Costa Blanca South 24-30 August 2023 Issue 1990

LAZY EYE HELP

THE Ophthalmology service of the hospital of Sant Joan in Alicante is working on a theory that no child should grow up with amblyopia (lazy eye). For this, they have used two mascots, ‘Ambli’ and ‘Pía’, to help raise awareness among children and their parents of the importance of wearing an eye patch.

Four per cent of the children referred to the hospital suffer from amblyopia and early detection and treatment are essential to recover their visual capacity as much as possible, reported the Sant Joan d’Alacant Health Department on Thursday, August 17, in a statement.

Lazy eye is the most common cause of visual loss in children. “Amblyopia occurs when one eye experiences blurred vision and the other a normal vision, but the brain only processes the normal vision.

“By not processing the blurred vision, the blurred eye stops working and it becomes lazy,” explained the chief of the Ophthalmology Service of the Hospital de Sant Joan, Encarnación Mengual.

“We use these little rats

with glasses when the children come to the consultation, we make them see how important it is for them to wear the patch on their working eye in order to make the lazy eye work,” said Cecilia Sirvent, nurse coordinator of the Ophthalmology Unit.

“You have to force the eye that doesn’t work as well as the other to work. If it doesn’t learn, when the child is older the amblyopia will no longer have a solution, that eye will be without vision for life and it won’t work with glasses, surgery nor a laser,” said Doctor Mengual.

SANT JOAN HOSPITAL: The importance of wearing eye patches.

Car thieves caught

THE National Police has taken down a luxury vehicle theft ring, arresting six menthree initially - and three in a subsequent phase. These individuals face charges related to vehicle theft, document falsification, and other crimes. The investigation, spanning a year, was initiated after a vehicle theft in Alicante during the summer of 2022.

Following this incident, the Illicit Vehicle Trafficking Group launched a probe that led them to a house in Elche’s Torrellano district, where a stolen vehicle was being dismantled. Identifying the culprits, including two Colombian nationals in the first phase and three Polish nationals in the second, led to the recovery of stolen vehicles, drugs, and

an array of tools used for theft, including frequency jammers, key cloners, and lock picks.

The detained individuals, aged 37 to 51, are in custody and facing charges related to theft, falsification, and participation in a criminal organisation. The Central Investigating Court of the National Court will oversee the case.

THE prestigious publication National Geographic has recognised Muchavista beach in El Campello as one of the 10 best that exist in the Valencian Community.

Beach kudos

sports or walking along its pedestrian promenade, which runs next to the tram line that connects with the capital, Alicante, and the rest of the province to the north, with a frequency of 30 minutes.

With dimensions that exceed three kilometres of fine sand and 80 metres wide, with views of the mountains north of Alicante, Muchavista beach has the distinction of a blue flag granted by the European Community, as well as Carrer La Mar beach.

The environment offers multiple entertainment options, such as water

The beach has an accessible section for people with reduced mobility. In summer, El Campello Town Hall also offers an extensive programme of activities for all ages such as summer cinema, sporting events and a beach library. In addition, in the surroundings there are numerous restaurants and beach bars.

Disabled ramp

IN response to a request from users, El Campello Council has built a ramp in the northern part of Muchavista beach, specifically in Zofra, to facilitate access to the beach for people with reduced mobility and prams.

Owls that

MEMBERS of Torrevieja fire brigade rescued an eagle owl that was inside a six­metredeep ditch in Pilar de la Horadada. This is the third eagle owl rescued this summer. Firefighters from Torrevieja station had to descend by installing a temporary ladder.

Huge jellyfish

THE discovery of a dead jellyfish surprised bathers on Muchavista beach, in El Campello, last week. It was a Rhizostoma Luteum, a species that is usually around three or four times larger than the jellyfish that inhabit the Mediterranean coast.

Police lifesavers

FOUR officers of the National Police are being hailed as heroes after saving the life of a person in Elche after applying a tourniquet to a man’s arm. The man was bleeding profusely after severing an artery. He had punched a mirror after an argument.

Expired food

THE Guardia Civil in Torrevieja intercepted 34,000 kilos of expired food for sale. Two companies denounced for fraud had two warehouses in Torrevieja and extended their network to Marbella and Madrid. The firms marketed the products with tampered or damaged labels in Spain and Portugal.

Cleaner island

TABARCA island will now be cleaner. Alicante City Council has installed new bins and various storage and recycling containers to cope with the increase in visitors to the island at this time of year. Cleaning staff have also been increased.

Cruising along

Jo Pugh

WITH the return of normality after Covid, and the increase in tourism, MSC cruises’ commitment to include Alicante in its Mediterranean routes has exceeded expectations. It is expected to close 2023 with the arrival of 89 ships that will carry 221,000 passengers, which would mean almost doubling last year’s record number of 117,000 passengers.

According to the councilor for tourism of Ali ­

COMMITTED: An MSC cruise ship.

cante, Ana Poquet, the arrival of the ships means an injection of €40 million directly into

Shady spot

ALICANTE Tourist Board installed four tents on Thursday, August 17, at the access to the lift of Santa Barbara castle to protect visitors from the sun.

The councillor for the sector, Ana Poquet, explained that it is a temporary solution while they work “on a definitive one to install sail­ shaped canvasses that offer protection from the sun and high temperatures while waiting to access the Castle,” reported Alicante

Council in a statement. Poquet has said that the objective is for Alicante residents and tourists “to enjoy the best possible experience when they decide to visit the Castle of Santa Barbara.

On Thursday, the MSC Orchestra cruise ship arrived in the city, with an expected high influx of visitors to the castle. “The tents will stay erected as long as necessary due to weather conditions, and until the new fixed infrastructure,” she said.

90 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Poquet highlighted “the good acceptance that Alicante is having as a destination and cruise base port with a forecast for the arrival of around 120 ships by 2024. About 25 per cent of cruise passengers intend to return, which shows the projection and impact that the Alicante capital and the province are having on the tourist market.”

Catral water works

CATRAL Council has awarded the works to bring reclaimed water from the Catral ­ DoloresSan Felipe Neri treatment plant to the vicinity of the natural area of the Hondo park. The action is part of the first batch of financing of the Vega Renhace Plan of the Generalitat Valenciana for sustainable urban drainage network projects.

It is part of a more ambitious local master plan through which the municipality wants to equip itself with a rainwater

School supplies grants

THE council of San Vicente del Raspeig has approved the granting of subsidies aimed at minors in a situation of special vulnerability for the acquisition of school supplies, books and resources for online training.

The councillor for Social Rights, Mariela Torregrosa, said that €20,000 will be allocated for this purpose, which will be available to interested persons from Thursday, September 14.

The councillor explained that the

grant, approved this week by the local government board, “has the purpose of promoting the schooling process of minors with financial support, so that families with difficulties can face the expenses derived from the start of the course.”

This line of aid is aimed at students enrolled in educational centres in the second cycle of infant, primary education, secondary education, bachelor and training cycles for the 20232024 school year.

evacuation system, to reduce flooding problems in episodes of torrential rains. The drainage network is already overloaded and a network for the reuse of this water to irrigate green areas and wash down streets is planned.

The project contemplates diverting 35,000 cubic metres of water per year from the treatment plant , according to the mayor Joaquín Lucas (PP) and the councillor for Contracting, Ainhoa Fernández .

THE fishing boat Nuevo Joaquina Antonio has rescued 13 shipwrecked immigrants. Among them were a woman, a child and a baby, who were floating in the water after their boat capsized.

The incident happened on Wednesday, August 16, 45 miles south west of Alicante, on a boat in which they intended to reach Spanish shores. The Helimer helicopter was mobilised after receiving a warning from the fishing boat. They came from Algeria, and it is believed that there are also two deceased and one missing person who are being searched for by Maritime Rescue.

The boat capsized at 5.30pm, and they survived thanks to life jackets, but a woman with burns, her seven­yearold daughter and a baby were admitted to Alicante Hospital.

the city. Adding indirect and induced impacts, the amount could rise to more than €70 million.

Credit: Alicante

Port Authority

THE Sierra de Aitana military base will be converted into a reception centre for 600 refugees. Minister José Luis Escrivá announced the news on Friday, August 3, after his visit to the facilities which, with more than 53,000 square metres, have been in disuse for decades.

PROVERB OF THE

The old military base, located at the top of the Sierra de Aitana in Alicante, will be converted into an interna­

tional care and protection centre with 600 beds, a project that is expected to be completed by mid­2025 af­

Means that in love and war you do not have to obey the usual rules about reasonable behaviour. This phrase was first used in 1578 in a novel, Euphues: The

written by John

New refugee centre Happy holidays

A RECEPTION was held in Alicante on Friday, August 18 for children and carers in ­

volved in the ‘Vacations in Peace’ programme. It is an initiative that consists of car­

ter an investment of around €25 million.

This First Arrivals Centre (CPLL) for the reception of migrants is part of the actions provided for in component 22 of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, with the aim of expanding the capacity of the immigrant reception system, and is expected to create about 160 jobs.

After thanking the Alcoleja Town Hall for its collaboration on this project, the minister explained that this centre will act in situations similar to those experienced by Afghans and Ukrainians.

ing for Sahrawi minors by Spanish families during the summer months, trying to contribute to improving the well­being of the children.

Alicante has welcomed 37 children this year. During their stay, they receive a healthy diet, the affection of the families, access to medical assistance and a safe and comfortable space.

The councillor for Social Welfare, Begoña León, conveyed her gratitude to the participants in the programme and highlighted “the pride that makes me feel to be able to verify the solidarity of our land, their generosity to open a parenthesis in the lives of these little ones, far from their harsh conditions of life, because in each of the smiles that we see on the faces of these boys and girls, is the heart of the entire city and the entire province.”

21,000 Black taxis in London.

WEEK

“All’s fair in love and war.”

Anatomy of Wit,

Lyly.

GOOD NEWS: José Luis Escrivá visited the facilities.

Credit:

More justice needed Flood defences

THE province of Alicante needs up to 25 new courts to be able to deal with the overload of work that causes greater delays in serving justice every year.

This is one of the conclusions of the Superior Court of Justice of the Community (TSJ), in which its president, Pilar de la Oliva, reviewed the situation of the courts in the region. There are 11 more courts than last year, to add to the existing 14. The numbers have risen due to the increasing entry of cases. The

province of Alicante has a total of 157 judicial bodies and still needs another 25 more to deal with an overload which, in civil jurisdiction reaches, 237 per cent, more than dou­

THE government teams of PP and Vox in Elche have plans for Carrer Corredora, with the aim of promoting the revitalisation of the city centre. The plans will give an incentive to future businesses to open premises that have been closed down for years in the commercial axis.

ble what is recommended.

The number of cases since 2015 has increased by 20 per cent, going from 29,599 to 35,536. Despite enormous efforts made by the courts, where more matters were resolved than those entered (28,250 compared to 27,727).

