The Leader Newspaper 31 July 23 – Edition 982

This coming week we will enter the month of August and despite promise after promise by the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS), many stretches of the Rio Segura are still completely overgrown with reeds and vegetation which, in the event of a DANA repeat, will surely bring the Vega Baja to it’s knees as it did previously in September 2019.

On that occasion the episode of the Isolated Depression at High Levels (DANA), better known as cold drop, completely devastated the south of Alicante and the Region of Murcia and was considered to be the natural disaster with the highest economic cost in the recent history of Spain. Costing 1,319 million euros it is something that we cannot contemplate happening again.

But the images provided by @inf_vegabaja tell their own story. They are repeated time and again, especially in the stretch of the river between Orihuela and Rojales, in Molins, Jacarilla, Benejúzar, Algorfa, Almoradí, Formentera del Segura, Benijófar, upstream of Rojales, and to a lesser extent, upstream of the town of Orihuela and at the mouth of Guardamar where the CHS has at least taken some action in recent months.

As many residents of the Vega Baja look out on the banks of the Segura, all they can see is a thick blanket of reeds that covers the riverbed. Just a thread of turbid water recycled from the treatment plants and mixed with the contribution of the azarbes, the ditches that channel the excess water from the irrigation systems, of the traditional garden can be seen between the impenetrable wall of Arundo donax, a tall perennial cane, and an invasive plant species that is very difficult to eradicate.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE

Although some clearance work is currently going on the clearing of the reeds has complications as the CHS is cutting them down but failing to remove much of the plant debris. This will mean that if the flow rises due to the intensity of the rains, the weeds will plug a good part of the bank downstream. In addition, the reeds grow back very quickly. Interventions to try to restore riparian vegetation, the interface between land and the river, such as taray, in order to regain its space in the riverbed, are expensive and require a radical eradication of the can. Let’s not also forget the many millions of euros allocated by the Consell to each of the local council’s directly, through the Vega Renhace plan, to combat the problems in their own municipalities in regard to sustainable urban drainage systems. This should have included cleaning by extracting elements such as reeds, mud, stones or sand from the mouth of rivers, canals and their surroundings.

While residents continue to protect themselves from the hot sun in one of the hottest Julys that we can remember in the orchard of Bajo Segura, there is a constant bombardment of information about the high temperature of the Mediterranean Sea, which is already close to 30 degrees.

This is a temperature that we would only expect to reach in mid-August, but even now we are being warned that it is a the climate emergency with the current conditions raising the risk of a new episode of torrential rains.

With fear of the possibility of a new DANA, like the one suffered in September 2019, known as the Santa María flood, the incident devastated the traditional orchard and left up to 500

litres of rain per square metre, in some areas of the Segura basin. However, we are also told that it is unlikely to occur with the same intensity – previous studies indicate that it happens once every 500 years – but the fear still remains.

Sources of the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) though, maintain that there is a vegetation clearing plan in

David Whitney c2023

No soup kitchens and food banks

No water from a ditch

place in the channel, and that it will be maintained in the coming weeks. The work to clear the reed beds in the Orihuela-Benejúzar section and the Rojales-Guardamar section is a priority. But they added that the heavy machinery necessary to clear the vegetation cannot get into the channel with the current temperatures, above 40 degrees, to avoid the risk of fire.

ADVERTISING SALES

637 227 385 sales@theleader.info

PROPERTY

637 227 385

E-mail office@theleader.info

Website www.theleader.info

Journalists 600 228 616 office@theleader.info

The Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Leader, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE. NO PARTOF THIS NEWSPAPER MAYBE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENTOF THE PUBLISHERS.

Man never seems to learn at all

Whilst millionaires and billionaires

The rich get rich as always

The poor are cast aside

To see your poem published on this page send to: office@theleader.info

The Segura as it passes through Molins and Formentera, two of the towns most affected by the DANA of 2019. Images: @info_vegabaja

IMAGE: DIARIO INFORMACION

SEPTEMBER START FOR 7,490 NEW HOMES IN LA HOYA DE TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja council has finally given the go ahead to the construction of almost 7,500 new homes in La Hoya Sector 20, which are expected to get underway in September.

The properties, at an investment of 60 million euros, and with a capacity for 18,000 new inhabitants, will be built by TM Grupo Inmobiliario and Corpic on a 1.8 million square metre plot.

It will also include a commercial area of more than one hundred thousand square metres between Jardín del Mar and La Siesta-El Chaparral.

The project will be one of the most ambitious urban developments undertaken in the Valencian Community and will also cover last major plot of urban land available in Torrevieja. The remainder is all urbanised except for isolated plots, land that will have has difficulty being approved for building or the area that is part of the Natural Park of the lagoons of Torrevieja and La Mata.

The local government board of the City Council has now approved the modification of the urbanization project, which will allow work to begin on the ground, with the capacity to house 18,000 new residents, the same as the current population of Rojales.

Among the actions to be included in the urbanisation project is a bridge over the CV-95, in addition to the establishment of a large green area between the pine forest to the south of the lagoon of La Mata in the natural park and the urban plots. What is now known as el "camino de las cabras", the "path of the goats", will be part of one of the main roads in the plan which will connect the CV-95 with the centre of the urban area and the N-332.

Among a number of other franchises, the multinational DIY store Bauhaus will have an outlet in the commercial area.

THE PLAN IN FIGURES

60 million investment in urbanization

7,490 homes

Residential capacity for 18,000 new inhabitants

Built time of 25 years

1,800,000 square metres

413,000 square metres for green areas

EDUCATIONAL CENTRES AND PUBLIC FACILITIES

The project has allocated land for two educational centres, one Infant and Primary, the other Secondary, in addition to residential plots for public buildings. Also as a public endowment contribution there is the one hundred thousand square meters occupied by the International Auditorium and the conservatory, which was built at the end of the 2000s prior to the approval of the project.

The UTE business group, formed mostly between TM Real Estate Group and the Elche Corpic, must preserve and guarantee the integration of the main "farmhouse", located in the centre of the plot, although in the planning it appears as commercial land, as well as the dozens of specimens of garroferos and oliveras trees, many of them over a hundred years old, that grow alongside the CV-95.

The UTE has confirmed that in addition to the urbanization works, building licenses will be requested to begin to build homes -residential tourist standard- and commercial surfaces. Something that the urban legislation allows without the basic infrastructures being completed one hundred percent provided that the economic guarantee guarantee is increased in the application in order to respond to possible deficiencies.

RECLASSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND

The project was first conceived in the late nineties. It is a huge reclassification of rustic to urban land that did not appear in the Torrevieja General Plan.

The conservationist and environmental groups, especially Friends of the Wetlands of the South of Alicante, rejected the project outright, both for its enormous occupation of land and resources and for the fact of filling the only brick-free surface between the two lagoons.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY....

The elections may start off the week´s news in Spain again, as although no Government is yet assigned, the general scrutiny in the provincial electoral boards began on Friday, and they have until today, Monday, to complete their work. It is a public recount where the foreign votes, which changed the picture slightly on Friday, are included.

Next week, as of August 8, once all the appeals have been resolved, the results will be published, and the electoral boards will issue the credentials so that the deputies and senators can appear in Congress and the Senate to be accredited.

The parade of the new parliamentarians to do the 'paperwork' is expected from Thursday 10 August. The whole process will not be completed until the first week in September. Meanwhile, in the financial sphere, the week starts with the publication of the May advance of the balance of payments in Spain, and with the preliminary inflation data for July and GDP for the second quarter, in the euro area.

In the business field, on Monday Meliá Hotels, Prosegur and Iberpapel will present results. Meanwhile, Aedas Homes and Desa pay a dividend.

In Germany, where the financial situation has bene highlighted as being worse than the UK by some commentators, the GDP data for the second quarter comes to light, and retail sales for June are released. In the UK, the figures for mortgage concessions for June are published, and the Bank of England reports on consumer credit for June.

Whilst much of Europe is on fire, and record temperatures recorded, the Mediterranean Sea being the latest to fall victim of the highest temperature ever recorded, the climate policy debate in the UK will continue, as oil and gas giant BP announces its results on Tuesday.

British Gas had already caused uproar after announcing record profits of nearly £1 billion last week, even though prices had to increase because of the war in Ukraine, Covid, grain prices, any excuse other than the fact they simply wanted to make a profit of the most vulnerable.

Of course, BP might not have made any money, they too could be suffering much in the same way Shell announced a mere £4 billion in profits.

