Puting the record straight.

It has been passed around that I was responsible for getting rid of the animal ambulance. Not true. This was a decision made by the Government Team. Why? Put quite simply, between that and the vetinary bills, being run up by the previous Councillor, it was just too much. It has also been stated that I am resposible for awarding the contract to recover abandoned animals, to Cereco. Also not true.
Let me say that I am the Councillor for the Urbanisations. I am not the Councillor for Animals. All decisions regarding animals are put forward by the relevant Councillor and approved or disapproved by a majority vote at the Junta de Gobierno.
It is regrettable that a little dog died in the back of a Cereco van and that the owner was very distraught. But for this to be brought up again in such a manner only succeeds in opening a wound for the owner. I wonder if the author of the latest diatribe, even considered the feelings of this person? It appears to me that this is politically motivated. If that is the case then I think the author should be ashamed of themselves.
I would also like to point out that the procedure of registering your pets with the Town Hall was as far as I am aware, instigated by Councillor Lewis and we continued the process.
In case you think I am one of these people who hate animals, let me point out that I have 3 rescued cats and I am currently in the process of adopting an abandoned dog.  One of my staff have several adopted cats and several dogs. Another, who is allergic to cats has however, just adopted a dog. Not everyone wants to have a pet. But those that do, treat them with the love and affection they deserve.

Disgusting behaviour

On Sunday, I was disgusted by the behaviour of Councillor Lewis. 

While I was down in San Fulgencio Village, taking part in the Remembrance Day service, he decided to pay a visit to the area of the Dog Show. Which may I say, was attended and supported, by a large number of people.

He approached several people and distributed leaflets, which stated, that what was occurring, was a “Council Sham”. He even upset several people and brought one of them to tears with his brand of vicious vitriolic lies. He stated that all the abandoned animals on display would be collected by the Council and the Police and would be dead in six days. What a lie this was.

 All these animals were under the care of fosterers and would remain so, until permanent homes could be found for them. He also stated that none of the other animal organisations on the Urbanisation had been approached to take part in the dog show. This is also a tissue of lies. Every organisation for animals on Marina Oasis was contacted. Both K9 and SATS, gladly displayed the posters, but were unable to provide volunteers for a free stall or a selection of dogs for adoption, as Sunday, is a day that many volunteers are involved in walking and looking after the abandoned dogs and for kennel maintenance. 
Pets in Spain were contacted but declined to get involved. 
In fact, I was in the office when a representative of Pets in Spain came in and I overheard this person being informed of the Dog Show and they were offered a stall and an opportunity to bring some dogs, by one of the office staff.

While I am on about Pets in Spain, let me tell about an incident that happened over the summer. A Spanish gentleman came to our office, stating that a stray dog had wandered into his garden and he could not get it to go away. I contacted several of the animal charities on La Marina and was informed that they had no room at their kennels or fosterers available at that moment. I contacted Councillor Lewis, on the Pets in Spain number. He stated, "That is your problem not mine. I am not interested; go speak to your friends at K9". He continued by saying, "I am driving at this moment and I don’t even want to speak to you". The dog was eventually collected by the Police and removed to Cereco.

I have to ask, was this because it was me, as he obviously has a bee in his bonnet about being put out of the Council, or is it a true sign of the type of person he really is? I could go on and tell you about some of the bully boy tactics he got up to, to me and my wife, prior the formal election of the new government team. But he would only deny it. But I know what he did and so does my wife. One thing is evident; he is not my "Buddy" and never will.
As far as abandoned dogs are concerned , we do our best to contact the various animal rescue organisations, in order to rehome them. The latest was when 4 puppies were dumped in the nearby waste bins. We took them into the office and to the vets to be examined. We were able to have them taken by one of the Spanish dog rescue organisations and all four are now adopted and have gone to permanent homes.

Non residents being fined for driving a Spanish registered car

It has come to our notice that a recent visitor to Spain, was fined for driving a Spanish registered car.
We have discovered that, the Traffico of the Guardia Civil can impose a fine on owners of Spanish registered cars, if they are non resident and unable to produce documentation, stating that they are non resident.
Once the fine is imposed, the owner is unable to have the fine cancelled and must pay it.
In order to avoid this type of situation, a non resident can apply on Form EX-15 to get a certificate of non residency. To obtain this certificate the applicant can get the form from our office . It has to be taken to one of the Commisariats of Police in Elche or Alicante. The cost of the Certificate is €6.89.
For further information, contact our office at Calle Madrid no.5.