In criminal matters, the report states that although the figures remain stable, after a drop in crime during the 2020 health crisis, the pre­pandemic figures are being exceeded, with 24,271 cases investigated in the courts.

ELCHE councillor for Water, Juan de Dios Navarro, has announced a budget modification of €150,000 that will be approved in August, to carry out remedial works in the area of the CV­865 (Carretera Elche ­ Santa Pola) near Venta Dura.

“The municipal government is determined to put an end to this historical and endemic problem in the area, which causes serious flooding every time torrential rains occur in our municipality.

The first step is the budget modification, and once we have the money, we will start the procedures to undertake the work and try to alleviate the problem,” said

Outdoor dining hopes

the previous municipal officials allowed terraces was at the top of Glorieta and in front of the buildings in Plaça de Baix. Currently, there are only two businesses that are making use of this pedestrian space to provide outdoor service.

Navarro.

The torrential rains overflowed the San Anton ravine and flooded the road between Elche and Santa Pola, causing serious damage to both residents and nearby establishments.

The proposal of the technicians is the construction of a retaining wall to prevent torrents of water running on to the CV­865, as well as to improve the channelling of the ravine so that excess water does not affect the area.

To achieve this purpose, the council will have to modify the municipal ordinance. The local executive of PSOE and Compromís did not allow tables and chairs outside on this street. The only area where

Faced with this, the new municipal government has detected that the Corredora has established itself as a place for a walk, but wants to go one step further and encourage outdoor life, given the importance and popularity of the street for the city.

The scales of justice.

Credit: Freepik

Rare birds spotted

THE Ministry of the Environment, Water, Infrastructures and Territory has verified that five specimens of a rare wading bird, the spoonbill, have reproduced for the first time in the Valencian Community, specifically in the El Hondo Natural Park.

“Until now, this species of aquatic bird had only been observed as a bird of passage and in small numbers,” they explained in a statement.

The general director of the Natural and Animal Environment, Raúl Mérida, warned in the same statement of “the

importance of the fact that this reproductive species has chosen the El Hondo natural park in Alicante, which speaks of the good health that this species enjoys. It is a protected space in which the coexistence between traditional uses and conservation stands out.”

Another example is the case of the Albufera Natural Park, “which has broken a record for wintering waterfowl this year, according to the censuses that have been carried out in this area since the 1980s,” said Mérida.

Sant Joan renovations

SINCE mid­July, works have been underway to install a new air conditioning system in the Casa de Cultura in Sant Joan, which will provide both hot and cold air. The works will last approximately five months, and will cost €485,000. Despite the fact that the fault dates back seven years, it was not until the last munic­

ipal budget of 2022 when the repair was planned.

The Casa de Cultura is an epicentre of social and cultural activities in Sant Joan, but is now closed while repairs and renovations take place.

The building was also illuminated on Monday, August 14, and was filled with light during the celebration

of La Noche en Vela, when the auditorium was filled with candles that formed the words ‘75th anniversary’.

The building will remain closed at least until after Christmas. “It is unfeasible to hold any events for safety purposes,” explained the councillor for Culture, David Aracil.

Successful shopping

TWENTY businesses took part in a Shopping Night organised in Villajoyosa on Friday, August 18. Hundreds of residents and tourists gathered on Calle Colom to take advantage of the promotions offered by merchants.

Discounts of up to 60 per cent, and raffles and gifts encouraged people to make purchases which, according to the councillor for Commerce, Rosa Llorca, were very high. “Traders are very happy with the reception of this event. It’s a date that doesn’t fail them and they’ve thrown themselves into its organisation.”

All establishments and stalls they set up were open until midnight. The public could choose between fashion, decoration, accessories, food, aesthetics and toys in a relaxed atmosphere with music and lighting. The little ones enjoyed the visit of Mickey Mouse and a face­painting workshop.

Llorca announced that the town hall will organise two annual editions of Shopping Night, one in the summer and another in the winter, with the intention that all the establishments in the municipality participate.

Alicante to Valencia train

THE year 2026 will witness the high­speed connection of two Valencian capitals, as the Encina junction project nears its completion.

The inaugural phase, featuring a single­track section, is set to be operational on September 9, according to the announcement by Pilar Bernabe, the Government delegate in the Valencian Community. During her inspection of the latest ad­

vancements in this infrastructure within the Villena district of La Encina, alongside Josep Vicent Boira, the Government commissioner for the Mediterranean Corridor’s development, Bernabe emphasised that the realisation of this section will pave the way for a highspeed link between Valencia and Alicante by 2026. The impending launch of the Xàtiva­La Encina single­

track section (phase I) signifies a breakthrough for the north­south rail connectivity and enhances rapid links with Europe, subsequently benefiting the C ­ 2 line’s commuter services. Bernabe highlighted its significance as the cornerstone for propelling the Mediterranean corridor, a conduit for bolstering the socio­economic growth of the Valencian Community.

THE 2021 Population and Housing Census reflects that the number of people living alone has experienced a considerable increase, standing at 209,736, compared to the 176,476 who were in this situation a decade earlier.

Traditionally, the fact of living in solitude has tended to be associated with

Singles survey

older people, especially women. This census revealed that there are 110,177 female

individual households compared to 99,559 male ones. However, the most common profile of someone who lives alone was that of a man under 65 years of age, a circumstance that occurred in 71,292 cases, according to INE figures, however, women over 65 years of age were next, with 60,608.

ALICANTE’S Magical Nights

Festival closed its 11th edition with more than 25,000 attendees, consolidating it as one of the essential summer events in Alicante.

The Jardines de Abril de Sant Joan site hosted 14 evenings in which it was possible to enjoy concerts by great musicians, exhibitions located throughout the site, live art, performances, DJ performances, theme parties and a varied gastronomic offer. And all this with a reduced capacity, which made it easier to live the experiences in a special way.

The direct and indirect economic impact of the festival was €2.5 million. It generated more than 300 jobs linked to the direct activity of

the festival. Throughout the 14 shows, more than 270 artists were involved, including musicians, artisans, DJs, singers and other agents,reported the organisation of Magical Nights on Friday, August 18.

Fifty five per cent of the spectators came from out­

side the province of Alicante, of which 20 per cent were international, mainly from France, Great Britain, Russia and the Nordic countries, and the remaining 80 per cent were from Madrid, Castilla­La Mancha, Catalonia, the Basque Country and the Region of Murcia.

Just magical EU fishing disaster

CUTS in fishing days imposed by the European Union for the trawling fleet are having a huge impact on the province of Alicante. So much so that the catches of the sector as a whole have been reduced by nearly 2,000 tonnes in the last three years, generating losses of around €9 million.

The situation is so delicate that, at this time, the conti­

nuity of the 130 vessels affected by the measure is in the air, having run out of practically no profitability.

The policy of cutting fishing days in Mediterranean waters, that has been applied since 2020, has meant that trawlers can only go fishing this year for just 160 days out of the 240 they previously enjoyed.

This cutback, as is logical,

is having a severe impact on the activity of the sector, to the point that it has gone from capturing more than 10,000 tons of fish to barely 8,300 last year, according to the data handled by operating representatives in Alicante province.

Billing has also been reduced exponentially, in line with the reduction of fish caught.

Step back in time

AN exhibition in the windows of the Municipal Archive on Calle Labradores in Alicante, as well as in the basement of the interior of the building, shows what the beaches and spas were like at the beginning of the 20th century.

The councillor for Culture, Nayma Beldjilali, opened the exhibition on Wednesday, August 16, together with the director of the Municipal Archives, Susana Llorens. The photographs cover from the beginning of the 20th century to the 1970s, in which the evolution and changes in the habits and ways of entertainment of Alicante residents and visitors can be seen.

Beldjilali pointed out that “it is a very interesting exhibition that transports us to a not so distant past, but in which there are several images that powerfully attract attention.”

Llorens explained that “when the 20th century began, the beach was no longer just a place of work for fishermen and was a new space for leisure upon completion of the attractive maritime façade next to the Canalejas park , the port and the Paseo de los Mártires. Our ancestors found a new enjoyment in swimming.”

MAGICAL NIGHTS: The food truck area.

Credit: @foxtergg/Facebook

THE Local Police of Elche has requested help from the government of the Valencian Community to stop the presence of illegal ‘car parkers’ in public places, with the aim of ending a problem that has no solution. This was one of the demands that the Elche Headquarters gave to the delegate, Pedro Sánchez Pilar Bernabé, during her visit to Elche a few days ago.

The vicinity of the General Hospital of the City of Justice and the Candalix car park are the most frequent points where

Stop the beggars

historically these people are detected claiming tips in exchange for finding a place to park for drivers.

For eight years, due to a legal reform, the police lacks mechanisms to stop a practice that it considers could be stopped by penalising these people.

The Elche headquarters warned that there is no way to control this practice that unleashes complaints throughout the town, and for this reason they have submitted the petition to the government.

The other request from the Local Police was the need to have plain­clothes officers to be more effective in controlling the sale of alcohol to minors, acts of vandalism and dog waste problems.

Second home boom

AROUND 80 per cent of new homes that have been built in Alicante Province since 2011 are second homes. According to the recently published Population and Housing Census 2021 by the National Statistics Institute (INE), there are 595,907 houses and apartments in the municipalities of the region that are either used only part of the year or

A FOREST surveillance volunteer programme in Alcoy has been carried out for several years, and still attracts people from different parts of the province and the community.

The activity takes place over six weeks between July and August, for groups of four people from Monday to Friday. Some 24 volunteers have environmental activities in the morning and surveillance routes in the afternoon, on foot, by bicycle and by using a watchtower.

remain vacant. This number has increased by 60,178 over the past decade, constituting 79 per cent of the overall rise in the total number of homes, which amounted to 75,910.

The census reveals a total of 1,350,006 private houses and apartments in the province, representing an almost 6 per cent growth compared to 2011. However, the

growth in second homes was significantly higher at 11.23 per cent, while primary residences have only increased by 2.13 per cent. Collectively, the province now comprises 754,099 households, a rise of 15,732 from the previous census, largely reflecting the population increase over the past decade, particularly in recent years.

The plan is financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition. Specifically, €7,825.71 of the €10,000 requested was obtained, according to municipal sources.

Ten volunteers from the Club de Amigos de 27 MHz ­ 30 Charlie Alpha have recently joined the surveillance team,

which now has approximately 135 people.

“I want to thank all the people who dedicate their time to prevent and monitor possible fires. Our municipal government works throughout the year to prevent fires, which is currently essential in natural spaces,” said the councillor for Ecological Transition, Teresa Sanjuán.

Alcoy fire watch

ELCHE: Car park nuisance.