On Tuesday, it is expected that the first

inmates, sorry, asylum seekers, will board the Bibby Stockholm, although more people may be looking at their pockets as the alcohol duty rate changes take effect. UK manufacturing PMI figures are also released today.

Starbucks, Greggs, and Pfizer, which is not a description of a great weekend, but rather a market analysis, publish their financials on Tuesday, and on Wednesday we might see how war benefits companies, as BAE Systems publish their results.

Wednesday will show us how the financial crisis has affected other large companies, and not just our own wallets, as the Fortune Global 500 is published, an annual ranking of the top 500 corporations worldwide as meas-

ured by revenue.

Later this week, Thursday to be precise, the Bank of England will announce its latest rate decision, which may well push mortgages even higher than they are now.

On the same day, the European Central Bank will release a Monetary Policy Report which should give an indication of when Threadneedle Street expects the direction of travel to change.

Perhaps more noteworthy will be the central bank’s analysis of the UK’s stubbornly high food inflation. Meanwhile, radio show producers will find out who actually still listens to the radio, as RAJAR listening figures are published.

CALA MOSCA BEACH LOSES IT’S BLUE FLAG

TOURIST OFFICES OPENED IN MIL PALMERAS & TORRE DE LA HORADADA

Following reports in early July by users of Cala La Mosca beach, next to Cala de las Estacas, of the " deplorable state" of the sand,where spillage of unknown origin could be seen on a daily basis,a decision has been taken by the managing foundation of the tourist quality label,Adeac, to remove it’s ‘Blue Flag’ accreditation.

Three weeks ago,the beach was the subject of an inspection by the Councillor for the Coast,Manuel Mestre,and representatives of the Lomas and Cabo Roig

Neighbourhood Association, following which the beach was then visited by Adeac inspectors on July 21.

The inspectors pointed out that there were deficiencies on the beach with regard to the lifeguard service which was missing elements of signage,as well as the presence of a bad-smelling puddle which could be seen on the beach,from the ravine to the seashore.

The inspectors contacted the mayor,Pepe Vegara,to inform him of the temporarily removal of the blue flag.

The Council now has a maximum period of 10 working days from notification of the inspectors findings (issued last Wednesday) to respond or,the Blue Flag will be permanently withdrawn for the 2023 season.

Regarding the remaining Orihuela beaches,the inspection was positive with minor issues of non-compliance,which the council is required to rectify.These included the lack of toilets, which have since been resolved,as well as a number of half-buried pipes that must be removed

in the Plaza de Mil Palmeras and on Calle Conde de Roche,in front of the Watchtower in Torre de la Horadada,and will

open until Sunday, September 3 from 9:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.from Wednesday to Sunday,thus ensuring that information is available to visitors to the area on the busiest days.

The Tourist Information Points are an initiative promoted by the Department of Tourism of the Pilar de la Horadada City Council,in collaboration with the Red Tourist Info,with the aim of providing personalised attention and a quality service to all tourists who choose our beautiful beaches as a holiday destination

Our team of highly trained professionals will be available to visitors,providing all the necessary information about the different activities and tourist attractions that Pilar de la Horadada offers,from beaches and places of cultural interest to gastronomic offers and leisure activities,ensuring that tourists get the best advice during their stay.

Two new Tourist Information Points are in operation until September in the beach areas of Pilar de la Horadada for this summer season.They are located

be

Traces of the spill on the sand of Cala Mosca. Image:AVCRL

PP AND VOX APPOINT 23 ADVISERS IN ORIHUELA COSTING 805,000 EURO P.A.

Orihuela’s council has appointed 23 assessors and advisors at an annual cost of 804,500 euros, just 34,700 euros less than the maximum limit.

The council does not have to make use of all of them, but it allows some room for manoeuvre, which could eventually increase the cost to 839,200 euros.

Salaries of those appointed will range from 50,000 euros gross per year in the case of a level 1 advisor (32,500 part time corresponding to 65% of the daily working day), 40,000 at level 2 (24,000, 60%) and 30,000 at level 3 (18,900, 60%). This is a slight increase from the previous mandate, when it was 46,000, 37,000 and 28,000 respectively for those employed full time.

There will be 3 advisers at level 1 (2 full-time and 1 part-time), costing 132,500 euros; 12 at level 2 (9 exclusively and 3 partial), at an expense of 432,000 euros, and 8 at level 3 full-time (240,000 euros).

These 23 advisers, will be appointed to departments, 7 in the General Services (2 at level 1, 4 at level 2 and 1 at level 3), where the Mayor's Office is located; 4 in the Administrative area (1 at level 1, 2 at level 2 and 1 at level 3); 7 in Basic Services (3 at level 2 and 4 at level 3); 2 in Productive Sectors (level 2) and 3 in Resident Services (1 in level 2 and 2 in level 3).

Of those appointed, the PP will have 18 advisers, while the other 5 are allocated to Vox. Among them is Dámaso Aparicio, former PP councillor for the Environment, Street Cleaning and RSU, and Raúl Fernández Campillo, a resident of Campoamor, who in position number 11 on the electoral list was expected to be appointed as councillor for the Coast but lost out when the PP only achieved ten councillors.

As for Vox, Chechu Herrero, who was a member of the provincial committee of

Ciudadanos in Alicante, and deputy for Culture, Julia Parra, will be the main advisers to the party led by General Manuel Mestre. The previous government team, led by the mayoress, Carolina Gracia (PSOE), had 23

advisers, with a salary expenditure of 783,200 euros gross per year, including two positions for Cambiemos, which, although it was not part of the government, supported the motion of censure.

SAN JAVIER MEETS WITH REGIONAL TOURISM

JosÈ Miguel Luengo, mayor of San Javier, held a meeting with representatives of the Murcia Region Tourism Board, Hostetur and EstaciÛn Na˙tica, accompanied by EstÌbaliz Masegosa, San Javier Councillor for Tourism. Concerns were raised at the meeting and proposals were collected to improve the tourism sector in the area.

Carmen Ayala, President of the Murcia Region Tourism Board, assured that it was ìa meeting from which we cannot leave more satisfied.

It is of great importance that we find sensitivity and empathy towards the tourism sector that we representî, she added that ìwe are going to continue working and making an effort to unite interests and generate consensus for the sake of better tourism development in the areaî.

Bay of Portmán Visit

contract for these actions was awarded for an amount of e258,262.40 and an execution period of nine months. The works consist of the environmental recovery of Portman Bay and cover both the dredging phase and the areas for dumping materials and all the actions that must be considered to guarantee the protection of the environment and people's health.

The Secretary of State for the Environment, Hugo Morán, met with the mayor of La Unión, Joaquín Zapata, to look at the situation in the Bay of Portmán and the state of the regeneration and environmental adaptation project in this area.

One year ago, on July 13, 2022, the service

By a resolution of June 6, 2023, the deadline for updating the project was extended until April 30, 2024 due to the need to agree on the alternatives to be evaluated to guarantee the proper development of the works and the integration of the marina within the Portmán bay project, managed by the Ministry of Development and Infrastructure of the autonomous community of the Region of Murcia.

JosÈ Miguel Luengo highlighted the importance of establishing public-private ties to advance proposals that energize the sector and make us increasingly competitive as a tourist destination.

Vegara and Mestre

Murcia concerts during July generate more than 12 million euros in income

During the last 3 weeks Murcia has seen one of its greatest periods, in terms of musical events, that can be remembered in the region.

The highly popular group Iron Maiden and top-level artists such as Joaquín Sabina, Alejandro Sanz and Rod Stewart, among many others, delighted audiences totalling 131,567people, who brought with them an economic impact of more than 12 million euros for the area. This was announced by the Councillor for Tourism, Commerce and Consumption of the City Council, Jesús Pacheco, on Tuesday.

In addition to the bands and singers above, David Bisbal, Morat, Tini, Antonio Orozco, Manuel Carrasco, Romeo Santos, Bad Gyal, Café Quijano, Jorge Drexler and Feid also performed in the region.

The Iron Maiden concert on July 20 generated an income of 7.1 million and created more than 60 jobs, according to data from a study carried out by the University of Murcia on the impact that this event had.

25,667 attendees travelled to the Enrique Roca stadium in Murcia, with the audience coming from 48 different countries including UK, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Australia, among others.

REFURBISHMENT WORK NEARS COMPLETION ON SIX SPORTS COURTS

British Rock Band Iron Maiden in Murcia on 20 July generated income of e7.1 million

Up until July 22, Murcia hosted a further 11 concerts by top-level artists . These brought together 95,900 people, leading to an economic impact of more than 1.7 million, with an average cost of 150 euros per person.