Remembrance Sunday.

Remembrance Sunday 10th November.

In collaboration with the Royal British Legion and The Catholic and Anglican Churches in San Fulgencio, The Ayuntamiento, has organised a remembrance service, to be held at, 11.30 a.m. on the Plaza de Constitucion, ( In front of the Town Hall ), San Fulgencio.
Wreaths will be laid to commemorate all those who have died as the result of conflicts and acts of terrorism.

All are welcome to attend and show their respect for the fallen.

Small minded people

I find it is quite outrageous that someone called Brian, put on a local forum that our office is engaged in nefarious activities regarding an up and coming dog show. He suggests that this is just a trap to ensnare people who have not got all the required paperwork for their dogs. First let me say that there is no trap and he is trying to undermine the event by printing such slanderous material. This Dog Show is for the public to enjoy and to show that there are Spanish animal welfare groups operating in our area. These groups are actively envolved in trying to rehome abandonned pets. They rely on donations to pay for vet bills and wherever possible, make no charge to the new owners. Unlike some others, who appear to run animal protection associations, as a business.
Secondly, I will say that it is still necessary,for reasons of public health and safety, to ensure your dogs are registered with the Town Hall. But neither we nor the local Police will be going around and demanding to see any documentation from the owners who put their dogs into the show.
I have since discovered that the Brian in question, is a friend of Mark Lewis, who is heavily involved in Pets in Spain.
I would like to diversify a little. Pauline Prior and several other have applied to register The Food for the needy of San Fulgencio as a proper charity, so that they can run events on their own, without having to rely on the kindness of local bars etc. to collect funds to buy food. Also contrary to rumour, I will not be taking on the role as President of the new Association, as I feel it would be wrong for a Councillor to do so as it could be seen as a conflict of interests.

Dangerous Dog in Escuera

Recently a dangerous dog attacked and killed a neighbours dog, while it was being walked in Escuera. The matter was reported to the Guardia Civil. Apparently this was only one of a series of attacks carried by this dog.
As a result of investigations, and information submitted by the Policia Local about the previous attacks, the Seprona dept of the Guardia Civil, submitted the information to the Courts. A judge immediately ordered that the dog involved in these attacks should be removed from the owners and humanely destroyed. This was carried out last Friday, 25th October. A case has been submitted against the owners and will be dealt with in due course.
It is my opinion, but I feel that in cases such as these, the owner should be penalised heavily, barred from owning a dog and forced to pay considerable compensation to the owners of the dogs that suffered injury and death.

Dates for you calendar

On November 10th there are two very important things happening.
At 11.30 in the morning, there will be a Remembrance Service held outside the Catholics church in San Fulgencio. Poppy wreaths will be laid to commemorate all those who have died in times of conflict.
Also, at 10.00 outside the Social Centre in Marina Urbanisation there is a Dog Show. This is being run in conjunction with several Animal Protection Associations. There will be stalls, displays by the Police K9 units, displays of animal obedience ,plus competitions for best dog in show, etc. There will also be a display of dogs that are up for adoption .
Come along to both if you can.
If you want to put a dog into the show, which has various categories, including prettiest cross breed. Register your entry at the Offices for The Urbanisations, 5 Calls Madrid .
Also, Poppies are available at the same office.

puppy update

There have been a few people asking about the puppies that were abandoned last week. I was aware that they need to be fed every couple of hours. So while my colleagues were busy trying to find foster homes, I went out and bought puppy milk and bottles and fed the puppies in the office. Fortunately we were able to arrange temporary carers for them. SATs tried to help, but there was no persons available to bottle feed them. As far as one of the other so called charities are concerned, I did not contact them, as on a previous occasion, I tried to get assistance and was told that because it was me, they would not help. And that I should contact my friends at K9.
The puppies will be cared for until they are old enough to feed on solid food. It is then we will be looking to have them adopted .
P.S. I also took the puppies to the vets and had them examinded and sprayed for flea infestation. So they were handed over to their new carers, clean and healthy, despite their ordeal of being dumped.

