along with an ambulance that had to be escorted by the police on account of them having difficulty accessing the site, but medics who also attended could only confirm his death.

Excerpt: A 54 year old man died on Tuesday after being electrocuted whilst working on an installation in an industrial estate in Albatera. The incident occurred just after noon when the man was working at the top of the tower, secured Read More ...

### WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS?

The recent autonomous elections in the Valencian Community were a disaster waiting to happen for the ruling Partido Popular, as the party and its senior representatives had been racked with corruption charges. In almost every instant the ultimate outcome in many locations will be the result of talks between the various political parties.
In the three capital cities of the autonomy, the PP Mayors lost, and this was particularly hard for Rita Barbera who had governed Valencia fairly and enthusiastically for the last 24 years. The PP was also ejected from the Mayoral seats of Alicante and Castellon, as well as the Presidency of the Autonomy with Alberto Fabra witnessing the worst result that the Community had seen for a long number of years. In all likelihood, the new President will either be Ximo Puig for the Socialists or Monica Oltra for Compromis.
They will both be summoned by Mr Fabra in an effort to try and smooth out a way forward by some sort of political alliance. In fact, things are so bad for the PP in the autonomy, that you can count on your fingers the municipalities where the PP was not wiped off the map. (These incidentally include Benidorm, Benisano and Teulada).
These results clearly pointed out to the politicians that the voters think that it is about time something was done to shake them up. The result could also be said to be the direct result of what happened over the Gürtel case in the Valencian Community that has now led to at least two former councillors being put in jail, as well as one former head of Castellon. In addition, the mess the PP was in internally made it almost impossible for the party to have any credibility any more.
Caught in the crossfire of all this was Mrs Barbera, who suffered electorally as a result, despite not having any connexion with those involved in the Gürtel case other than their being of the same party as her, and you know what?
I think that we should look to her to found a new party and renew and carry forward her own very valid political ideas. Time alone will tell. watch this space.
www.valencialife.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47413/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The recent autonomous elections in the Valencian Community were a disaster waiting to happen for the ruling Partido Popular, as the party and its senior representatives had been racked with corruption charges. In almost every instant the ultimate outco...

### A BIG DAY OF TENNIS ON THE COSTA BLANCA

Friday May 22nd was a busy day of tennis on the Costa. Two visiting groups of players were out visiting and participating at two different venues.
The first group from Abingdon LTC joined in with the regular morning players at the Montepiedra sports centre. Over 3 hours the 16 players competed in mixed doubles sets with winning pairs playing each other and changing partners and the losing pairs doing the same.
After the event the only two unbeaten players were Graham Hensby [Abingdon] and Alison Vos [regular attendee], congratulations to them both. Also thanks to Terry Carter the Abbingdon team organizer who brings his old club friends out to visit most years. A padel tournament was being held at the same time and afterwards both sets of players enjoyed a BBQ at the club.
The afternoon venue was on the courts at the Campoamor golf club. This tournament involved 3 teams consisting of 3 mixed doubles pairs each. Team 1 consisted of a group of players from Lincoln. Team 2 was called North/South and consisted of a group of friends from Northern and Southern England. Team 3 consisted of players from a tennis group in Guardamar with a couple of players from Campoamor. After 3 hours of competitive mixed the result could not have been much closer.
RESULTS- 1ST North/South 7 wins
2nd Lincoln 6 wins
3rd Guardamar 5 wins
There were 4 tie-breaks out of 18 matches, so the result really could have gone either way.
Congratulations to the winning team of Gary and Jackie Clark, Ian and Dawn Higson, Chris Hopkins and Lynn Williamson. They can be seen in the middle of the picture. Also congratulations to the only unbeaten pair of Terry Manley and Helen Coggle from Guardamar.
We hope to see both teams out again next year for more social and competitive tennis.
Both events were organized by LTA'pro' tennis coach, Steve Durie. If you would like to learn tennis or participate in social doubles play sessions and tournaments,
Steve can be contacted at sdurie@hotmail.co.uk tel- 635061439 or see www.tennisandpadel.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47412/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Friday May 22nd was a busy day of tennis on the Costa. Two visiting groups of players were out visiting and participating at two different venues.
The first group from Abingdon LTC joined in with the regular morning players at the Montepiedra sports c...

### LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE SATURDAY MORNING CRAFT MARKET IN JÁVEA

This coming Saturday the people that have set up their craft stalls every Saturday morning for the last five months in front of the Post Office (Correos) in Jávea will take a break till the autumn. In fact, most of the participants will set up their stalls in the summer market on the sea front of Jávea Port.
The craft people setting up in front of Correos feel fairly sure that the weekly fair will work in the coming years.  There were not that many visitors during the first five months, but the ones that did come, came specifically to look for the genuine craft work that is the speciality of all Amata markets. 
Many came to order something special, which sometimes could be made on the spot, at other times could be collected one or two weeks later.  The little market begins to be a known meeting point for people who are looking for individually made items and the artesans who make them.
In the summer this meeting point will be in the port of Jávea, on the sea front at the end of the Avenida Jaime I.  This will be the third year that Amata will be running their craft fair (Artesanía de Autor) in the Puerto;  every evening from 7 o`clock onwards some twenty stalls will be set up with a variety of crafts: jewelry, designer clothing, toys, decorative lamps, sculptures, leather bags and belts, paintings and caricatures.  The fair runs from 19 June till 13 September.
So this Saturday, 30 May, the craft stalls will be for the last time on the Plaza Marina Alta (from 10am till 2 pm) and then, from 19 June you can see most of them in the Puerto every evening.   More information about both fairs on www.amata.es or 639 979 678 (English spoken)
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47409/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This coming Saturday the people that have set up their craft stalls every Saturday morning for the last five months in front of the Post Office (Correos) in Jávea will take a break till the autumn. In fact, most of the participants will set up t...

### PROFESSIONAL WORK OF WOMEN, NOT OPPOSED TO HAVING A LARGE FAMILY

For half of women between 30 and 44 years, having a child has significantly altered their working lives, forcing a reduction in working hours, the temporary or permanent abandonment of work. 
The existence of children alone does not explain the difficulty of reconciling work and family. The truth is that the high rate of female employment accompanies a very low fertility of 1.34 children per woman.
In Europe, countries belonging to the European Union have lower fertility rates and high female labor activity.
In Spain, a factor that aggravates the low birthrate, is that 37% of working women have a temporary contract when the EU average is 15.5%.
Often in a young family both spouses have a temporary contract, which influences their decisions about whether to have children or not. Most women in the countries of the European Union believe that the ideal model is one in which both spouses have jobs of similar commitment, so that they can share the childcare. But less than half live in a family with such characteristics.
Female labor activity does not prevent bringing children into the world and even form large families. This is the opinion about the work and the children of saint John Paul II, which advised parents: "do not hesitate to have a large family, because the priority is not the pursuit of professional success but transmit to children those human and Christian values that give true meaning to life.”
In this decadent society it is necessary to assess the child in all its dimensions and significance as a developing person. Adults seem to make a special effort to go "against nature" degrading their physical and moral integrity. Those mothers who somehow act cruelly, should not forget that they are not only their children, but also children of God.
"The Misadventures of childhood affect all their life and leave an inexhaustible source of sadness in their hearts," says P. Brulat.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47400/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: For half of women between 30 and 44 years, having a child has significantly altered their working lives, forcing a reduction in working hours, the temporary or permanent abandonment of work. 
The existence of children alone does not explain the difficulty of reconciling work and family. The truth is that the high rate of female employment accompanies a very low fertility of 1.34 children per woman.
In Europe, countries belonging to the European Union have lower fertility rates and high female labor activity.
In Spain, a factor that aggravates the low birthrate, is that 37% of working women have a temporary contract when the EU average is 15.5%.
Often in a young family both spouses have a temporary contract, which influences their decisions about whether to have children or not. Most women in the countries of the European Union believe that the ideal model is one in which both spouses have jobs of similar commitment, so that they can share the childcare. But less than half live in a family with such characteristics.
Female labor activity does not prevent bringing children into the world and even form large families. This is the opinion about the work and the children of saint John Paul II, which advised parents: "do not hesitate to have a large family, because the priority is not the pursuit of professional success but transmit to children those human and Christian values that give true meaning to life.”
In this decadent society it is necessary to assess the child in all its dimensions and significance as a developing person. Adults seem to make a special effort to go "against nature" degrading their physical and moral integrity. Those mothers who somehow act cruelly, should not forget that they are not only their children, but also children of God.
"The Misadventures of childhood affect all their life and leave an inexhaustible source of sadness in their hearts," says P. Brulat.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47400/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TICKETS TO SEE SPANDAU BALLET LIVE IN MADRID

We are inviting auction bids for 2 tickets to see Spandau Ballet live in Madrid on Thursday 18th June 2015 - I have been given the tickets by Tracey Marshall who won them but is unable to go herself so she had generously donated them to charity. 
I have been told that the 2 tickets are worth  €140 - they will be auctioned at The Estate Agent's Summer Ball on Friday 12th June but we need to get advance notice out and get some bids in before June 12th otherwise it is very short notice for someone to get to Madrid.
The charity that will benefit is The Children's Home in Elche - Bids by email please to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk
All emails will be answeredFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47399/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: We are inviting auction bids for 2 tickets to see Spandau Ballet live in Madrid on Thursday 18th June 2015 - I have been given the tickets by Tracey Marshall who won them but is unable to go herself so she had generously donated them to charity. 
I ha...

### LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS - TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA

The Municipal elections have been taking place in the area and in the two main cities, Torrevieja and Orihuela, there was no party that achieved an overall majority. (Source: www.spanishvida.com)
TORREVIEJA
With the votes now counted in Torrevieja, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats.
PP got 11 seats with 8,995 votes or 37.98%, the PSOE got 4 with 3,934 votes or 16.61%, the LOS VERDES got 4 with 3,278 votes or 13.84%, SUEÑA got 2 seats with 1,842 votes or 7.78%, C's got 2 with 1,582 votes or 6.68%, APTCe-I got 1 with 1,528 votes or 6.45% and EUPV got 1 with 1,501 votes or 6.34%.
There were 23,998 votes in total, 50.61%.
ORIHUELA
Municipal Elections 2015 – Orihuela Results
With the votes now counted in Orihuela, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats.
PP got 11 seats with 10,652 votes or 36.39%. PSOE got 8 with 7,450 votes or 25.45%. C's got 3 seats with 2,866 votes or 9.79%. CO-EUPV-LVPV:AC got 2 seats with 2,680 votes or 9.16%. FDEE got 1 seat with 1,508 votes or 5.15%. C.L.A.R.O. got no seats, despite 1,430 votes or 4.89%, falling short of the 5% minimum.
Orihuela had a reasonably good turnout with 29,774 votes cast, 62.62%.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47398/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Municipal elections have been taking place in the area and in the two main cities, Torrevieja and Orihuela, there was no party that achieved an overall majority. (Source: www.spanishvida.com)
TORREVIEJA
With the votes now counted in Torrevieja, n...

### Municipal Elections 2015 – Torrevieja Results

With the votes now counted in Torrevieja, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats.
PP got 11 seats with 8,995 votes or 37.98%, the PSOE got 4 with 3,934 votes or 16.61%, the LOS VERDES got 4 with 3,278 votes or 13.84%, SUEÑA got 2 seats with 1,842 votes or 7.78%, C’s got 2 with 1,582 votes or 6.68%, APTCe-I got 1 with 1,528 votes or 6.45% and EUPV got 1 with 1,501 votes or 6.34%.
There were 23,998 votes in total, 50.61%.

Excerpt: With the votes now counted in Torrevieja, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats. PP got 11 seats with 8,995 votes or 37.98%, the PSOE got 4 with 3,934 votes or 16.61%, the LOS VERDES got 4 Read More ...

### Municipal Elections 2015 – Orihuela Results

With the votes now counted in Orihuela, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats.
PP got 11 seats with 10,652 votes or 36.39%. PSOE got 8 with 7,450 votes or 25.45%. C’s got 3 seats with 2,866 votes or 9.79%. CO-EUPV-LVPV:AC got 2 seats with 2,680 votes or 9.16%. FDEE got 1 seat with 1,508 votes or 5.15%. C.L.A.R.O. got no seats, despite 1,430 votes or 4.89%, falling short of the 5% minimum.
Orihuela had a reasonably good turnout with 29,774 votes cast, 62.62%.

Excerpt: With the votes now counted in Orihuela, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats. PP got 11 seats with 10,652 votes or 36.39%. PSOE got 8 with 7,450 votes or 25.45%. C’s got 3 seats with 2,866 Read More ...

### ISSUE 570 IS OUT NOW

The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader newspaper is out now.
You can read it on line here and then pick up the first newspaper of the week in the morning from hundreds of venues.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47397/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader newspaper is out now.
You can read it on line here and then pick up the first newspaper of the week in the morning from hundreds of venues.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47397/Telford | pro...

### Balcony Fall Victim in Serious Condition

A young British holidaymaker, said to be in his 20´s, was in a critical condition in a Magaluf hospital on Sunday after falling from a hotel balcony in the early hours of the morning.
The man fell from the first floor balcony of the Mallorca hotel onto the street below. It is believed that the man was the latest young person to participate in an activity known as “Balconying”, intentionally jumping from a hotel balcony, usually into a swimming pool.

Excerpt: A young British holidaymaker, said to be in his 20´s, was in a critical condition in a Magaluf hospital on Sunday after falling from a hotel balcony in the early hours of the morning. The man fell from the first Read More ...

### Orihuela Cyclist Airlifted to Hospital

A 49 year old male was taken to hospital by helicopter on Sunday after falling into a ravine at the Pedrera reservoir as he was cycling through the Orihuela countryside.
The man had suffered multiple injuries in the crash and landed in a position which was difficult to access by ground crews, and so the helicopter was called into assist in taking the man to the Vega Baja hospital.

Excerpt: A 49 year old male was taken to hospital by helicopter on Sunday after falling into a ravine at the Pedrera reservoir as he was cycling through the Orihuela countryside. The man had suffered multiple injuries in the crash and Read More ...

### BONSOR AND DANDO TAKE NATIONAL TITLES

BY SUZI COOPER - Players from as far as Tenerife & Laura Golf on the Costa del Sol travelled to the Southern Costa Blanca to participate in the 2015 Spanish National Championships.
Matches were held at both the San Luis and Quesada Clubs. Following on from the Pre Nationals Open Pairs event the National proper got underway ten days ago during which time there was some amazing bowling; some anticipated results and some that were totally unexpected.
The Ladies rinks was marred by 2 teams having to withdraw in the quarter finals due to ill health on the fateful Thursday when temperatures reached low 40s in the shade.
In the semis Peta Rhodes, Marianne Holtham, Jacqui Johnston & Lisa Bonsor (Quesada) defeated Sue Johnson, Jan Pocock, Lyn Greenland & Lin Miller (Greenlands) and then Norma Lamberton, Eve Blythe, Carol Broomfield & Diane Riley made it an all Quesada final by defeating Debbie Colquhoun, Gill Atkinson, Jan Dando & Jenny Thompson (Indalo). The final started off as a close affair but the experienced team, skipped by Lisa Bonsor, were the eventual winners by 9 shots.
In the Mens rinks both teams comfortably progressed to the final. Cliff Plaisted, Noel Davis, Fred Willshire & Chris Collier (San Miguel) finally losing out to William Holtham, John Muldoon, Bill Pain & Pete Bonsor (Quesada).
The Ladies triples final was played between Peta Rhodes, Jacqui Johnston & Lisa Bonsor (Quesada) and Debbie Colquhoun, Gill Atkinson & Jenny Thompson (Indalo). The Quesada ladies took control of this match from the beginning, finally winning by 7 shots.
In the Men's triples, last year's champions John Muldoon, Bill Pain & Pete Bonsor (Quesada) progressed steadily to the final while Dennis Birkett, Brian Patton & Peter Whitehall (Country Bowls) stormed their way through, winning all tof heir matches by at least 10 shots. The final was a nip & tuck game played at the end of the day.
It sounded as though every member of Country Bowls was their cheering their team on. One end changed the course of the game when the Quesada trio were holding 5 and with his final bowl Peter Whitehall trickled off a wing bowl to reduce the score to 1. On the final end the shot changed almost with every bowl but it was the Country Bowls trio who took the title.
In the Ladies Pairs the semi-finals were both Quesada v Indalo. In the first of these Peta Rhodes & Lisa Bonsor (Quesada) defeated fellow squad members Debbie Colquhoun & Jan Dando (Indalo). The recent CBBA Champion of Champions finalists Mel Highland & Jacqui Johnston (Quesada) took the honours over Gill Atkinson & Jenny Thompson (Indalo).
The final of this game was extremely tight, going down to the wire with the scores at 16 apiece going into the final end. Mel & Jacqui eventually took the silverware by just a single shot.
In the Mens pairs there were some upsets. The favoured pairings of Colin Jackson & Mal Hughes (San Luis) went out in the first round, as did the father & son combination Graham & Robert Cathcart (Tenerife) while the winners of the pre-tournament pairs Jason Prokopowycz & Derek Sale progressed to the final.
In the other side of the draw 2 Costa del Sol teams came through to the semi Terry Morgan & Jeff Pitt (Belplaya) eventually lost to Mac Roberts & Tom Rogers (Lauro Golf). However, in the final, Jason & Derek took the honours.
In the Ladies singles last year's Champion withdrew during her first match due to illness. Her opponent Pauline Robinson (Tenerife) made it to the semi-final before being defeated by 2013 champion Jan Dando (Indalo). In the opposite end of the draw Pat McEwan (San Miguel) took some notable scalps on her way to the semi-final where she lost to Nina McKenzie (Mazarron). The experience of Jan took her through to win the Ladies Singles for the 2nd time in 3 years.
Last year's Mens Singles runner up Mal Hughes (San Luis) went out to Brian Robertson (Mazarron) who was defeated in the next match by Terry Morgan from Bel Playa (Costa del Sol). Terry progressed all the way to the semi-final where he fell to Jason Prokopowycz (Quesada). In the other half of the draw reigning champion Pete Bonsor played steadily throughout to the final.  In the final Pete played exhibition standard bowls to win the title for the second year.
This year in place of the Player of the Tournament there was a Personality of the Tournament prize. Kevin Reardon of The Leader newspaper presented the award to Mac Roberts (Lauro) who with his doddering, cantankerous style won the hearts of many of the players, officials & spectators.
In closing the competition National Director paid tribute the organisers, the players and the spectators for what had been a truly wonderful National Tournament.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47396/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: BY SUZI COOPER - Players from as far as Tenerife & Laura Golf on the Costa del Sol travelled to the Southern Costa Blanca to participate in the 2015 Spanish National Championships.
Matches were held at both the San Luis and Quesada Clubs. Followin...

### ELCHE SIGN OFF WITH A WHIMPER

Levante UD 0 – 0 Elche CF
Elche CF closed out their, at times, turbulent season with a goal-less draw from their dead rubber with near(ish) Valencia neighbours Levante. 
The fact the match kicked-off two hours before the rest of the games on this the final day of the season tells you all you might have needed to know about it's importance. La Liga safety for both sides was assured a couple of games ago so this was merely an exercise in getting the final fixture out of the way and it showed.
Elche were brighter throughout with the lions share of the chances and did more than enough to win it. Instead, profligacy in front of goal was the order of the day and players with the most to prove did the precise opposite. Top scorer and want-away striker Jonathas was absent, suspended, so Christian Herrera was handed the role of leading the line. He did so in almost complete anonymity.
Truth be told this was a football match of seemingly unending tedium, particularly during an especially dull first half. Both sides had occasional bursts of energy but moments of excitement in or around either penalty area were few and far between. Barely ten thousand were there to witness the non-spectacle and those who managed to stay away were the lucky ones.
The visitors had by far the best of the second half and should have gone ahead on sixty six minutes when Elche born and bred midfielder Aarón Ñíguez was felled inside the box for a clear penalty. Waving away the protestations of regular spot-kick taker David Lombán, the Ilicitano then proceeded to fire a dire dead ball straight at Levante goalkeeper Mariño for the easiest save of his season. His embarrassment was complete just moments later when he was substituted by Coro.
Worse was to follow for Elche who, by now, were fashioning some decent chances. Two of the best fell to Herrera who, just a couple of years ago couldn't stop scoring for the Elche B team. Twice clean through and onside he slipped the ball past a post when Mariño's goal presented a far bigger target.  Eventually, and not before time, Andaluz referee Melero López blew for time and the Ilicitano's completed their season with an impressive haul of 41 points, one more than last time, and thirteenth place.
Manager Fran Escribá, if he stays, now has a rebuilding job to do at Elche. The club survived with ease in the Primera División thanks to the goals of Jonathas and a much improved second half of the campaign. As part of the soap opera behind the scenes, the football club faces a summer transfer embargo and now, having worked wonders during his three seasons directing operations from the Elche bench, Escribá may decide to call time on his Alicante adventure and seek a new challenge. It'll be an interesting summer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47395/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Levante UD 0 – 0 Elche CF
Elche CF closed out their, at times, turbulent season with a goal-less draw from their dead rubber with near(ish) Valencia neighbours Levante. 
The fact the match kicked-off two hours before the rest of the games on th...