The Rod Stewart, David Bisbal and Alejandro Sanz concerts each brought together some 9,000 people.

These concerts also had a positive impact on hotel occupancy in Murcia, most of which had to disply ‘no vacancy’ signs, with an average cost of 98 euros, an unprecedented peak in this

SANTA POLA HOUSE FIRE DEATH

The Alicante fire service has reported that a person died in a house fire in Santa Pola last week.

The fire service was called to a home in the town after neighbours reported flames coming from the

building. Resources were sent to the scene and fire fighters entered the premises, managing to pull a person out, but medics who were on the scene could do nothing to save their life.

The promoter Juan Antonio Muñoz, promoter of Madness Live! and organiser of the Iron Maiden concert, said that he was proud to have held one of the most important concerts in the Region, despite the many challenges, such as logistics and high temperatures. "We have shown that Murcia is very able and willing to attract high-calibre artists," said Muñoz, who said that he will continue to try to attract top-level groups. "It's a privilege to have brough Iron Maiden to the city."

The Councillor for Sports of the Torrevieja City Council, Diana Box, has confirmed that the ongoing repair works of the six blue sports courts are at progressing well and should be completed within the expected period of 3 months, so completely finished by mid-September.

This contract has been awarded to the company ABALA INFRAESTRUCTURAS, S.L., for a total investment of 760,701.47 euros.

The six blue courts that are being fully repaired are located in Plaza de Europa, the La Siesta urbanization, the Los Altos urbanization, Torreblanca (next to the Ciudad del Mar public school) and two in La Torreta III.

The repair work on these outdoor sports courts includes all the renovation of the walls and perimeter fencing, the repair and repainting of the floors, the replacement of all sports equipment (basketball hoops, goals and nets) and the complete replacement of all lighting with led lights to achieve significant energy savings.

summer season.

THENEW DGT WEAPONHIDDENAT 'STOP' SIGNS

With the aim of reducing the accident rate on Spanish roads and improving road safety, in recent years the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has implemented a multitude of both fixed and mobile radars. Now it has launched a new hidden weapon to hunt down drivers who do not obey the Stop sign.

According to data provided by the agency, 1,093 drivers involved in accidents with fatalities did not respected a Stop sign. This is one of the most common offenses on Spanish roads, behind speeding and using a mobile

phone behind the wheel.

Article 151 of the General Traffic Regulations establishes that "the Stop sign is a requirement for all drivers to stop their vehicle in front of the next unbroken line or, if it does not exist, immediately before the intersection, and give way in to vehicles that are being driven on the road being approached."

To identify drivers who commit this offence, the DGT has two camera systems currently in the testing phase. 'Stop radars' are cameras capable of checking if a vehicle has come to a complete stop before the signal.

At a Give Way sign it is not necessary to stop the vehicle completely, with stopping only mandatory when it is not possible to continue because there is another vehicle traveling on the other road.

According to the DGT, a camera monitors the arrival of vehicles in the signal area. They are calibrated to check if the vehicles completely stop. If this is not done, the camera takes a series of photographs and sends the information to the Automated Complaints Centre, where the disciplinary file is

processed. The fine for ignoring a Stop sign is 200 euros.

The agency places special emphasis on the need to know where to stop at a stop sign: “You must stop the vehicle immediately before the stop line; and if this line does not exist, immediately before the intersection, not the sign. In the event that there is insufficient visibility at this point, for whatever reason, you must move the car forward a little and stop again at a point with visibility, taking care not to endanger any other vehicle.

GARDEN FELIX GUM ROCKROSE

DO YOU OFTEN BREAK THE LAW?

There are some crimes you aren't aware you are committing, and we are told that ignorance of the law is no excuse, so most of us are probably criminals, technically at least. I'm hoping it's technically in your case as well as mine.

An average person apparently breaks the law more than 40 times each year, and yet no one locks him up even once. Possibly because some offences are so trivial, like using a vacuum cleaner after 1pm on Sunday, so it might be a good idea to warn your au pair, and shame on you for making her work at weekends. Think carefully, too, before you affix a postage stamp upside down, as you may still be committing treason in the eyes of the law. And 'taking a circular saw from a vacant house' is much more serious when the charge sheet contains the words 'also a power converter.'

Many of us might have inadvertently pocketed the wrong change or forgotten to pay for a plastic bag at a self-service check-out -or even caused tree cuttings to fall into a neighbour's garden (did you use a circular saw?) -- but we could find ourselves in more serious trouble if we were even less careful.

Like the Californian man who stole electronic goods then tried to resell them to the shop's owner (duh!) or a woman called Rebecca Taylor who tried to buy another woman's child in a supermarket queue.

She already had 2 other children with her, which makes you wonder which other stores she had shopped in that day.

Crimes that you and I -- well, you -- may have committed without realising, range from going fishing without a licence (how would the fish know?) to putting makeup on while driving, isn't that called multi-tasking? And generally approved of?

Some 'crimes' amount to little more than oversights, such as neglecting to inform the relevant authorities of a change of name or address.

Crimes of omission, unless you are on the run from some less benevolent authority, the Fraud Squad, say. Whatever have you been up to?

Helping oneself to office stationery used to be considered almost a perk of various jobs, but nowadays when many companies are paper-free, only a letter writer would fall under suspicion of such a theft, especially if he stuck a stamp upside down on his envelope.

Some infringements of the law ought to go unpunished in view

of the amusement they provide. A grandmother who defended herself from a machete-wielding clown by menacing him with a cut-throat razor sounds as if she had a few close shaves before.

Equal first prize might be awarded to a self-proclaimed saint who threatened to flood a Florida beach with an army of turtles. Would there be any space for the turtles amongst the recumbent humans?

Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise once despondently told an alien being, "We have no law that fits your crime," and something similar is probably true of beach infestation of turtles by a saint.

What would his penance be? An Act of Contrition? Or 30 days cleaning up the beach? He'd need the patience of a saint for that.

CISTUS Ladanifer - Gum Rockrose - is a bush/woody plant, growing up to 2m high, with solitary very large showy flowers of 4 petals, up to 10cm in diameter!

The petals are white, with a little yellow spot on the base; like a 'nail', sometimes with another purple spot overlying.

The fruit is a rounded capsule, with a dense cover of fur.

It grows on siliceous soils, chalks and granites, from sea level, to 1,500m above sea level, preferably in dry and sunny grounds.

Flowering from May through to June, with fruiting taking place during the summer months. The capsule opens as the temperatures increase, releasing a large number of very small seeds, which are easily carried by the wind.

The branches and leaves are imbued with a sticky and aromatic substance, called ladano resin, used in the fragrance industry as the base of several smells. It is also used for healing, as it has a sedative, antiseptic effect.

Heads Up for new Councillor as toilets finally open on Orihuela Costa Beaches

Councillor, Manuel Mestre confirmed that the toilets were fitted last Friday on the 11 Oriolan beaches and will remain in place until September 15, when the season ends.

"As there is no contract for the installation of beach bars, which were responsible for the toilet service, a cleaning contract has been urgently set up to provide the service to bathers," said the councillor.

The service includes toilets for women, men and adapted toilets for people with reduced mobility, as well as the cleaning which will take place in three shifts throughout the day, as they remain oper-

ational from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“This summer the council has now covered the basic services of the beaches, such as toilets, footbaths, the rescue service and access for the disabled. With this, we hope that the residents of Orihuela Costa and visitors can now enjoy the beaches of the municipality while we process other important services" explained Mestre.

However AVCRL are demanding that they remain open until at least November

Mestre added that many of the service contracts that are provided "had either expired or were in

AVCRL want the toilets to remain open until at least November

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.

a bad situation". "The situation that we have found in the Department of the Coast is one of administrative chaos and we

have had to resolve many urgent things, such as the toilets, in order for the beach season to develop in acceptable conditions," he said.

FAB – FREE AS BIRDS SOCIAL GROUP WELCOMES NEW FRIENDS

A poignant incident at a busy restaurant prompted La Siesta resident Michael Walsh to create a social group offering shared lunches and get-togethers for the unattached.

“Whilst dining in Quesada I spotted a neatly dressed gentleman sit-

ting wistfully on his own. Pausing to say hello, I learnt that his wife had passed away a year earlier after contracting cancer; he had no family to speak of.”