4 abandonned puppies

Abandonned puppies: This morning,4 puppies , which are only days old were dumped at the rubbish bins near to my office. They require to be weaned if they are to survive. Can anyone give them a home and feed them. If so please contact me on 676526763

Bar owners be aware

I have just been informed that there has been a recent spate of break ins to bars in our area. They are targetting bars with cigarette and gaming machines. The bars are being broken into in the early hours of the morning and  due to the weights of the machines, it is obvious that there are several members to this gang and a vehicle has to be involved. They also appear to know exactly which bars have cigarette or gaming machines, so it is likely that they have been in these and several other bars in the area.
If you see or hear anything suspicious, please contact the police immediately.

whats on

We have been critised in the past for not informing people of what's on, despite the fact that we send out a lot of stuff on emails .
So, for those of you who wish to participate in a bit of integration the Fiesta for the Virgen del Remedio starts next week.
On Sunday 22nd at 9am there is a cycle run through to El Hondo Those from the URB leave from the Tourist information and meet up with those from San Fulgencio at the junction of San Fulgencio To Elche road. The road end of the road with the barrier with the musical notes.
At 9pm on Saturday 28th at the municipal marquee there is a show which starts with the selection of the fiesta queens and finishes off with a show of music and dance.
Sunday at 8pm in the marquee is a musical spectacular.
Friday 4th Oct at 9pm there is a offering of flowers at the church. Followed by a concert at 11pm in the marquee by Magnum 44, you may remember them from the fiesta in la Marina in august .
On Saturday 5th at 8.30 pm there is a parade of floats through the main square in San Fulgencio.
On Sunday 6th the Mass in honour of the Virgen del Remedio is at midday and the religious procession takes place through the village at 8pm.
The next main event is the 10Km run on Sunday 20th October at 10am through the urbanisation.
Fiesta programmes are available from all the municipal offices.

Benefit Night for the Family of Paul Docherty

Concejalia de Urbanizaciones

Several people have contacted us regarding the event tonight at El Castillo.

 The event WILL be taking place. This event has been organised to support the family of Paul Docherty and is something that Doc wants to take place even at this difficult time.

Family members TODAY brought in a personal letter from Doc and Amanda which they want read out this evening at the event.

This is Docs wish and as such we all need to honour it.

RENEW YOUR PADRON NOW!

San Fulgencio Needs You

The services in your Community are at risk

It is very important to confirm your intention to remain on the Padron

Bring your Passport or NIE number with you to one of the Municipal Offices at Calle Madrid no.5 or 7, the Office of Tourism, the Policia Local office on the Urbanisation or at the Plaza de La Constitution No.26, San Fulgencio.

Thank you for your cooperation

WE ARE ALL SAN FULGENCIO

Why is it necessary to renew your padron? Central government is aware that many extranjeros have left Spain and have decided that if anyone has not renewed their Padron in the last two years, they will be removed from the list.

 No Padron no vote. No Padron, less funding from Central Government, resulting in the degradation of Services, Policing, Education, Health Care and Wellfare. At present there are more than 4,500 persons registered in San Fulgencio, that fall into this category. If you are one of them, please come along and re-register. Now!

Fiesta Report

Well that´s it over for another year. I would like to say a really big thanks to the hundreds of people who have contacted us over the last few days, hailing this year´s Fiesta the best yet.
The success of this years Fiesta has been down to a new Promoter, who came in with a well below budget offer and the acts that he obtained for us. Also a big thanks has to go to Sam and Juani, from the Offices of the Urbanizaciones, who worked tirelessly to on this project. Thanks must go to the Protection Civil, the members of the Policia Local and the Ambulance crews for their assistance in making the fiesta safe.
Thanks also to all the bars on Consum Square for making a donation to the Fiesta Fund, ensuring that our plan to have no Outside Bar, was successful.
Also a big thanks to the Consum Square Management Group and the manager of Consum itself, who allowed the Town Hall the use of the area.
The Fireworks display was absolutely fabulous. The Company that provided the fireworks, was the same company that we used last year. They pleaded with us to give them another chance, to prove that last years failure, was an unfortunate accident. They proved that they were up to the job and provided us with 25% more fireworks, for a magnificent display.
Last but most important, is a really big thanks to all who attended and got into the Fiesta spirit and made this one to remember for all the right reasons.

