A new era?

OLIVA U3A says adios to Barry Purvis and welcomes Joe Bellenie as the new president of the group.

Barry has been president for the last three years. However, the role is not new to Joe. He has been involved with Oliva U3A since its inception in 2007 and in fact was a founder member.

The official handover of the presidency took place at the recent committee meeting. Officers and committee members, old and new, thanked Barry and warmly welcomed Joe. Oliva U3A has over 400 members and 27 active groups. New members are always welcome.

For more information visit www.u3aoliva.org

Javea vice

JAVEA’S Arenal beach was the scene of a spectacular drill operation by Valencia Guardia Civil Narcotics department last week. Officers manned patrol boats and a helicopter to stage a chase and capture of a suspected vessel seven miles out from the coast after receiving an alert from central command.

Preserved area

THE regional government has granted official protection to the volcanic outcrop in Altea’s Cala del Soio and Platja Fòssil in Cap Negret. The area will be preserved while the authorities draw up the management plan of the site that was declared a Natural Monument in 2020.

No smoking

JAVEA now has its first smoke­free beach. The flag that certifies there is no pollution by smoke or cigarette butts is already flying in La Grava, with the restriction due to be extended to other parts of the coast next year.

School van

BENITACHELL Council has sent a van full of school furniture to a refugee camp in the Sahara desert after a town hall worker visited the camp last year. The cargo includes desks, chairs, blackboards, and copies of a children’s book by a local writer.

Healthier pool

JALON municipal swimming pool is open for the summer. As a novelty this year, the water is free from chemical products following the installation of a salt electrolysis system that prevents allergic reactions and irritation.

Caravan problem

RESIDENTS in Javea are complaining about caravans and motorhomes in the Primer Muntanyar area that have reportedly been there for more than 10 days, as opposed to just stopping by, which contravenes municipal legislation.