As a consequence of covid and cancer, other ailments and age, it is presumed that many people

lack companionship. What to do? Michael says: “I would like FAB –an acronym for Free as Birds – to arrange informal lunches or dinners; an opportunity for the unattached to meet up, form new friendships; lift the spirits and give purpose to life.”

‘A stranger’s just a friend you’ve yet to meet’, FAB focuses on towns and urbanisations like Los Montesinos, Quesada, and La Siesta – anywhere within 10 km of Torrevieja. Michael can be contacted at 662 067 490 or by email at keyboardcosmetics@gmail.com

Firstly,on the 1st Friday of the month,4 August,the 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. On 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 also the situation last year,and it caused chaos in the surrounding roads,as people tried 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.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RULES AND REGULATIONS

The term ‘rules and regulations’ are pretty well always bandied together; but there is a big difference in how these two words are applied in Ireland – and the gap is widening. The fact is that ‘regulations’ are stringently applied, because this is easy; whilst rules are not enforced because there is effort involved. Rules are there to be broken and the only non-compliers who pay any price are those guilty of the ‘easily caught’ variety. Business people, farmers and all categories of ‘doers’ are being regulated into a compound of despair. For every inspiration or initiative, there is somebody sitting at a desk, singlemindedly programmed with the message; ‘no, you cannot do this’ – or ‘fill in form X227, YP 237, or Zi23, and then make your application to the officer in charge of bamboozlement.

There are twelve and a half thousand unfortunate people in emergency accommodation, hundreds sleeping on the streets, and thousands more crammed into benevolent sharing with family or friends. All this whilst the country is dotted with empty dry, spacious and comfortable buildings.

Many of these vacant houses are perfectly habitable and have reared families until recent times; but now, neither the owner or the sad couple standing outside in the rain have any say in whether or not a person can sleep or shelter in the house.

‘Mr Regulations’, cocooned in his nice warm office, or arriving, billboard in hand, is the sole arbitrator as to what arrangement a property owner or prospective tenant can agree upon.

Last week I heard of planning permission being turned down for much needed living accommodation because a small window

would overlook a close-by building. This is in a town where every window overlooks something!

We have the most obese children in Europe; but no way can a community be allowed to organise a children’s sports event, due to ‘restrictions and regulations’. The country is awash with parish and community halls; still ideal for a bit of music and social dancing; but no way, dear people, not anymore –because ‘Mr Health’ and ‘Mrs Safety’ says you cannot be trusted to mind yourselves!

Individual choice and group responsibility is a thing of the past … due to ‘regulations’!

Now, ‘rules’ are entirely a different kettle of fish. Some are there in name only whilst others, unlike ‘regulations’, go by default because they ‘are difficult to enforce.’

There are rules prohibiting littering, illegal dumping and pollution; but the person sitting at the environmental desk, isn’t driven by the same urgency to go out with the clip-board and deal with this one. The perpetrators are not ‘easily caught.’

‘Rules of the Road’ are just one big joke … unless you are easily caught, of course. You have a one in nine chance of being caught for speeding in Canada. It used to be one in two hundred in Ireland – but my guess is the odds are even more in favour of the speedster these days. I would bet that the ‘one in two hundred’ is more likely to be caught technically speeding in a built up area, than out on the open road.

This is not intended as a criticism of the gardai – whose job is difficult enough as it is and they are the ones who have to play by the rules. When you hear of a garda being prosecuted, under the road traffic act, for chasing convicted criminals … what can one say …

There are rules there to say that a man or woman cannot be brutally attacked while walking on the street. Sadly and disgustingly, this rule is not worth the paper it us written on. Our nation recently woke up to the horror story of an American tourist being savagely assaulted on a Dublin street. Since then, American visitors are being warned by their embassy that Dublin is not a safe place. Our minister for justice has said the opposite; and how in the name of God can the authorities maintain credibility when making such statements that every person knows this is not how it is.

It isn’t just Dublin. Every town is dangerous late at night but these more rural assaults don’t get the same airtime as a high profile attack – and a photo-call outside a garda station is not the answer to the problem

Back to the rules: Young, feral thugs have nothing to fear from rules. Nothing will be

done to them: But, if the Gardaí, or a citizen defending their property don’t adhere to the rules laid down for them, they will be punished for breaking rules under the ‘easily caught’ formula.

The justice system was founded under the premise; ‘did he know what he was doing –and did he know that if caught he would be punished.’ The young thugs are not being punished – so make up your mind about the rest.

Yes, it is tough on young people trapped in disadvantaged areas. But maybe … just maybe, if ‘Mr Regulations’ permitted a family to live in an empty house, instead of in Direct Provision, there would be less chaos on the streets.

DON’T FORGET

Our crime experts seem to know everything about crime except how to stop it.

ALICANTE PROVINCE REGISTERS HOTTEST NIGHTS IN LAST 100 YEARS

The hottest nights in the last century, this is how July nights have been in the province of Alicante, according to the values ??that the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has published in the first 25 days of this month; unprecedented due to the high and persistent temperatures.

"But in July there have also been large temperature anomalies, especially at night and in the coastal areas, which are mainly due to the

high temperature of the sea water," explained José Ángel Núñez Mora, head of the climatology section of the State Meteorological Agency in the Valencian Community. The statistics extracted from the measurements of the Aemet Observatory in Alicante reflect that, on average, the province of Alicante is suffering from the warmest July of the equivalent period since 1939, the days from July 1 to

25 of every single year, surpassing even the most suffocating records of the years 2015 and 2022. The average temperature of these 25 days in July 2023 is 28.3 degrees Celsius, which, compared to the 1991-2020 average shows an increase of 2.5 degrees. It therefore exceeds the average for July 2015, which had an average of 28 degrees, and last year 2022, which, with an average of 27.3 degrees.

Acciona launches inspectors to stop illegal dumping of waste

The councillor of Urban Cleaning, María José Ruiz , has said that these Acciona employees will all be easily recognisable in a uniform that identifies them as environmental controllers. They work through an App on a mobile device, which they will use to take the images and record the necessary data to initiate sanctions by the local authorities. In addition, they will also monitor collection service itself, which will allow the company to improve or correct the service.

The team of environmental controllers is made up of 10 people who work continuously from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. , in different shifts. They may also work night shifts to control incidents that occur during that day.

Torrevieja, like other municipalities, has a serious problem of uncontrolled dumping, fundamentally of two types. There is the waste of all kinds that ends up surrounding the waste container, including mattresses that appear by the thousands and also garden and plant pruning, as well as and the accumulations in remote areas, especially builder waste.

The company Acciona has introduced ten staff, each equipped with an electric motorcycle, who will tour the area in an effort to stop the uncontrolled dumping of waste in Torrevieja

The team will document the spills, household waste, mattresses, furniture, white goods and pruning, and will send the images and location, with a report to the Local Police, so that they can sanction the perpetrators who they are able to identify.

The service is a requirement that was included in the specifications of the new contract, for which Torrevieja pays 25 million euros per year, and is launched one year after its start.

María José Ruiz, who is the third councillor to assume the management of the waste service in the last 12 months, has said that with this new work team it is intended to reinforce control over the service itself and detect non-compliance on the part of companies and residents on a daily basis, and that are included in the Municipal Ordinance of Urban Cleaning, with fines that range from 50-750 euros.

The new service will be completed with new awareness campaigns that are being developed for launch so as, together, to have a "cleaner Torrevieja".

Main image: The new monitoring service Right: Cllr María José Ruiz with Acciona oficials.

Arts & Culture &

Who Actually Benefits from the Torrevieja Summer Fiestas?

Torrevieja town hall is boasting that the summer festivals organised in the town will have an economic benefit of 12 million euro, according to a report they commissioned, and have justified spending 481,000 euro on marketing and advertising on behalf of the festival organisers. Almost half a million of public money, when the organisers themselves are set to make millions, if the events are successful.

Across all the fiestas, the town hall has based the earnings on 85,000 visitors. That is 45,000 for Brilla Torrevieja, and 40,000 for RBF.

Coincidentally, the Councillor for Tourism, Commerce and Consumption in Murcia, Jes˙s Pacheco, as reported by The Leader, this week commented how the concerts there, including Iron Maiden and Rod Stewart, attended by 131,567 people, brought with them an economic impact of more than 12 million euro for the area (91 euro per person), the same amount that the 85,000 people in Torrevieja are allegedly spending, so either the people attending Torrevieja are spending considerable more (141 euro per person), or the figures simply don¥t add up.