Clean it up, says councillor

AT the base of a bin, an abandoned rubbish bag emits smelly organic waste, lingering from dawn until collection time. An unwanted sofa, left on the street, adds to the disarray. These are some uncivil behaviours the Sant Joan d’Alacant town council aims to rectify. Nicolás López, the councillor for Cleaning, revealed consistent grievances from residents, unhappy about filth and foul odours, and called for resolutions on Sunday, August 20. The situation is exacerbated by pet waste, as heat amplifies its impact. With nearly 5,000 dogs registered in Sant Joan, urine and excrement multiply their unpleasant effects. López receives daily reports of dirt and specific incidents, as well as the issue of pet waste. He notes, “Poo bin areas are marred by the smell of waste due to some avoiding the bins. Moreover, many inside neglect to clean up after their pets, which is greatly frustrating to others.” Efforts to address these concerns reflect Sant Joan’s commitment to a cleaner and more respectful environment.

TOURIST visits to Elche surged by 23 per cent from June to August, compared to numbers in the same time frame in 2022, the town hall announced on Friday, August 18.

Huge crowd for reggaeton

Holidays unaffordable

DESPITE hotels in the province exceeding 90 per cent occupancy for much of July and August, one in three people residing in the region cannot afford at least one week of holiday a year.

THE Antonio Soria Park site in Torrevieja was the setting for the most powerful urban music festival in Europe recently. More than 36,000 people, between Saturday, August 5, and Sunday, August 6, went to see the musicians and

Tourist figures swell

Elche’s mayor, Pablo Ruz, and Inma Mora, the councillor for Fiestas, along with the chief commissioner of the Local Police, César Zaragoza, conducted an assessment of the holiday season.

The mayor expressed gratitude

to the dedicated municipal staff who ensured smooth operations during this period. He commended the concerted efforts of the security forces, including the Local Police, Firefighters, and Civil Protection, with over 3,000 personnel patrolling Elche’s streets.

He also acknowledged the continuous work of the cleaning services that maintained the munici­

pality in impeccable condition around the clock. Additionally, he extended appreciation to the health centres, the two public hospitals in Elche, and all the festive entities within the community.

The majority of these tourists were from the Valencian community, Madrid, and neighbouring regions, along with international visitors from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

singers of international reggaeton. In addition, the crowds also enjoyed a unique musical event that combined music and water.

Torrevieja Council and the management of the Reggaeton Beach Festival (RBF) event, thanked and congratulated the attendees, as well as all the people involved in organising such a successful festival.

RBF established itself as a festival that is committed to caring for the environment, sustainability and zero violence. The event was hosted during daytime hours so as not to disturb residents. The orientation of the stage towards the sea also reduced any acoustic impact.

“The implementation of bins and recycling points, in addition to the great care taken by the security and cleaning bodies, favoured maintaining a respectful and clean environment at all times,” stated Torrevieja Council.

The figure of 35.2 per cent of surveyed people, is above the national average (33.5 per cent) which indicates economic difficulties for households, according to a survey of conditions of annual life, prepared by the National Institute of Statistics.

The data for the Valencian Community had a considerable drop from 2014, going from a figure of 53.1 per cent to 35.2 per cent in just five years. The data was recorded in the Living Conditions Survey (ECV)

José Javier López , director of the Spanish branch of EAPN (European Anti Poverty Network), warned that the data showed “clearly” that “we still have a very large percentage of poverty in the Valencian Community.”

Credit: Torrevieja Council

URBAN MUSIC: Reggaeton Beach Festival - a unique musical event.

Jo Pugh

THE General Directorate of Coasts has awarded the drafting of a project that allows the regeneration, recovery and stability of the sand on the Playa del Cura beach in Torrevieja.

The section in which it is proposed to carry out the project would cover 450 linear metres limited to the north by the Carral or Margalla pointLas Columnas ­ and to the south by the breakwater of the natural pools, including the small stretch of beach between the El Tintero kiosk and the actual groyne.

The budget for subse ­

Beach expansion

Torrevieja City Council initially said it was willing to finance.

quent works, if the initiative passes the environmental assessment

process, is €1.5 million, which, when the project was proposed in 2021,

HUNDREDS of people are enjoying the ‘Doggy Beach’, the dog beach in Agua Amarga, Alicante, which has all the services so that people can go with their pets.

The councillor for Tourism, Ana Poquet, talked on Friday, August 18, of “the great acceptance among Alicante residents and visitors who enjoy a day at the beach with their pets in a wonderful setting such as Agua Amarga beach.

“In addition, this beach does not lack detail because it is designed for people and their pets, so in addition to the shade they

Costas technicians pointed out that El Cura is an urban beach of fine sand which is highly occupied in summer and whose width “has decreased alarmingly in recent years.” It is exposed to the waves of the Levante and the south that make “this beach an area that suffers regression problems.”

Doggy delight

have a point of sale for food and drinks.”

The dog beach has a ‘food truck’ with a terrace area, sun loungers and umbrellas, a poop bin and a lifeguard service. The latter is provided until mid­September, but the rest of the services will remain operational until October 15. For the ‘food truck’ and the area with loungers and umbrellas, the opening hours for the public are from 9am to 1.30pm. The contract lasts for three years.

PLAYA DEL CURA: An urban beach of fine sand.

Credit: Torrevieja Tourism

EVERY year, workers, generally Moroccan, mainly from Spain, France, Germany and Italy make their annual summer pilgrimage to their homeland, their vehicles often laden down with large amounts of products.

It’s a long and tiring journey as they head for Algeciras and Tarifa in southern Spain and the largest volume of travellers are on the road between June 15 and August 15

with the exodus named Operation Crossing the Strait.

According to reports by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, this year some 390,736 vehicles (11.7 per cent more than in 2022) and 1,585,693 passengers (10.8 per cent

more) crossed the Straits of Gibraltar.

Some 73.5 per cent of all of those crossing the Straits were heading towards Morocco (an increase over last year’s figure) with the balance aiming for Ceuta and Melilla (both seeing a decrease on last year).

Crossing the Strait Health care help

IT is a little­known fact that Spain’s paediatric specialists, such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, oncologists, allergists and 23 other specialists, who care for millions of children and adolescents in Spain, are not officially recognised by the Spanish national health system.

The 12,000 paediatricians of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics (AEP) are fighting for the recognition of paediatric specialists, a vital step to ensure the quality of medical care for children and adolescents.

For years, the AEP has been battling for the official recognition of paediatric specialists. The public has been asked to give their collective weight by adding their names on Change.org.

Without formal recognition, the future of child healthcare is jeopardised.

The fight for recognition is not just a professional matter; it’s a right that children and adolescents deserve.

There are five good reasons to sign the petition.

• More than six million Spanish children and adolescents are attended by medical specialists who are not officially recognised. Paediatric specialists deserve the same recognition as adult specialists.

• They request a specific training itinerary for the primary care paediatrician within the MIR programme in Paediatrics.

• The lack of Paediatricians in Primary Care

Busiest Spanish port was Algeciras, with 901,528 passengers (3.6 per cent up on 2022) a long way above departures from any other Spanish port.

What goes one way, invariably heads back soon after, so they are now in the reverse phase which will be monitored closely until September 15, by which the bulk of travel from Morocco to the rest of Europe via Spain will be completed.

Deserve to have some recognition.

is causing many deficiencies within Spain. They demand that the authorities adopt the necessary measures to attract pediatric professionals to primary care centres.

• The lack of recognition of paediatric specialities makes it difficult to offer public employment positions to paediatricians with specific profiles. They urge that a geographical map be drawn up to estimate the need for paediatric specialists in relation to the paediatric population in order to plan the specialised human resources needed in the future.

• Paediatric specialities are recognised in the European Community and in other countries of the world.

Due to the lack of recognition, Spanish specialists have difficulties in obtaining recognition for their paediatric degrees in order to be able to work in other countries.

PAEDIATRICIANS:

What to do in a Wildfire

Jo Pugh WILDFIRES are now a reality, and can strike at any moment. From a lightning strike, a discarded bottle or a lit cigarette carelessly thrown from a window, a raging fire can be alight and spread in a matter of moments. Preparation is key.

As catastrophic wildfires continue to increase each year, make sure to protect yourself and your family ­ plan, prepare and stay aware. This is where the crucial Evacuation Pack comes into play. Designed by Jill Leonard of the Wildfire Watch App, this advice is essential reading. Keep a copy of this article somewhere safe.

Contents of your evac­pack

1. Emergency food and water. Snacks, baby essentials, bottles of water and pet food.

2.Photos. Put memory sticks of photos in the pack.

3. Papers. Put all your ID and all important papers in the evac­pack.

4. Medicines. Don’t forget to take your medications with you. Don’t forget the ones that have to be refrigerated like insulin. If you have spare medication put them in the evac­pack.

5. Money. The evac ­ pack is where you would keep an emergency amount of money. You may not be able to use an ATM in the event of a power outage.

6. Petrol or Diesel. If you can make sure your car always has half a tank of fuel. Evacuation routes could be bumper to bumper traffic.

Having a tank at least half filled will keep you less stressed.

7. Address and phone book. If you don’t have the important addresses/ phone numbers stored on your phone then use an address book and keep it in your evacpack.

8. Chargers. Keep them handy to throw in the evac­pack at the last minute! Chargers for phones, tablets, laptops etc. Buy a powerbank.

9. Emergency clothes. According to the weather conditions put a change of clothes in the evac­pack.

10. An old calendar. Handy to have stashed then you won’t forget those important dates.

11. Personal protection for ladies. Ladies do have ‘that time of the month’! Be sure and pack a spare box of your preferred protection.

12. Battery powered radio. Worth considering. Tune it into a local radio station which you know is likely to have emergency bulletins.

13. Photos or videos of your house and contents. Insurance companies are asking for proof of your belongings and the contents of your property when they are processing a claim.

14. Patience: This is one of the most important things to pack. Keep it inside of you so that you have a clear, calm head.

If your phone is on Pay­as­you­go, make sure it is topped up.

Finally, make sure you have somewhere to take your pets or farm animals.

WILDFIRES: Make sure you protect your family - plan, prepare and stay aware.

Military life begins

THE Royal Household of Spain has released the first images of the Princess of Asturias at the General Military Academy (AGM) of Zaragoza, which she entered on Thursday, August 17. In the different photographs, the heiress to the throne is seen wearing a military shirt, a camouflaged Army uniform and a badge on her chest with the shield of the mili tary teaching centre, cadet stripes and her last name ‘Borbón Ortiz’.

The images show her with a serious face in forma tion in the courtyard, in class (writing with her left hand, as she is left­handed), listening to the instructions of another soldier, and taking a canteen from its packaging. She wears a military hat and her hair is pinned up in a bun. She wears no earrings and her only accessory is a digital watch with a plastic strap.