### CD TORREVIEJA SEASON 14/15 ROUNDUP

The season started off well enough, unbeaten for the first 4 matches, then a perfect 4 out of 4 victories in October.  
When Torry recorded a superb 4-2 conquest over Muro in mid January, they deservedly reached the dizzy heights of 2nd place, but a disastrous run of 5 straight defeats, then 2 draws, signalled the end of manager Galiana's short lived reign. 
Enter Pedreno, and what an amazing initiation it was.  A 6 match unbeaten run, commenced with a superb 6-1 thrashing of Acero, as the fans were treated to positive attacking football, the likes of which had been sadly lacking for some while.  Although a defeat at Novelda proved near fatal regarding their slender play off aspirations, a 3 match unbeaten run, resulted in a final league div 3 position of 10th.
So, what went wrong?  After promising so much, Galiana appeared to have lost the support of the players, who were constantly asked to apply negative tactics, whilst hardly adhering himself to the fans.  Pedreno lifted the shackles, allowing players to express themselves, restoring a smile, which sadly had been missing for too long. 
Unfortunately, goals were in short supply.  Apart from top scorer Rafa (10), and Cesar (9), the next highest scorer was shared amongst 5 players, who scored 3 goals each.  Even though Spanish referees at this level are infamous at lacking common sense, regarding when and when not to caution or send off a player, discipline was undoubtedly very poor.  Key players missed a whopping 22 matches through suspension, as Jorge headed the list with 5. 
A total of 33 players were named on team sheets, although only 22 actually played, in a season when an unchanged side became a rarity.  Having said that, a number of cruel injuries put paid to any form of continuity, none more so than promising youngsters Sergi and Ruben, plus Martin, who was missing for a large chunk of matches. 
Pedreno is already arranging pre season friendlies, including a provisional one on 23 or 24 July against Hull City, whilst they are taking a summer training break at Campoamor.  Hopefully, season 15/16 will see him lead his side to a play off place, whilst continuing to entertain the fans with imaginative attacking football.
End of season player awards went to the following:
           Young player of the year - Ruben
           Most improved player - Adrian
           Golden Boot - Rafa
           Val Lancaster Trophy - Vicente
           Players player of the year - Rafa
           Player of the year - OscarFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47394/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The season started off well enough, unbeaten for the first 4 matches, then a perfect 4 out of 4 victories in October.  
When Torry recorded a superb 4-2 conquest over Muro in mid January, they deservedly reached the dizzy heights of 2nd place, but a d...

### PERFECT TENPIN GAME BOWLED IN TORREVIEJA

63-year-old tenpin bowler Antonio Bermudez of Elche has achieved only the second 300 game ever bowled in sanctioned competition in Torrevieja.  
‘Every bowler's dream come true' happened for him on Ozone Bowling's lanes 13 and 14 during the EBT League on 14 May. 
The club awarded him a framed certificate and had him sign a special commemorative bowling pin, now on show in the bowling centre. 
More than two years passed from the first sanctioned perfect game, which was rolled in January 2013 by Olli Leppänen.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47393/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: 63-year-old tenpin bowler Antonio Bermudez of Elche has achieved only the second 300 game ever bowled in sanctioned competition in Torrevieja.  
‘Every bowler's dream come true' happened for him on Ozone Bowling's lanes 13 and 14 during the EBT ...

### QUESADA BOWLS CLUB - SPONSORED BY SPANISH LIFE PROPERTIES

The Spanish Nationals are reaching their conclusion & leagues will start again next week. More names are needed on the sheets for the Premier 20 league & for the Greenlands friendlies. There are still no names of the sheet for the Social Committee, so come on do your part.
Quesada has been treated to some amazing bowling and our own entrants have done us proud.  Pete Bonsor took the Mens Singles title with Jason Prokopowycz in 2nd place. Jason teamed up with Derek Sale to become Pairs Champions. 
John Muldoon, Bill Pain & Pete Bonsor were 2nd in the Mens Triples & together with William Holtham they became Rinks Champions. In the Ladies events Mel Highland & Jacqui Johnston just beat fellow club mates Peta Rhodes & Lisa Bonsor in the Ladies Pairs. In the triples Peta Rhodes Jacqui Johnston & Lisa Bonsor took the title.
Marianne Holtham joined the 3 to take the Rinks title over fellow Quesada ladies Norma Lamberton, Eve Blythe, Carol Broomfield & Diane Riley.  In all 6 of the 8 titles went to Quesada players plus 4 of the losing finalists.
On a personal note I would like to thank Margaret Smith, Joe & Diane Riley for setting up the green in the morning & for clearing away in the evening. Thanks also go to the members who volunteered to mark the singles matches and we were able to provide markers for every singles match up to & including the semi-finals without the need for losing players to mark.
George Radmore, George Carnell, Joe Riley, Diane Riley, Mark France, Peter Bradbury, Peter Farrell, Margaret Smith, Colin Highland, Jack Martin, Deidre Leeming, Veronica Sale & not forgetting Sheila Cox from Vistabella who also helped out. The 13 managed to mark a total of 58 matches – no mean achievement.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47389/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Spanish Nationals are reaching their conclusion & leagues will start again next week. More names are needed on the sheets for the Premier 20 league & for the Greenlands friendlies. There are still no names of the sheet for the Social Commit...

### NEW PRESIDENT FOR RBL SPAIN NORTH

The Royal British Legion in District North Spain is delighted to announce the inauguration of Lloyd Milen, British Vice Consul in Alicante as their new President. 
The ceremony took place at Cuidad Patricia, Benidorm recently when Lloyd was presented with his “Chain of Office” and Legion badge. 
Lloyd said he was looking forward to his new role.  The British Consulate already works closely with the Legion dealing with those British nationals who may need Legion help and support.
Nigel Hails, District Chairman, remarked he was pleased to be working more closely with Lloyd in the future.
The District area covered by our Welfare Co-ordinator, runs from the French border to Baza in Granada Province and anyone wanting information should ring 676 451 780 (weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) For general information, please ring 648 860 251 (weekdays) or visit our website:
www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north. Information on the location of our 18 Branches can also be found on the website.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47388/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Royal British Legion in District North Spain is delighted to announce the inauguration of Lloyd Milen, British Vice Consul in Alicante as their new President. 
The ceremony took place at Cuidad Patricia, Benidorm recently when Lloyd was presented ...

### LOCAL ARTIST INSPIRED BY TORREVIEJA SWIMMER

Local artist Julia Everett-Wragg was so inspired by an action shot of Torrevieja swimmer Zoe Connelly that she decided to commit the image to a painting. She described the photo as ‘an inspiration' and it was not too long before she set about committing it to canvas.
“I could see the effort required by Zoe in the butterfly stroke and I just had to capture the sheer determination on her face as she pulled herself through the water,” said Juevra, “so just a few weeks ago I set about my task, with the hopeful intention of perhaps, one day, actually meeting Zoe and presenting her with the picture, but I never realised that it would happen quite so quickly.”
Just last week, with the painting now complete, Juevra made contact with the Leader in the hope that they could help her to meet up with Zoe with the intention of presenting the finished work to the young swimmer. The email was passed to Zoe's mother who responded the very next day.
“Zoe was absolutely delighted,” said Vicki, who incidentally was responsible for taking the initial photograph. “I showed the email to Zoe and she was so excited. She would love to accept the painting and be really pleased to meet with the artist.”
And so, within just a couple of days, arrangements were made for a meeting at Torrevieja Swimming Pool, the home of Zoe's parent club, Club Natacion Torrevieja.
The pair met last Tuesday evening, along with mother Vicki, when the presentation was made. Vicki was quite obviously delighted as indeed was the artist Juevra. “I was so pleased to see the show of genuine appreciation from Zoe, it was such a thrill to hand over the painting to her.”
Juevra explained that she only took up painting fairly recently whilst on a cruise that offered 12 free art classes on sea days. Before the end of the cruise she had painted 5 watercolour pictures which were exhibited on the final day. She then joined the U3A painting course on her return to Torrevieja.
Now having changed to acrylic, Juevra only paints images that inspire her, recent works including a Spanish flamenco dancer, a Spanish friend's children, a portrait of her husband, a landscape in Peniscola and of course an action painting of 13 year old Zoe.
Later that evening the painting was shown to all the club swimmers, many now wanting a painting of their own.
But with it now safely hanging in ‘pride of place' on her bedroom wall Zoe will get back to the real business of competing and with her eyes firmly set on the Spanish National Summer Championships to be held later the year in Barcelona, for which she has already qualified, this young Torrevieja swimmer might be equally inspired every time she looks up at the painting hanging above her head.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47387/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local artist Julia Everett-Wragg was so inspired by an action shot of Torrevieja swimmer Zoe Connelly that she decided to commit the image to a painting. She described the photo as ‘an inspiration' and it was not too long before she set about com...

### MINISTER GIVES AGREEMENT TO AIRPORT CLOSURE

Ana Pastor, the Minister of Development, said last week that agreement has now been reached with operator AENA for the closure of San Javier Airport. 
She said that the operator had accepted the draft submitted to them by the Autonomous Community outlining the stepts that will effect closure of the popular airport.
However she also stated that "It still depends on legal services, but for my part, everything is OK."  The statement was made during the Minister's visit to Cartagena where she was meeting with City officials to discuss the progress of the AVE High Speed Train.
She said that the agreement provides for a period of six months between the opening of Corvera Airport and the closure of San Javier, as well as agreement to, and payment of, the compensation to Aena for the investments they have made in San Javier.
On the subject of the AVE the Minister said that it would arrive in Cartagena toward the end of next year, emphasizing that there is still a great deal of work to be carried out before the high speed network can connect the city with Madrid.
 The new network will shorten the route between Cartagena and the capital by half hour, with a maximum travel time of 3.05 hours. It will also allow connection to the Mediterranean Corridor.
Spain is the second most advanced country in the world and the first in Europe in High Speed and it has the most modern and technologically advanced fleet of trains on the continent.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47386/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Ana Pastor, the Minister of Development, said last week that agreement has now been reached with operator AENA for the closure of San Javier Airport. 
She said that the operator had accepted the draft submitted to them by the Autonomous Community outlining the stepts that will effect closure of the popular airport.
However she also stated that "It still depends on legal services, but for my part, everything is OK."  The statement was made during the Minister's visit to Cartagena where she was meeting with City officials to discuss the progress of the AVE High Speed Train.
She said that the agreement provides for a period of six months between the opening of Corvera Airport and the closure of San Javier, as well as agreement to, and payment of, the compensation to Aena for the investments they have made in San Javier.
On the subject of the AVE the Minister said that it would arrive in Cartagena toward the end of next year, emphasizing that there is still a great deal of work to be carried out before the high speed network can connect the city with Madrid.
 The new network will shorten the route between Cartagena and the capital by half hour, with a maximum travel time of 3.05 hours. It will also allow connection to the Mediterranean Corridor.
Spain is the second most advanced country in the world and the first in Europe in High Speed and it has the most modern and technologically advanced fleet of trains on the continent.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47386/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### OPEN WIDE!

I received an invitation to visit the dentist today. Nothing unusual in that maybe, since I seem to have had a rapid succession of appointments with the dentist since that unfortunate incident with a peanut and excessive turbulence on an internal flight in the Canary Islands last summer. 
No, this dental appointment is different; it is an invitation to attend a celebration of ten years of the dental practice opening, which fortunately coincided with our arrival in Gran Canaria.
At that time I remember tentatively calling into a newly opened surgery in our nearest town to get some details of the dental care that was available. The surgery appeared to be brimming with the latest technology and what seemed to be high tech equipment that was far removed from the small, quaint practice that I usually attended in the UK.
I remember being impressed not only with the equipment, but a more sensible regime for appointments, routine cleaning, as well as a clear pricing structure. Indeed, the fees seemed to be about half of those that I paid in the UK.
Some years ago, I remember many friends and relatives in the UK commenting that they now had a Spanish dentist, working both in private practice, as well as filling the many gaps in the NHS dental service. Even though I was pleased for UK patients, I began to wonder if this would lead to a shortage of dentists in Spain and the Canary Islands, which did seem to be a possibility.
Due to changes in the fee structure for dentists in the UK, many dentists were leaving the National Health Service, and provided care for private patients only. This shortage of dentists tempted many newly qualified, as well as established, Spanish dentists to leave Spain in order to fill the acute gaps within the UK's dental service.
This began to cause a problem for Spain's own dental service, resulting in shortages of qualified dentists. This situation coincided with an excess of dentists being trained in South America, and particularly in Argentina, which had rapidly expanded its dental training programme, as well as developing new dental techniques such as dental implants, resulting in far too many dentists for the country to absorb. This was fortunate, because many newly trained dentists left South America and headed to Spain and the Canary Islands to work in established surgeries, as well as opening their own.
My own dentist is also from Argentina and until recently was one of the few dental surgeons in Spain who was sufficiently qualified to deal with dental implants. When I first knew him, he used to work for two days each week in Madrid and three days in Gran Canaria until his own practice became sufficiently well established. 
Since that time, the dental surgery has grown and rapidly expanded, resulting in much larger premises, as well as a new sister surgery opening in Las Palmas.  The care that we have received has been second to none, and I am grateful that I stumbled across a good dentist during those first heady days of our new life in Gran Canaria. Now that is something to celebrate and it will be so good to visit my dentist for celebratory drinks and nibbles instead of a new crown or a filling!
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle.  iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47385/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I received an invitation to visit the dentist today. Nothing unusual in that maybe, since I seem to have had a rapid succession of appointments with the dentist since that unfortunate incident with a peanut and excessive turbulence on an internal fligh...

### GROUP CALLS FOR CLOSURE OF LANDFILL SITE

Local campaign group, Vertivega, are calling for the closure of the Abanilla Proambiente landfill because of the illegal actions that are allegedly being carried out by staff employed at the site. They say that waste is being dumped in areas that have not been authorized for such use.
The group says that they warned of the illegal activities to Seprona, the environmental agency of the Guardia Civil, saying that the site authorities were landfilling in areas where they were not authorized to do so.
Their allegations were based on three reports that had been drawn up by Seprona in March following inspections made on the site, since which time the illegal dumping has been taking place. 
Vertivega say that there has been a breach of the court order issued on July 19, 2012 and they call for an immediate cessation of all activity on the premises of the landfill whilst SEPRONA Carry out a full investigation.
Vertivega is an action group that was born three years ago from the indignation of citizens, associations and other organizations following suspicions of illegal activities carried out in the area of waste management which they say could  have disastrous consequences for health, the economy and the environment of the Vega Baja del Segura.
You can follow their activities on their Facebook site by simply typing in VertivegaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47384/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local campaign group, Vertivega, are calling for the closure of the Abanilla Proambiente landfill because of the illegal actions that are allegedly being carried out by staff employed at the site. They say that waste is being dumped in areas that have ...

### BUMPER MONTH FOR LOW COST AIRLINES

According to data released last week, Low Cost airlines carried 1.2 million passengers through Alicante Airport in the first four months of the year, representing an increase of 7.5% over the same period last year, and also representing 14.3% of the National total, 
In all they transported 8.6 million passengers, up 11.7% on the year. In contrast, traditional companies moved 9.5 million travelers to April, showing an increase of 1.1% over the same period of 2014.
In April alone the airlines increased their passengers by 6.4% to over three million, 52.5% of the total air traffic for that month, which had itself risen by 2.7% to 5.8 million passengers.
By markets, in April, the UK and Italy led the way accounting for 33.2% and 12.9% respectively of all passengers who chose to travel by air achieving growth of 6.9% for the British market (2.8 million passengers), and 20.2% for the Italian market (1.1 million passengers).
Germany, the third largest traveller, increased their portion by 13.6% to 993 185, equivalent to 11.5% of the total number. They were followed by France, with 8.9% of the total achieving 764 537 passengers, 19.9% more than a year ago.
Of the airlines themselves, Ryanair, E asyJet and Vueling, achieved 71% of the passenger volume generated in  the low cost segment and 37% of the total in international air travel who arrived in Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47383/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to data released last week, Low Cost airlines carried 1.2 million passengers through Alicante Airport in the first four months of the year, representing an increase of 7.5% over the same period last year, and also representing 14.3% of the Na...

### VICE CONSUL ON PARADE IN THE ORIHUELA COSTA

Lloyd Milen was the guest speaker at the May meeting of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion held in Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening. Lloyd is, of course, the Vice Consul, at the British Consulate in Alicante. 
Rather fittingly, although the arrangement had been made some weeks ago, Lloyd had recently assumed the role of RBL (District North Spain) President and his visit to the Orihuela Costa was his first to a local branch since assuming the appointment.
However, his presentation to the members focused very much on the role played by the British Consulate in this part of Spain. He spoke of how the Consulate already works closely with the RBL, dealing with those British nationals in need of Legion help and support.
He also spoke of his contact within the much wider Spanish Community and how he is continually meeting with Mayors, Councillors and Officials in an effort to promote the integration in Spain of the 160,000 British Nationals registered on local padron's.
He refused to be drawn on questions relating to the forthcoming referendum on EU Membership, and what might happen should the UK pull out, saying that it really was uncharted territory, but he confirmed that governmental policy was very much that the country remains within the Union, albeit on rather different terms.
Following his lecture Branch Chairman Keith Carter thanked Lloyd for attending the meeting and concluded by presenting the new President with a Branch Certificate of Appreciation.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47382/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Lloyd Milen was the guest speaker at the May meeting of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion held in Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening. Lloyd is, of course, the Vice Consul, at the British Consulate in Alicante. 
Rather fittingly, al...

### III ORIHUELA BEACH TRIATHLON

Last Sunday saw the Third Orihuela Beach Triathlon held on Campoamor Beach. The event was organized by the Tragamillas Athletics Club and sponsored by Orihuela Sports and Costal Departments as well as the International Residents of Orihuela.
The contest comprised of a 750 metre Mediterranean swim and a 20 km bike race which was followed by a 5km road race. Each of the activities was carried out in the Campoamor area enabling the maximum participation of the many spectators.
In all there were 210 triathletes taking part, including a number from the National High Performance Centre Infanta Cristina in Los Narejos.
Two of them, Placido Domingo Venegas and Juan Ruben Viera, were neck and neck throughout and the pair had built up a healthy lead by the time they got into the 5km road race. However it was Placido Venegas that finished the stronger hold off his teammate over the final sprint and taking first place in the event overall.
In the women's event, despite trailing after the swim, Marina Lopez, made up the distance in the bike race, overtaking all of her rivals and building up a healthy lead by the time she donned her running shoes. Marina then went on to achieve a comfortable victory.
The men's race was won by Placido Domingo Venegas of  CT. Diablillos de Rivas,. He was followed by Juan Ruben Viera of Cidade de Lugo Fluvial and in third was Mateo Pesquer of Mandarache Cartagena.
In the female category the winner was Marina Martinez of CT. Tragamillas-Ciclos Vicea-Mercaluz, followed by Eliana Sotelo CT. Laboratorios Sys and in third place Andrea Jimenez CT. Diablillos de Rivas.
Victory in the team classification in both the men's and the women's race went to the hosts, CT. Tragamillas-Ciclos Vicea-Mercaluz
The trophies were presented to the winners by Cllr for Sport Luis Galiano, Cllr for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, and representatives of the local police, the Valencian Triathlon Federation and Francisco Belmonte, President of Club Tragamillas.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47381/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Sunday saw the Third Orihuela Beach Triathlon held on Campoamor Beach. The event was organized by the Tragamillas Athletics Club and sponsored by Orihuela Sports and Costal Departments as well as the International Residents of Orihuela.
The conte...