Pauline Prior and food for the needy

I would like to thank Pauline Prior, her freinds, and most recently, the owners, staff and customers of the Hog´s Head Bar. The Hog´s Head Bar recently held a fundraiser for the Food for the Needy Campaign and over €300 was raised. This has now been spent on food supplies and delivered to the Offices of the Urbanisation. This will be distributed in the coming weeks to those most in need.
Some people seem to think that The Social Services have an unlimited supply of money to help the Needy.
In fact, the  allocation of funds through the Social Services is not that much for a large family. Assistance in payment for school meals has been cut. So for a family with children of school age, who have to buy books etc. for their child, the allowance from the Social Services barely covers their bills for lighting, water and rent or mortgage. In fact many families who rely on the Social Services and the Food for the Needy campaign, have already been served default notices by the Banks and are in danger of losing their homes. Therefore to say that collecting food for the Needy is not a political issue, is insane.  Whenever food or donations are used to help the Needy, this helps to alleviate some financial stress to those who need it most. Every Town Hall that has a Social Service, also has a councillor for Social Services. So, it is a political issue and to say it is not a priority to look after our residents, is unchristian and heartless. To put a prioity on fixing pot holes or street lights above the health and welfare of those less fortunate does not rate as high in my list of priorities.

Food for the needy

It has come as a big shock that Impact Charity are no longer supporting the Food for the Needy for the next few months. They have stated that due to the requirement to pay their Vet Bills, they cannot afford to assist in the on going food for the needy campaign. In a letter to myself , they have explained their stance on this. They state that as they do not get a grant from the Council, for the animals,  they have had to implement these sanctions. Although, I have never ever seen an application from the Impact Charity, requesting financial assistance. They also feel that they have to pay these bills as a priority as they have been spending such a lot on stray and abandoned animals. They further state, that no money will be spent on supplying food for the needy until September . They also request that no member of the council should request the purchase of food by Impact unless, by application to the Impact Committee.
It is such a shame, as so many people have already donated clothing and household goods to the shop run by Pauline Prior. Whom may I say , has been doing a fabulous job in the shop as well as continuing to fundraise in her own time. Pauline took this Charity to her heart a year and a half ago and has been instrumental in ensuring the survival of many of those that are in need.
So as Impact Charity are no longer funding the food for the needy, if you wish to bring your donations of food, clothing, household items etc., to the Offices of the Concejalia de Urbanizaciones at 5 Calle Madrid, they will be stored there, along with the other items already donated.
As we cannot expect over 47 families to go hungry until September, I intend to seek out a suitable unit on the Urbanisation to be used, solely for collecting and selling donations of toys, clothing, household  items, to raise funds for the Needy. We will of course require volunteers to staff the shop. If you are interested, please contact our office .
If we manage to get a shop unit for this project, we hope that those who have supported this campaign, will continue to do so.

Rock Concert

Well that´s the Rock Concert over with and the Urbanisation is back to normal.
So before anyone starts on about the costs, the noise, the disturbances etc., I thought I would get in there first.
As far as the The whole Rock Arena is concerned , all enquiries should be directed to the Councillor for Tourism, Borja Alonso , email address :balonso@ayto-sanfulgencio.es. He organised the whole event with Dos Mas , who covered all the costs of this event. The Town Hall only collaborated in matters of Security and Cleaning, etc.

Night market and fiesta

The other evening when I was out and about, I was asked about the night market. Now I knew that this was discussed at a government meeting and it was supposed to be situated near to the tourist information office. I was flabbergasted when I was told that it was sited opposite the area of the George pub and the Hog's Head. I was aware that the plan was it would commence for the holiday season. But due to an oversight or maybe it was just an example of what is to come. I was neither consulted nor informed of this change. I was extremely angry and I contacted the mayor the following day. He assured me that this was an oversight?

Now there is a Press Officer for the Town Hall. He works from the offices in the village. He is Spanish . He only puts out info to the Spanish Press. Unless specifically told to do otherwise. 

I am pretty sure that when the trolls get a hold of this information they will want to make derogatory comments about our working partnership . Despite the occasional differences, we work together reasonably well. 