Regarding the expected capacity for RBF, the town hall says 40,000 people, but the reality is that the tickets are firstly promoted as two-day tickets, so the real figure is in fact a maximum of 20,000, not the 40,000 the town hall boasts.

The Madrid version, which was cancelled, as the organiser couldnít satisfy the minimum safety standards, was billed at a 50,000 capacity, again highlighting the unlikeliness of Torreviejaís initial and erroneous estimate.

For Brilla Torrevieja, the 45,000 is spread over all the days of the festival, the reality being that only 3,000 people the expected on the peak days, including for the Black Eyed Peas.

Although we can see that the original figure of 85,000 people is at best questionable, one other thing the town hall has neglected to consider, or are assuming

would not be the case, is that residents of Torrevieja might actually want to attend these festivals, and even some tourists who might actually be in Torrevieja at the time anyway, so they too have to be taken off the total figure.

As a final point of reference, the town hall said last year that more than 50,000 people enjoyed Brilla Torrevieja, and then revised their initial estimates down to say that it had a direct and indirect economic impact of almost 3 million euro (60 euro per person, consid-

erably lower than the 141 euro per person they are quoting this time), according to the press release issued after the FITUR tourism event, somewhat lower than the 8 million initially reported by the town hall in their press release of August 2022.

OVER 600 GATHER FOR PILAR DE LA HORADADA MUSICAL EVENING

The IX edition of the "Musical Evening" held in the area of "Los Picos", owned by Solange Zilbermann, brought together more than 600 people, all anxious to see the performances of the Unión Musical Horadada, the Horadance Dance Club, Ritmo Brillante, Raquel Peña and Jesús Hernández.

Zilbermann gives up the gardens of her home every summer so that the Pilar de la Horadada City Council, in collaboration with the Alicante Provincial Council, can organise this summer and cultural event with a rich and varied musical content to the delight of the attendees.

The Councilor for Culture, Darío Quesada, said

that the public "did not want to leave and demanded an encore of the musical program" which shows the success of the event. It was a night, he explained, "where the music gradually grew under the passion, talent and connection of all the performers during the evening."

The authorities gave Solange a bouquet of flowers in gratitude for her generosity.

Finally, the mayor, José María Pérez, closed the event highlighting "the success of the Unión Musical Horadada when it comes to fusing different styles that provides excellent entertainment for all those in attendance."

The "Musical Evening" attracted a crowd of more than 600 people

LOS VIERNES CULTURALES DEL NÁUTICO

Next Friday 4th August,at 8pm,within Los Viernes Culturales del Náutico (Campoamor Yacht Club),ACOC will be holding a free concert featuring a young emerging singer,Lucía Plaza,contestant of the popular television show ‘La Voz Kids’which features on Antena 3. A good opportunity to enjoy the voice of an artist who will delight us with the best songs from her repertoire.

See you at the Campoamor Yacht Club.

Lucia singing on La Voz Kids, shown on Antena 3

QUICKIE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ANSWERS Week 981

QUICK QUICK

ACROSS: ACROSS: 7 6 Shackle; 7 Rural; 9 Box; 10 Unhelpful; 12 Prevaricate; 15 Affiliation; 17 Decadence; 19 Cry; 21 Scull; 22 Garnish.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Throw; 2 Act;

3 Glen; 4 Suspicion; 5 Faculty; 8 Secret; 11 Irritable; 13 Veiled; 14 Offence; 16 Trust; 18 Coax; 20 Ink.

CR CR YPTIC YPTIC

ACROSS: 6 Groomed; 7

ACROSS ACROSS

1.Present (4)

8.Play-list (10)

2.Depict (10)

3.Loyal (4)

4.Elf (6)

5.Ally (6)

6.Difference (8)

7.Yield (4)

11.1000 years (10)

13.Runaway (8)

16.Lessen (6)

17.Fraud (6)

18.Step (4)

20.Peel (4)

Whole; 9 Dun; 10 Allotment; 12 Down-toearth; 15 Contracting; 17 Carollers; 19 Ale; 21 Flash; 22 Husband.

DOWN: DOWN: 1 Argue; 2 Top; 3 Meal; 4 Champagne; 5 Planets; 8 Got out; 11 Boathouse; 13 Nearly; 14 Totally; 16 Fling; 18 Rout; 20 Ebb.

CAN YOU MASTER THE SUDOKU CHALLENGE?

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on Page 22

1.Its lot is to be soundly beaten (4)

8.Malaise causes animosity? (3-7)

9.Air got at one who stirs things up (8)

10.Could be a catch in this deep voice? (4)

12.Outcast has father with untidy hair (6)

14.One may find out he was a knight's attendant (6)

15.Standing half lost at American get-together (6)

17.Compared with dunderhead missing from near sick person (6)

18.Strait-laced, but not quite of the best quality (4)

19.Social gathering for politicians in Boston? (3-5)

21.Job centre? (4,6)

22.It states where what is left should go (4)

DOWN DOWN

2.Circus MC has to telephone expert (4-6)

3.Money-making herb? (4)

4.Tightly grasp part of car (6)

5.Almost never, not ever before time (6)

6.Artful person upsets bossy lot (8)

7.Initially attenuated, grew ever such a long time (4)

11.Stop - don't fidget! (10)

13.Suggest resident swallowed it up (8)

16.Begin to counterbalance (3,3)

17.Nut country (6)

18.Sharp operators hide church leader (4)

20.Article you and I write up afresh (4)

LEADER TRIVIA QUIZ (Answers on page 22)

1. The complete theme song title for the TV series MASH was: "Song from Mash" followed by three words in parentheses or (brackets). What were the three words found in (brackets)?

2. Glasgow gets a mention in which mega hit from ABBA?

3. The 70s super model Iman was married to which music icon?

4. The name of which European capital loosely translated means "smoke cove"? a. Helsinki b. Lisbon c. Reykjavik d. Copenhagen

5. The movie poster tag line for which classic 1933 film was: "It was beauty that killed the beast"?

6. Which two players were involved in the last all American Wimbledon Men's Singles final?

7. The world just recently reached a population milestone of 8 billion. In which year did we reach the 7 billion milestone?

8. Which dessert, created at the New York City restaurant Delmonico's in 1876, is also known as 'Norwegian omelette'?

9. Who were/are the three shortest Academy Award winners for Best Actor? One point for each correct answer.

10. With a population of 1.5 million, Oran is the second largest city in which African country?

11. The name of which English royal dynasty stems from the Latin words for the "broom shrub"?

12. In which river did the RMS Empress of Ireland sink in the early hours of 29 May 1914 with the loss of 1,012 lives?

13. What is the name of the 'lost city' in South America discovered in 1911 by the Indiana Jones like adventurer Hiram Bingham?

14. What are the flat faces called found on a diamond or gem stone with a 'Brilliant Cut'?

15. What was the name of the surprise North Vietnamese military offensive launched against South Vietnamese and US forces on January 30, 1968?

16. Name the films in which Mel Gibson plays alongside each of the following actresses. a. Jamie Lee Curtis. b. Michelle Pfeiffer. c. Jodie Foster. d. Sophie Marceau. e. Joely Richardson. f. Goldie Hawn

17. Invented by Gregory Pincus and first introduced in 1960, what did Pope Paul VI condemn in his 1967 encyclical 'Humanaevitae'?

18.The title of Demi Moore's first film in a leading role AND the title of a recent Oscar winner for Best Picture. One word.

19. The following words are from which 1975 hit song from a Swedish pop singer? "So you went to Sweden to meet Ingmar Bergman, he wasn't there or he just didn't care."

20. The ancient Greek word for "racetrack" and or "running" is found in the name of which ungainly pack animal?

ACROSS ACROSS

ORIHUELAGUIDEDTOURSFOCUSONNATUREANDBEACHES

The Orihuela Department of Tourism has scheduled a series of guided tours for August which are to be focused on nature and the beaches.

The councillor, Gonzalo Montoya, said that "it is important to publicise a variety of interesting features from the tourist point of view that are outside the city centre in order to provide a better balance across the municipality toward of this type of activity".

He said that on August 2, there will be a walk through the groves of the Segura river to the Molino de la Ciudad and on

the 9th, another to the district of Molins.

On August 4, a walk along the Mil Palmeras beach has been scheduled and, on the 11th, the scenic path of the Campoamor hills will be negotiated. On August 18, you can walk the blue path of the coves of Orihuela, with the possibility of ending the activity at the Cabo Roig summer cinema.

