Coastline investment

IN preparation for the summer season approximately half a million euros has been invested in the conservation of Elche’s coastline. The work includes the creation of a new access walkway to El Carabassí.

The work carried out has consisted of the construction of a new wooden walkway on Carabassí Beach, the development of the northern access to El Altet Beach and the rehabilitation and conservation of the walkways in poorer condition.

The mayor of Elche, Carlos Gonzalez, confirmed: “These works have a fundamental en­ vironmental content with the aim of conservation and preservation of a dune system that is truly unique, of which we are deeply proud and for which we have to work to bequeath it to future generations.”

He added: “Together with the environmental importance

Wheel-y good time

CYCLISTS are gearing up for the fifth edition of the Orihuela Mountain Biking Challenge which is set to take place on Sunday, April 23.

of the action, we must also value its unquestionable social function as it makes access to our beaches much more accessible and comfortable.”

The mayor recalled that the improvement of the walkways is in addition to “the most important action carried out ­ the demolition of Arenales hotel.”

Timetable extension

The race covers a course around the stunning La Pedrera reservoir and has already established itself as one of the classic springtime challenges on the regional cycling calendar, with hundreds of cyclists descending on the city for the event.

Cyclists will line up on the start line in the village of Torremendo at 9am before setting off on the approximately 40 kilometre course. The course climbs a total distance of 600 metres, but is classified as a fairly low difficulty challenge, making it accessible for beginners to the sport as well as mountain bike fanatics.

IN a bid to facilitate sustainable mobility during Easter Week, Alicante has confirmed its TRAM timetable extension over Easter Week.

Lines 2, 3 and 4 of TRAM d’Alacant will be affected and a total of 58 trams will cover the special services scheduled for April 6 and 7.

In addition, the last trains of Line 1 (Luceros­Benidorm) departing from Benidorm will not end their journey at Poble Espanyol, as they usually do, but will extend their route to

Luceros with optional stops at all stops, except Sangueta.

The aim is to provide users with fast and comfortable public transport so that they can access the capital of Alicante and attend the processions that are held in the centre until the early hours of the morning.

In total, TRAM d’Alacant will provide 58 special trams on the three days, apart from the aforementioned extension of the route of three Line 1 convoys.

The race has also been designed as an ecofriendly event, encouraging riders to enjoy the thrills of mountain biking while experiencing nature first­hand. Organisers promise a thorough cleaning of the area postrace to ensure all litter is collected and disposed of in an environmentally conscious manner. Demand for the race has been high, but there are still around 50 spots in the race left. Interested riders can sign up online at: www.pasionbtt.com.

415 Brits spend more than £415 million on Easter eggs.