During her first two weeks at the academy, the lady cadet Borbón Ortíz (which is her mili tary name) is following the phase of adaptation

to military life, before beginning the first academic year, which will conclude on October 7 with taking an oath. The princess shares a dormitory with 11 other companions, with communal toilets and showers. The only private space for her is a work table and a wardrobe.

Her captain, who received her on Thursday at the entrance to the academy, where the King, Queen Letizia and her sister, the Infanta Sofía, went to see her off, is

The heiress to the Crown will spend three years in the academies of the Army (Zaragoza), the Navy (Marín) and the Air Force (San Javier), where she will prepare to assume her responsibility as Supreme Command of the Forces in the future Armed Forces, which the Constitution attributes to the Head of State.

The Princess of Asturias will turn 18 on October 31.

The Princess of Asturias.

Credit: The Royal Household

A clear farton winner

VALENTIN FERRER, a gastronomic challenge ­ focused YouTuber from Cartagena, emerged as the victor of the 21st edition of the horchata and fartons eating contest, held at L’Albereda during the annual fair in Xàtiva.

His astounding feat involved devouring an impressive 82 fartons within a span of 37 minutes, breaking his own previous record of 54 fartons consumed. Post­contest, Ferrer shared his thoughts, stating, “I’ve only been doing this for a short time, and it’s my second win in Xàtiva. I’ve won about four or five contests. Now, I have to head home because I have a wedding to attend tomorrow.”

Joining Ferrer at the table were fellow YouTubers Ricardo Vidal and Manux3, who secured second and third place, respectively. Vidal managed to consume a total of 51 pastries, while the third­place finisher scoffed 48. The contest, organised by local firm Xococap, at ­

tracted a total of 98 participants. David Pla, the company’s head, mentioned that 80 pre ­ registration slots were filled by Monday, August 14, leaving a handful of spots for the contest day. Although the participant count fell just short of 100, applicants travelled from various parts of the peninsula, including Bilbao and Tenerife. The grand scale of the event is underscored by the figures provided by the organisers, with 250 litres of horchata and a staggering 2,956 fartons eaten. The contest was structured into three phases: first, participants were

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tasked with consuming 12 units within 12 minutes; second, the challenge was to eat six fartons in 10 minutes; and finally, a 15 ­ minute stretch with no consumption limits.

Ferrer’s exceptional performance outshone his competitors by a significant margin. To ensure fairness, a team of multiple monitors oversaw the proceedings, with each responsible for 10 participants. Ferrer’s achievement of consuming 82 fartons in just 37 minutes undoubtedly stands as a remarkable feat within the world of competitive eating.

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XATIVA FAIR: An incredible 82 fartons were consumed.

Credit: Xativa Fair

El Barrio in Alicante

Jo Pugh

THE authentic fusion of flamenco and Andalucian rock. José Luis Figuereo Franco, popularly known under the stage name of El Barrio, is one of the most acclaimed singersongwriters in Spain. His unmistakeable style was born thanks to the inspiration of great rock bands like Triana and Medina Azahara, among others, and the clear influence of classical flamenco.

His desire to completely transform this style and adapt to the tastes of his public is palpable throughout his musical career. From the age of nine, El Barrio be ­

gan playing the guitar and, a few years later, accompanying different dancers and singers during their flamenco concert tours.

El Barrio returns to the stage in 2023 to present his new studio album ATEMPORAL live, made up of 13 unpublished songs and one instrumental song, which will go on sale on December 2. In the artist’s own words “this album is a passage on what will be timeless for me, going back to my past and bringing back scraps of old records.”

This new record work will be accompanied by an extensive tour throughout the Spanish mainland,

Villajoyosa Art

for which the first dates and cities have already been confirmed.

TIMELESS is a work that reflects the indomitable character of El Barrio, whose way of feeling never belonged to any style, nor was it influenced by fashion.

His unique stamp preserves the flamenco air that was imposed in 1996 and brings the sounds of Andalucian rock that contributed so much to their province.

The concert is at the Plaza del Toros in Alicante on Saturday, August 26 at 10pm.

Tickets are from €44 and can be purchased from muchoconcierto.es.

Candlelight’s magic music

CANDLELIGHT are candlelight concerts that bring the magic of a live musical experience to incredible places in Alicante.

Their next event is a Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi at the Archaeological Museum of Alicante on Saturday, August 26. There are two performances, at 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

The duration of the concert is approximately 60 minutes (doors open 45

minutes before, it will not be possible to access after the start). Age from eight years. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. There is a facility for people in wheelchairs.

Seats are assigned upon arrival according to the type of ticket you have purchased.

Tickets for the event are from €21 and can be purchased from allevents.in.

THE colours and the emotions that each conveys are the main subjects in the painting exhibition ‘Passion for colour’ that the artist Vicenta Meneses opened on Friday, August 11 at the Barbera Contemporary Art Space in Villajoyosa.

It is a set of works of an intuitive abstract genre with which Meneses expresses emotions and energies through colours.

For this reason, the exhibition is divided into rooms in which a colour predominates: blue, yellow, violet and green. Meneses uses colours freely and spontaneously to convey moods associated with the emotions expressed by each colour. Blue is for serenity and calm, yellow for happiness, creativity and energy, violet is for spirituality and introspection and green for tranquility,

hope and healing.

The exhibition, which was inaugurated by the councillor for Culture, Marisa Mingot, will be open until September 28.

Vicenta Meneses graduated in Fine Arts from the Miguel Hernández University and has recently exhibited ‘The Emotion of Colour’ at the Casino Mediterrani in Benidorm, the exhibition ‘From the figurative to the abstract"’ at the CasaPalau Don Mateo Villanueva de Picazo del Xúquer (Conca) and ‘Wishing Tree’ in the Art Space of the Benidorm Town Hall.

Meneses opens the exhibition.

Credit: Villajoyosa Town Hall

Credit: Allevents

Visit the warriors of Xi’an Free puppet show

Jo Pugh

ALICANTE C ouncil is reminding people not to forget a fantastic international exhibition ‘The legacy of the Qin and Han dynasties, China. The warriors of Xi’an’ has surpassed the barrier of 100,000 visits when barely five months have passed since its inauguration at the Archaeological Museum of Alicante, on March 28.

Curated by Marcos Martinon-Torres , a professor at the University of Cambridge, and promoted by the Diputación de Alicante , the exhibition shows the public more than 120 original pieces from nine Chinese museums and institutions. An exhibition that has brought a new experience to the public, guided by archaeological science and supported by an extraordinary collection of objects, many of which had never been exhibited in Spain.

This is the first exhibition of the Xi’an warriors in Eu-

Many original pieces.

rope after the pandemic and has been recognised by the Chinese and Spanish governments, as the most outstanding cultural cooperation project of 2023.

Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most dazzling archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Created more than 2,000 years ago by order of the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, they maintain an interest and appeal of international repercussion that continues to this day.

Recognised as the eighth wonder of the world, the exhibition can be visited at the MARQ until January 28, 2024.

THE Moscón Show is a travelling puppet circus of ‘varieties’, presented by a plump fly. The show comes to Alicante on Friday, October 2, but tickets go fast, so book early.

A wonderful circus, represented by a wardrobe that opens its doors to show the different items that it contains. Inside the wardrobe, you will be able to enjoy true divas of song, absurd musical numbers, creepy Magicians and Mentalists, incredible tightrope walkers, wonderful dance numbers and endless humour.

The show is aimed at young families, with children from three years of age.

ELCHE residents and visitors can enjoy the local heritage of the Torre de los Vaillo for free during the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 10am to 2pm.

In addition, the culture department is preparing a cultural programme to enjoy music and the performing arts in an incomparable setting starting in September.

The city council has adapted the space, which

Sponsored walk

After almost 15 years pro ducing puppet shows, Gali toon presents his new work as a tribute to different tech niques of puppetry, learned over the years and used in his different theatre and television works.

Admission is free and the show will be held at the social centre, Calle isla de cuba 40, Alicante. The show starts at 6.30pm and lasts one hour. Tickets can be obtained from allevents.in.

Tower visit

has one of the best viewpoints of the Elche palm grove, and is located next to the Miguel Hernández University and the conservatory.

Adaptation work has been carried out on the orchards attached to the tower, cleaning the area and repairing the lighting by the municipal

brigades so that in addition to visits from Elche and tourists, this space becomes a cultural area “for the enjoyment of all”.

It is a project within the historical heritage recovery policy, which also includes spaces such as Clarisas, the Hort del Gat or Pontos.

ON Sunday, September 24, a fourkilometre sponsored walk will take place in Torrevieja. Starting and finishing at the Kiosko Cabo Cervera, the walk is to raise funds for the The San Jose Obrero Orphanage.

The organiser of the sponsored walk, Lyn Adams, hopes as many people as possible will get involved and raise funds for such a good cause.

Sponsorship forms can be obtained by calling Christine on 634 329 695 or Lyn on 676 650 210.

The walk is a round trip and is sponsored by the U3A Torrevieja.

Credit: MARQ Alicante

AS the current cost of living crisis continues, Britain appears to be leading Europe in the concept of renting women’s clothes.

Wedding dresses possibly kickstarted this concept as many found it uneconomic to buy a good quality dress which would only be worn once and even prior to that, men got into the act as they hired morning suits and even top hats from companies such as Moss Bros.

It’s not just about cost nowadays, it’s also about the concept of the circular economy so that garments aren’t just purchased and discarded but can be used more than once, thus justifying the environmental cost of producing the clothes in the first place.

The creator of Little Loop, a children’s clothes rental company had originally asked for £70,000 for a 7.5 per cent stake but eventually walked away with £140,000 invested jointly by Deborah

Shoe rental

Meaden and Steven Bartlett, who now own 25 per cent of the company.

The latest experiment however may just be a step too far, as rental platform Hirestreet has launched its first ­ ever shoe rental collection in partnership with footwear retailer Schuh after the company received hundreds of requests for shoes from customers.

Although fashion shoes have been available to rent at high prices, this is

a much cheaper line for everyday as well as special event wear.

There are some online rental clothes stores in Spain but nothing like the number found in the UK, although the British can justifiably claim to have introduced charity shops in areas with high numbers of expat residents which Spanish charities have quickly copied and the shops account for the recycling of large numbers of good quality garments.

A whole range of everyday shoes available to rent.

Credit: Wallpaper flare

FOOD PRICE RISES:

Are groceries cheaper in Spain or the UK?

As food inflation in Spain increased by half a per cent in July and fell over 2 per cent in the UK, we ask: Are Spanish supermarkets still cheaper than their British equivalents?

INFLATION rates in the last year have been running rampant globally, but it has been the eye­watering increases to food prices that have regularly hit news headlines across Europe. The UK’s Office for National Statistics have reported that food inflation decreased by over 2 per cent in July; by comparison, Spain’s National Statistics Institute revealed that inflation on food rose by 0.5 per cent in July to 10.83 per cent. What often gets missed in the headlines is that all a decrease in the inflation rate means is that food is still increasing in cost, just not as quickly as previously.