The routes organized along the coast will continue on August 25 with a walk that will leave Cala Mosca toward Punta Prima.

"For nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, an activity has been

planned that will leave the Franciscan Convent of Santa Ana and will end at the picnic area in the log cabins of San Cristóbal on August 23".

Finally, on August 16, departing from the Interpretation Centre at El Palmeral, there will be a route through the Palmeral to the mining furnace.

All the activities are free, except for the entrance to the Cabo Roig cinema, and will begin at 7:30 p.m. However, it is essential to reserve a place through the website: www.orihuelaturistica.es.

A 74-year-old bather dies in Los Alcázares

A74-year-old bather died this Tuesday in Los Alc·zares.

The tragedy occurred on Los Narejos beach at around 12:43 p.m. The lifeguards had jumped into the water to rescue the man, who was unconscious and in cardiorespiratory arrest.

Despite the resuscitation manoeuvres, the emergency services could not save the bather's life.

Local Police patrol, medical staff and ambulances from the Emergency and Civil Protection Service and the 061 Emergency and Health Emergencies Management were mobilised to the scene.

The Church of JESUS CHRISTof Latter-Day Saints in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 659 016 733

Join us at the SALTCHURCH Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja -Evangelical Church. Sunday Service 11

a.m.; - Contact 966 799 273 / 660 127 276. Evangelical non-denominational church. ww.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a very attractive 2019 Ford Ecosport ST-Line Petrol which is priced at just 17,900 euro.

Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page7. We can assure you of the biggest and best in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

COMMUNITYCARE ASSOCIATION (CCA) Open to residents of Orihuela Costa over 60 years of age. Located at the Centro Civico Alameda del Mar. Open 3 times a week for a programme of English speaking activities, support, information and advice with the support of Orihuela Council. Anyone wanting to join CCAsocial activities can pop along.

Open 2pm -6pm Mondays and Thursdays, Wednesday 2pm - 5pm. You can register between 1pm & 2pm on those days, in the Cafe area where you will find Eva or Norah.

email:

communitycare@gmail.com

RAGS CLUB (previously Friendship Centre). Every Tuesday Lunchtime, From a Bun to a Banquet. At Graceys - upstairs La Zenia park in Lidl Carpark. COME AND PLAYRUMMIKUB.

on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373

The RAFACosta Blanca RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.

Kayak with paddles in good condition euro 150 Mountain bike old but works well euro 40 ONO. Call667 314 378 (2)

For Sale Harley Fatboy front wheel rim. Never used. 150Ä. Tel: 711 041 018 (2)

Business Opportunity: LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. 747 438 225 (3)

Law Services: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225 (3)

Los Alc·zares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details.

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es

Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins

Bungalow Long Term Rental 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Garden. La Zenia Area. Call Claire 658 098 397 (2)

FREE

CLASSIFIED ADS

If you have items that are WANTED or FOR SALE, ANNOUNCEMENTS, NOTICES and suchlike, advertise them, to a maximum of 35 words, FREE OF CHARGE, on this page. SEND BY EMAIL TO: office@theleader.info

GUARDAMAR MOORS AND CHRISTIANS PARADES

By Andrew Atkinson

The annual summer parade of the Moros y Cristianos - Moors and Christians - took place in Guardamar,with thousands of people in attendance during the two days of showcasing.

The Spanish festivity is celebrated mainly in the south of the Valencian Community and other areas of south-eastern Spain.

According to tradition,these festivities commemorate the battles that were fought during the Reconquista,during which the Christians of the kingdoms of Spain conquered the domains occupied by the Muslims

(Moros).

The three hours' parade through the main street of Guardamar del Segura included 2,000 chairs for the two general Moors and Christians parades,in honour of San Jaime de Guardamar del Segura.

The fiesta ended with the signing of the Tudmir pact after which all the participating bands and the Coral Aromas de Guardamar performed the festive hymn.

The first parade (July 21) saw the Christians leave first,followed by the Moors.The second parade (July 22) saw the Moors leave first,followed by the Christians.

ALI BABA AND ADAPT BEATING THE HEAT

Despite the torrid heat of the summer, the Adapt Theatre Group doesn´t rest and preparations are going on behind the scenes for this year’s performance of “Ali Baba and the Four and a Half Thieves” to be performed in San Pedro del Pinatar at the end of November.

One of the most entertaining features of every panto is an “on-location” video to enhance the plot in strange and unexpected ways.

This year is no exception and some of the filming has already been done to portray the dramatic entrance of two of the characters involving spectacular shots of local scenery. No more can be revealed as yet as it all has to be seen in person to be appreciated!

For more information about the ADAPT Theatre group contact Eric at: ericberg2@hotmail.com or visit our website: https://adapttheatregroup.wordpress.com

Massed bands and choirs

Photos Helen Atkinson

by Tony Mayes

This is one way of looking at the result of the recent by-election in Boris Johnston’s old seat of Uxbridge, and if the result is anything to go by, there is absolutely no chance that the world will act in time to avoid catastrophic climate change.

Tories took a total hammering to Labour and Lib Dems in two other by-elections, but in Boris Johnston’s old constituency in greater London, the Tories managed to hang on. Why? Because the Labour mayor has been hell- bent on introducing a swingeing £12.50 daily charge for the use of the most polluting vehicles, based on public health grounds.

It demonstrated that although people will almost unanimously say that the world needs to act to prevent the very worst of climate change, when it comes to putting their hands in their pockets and pay out for it, then it’s a firm no, or let’s put it off for another year or two.

Thousands of Londoners who would, no doubt, have followed voters in the other constituencies and turn their back on the Tory party, deciding that keeping money in their pockets was more impor-

SELFISHNESS AND LOOKING AFTER NUMBER ONE (1 POINT) THE FUTURE OF THE PLANET (NIL POINTS).

tant.

Common sense tells us that we need to move away from the most polluting vehicles as quickly as possible – it’s ghastly when you are in a car and are stuck for any length of time behind a vehicle puffing out fumes, and who would want to live in houses beside London’s busiest streets, breathing in fumes every day?, I know I wouldn’t. And recent inquests have demonstrated that urgent action is needed to cut down pollution in cities, because lives are being lost through it.

However, If there is anything to be learned from the by-election in London, it is that change and charging must be introduced gradually, but is there enough time left for people to put their own selfinterests first and the planet a poor second?

If electors are, in future, going to vote for a political party which will do next to nothing when it comes to climate change, then we must all be prepared to face ever more severe heat, storms, rising sea levels and failing crops causing huge price rises for all types of food. When the tipping point will be when the majority are prepared to suffer a reduction in living standards, goodness knows.

Ask people in the Greek islands, both residents and holiday-makers, who have experienced the result of ever dryer and hotter summers, and they will say the tipping point has already passed. No doubt those experiencing ever-hotter summers in Spain will say the same.

MORE THAN 500 CHILDREN TAKE PART IN THE PILAR DE LA HORADADA SUMMER SCHOOL.

The municipal summer school "Vacaciones en tu Pueblo" "is always a priority annual activity for the municipality of Pilar de la Horadada”.

Marina Sáez, Councillor for Social Services, said that, "It is a service aimed at families in Pilar de la Horadada in order to facilitate the time of care and attention for minors in this non-school period of July and August".

Holidays in your Town is an activity aimed at boys and girls from the municipality who are aged between 3 and 12 years and that takes place during the months of July and August at the CEIP

But this debate about climate change action versus cost goes much further than taxing polluting vehicles.

Take people living in picturesque villages and towns around the country. Yes, the population would generally support climate change action – until they are asked to have a solar farm close-by, or a wind farm, and heaven forbid if someone suggested that wind power should come from wind turbines built on the top of hills and mountains. The same old selfishness is there.

When we drive across Spain, we see many turbines stretching across the highest ground – it makes a lot of sense, because the strongest winds are at high elevations and are more consistent too. But in Britain? Oh no. Turbines are out to sea, where winds are often less strong and the turbines themselves are not likely to last as long because of sea and salt erosion.

Sadly, it seems the only way to change people’s attitudes and make them live greener lives and achieve a net-zero target by 2050, is to legislate – but has any political party in Britain the balls to actually do it and risk rebellion in the polls?

There is another dimension to the whole debate the action needed to combat climate change. While it seems that Britain’s political elite want to be seen to be taking a lead, the huge polluters around the world, China, India, the rich countries in the Arab/Muslim world and America are still pumping out

greenhouse gases to maintain their economies, extracting oil and gas and pretending that the day of judgement can be put off until 2050.