Meanwhile our office is putting together the final arrangements for the Fiesta at the beginning of August. We have several companies bidding to stage the event and we will sit down shortly to decide who will win the contract. It is all about getting value for money and we are pleased to see that some of the acts that we are being offered, could make this a truly memorable event. I would love to be able to even hint as to whom we hope to have, but there are some people out there who watch every move we make. Hoping that we make a mistake and then trying to capitalise on it for their own political gain. 

We put out regular news letters to those who give us their email addresses. When we know that an event is going to take place, we send it to the Press. It is not always used by the Press, but that is their decision.

Finally I would like to say that as soon as we have confirmation of all the acts and contract for the fiesta is is completed we will put the information out there. In the meantime I would like to wish all our summer visitors and our permanent residents a wonderful summer of fun. Please stay safe. Keep your property, yourselves and your valuables protected. This is a time when unscrupulous individuals  will try to take advantage of any signs of vulnerability.

Fund Raising for the AECC

A very tidy sum has been raised this year for the AECC in La Marina, through the efforts of a large number of people, too many to mention individually.
The next event that will benefit the AECC is a golf match on Saturday 29th June.
We were hoping to have a good turnout but it is in danger of being called off, due to people pulling out at the last minute.
Excuses such as; "I normally play on a Thursday and cant afford´to play twice in a week". Answer, don´t play on the Thursday, play on the Saturday. Or there is Rugby on the TV or they are playing Bowls or Tennis or some other sport. My answer to this is, give them up for the day. Ten Euros from the green fees will go direct to AECC.
This is a Cancer Charity. Statistics show that 40% of people will suffer from Cancer during their lifetime. The AECC helps with early detection and early treatment, saving hundreds of lives each year. So whether you cannot participate in this event because your budgie has died, or you have another commitment, why not make the donation instead?
If you wish to donate or participate in the golf, which is 50€ for the golf and buggy, at Alicante Golf on Saturday at 10.00hrs. Please contact the office at 5 Calle Madrid. or by telephone on 676526763.

Holidays for Pensioners

HOLIDAYS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

The Town Hall through the department of Social Services is taking names for Holidays in the Valencian Region for 2014.

Persons wishing to register, should contact the Social Services Dept. for an appointment on 966794517         or an appointment can be made through the Offices of the Concejalia de Urbanizaciones , 5 Calle Madrid, Marina Urb. San Fulgencio 966 443 002

Applications must be submitted before 20^th July 2013.

Something different? Bonfires of San Juan in Alicante

For those that have never witnessed this event, you should make an effort to travel through to Alicante. 
The attached is a direct lift from the Blog of Amanda Payne, but I thought it worthy of a wider audience-

The main fiesta on the Spain’s Costa Blanca in June is the Hogueras, celebrated in the week or so leading up to the Noche de San Juan on 24 June. Most of the towns in the Costa Blanca area join in the celebrations, but the biggest display by far is in the city of Alicante.
The festival owes its origins to pagan times and coincides with the summer solstice. Traditionally, old bits of furniture or other unused wood was burnt on bonfires. Nowadays, however, special creations, called “niñots,” are made depicting everything from cartoon characters to caricatures of local and national politicians, in a similar way to the Fallas celebration that takes place in March in Valencia.

 Niñots in the Streets of Alicante

 These are made by skilled craftsmen who spend all year coming up with the designs and building the models. They can cost thousands of Euros to make. The models are put on display in the streets of each town for a week or so prior to the 24th June. In Alicante, the models tend to be huge and very impressive. Prizes are awarded for the best ones and the winner is saved from destruction to go on display in the Hogueras museum.

 Next to each model is an open air café where people who have paid towards the building of that particular Hoguera (or Foguera in the local Valencian dialect) can sit and enjoy a drink or tapas during the festivities. Quite often patrons will get up and dance enthusiastically, either to bands or to piped music. These bars are called “barracas” and some are open to the general public too.

 Burning of the Hogueras

 Then on the big night, all the Hogueras are set on fire, accompanied by fireworks from the castle overlooking the city of Alicante and along the port area and the cheering of the crowds who usually end up with a soaking from the fire brigade who are on hand to make sure that everything stays more or less under control. The children especially enjoy that part of the proceedings!