Most expats living in Spain will relay glowing tales of how much cheaper it is to eat out than the European country they hail from; the low average cost of a drink and a tapa is a particular favourite to get family and friends back in the home country bubbling with envy and idly considering making the move themselves.

The received wisdom amongst Northern European expats is that supermarket shopping in Spain is also significantly cheaper, but is that actually true? We created a Euro Weekly News grocery basket and took to the price comparison sites to find out. The results may just shock you.

all countries (eg Lidl) and differences in produce seasonality, brands, package sizes and temporary discounts all add to the complexity. We created a basket of 22 items commonly bought by expats and used online price checkers on August 20, 2023 to find the cheapest non­discounted version of each item in five of the most popular supermarkets in Spain and the UK:

● Apples ­ 1kg

● Onions ­ 1kg

● Potatoes ­ 1kg

● Iceberg Lettuce (Whole)

● Semi­Skimmed Milk ­ 1L

● Butter ­ 250g

● Cheddar Cheese (Mature) ­ 300g

● Dozen Eggs

● Medium Whole Chicken

● Mince Beef ­ 500g

● Instant Coffee ­ 200g

● Whole Oats ­ 500g

● Large Sliced Loaf

● Olive Oil ­ 1L

● Tuna in Oil ­ 360g

● Mayonnaise ­ 500g

● Tomato Ketchup ­ 500g

● Long Grain Rice ­ 1kg

● Spaghetti (Dried) ­ 1kg

● Toilet Rolls ­ Six Pack

kets in the UK and this is despite the Spanish government dropping VAT on many of the items in our list at the start of 2023, whilst the UK government have taken no measures to halt price hikes

● The most expensive supermarket basket overall was from French owned Carrefour.

France was highlighted by the BBC in June as having the highest food prices out of a comparison study of five European countries and the price of food there is, on average, 11 per cent higher than in other EU countries.

● The difference in price between the cheapest and most expensive food basket was a staggering €23.85.

● The average price of the food basket was €53.67, over €10 more expensive than the cheapest from Aldi UK.

The ranking in full:

1. Aldi ­ UK €43.12 (£36.87)

2. Tesco ­ UK €50.02 (£42.76)

3. Sainsburys ­ UK €51.64 (£44.16)

4. Asda ­ UK €52.09 (£44.45)

5. Aldi ­ ES €53.11

6. Morrisons ­ UK €53.63 ( £45.86)

7. Mercadona ­ ES €54.29

8. Consum ­ ES €54.75

9. Dia ­ ES €57.10

10. Carrefour ­ ES €66.97

Food Basket in both Spain and the UK was courtesy of Aldi, the German discount store, BUT this win has a twist because whilst the Spanish Aldi basket was €53.11 its British counterpart came in nearly €10 cheaper at €43.12 (£36.87) making Aldi UK the cheapest supermarket overall in our price check.

Is the cost of food in the supermarkets starting to bite for you?

We’d love to hear your comments and any tips and tricks you have to keep food costs down.

Unsurprisingly, comparing the prices of food across supermarkets and across different countries is a painstaking task. Not all popular supermarkets have price catalogues online in

Digging in to the results highlights a few surprises and busts a few myths:

● The four cheapest food baskets were all from supermar­

• Is Grocery Shopping Cheaper in Spain?

• The EWN Grocery Basket

Comparing the prices of food.

Do all Brits love a bargain?

Jo Pugh

WITH Kate Middleton being spotted shopping in The Range, and Coleen Rooney seen with a trolley full of bargains from Aldi, it seems the whole nation does like a bargain or two.

If you’ve ever experienced the heartpounding rush of snapping up that irresistible deal, you know that it’s not just shopping, it’s an art form, a sport, and a source of immeasurable joy all rolled into one.

Picture this: you walk into a store, your savvy shopping senses tingling. Your eyes lock onto that vibrant ‘REDUCED’ sign, and suddenly, you’re on a mission. The adrenaline starts to surge as you navigate the aisles with the grace of a bargain­hunting ninja. Your trolley becomes your trusty steed, and your shopping list transforms into a treasure map leading you to the ultimate loot that you didn’t go into the shop for in the first place.

Oh, the sweet satisfaction of knowing you’ve outsmarted the retail price gods. You came for new mugs, but you leave with a quirky lamp that you never knew your living room desperately needed. It’s a testament to the bargain shopper’s ability to find items they never knew they needed.

Nothing beats the knowing look you exchange with a fellow shopper when you both spot the last pair of designer shoes, strategically hidden for professional bargain hunters. It’s a silent declaration between the two of you. “They are mine.”

Katie Price proudly posted on her Instagram page a picture of herself showing off her new parka coat to the backdrop of Poundland.

Charity shopping is also a chance to un­

leash your creativity. Ever dreamed of rocking a bohemian ­ chic look while sipping tea from a mismatched collection of cups? With charity shopping, you get to curate a unique style that’s all your own, combining pieces from different eras and giving them a new lease on life. The best part? You’re not just shopping, you’re making a difference. Your purchase isn’t just an addition to your wardrobe or home, it’s a contribution to a good cause. And the best thing about your bargain buy is knowing you’re supporting local charities.

Driving past the bins and spotting that unwanted headboard makes for an unintentional stop and a moment of glee. You put the seats down and try to squeeze your new acquisition into your car. You didn’t need or want the headboard, but it’s free, surely you can find a use for it. Then you spot the pile of books kindly left by somebody. A German cookbook catches your eye. You can’t speak German, but never mind, it’s yours now.

It really does seem we all love that bargain.

AN ART FORM: Brits love a bargain.

Credit: Freepik

NEW COAT: Katie Price in Poundland.

Credit: Katie Price/Instagram

BUSINESS EXTRA

Down-and-out

LONDON’S increasingly tawdry Oxford Street could become a blueprint for Britain’s high streets, warned the Retail Sector Council. Richard Pennycook, the council’s vice­chairman and former Co­op chief executive, said towns and cities could become ‘wastelands’ owing to lack of investment incentives for retailers.

Sort it out

BARCELONA­based Picvisa specialises in sorting and classification technologies which use artificial intelligence, artificial vision and optical sorters. The company has now developed a ‘deep learning’ machine that sorts different types of rubbish and detritus while identifying the discarded objects and even their make.

Right royal

THE Spanish Royal Household’s bank balance increased to €6.05 million in 2022, rising from €5.78 million in 2021, thanks to having made savings of €273,643. The Crown received €8.431 million last year, €4.02 million of which has been spent on personnel, the Household’s biggest outlay.

Branching out

AGNELLI, Ferrari and Stellantis’ largest shareholder, acquired a 15 per cent stake in under­pressure Philips which has had to recall millions of faulty sleep apnoea machines. The £2 billion (€2.33 billion) deal also enables Agnelli to increase its stake by up to 20 per cent and possibly take a seat on the Philips’ board.

No biggie

BRITISH companies are progressively more downbeat about the benefits of postBrexit free trade deals, according to a Department for Business and Trade survey. More than 3,000 companies revealed that 58 per cent of firms now believe that the deals will not have a positive impact, the department found.

STAT OF WEEK €25 billion

in overseas trade for Spain’s 170 pharmaceutical companies which overtook the car industry as the country’s principal export sector in 2022, boosted by sales of Covid-19 vaccines.

Issas move Higher interest rates looming

Linda Hall

SALARIES increased more than predicted in June, fuelled by a one­off payout to NHS employees.

In consequence, the Bank of England is once again under pressure to raise interest rates owing to the higher wages.

Raised borrowing costs are on the cards, even though the UK jobs market indicated that employers were letting staff go as economic activity began to slow down.

Redundancies increased and unemployment rose by 0.3 of a percentage point to 4.2 per cent in the second quarter, the Office

for National Statistic (ONS), announced.

At the same time, pay increased at its fastest since records began, the ONS said. It grew by 7.8 per cent during the second quarter of this year, exceeding predictions and comfortably above the previous record

TESLA SPAIN’S sales rose 55 per cent last year, bringing a net profit of €2.64 million, 52.6 per cent more than in 2021.

The company is a subsidiary of Dutchregistered Tesla Motors Tesla Motors Netherlands BV, which in turn depends on Elon Musk’s parent company based in Delaware in the US.

Last year Tesla Spain distributed 4,607 vehicles, a 44.5 per cent increase on 2021 according to accounts submitted to the Registro Mercantil, equivalent to Companies House in the UK.

The increase was the result of the Spain’s expanding market for electric vehicles, assisted by government subsidies for non­polluting vehicles.

The company explained that energy costs had risen and some raw materials

VAT spat

JEWELLERY brand Pandora was the latest retailer to call for VAT­free shopping for UK visitors.

Rasmus Brix, general manager for the UK and Ireland, said the firm was one of many that were missing out since PM Rishi Sunak jettisoned the tax break in 2021.

Around 350 businesses now back the Daily Mail’s Scrap the Tourist Tax campaign, prompting Brix to agree with the newspaper that getting rid of the tax would “significantly boost” the retail sector and the economy.

“This would help to offset some of the disruption we’re seeing as a result of the weather, cost­of­living and ongoing train strikes,” he said.

of 7.3 per cent.

The unanticipated increase encouraged traders to give 84 per cent odds that the Bank of England would announce a further interest rate rise of a quarter of a percentage point to 5.5 per cent next month. Others spoke of a

16 per cent likelihood of a bigger, half­point hike to 5.75 per cent.

Interest rates are forecast to reach a 6 per cent peak next February, higher than the 5.75 per cent that was foreseen before Tuesday’s labour market report was released.

Responding to fears that pay increases would generate a wage­price spiral, the UK’s prime minister Rishi Sunak declared that bringing down inflation was his “number one priority”.

There was “light at the end of the tunnel” in the cost­of­living crisis, the PM insisted.

Positive charge for Tesla

Sales of Model 3 fell by 4 per cent, but still accounted for 59 per cent of the total with 2,736 vehicles. In contrast, Model Y sales rose by 464 per cent to 1,828 vehicles, with Model S and Model X responsible for just 1 per cent.

So far in 2023, Tesla Spain has sold 2,048 cars, 45.35 per cent more than during the same period in 2022.

THE billionaire owners of Asda and the EG Group of petrol stations are selling off US convenience stores to settle billions of pounds of debt.

Brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa sold 63 EG Group­owned shops in Kentucky and Tennessee to the Casey’s General Stores chain for an undisclosed amount.

News of the US sales coincided with Moody’s warning on August 15 that Asda, which the Issas bought for £6.8 billion (€7.93 billion) in 2021, was under intense pressure owing to competition in the grocery industry.