So, why should the British public suffer an economic downturn and poorer living standards while many other countries are not prepared to suffer any pain?

Perhaps all this is beyond politi-

cians to cure because the lord and masters, the electors will always act like turkeys voting for Christmas. Perhaps our future lies with the major companies acting together to rectify their polluting ways.

But will they put the environment and the planet first and put making more and more money every year into second place? I’ll let you to provide the answer.

Mediterráneo.

This year 555 students have enrolled and are making use of the facilities from 07:40 in the morning, where organised leisure, sports, cultural and social activities can be enjoyed during the school hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. after which the dining room is open until 3 p.m.

The municipal summer school also welcomes children who are in a situation of need, vulnerability or risk, assessed by social services, by financing a Contract-Program agreement under the name "Support for children (summer period)" and with funding amounting to 16,214.16 euros.

Additional finance also comes from the CoResponsible Plan, with funds received from the Ministry of Equality and Secretary of State for Equality and against Gender Violence, with an amount of 77,425.40 euros.

Just some of the children who have benefitted from the scheme, with the Councillor and Mayor

We couldn’t get through a series about summer driving dos and don’ts without mention a topic that always rears its ugly head around this time of year, the question of whether you are allowed to drive in flip flops!

To answer this question clearly, let us say

should you drive in flip flops? And answer, no, absolutely not, because it can be extremely dangerous, as your foot can easily slip out of the shoe.

There are numerous cases of flip flops getting trapped between the pedals of vehicles, sometimes with devastatingly fatal conse-

quences, which could so easily have been avoided by wearing appropriate footwear. However, that said, if we ask the question, is it illegal to drive in flip flops, then the answer is mostly no.

The reason that this second question leads to an ambiguous answer is that there is no specific law which says you must not drive wearing flip flops. However, there are laws which dictate that as a driver you must always be in full control of the vehicle.

If you are wearing inappropriate footwear and are involved in an incident, a collision, or are caught committing an offence, then it can be immediately deduced that you were not in full control of the vehicle, in which case your inappropriate footwear, flip flops for example, can be taken into consideration, and can therefore see you with an additional fine.

When you drive with flip flops if becomes easier to be involved in an incident. When you drive back home from the beach, for example, your flip flops are often wet and have sand on them, therefore you have a high risk of losing your flip flops while driving or when you use your car pedals.

With Flip flops you cannot break or accelerate

properly, ALL these factors can end in a traffic incident or infraction and in these cases, you can be fined for driving with inappropriate footwear.

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 the actions are performed by our hands and feet.

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 as we have explained. 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.

Real Zaragoza gain their second victory of the week at Pinatar Arena

Following their 1-0 success against Real Murcia earlier in the week, about 1,000 people turned up to watch Zaragoza’s contest on Friday night against another local outfit in FC Cartagena.

Uncharacteristically in a pre-season friendly it was a much more frenetic affair with both sides contesting every ball. Indeed it was much closer to a league match than we would expect at this stage of the season with Cartagena’s centre-back Alcalá, showing rather too much aggression which resulted in his 49th minute dismissal.

FC Cartagena.......1 Real Zaragoza......2

During the first forty-five minutes the two teams were characterized by their fight and dedication, never giving up a lost ball and constantly chasing down every move.

CARP-R-US FISHING

Today,Thursday 27th July, Carp-R-Us fished round 3 of the Summer/Autumn series,our last match before our summer break. We fished Canal del Progres on the Mercadona stretch.When we arrived at the venue the sky was heavily clouded and rain was forecast.Luckily,we only had to endure a very light shower.The clouds parted and the sun shone, accompanied by a variable breeze.

First was Roy Dainty on peg 2 who caught carp and mullet on pole and corn to weigh in 4.04kg.second was Tony Flett on peg 1. Tony caught carp and carassio’s for 3.76kg on pole and corn.

Third was Jeremy Fardoe on peg 5,who had a mixed bag,weighing 3.38kg using pole feeder.

And fourth was Nick Bastock on peg 4 with 2.42kg on pole fished maggot.

Further information about the club can be found on its website www.carp-rus.weebly.com or on the Facebook page Carp-R-Us

Fishing Costa Blanca

This is our last match until September.I hope you have a good August and it doesn't get too hot.

Puche put Zaragoza ahead in the first quarter of an hour with Ortuño quickly levelling the score just 5 minutes later. There were plenty of chances for both sides but the score remained at 1-1 as they went into the half time break.

At the beginning of the second half, FC Cartagena were reduced to ten men following the expulsion of Alcalá, which saw Zaragoza spending much more time in front of the Efesé goal, forcing Marc Martínez to make a number of great saves. But finally, with just 10 minutes of the match remaining, Zaragoza got the winning goal through Toni Moya.

Both sides now look forward to the start of the Segunda Division in less than two weeks time where Zaragoza meet Villarreal B and Cartagena entertains newly promoted Eldense

The Celts Club de Golf results

Sorry for the delay with the results, I had a few days holiday this week. We presented the last two months of prizes at our recent Championship Day at La Serena.

Camillus has the competitions running smooth as silk, many thanks Cam and team. We had our rolls and drinks prepared by the kitchen staff, they are really appreciated and societies, they make for a nutritious snack and are available on order.

Miguel and the green staff are really making progress in the recovery of the greens, well done to all the staff. Cristina, Jose, and Jean many thanks for all your assistance.

Together, the competitions committee, the green staff, and the golf shop work as one to facilitate the efficient and comfortable running of our tournaments and Championship days.

Our captain George Thomas was on hand to get us through the plethora of prizes and results, thank you.

Crystal competitions, Week 1. Cat I, Tony Burns 39, Terry Fitzgerald 37 and Pavla Serakova 36. Cat II, Pat McLaughlin 43, Pat Baker 39, and Tony Stafford 39. Week 2. Cat I, Stuart Tosh 38, John

O’Brien 36, and Mike Stott 34. Cat II, George Thomas 40, Declan Kynes 39, and Billy Thomson 38.

May Medal Cat I, Gareth Conroy 68, Philip Kenedy 72. Cat II, Tommy Warren 68, and Eddie Wall 68. Cat III, Ian Howie 63, and James Hayes 65. June Medal Cat I, Clive Jenkins 67, and John O’ Brien 69. Cat II, Alan Walker 68, and Skip Stulhpfarrer 68. Cat III, Tony Stafford 69, and Ronald de Vos 70.

Golf prizes week 1. Cat I, Camillus Fitzpatrick 41, Gordon Montgomery 40, and Alan Walker 39.

LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY

This week was the last round of the Summer Cup for the members of the La Marina Golf Society.

The venue for today’s game was at Vista Bella golf course. The course was in very good condition and the bunkers were as tricky as ever in some cases a bucket and spade were required. The greens were in super condition and some good scores were achieved.

In today’s game third place went to Alan Craig with 35 points, in second place with 36 pts was Gerry McCabe and the winner with 41 pts was Sue Saunders.

The nearest the pin winners were Tim Ruse for hole 2 & 7 and Gerry McCabe for hole 11, Gerry also won the two’s pot. Following the game, the members and guests met at the La Marina Sports Complex for their Summer Cup Dinner and a big thank you to Helena and Nicky for a lovely meal and a most enjoyable evening. After dinner Captain Iain Lyall presented the overall winners of the Summer Cup Trophy their prizes.

Cat II, Ronald de Vos, 38, Debbie Boelhouwer 38, and Ian Sadler 37.

Week 2. Cat I, Steve Hopkins 41, John Aitchison 39, and Denis McCormack 37. Cat II, James Hayes 45, Declan Kynes 40, and Kevin Fitzpatrick 39. July singles. 1st Bev Buckley, 2nd Pat Coyne and 3rd Ian Howie.

Results on the Championship Day were as follows; NTP’s Billy Thomson, Camillus Fitzpatrick (2) George Thomas, Denis McCormack, and John O’Brien. As we were playing form the white and blue tees due to course maintenance, scoring was a little lower than normal. Cat III, Debbie Boelhouwer 36, Rose Walker, 36, and Dave Stockton 33.

It was lovely to see Rose back playing after a long absence through injury. Cat II, Bill Thomson 35, George Thomas 35, and Gordon Montgomery 34.