### RECORD INVESTMENT BY VOLKSWAGEN GROUP

On the occasion of the inauguration of the Barcelona International Motor Show prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced that the Volkswagen Group will invest 4.2 billion euros in the country, "probably the largest industrial investment ever made in Spain".
At a lunch with executives from leading car manufacturers on the occasion of the 38th Barcelona International Motor Show, the President of the Government highlighted the contribution made by this sector to the Spanish economy.
Spain is the leading European manufacturer of industrial vehicles, the second-leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles in the European Union and the ninth worldwide.
Mariano Rajoy added that the sector is a "prime indicator" of the strength of the economy and is presently showing "the sustained reactivation of our entire industrial sector, and hence of the national economy as a whole".
The President of the Government pointed out that in the first quarter of the year, the production of vehicles exceeded 714,000 units - 15.5% up on last year - and exports have grown by 12.3%. Moreover, car registrations have now recorded eight straight quarters of growth.
Rajoy underlined that these positive figures translate into the creation of quality jobs - "the main national goal" - and in the last 12 months, unemployment has fallen in the industrial sector by some 45,700 people, the number of people in work has increased by 142,500, and that almost 10% of the fall in unemployment in the month of April came from the industrial sector.
He thanked the representatives from the automobile sector for having supported the Spanish economy during the crisis through their investments, "when very few people were committing to us".
The PM then announced that the Volkswagen Group, whose Global Vice-President met with him at Moncloa Palace on Thursday, will invest 4.2 billion euros in our country, "probably the largest industrial investment ever made in Spain".
This investment will be made between now and 2019 and will be allocated to equipment, facilities and R&D at the SEAT factories in Martorell (Barcelona) and the Volkswagen factories in Navarre.
"This ambitious project not only guarantees the future of these globally cutting-edge factories, but it also represents an unprecedented endorsement of the leadership of the Spanish automotive-supply industry, where this investment will have a major impact in terms of both activity and employment", he pointed out.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47380/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On the occasion of the inauguration of the Barcelona International Motor Show prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced that the Volkswagen Group will invest 4.2 billion euros in the country, "probably the largest industrial investment ever made in Spain".
At a lunch with executives from leading car manufacturers on the occasion of the 38th Barcelona International Motor Show, the President of the Government highlighted the contribution made by this sector to the Spanish economy.
Spain is the leading European manufacturer of industrial vehicles, the second-leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles in the European Union and the ninth worldwide.
Mariano Rajoy added that the sector is a "prime indicator" of the strength of the economy and is presently showing "the sustained reactivation of our entire industrial sector, and hence of the national economy as a whole".
The President of the Government pointed out that in the first quarter of the year, the production of vehicles exceeded 714,000 units - 15.5% up on last year - and exports have grown by 12.3%. Moreover, car registrations have now recorded eight straight quarters of growth.
Rajoy underlined that these positive figures translate into the creation of quality jobs - "the main national goal" - and in the last 12 months, unemployment has fallen in the industrial sector by some 45,700 people, the number of people in work has increased by 142,500, and that almost 10% of the fall in unemployment in the month of April came from the industrial sector.
He thanked the representatives from the automobile sector for having supported the Spanish economy during the crisis through their investments, "when very few people were committing to us".
The PM then announced that the Volkswagen Group, whose Global Vice-President met with him at Moncloa Palace on Thursday, will invest 4.2 billion euros in our country, "probably the largest industrial investment ever made in Spain".
This investment will be made between now and 2019 and will be allocated to equipment, facilities and R&D at the SEAT factories in Martorell (Barcelona) and the Volkswagen factories in Navarre.
"This ambitious project not only guarantees the future of these globally cutting-edge factories, but it also represents an unprecedented endorsement of the leadership of the Spanish automotive-supply industry, where this investment will have a major impact in terms of both activity and employment", he pointed out.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47380/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### JB BRASS BAND APPOINT NEW MD

JB Brass Band are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Musical Director. Mr Brian Webber FLCM, LRAM is an accomplished Conductor and Professional Violinist. 
He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Sir Yehudi Menuhin. Brian worked as a Teacher of Violin in the UK for 20 years before moving to Spain. Since moving here in 1994 he has continued to play and teach both at the Conservatoire in Murcia and as Principal Conductor with the Cartagena Chamber Orchestra, a post he retained until his recent retirement.
The Band and Brian have been working together for the past month. 'This has been a new partnership for both JB and Brian and the musical diversity is proving to be a perfect combination' said Chairman Ian Gibson. 'Rehearsals have been both enjoyable and challenging for everyone and I hope that our audiences will notice a new confidence within our players.'
With a regular 20 members at rehearsal the Band always welcomes new or visiting players at rehearsals every Wednesday at 4.30pm. Further details of rehearsals and concerts can be found on the Band's web page www.justbrass.org or JB Brass Band Supporters on Facebook.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47375/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: JB Brass Band are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Musical Director. Mr Brian Webber FLCM, LRAM is an accomplished Conductor and Professional Violinist. 
He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Sir Yehudi Menuhin. Brian w...

### LA MARINA BOWLS CLUB - PHIL MORRIS TRIBUTE

By Bobbie Sims
On Saturday 16th May La Marina members were together to play our annual memorial game for our late president and friend, Phil Morris.
Phil was our Hon President from 2001-2013, and his wife Joan has dedicated a trophy in his memory which we enjoy playing for each year, on a sunny morning we were together with fun and memories of a man who was highly thought of for all he did for our club over his many years with us.
Although there were some trips and some rinks, our runners up this year were Angie Butler, George Furzer, Jimmy Freeman and Bill Jones and winners were Roger Stacey, John Rae and Barry Sadler,  as usual a great time was had by all.
A big thank you goes to Louisa, the owner of our club who provided a splendid buffet after tha game
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47374/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: By Bobbie Sims
On Saturday 16th May La Marina members were together to play our annual memorial game for our late president and friend, Phil Morris.
Phil was our Hon President from 2001-2013, and his wife Joan has dedicated a trophy in his memory whi...

### TORREVIEJA DARTS LADIES ORGANISATION - 12th ANNUAL PRESENTATION DINNER

The Ladies of the League gathered at The Sports Bar's Function room in Play Flamenca, Orihuela Costa for their Annual Presentation Dinner.
The Presentation commenced with special gifts for Jose Colettas Hernandez, Paco gonzalez diaz and Geoff Lloyd, along with flowers for their wives and Ann McGivern & Ann Bartlett, in recognition of their services to the League.  This was followed by the presentation of Flowers to the Captains, in recognition of the work they also do for the League.
This was followed by the New Player awards:  League Badges for Ellie Kearns, 100+ Certificates for Val Millar, Sam Billingham, Mimi Ruiz Serrano, Norma Bennett and Sheila Lewis.  Certificates and badges for Groa Ingradottir, Ana Clavijo, Sheerin Mohammed, Carol Hurlby, Sheelah Cooper, Karen Christopher,
Vi Turner, Mags Bergan, Tracey Simpson, Gail Todd, Simone de Lacy, Bliss Wright, Elaine Willis, Cynthia Jevons and Gail Murray.
Other Awards;180 to Irene Russell, 171's Elaine Willis and High Ton (151+) Shirley Stephenson.  Bull Finish for Kim Fickle Pamela Taylor, Cynthia Jevons, and Margaret Morris.  The Highest Checkout went to Cynthia Jevons..
A new award for achieving 140 went to Mags Bergan, Cynthia Jevons, Sue Casey, Chris Greenwood, Ann Wharton. Ana Clavijo, Bliss Wright, Yvonne McIntosh, Irene Russell, Lin Cousins, Karen Christopher, Margaret Boden, Pam Horton and Joy Don.
The Most Improved Player on the Team:  for Friendly's Temps was Margaret Morris, Dave's Babes was Ann McGivern , El Balcon Chicas was Shirley Ward and Wildcats was Martelle Cheater.  The Most Improved Player Overall was Christine Simmonds.
The Most 100+ on the Team:  Black Dog Ladies was Caroline Shepherd, Friendly's Temps – Ann Wharton, Dave's Babes - Ann McGivern,  Gogarty's Gals – Simone de Lacy, the Primadonnas – Ana Clavijo and the Wildcats – Pam Horton.  The Most100+ Overall was Jane Costello.
The Most Games Won on the Team:  for the Black Dog Ladies was Caroline Shepherd, and Friendly's Temps -  Ann Wharton, Dave's Babes – Joy Don, El Balcon Chicas – Jane Costello.  Gogarty's Gals – Simone de Lacy and Primadonnas – Groa Ingradottir.  The Most Games won Overall – Pam Horton.
The Player of the Year is Jane Costello.
Ladies Pairs: Champions: Shirley Stephenson & Sue Casey, Runners-up: Groa Ingradottir  & Jackie Tomkinson.  Joint Third:  Gail Todd & Cynthia Jevons and June Howarth & Kath Walker.
 
Ladies Singles: Champion: Cynthia Jevons, Runner Up Shirley Stephenson, Joint 3rd Christine Simmonds and Maz Jackson - 5th to 7th Elaine Willis, Sam Billingham, Shirley Ward and Chris Greenwood.
The Players Team of the Year went to the Black Dog Ladies.
The Geoff Lloyd Knockout Shield Champions Gogarty's Gals, and Runners-Up Dave's Babes.
The Founder's Shield Champions: Gogarty's Girls, Runners-Up: El Balcon Chicas and 3rd Place The Wildcats.  The Wooden Spoon went to the BlackDog Ladies.
League Champions El Balcon Chicas, Runners-Up Gogarty's Gals, 3rd Place Primadonnas and the Wooden Spoon went to Friendly's Temps.
New Season 2015 - 2016
New teams need to get their Registration Form with photos and their Venue Form completed, along with the Fee by the 31st August 2015.  Existing Teams have until the 5th September 2015 to complete their renewals. 
Prospective New Teams
Bars interested in having a Ladies Team, should contact the coordinator (below) as soon as possible for information.  Any Ladies interested in playing Ladies Darts, or joining a team for the night out, you might even run the raffle or collect subs; please give me a ring (or email) and I will put you in touch with your nearest Team.
2015 A.G.M.
Tomorrow, Tuesday 26th May the A.G.M. will be held at El Balcon, in Los Balconies at the round up time of 20.00 hours for 20.30 start.  Please do your best to attend this important meeting.  Thank you.
Once again, well done to everyone this season, keep up the good work, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
PAM HORTON - Emails: Dartess501@gmail.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47373/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ladies of the League gathered at The Sports Bar's Function room in Play Flamenca, Orihuela Costa for their Annual Presentation Dinner.
The Presentation commenced with special gifts for Jose Colettas Hernandez, Paco gonzalez diaz and Geoff Lloyd, a...

### SPANISH MINEX 2015 OFF LOCAL COAST

Six European countries are taking part in a mine countermeasures exercise Spanish Minex 2015.
The exercise, which got underway on 18th May will last until today, Monday 28th. 
A total of nine vessels, four aircraft and about 500 sailors are taking part in these operations off the coast in the stetch of water from Guardamar to La Manga.
Spanish Minex, organized annually by the Spanish Navy, has the aim to implement common procedures for the defense of ports and anchorages against naval mines.
Spain, Germany, France, Turkey, Italy and Portugal are the participants.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47370/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Six European countries are taking part in a mine countermeasures exercise Spanish Minex 2015.
The exercise, which got underway on 18th May will last until today, Monday 28th. 
A total of nine vessels, four aircraft and about 500 sailors are taking pa...

### TWO INJURED IN MOTORWAY CRASH

Two people were injured on Tuesday evening in a collision between two cars and a truck on the A-7 motorway.
The incident occurred at around 19:10 in the Murcia region as the vehicles were heading in the Alicante direction.
The emergency services received four calls reporting the crash and dispatched the Guardia Civil traffic department, fire service and medical units from both Murcia and Molina de Segura.
Upon arriving at the scene the rescuers found two people unconscious, one of whom was trapped in the truck. They were taken to hospital for treatment.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47368/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two people were injured on Tuesday evening in a collision between two cars and a truck on the A-7 motorway.
The incident occurred at around 19:10 in the Murcia region as the vehicles were heading in the Alicante direction.
The emergency services rece...

### SUBSIDY HELP FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OWNERS

The Director General of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Ministry of Industry, Víctor Audera, announced this week that the government is to renew its commitment to greener motoring, through the launch of the fifth version of the Plan PIMA Aire, aimed at encouraging the purchase of environmentally friendly commercial vehicles.
The announcement was made during the most recent motor industry and manufacturers conference at the Barcelona Motor Show.
Although he was unable to reveal details of the latest plan, Audera indicated that the idea behind Plan PIMA Aire 5 is to be “friendlier to the environment”, a motion echoed by the Director General of Quality and Environmental Assessment and Natural Environment in the Ministry of Environment, Guillermina Yanguas.
During the last such subsidy plan, which started in December last year, 9.6 million euro in funding was provided to encourage the purchase of eco-friendly commercial vehicles, as well as pedal-assist bicycles.
The plan for renewing commercial vehicles operate similar to the Plan PIVE which offers subsidy to owners of older private cars.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47367/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Director General of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Ministry of Industry, Víctor Audera, announced this week that the government is to renew its commitment to greener motoring, through the launch of the fifth version of the Pla...

### NEW APP FOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Driving a vehicle of fourteen years of age or older, triples the risk of being involved in an incident compared to a new vehicle, according to information provided by Conforauto Hankook Masters.
The announcement was made on Monday during the presentation of their new virtual maintenance application, “Libro de Mantenimiento Virtual”, which also shows how the cost of maintenance increases with age.
The company says that they attend 4.4 million roadside assistance incidents each year due to mechanical problems. They also say that a staggering 70% of drivers ignore the time when tyres should be changed, 62% never carry out maintenance on suspension, 52% never check the battery, and 47% never check their brakes or oil level.
The new application, which is free to download, offers helpful advice and schedules for maintenance, as well as pointing you in the direction of your nearest Conforauto Hankook Masters workshop.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47366/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Driving a vehicle of fourteen years of age or older, triples the risk of being involved in an incident compared to a new vehicle, according to information provided by Conforauto Hankook Masters.
The announcement was made on Monday during the presentat...

### BIRDS RAISE THEIR BROOD BENEATH 4×4’S BONNET

There's a new kind of twitter buzz about the Land Cruiser since a pair of robins picked Toyota's mighty 4×4 as the perfect place to raise their young. The bold birds built their nest in the engine compartment of the car and travelled more than 250 miles before they were discovered.
Dave Merchant, from Henley in Somerset, only found the stowaways when he went to check the oil in his Land Cruiser Amazon. The mother bird had been sitting on a clutch of eggs that successfully produced five chicks that are now well on the way to fledging.
Dave said: “The fact that I was driving the Land Cruiser around while the robins were nesting and that the birds hatched successfully shows what a good car this is. As soon as I saw the chicks I of course stopped driving the car and I won't use it again until they have flown the nest.”
Dave is a great advocate for Land Cruiser performance and reliability – and now it merits as probably the world's biggest bird box. He has covered more than 80,000 miles in his vehicle since acquiring it in 2008 and has also chosen a Land Cruiser for his son.
Robins are renowned for their fearlessness, territorial behaviour and their sometimes strange nesting choices. Although unusual, this is not the first Toyota to house a bird's nest: last year a local newspaper in Victoria, Australia, reported on a birds nest in the engine compartment of a RAV4.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47362/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There's a new kind of twitter buzz about the Land Cruiser since a pair of robins picked Toyota's mighty 4×4 as the perfect place to raise their young. The bold birds built their nest in the engine compartment of the car and travelled more than 25...

### PERFECT GAME BOWLED IN TORREVIEJA

63-year-old tenpin bowler Antonio Bermudez of Elche has achieved only the second 300 game ever bowled in sanctioned competition in Torrevieja. 
‘Every bowler's dream come true' happened for him on Ozone Bowling's lanes 13 and 14 during the EBT League on 14 May. 
The club awarded him a framed certificate and had him sign a special commemorative bowling pin, now on show in the bowling centre. 
More than two years passed from the first sanctioned perfect game, which was rolled in January 2013 by Olli Leppänen.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47359/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 63-year-old tenpin bowler Antonio Bermudez of Elche has achieved only the second 300 game ever bowled in sanctioned competition in Torrevieja. 
‘Every bowler's dream come true' happened for him on Ozone Bowling's lanes 13 and 14 during the EBT L...

### WORLD RANKINGS FOR U3A DENIA CHESS PLAYERS

Two members of U3A Denia, Robert Simpson and Graeme Campbell, have both achieved one of their ‘Bucket List' challenges  – to have FIDE, the worldwide International Chess Federation, assess and rate their playing abilities and to rank them accordingly.
This three year process has required them to play over seventy games within official FIDE chess tournaments throughout Valencia Region, including an International one involving players from several European countries. 
Each match has needed three hours of the utmost concentration against already rated players of varying ages and abilities, in order to be assessed for their own ratings.  During those matches there were several highs when playing against fellow veterans.  The lows came when playing against very highly ranked players, still at primary school! 
The good news came through at the beginning of May, with Robert ranked as the number 106,994th best player in the World, Graeme ranked as number 106,604.  “A bit like my schools reports – opportunities for improvement!” 
Graeme was heard to say over a glass of celebratory bubbles.  “However the whole process has been very uplifting and makes one realise that, despite advancing years, it is still possible to make new challenges happen”.
For further information, please email Graeme   -  chess@u3adenia.org
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47357/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two members of U3A Denia, Robert Simpson and Graeme Campbell, have both achieved one of their ‘Bucket List' challenges  – to have FIDE, the worldwide International Chess Federation, assess and rate their playing abilities and to rank them a...

### HIDDEN VEHICLE HISTORY – BUYING ADVICE

In the UK, a warning has been issued by vehicle history check experts HPI, about the hidden administrative risks when buying a used car.
The latest survey reveals that a staggering 42% of used car buyers don't know who legally owns a car that has finance owing on it. The truth is that a vehicle with outstanding finance belongs to the finance house, which has the legal right to repossess that vehicle at anytime, without warning; 1 in 4 cars checked by HPI are subject to outstanding finance.
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) assumed the car belongs to the person named on the vehicle's Log Book, highlighting the extent of misconception amongst consumers.  
The good news for consumers buying from a dealer is, that if they later discover the vehicle is on finance and repossessed, they will be protected by Innocent Purchaser Protection (IPP) and will be able to get back their money and buy another car.
HPI recommends that you always conduct a vehicle history check BEFORE you buy, it will tell you if the car has outstanding finance against it and enables you to ensure that the finance agreement is concluded before you complete the purchase.
In Spain, similar checks can be conducted through the website of the traffic department, the DGT, via www.dgt.es.
On the front page of the website, under “Trámites y multas”, you will see a link that reads “Informe del Vehículo”. There are many other useful links too, all which are worthwhile looking into, but it is this “Vehicle report” that we are concentrating on here.
The vehicle registry in Spain is managed by the DGT, but the information contained in the database is available to members of the public who have a legitimate reason for requesting the data.
If you know the vehicle number plate or chassis number, you can find out such details as the vehicle Ownership, specifications, number of previous owners, administrative status and ITV expiration date.
Your identification by means of a digital certificate needs to be provided in order to obtain the information on record; this might prove a hurdle to none Spanish speakers, but on on-line translator such as Google can help with most of the content.
There is a small administration fee for obtaining the information, which can be paid for by credit or debit card. Although that fee is considerably lower than the financial risk of purchasing a car that has a dubious history, or has sanctions in place against it.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47355/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In the UK, a warning has been issued by vehicle history check experts HPI, about the hidden administrative risks when buying a used car.
The latest survey reveals that a staggering 42% of used car buyers don't know who legally owns a car that has fina...

### PENSIONERS AND SLIPPERY SLOPE

This is hard to belief that some politicians promote more the culture of death than the culture of life. They want to regulate through the death of the people as the beginning of life through the abortion as the final of it (law of the dignified death) through the euthanasia with the death of the elderly, pensioners and any other person.
Euthanasia promoters are usually support in extreme cases of dramatic character with a strong emotional burden. However, we must remember that the law can not be developed on extreme cases and should avoid the "Macedonian effect"; I mean make a general rule on the basis of some exceptional or marginal cases.
Besides ideological, ethical and legal debates, it is very important to begin from the experience, I mean from the reality what has happened in countries where assisted suicide (Oregon of the US and Holland) and euthanasia (Holland and Belgium) has already legalized.
What has happened and is happening in these countries? In the daily practice it is very difficult, if not impossible, to control assisted suicide and euthanasia with rules and controls established at the beginning.
The reality is that the so-called "slippery slope" is producing because of that euthanasia is spreading from the terminally ill to euthanasia for the chronically ill, from euthanasia for the physical sick to euthanasia for the psychiatric sick and from voluntary euthanasia to involuntary.
Although at the beginning we talk about the terminally sick, then it extends to the chronically sick. Many pensioners who currently suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis or asthma may be preferred objects for applying them dignified death or euthanasia.
Because of the slippery slope, we have passed to contemplate physical illness to psychiatric illness. People suffering from Alzheimer, Parkinson or depression may be threatened by euthanasia or dignified death and die.
The experience in countries that have legalized euthanasia leads us to say that the slippery slope has led us from the voluntary euthanasia to the non-voluntary. It has been proved that up to 25% of euthanasia victims occur in people who had expressed their desire to live, rejecting the dignified death
Some politicians of these nations have expressed their desire to expand the law to minors and people who are unable to express their will.
So pensioners can not be quite in view of the threat that people take their life because of outlined reasons. What to do in view of this danger? I think that we can do two things: the first one is to decide to whom we are going to deny the vote in the next elections, and the second one is to ask God for help and to the saint that we are more devotion that this law could not be approved.
Arturo RamoroFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47350/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This is hard to belief that some politicians promote more the culture of death than the culture of life. They want to regulate through the death of the people as the beginning of life through the abortion as the final of it (law of the dignified death) through the euthanasia with the death of the elderly, pensioners and any other person.
Euthanasia promoters are usually support in extreme cases of dramatic character with a strong emotional burden. However, we must remember that the law can not be developed on extreme cases and should avoid the "Macedonian effect"; I mean make a general rule on the basis of some exceptional or marginal cases.
Besides ideological, ethical and legal debates, it is very important to begin from the experience, I mean from the reality what has happened in countries where assisted suicide (Oregon of the US and Holland) and euthanasia (Holland and Belgium) has already legalized.
What has happened and is happening in these countries? In the daily practice it is very difficult, if not impossible, to control assisted suicide and euthanasia with rules and controls established at the beginning.
The reality is that the so-called "slippery slope" is producing because of that euthanasia is spreading from the terminally ill to euthanasia for the chronically ill, from euthanasia for the physical sick to euthanasia for the psychiatric sick and from voluntary euthanasia to involuntary.
Although at the beginning we talk about the terminally sick, then it extends to the chronically sick. Many pensioners who currently suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis or asthma may be preferred objects for applying them dignified death or euthanasia.
Because of the slippery slope, we have passed to contemplate physical illness to psychiatric illness. People suffering from Alzheimer, Parkinson or depression may be threatened by euthanasia or dignified death and die.
The experience in countries that have legalized euthanasia leads us to say that the slippery slope has led us from the voluntary euthanasia to the non-voluntary. It has been proved that up to 25% of euthanasia victims occur in people who had expressed their desire to live, rejecting the dignified death
Some politicians of these nations have expressed their desire to expand the law to minors and people who are unable to express their will.
So pensioners can not be quite in view of the threat that people take their life because of outlined reasons. What to do in view of this danger? I think that we can do two things: the first one is to decide to whom we are going to deny the vote in the next elections, and the second one is to ask God for help and to the saint that we are more devotion that this law could not be approved.
Arturo RamoroFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47350/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LADY LUCK IS RESIDENT IN GIBRALTAR!