EG Group’s debts stood at $9.67 billion (€8.96 billion) by late 2022, company accounts showed.

Wrong calls

were now more expensive owing to the Ukraine war. The impact of the conflict on its finances depended on “future events which could not be predicted with accuracy,” sources added.

Banks want interest

THE Spanish government dismantled the failed Castor underwater gas storage plant off Vinaros (Castellon) in 2019.

The controversial plans were abandoned after the installation caused 4.1 earthquakes and tremors that were felt on land for weeks. In October 2020, the National High Court in Madrid ruled that Santander, CaixaBank and Bankia (subsequently merged with CaixaBank) were entitled to €1.35 billion compensation.

The ruling excluded interest, which the banks immediately decided to fight for, a battle they have not yet won. The National High Court recently threw out Santander and CaixaBank’s appeals against an earlier ruling that rejected their separate claims for interest which amounted to €100.12 million between them.

It is not yet known whether the banks intend to appeal against the latest ruling or intend to continue taking legal action.

Turnover reached €229.2 million, 51 per cent more than last year while income from services rose almost fourfold to 244.6 per cent to €112 million. The company paid €894,087 in corporation tax last year, compared with €595,590 in 2021.

Making hay

SPANISH hay as well as wheat and other grains has been hit by drought.

Hay is one of Spain’s lesserknown exports, although producers habitually supply markets in North Africa, the Persian Gulf, Taiwan and Japan.

This season they face problems in supplying their traditional clients owing to high prices and lack of supplies, said the owner of Nual, a company in Arenillas de Muño (Burgos).

Another producer, Europaja, estimated that not only would it have difficulty in meeting its export orders, but imports would increase with hay fetching €12 a kilo at source and fodder costing 40 cents a kilo.

NATWEST was ranked Britain’s worst bank for repaying fraud victims. Recently hit by the debanking scandal, NatWest rejected more than 5,000 fraud compensation claims since 2020, according to the Telegraph. Approximately 3,300 NatWest resolutions were later overturned by the Financial Ombudsman Service, with the bank making the wrong decision in 54.4 per cent of cases.

Santander, which erroneously rejected 53.6 per cent of customers’ claims, was ranked second­worst. It was followed by HSBC, which the Ombudsman Service considered had wrongly rejected 53 per cent of fraud victims’ requests for compensation.

Basques in US

US president Joe Biden visited the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) plant of Basque­headquartered Ingeteam on August 16.

Biden was received by Alex Belaustegui, Corporate Development director of the firm which specialises in energy conversion. It has now produced more than 4,000 generators for the wind­energy sector and supplied four gigawatts of solar and energy storage inverters for the US market.

Contracts for an additional 1.1 gigawatts for the same sector are in the execution stage and scheduled to be installed by end of the 2004’s first quarter.

INTEREST RATES: Bank of England expected to announce hike in September.

ELON MUSK: Founder of Tesla, whose Spanish profits are on the increase.

Photo credit: CC/James Mitchell

Photo credit: CC/Steve Jurvetson

DOW JONES

Soft loans

GIBRALTAR’S Minister for Business, Vijay Daryanani announced the launch of the Gibraltar Enterprise Scheme, an initiative providing soft bank loans for startups and existing small businesses operating for less than three years. Participating banks are Trusted Novus Bank and Gibraltar International Bank, and the scheme will be fully guaranteed by the Gibraltar government.

New role

OSCAR­WINNING compos­

er Hans Zimmer, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of the Working Title film company have purchased the BBC’s Maida Vale studio for £10.5 million (€12.28 million). The new owners intend to convert the building, which has hosted famous stars from the Beatles to David Bowie and Adele, into a school for aspiring musicians.

Malhotra steps down

HARVEY NICHOLS’ chief executive Manju Malhotra is not leaving due to an alleged dispute with the store’s shareholder as extensively reported by the media.

“The Group would like to reiterate that this is incorrect,” a Harvey Nichols spokesperson told the Euro Weekly News on Tuesday August 15.

“The departure is on amicable terms with Manju working her notice period to ensure a smooth transition. “It is also incorrect that

Harvey Nichols is owned by Dickson Concepts, which is

Spain down under

A SUBSIDIARY of Spanish engineering and infrastructure company ACS won a six­year

AU$500 million (€300 million) contract with Australia’s Department of Defence.

UGL, now part of ACS’s CIMIC Group, will provide services covering strategic advice, supply management, operations, and maintenance for the Australian Defence Force’s fuel network.

The Spanish parent company announced

recently that UGL has secured five further contracts worth AU$600 million (€370 million) with Australian energy and mining firms. These include constructing two additional processing trains for US company, Albemarle, at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant. This will enable Albemarle to increase lithium production to an annual 100,000 metric tons, facilitating the manufacture of an estimated 2.4 million electric vehicles each year.

Digi does it

a listed company in Hong Kong. Harvey Nichols is owned by Sir Dickson Poon in his private capacity,” the statement continued.

“Any investment made in Harvey Nichols in recent years is from Sir Dickson Poon in a private capacity, and not Dickson Concepts.”

Having joined Harvey Nichols in 1998 as a newlyqualified chartered accountant, Manju Malhotra held several roles prior to becoming Group Finance Director in 2010.

She was promoted to the role of co ­ chief Operating Officer in 2018, with joint responsibility for leading the business before promotion to chief executive in January 2020.

“I have had the most amazing 25 years at Harvey Nichols,” she said. “I have been fortunate to work with many wonderfully talented people and partners both in the UK and internationally.”

DIGI, the Spanish subsidiary of the Romaniabased telecoms operator, reported revenues of €299.7 million during the first half of this year, 30.9 per cent more than during the same period in 2022. The low ­ cost company now has 5.7 million clients, 1.4 million of whom moved to the company over the past year, an increase of 33 per cent.

Back on track

MARKS & SPENCER could reenter the FTSE 100 after its market capitalisation surpassed £4.3 billion (€5.028 billion) as shares soared to a 19month high. Thanks to providing England’s Lionesses with their non­ sports uniform, plus increased holiday wear, homeware and food sales, M&S’s April­ August turnover has grown by 6 per cent when compared with the same period last year.

HARVEY NICHOLS: London’s iconic and luxurious department store.

Photo credit: CC/Jordi Ferrer

An absolutely brilliant service

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

THINK IT

THOUGHT I’d scribe events by way of a change this week. In truth this last year has been a bit of a medical nightmare. Some months ago I experienced a fall while walking de dawg, which resulted in a brain bleed. I then broke a leg in the garden.

Shortly after, I received a marvellous (Bionic Man!) heart pacemaker. The final disaster found me tripping over on a dodgy terrace, which resulted in a broken shoulder. (Ooh ooh the pain). Worry not; the ol boy isn’t looking for sympathy, I just need to state loudly and clearly, that throughout the whole sequence of events, the Spanish hospital and medical staff have been absolutely brilliant.

Personally I have had no experience of services on the Spanish mainland, but can categorically assure everyone that on this beautiful island of Mallorca, the whole National Health Organisation is first class.

Emergency staff, doctors, nurses and (as we speak) physio workers, plus the speed of the appointments simply can’t be faulted. I would like to thank every single one of them for the care and treatment I have received and am still experiencing. Thank the Lord I didn’t go through it all in the UK.

I can imagine even the very waiting periods would have been horrendous. In their endeavours to keep the whole British nation on a knife edge before the next election, I have no doubt the NH unions, in solid league with the Labour party, are fully delighted to see medical staff packing the streets with derogatory placards; while the long suffering patients experience fully extended periods of suffering, cementing a determination to vote against the conservative party next year.

Ninety nine per cent of the staff in the Balearics are Spanish national locals and you can literally feel the bond this creates throughout the whole organisation. Absolutely nothing like the attitudes and often sheer chaos that ensues throughout the UK system of immigrant workers and racial or political disharmony.

FOOTBALL FREEDOM OUR VIEW

One colleague of mine informed me that many of the main floor workers are so low in intellect they have to move them to different departments, because to actually fire them would result in an uproar of racism accusations. Heaven help the lot of ‘em.

And thank the lord for heaven consistently helping the wonderful health workers of Spain.

This now remarkably fit 84­year­old ex­patient will be forever in your debt. In this week’s final note, let’s just hope that the result of the horrific case of UK nurse Lucy Letby also ensues in sackings and resignations from responsible health workers, staff and police who should have detected something amiss far earlier.

And make certain that this maniac baby killer doesn’t finish up being mollycoddled in some cosy country institution.

Thanks for all your letters. I can’t reply to them all, but believe me I read every one. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com

Mon. and Fri. 1pm till 4

THERE is no question that women’s football has really come of age and the international interest just keeps growing.

With our links with England and our base in Spain, it was very appropriate that the final should have been contested between eventual winners Spain and England.

Unless you are a dyed in the wool supporter of either team, the outcome wasn’t really that important, with the way in which the women’s version of the sport has grown in stature so quickly being more significant.

Certainly, the USA was for years the home of women’s football with large numbers of young women taking up the sport in college, perhaps because it isn’t as physically demanding as American Football and it can lay claim to being the true ‘beautiful game’.

It took much longer to take off in Europe and it wasn’t that long ago that FC Barcelona were being called out for booking the men’s team in business class and the women’s team on the same flight in economy.

England winning the European Trophy certainly helped promote the popularity and TV programmes such as Dorking ‘Til I Die which relates the role of Calum Best as Chairman of Dorking Wanderers FC Ladies helped to spotlight the growth on the women’s game in England.

Now that the new professional season has started again, expect to see larger crowds at women’s matches, but it will still take a long time for female players to have the same astronomic price tags as their male counterparts.

What is positive however is that there has been another area where the role of women in today’s society has seen the glass ceiling at least cracked if not shattered.

REBECCA SERWOTKA ­ “We sell houses!

It’s what we do, it’s ALL we do!” Certified API Associate 00493. Your favourite local resale property expert, of Inmobiliaria Estate Agents in Ciudad Quesada. Three Time Prestige Award WINNER for Real Estate Agency Of The Year 2021/22, 2022/23 & 2023/24. Luxury Life­style Awards WINNER, Alicante ­ Spain 2023.

Selling a property after a separation is a sensitive task, but with the right approach, it’s possible to navigate the process while minimising stress and conflict. Seeking professional advice and maintaining open communication are key factors in achieving a successful property sale.

Here are five steps to a successful sale:

1. Have an open conversation with your ex about the decision to sell.

2. Choose a Real Estate Agent that will help you both navigate through this sensitive transaction, impartially.

3. Get a professional property valuation to determine the market value. This step is crucial for pricing the property appropriately and avoiding disputes.

4. Ensure the property is in good condition for sale. Make necessary repairs, clean, and stage it to enhance its appeal to potential buyers.