Cat I, Clive Jenkins 35, Nicholas Brooks 35, and Alan Campbell 33. Gross was won by Michael Stott 28. Second overall Kevin Fitzpatrick 36 and the winner on the day, Michael Parry 36. Again, many thanks to all those who remained behind to acknowledge our competitors and to those who collected prizes for absent members. What a treat it was from Michael Parry and his speech, or should I say his melodious voice.

The scoring was taken from the players' best 3 scores from the 4 games played. Therefore, in third place with 109 pts was Colin Taylor, closely followed by Gerry McCabe with 110 pts but overall winner was Sue Saunders with an impressive score of 121pts.

Well done to all the members who participated in the four games and for making it a challenging and well fought Trophy to win.

Cartagena’s Ortuño powers between two Zaragoza defenders

FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME TO MONTE

Dani Pérez Williscroft is looking forward to the 2023-24 season with CD Montesinos having been appointed as their new manager in what is a new era for the club.

"It's good to be back in football after 18 months out of the game - it's been a long year and a half," said Dani.

Known as 'Willy' the former Racing San Miguel coach is itching to get going in September,when the season kicksoff.

"We have had a couple of opportunities to return to football with other clubs,but we wanted to wait for the right opportunity," said Willy.

Willy,who arrives at Monte with assistant Alex Rubido, said: "I was at Racing San Miguel for two and a half years, which were really good times.

"The first season in charge was really good,being within 1 point of going up,and having finished third.Then Covid19 stopped the season."

Monte will compete in the newly formed (FFCV) Valencia 2nd Regional Group 8,being one of 16 teams.

Speaking exclusively to The Leader,Willy said: "I am hungry for success - I don't like to lose.I love football,I'm very competitive at everything I do.

into place.

"The new division that has been formed by the FFCV includes teams that we don't know the level of.

"We can only focus on what CD Montesinos can do and what we've got.So I'm not really worrying about the rest of the teams.

"We will play the games week by week and focus on what we can do as a squad.

"Some players at the club have had contracts renewed and we have brought in new faces."

With the club having to put into place a new President in Joni Lorente and form a new Committee ahead of the 2023-24 campaign,Willy said: "We started a little late at getting the squad together,which was a little bit of a disadvantage to us.

"Other teams are clever on that front - and took a few players from our team,because they were waiting to see what was going to happen with CD Montesinos."

Willy added: "But we are trying to put a good squad together - people who are going to give everything and fight for 3 points every game.

"The message to the fans is we are all working very hard to sign new players.We are really optimistic as to what is going to happen this season."

Quote: 'I am very hungry for success at CD Montesinos - I don't like losing.It's exciting' - new manager Willy.

By Andrew Atkinson EXCLUSIVE

SC TORREVIEJA SEASON TICKETS AT GIVEAWAY PRICES

As a pensioner you will be able to go and watch all of newly promoted SC Torrevieja’s home fixtures for just e18, that is slightly over a euro per game, for the entire campaign in what promises to be the club’s most exciting season in recent years. What’s even better, as a member of the Torry Army, which you can join for just e5, the cost of a season ticket is reduced to e12. A regular season ticket costs just e35. Where else could you possibly get such value? Semi Professional football in the FFCV Primera Grup 4, the old

"I want to win.I am really excited and looking forward to it.I'm not scared of anything.

"If you work hard and you love it,I think everything falls

Preferente Division, in which the club’s predecessors spent so many successful years.

More information is available through the Torry Army Office which currently opens once a week on Fridays 11:00-13:00 hrs but, as of August, it will return to 3 days a week, Mon, Wed & Fri. Howver, if you want anything out of hours, you can contact them on Facebook where you will be assured of their help. FB page details: www.facebook.com/TorryArmySL

Back in training and eager to get underway once again the club will play it’s first fixture on 11 August, at home against the Murcian club EDMF Churra.

Thereafter friendly fixtures will come thick and fast with a further six planned at the time of writing, two at home against Callosa and Kelme and four away versus Albatera, Dolores, Redovan and Algorfa.

*EXCLUSIVE Leader interviews with Monte manager Willy, President Macan and Supporters Club President Eddie Cagigao continues next week.

New contracts at San Miguel

By Andrew Atkinson

Racing San Miguel have re-signed striker Antonio Rico Dominguez ahead of the 2023-24 season.

"Rico stands out for his passing ability together with, perseverance and hard work on the pitch. He will face his third season as a senior at Montesico Blanco, after a lifetime in Racing's grassroots football.

"The striker was key with goals in victories the team achieved last season in the Valencia 1st Regional G8. Meanwhile, Youth prodigy Roberto Pérez Rives aalso has a new contract for the 2023-24 season.

"The Youth squad player extends his relationship with the club to face his second season as a senior at Montesico Blanco," said club President Chemo Valero.

"He is a player who, despite his youth, knows how to read game times very well and brings a lot of balance to the team. He will help us a lot to compete for our goals."

Monte manager Willy: Hungry for success.

Photo: Andrew Atkinson.

Torrevieja’s Rayito Salinero on top at La Zenia’s Arena 1000 Beach Handball

In an exciting national tournament, the Rayito Salinero Beach Handball Club of Torrevieja was crowned champion in the male cadet category, leaving their indelible mark on the Orihuela Costa sand. With a display of skill and passion, the young athletes showed why they deserve the title. In the final, they faced Urci Almería, but were on top throughout winning with authority by two sets to nil.

It was a finale that was contested with tenacity and strategy, leading the Torrevieja team to lift the champions' trophy. The fans present in the stands supported every point, creating a noisy atmosphere that was full of enthusiasm.

Their route to the final was not an easy task, with an exciting contest in the semi finals against Granollers that could only be decided by a "shoot out". Perseverance and team spirit were key for Rayito Salinero who narrowly overcame their rivals in their advance towards the long-awaited final.

The success of the Rayito Salinero Beach Handball Club would not have been possible without the unconditional support of its sponsors, who believed in the talent and potential of these young athletes. Companies such as Go-karts Orihuela Costa, Airsat,

Diballons and Sigma played a fundamental role by contributing their financial and logistical support.

The Torrevieja Town Hall, the Alicante Provincial Council and the Generalitat Valenciana also played an important part with their support and encouragement, allowing the team to concentrate on proudly representing their community in the national tournament.

In the female cadet categories, Rayito Salinero also put in an outstanding performance, showing an impeccable performance by reaching the semifinals. However, the Roquetas team prevailed in a close game by virtue of its physical superiority, leaving the Torrevieja team one step away from the grand final.

The boys' juniors also made their mark at the tournament, advancing to the quarter-finals, only to eventually find themselves outclassed in a thrilling shoot-out.

The Rayito Salinero Beach Handball Club now has its sights set on the Spanish Championship in Almería, which promises to be another exciting challenge for these young talents. With the support of their community, sponsors and institutions, they will undoubtedly fight to raise the name of Torrevieja and give their best on the pitch.

LO ROMERO CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR 'DAR

In Lo Romero Golf we host one more year the awaited Solidarity Tournament for the benefit of the foundation 'Dar de Sí'. The event will take place on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th August 2023. Proceeds from the competition will contribute to a good cause, helping children with intellectual disabilities, as the tournament is entirely for charity. The funds raised will help people with intellectual disabilities, with the aim of being able to build a residence that will allow them to live independently.

QUIZ FROM PAGE 14:

1.(Suicide is Painless), 2.Super Trouper ("I was sick and tired of everything when I called you last night from Glasgow"), 3.David Bowie, 4.Answer c.Reykjavik, 5. King Kong, 6.Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi (1999), 7.2011, 8. Baked Alaska, 9.Three answers.In order:James Cagney, Richard Dreyfuss and Dustin Hoffman, 10. Algeria, 11.Plantagenet (from the Latin 'planta geniste'), 12.Saint Lawrence river, 13.Machu Picchu, 14.Facets, 15.Tet, 16.Six answers. a.ForeverYoung.b.Tequila Sunrise. c.Maverick.d.Braveheart.e.The Patriot.f.Bird On A Wire.17.Oral contraceptives (the pill).18.Parasite. 19.MovieStar (Harpo).20. Dromedary camel (from the Greek "drome")

The tournament will be played in Stableford mode, with two different starting times: Friday 18th August from 14:00h and Saturday 19th August with the shotgun start at 08:30h. Refreshment will be available halfway round the course, with an exquisite meal offered by Restaurante Rincón de Joaquín and a great raffle of gifts at the end of the tournament.

You can enter the competition either in the Lo Romero pro shop or through the website at: https://loromerogolf.com/

SUDUK SUDUK O SOLUTION O SOLUTION

DE SÍ'