The Grand Opening of Casino Sunborn, held on Saturday 16th May aboard the five star super yacht hotel, Sunborn Gibraltar, in Ocean Village proved to be a massive success and a night to remember for both guests and hosts.  
Guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and the opportunity to pose for a photo with the glam
orous showgirls taken by Marbella's very own top photographer, Johnny Gates, who snapped all the arrivals in true Oscars style on the red carpet. Sunborn Executive Director Hans Niemi along with Jukka Nikula from Paf received guests at the top of the gangway and warmly welcomed them to the evening's special event. VIP guests included Gibraltar's lovely Miss World, plus footballers David Bentley and Stephen Carr.  Gunilla Nordlund (wife of Åland Finance Minister) also had the pleasure in welcoming and registering the first guest as a member of the casino.
Guests gathered in Sunborn's Aurora ballroom to listen to some traditional Spanish guitar music whilst enjoying free flowing drinks and a sensational buffet provided by the Sunborn's five star chefs. Dinner was followed by brief speeches by Casino Manager Dominick Stenson, Sunborn Executive Director Hans Niemi and Åland Finance Minister, Roger Nordlund.
The Marbella Big Band and its Rat Pack show then took to the stage and gave a performance worthy of Vegas itself! The grand finale of “New York, New York” complete with showgirls, received a standing ovation from a delighted audience. A live DJ, saxophonist, violinist and card magician also performed throughout the evening and a laser show beamed out across the bay for all Gibraltar to see.
Later in the evening, the casino became the focus of everyone's attention, with hubs of activity around the tables and slot machines. Dominick Stenson (Casino Manager) Ian Radford (La Sala) and David Bentley (Footballer) took the first spin on the roulette table to start the evenings play. The excitement and tension was palpable and even those guests who weren't playing gathered round the tables to see how Lady Luck would treat those who were putting their chips down.
It was a great start to Casino Sunborn's commitment to being a major Gibraltar entertainment attraction and further confirms the Sunborn super yacht hotel's reputation as a leading Gibraltar destination.  It seems Lady Luck is favouring Gibraltar: it's time to visit Casino Sunborn and get to know her better.
For more information visit www.casinosunborn.com www.sunborngibraltar.com or email
info@casinosunborn.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47349/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Grand Opening of Casino Sunborn, held on Saturday 16th May aboard the five star super yacht hotel, Sunborn Gibraltar, in Ocean Village proved to be a massive success and a night to remember for both guests and hosts.  
Guests were greeted with a g...

### UP & COMING TORRY ARMY EVENTS

• ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - On Tuesday 9 June the Torry Army is holding its AGM at the Casa Ventura in San Luis starting at 7.30 pm. All members are encouraged to attend.
• LIVE MUSIC NIGHT
On Saturday 13 June, at the Casa Ventura in San Luis, the Torry Army has organised a night of “live” music from the group “Timeless”  which plays music from the 50´s onwards. The gig starts at 8.00 pm and a hot and cold tasty buffet will be included in the ticket price of 10€.
Tickets are on sale at the Torry Army office in San Luis. All are welcome to attend and enjoy an entertaining evening.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47347/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: • ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - On Tuesday 9 June the Torry Army is holding its AGM at the Casa Ventura in San Luis starting at 7.30 pm. All members are encouraged to attend.
• LIVE MUSIC NIGHT
On Saturday 13 June, at the Casa Ventura in San Lui...

### Iceland Comes to Torrevieja

A delegation of journalists from Iceland has been visiting Torrevieja this week, on a press trip organized by the Costa Blanca tourist board.
The aim was to offer an insight into the benefits of visiting the area, and some of the features on offer to tourists.
The journalists were taken on a cycle ride through La Mata and on a visit to the salt making factory.
The tour then continued through other areas across the Alicante province.

Excerpt: A delegation of journalists from Iceland has been visiting Torrevieja this week, on a press trip organized by the Costa Blanca tourist board. The aim was to offer an insight into the benefits of visiting the area, and some of Read More ...

### Drug Arrests

Officers from the National Police have found more than 11,000 marijuana plants in green houses, vegetable gardens and orchards in the Molina de Segura area of Murcia.

In total, the find has resulted in around 3 tons of narcotics being prevented from entering the sales network.
Three people have been arrested in connection with the find and have been charged with crimes against public health.
The discovery was made as part of a campaign of intensified patrols in order to reduce the loss to the agricultural sector through an increase in thefts.
Meanwhile, other officers from the National Police have arrested two people in Madrid after a large quantity of cocaine was found hidden in imported boxes of papayas from the Dominican Republic.
The officers also found 600 euro in cash hidden in the shipment.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have found more than 11,000 marijuana plants in green houses, vegetable gardens and orchards in the Molina de Segura area of Murcia. In total, the find has resulted in around 3 tons of narcotics being Read More ...

### Torrevieja Rubbish Plant Deemed Illegal

The regional environmental department has rejected the license application submitted by Torrevieja council for solid waste transfer plant on plot 252 of Polygon 2.
The reason for rejecting the application was on the basis of “not having foreseen prevention and environmental protection measures and the correction necessary in this kind of activity”.
The Los Verdes in Torrevieja have denounced the PP government team for constructing and operating industrial installations for a period of 7 years without the appropriate licenses.
The plant was part of a multimillion euro contract awarded by the PP government to multinational company ACCIONA, which has itself been considered “absolutely illegal” in another court ruling.

Excerpt: The regional environmental department has rejected the license application submitted by Torrevieja council for solid waste transfer plant on plot 252 of Polygon 2. The reason for rejecting the application was on the basis of “not having foreseen prevention and Read More ...

### Fraudsters Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 13 people across Valencia and Palma de Mallorca accused of being part of a criminal group involved in the so called “Nigerian Letters” scam.
By contacting victims to claim the inheritance of a family member, the group are believed to have managed to obtain over a million euro in bank transfers. The evidence already collated in the case shows that 200,000 euro worth of money at least has been obtained through the fraudulent method following the original complaint by a Belgian woman that she had given 200,000 euro in order to receive the 9 million which had been deposited by a distant relative in Spain before passing away.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 13 people across Valencia and Palma de Mallorca accused of being part of a criminal group involved in the so called “Nigerian Letters” scam. By contacting victims to claim the inheritance of a Read More ...

### Monkey Rescued in Torrevieja

Officers from the environmental protection branch of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, have recovered a female Barbary monkey that was living in a home in Los Balcones, Torrevieja.

The primate was living in a six metre square cage, and was reported to be in good condition and well maintained.
After giving the owner time to clarify legal possession, the relevant documentation under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulations was not provided and so the owner was charged for alleged violation of Organic Law relating to smuggling by the Customs and Excise Agency in Alicante.
The operation was carried out in conjunction with the Primadomus association which concentrates on the recovery, care and relocation of primates.

Excerpt: Officers from the environmental protection branch of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, have recovered a female Barbary monkey that was living in a home in Los Balcones, Torrevieja. The primate was living in a six metre square cage, and was reported Read More ...

### Helicopter Crash off Valencia Coast

A helicopter crashed into the sea and sunk on Tuesday evening, 5 nautical miles from Valencia.
The incident occurred at around 17:00 when Valencia air traffic control reported losing contact with the aircraft.
A Sasemar 101 rescue aircraft was already in the area and located the two occupants of the helicopter in the sea, alongside a small oil slick.
The victims were picked up by rescue boat Pollux which had also been sent to assist.
The two men, aged 34 and 42, were said to be suffering from hypothermia and bruising, but otherwise fine.
An investigation has been launched whilst a salvage operation is also initiated.

Excerpt: A helicopter crashed into the sea and sunk on Tuesday evening, 5 nautical miles from Valencia. The incident occurred at around 17:00 when Valencia air traffic control reported losing contact with the aircraft. A Sasemar 101 rescue aircraft was already Read More ...

### Air Passenger Numbers Increasing

Following a busy Easter period, the summer is still looking set to be a bumper one in terms of tourism, after figures this week reveal that Spanish airport served over 14 million passengers in March, representing a rise or 7% over last year.
In total, the airports of the Aena network dealt with 14.3 million passengers, of whom 9.5 million were international travelers, an increase of 7.2% compared to last year, the remaining 4.8 million being from the domestic market, an increase of 6.5% compared to March of 2014.
Alicante-Elche airport served 4.4% more passengers than last year, with 669,004 people being carried. However, in terms of the largest increase, that was at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas where their 3.6 million passengers represented a boost of 13.5% compared to last year.

Excerpt: Following a busy Easter period, the summer is still looking set to be a bumper one in terms of tourism, after figures this week reveal that Spanish airport served over 14 million passengers in March, representing a rise or 7% Read More ...

### Plane Passenger Shock

Passengers on board a Jet2.com Boeing 737 from East Midlands to Palma de Mallorca had a shock when their aircraft landed on Monday, as the aircraft was directed to a remote part of the airport after it had landed and was surrounded by security services.
The air traffic controllers had become aware of “unusual” activities in the communication between the aircraft and the ground, prompting them to ask if the transmission was intentional, to which the crew replied in the affirmative.
This prompted the air traffic controllers to activate an emergency alert, assuming that the aircraft had been hijacked.
Once the police entered the aircraft on the apron it became clear that it was a false alarm, which has been put down to “miscommunication”.
The incident resulted in a 3 hour delay for the return flight to East Midlands.

Excerpt: Passengers on board a Jet2.com Boeing 737 from East Midlands to Palma de Mallorca had a shock when their aircraft landed on Monday, as the aircraft was directed to a remote part of the airport after it had landed and Read More ...

### Gas Price Dropped

The price of butane gas has dropped this week as the Ministry of Public Works announced a 1.69 euro Price drop. The maximum cost of a bottle of butano is now 14.12 euro after maintaining its price at the higher end of the scale for some time.
The retail price is reviewed every two months with March seeing the first reduction in a year, after the cost was capped by the government.
The new price represents a total saving of 3.38 euro and will be fixed until the third Tuesday in July when the price will be reviewed in preparation for autumn and winter.

Excerpt: The price of butane gas has dropped this week as the Ministry of Public Works announced a 1.69 euro Price drop. The maximum cost of a bottle of butano is now 14.12 euro after maintaining its price at the higher Read More ...

### WILL STERLING BENEFIT FROM POSITIVE DATA?

After the excitement of the General Election in the previous week, last week was a more timid affair and sterling was on the whole steady apart from its continued upward trend against the US dollar where it gained another couple of cents.
This week sees some important data releases from the UK, as excitement from the parliamentary elections settles, and the markets focus back on fundamental economic data from the UK. Tuesday sees release of the latest inflation figure from the UK, with a third straight month of 0% inflation forecast. Core inflation (excluding fluctuating food and energy prices) is still forecast to show a healthy 1% increase, and any movement above this could see sterling strengthen.
The main event of the week will be the release of minutes from the latest Bank of England (BoE) policy meeting on Wednesday. This will give insight into policy makers' views on interest rates. Retail sales data on Thursday should show a pick-up throughout March. Finally, Friday will see BoE Governor Mark Carney speaking on two occasions. Investors will be listening for further cues on the BoE's stance on interest rates.
Euro has (another) good week
It was a welcome break last week for the euro but strength against its major peers came from weakness elsewhere. It made overall gains against the US dollar after data showed that US consumer sentiment had moved down to the lowest level since November 2014, adding to concerns over the strength of the US economic recovery.
However, the spotlight remained on Greece as the country rushed to meet the deadline for its €750 million repayment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – by drawing upon its emergency IMF fund. Despite this reprieve, the question remains as to how matters will unfold for the beleaguered nation. Greek officials were set to hold talks with the euro area and the IMF on Friday, to discuss the ongoing and relentless pressure on Athens to try and make an agreement for aid as it runs out of cash reserves. Also discussed was the important issue of timing.
There is a lot of Eurozone data released this week. Tuesday is a busy day, with Consumer Price Index (CPI) data out at 10 am followed by ZEW German business confidence data later in the day – the former is expected to hold steady and the latter is forecast to fall slightly. On Thursday we have the release of Eurozone Purchasing Manager Indices and on Friday a raft of data for Germany, Europe's power house.
US Dollar has (another) bad week
The US dollar will be looking for some relief this week, after the continued weakness it suffered over the previous week. With various US Federal Reserve members speaking this week, the focus will be on how they interpret a possible interest rate rise, especially since the US economy has been struggling recently.
Wednesday will see the release of the very important Federal Reserve meeting minutes. This will be used by investors to gauge the likelihood of an interest rate rise this year. Judging by recent data releases which have been poor, a rise seems further off, which would weaken the US dollar further. Weekly unemployment figures on Thursday are expected to remain stable, while a flash manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) is expected to show a slight increase.
Friday will be just as important as Wednesday, with the release of the inflation data. This has been a figure that has dropped among major world economies, due to the low price of Oil. Given poor retail sales last week, and expected low levels inflation, there may be talk of the US heading towards deflation.
Russia to build foreign currency reserves; Norwegian krone rallies 
At the end of last week Russia announced its intention to bolster its foreign currency reserves with the goal of improving its credit rating. The suggested levels of re-purchases are in the region of US$150 million per day. This created movement for the rouble on Friday afternoon.
With oil prices slowly beginning to rise, and speculators continuing to sell off the US dollar, the Norwegian krone found itself at a month's high against the dollar, strengthening over 12% over the last 30 days.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47343/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After the excitement of the General Election in the previous week, last week was a more timid affair and sterling was on the whole steady apart from its continued upward trend against the US dollar where it gained another couple of cents.
This week se...

### HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATIONS APPEAL TO SPANISH SENATE

AUAN, 18th May 2015
Home owners associations campaigning to provide more protection to people buying property in Spain received a setback on May 5th when the Justice Commission of the Spanish Senate vetoed their proposal to change article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaria to afford greater protection to those who purchase a property with a clean bill of health from the Land Registry only to later discover that the property has a planning issue or is the subject of a demolition order. 
The associations are now appealing directly to the Senators to ignore the position adopted by the Justice Commission and to vote in favour of the change on the 25th of May.
AMA, the association of mainly Spanish home owner's from Cantabria has joined with the British associations AUAN and SOHA  to support this campaign and AMA's president, Antonio Vilela Fernández, has written the following open letter to all members of the Senate pleading for their support.
Dear Senator:
We are writing to you respectfully and do not wish to waste your time, but we are convinced of the necessity for legislative change in order to protect purchasers in good faith. Our association has spent more than 10 years working for more just laws to protect citizens from the abuses of promoters, constructors…and our own administrations.
We believe that these legal changes are necessary to give legal security to everyone, so that the penalty for misdeeds is not paid by innocent families and so that we do not destroy the lives of people who are simply working to have a future.
Ladies and gentlemen, we assure you that we know what we are talking about. Our association is composed of families who have suffered decades of continued mistreatment from public administrations, town halls, the regional government and even from judgements of the courts. For many years our families, who committed no crime and who bear no responsibility, have had to endure a life sentence, which is the case when you are aware of the pending demolition of your home, through no fault of their own.
Currently, the Government of Cantabria and the Town Halls, via a resolution of the Parliament of Cantabria, have apologized to our families. The justice system has condemned the Administrations to pay moral damages to the families and the Government of Cantabria is making agreements with families whereby it assumes responsibility for the damage caused.  **This road is not easy and there is still far to go for justice. We cannot punish good citizens without an end in sight and still comply with all legal and ethical precepts.
We have a serious problem. AMA has denounced this problem and has repeatedly called on regional, state and even European institutions for legislative changes to put an end to the uncertainty and gaps in our legal system which affect legal security at such an important moment as the purchase of a house.
Some changes have been achieved with changes to the law at both a regional level via Law 2/2011 of the 4th April of the Parliament of Cantabria ** and in Congress and recently in the Senate with the modification of article 319.3 of the Penal Code.  But unfortunately these changes are not enough, and the problem is not resolved, given that anyone can currently buy a house that is perfectly inscribed in the Property Register without any hint of a problem and yet, this house can be illegal and this person is not protected by the Property Register.
This creates an issue of legal insecurity that this proposed initiative serves to resolve, given that a third party who acts in good faith has the right to rely on the legality of a construction or work inscribed in the Register. The current lack of security has produced enough damage and suffering, as we have explained, but the repercussions are also international for people of other nationalities who have purchased registered houses and become trapped in a serious problem with their ** life savings held to ransom, something nobody can understand, whatever their nationality.
Therefore we take the liberty of asking you to seek comprehensive solutions, for all citizens, so that no one has to suffer the injustice that our families have suffered, because of legislation that has serious gaps in important moments such as the purchase of a family home.
Many associations such as AMA,AUAN,SOHA, CALU, FAUN, as well as other diverse groups and citizens have given their support, continuing to rely on the good work of the Senators and we appeal to your good sense to achieve improved legislation for something so important to everyone.
We thank you for your attention and the time you have given us. We hope that your good work will bring solutions, if possible, with the modification of article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaria. With kind regards from the thousands of families who are hoping for the solutions requested.
The associations tell us that they hope that the amendment will be approved by a Senate Vote which takes place on the 25th of May. 
Antonio Vilela Fernández
Presidente de AMA
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47341/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: AUAN, 18th May 2015
Home owners associations campaigning to provide more protection to people buying property in Spain received a setback on May 5th when the Justice Commission of the Spanish Senate vetoed their proposal to change article 34 of the Le...

### THE ADVENTURES OIF A DOG CALLED SNOWY

Pegasus Publishers are pleased to announce the publication of The Adventures of a Dog Called Snowy by David A. Thorp, available to order from bookshops or direct from the publisher.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The year is 1902. Snowy is a white Chow Shepherd and belongs to Arthur Dell, a well-known and well-connected doctor and his wife, Anastasia, who live in Portman Square, London.
The couple take Snowy for a walk at the same time every morning. 
One fine day, in the usual morning walk around Green Park, Snowy is stolen from the couple under their very eyes by a ne'er-do-well. 
Written from both the owners' and the dog's point of view, The Adventures of a Dog Called Snowy reflects the experiences Snowy had trying to escape and Arthur and Anastasia's attempts to rescue him.
It's a great book for children and adults, and they will enjoy the conversations Snowy has with the other animals he meets during his adventure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David A. Thorp is an artist by profession, whose speciality is in the military genre, although he does accept commissions in all subjects.
This book is something of a departure, but the original story – in picture form as a series of nine paintings – was inspired by a Victorian photograph of a poor lady walking in the rain towing a very wet and unhappy dog along on a piece of rope. Several people encouraged Thorp to write a story around the paintings and eventually he did.
Although painting takes up a great deal of his time, writing seems now to have captured his interest. A fact-based novel about a submarine, The Gold on Board the U-534, was published in 2013, and a sequel is due to follow.
CONTACTS
Copies of The Adventures of a Dog Called Snowy can be purchased direct from the publisher by visiting our website at www.pegasuspublishers.com or by calling 01223 370012. Contact can be made with the author via u534gold@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47340/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Pegasus Publishers are pleased to announce the publication of The Adventures of a Dog Called Snowy by David A. Thorp, available to order from bookshops or direct from the publisher.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The year is 1902. Snowy is a white Chow Shepherd and ...

### MORE THAN TWO BILLION HUMAN BEINGS SUFFER FROM HUNGER WORLDWIDE

Two billion are malnourished. Among the different advertising campaigns published in different media, designed by the MSF carries the motto; "Sudan; 1.2 million displaced by the violence. Now they have to escape hunger and epidemics ".
They have to survive from the violence and rudeness to finish dying of hunger or cholera.
The lack of necessary goods hits all levels. Edible arriving are scarce. The lack of drinkable water and the absence of hygiene exacerbate disease. "Rebel against poverty" is the slogan of the advertising campaign launched by the Alliance Against Poverty which aims to sensitize governments that should end homelessness in the world. The intention of the campaign is to publicize the call for a large demonstration in the world. 
Moreover, the FAO reports that a third of the global population, more than 2,000 million people, suffer severe nutritional deprivation that alter their body and brain development. In this population each year five million people die. FAO also predicts that about 20 million babies are underweight and at risk of death or endure severe disabilities.
For Manos Unidas, food shortages and poverty are intimately connected, since it is not just about the lack of food or tangible goods, but the deprivation of health assistance, schooling, employment or decent housing.
The lack of solidarity in the world is clear if we observe that only Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have met the objective set by the United Nations to achieve the 0.7% of GDP for Development Aid. The international community says that "violence against the lives of millions of human beings, especially children, forced into poverty and hunger, is due to an unjust distribution of resources between peoples".
When Augustine was asked what does love look like, he replied: It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47339/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Two billion are malnourished. Among the different advertising campaigns published in different media, designed by the MSF carries the motto; "Sudan; 1.2 million displaced by the violence. Now they have to escape hunger and epidemics ".
They have to survive from the violence and rudeness to finish dying of hunger or cholera.
The lack of necessary goods hits all levels. Edible arriving are scarce. The lack of drinkable water and the absence of hygiene exacerbate disease. "Rebel against poverty" is the slogan of the advertising campaign launched by the Alliance Against Poverty which aims to sensitize governments that should end homelessness in the world. The intention of the campaign is to publicize the call for a large demonstration in the world. 
Moreover, the FAO reports that a third of the global population, more than 2,000 million people, suffer severe nutritional deprivation that alter their body and brain development. In this population each year five million people die. FAO also predicts that about 20 million babies are underweight and at risk of death or endure severe disabilities.
For Manos Unidas, food shortages and poverty are intimately connected, since it is not just about the lack of food or tangible goods, but the deprivation of health assistance, schooling, employment or decent housing.
The lack of solidarity in the world is clear if we observe that only Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have met the objective set by the United Nations to achieve the 0.7% of GDP for Development Aid. The international community says that "violence against the lives of millions of human beings, especially children, forced into poverty and hunger, is due to an unjust distribution of resources between peoples".
When Augustine was asked what does love look like, he replied: It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47339/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Resistant Tomato Crops Promised

Scientists at the University Miguel Hernandez have created a genetically modified tomato which they say is immune to three viruses commonly affecting crops across the Vega Baja.
My planting these scientifically tweaked varieties in the future, they hope that farmers will be able to produce stronger and more resistant crops, thus reducing waste and increasing profits.
However, the risk is that shoppers may be hasty to purchase the new tomatoes, fearful of genetically modified food.