 There are usually events such as giant paella making competitions, verbenas (open air dances) and competitions for the children during Hogueras week. A special beauty queen, called the “Belleza de Foc” (Beauty of the Fire) is chosen and she is expected to take a leading role in the fiesta plus continue with various civic duties through the year. Usually, the “Belleza” wears a traditional costume with a huge skirt and a lace “mantilla” or head-dress which are specially made and cost a fortune. There is also a junior “Belleza” and both are accompanied by two princesses.The festival is very popular with tourists and locals alike, with huge crowds in the streets and a week long party atmosphere. Not to be missed if you are going to be on the Costa Blanca in June.

Bars and cars

The other day, the Mayor along with Councillors Herrero and Wiszniewski and the officer in charge of the Policia Nacional Autonomico and the chief of the Policia Local invited all the bar owners in the Urb to a meeting at the Social Centre. The reason to explain why the Policia Nacional were in the area.
It was explained that following complaints to Valencia, that a large number of bars were operating, without opening licences or proper safety certificates, they were instructed to investigate.
Currently there are 34 licensed premises. Of those , only 14 have full opening licenses.
The National Police  were also checking that every bar had personal liability insurance for the maximum number of patrons allowed. Certified and functioning fire extinguishers and fire exits were kept clear and clearly signed. Also they were ensuring that there is no selling of alcohol to persons under 18 years . No person under 18 is permitted to be on licensed premises without adult supervision.
  They were not checking into the subject of music in bars. This will be down to the Policia Local.

Bars that do not have Opening Licences, must show that they are in the process of obtaining it and require to have a Certificate of Responsibility, obtainable from the Town Hall.

Speed limits. According to my most recent conversation with our Chief of Police, he stated that the local police patrols will be equipped with hand held radar devices and they would continue to operate them for the next two months.  I have no idea where or when they will deploy them, but only that they will.

30KPH

It never ceases to amaze me how some people claim to know all about the law, particularly when it concerns speed limits. If these knowitalls would care to search the Internet they would actually find that when an area is designated as residential the maximum suggested speed limit is 30KPH and where there are special circumstances ,it can be reduced to 25KPH. In fact there are moves being made to make the 30KPH limit standard throughout Europe for built up area.

European Citizen´s Initiative "30kmh – making streets liveable!"

• 

Declaration of assets in another country.

In  October 2012 a law was passed in Madrid stating that all residents in Spain had to declare to the Spanish Tax Authorities, Assets valued at more than €50,000 . This included property, bonds , pensions and savings. This came into effect in April of this year. Failure to do so, could result in heavy fines and sequestration of assets. As a result of this law, which was designed to catch out individuals who have been defrauding the Spanish Authorities for years, it also caught out many foreign residents who have legitimate savings and properties in their country of birth. This has already caused several residents to give up their home in Spain and return to the UK.
As the President of PIPN, I was extremely concerned about this new legislation. I was contacted by several action groups throughout the Costa Blanca and the Balearics and asked to support a motion to force the Spanish Government to have a moratorium on this Law.  I presented this motion at the last Plenary meeting of the Town Council . It was passed by a majority, with Trinidad Martinez and the rest of PSOE voting against the motion and Mariano Marti Sanchez, Mark Lewis and the rest of his party abstaining.
  Despite the fact that this Law was passed by the Partido Popular government in Madrid , the local Partido Popular, supported the motion.
The representative from the Town Hall in Palma , Mallorca , has also lodged a motion against this Law, with the European Parliament .
As a result of our actions, the Spanish government in Madrid, have agreed to meet a delegation from the action group, this coming month.
I hope that we will be successful in having this Law amended so as not to cause unnecessary financial  hardship to the resident extranjeros in San Fulgencio and the rest of Spain.