Excerpt: Scientists at the University Miguel Hernandez have created a genetically modified tomato which they say is immune to three viruses commonly affecting crops across the Vega Baja. My planting these scientifically tweaked varieties in the future, they hope that farmers Read More ...

### Former Torrevieja Mayor Facing Further Criminal Charges

The Courts in Torrevieja have opened another case against the former PP Mayor of the city, Pedro Hernández Mateo, accused of offences “against civil rights” for failing to hold regular plenary sessions during the 2003 to 2007 municipal mandate.
The complaint was filed by the Los Verdes in 2006, but was initially dismissed when the case was brought for crimes of “trespass”, but with an appeal launched, the court has decreed that there is a case to answer to under Article 542 of the Penal Code.
Hernández Mateo is currently in prison serving a sentence in a different corruption case.

Excerpt: The Courts in Torrevieja have opened another case against the former PP Mayor of the city, Pedro Hernández Mateo, accused of offences “against civil rights” for failing to hold regular plenary sessions during the 2003 to 2007 municipal mandate. The Read More ...

### LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL’S RECYCLE FOR SIGHT MONTH BEGINS WITH A DONATION OF OVER 11,000 PAIRS OF GLASSES

On the 16th February Specsavers Opticas launched a campaign to collect 4,500 pairs of unwanted glasses to present to the Lions for their “Recycle for Sight Month” and give the gift of sight to some of the world's poorest people. 
The response has been fantastic, with over 4,674 pairs of glasses being donated across all eight stores in Spain during the campaign.
Specsavers Opticas in Torrevieja has had a long standing relationship with the Lions and has been collecting glasses for many years. They have an additional 6,500 pairs of glasses to be handed over to the Lions Clubs International in May, taking the total to an incredible 11,174 pairs.
José Ángel Moral-Tajadura, Specsavers Opticas' Business Development Manager commented “We would like to say a huge thank you to all the generous people, the media and local organizations who have helped support the campaign and donated their unwanted glasses. Every pair will make a massive difference to someone's life.”
The glasses donated during the campaign will be sent to the Lions Club's recycling plant in Alicante to be graded according to prescription strength, cleaned and then boxed for distribution. Lions Club representatives are located across many developing countries including Africa and India. They test the eyes of locals and send requests for the required prescription glasses onto the fulfilment plant and now there are over 11,000 more pairs available for people in need.
Specsavers Opticas will continue to have a strong relationship with the Lions Club International and glasses can be donated at any of their eight stores on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca. To find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es for more information on Lions Clubs International and how to participate in Recycle for Sight Month visit www.lionsclubs.org Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47337/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On the 16th February Specsavers Opticas launched a campaign to collect 4,500 pairs of unwanted glasses to present to the Lions for their “Recycle for Sight Month” and give the gift of sight to some of the world's poorest people. 
The respo...

### IS THE PRESSURE TOO MUCH FOR SERENA?

The 2015 Italian Open has given us its fair share of surprises.
In a shock admission on his Twitter account, Scottish tennis prodigy Andy Murray told his 3 million followers on 14th May: “Warming up today I didn't feel able to compete. I hope next year I can comeback to Rome and do better. Sorry Andy [sic]”
The World No.3 had previously tweeted to his fans about his fatigue, but while fans over in Britain will be lamenting the loss of their champion, spectators across the pond are also mourning the loss of another champion: Serena Williams.
Just two days after cruising past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 6-3, sources have confirmed that Williams has now withdrawn herself from the tournament for reasons that are as yet unknown.
The World No.1 will doubtless have been feeling the pressure recently after failing to beat Petra Kvitova in the Madrid Open semi-finals. Clearly, she had a point to prove, but after making it through to the next stage along with Maria Sharapova, it's unclear as to how the tournament will fare without the world renowned Serena.
Doubtless the 33-year-old has been working tirelessly throughout 2015 and has had no end of media attention. Back in February, the spotlight was on her when she made the brave choice to return to Indian Wells, 14 years after suffering racist taunts from the audience. In a blog for Time Magazine, Williams recounted her experiences with her sister Venus, saying: “We were outsiders. As a black tennis player, I looked different. I sounded different. I dressed differently. I served differently.”
After her triumphant return, she made headlines once again recently this month when it was announced that she would be launching her own Masterclass to help aspiring tennis players train. Williams' 10-class package is now available online for $90 and features videos of the star re-enacting world-class tennis techniques.
While Williams is undoubtedly helping out people from all communities, having also worked to build secondary schools in Kenya in the past, one could ask if she is putting too much pressure on herself. She may have progressed at the same stage as Sharapova, but with six years on the Russian star, these high octane events may be proving a little too much for a 33-year-old.
Sources are currently speculating that she may have pulled out with an elbow injury, but it is likely that there are a number of other underlying causes. Williams' best course of action for now would be to take some time out and make sure she is in a fit state, physically and mentally, to regain her athletic prowess this summer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47333/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The 2015 Italian Open has given us its fair share of surprises.
In a shock admission on his Twitter account, Scottish tennis prodigy Andy Murray told his 3 million followers on 14th May: “Warming up today I didn't feel able to compete. I hope ne...

### THE COSTA BLANCA LEADER IS OUT NOW

The latest issue of the Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper is out now for you to enjoy.
You can pick up the real thing on Monday morning from hundreds of venues.
Here is this week´s virtual version. 

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47332/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest issue of the Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper is out now for you to enjoy.
You can pick up the real thing on Monday morning from hundreds of venues.
Here is this week´s virtual version. 

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/articl...

### "PITT" STOP FOR BRAD IN LOS MONTESINOS?

BY ANDREW ATKINSON reporting from Los Montesinos
BRAD Pitt could yet make Alicante based sleepy town Los Montesinos a stopping-off point in the star actor's hectic life schedule - along with Angelina Jolie.
Pitt was allegedly photographed in the Vega Baja town of Los Montesinos two years ago, having arrived in Spain by private jet at Murcia, San Javier airport.
Sceptics find it hard to believe that the star-struck couple would settle down in Los Montesinos - but they have an affection for Spain - having also visited Madrid and Casares in recent times.
Pitt was seen dining with daughters Zahara and Shiloh in Madrid, and Brad and Angelina purchased Spanish artwork from an art Gallery in Casares, following a visit in the province of Malaga, Andalusia, purchashing two paintings, painted on glass, one a 16th Century-style female portrait of Isabella.
Los Montesinos, near to Guardamar, La Mata and Torrevieja - amongst other resorts - has similar scenic views as Casares Costa - a beach side strip of residential urbanisations, bars and restaurants. 
It is said that Pitt and Jolie are seeking a quiet, relaxing place - such as Los Montesinos - where they were reportedly seen with bodyguards in tow, after driving the short distance from Murcia, to view a huge property worth 1 million plus euros.
Photos of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their six children were taken in Los Montesinos square, near to the Church, featuring a picturesque bell-tower, when they were in town on vacation - allegedly seeking a property.
Pitt and Jolie reportedly took time looking around Los Montesinos, having arrived in two Mercedes S-class cars along  with bodyguards.
And locals in Los Montesinos have revealed that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have visited on more than one occasion.
Pitt starred in the film 'The Councilor' - a crime movie based around drug importers in Spain. 
And Pitt, who shot scenes filming in Monte Pego, reportedly celebrated a colleagues birthday in Fortuna, Murcia, having been looking at property.
Pitt and his family are friends with retired football icon David Beckham and his wife Victoria and their four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
Pitt has told the media that he wanted the former England, Manchester United and Real Madrid star to coach his children football.
Beckham was offered to give Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne personal lessons.
And Beckham who played for Preston North End in 1995, while on loan at Deepdale from Manchester United, aged 19, has said that he would like Pitt to play his character, if a film of his career is made.
As Author of the book: 'David Beckham-In at the Deep End', Preston-born Andrew Atkinson, who has featured on VivaTVs 'Let's Talk Show' said: "If Brad Pitt does purchase a property in Los Montesinos, and invites David Beckham over, I will gladly speak to him about Becks' days at North End.
"David Beckham has always remembered his roots in the game, and his short 'apprenticeship' at Preston North End as a teenager in the old third division."
Andrew added: "Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their family would be a welcome addition to the Vega Baja and Los Montesinos - it would be a perfect 'Pitt-stop' in their hectic life schedule."
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47331/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: BY ANDREW ATKINSON reporting from Los Montesinos
BRAD Pitt could yet make Alicante based sleepy town Los Montesinos a stopping-off point in the star actor's hectic life schedule - along with Angelina Jolie.
Pitt was allegedly photographed in the Vega Baja town of Los Montesinos two years ago, having arrived in Spain by private jet at Murcia, San Javier airport.
Sceptics find it hard to believe that the star-struck couple would settle down in Los Montesinos - but they have an affection for Spain - having also visited Madrid and Casares in recent times.
Pitt was seen dining with daughters Zahara and Shiloh in Madrid, and Brad and Angelina purchased Spanish artwork from an art Gallery in Casares, following a visit in the province of Malaga, Andalusia, purchashing two paintings, painted on glass, one a 16th Century-style female portrait of Isabella.
Los Montesinos, near to Guardamar, La Mata and Torrevieja - amongst other resorts - has similar scenic views as Casares Costa - a beach side strip of residential urbanisations, bars and restaurants. 
It is said that Pitt and Jolie are seeking a quiet, relaxing place - such as Los Montesinos - where they were reportedly seen with bodyguards in tow, after driving the short distance from Murcia, to view a huge property worth 1 million plus euros.
Photos of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their six children were taken in Los Montesinos square, near to the Church, featuring a picturesque bell-tower, when they were in town on vacation - allegedly seeking a property.
Pitt and Jolie reportedly took time looking around Los Montesinos, having arrived in two Mercedes S-class cars along  with bodyguards.
And locals in Los Montesinos have revealed that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have visited on more than one occasion.
Pitt starred in the film 'The Councilor' - a crime movie based around drug importers in Spain. 
And Pitt, who shot scenes filming in Monte Pego, reportedly celebrated a colleagues birthday in Fortuna, Murcia, having been looking at property.
Pitt and his family are friends with retired football icon David Beckham and his wife Victoria and their four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
Pitt has told the media that he wanted the former England, Manchester United and Real Madrid star to coach his children football.
Beckham was offered to give Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne personal lessons.
And Beckham who played for Preston North End in 1995, while on loan at Deepdale from Manchester United, aged 19, has said that he would like Pitt to play his character, if a film of his career is made.
As Author of the book: 'David Beckham-In at the Deep End', Preston-born Andrew Atkinson, who has featured on VivaTVs 'Let's Talk Show' said: "If Brad Pitt does purchase a property in Los Montesinos, and invites David Beckham over, I will gladly speak to him about Becks' days at North End.
"David Beckham has always remembered his roots in the game, and his short 'apprenticeship' at Preston North End as a teenager in the old third division."
Andrew added: "Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their family would be a welcome addition to the Vega Baja and Los Montesinos - it would be a perfect 'Pitt-stop' in their hectic life schedule."
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47331/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CRISTIAN DOUBLE BRINGS SEASON TO A CLOSE

CD TORREVIEJA - 2    UD ALZIRA - 2
Fans favourite Cristian bagged a brace in Torry's last game of a roller coaster season, that promised so much, but ultimately saw them finish in a disappointing 10th position.  
When Torry achieved an excellent 0-3 victory at Alzira in early Jan, everything seemed so rosy for the Salinas men, but a catastrophic slump in form, not only proved costly in terms of promotion, but it also cost manager Galiano his job. 
Enter Pedreno, who has completely rejuvenated a demoralised squad, giving skilful players like Cristian a chance to prove what he really can do.  
The game started with Alzira in the ascendancy, as Higon converting a cross from Francesc after only 11 mins, giving his side the lead.  When on 40 mins, Palomares headed home a corner by Quique, it looked as if the season would finish on a low note, but just before the interval, Brani crossed from the right for Cristian to fire home and reduce the arrears. 
With time ticking away, a well worked move involving Rafa, Cesar and Cristian, resulted in the latter scoring his 2nd, and Torry's equalising goal.  
Jorge was presented with Torry Army player of the season, and it will be interesting to see who wins the other awards on offer, at Tues nights end of season function.  One note of interest, is that Oscar played in every minute of all 42 matches this season.  Well done Oscar, you are a credit to your profession. 
TORRY LINE-UP.    Oscar, Vicente, Jorge, Burguillos (Juanra), Edi, Cristian, Brani (Cesar), Borja, Berna, Rafa, Corella (Carrasco)Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47322/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA - 2    UD ALZIRA - 2
Fans favourite Cristian bagged a brace in Torry's last game of a roller coaster season, that promised so much, but ultimately saw them finish in a disappointing 10th position.  
When Torry achieved an excellent 0-3 ...

### Fire in Catral Shoe Factory Causes Extensive Damage

Fire fighters spent hours tackling a blaze at a shoe factory in Catral on Saturday, as flames swept through the building causing extensive damage.

Numerous fire fighting units were called in to assist in the incident, as the flames were tackled from both the ground and from an aerial platform.

A wedding was being celebrated in a neighbouring unit and fireworks were set off during those celebrations. An investigation is underway but investigators are considering if a firework may have started the blaze, as this has been known to have happened before.

Smoke could be seen for miles around as the fire became controlled about 3 hours after the first alert.

Excerpt: Fire fighters spent hours tackling a blaze at a shoe factory in Catral on Saturday, as flames swept through the building causing extensive damage. Numerous fire fighting units were called in to assist in the incident, as the flames were Read More ...

### NEW TECHNIQUE IMPROVES SURVIVAL FROM BRAIN TUMORS

Alicante General Hospital has introduced new technology that helps to improve the survival of those patients with malignant brain tumors.
It is a microscope that better displays a dyed fluid in the affected area so that neurosurgeons can better distinguish between diseased and healthy tissue during surgery enabling them to be more accurate in their techniques.
According to the head of the neurosurgery department, Dr. Pedro Moreno, "the problem we have, particularly with malignant brain tumors, is that when you open the skull it is difficult to distinguish different brain tissue, everything looks similar which requires the surgeon to err on the side of caution. As such there are occasions when not all of the damaged tissue is removed.
The new tool provides intraoperative imaging, allowing much better reproduction however it is a very expensive system because of the necessary installation of equipment in the operating theatre which must then be devoted exclusively to this type of intervention. 
The patient is takes the substance by mouth, four or five hours before surgery, a drug that spreads throughout the cells which are deeply stained.
The neurosurgeon is able to see the dye through a special ultraviolet filter, unlike the classic white light that was previously used.
The direct consequence of this new technology is an improved rate of survival because the more of the tumor that is removed, the more years the patient is likely to survive.
Ten patients have benefited from this technique since March and is expected to use the procedure in another 30-40 before the end of the year.
"The Hospital management has made an extraordinary effort. It is an expensive technology, but now that we have it installed Alicante is able to compete with many other hospitals in the Region" he says.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Alicante General Hospital has introduced new technology that helps to improve the survival of those patients with malignant brain tumors.
It is a microscope that better displays a dyed fluid in the affected area so that neurosurgeons can better distinguish between diseased and healthy tissue during surgery enabling them to be more accurate in their techniques.
According to the head of the neurosurgery department, Dr. Pedro Moreno, "the problem we have, particularly with malignant brain tumors, is that when you open the skull it is difficult to distinguish different brain tissue, everything looks similar which requires the surgeon to err on the side of caution. As such there are occasions when not all of the damaged tissue is removed.
The new tool provides intraoperative imaging, allowing much better reproduction however it is a very expensive system because of the necessary installation of equipment in the operating theatre which must then be devoted exclusively to this type of intervention. 
The patient is takes the substance by mouth, four or five hours before surgery, a drug that spreads throughout the cells which are deeply stained.
The neurosurgeon is able to see the dye through a special ultraviolet filter, unlike the classic white light that was previously used.
The direct consequence of this new technology is an improved rate of survival because the more of the tumor that is removed, the more years the patient is likely to survive.
Ten patients have benefited from this technique since March and is expected to use the procedure in another 30-40 before the end of the year.
"The Hospital management has made an extraordinary effort. It is an expensive technology, but now that we have it installed Alicante is able to compete with many other hospitals in the Region" he says.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THE END OF AN ERA IN ORIHUELA

As a unique chapter in the history of Orihuela is about to come to a close, it is a time of reflection for those who will be leaving the political battlefield. 
Whereas some of those staying may well find themselves ousted by a new wave of politicians, there are many who are voluntarily moving away from the front line, as is the case for the current Mayor of the municipality, Monserrate Guillén Sáez, who has opted not to stand for re-election after four years at the helm.
Having fought for the environmental concerns of his hometown of Torremendo, Guillén was already seen as a key player before becoming a full time politician. With his later, more vocal, concerns about the mismanagement of the municipality under the Partido Popular, upon becoming Mayor four years ago, it was inevitable that both those key factors would carry him through this term, the time that Orihuela was not governed by the PP.
Summing up his time as the head of a minority government rocked with its own turmoil, facing two attempts at a political overthrow and experiencing a near fatal heart attack in the process, Guillén is adamant that for him, he has achieved exactly what he intended, as his “stability plan has now been fulfilled”.
Guillén himself has reflected on his time at the head of a municipality that had become historically implicated in corruption and scandal, and facing a much needed cleanup, Guillén admits, “I knew it would be very difficult and complicated”, knowledge learnt during his previous eight years as an opposition councillor facing former Mayor, Mónica Lorente.
It was upon taking to power that Guillén became more aware of the reality of what he was taking over, as he explained, “we found 30 million euro in drawers, yet the electricity and telephones were cut, there was no fuel to put the police on the streets, it was on that day you realise things had to be done differently. We paid a lot, not only euro 21,500,000 in adjustments, euro 8,500,000 in court cases, which we paid regardless of sentences, plus a whole day clearing outstanding invoices. Today we have sufficient liquidity.”
It is also now that things are done differently, with far more control and management than ever before. That itself is not without difficulty, as Guillén explains, “We may have other problems such as the financial controller to put things in place and tell us how to do it. That costs us but the situation occurred because of a lack of specialized staff in different departments”, largely due to the PP´s obsession with “ensuring votes”, rather than doing the job that was needed.
Whilst governing in a minority it was extremely difficult to achieve much by means of voting in the plenary sessions, as the majority opposition would mostly object to any motion tabled, irrespective of the value presented, and facing enforced austerity measures by the central government keen to cap the previous lavish overspend .
Guillén admits that, “we were unable to make investments, at least not many”, especially given that “revenues were between 30 and 40% lower than previous years. I do not want to make excuses for the management, but we must take into account other difficulties. It is one thing is to have a corporation that does not support you, but at least do not attempt to torpedo everything you do, and that is what we have had.”
Despite the attempts of the coalition to make change, faced with such opposition, Guillén claims that “at the end we have seen what it was. A PP dismembered which was to serve their own interests, with people leaving their party, a totally dismembered CLR, and yet, the PSOE and Los Verdes are in the same place”. 
With so much corruption seen throughout recent years, and despite his decision to not stand again, Guillén for one has not lost faith in the political system, “No, it´s not politics. I've spent my whole life in policy and politics, and it can be a very nice word when performed honourably.”
But if it´s not politics that´s the problem, then it must be something else, “Yes, politicians”, he believes, not all of them, but “when they focus on their own purposes and do not consider the people they represent”, that “is despicable.”
Guillén also believes that with the recent history of mismanagement, having lost the last elections, the PP simply “never wanted to fix it”. He says that “We were very clear that Orihuela needed four years of tranquillity”, away from corruption, as “Orihuela needed those four years and I knew it was the only chance to get this town clean.
That has conditioned us all because it would have been easy to leave, but it was worth it and that's what we tried”, but not only that, what the current government has done has been “very important”, because “we can leave it clean and in the honour of those who have ruled.”
When faced with critics who say that the last four years resulted in a cessation of growth and advancement of the municipality, Guillén admits that in terms of lack of investment, it is true, but during the last four years, “we have ensured that the model of political corruption no longer exists” and they have not been idle. Faced with ensuring a continuity of services with less money and problems that sometimes occur, “if the streets are not clean enough one day the next day they are, we have not had the eco parque I wanted, that is true.
But if the government can open drawers and see that no hidden bills, if there is aren´t any unpleasant surprises, if there is some liquidity”, as is the case in the end of this term, then “we have achieved a lot in just four years.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47319/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As a unique chapter in the history of Orihuela is about to come to a close, it is a time of reflection for those who will be leaving the political battlefield. 
Whereas some of those staying may well find themselves ousted by a new wave of politicians...

### MORE BLUE FLAGS THAN EVER FOR ORIHUELA

As the political term ends, one legacy that the current councillor for the Orihuela Costa leaves behind, Martina Scheurer, is that not only have the beaches of Orihuela been awarded more Blue Flag awards than any other municipality in the Valencia region, the Orihuela Costa this year has more Blue Flags than ever before.
In total, the beaches of Orihuela have 8 Blue Flags and the marinas have 2, making a total of 10 accreditations based on such criteria as water quality, facilities and cleanliness, amongst others.
Therefore, Blue Flags will this year be flying on the beaches of Punta Prima, Cala Flamenca, Cala Bosque (La Zenia), La Caleta-Cabo Roig, Cala Capitán-Cabo Roig, Aguamarina, Campoamor and Barranco Rubio, and in the marinas of Marina Cabo Roig and Club Náutico Dehesa de Campoamor.
Nationally, only the beaches of Sanxenso with 12, Cartagena y Cangas de Morrazo with 10 and Calvià with 9 beat Orihuela, but with the 8 flags along the 16 kilometres of the coast of Orihuela, it represents the largest concentration of awards in the whole of Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47318/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As the political term ends, one legacy that the current councillor for the Orihuela Costa leaves behind, Martina Scheurer, is that not only have the beaches of Orihuela been awarded more Blue Flag awards than any other municipality in the Valencia regi...

### STEM CELLS TO TREAT KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Mesenchymal stem cells are capable of producing different specialised cells that are found in skeletal tissues.
Spanish researchers at the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) have successfully carried out a clinical trial that shows the effectiveness of treatment with stem cells from healthy donors to treat knee osteoarthritis.
The results of the work prove the validity of this therapy as an alternative to conventional treatments that do not regenerate the cartilage.
Today, around 30% of the Spanish population over the age of 60 suffer from this type of pain and the annual cost of conventional treatment is around €1,500 per patient, according to data from the Spanish Rheumatology Society.
The research group at the Cell Therapy Network at the ISCIII designed a clinical trial with 30 patients suffering from chronic knee osteoarthritis unresponsive to conventional treatment. Those who were treated with stem cells did not experience any side effects, and showed considerable pain relief, as well as a clear improvement in the cartilage quality, which was shown through magnetic resonance imaging.  
The outcome of the work conducted by the Spanish researchers has been published in Transplantation, the leading international scientific journal in the field of transplants and cell therapy.
The Cell Therapy Network (TerCel) is a joint project that began its activity in 2003 with the aim of fostering research into cell therapy and transfer scientific progress in this field to the National Health System.
TerCel forms part of the Cooperative Health Research Thematic Networks (RETICS) of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), the main Public Organisation that funds, manages and carries out biomedical research in Spain.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47317/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Mesenchymal stem cells are capable of producing different specialised cells that are found in skeletal tissues.
Spanish researchers at the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) have successfully carried out a clinical trial that shows the effectiveness...

### COURTS SUSPENDED DUE TO FAULTY AIRCON

Staff in the Orihuela courts have for years been demanding the replacement of the inadequate air conditioning system in the building that they occupy in la Plaza Santa Lucía.
Judges, magistrates and clerks continually complain to the authorities about the system's deficiencies and with the onset of higher than average temperatures, which will undoubtedly increase even more in the coming weeks, and following a meeting of the Magistrates Board a petition has been submitted to the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), expressing their dissatisfaction.
The Leader newspaper has reported similar problems with the system in both 2013 and 2014but the staff say they are no further forward. The air-conditioning is totally ineffective and neither are the staff able to open windows so it is not possible.
The situation became so bad that the Dean of the court, Judge  Joaquina de la Peña, suspended all activity in the building for 2 days last week due to high temperatures as Health and Safety law requires that work be abandoned should the temperature exceed 27 degrees C 
He said that officials working on the second floor of the building which houses the offices of prosecutor and the courts of Instruction 2 and 4 are the most badly affected as they have been without any form of ventilation system for over six months.
Last year the solution was to bring in 4 large mobile aircon units from the Department of Justice.  But even they are nowhere near satisfactory as, whilst the units are in operation, the extraction hose needs to be vented through an open window, as a result of which the hot air just flows back in. 
Added to this is the excessive noise of the devices, so much so that some of the office staff have chosen to switch them off rather than suffer. One worker said that even when they are operating on full power the cool air hardly gets beyond the immediate area of the aircon unit itself. 
Many of the staff have taken the matter into their own hands by bringing in their own electric fans. But by early afternoon the temperature is still stifling with thermometers exceeding thirty degrees, Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47316/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Staff in the Orihuela courts have for years been demanding the replacement of the inadequate air conditioning system in the building that they occupy in la Plaza Santa Lucía.
Judges, magistrates and clerks continually complain to the authoritie...

### CLEANING UP IN GUARDAMAR

Guardamar has added new machinery and equipment to its cleaning fleet following an investment of one million euros. 
In the last few weeks, three new street sweepers have joined the fleet of the municipal cleaning company GESNET. The three sweepers were purchased at a cost of 345,000 euros, achieving a saving of 17,000 euros on the price originally planned. 
The investment also included the purchase of two 135 hp tractors that have been procured to  replace existing equipment which will be used to clean beaches and support general maintenance and landscaping tasks. There are also two new rubbish collection trucks, which will be introduced into service at the beginning of the summer. 
The procurement of the new equipment will not only modernize the service but it will  improve the image and the environmental quality of the town and it will also save money for taxpayers.
A municipal spokesman told the Leader that much of the equipment replaced was totally obsolete. Most of the vehicles were over 15 years old and the continually generated heavy expense due to ongoing repairs and service deficiencies. They were very old vehicles, 37 years in the case of one of the tractors, and they were achieving only limited benefits. 
He said that keeping the city clean and preserving and maintaining the dunes and the other natural areas is absolutely essential if the area is to continue to thrive as a tourist destination.
Over a hundred new recycling containers have also been recently obtained by Guardamar bringing the total to over 600 waste disposal containers now distributed across the municipality, 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47315/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Guardamar has added new machinery and equipment to its cleaning fleet following an investment of one million euros. 
In the last few weeks, three new street sweepers have joined the fleet of the municipal cleaning company GESNET. The three sweepers we...

### MEN ARE THE VICTIMS IN 69% OF MURDERS IN SPAIN

According to a new book published by Professor José Muñoz Clares and five of his law students at Murcia University, 69 % of the victims of homicides and murders committed in Spain are men, with women accounting for the remaining 31 percent.
However when it comes to the perpetrators of those crimes women commit only 7% with men accounting for the remainder.
Knives, razors and other sharp instruments are used in 53% of all cases while just 15% of all murders are committed using fists, hands or feet.  
Most of the deaths, over 60%, occur at night, with the remainder being committed during daylight hours or in the very early evening.
Of the 370 sample cases that were tried during the past year, 218 murders took place Monday to Friday and the rest, 152, at the weekend.
The book, edited by Diego Marin, also deals with cases of suicide, which is the leading cause of violent death in Spain, accounting for 7.6 per cent per 100,000 inhabitants.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47314/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to a new book published by Professor José Muñoz Clares and five of his law students at Murcia University, 69 % of the victims of homicides and murders committed in Spain are men, with women accounting for the remaining 31 percen...

### ELCHE HOSPITAL SEES TRANSPLANT INCREASE

Elche General Hospital is one of the Valencian centers with the highest number of organ donations in the Region, 24 in the last year, leading to the center quickly establishing itself, particularly in the areas of kidney and cornea surgery
The hospital first began performing kidney transplants three years ago in 2012, since when it has successful completed a total of 64, of which 23 were performed in the last year.
The coordinator of the Transplant Unit, Maria Angeles Casillas, said “This is a particularly high number, considering that we only began the procedure recently. Indeed in the first year the hospital only managed to complete four interventions.”
“This type of operation allows patients to recover a quality of life that many of them had previously lost when they became dependant on dialysis treatment. I have spoken to many patients about their daily life ‘before and after' the procedure and they all give a very emotional testimony to the vast improvement in their lifestyles.”
Cornea transplants are another practice that the General Hospital carries out, the implementation of which provides very good results and currently enjoys a healthy rate of donors, which is encouraging news for both those who have lost their vision and the surgeons.
Of course there are always significantly more people waiting for an organ transplant than there are suitable donors and one of the roles of the staff in the Transplant Unit is making members of the public aware. In the environment in which they work they regularly come into contact with the families of deceased or dying patients who in such dramatic moments, are reminded that they are able to offer the possibility to other people of a second chance to live.
Indeed the success of organ transplants in Spain is attributed mainly to the sensitive way in which these transplant coordinators approach the bereaved families.
One member of the unit said that only about 15 percent of families approached in Spain refuse consent for organ donation, a huge drop from the 40 percent who refused in the 1980s and at many hospitals the refusal rate is nearly zero percent.
Spain currently boasts 36 donors per million people — equal to 1,682 donors — "far superior" to the European Union figure of 19, health authorities said of figures released from 2014.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47313/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche General Hospital is one of the Valencian centers with the highest number of organ donations in the Region, 24 in the last year, leading to the center quickly establishing itself, particularly in the areas of kidney and cornea surgery
The hospital first began performing kidney transplants three years ago in 2012, since when it has successful completed a total of 64, of which 23 were performed in the last year.
The coordinator of the Transplant Unit, Maria Angeles Casillas, said “This is a particularly high number, considering that we only began the procedure recently. Indeed in the first year the hospital only managed to complete four interventions.”
“This type of operation allows patients to recover a quality of life that many of them had previously lost when they became dependant on dialysis treatment. I have spoken to many patients about their daily life ‘before and after' the procedure and they all give a very emotional testimony to the vast improvement in their lifestyles.”
Cornea transplants are another practice that the General Hospital carries out, the implementation of which provides very good results and currently enjoys a healthy rate of donors, which is encouraging news for both those who have lost their vision and the surgeons.
Of course there are always significantly more people waiting for an organ transplant than there are suitable donors and one of the roles of the staff in the Transplant Unit is making members of the public aware. In the environment in which they work they regularly come into contact with the families of deceased or dying patients who in such dramatic moments, are reminded that they are able to offer the possibility to other people of a second chance to live.
Indeed the success of organ transplants in Spain is attributed mainly to the sensitive way in which these transplant coordinators approach the bereaved families.
One member of the unit said that only about 15 percent of families approached in Spain refuse consent for organ donation, a huge drop from the 40 percent who refused in the 1980s and at many hospitals the refusal rate is nearly zero percent.
Spain currently boasts 36 donors per million people — equal to 1,682 donors — "far superior" to the European Union figure of 19, health authorities said of figures released from 2014.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47313/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### COALITION MOST LIKELY OUTCOME FOR ORIHUELA

Before last week's UK elections political commentators predicted that coalition governments were here to stay and single party government was a phenomenon of the past, the UK conservatives have proved all the commentators wrong. 
The predictions for Orihuela have been exactly the same in relation to coalition governments, the options seemed to be for there to be either a two party right-wing government or a rainbow left of three or four parties? With only 25 seats to fill commentators were convinced that no party would reach the magic figure of 13.
Many believe that a strong single party government is needed to correct the devastation caused by the last left-wing coalition government.
On the extreme communist left it is likely that either Cambiamos or Ganemos could achieve enough votes and win one seat. If all the communist parties had have joined forces under one banner they could have won as many as 3 seats but divided the maximum they can achieve is 1 seat.
Pepa Ferrando's Foro Demócrata is expected to win 2,500 votes and 2 seats but it is highly unlikely that any other party will want to tarnish their anti-corruption image by joining forces with them. Ciudadanos (C's) have been openly spreading the rumour that the PP will join forces with her after the election.
This is a highly unlikely scenario as the national PP would see it as a total breach of their anti-corruption policy and this would set the PP image back years and is an unthinkable backward step.
Ciudadanos (C´s) have an up-and-coming image throughout Spain but in Orihuela this party is now being linked to businessmen of unclear intent. Up to when the lists were submitted and declared it was thought that C´s could get as many as 5 seats but in the last week it seems that they will be extremely lucky to achieve 3,000 votes and 2 seats.
A very important factor in this election is that there are 13 different parties contesting the election. The extra parties taking part dilutes the vote for each of the other small parties. 200 votes given to a small party like PRO or DLP helps eliminate a party like Claro or one of the communist parties.
The electoral system used is very mathematical. It favours the large parties, gives seats to the medium sizes parties and eliminates the small parties. 8 of the 13 parties contesting the Orihuela election are small parties that will be eliminated because they will not be able to achieve the required 5% or an estimated minimum of 1,600 votes.
The best known of these 8 parties that will be eliminated is Claro. All these votes (about 4,500) from these 8 eliminated parties will be binned but they still form part of the total vote cast in Orihuela.
The PSOE should gain extra votes from the villages surrounding Orihuela because they put their supporters into key positions there but if their vote is lower 8,000 they will only receive 7 seats. If at the same time the PP can achieve more than 13,000 votes they could achieve 13 seats which will be an overall majority.
The PP has publicly declared that no person charged with corruption can appear on their electoral lists. This will have a tremendous impact on 9,000 traditional PP supporters in Orihuela who voted for the PP in the national elections but not in the last local elections.
The predicted number of voters is under 33,000 with blank and spoilt votes about 300. The results will likely be as follows:
PP 10 to 13 seats
PSOE 7 to 8 seats
Ciudadanos 2 to 3 seats
Foro Demócrata 1 to 2 seats
Cambiamos or Ganemos 0 to 1 seatFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47311/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Before last week's UK elections political commentators predicted that coalition governments were here to stay and single party government was a phenomenon of the past, the UK conservatives have proved all the commentators wrong. 
The predictions for O...

### GO ON, UNZIP A BANANA!

I was chatting to a banana grower friend the other day. He was very concerned, because the banana growers of the Canary Islands have recently threatened industrial action.
They feel undervalued and underpaid, and they are concerned that with cheaper imports entering the European Union from other countries, their livelihoods are being threatened. Despite the islands' tourism industry, the growing of fruit and vegetables, and particularly the banana, remain an essential part of the Canary Islands' economy, which should not be underestimated.
Many visitors comment about the fields of polythene sheeting that adorn the sides of many roads in the Canary Islands. As well as protecting soft fruit and vegetables, many such structures shelter bananas from the ravages of the strong Atlantic winds. Our garden is surrounded by several very large and impressive banana plants that brush noisily against the wall in strong winds, which reminds me of the importance of the banana to these islands.
I am a great fan of the humble banana, particularly if it is the traditional Canarian variety, as opposed to those huge, tasteless, perfectly shaped objects usually found in most UK supermarkets. The Canarian banana is well worth searching out, and some of the better UK supermarkets now stock them. Although smaller in size, they are full of flavour and are much sweeter and creamier than the imported bananas from the Caribbean, which are often picked too early, artificially ripened and sprayed with gas to control the ripening process.
I am always surprised that bananas are not more popular; after all, they are nature's energy bar, which is far better for you than one of those expensive sports drinks. Although maybe not as ‘cool' as a heavily advertised ‘sports drink', one medium sized banana contains around ten per cent of the daily potassium intake that most adults need.
These fresh, creamy fruits from the Canary Islands are cheap and readily available throughout the year. They are rich in calories, with 100 grams of fruit containing around 90 calories, as well as being rich in anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins. Its flesh is made up of simple sugars, such as sucrose and fructose that instantly replenish the body, and is why they are so popular with athletes. The amount of soluble dietary fibre also means that it is good for the bowels, which means that you can avoid constipation by eating regular supplies of bananas. Now that really must be good news.
This humble fruit also contains a generous helping of Vitamin B6, which helps to treat inflammation of the nerves and anaemia, as well as helping to prevent coronary artery disease and stroke. A portion of fruit also contains a dose of Vitamin C, which helps to ward off some of those nasty diseases, magnesium for strengthening bones, and copper for helping in the production of red blood cells. What's not to like?
In short, this wonderful fruit helps to combat depression, cures hangovers, helps to protect against kidney cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and blindness. Bananas are the only raw fruit that can be eaten to relieve stomach ulcers, because they coat the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids. By the way, you can also rub a banana over a mosquito bite to sooth the pain and disinfect the wound and, if you really must, you can use one to clean your shoes. I wish the plants growing over my garden wall would hurry up and give me some fruit.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47310/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I was chatting to a banana grower friend the other day. He was very concerned, because the banana growers of the Canary Islands have recently threatened industrial action.
They feel undervalued and underpaid, and they are concerned that with cheaper i...

### Family Shopping Weekend in Torrevieja

A special event is taking place in the centre of Torrevieja this weekend, focusing on fun for all the family whilst out shopping.

The event is an attempt to boost trade in the city centre, which has been continually suffering for years since the opening of the Habaneras shopping centre and the Zenia Boulevard more recently, as well as the overall neglect of Torrevieja.

On Friday evening there is a boucy castle in the Plaza de Oriente, with Disney characters walking through the streets, squares and shops, as well as henna workshops in the pedestrian areas.

The Disney characters will return on Saturday morning and then in the evening the bouncy castle will be at the Paseo Vista Alegre, where there will also be Henna and African Dance workshops, followed by a spectacular show later on.



Starting at 9:30 pm, “MUÑECOS DE CUENTO” is a family show that both children and adults will enjoy, with clowns and characters telling such family favourite stories as Cinderella, with appearances from the likes of Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy, Olaf, Dora the Explorer and etc, and a circus performance.

On Sunday, the action returns to the Plaza de Oriente in the morning, where a bouncy castle will be in place, and on the Paseo Vista Alegre there will be 5 Formula 1 simulators.

In the evening, the Disney characters will return to the streets with the bouncy castle remaining on the Plaza de Oriente, and the African dance workshop at the Paseo Vista Alegre, accompanied by those 5 Formula 1 simulators.

If all of that isn´t enough, you can also enjoy the benefits of 2 x 1 tickets at the fair, with a special promotion, “TORREVIEJA EN FAMILIA”.

### ELCHE STUDENTS TO RACE ECO CAR IN ROTTERDAM

Students from Elche University (UHM) were showing off their new Eco car last Tuesday, the 'Datil 15', which they will be entering into the Shell Eco-Marathon this coming weekend on a Rotterdam street circuit.
The car is much lighter, has a much improved engine and a boasts a much lower fuel consumption than earlier models. The professor of Mechanical Engineering and Energy of the UMH, Miguel Angel Oliva, said that they fully expect the vehicle to achieve a distance of 2000 km on just one litre of ethanol, a vast improvement on last year's best attempt which was recorded as 1156km.
The car has been built by eight students from the Polytechnic School of Elche, over a nine month period, with the process coordinated by professor Oliva and researcher David Abellan.
It is a rebuild of an earlier prototype, weighing just 28kg it is 30% lighter, it features an innotavive front steering arrangement and is 40% more aerodynamically efficient. The total cost of the vehicle is said to be just 6000 euros.
The car measures 2.85 metres in length, it is 60 centimeters wide and 50 centimeters high. It is one of the smallest models in its category with a new design that greatly reduces the possibility of tipping, something very important on a street circuit with sharp curves and bends explained Javier Martínez, one of the students participating in the project.
He also explained that the model has a number of other new features such as an aluminum chassis with carbon fibre cover and improvements in the four-stroke engine.
In last year's race 'Datil' was ranked third among the vehicles using ethanol as fuel. With the improvements made to the new model  the team expects to beat the mark of 2,000 kilometers per litre of fuel and win the category.
The competition serves as a platform for students to test vehicles that they have designed and built themselves as they are challenged to drive as far as possible on the equivalent of 1 kWh or 1 litre of fuel.
It marks thirty years of technological innovation, outstanding achievements and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, a significant milestone in what is one of the most challenging engineering student competitions, Shell Eco-marathon Europe.
This unique event brings together around 200 teams and 3,000 students from across Europe to battle for ultra energy efficiency on the road.
The event also features the Shell Energy Lab, packed with attractions around innovation and the future of energy. In 2015, Shell Eco-marathon Europe celebrates its 30th anniversary. The competition takes place from May 21-24, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47308/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Students from Elche University (UHM) were showing off their new Eco car last Tuesday, the 'Datil 15', which they will be entering into the Shell Eco-Marathon this coming weekend on a Rotterdam street circuit.
The car is much lighter, has a much improv...

### Press release from Ángel Sáez, PSOE Candidate for Mayor of Torrevieja

Angel Saez - Eduardo Dolon, has refused to assist in the three debates scheduled for this week. Its all an excuse to avoid debating with me.



Eduardo Dolon, the candidate for PP for the Town Hall of Torrevieja, once again, has refused to debate with me. In one week he has rejected three debates of which he was invited because he does not know how to explain what they have done with the town during the 28 years that the PP has been governing.

The Debates

One of the debates is on the local radio, another on television, and the last with a radio station in Orihuela. With the radio stations, they have agreed to accept a substitute in his place, but the television have made it clear, if he does not personally show up, his chair will remain empty.

The candidate of PP prefers to fill the town with photos of his face.