Speed limits and other stuff

Well it's been a while, but its been a busy time. I understand that some people are concerned about the 30 kilometre  signs appearing on the Urb. Why they are concerned, baffles me. This is a built up area and the need for safe driving is essential. Only in the last two weeks, I have had two near misses, due to individuals driving too fast and being unable to stop at the junction. I did manage to get the registration numbers, and guess what, they were hire cars, being used by holiday makers. One person stated that they were unable to drive their vehicle at under 30KPH. I would submit, that if you cannot drive within the limit, then you possibly should not be driving at all. Or, maybe, being fined and your licence endorsed will convince you that you can drive at this speed.
Bars and Restaurants.
Last year, along with the Chief of Police, myself , the Mayor and Councillor Herrero, had several meetings with Bar Owners. The purpose of this was to explain the rules about licences. The most important of these being the opening licence. At this time, out of the 48 bars/restaurants only 16 had their opening licence. This week we have seen the arrival again of the POLICIA NACIONAL AUTONOMICA. They will be here all next week also. I had a meeting with the inspector in charge today. In his words, he stated that the state of the bars/restaurants in this area was a disaster, with only 3 bars getting their opening licences in the last year. Why so few? The majority of the owners have failed to comply with the requirements from the Technico Department of the Town Hall. Inspections reveal that there are no fire exits, no extinguishers, no disabled access, fire exits being blocked, no insurances etc. There have already been several Denunciations, they have 15 days to rectify their premises. Failure to do so, may result in a fine up to €30,000 . Yes, this is not a misprint .
The Policia Nacional Autonomica are coming to a bar near you, so be warned , AGAIN.
For those bars and restaurants that have all their paperwork in order, they are very happy, because it will mean that as the illegal bars are closed down, due to infringements or being unable to pay the fines, they will get the business and the extra revenue.

Bully Boy Tactics

I am absolutely disgusted with certain individuals who subscribe to some of the local forums. They are not content with attacking me as a Councillor, some, even as an individual. But to start attacking members of my staff, by issuing vitriolic attacks on them and their families, is akin to the tactics of one Joseph Goebels.
I absolute refute and deny any claims that any person recieves favours or considerations because they are related to people who work with me. This relates to Mr Richie Sparks who runs a legal Community Radio Station. He advertises many of the Community events that the Ayuntamiento and the Offices for the Urbanisation, promote. He also advertises for anyone who informs him of Community events.
In his capacity as a friend of mine and as the partner of Sam, he has on many occaisions, volunteered his time and services for free, because he believes in promoting a Community Spirit. If some of the people did one tenth of what Richie does for the Community, they would not have time to hide behind pseudonymns and write such trash in the forums. I know the persons behind some these pseudonymns and if I was a gossip monger, I could certainly spill a few beans about them, but that would only make me a shallow minded individual. I am better than that and so are the many people whom I regard as friends.

A reminder

It would seem that a few people have short memories. When a council inherits more than NINE million Euros of debt, it is extremely difficult to come up with new projects that do not cost a fortune to implement. So for those who moan about the appearance that nothing is being done, perhaps they should realise that that in an effort to reduce the debt, many of the original contracts had to be re negotiated. This may give the appearance that we are treading water, but we are not sinking deeper into debt.
Here is a scenario for some to contemplate. What if Spain adopted similar system of council tax as they have in the UK. 7 years ago, when I was living in the UK , my Council Tax was £1500 per annum. At today's exchange rate, that's approximately €1800. Can you imagine if every household in Spain had to pay this. There would be so much money in the pot for all sorts of improvements. Such better services. Better amenities ,better job prospects, better standards of living all round. We could say goodbye to the debt. Just imagine 1200 property owners paying that amount each year. By my calculations that works out at    €2160000. Within four years  the council would be debt free. We could have a new school, street lights working all the time, streets and pavements free of weeds. We could have a library and more doctors and improved medical services. But there is only one thing wrong with this scenario, it would require a great deal of sacrifice from the residents. Which is impossible because many want their cake and to eat it too.
All the current taxation and SUMA payments that are collected by San Fulgencio, amount to just over 3 million euros each year. A little more than 4 million comes from the Government,( Alicante, Valencia and Madrid ). The current cost of maintaining what we have, comes to more than 8 million.  So you do the Maths. Without extra money coming from somewhere, where do the moaners expect it to come from. I think if you have an answer, perhaps you could forward it on the the Prime Ministers of Britain, Spain, Greece, Italy and Cyprus and then we in Europe can all get out of the financial crisis

Certificate of Registration

There is a lot of talk recently about Residencias also known as Certificates of Registration. The main question is " Do they require to be renewed after 5 years?" The answer from the offices of the Policia National in Torrevieja and Madrid is NO. The Certificate does not expire.
However, if you require to renew your SIP card, you may be asked to provide a new Certificate of Registration, as by doing so, you must now show proof of earnings or pension. This at the moment is the only reason you may be asked to renew your Residencia aka Certificate of Registration