The citizens of Torrevieja have the right to hear in the own voices of the candidates their proposals to enable them to decide which of them they want to trust their interests in. From what we can see, they will not be able to listen to Eduardo Dolon as he prefers to fill the town with posters of his face, however his mouth will remain closed for any type of debate that involves me.

I insist, and I want the citizens of Torrevieja to know that I continue to challenge him to a public debate wherever he wants, and up until now, Eduardo Dolon has done nothing but make excuses to avoid facing the citizens.

### POST UK ELECTION BOOST FOR PROPERTY

Brits buying an overseas home benefited immediately from the election of the Conservatives to power last week, with the news causing Sterling to bounce back against major currencies and a positive reaction in the UK property market.
 “Homes in the Eurozone and USA got cheaper again for UK buyers during Friday, as the City realised the Tories would gain power with a majority and Sterling rebounded against the euro and dollar,” said Elaine Ferguson, Head of the Resource Centre at OverseasGuidesCompany.com. 
 “And speaking to people at the A Place in the Sun Live exhibition in London over the weekend, where we received record levels of enquiries for buying property abroad, many people seemed reassured by the election result and were confident about proceeding with their property purchase knowing the UK economy is in a position to maintain growth.
The state of the property market affects practically anyone moving abroad and selling their UK home, so the continuing stability and ongoing house price growth that the new government should bring will benefit these people. 
 “Looking closer at the A Place in the Sun Live exhibition, unsurprisingly Spain appeared to be the most popular destination amongst property-hunters, with France, Portugal, Italy and Florida also favoured.
This reflects the findings from our latest Quarterly Index, which shows Spain attracting the highest number of enquiries from prospective buyers across all popular destinations in Q1 2015 and a general uplift in the international property market compared with last year.
The exchange rate was also a key topic of conversation at the exhibition, especially given how the rate had moved on the Friday, and shows a growing awareness amongst buyers to send funds overseas in the most efficient way.”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47307/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Brits buying an overseas home benefited immediately from the election of the Conservatives to power last week, with the news causing Sterling to bounce back against major currencies and a positive reaction in the UK property market.
 “Homes in t...

### CANCER SUFFERERS BATHE WITH ELCHE SEA LIONS

In a pioneering procedure developed using the facilities at Elche's Rio Safari, forty women affected by breast cancer have been benefitting from therapy with sea lions. 
The beneficiaries are all members of the Elche Association of Women Affected by Breast Cancer (Amacmec) and so far they have attended the centre's therapeutic baths on seven occasions, with each of the visits supervised by therapists and trainers.
A spokesperson for the project said that the main objective is to reduce the negative psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, from which those affected by the disease inevitably suffer.
It also aims to improve other lifestyle aspects such as self-esteem and image as well as quality of life and emotional well-being.
Participants were divided into small groups of five to six women per session.  On many occasions they were accompanied by their children or their partners who were also able to benefit from the treatment.
Each session was divided into three phases: socialization, relaxation and interaction with the sea lions, allowing the participants to play and carry out relaxation exercises with the mammals, either individually or as a group.
The therapies are adjusted to meet the needs of the individual patients. To enable this to happen the therapist receives information on the characteristics of each participant which allows them to focus the therapy on their individual needs
According to a Rio Safari occupational therapist with the Maria Galvañ Foundation, the sea lion is a "docile" animal that responds very well to interaction with humans. "It is a very motivating and innovative therapeutic tool that gets extremely beneficial results" all of which help these women to "improve their emotional well-being while they are having fun and by also raising lots of smiles."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47306/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In a pioneering procedure developed using the facilities at Elche's Rio Safari, forty women affected by breast cancer have been benefitting from therapy with sea lions. 
The beneficiaries are all members of the Elche Association of Women Affected by Breast Cancer (Amacmec) and so far they have attended the centre's therapeutic baths on seven occasions, with each of the visits supervised by therapists and trainers.
A spokesperson for the project said that the main objective is to reduce the negative psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, from which those affected by the disease inevitably suffer.
It also aims to improve other lifestyle aspects such as self-esteem and image as well as quality of life and emotional well-being.
Participants were divided into small groups of five to six women per session.  On many occasions they were accompanied by their children or their partners who were also able to benefit from the treatment.
Each session was divided into three phases: socialization, relaxation and interaction with the sea lions, allowing the participants to play and carry out relaxation exercises with the mammals, either individually or as a group.
The therapies are adjusted to meet the needs of the individual patients. To enable this to happen the therapist receives information on the characteristics of each participant which allows them to focus the therapy on their individual needs
According to a Rio Safari occupational therapist with the Maria Galvañ Foundation, the sea lion is a "docile" animal that responds very well to interaction with humans. "It is a very motivating and innovative therapeutic tool that gets extremely beneficial results" all of which help these women to "improve their emotional well-being while they are having fun and by also raising lots of smiles."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47306/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### HOW TO VOTE IN ORIHUELA MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Voting day on 24 May is fast approaching.  Those who are registered to vote should be receiving by post voting cards which confirm that they are on the voters list and informing them at which polling station and at which voting table (mesa) they should vote.  
There are three polling stations in Orihuela Costa (in the Playa Flamenca Town Hall, the Alameda del Mar Civic Centre and the Reading Point in Calle Cipress, (just behind Aldi) Lomas de Cabo Roig. They cover broadly the following areas respectively:   ...........................
Before voting it is important to know How to Vote because in Spain because it is not the same as in other countries and not the same as in the UK.  In Spain, voters vote for a party list and the candidates on the list will be elected in strict proportion to the number of votes cast for that party – provided the party receives at least 5% of the total votes cast.
Voting consists of going to the polling station specified by  your address, WITH IDENTIFICATION, (usually a passport for non-Spanish voters) and choosing a ballot form with the name of the party you wish to vote for and its candidates already printed on the form. 
These ballot forms or voting lists are available in the voting booths in the polling stations, together with the official envelopes into which the voters list should be placed.  
Having decided which party to vote for and therefore which list to choose, the voter is simply required to put the voting list in an official envelope, WITHOUT MARKING IT IN ANY WAY and  then to place it in the ballot box.   Resist the temptation to put a cross or mark on the voting list before placing it in the official envelope. 
ANY CROSS, TICK OR MARK ON THE VOTING LIST WILL RESULT IN THE BALLOT BEING DECLARED INVALID
To complete the act of voting, place the envelope containing the voting list in the ballot box at the appropriate voting table which is indicated according to the alphabetical order of your name and distinguishes between Spanish and non-Spanish voters.
The Spanish voters will also be voting in elections for the Valencia regional assembly on the same day, which non-Spanish residents are not eligible to participate in. 
At the voting table, an official will check your identity and verify that you are on the voting list. Officially approved versions of the voting lists are also being distributed by the parties contesting the election, sometimes together with the official envelopes. It is quite legitimate to use these lists and envelopes rather than the ones available in the voting booths.  
If you voted in previous municipal elections you definitely registered to vote this time. Also if you have applied to go on the voters list at the Town Hall or returned the prepaid form to go on the voters list you can vote.
If you have not received a voting card, you can still vote. It may simply be due to a postal error. You should go to the polling station allocated for your area with identity and ask for the voting list to be checked to see if you name is included.
There are officials at the entry to the polling stations who will check the official list of voters for you. If you happen to go to the wrong polling station, you will be directed to the right one. If you have to go to this extra trouble, do not be discouraged, your vote is important and may make all the difference to the final result.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47303/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Voting day on 24 May is fast approaching.  Those who are registered to vote should be receiving by post voting cards which confirm that they are on the voters list and informing them at which polling station and at which voting table (mesa) they should...

### LET US ENTERTAIN YOU - AMMA

The Campoverde Theatre group is busy rehearsing for their colourful and energetic show, LET US ENTERTAIN YOU, that will be performed at the San Miguel Casa de Cultura on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2015. 
This latest variety show has lots of well known songs, great dance routines and funny comedy sketches that is sure to have something for everybody. The show promises to be an evening of great entertainment as the Campoverde Company romp through a full and diverse programme.
This time the Theatre Group has nominated AMMA, Alzheimer's Mar Menor Association as its chosen charity. AMMA has special relevance for the group as one of the founding members of the AMMA charity has been a long time member of Campoverde and has served on the committee of the theatre group for many years.
Louise Innes was very concerned that there were insufficient day care facilities for English speaking people suffering with advanced Alzheimer's. 
Together with other likeminded people, including Raquel Pena, AMMA was formed to provide quality day care and stimulation for people with Alzheimer's in English and also to provide a much needed respite for carers who increasingly become socially isolated as they care for loved ones.
Please come along and enjoy a great evening out with the Campoverde Theatre Group's latest show and support this important new charity. As everyone knows Alzheimer's is a terrible condition that strikes people from every part of society.
For tickets please phone Jude on 96 684 4460 or 676 557 104Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47301/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Campoverde Theatre group is busy rehearsing for their colourful and energetic show, LET US ENTERTAIN YOU, that will be performed at the San Miguel Casa de Cultura on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2015. 
This latest variety show h...

### FORGIVENESS

Dear Editor:
Next June 8 is the 43 anniversary of the photo where a girl appears naked and terrified, running down a dusty road in a village in Vietnam, when she was 9 years old.
This image, which perpetuated the horrors of the Vietnam War, has appeared many times through various media and, especially all the TV networks in the world. The girl named Kim Phúc, is now an ambassador for UNESCO and runs a foundation to help the children victims of war and violence.
Far left her 17 operations to cure burns that Napalm caused in 65% of her tiny body. Nick Ut, author of the photo that won the Pulitzer in 1973, took her to the clinic and saved his life. She remained hospitalized for over a year.
She fainted every time the nurses put her in the bathtub and cut the dead skin of her wounded and small body. But she did not die. "Inside me, she says, was a small, strong girl, who wanted to live, and I got over it all, thanks to the love of my family and God."
One of the lessons she has learned from this experience is to forgive. When she read for the first time, the words of Jesus to "love your enemies", she did not know how. I'm human, I have much pain and many scars. She thought it would be impossible. "I had to pray a lot and it was not easy but in the end I got it," she testifies, moved.
In 1996, the Foundation for the Memory of Vietnam Veterans asked Kim Phúc to travel to Washington, where she could talk to one of the crew who were involved in the attack on Trang Bang, her village.
Kim Phúc publicly forgave him saying "Forgiveness is more powerful than any weapon in the world".
"My picture is a symbol of war, but my life is a symbol of love, hope and forgiveness," she said. Forgiveness exalts the spirit and gives strength to go on.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com 
Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47295/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Dear Editor:
Next June 8 is the 43 anniversary of the photo where a girl appears naked and terrified, running down a dusty road in a village in Vietnam, when she was 9 years old.
This image, which perpetuated the horrors of the Vietnam War, has appeared many times through various media and, especially all the TV networks in the world. The girl named Kim Phúc, is now an ambassador for UNESCO and runs a foundation to help the children victims of war and violence.
Far left her 17 operations to cure burns that Napalm caused in 65% of her tiny body. Nick Ut, author of the photo that won the Pulitzer in 1973, took her to the clinic and saved his life. She remained hospitalized for over a year.
She fainted every time the nurses put her in the bathtub and cut the dead skin of her wounded and small body. But she did not die. "Inside me, she says, was a small, strong girl, who wanted to live, and I got over it all, thanks to the love of my family and God."
One of the lessons she has learned from this experience is to forgive. When she read for the first time, the words of Jesus to "love your enemies", she did not know how. I'm human, I have much pain and many scars. She thought it would be impossible. "I had to pray a lot and it was not easy but in the end I got it," she testifies, moved.
In 1996, the Foundation for the Memory of Vietnam Veterans asked Kim Phúc to travel to Washington, where she could talk to one of the crew who were involved in the attack on Trang Bang, her village.
Kim Phúc publicly forgave him saying "Forgiveness is more powerful than any weapon in the world".
"My picture is a symbol of war, but my life is a symbol of love, hope and forgiveness," she said. Forgiveness exalts the spirit and gives strength to go on.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com 
Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47295/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW EU DIRECTIVE MEANS NO ESCAPE FROM TRAFFIC FINES

A new European law is about to come into force which allows foreign drivers who commit traffic offences in other countries to be sanctioned for the offences, or face legal proceedings in any member state country.
The European Council has adopted a policy for cross-border exchange of information on traffic offences, which must be implemented in most countries across the continent no later than the 6th of May, with the exception of the UK, Ireland and Denmark who have been given a two year extension on implementation.
Under the new policy, the exchange of data covers eight traffic offences: speeding, not wearing seat a seatbelt, failure to stop at a red light, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, not wearing a helmet, driving in a forbidden lane, and illegally using a mobile phone or any other communication devices while driving.
Currently there is no mechanism in place to force foreigners to pay fines in none resident countries by means of restraint or seizure, but the change will ensure that there is no escaping the law, or the fines.
In Spain, the DGT has been working on implementing a new policy to satisfy the obligation.
Together with the administrative proceedings that can be launched against drivers, criminal liability will also be ensured.
Travelling at a speed excessively higher than that which is permitted on the road amplifies cases beyond administrative sanctions and it becomes a criminal matter, punishable with imprisonment, withdrawal of license, community service and a fine. A driver who has committed an offence of this type can no longer ignore the criminal liability of legal proceedings being opened.
The new directive on cross-border data exchange is a replica of the policy adopted in 2011 by the EU ensuring police cooperation as a legal basis, but the directive was annulled by the courts in 2014, giving a year for a new legal framework to be implemented. The objective of the new policy remains the same as before, to improve road safety and to ensure equal treatment of all drivers.
Under the new rules, member states can access national vehicle registration data from other countries in order to find those responsible for certain offenses that put road safety at risk.
The alleged offender may be contacted with a sample letter included in the policy, but that depends on the member state where the offence took place, as each country has autonomy in deciding to decide how to process the sanctions.
Currently, the legislation does not allow states to enforce payment of fines in the event of a driver being resident abroad, but the new directive means that the fine can be collected and judicial proceedings can be opened wherever they live and in whichever country to offence was committed.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47288/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A new European law is about to come into force which allows foreign drivers who commit traffic offences in other countries to be sanctioned for the offences, or face legal proceedings in any member state country.
The European Council has adopted a pol...

### QUESADA PAIR TAKE PRE NATIONALS 3 WOOD

The Pre Nationals 3 Wood Pairs Event was played at San Luis and Quesada Bows Clubs last week with 36 teams competing for this popular new trophy. 
The first two days were played over a maximum of 90 minutes or 12 ends with the eight best placed teams progressing to the quarter finals on Day 3.
Slightly surprising that neither of last year's National Pairs winners took the opportunity to use the competition as a National warm up but spectators at the two venues were nevertheless rewarded  with a number of exciting games which saw Jason Prokopowycz & Derek Sale, playing on home turf, achieve a narrow victory over Mary Lockley & Mike Edwards in the final.
Prokopowycz, currently the Singles Champion at Quesada Bowls Club, and 2013 National Singles Runner Up, Sale, are also paired together in the Nationals which they will be hoping to assume from the current champions, club mates Bonsor and Pain, when their title assault gets underway at San Luis on Monday.
PHOTOS: CARL EAGLEFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47287/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Pre Nationals 3 Wood Pairs Event was played at San Luis and Quesada Bows Clubs last week with 36 teams competing for this popular new trophy. 
The first two days were played over a maximum of 90 minutes or 12 ends with the eight best placed teams ...

### CIUDADANOS - PARTY FOR THE CITIZENS / PEOPLE

ELECTORAL PROGRAM 2015 - ORIHUELA-COSTA
Ciudadanos, we offer the alternative of a real change to the Town Hall of Orihuela. We are a party of the citizens who want to and can solve the persistent problems of Orihuela-Costa. 
Ciudadanos will have representatives in the Valencian Parliament who will respond to our requests and we will eradicate those former practices which encouraged political corruption.
Ciudadanos is presenting a candidate for mayor in Orihuela who can listen and communicate with the citizens in Spanish, English, French and German - Juan Ignacio López-Bas.
The Ciudadanos Project for Orihuela-Costa:
- To transform the Town Hall of Orihuela Costa into a really effective administrative office that can resolve issues immediately, without waiting for the approval from headquarters in the city of Orihuela, together with a larger and more stable presence of the local police.
-We will speed up the municipal administrative procedures to facilitate the rapid issuance of the first or second occupancy licenses, as well as to speed-up the granting of licenses of all kinds (terraces, no parking & keep clear signs, opening of businesses/establishments, etc).
- A new set up of Orihuela Costa so that it constitutes a consolidated urban nucleus ensuring it will receive an improved allocation of services such as the post office.
- To demand the immediate reform of the CV-91 and the CV-95 to provide a fast, agile and safe route between Orihuela and the coast, guaranteeing improved communications with our own municipality, together with the withdrawal of the AP-7 toll on its way by Orihuela-Costa, which is discrimination when you compare it to other municipalities such as Torrevieja.
- Requiring the rapid construction of the schools in Orihuela Costa and to get rid of the inadequate pre-fabricated structures, as well as the completion of the emergency centre for the police and fire fighters.
- To revise the management system of the Municipal Sports Centre of the coast and to make it more efficient and accessible to users, as well as revising the pricing/municipal rates.
- To promote the use of municipal establishments (City Hall and the Civic Centre Alameda del Mar) as a cultural space, library and meeting point, as well as planning the construction of a municipal auditorium on the coast.
- To establish criteria in municipal job listings to prioritize access for jobseekers from the coast for job positions in our area.
- To promote the status of municipality population size of Orihuela to ensure the presence and effective participation of the residents of Orihuela Costa in the District Boards and the Social Council, with genuine ability and participation in municipal decisions that affect the coast.
- Audit all public services and the way in which they are provided on the coast, to eliminate the deficiencies which are constantly being denounced by neighbours (collection and disposal of garbage and prunings, sports services, maintenance of beaches).
- To create a swimming area suitable for users and their pets (pet friendly beach), designating the space and providing hygienic facilities for this purpose.
- To improve the maintenance of the green areas and the recreation areas in municipal grounds, as well as to ensure that private property owners adhere to the regulations relating to the appearance and maintenance of their own properties.
- To adapt the access and facilities of all the beaches of Orihuela Costa to accommodate people with disabilities.
- The promotion of traditional festivals on the coast, appropriate to the different nationalities in Orihuela Costa (San Jorge, San Patricio, Día de la Hispanidad, etc), as well as a European Day Celebration and to promote leisure events for younger people.
********************
1. We will demand an effective connection from the train station in Orihuela to Orihuela Costa by a shuttle bus service to guarantee easy access for the coastal residents to the AVE (High Velocity Train).
2. The location of a bus station in Orihuela Costa and to promote local transport facilities between Orihuela and the coast.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47285/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: ELECTORAL PROGRAM 2015 - ORIHUELA-COSTA
Ciudadanos, we offer the alternative of a real change to the Town Hall of Orihuela. We are a party of the citizens who want to and can solve the persistent problems of Orihuela-Costa. 
Ciudadanos will have repr...

### Hot Thursday

The health department across the region of Valencia reports that they attended eleven people on Thursday who had suffered as a result of high temperatures.
Although an alert had been issued warning of the high temperatures, none of those who needed medical attention were in a serious condition.
Two of those who were in difficulty were aged just 16 and were attended by basic life support ambulance crews who treated their condition.
One man in his 60´s was attended by medics in Torrevieja and had to be transferred to hospital for monitoring and treatment.
In parts of the country the hottest temperatures in history were recorded, whereas Orihuela also set a new record of 39.8 degrees, beating the previous 39.0 degrees record in 1965.

Excerpt: The health department across the region of Valencia reports that they attended eleven people on Thursday who had suffered as a result of high temperatures. Although an alert had been issued warning of the high temperatures, none of those who Read More ...

### Orihuela Costa Beach Record

The beaches of the Orihuela Costa have been awarded 8 Blue Flags for quality this year, along with an additional 2 for the marinas, meaning that the 10 Blue Flags they hold make Orihuela the municipality with the most awards in the Region.
Whilst the standard marks the beaches of Orihuela as being particularly high, it is also the first time in the history of the municipality that they have been awarded so many flags, beating the previous record of 9.
Meanwhile, both neighbouring Torrevieja and Elche have been award 5 Blue Flags for their beaches.

Excerpt: The beaches of the Orihuela Costa have been awarded 8 Blue Flags for quality this year, along with an additional 2 for the marinas, meaning that the 10 Blue Flags they hold make Orihuela the municipality with the most awards Read More ...

### Incoming Problems

A total of 145 immigrants on board 6 boats have been rescued by emergency crews of the south coast of Spain in 24 hours, 8 of which are children.
The problem of immigrants arriving along the continent´s coastline is becoming an increasing problem for the Eurozone countries, with countries like Italy already asking for help to deal with the growing problem.
Spain has dedicated a lot of its own resources which would normally be serving the rest of the country to the problem, including spotter aircraft, rescue helicopters and salvage boats, in view of the increased risk of death or serious injury that these unfortunate people seeking a better life are facing on their perilous journey.
 

Excerpt: A total of 145 immigrants on board 6 boats have been rescued by emergency crews of the south coast of Spain in 24 hours, 8 of which are children. The problem of immigrants arriving along the continent´s coastline is becoming Read More ...

### A Political Circus

Guardamar town hall has been criticised for breaking their own ordinance which bans circuses with animals.
Despite being a forward thinker for animal rights by being one of the first town halls to ban circuses, they allowed one on municipal land in June, 2014.
They were criticised this week in the run up to the elections by a political opposition group, but the Queremos Guardamar candidate, Andrés Navarro, said that the animals only belong to the circus and were not being used for performances.

Excerpt: Guardamar town hall has been criticised for breaking their own ordinance which bans circuses with animals. Despite being a forward thinker for animal rights by being one of the first town halls to ban circuses, they allowed one on municipal Read More ...

### Taxi Fines

A number of taxi drivers from Orihuela, Benidorm and Santa Pola are complaining that they have received 750 euro fines for visiting Alicante-Elche airport too often.
Taxis from outside the Elche jurisdiction were limited to the number of trips they are allowed to do to the airport, in order to protect the business interests of licensed taxis within the municipality which controls the transport hub.
It is expected that further focus will be given to pirate taxis as they too have been seen to take business away from all licensed operators, many of those licensed taxi drivers now facing fines despite being legal and insured.

Excerpt: A number of taxi drivers from Orihuela, Benidorm and Santa Pola are complaining that they have received 750 euro fines for visiting Alicante-Elche airport too often. Taxis from outside the Elche jurisdiction were limited to the number of trips they Read More ...

### Catering Robbers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested ten people on suspicion of belonging to a group who dedicated their operation to robbing catering establishments across the Valencia region.
It is believed that the gang stole up to 250,000 euro in goods and caused another 140,000 euro material damage during the break-ins.
Some five properties were raided during the arrest, in the Valencia town of Sagunto, from which the officers seized mobile phones, televisions, DVDs, 6 kilograms of marijuana, a shotgun and various tools used to commit the robberies.
So far, a total of 75 incidents are believed to be attributable to the gang.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested ten people on suspicion of belonging to a group who dedicated their operation to robbing catering establishments across the Valencia region. It is believed that the gang stole up to 250,000 euro in Read More ...

### Cartagena Drugs Bust

In a combined operation between the National Police and the tax office, a boat has been seized off the coast of Cartagena carrying 2,000 kilos of hashish.
The officers became aware of a boat some 15 nautical miles off the coast of Cartagena, which was not moving in a normal manner. Upon dispatching a unit to investigate, the officers found the boat was carrying 65 bales of the drug, weighing in at 2,060 kilograms.
The three crew members on board were promptly arrested and brought to the port of Cartagena, along with the boat.

Excerpt: In a combined operation between the National Police and the tax office, a boat has been seized off the coast of Cartagena carrying 2,000 kilos of hashish. The officers became aware of a boat some 15 nautical miles off the Read More ...

### SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING & COMMEMORATION - WW2 - VE70 - VICTORY IN EUROPE

On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the World War 2 - ‘Victory in Europe' -  celebrations on Sunday 10 May 2015 some 100 members of the local Torrevieja communities gathered together in the shade of the La Siesta Urbanisation Church Centre's grounds and gardens – centred on the ‘Memorial Garden of Remembrance' - to celebrate with commemorations and thanksgiving.
The occasion was coordinated by the local Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British Legion with a poignant Order of Service being led by Revd Andrew Rea, a member of the Torrevieja Anglican Chaplaincy Clergy team
The Royal British Legion paraded their Standards together with those of the local ex-Service Associations from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Forces
Members of The Royal British Legion also played an active part in the ceremony with the Branch Chairman Gerry Lynch, reading the ‘Exhortation', Gill Burden the Branch President read a passage from the Bible and Dianne Forbes , a Committee member, reading the ‘Kohima Epitaph'.
A member of the Evangelical Congregation, Chas Smith, played the ‘Last Post' - after the 2 minutes silence - ‘Reveille' and accompanied the singing of the ‘The National Anthem'
On completion of the thanksgiving Service, wreaths were laid by The Royal British Legion Branch President and representatives from the ex-Service Associations.  A number of individuals also paid their personal respects and tributes by laying their own Poppy Crosses.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47280/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the World War 2 - ‘Victory in Europe' -  celebrations on Sunday 10 May 2015 some 100 members of the local Torrevieja communities gathered together in the shade of the La Siesta Urbanisation Church Centre...

### V E DAY CELEBRATIONS

O What a Night . The chairman of Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British legion Mr Gerry Lynch set the mood for the night reading  passages from some of Sir Winston Churchills V E Day speeches and with a resounding Hurrah from the branch members when he finished we were all set for the fantastic Just Brass.
And they did not disappoint every number was followed with what seemed like an even better one with numerous standing ovations.
Their conductor Mr Brian Webber brought the best out of them and they were simply  magnificent on the night.
The proof of the night was the branch recruited seven new members  and raised 541 euros for the poppy appeal take a bow members and guests Our next meeting at Casa Ventura 7 Pm start is June the 12 which will be followed by a fantastic barbecue.
Then on 18 Th June we have ladies day at Ascot to be held at Los Altos Delores  complete with All that Jazz  a great six piece band and two pipers its going to be better than Ascot. Hope to see you there
Our photo shows some of our members who dressed for the occasion with Brian Webber of Just Brass.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47271/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: O What a Night . The chairman of Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British legion Mr Gerry Lynch set the mood for the night reading  passages from some of Sir Winston Churchills V E Day speeches and with a resounding Hurrah from the branch members when he...

### CARLOS BERNABÉ, THE ONLY CANDIDATE WITH AN “OFFICIAL BICYCLE”

Not a truck, bus or car. Carlos Bernabé, Cambiemos Orihuela coalition party candidate for mayor of Orihuela, premiered this past Friday evening, May 8, his official campaign tandem bicycle, which he shared with Miguel Ortuño, IES Espeñetas professor and member of the list of candidates.
The premier took place during the Bicycle Tour organized by Cambiemos Orihuela to defend the use of the bicycle as an excellent alternative to the automobile. Bernabé and a group of Cambiemos Orihuela candidates and community members toured Orihuela from the Plaza of Capuchinos to the Glorieta, passing through the Plazas of Monserrate, Santiago, San Sebastián, and the parks of Ocarasa and Severo Ochoa, where they took advantage of the opportunity to present the coalition Project and some of the candidates aspiring to gain the trust of the people at the polls on May 24.
“I am the only candidate with an official bicycle,” joked Bernabé, noting Cambiemos Orihuela's proposal to make all of Orihuela more pedestrian and bicycle friendly as well as promote other cleaner transportation means.
In other events, on Saturday evening, May 9, Cambiemos Orihuela held an event for community members in the Plaza of Santiago to bring attention to the poor condition of the Palace of Rubalcava, demanding attention be paid to Oriolano heritage, past, present and future. Participants also enjoyed music performed by some members of the Conservatory of Orihuela as well as food, drink and magic.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47267/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Not a truck, bus or car. Carlos Bernabé, Cambiemos Orihuela coalition party candidate for mayor of Orihuela, premiered this past Friday evening, May 8, his official campaign tandem bicycle, which he shared with Miguel Ortuño, IES Espe&nti...

### CHINA HAS KILLED 400 MILLION CHILDREN BY THE ONE-CHILD POLICY

A forced abortion imposed to a seven months pregnant woman, to meet the “one-child policy”  has caused strong indignation in China.
The officials who ordered that termination of pregnancy, were arrested after the mother hung on Internet a spooky image of the fetus, totally covered in blood, lying next to her in the hospital bed, where Feng Jianmei, the 27-year-old mother forced to terminate pregnancy was admitted. In China some 400 million children have been killed through abortion to control overpopulation.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, illustrious professional institution in the UK, has made a significant change in its guidance on the link between abortion and mental health.
The abortion leads to a significant danger to the mental health of women and the Royal College of Psychiatrists recommended guidance on these dangers to women seeking abortions. It encourages the production of publications that discuss episodes of desperation after an abortion because "there can be no informed consent, if adequate information is not provided."
In 2008 the actress Emma Beck, a young British artist of 30 years, who had a twin pregnancy and aborted, committed suicide by hanging himself shortly. He left his relatives a pathetic letter: "Living is hell for me. I should never have had an abortion. I see now I would have been a good mum. I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is too late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies - they need me, no one else does.”
Given this and other events, the scholar Peter Saunders, general secretary of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said: "How can a doctor now justify an abortion for reasons of mental health, a reason cited for more than 90% of the more than 200,000 annual abortions performed in Britain? "
"A society that boasts of its social policies should better protect the defenseless and the defense of life is a 'moral obligation' that the government should support," said Francisco Gil Hellin.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47264/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A forced abortion imposed to a seven months pregnant woman, to meet the “one-child policy”  has caused strong indignation in China.
The officials who ordered that termination of pregnancy, were arrested after the mother hung on Internet a spooky image of the fetus, totally covered in blood, lying next to her in the hospital bed, where Feng Jianmei, the 27-year-old mother forced to terminate pregnancy was admitted. In China some 400 million children have been killed through abortion to control overpopulation.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, illustrious professional institution in the UK, has made a significant change in its guidance on the link between abortion and mental health.
The abortion leads to a significant danger to the mental health of women and the Royal College of Psychiatrists recommended guidance on these dangers to women seeking abortions. It encourages the production of publications that discuss episodes of desperation after an abortion because "there can be no informed consent, if adequate information is not provided."
In 2008 the actress Emma Beck, a young British artist of 30 years, who had a twin pregnancy and aborted, committed suicide by hanging himself shortly. He left his relatives a pathetic letter: "Living is hell for me. I should never have had an abortion. I see now I would have been a good mum. I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is too late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies - they need me, no one else does.”
Given this and other events, the scholar Peter Saunders, general secretary of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said: "How can a doctor now justify an abortion for reasons of mental health, a reason cited for more than 90% of the more than 200,000 annual abortions performed in Britain? "
"A society that boasts of its social policies should better protect the defenseless and the defense of life is a 'moral obligation' that the government should support," said Francisco Gil Hellin.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47264/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FALL IN CRIME RATES IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2015

Crime fell by 3.7% on the first three months of last year. The overall downward trend posted in recent years has continued, with crime now standing at 44.3 offences and misdemeanours per 1,000 inhabitants - one of the lowest rates in the European Union.
The Ministry of Home Affairs presents the Crime Statistics corresponding to the first quarter of 2015. This report contains and presents statistics on crime trends in the first three months of the year in Spain as registered by the State law enforcement agencies (the Spanish National Police Force and Spanish Guardia Civil), the regional law enforcement agencies (the Basque Ertzaintza, the Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra and the Provincial Police Force of Navarre), as well as those local police forces that provide data to the Crime Statistics System.
Between January and March 2015, a total of 496,133 offences and misdemeanours were recorded in Spain. This is 3.7% fewer than in the same period of 2014, when a total of 514,930 were recorded. The total number of registered criminal offences in the first three months of the year puts the crime rate at 44.3 offences and misdemeanours per 1,000 inhabitants, making Spain one of the safest countries within its peer group.
The total reduction in offences and misdemeanours recorded by the State law enforcement agencies in the first quarter of 2015, as reflected in the results presented by these statistics, confirms and highlights the ongoing downward trend posted in recent years. Spain continues to be an international benchmark in the fight against crime. It should be stressed that the efficient use of policing resources constitutes one of the main tools for preventing, combating and reducing crime rates in Spain.
The drop in crime rates was seen across the board, although the fall was greatest in terms of voluntary manslaughter and murder (-25%), aggravated burglary (-15.9%), aggravated robbery and robbery with intimidation (-15.5%), violent crime in general (-14%) and armed robbery (-12.2%).
Finally, it is worth highlighting - from a regional crime distribution perspective - that those regions posting the greatest crime reduction include La Rioja, Asturias and Cantabria.
Increasingly complete and accessible statistics
The Quarterly Crime Statistics provide a summary that breaks down the data on those criminal offences - serious offences and misdemeanours - registered not only at a national level but also broken down by autonomous region and province.
Furthermore, besides the detailed data of a regional nature, crime statistics on those provincial capitals and cities with a population of over 50,000 inhabitants (as per the official electoral register kept by the Spanish National Statistics Institute at 1 January 2014) are also included - a total of 146, to be precise.
However, it should be noted that the information extracted from this report also contains data corresponding to the island regions based on the guidelines - set last year - for the expansion of crime statistics published by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Specifically, those corresponding to Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife, Ibiza, Formentera, Majorca and Minorca.
The safety indicators used in this document comprise various categories: total number of serious offences and misdemeanours; voluntary manslaughter and murder; violent crime; aggravated robbery and robbery with intimidation; armed robbery; aggravated burglary; vehicle theft; drug trafficking; criminal damage; and theft.
A number of these crime indicators, basically those shown with the letters "EU" in brackets, correspond to those used by the European Union Statistics Office (EUROSTAT).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47261/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Crime fell by 3.7% on the first three months of last year. The overall downward trend posted in recent years has continued, with crime now standing at 44.3 offences and misdemeanours per 1,000 inhabitants - one of the lowest rates in the European Union.
The Ministry of Home Affairs presents the Crime Statistics corresponding to the first quarter of 2015. This report contains and presents statistics on crime trends in the first three months of the year in Spain as registered by the State law enforcement agencies (the Spanish National Police Force and Spanish Guardia Civil), the regional law enforcement agencies (the Basque Ertzaintza, the Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra and the Provincial Police Force of Navarre), as well as those local police forces that provide data to the Crime Statistics System.
Between January and March 2015, a total of 496,133 offences and misdemeanours were recorded in Spain. This is 3.7% fewer than in the same period of 2014, when a total of 514,930 were recorded. The total number of registered criminal offences in the first three months of the year puts the crime rate at 44.3 offences and misdemeanours per 1,000 inhabitants, making Spain one of the safest countries within its peer group.
The total reduction in offences and misdemeanours recorded by the State law enforcement agencies in the first quarter of 2015, as reflected in the results presented by these statistics, confirms and highlights the ongoing downward trend posted in recent years. Spain continues to be an international benchmark in the fight against crime. It should be stressed that the efficient use of policing resources constitutes one of the main tools for preventing, combating and reducing crime rates in Spain.
The drop in crime rates was seen across the board, although the fall was greatest in terms of voluntary manslaughter and murder (-25%), aggravated burglary (-15.9%), aggravated robbery and robbery with intimidation (-15.5%), violent crime in general (-14%) and armed robbery (-12.2%).
Finally, it is worth highlighting - from a regional crime distribution perspective - that those regions posting the greatest crime reduction include La Rioja, Asturias and Cantabria.
Increasingly complete and accessible statistics
The Quarterly Crime Statistics provide a summary that breaks down the data on those criminal offences - serious offences and misdemeanours - registered not only at a national level but also broken down by autonomous region and province.
Furthermore, besides the detailed data of a regional nature, crime statistics on those provincial capitals and cities with a population of over 50,000 inhabitants (as per the official electoral register kept by the Spanish National Statistics Institute at 1 January 2014) are also included - a total of 146, to be precise.
However, it should be noted that the information extracted from this report also contains data corresponding to the island regions based on the guidelines - set last year - for the expansion of crime statistics published by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Specifically, those corresponding to Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife, Ibiza, Formentera, Majorca and Minorca.
The safety indicators used in this document comprise various categories: total number of serious offences and misdemeanours; voluntary manslaughter and murder; violent crime; aggravated robbery and robbery with intimidation; armed robbery; aggravated burglary; vehicle theft; drug trafficking; criminal damage; and theft.
A number of these crime indicators, basically those shown with the letters "EU" in brackets, correspond to those used by the European Union Statistics Office (EUROSTAT).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47261/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Police Inspector Remanded on Porn Charges

A judge has ordered the detention of a National Police inspector who was arrested on Thursday in connection with an investigation into the distribution of child pornography.
The inspector is accused of the alleged offence of possession of child pornography and other charges related to child prostitution.
It is believed that the officer was seen involved in some of the acts videos on the films.
The detention was authorised pending further investigations into the case which allegedly occurred when the officer was working for the Judicial Police of Alicante.

Excerpt: A judge has ordered the detention of a National Police inspector who was arrested on Thursday in connection with an investigation into the distribution of child pornography. The inspector is accused of the alleged offence of possession of child pornography Read More ...

### Fraudulent Freight Network Disbanded

Officers from the Guardia Civil have disbanded a network dedicated to international freight traffic, after it was found that the group were heavily involved in avoiding tax payments,
The alleged fraud is currently valued in excess of 14 million euro, but investigators believe the final figure will be around 300 million euro.
The organisation would use the identities of Chinese workers in order to perform a variety of illegal activities in connection with the fraud.
Raids were carried out across premises in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, resulting in the arrest of 32 members of the gang in connection with tax matters and a further 47 people in connection with money laundering against the treasury.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have disbanded a network dedicated to international freight traffic, after it was found that the group were heavily involved in avoiding tax payments, The alleged fraud is currently valued in excess of 14 million euro, Read More ...

### Turkish Planes Grounded

The Turkish air force has joined other countries, including the UK, in grounding its fleet of two Airbus A400M aircraft following the crash in Seville at the weekend.
The aircraft which crashed was a new plane set to be handed over to Turkey as part of a deal to purchase ten of the new aircraft destined to replace the aging Hercules transport aircraft.
The destroyed aircraft, which crashed on a test flight with a Spanish crew on board, was due to be delivered to Turkey next month, according to manufacturer Airbus.

Excerpt: The Turkish air force has joined other countries, including the UK, in grounding its fleet of two Airbus A400M aircraft following the crash in Seville at the weekend. The aircraft which crashed was a new plane set to be handed Read More ...

### THE VIRTUAL COSTA BLANCA LEADER IS OUT NOW

The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader is out now.
You can pick it up tomorrow in hundreds of venues, or read it now, online.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47259/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader is out now.
You can pick it up tomorrow in hundreds of venues, or read it now, online.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47259/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telfor...

### PEDRENO TAKES ON TORRY REBUILD JOB

LA NUCIA 0 CD TORREVIEJA 1
Torry will be delighted that they are retaining the services of manager Pedreno for next season.  The announcement was made by the President last week.
This comes on the back of excellent results since his arrival at the club.  His Torry record since the opening day 6-1 trouncing of Acero in late March, reads won 3, drawn 4, lost 1.  One player who will not feature under Pedreno next season though  is Ferran, who has decided to join Icelandic club UMF Leikner. 
In the reverse fixture with La Nucia, played just before Xmas, Torry edged the visitors at the Nelson Mandela Stadium. Unfortunately, though, the game will be remembered for the bad injury to Sergio, which has seen him sidelined for the remainder of the current season. 
La Nucia have struggled since losing that game and are now 3rd to bottom in div 3, already condemned to relegation to Preferente football next season. 
With Torry's faint hopes of play off aspirations also scuppered, following last week's home draw, it rested with Cesar (9) and Rafa (9), both currently fighting it out for the honour of being top goal scorer, to restore some pride to the team in an otherwise  meaningless match and in the early stages it was not only they who struggled.
With the absence of Jorge, Alexis and Cristian, all suspended, the visiting defence looked dire as the home side worked up 3 good attacks in the opening minutes of the game. Three decent shots and three dangerous corners but, thankfully, that was as close as they got. It was an awful start from CD Torrevieja.
La Nucia's Anton went close with a near post header on 7 minutes and Oscar kept out what appeared to be a certain goal moments later. Indeed it was a full 17 minutes before Torry had their first attempt on goal, a well worked move that ended with a Rafa half volley that just shaved the upright of La Nucia's goal.
Another magnificent save was called for by Oscar midway through the half from Corella as the keeper parried to Adrian who cleared the ball upfield.
Spurred on by their good fortune, Torry pushed forward, but were able to create little of note in open play despite the best efforts of Rafa, who saw plenty of the ball and had two late efforts comfortably saved by Dani, and as the half time whistle came at least they were now well and truly back in the game.
On a warm sunny afternoon it was bizarre to see the ball regularly coming to a halt in deep puddles as the second half got underway. Overwatering the artificial pitch by the groundsman during the interval was probably just a mistake rather than a tactical ploy by the home side.
 However Torry started the 2nd period in positive fashion with foward Rafa blasting a long-range drive just over dani's crossbar with two minutes gone. But they enjoyed a major escape on the break when Oscar needlessly gave the ball away. Fortunately he redeemed himself moments later with a fine save from Corella.
They were a much better unit as the game wore on and they deservedly took the lead on the hour mark, with Rafa again involved in the move. It was his fierce effort that the keeper pushed round the post for a corner from which the big forward rose above the La Nucia defence to score his 10th goal of the year as he continues his battle with Cesar to finish as the club's leading scorer.
Thereafter Torry controlled the game offering little to the, already relegated, home side.
Next week the final game of the season at home to Alzira with the club hoping for a bumper crowd with all of the players looking for new contracts. Could be quite a game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47258/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: LA NUCIA 0 CD TORREVIEJA 1
Torry will be delighted that they are retaining the services of manager Pedreno for next season.  The announcement was made by the President last week.
This comes on the back of excellent results since his arrival at the cl...

### Sexual Picture Poster Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested a minor in Málaga accused of sharing naked pictures and videos of his former girlfriend, also a minor, through social network sites.
The complaint was raised after the pair broke off their relationship and the girl blocked contact on the internet sites. The male threatened to post the pictures and videos unless the girl unblocked him, but she refused, and so the boy then posted the images on the social network and sent them via Whatsapp, with the girl´s mother, sister and grandmother all receiving them.
During the investigation the police also discovered evidence of violence and filed a complaint with the competent judiciary for both offences.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a minor in Málaga accused of sharing nak