5. While emotions might be running high, try to focus on the practical as­pects of the sale.

Keeping emotions in check can help maintain a smoother process.

A Beauty game-changer?

EVER woken up with frizzy hair or sleep lines on your face? A silk pillowcase might be your answer. Unlike cotton, silk causes less friction, meaning smoother hair and fewer face wrinkles. Plus, it doesn’t absorb moisture like

cotton does, so your skin stays more hydrated. It’s a simple switch that could make a big difference. So, if you’re seeking an easy beauty boost, consider treating yourself to a silky night’s sleep. Your hair and skin

Lustrous locks

THE allure of Spain’s golden beaches is undeniable. Yet, many UK expats are finding that the Spanish sun, combined with frequent sea dips, challenges their hair care routines.

Extended exposure to these elements can result in hair becoming dry and frag­

The siesta

water post ­ beach is also advised to remove salt, aiding in damage prevention.

As Spain’s beach season extends, it’s crucial for UK residents to adjust their hair care methods, ensuring lustrous locks regardless of where they call home.

WE British expats have much to learn from the Spanish way of life, not least of which is the cherished siesta. This age­old tradition, where towns fall quiet and locals retreat for an afternoon nap, is not just a cultural quirk ­ it’s a boon for skin health. Sleep, even in these short bursts, aids in cellular repair, vital for skin rejuvenation. Coupled with Spain’s sunkissed climate, the siesta offers a respite from UV exposure, reducing the risk of premature ageing. Furthermore, this restorative pause reduces stress, a notable contributor to skin woes. Embracing the siesta might initially seem alien to some of us, but its benefits are undeniable. As we soak up Spanish culture, let’s also adopt this midday habit, granting our skin its much­deserved beauty sleep.

BEAUTIFUL HAIR: Use a deeply nourishing treatment after exposure to the sun and sea.

Caring for your feet

AS the warm breezes of summer give way to the crisp air of autumn, it will be time to give our feet some extra love.

After a season of sandals, our soles will be feeling a tad neglected.

Exfoliating with a gentle scrub can slough away dry skin, revealing softer heels and toes.

Follow with a rich moisturiser, preferably one with shea butter or almond oil, to deeply nourish.

Don’t forget to keep nails trimmed and give them a breather before applying new polish.

And as nights start to grow cooler, consider wearing cotton socks to bed after moisturising, ensuring you wake up with soft, pampered feet. Here’s to happy, healthy feet all year round!

HEALTHY FEET: Make sure you exfoliate and moisturise.

LETTERS

What do you think about this?

READERS will know that every week, Euro Weekly News publishes a column written by Leapy Lee who has a reputation for being outspoken and on some occasions his personal views cause division amongst our readers.

We have received just two letters disagreeing with his observations in his article ‘A Diverse Dilemma’ but feel it both appropriate and fair that we publish these missives (although one is slightly edited) so that readers can form their own opinion.

Please feel free to let us know your feelings on Leapy’s articles via info@euroweek lynews.com.

Freedom of speech

I read ‘A Diverse Dilemma’ by Leapy Lee 10 – 16 Aug edition, and was a little baffled about the issue that was being addressed.

While I may concede that there may be an issue with BAME actors playing a historical figure like Henry VIII, I don’t see what the issue is with adverts showing multicultural families. After all, we live in a multicultural society. What do you mean, “It smells like leftie missions to normalise racial relationships…” Are you suggesting that mixed race relationships are not normal and should be verboten? If so, where do you draw the line?

Lee then jumps to freedom of speech, suggesting that white people are not allowed to use their freedom of speech to comment on the above perceived misrepresentation in TV ads. You will be pleased to know that I am an advocate of freedom of speech too but that does not absolve the speaker from the consequences. So, if you come out with racist statements, one of the consequences is that others perceive you as a racist. I think what you are advocating is the right to be offensive without any consequences either formal or informal.

If Lee is such a strong advocate of the principle of freedom of speech, he could take a look at the current legislation passed by the right wing conservative government. They have passed Anti Strike Laws that will make striking illegal. Employers will be able to force people to work longer hours for example and sack them if they don’t agree. There have been people locked out of the electoral process ­ voter ID and the right to protest has been curtailed.

The statistics on knife crime quoted on face value may be correct but what are you implying? That the BAME population are genetically predisposed to knife crime? If you really believe this, I’d love to hear Lee defend that and retain any credibility.

Dr James Alexander published research in 2020 stating that knife crime is fuelled by poverty and social deprivation and BAME are twice as likely to live in such areas. The MET have been shown to be institutionally racist and their knife crime initiatives have targeted the BAME community disproportionately as research by Dr Elaine Williams from the University of Greenwich in 2022 states.

The UK is not heading to a China regime, we are already living in an Ultra­Right Conservative Dictatorship like Salazar’s Portugal!

Finally, I would love to see Lenny Henry play Henry VIII, he’d make a damned good job of it.

Old dinosaur

I am writing to express my disgust at the Leapy Lee article, you have distanced yourselves from said article, but have allowed him to print his dog whistle racist diatribe in your paper, he is an old dinosaur who should not be allowed to use your informative paper to promote his extremely racist ideas to the public, he deserves cancelling for his venomous thoughts on the general public, printing figures that suit his personal beliefs, seriously disappointing from a European paper.

New law

I don’t think the new animal welfare law is helping the animals that really need it. The law is not applicable to hunting dogs, who are the most abused and ill­treated. Also it says that dogs are not allowed to be kept on balconies or terraces, but nothing about being kept chained up 24/7, or confined to a small concrete cage in the garden.

Surely these are things that can be policed much easier than checking that someone has an insurance policy for their dog!!

Carol Smith

180-day rule

Why does everyone bang on about Spain not bringing in 180 days for UK visitors as has happened in the UK.

In the UK it only has to answer to itself for any changes, but all the EU states must agree to any change as above and there is not a snowball in hell’s chance that all will agree. I expect most Spaniards would be only too happy for this to happen as it brings in valuable income.

Roger Fell

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

THIS is a boring story. Difficult to believe, but amazingly it’s true.

About 15 years ago I got to know a couple in their 60s from Cheshire. Albert and his wife Kathleen have a holiday home on the Costa del Sol which they occupy for the month of April. For the past 13 years they have always turned up on a Wednesday as close to the first of April as possible, arriving late morning on the same flight. Once settled in, after a light snack on their terrace they take an afternoon siesta before changing for their evening meal at La Golondrina, a small restaurant by the beach.

They are not sufficiently confident to say ‘Hola’ or ‘Gracias’ in Spanish. However, when they arrive at the restaurant at seven o’clock, they are expected.

Owner: “ Hola, amigos. Good to see you again. Here is your table by the window.”

LIVING IN A COMFORT ZONE

On Mondays Albert and Kathy patronise Big Ben’s Steakhouse in the town. Every Monday!

On the last day of the holiday, at the end of April, Paco awards them a free brandy at the end of the meal and they reserve the same table by the window for seven o’clock for the following year. A week before they return next year Albert will phone the restaurant to confirm that all is in order.

The following day, a Thursday, the evening routine is repeated. At the crack of 7pm (opening time) they arrive at La Golondrina and are welcomed again by the owner, Paco. Having accompanied Albert and Kathy on a couple of occasions, I can imagine the conversation:

“Hola, amigos. Good to see you again. Here is your table by the window.” “Thank you, Paco”.

The procedure is repeated on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They always arrive at opening time and sit at the same table by the window. Almost all the customers are English and each day there is a special of the day.

On Tuesdays it is roast pork, on Wednesday roast chicken, Thursday roast lamb, Friday fish and chips, Saturday vegetable curry and Sunday roast beef.

Think I’ll enter BGT next year

I HAVE to admit that I enjoy TV shows like Britain’s Got Talent, X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing etc like millions of others. So I get a little bit peed off when, after every show, the UK’s scum newspapers, usually the red tops, insist on trying to find something to put the winners, or any contestant that comes on to entertain us, down.

Saturday night there was a guy who dropped 12 feet down a pole and stopped an inch away from a chain saw. All the papers could say was that he had a safety cord attached to his ankle. So what? I’d like to see those ‘journalists’ even attempt to get up the pole in the first place! Why do they feel it’s their job to spoil my entertainment? Why do they have to do it to everyone that has a bit of success?

Every day last week they printed something they considered detrimental to one of the contestants on BGT? For what value? Do I care that a young

14-year-old girl once sung in a stage show or two dancers danced in another show and the winner was not too bright when he previously appeared on The Chase? No I don’t. Then I’ve just watched Top Gear. I enjoyed it. Why? Because I’m not comparing it to the old one. I’m just enjoying a car show. But you would have thought that the new presenters had committed mass murder if you read the papers today ( Monday). Am I the only one that just puts these shows on to be entertained? There is so much doom and gloom in the world right now with wars, terrorists etc. So just let me watch my TV shows which I’m not meant to be watching because of greedy licensing laws by the way. Wow I’m really grumpy this week - but it gets me so annoyed to see people trying to entertain millions of people have stuff written about them that sometimes has no relevance or truth by useless no talented, tabloid press. I feel better now so I’ll finish with a joke.

My annoying neighbour was banging on my door at three o’clock this morning … luckily I was still up playing my drums! Think I’ll enter BGT next year. What do you think?

Apart from Fridays and Saturdays, the vegetables are always the same. They both have the special every day with a shared bottle of mineral water and no dessert.

Barring illness or exceptional circumstances they are there from Tuesday to Sunday every night of their holiday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

On very rare occasions, I have encouraged them to be driven along the coast to a Spanish restaurant for lunch. They were never interested in trying the paella but, being carnivores, normally settled for a steak. Being out of their comfort zone, they would then have to decide whether or not they had the appetite to support Paco at La Golondrina that evening.

They probably enjoyed a stress­free holiday ­ except, perhaps, when I broke their routine.

David Worboys’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors

Choosing the same flight every year and the same window table every evening can make for a stress-free holiday - if the routine is not broken.

Photo credits: travelnews.co.za and fellingproducts.com

Views of a Grumpy Old Man

Spain winning big

Anna Ellis

FROM holiday searches to second homes, Spain is winning big right now when it comes to courting Britons’ favour.

Visitor numbers are soaring, with Spain’s national statistics institute (INE) recording more than 1.82 million British visitors in May 2023 (compared to 1.65 million in May 2022).

This positions Brits as Spain’s leading international visitor group, well ahead of French visitors (1.1 million in May), Germans (1.06 million) and the many other nationalities who choose to holiday in Spain.

Nor is it just holidays in the sunshine that Britons are seeking on Spanish shores.

According to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, the number of Brits reserving second homes in Spain for purchase has jumped during the past two months. In particular, British buyers are focusing on the Costa del Sol and Mallorca.

Research by Premier Inn, meanwhile, has shown that Malaga isn’t simply Briton’s favourite city in Spain ­ it’s their top choice globally, based on annual Google searches for holiday destinations.

Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España, Marc Pritchard, confirmed: “The British love for Spain remains unabated. Climate, cuisine, beaches, golf, proximity to the UK. Spain ticks all the right boxes for the perfect holiday destination, which is why it is so popular with British second home buyers.

“We sold homes to over 40 nationalities last year, so our buyers are very diverse. The

ACCLAIMED ACTOR’S LATEST ROLE: NARRATING MY AUDIOBOOKS!

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

on Amazon/Audible of ‘Death in Windermere’ etc. My latest, ‘The Couple across the Street’, is currently in production and will soon be available!

main groups of buyers were from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Most are keen to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle and spend holidays outdoors in the sunshine.”

Marc added: “The weather is certainly important to our buyers! Many also want the chance to practise sports yearround ­ many of our clients are enthusiastic golfers who want to spend more time on the fairways.

“Generally, our buyers are between about 40 and 60 years old. They are split between families with children and older buyers who are planning to spend some or all of their retirement in Spain.”

BACK in 1878, shortly after he’d invented the phonograph, Thomas Edison had an idea. Leaning over his new machine he recited: “Mary had a little lamb. Its fleece was white as snow.” As he created the first ever audio of the spoken word, Edison dreamed that the technology might eventually allow a whole novel to be recorded. Nearly 150 years later, he’d be pretty impressed to be able to download 75,000+ audiobooks!

Rayner Bourton, who created the role of ‘Rocky’ in the original London production of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, has produced all my psychological suspense crime thrillers, each one expertly narrated with authentic accents. Listen yourself to free audio samples

I often get requests from readers (and arts/book clubs), but not all pan out. Would I ‘ghost’ someone’s life story? (This from retired accountants and librarians. Riveting reading, right?) Another wrote enthusiastically and exhaustively about his project ­ a memoir he’d imaginatively titled: ‘My Autobiography’. Maybe I missed a bestseller (and blockbuster movie) there. Anyway, his ‘life story’ turned out to be more OTT bonkers than bizarre...

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.norajohnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist.

SPAIN: Popular with Brits buying second homes.

Image: MiniMoon Photo / Shutterstock.com

PETS

Need cat-sitters for the holidays?

WE have many new pet­sitters with experience of and a deep love of pets, who have joined our network. Do you need pet­sitters to care for your pets during your holidays? Housesitmatch is a very affordable solution.

If you are a pet owner our HouseSitMatch sitters are checked, and they won’t charge you a cent for the house or pet­sitting services. Instead, they offer a fair exchange free accommodation for free pet care. It’s a win win! The house­sitters are for free when you are a member of the House sitmatch network.

If you’re planning a trip register now as a member of our network to find an affordable home and pet care solution. Whether your trip is short or long, you’ll know that sometimes you must leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

Water features for birds

FOR birds, the allure of water isn’t just about quenching thirst; it’s a portal to their natural inclinations, an avenue to exhibit instinctual behaviours.

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or housesitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either housesitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

Home made pet treats

Their connection to water extends beyond drinking, playing a pivotal role in their daily routines, from cleaning their feathers to frolicking in playful splashes. A basic, shallow dish with fresh water can be transformative. Strategically placed within their living space, it grants birds the opportunity to wade, splash, and indulge in a refreshing bath. This not only aids in keeping their feathers in pristine condition but also offers a source of entertainment and exercise.

For those wishing to further mimic nature’s touch, consider a mister. The light, fine droplets it releases can simulate the gentle rainfall of a tropical rainforest, offering hydration and a whimsical playground for your avian companion. This subtle rain

EMERGENCY

REFRESHING: From cleaning their feathers to frolicking in playful splashes.

shower not only moisturises their skin and feathers, but also brings a touch of the wild right into their domesticated environment.

However, it’s imperative to tailor water features to the specific needs and likes of

your bird. While a parrot might enjoy a sprightly splash, a canary might prefer the serene calm of still water. Observing and understanding your bird’s preferences ensures that the water feature enhances their quality of life.

PET TREATS: Incorporate different ingredients and pamper your pets.

AS expats embracing the vibrant Spanish culture, we constantly search for ways to blend the best of both worlds, especially when it comes to the well­being of our pets.

One delightful way to pamper our four­legged companions is through home­made treats, crafted with love and local ingredients. Not only do these treats provide a healthier alternative to store­bought versions, but they celebrate the rich flavours of Spain.

Imagine blending ripe olives, fresh from the orchard, into a soft dough for dogs, or incorporating sun­kissed tomatoes into a delicious puree for cats. The local markets brim with fresh produce that can be creatively adapted into treats. From Iberian meats to freshly­caught fish from the Costa, the culinary possibilities are endless.

Moreover, crafting homemade treats offers a beautiful opportunity to delve deeper into Spanish culinary traditions. Incorporating ingredients like manchego cheese or aromatic herbs can introduce your pets to the very essence of Spain’s gastronomic legacy.

In essence, these treats aren’t just about nutrition but also a celebration of the life we’ve chosen here. They embody the spirit of Spain, a testament to our journey as expats and the ever­evolving bond we share with our pets amidst the rolling landscapes and sun­soaked terraces.

So, the next time you explore your local supermarket, let your imagination run wild, crafting treats that resonate with both taste and tradition.

AIR CONDITIONING

ALARMS

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

AIR CONDITIONING

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

GRILLS

BLINDS

BUILDERS

BLINDS

BALUSTRADES

BOILERS

LOCKSMITHS

POOL MAINTENANCE

ARCHITECT BUILDING CHARITY

J & J PAINTERS. Insideoutside - clean - fast - low cost. Torrevieja - Orihuela Costa and surrounding areas. Tel: 650 363 159 (1296232)

LOOKING FOR Silent Business Partner for small Private Care Home. Invest 10K and get 20K back in 14 months. 747 438 225 (304048)

SERVICES BUSINESS

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your lifedamaging everything that is important to you. Englishspeaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablan ca.org (93323)

BUY

PRIVATE CARE HOME Full Board and Care. British Owned near Alicante. Luxurious Villa. €1,200 per month. Call 747 438 225 (304150)

can email the San Miguel Centre at office@helpvegabaja. com. We also have a 24hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456)

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church. Sunday morning Services at 11.00am. All nationalities welcome - Contact 966 752 543 / 966 799 273. For other church matters phone: 966 799 273 / /617 215 463 www.icatorre vieja.org (95476)

your nearest one at, http://branches.britishlegion.o rg.uk/branches/orihuela-costa

- covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co.uk. (95457)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch. For info, contact the branch Secretary at granala cant.secretary@rbl.community

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone. Please contact Mina or Trisha. Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 email aecc_campello@hotmail. com (95475)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR

Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com.(10006)

FREEMASONRY . Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca? There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@glpvalencia. com Tel 600 841 064 (95477)

HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www.helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You

LA SIESTA EVANGELICAL CHURCH on Urbanisation La Siesta, Torrevieja is a friendly, English-speaking church. For more information, including details of our services, see our website www.lasiestaevangeli calchurch.org (10005)

PHILIP SCOTT LODGE No 10671 of the RAOB. Please call the secretary, Colin Bird on 693 287 614 for further information. (95459)

PILAR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information, www.pilarchurch.org Reg No: 2009-SG/A (95463)

ROYAL Air Force Association Costa Blanca Registered Members Group: The RAFA Costa Blanca RMG replaces the RAFA Costa Blanca Branch 1359 which is now closed. The RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the Royal Air Force Association and the RMG can be made via the RAFA website rafa.org. uk Tel:0044 800 018 2361. (238593)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION -

Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION (Costa Blanca) The aim of the Association is to bring together not just ex Royal Marines, but ex Service personnel with an affinity to the Royal Marines. For further details contact Hon Sec P S Wilkins Tel: 966 194 158 email: inkinspain@yahoo. co.uk (10004)

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION

For information please contact Chairman Anthony Jenkins +34 693 866 709, Vice Chairman Dusty Miller +34 711 006 670, Secretary Mike Cockman +34 670 224 822, Treasurer Carl Louden +34 678 518 202, email rnatorre vieja@aol.com (95455)

STROKE ASSOCIATION Spain (formally known as Torrevieja stroke support) Our aim is to help and support stroke survivors and their carers, with rehabilitation, speech therapy, OC therapy and a very active social group. For info please contact 653 588 475 English and 620 907 474 Spanish or email strokesupportgroup@ hotmail.com , website: torre viejastrokesupport.org. We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH, La Fustera. For more info: contact Frank Bentley on 966 495 188. (95461)

THE BAKER Foundation Spiritual Centre Playa Flamenca. Calle Luis Gordillo, 1 Playa Flamenca Alicante 03189. You can join us on Facebook, The Baker Foundation spiritual centre. Or contact Linda Schug Tel. 606 990 665 for more details (95458)

THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)

THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiritualistcentre-benijo far.com . Telephone 711 060 171. Email martindroute 66@hotmail.com . Fiscal G54713789

MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their

families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm –3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb. org.es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org.e s (295976)

MR FIXIT . For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (292158)

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel678 716 693 (288662)

INSURE YOU FOR UP TO A €1,000 OF WATERLOSS. CALL 686 116 297 (WHATSAPP TO) OR VISIT www.sosinsurancein spain.com or email tracey@sosinsurancein spain.com (303525)

BENEFICIAL INSURANCE SERVICES. Car, Home, Business, Travel, Life, Funeral, all insurances available. Policies in English. BEST rates, covers & service. Immediate quotes. Tel 961 129 215 / 622 275 561, (WhatsApp) info@benefi cialinsuranceinspain.com or visit www.beneficialinsuran ceinspain.com for online quote. (303574)

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbey gateinsure.com

LEGAL SERVICES

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, Solicitor, Debt Collections, Bad Tenants. 747 438 225 (304048)

MASSAGE

FRENCH, ELÉGANTE , slim, Sophie, 3 languages spoken. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302439)

EXPERIENCE the best with a 1hr unique massage with Veronica. Shaving or permanent hair removal available. For appointments call 679 292 678 (303170)

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHT LOSS, TONING, RESULTS GUARANTEED. CERTIFIED WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. FORMER US KICKBOX CHAMPION. CALL 747 438 225 (301319)

HEARING AIDS

PHONAK & SIGNIA from Hear Maika. English speaking professional established 23 years in Spain. 658 446 384. (302961)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATHROOM & KITCHEN Conversions Costa Blanca, contact 698 320 434. (294098)

INSURANCE

FED UP OF NOT BEING SENT YOUR RENEWAL? CUT YOUR INSURANCE COSTS AND STILL HAVE 100% COVER. YOU HAVE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST WITH SOS INSURANCE. WE CAN EVEN

ATTRACTIVE, Girlfriend, Professional Masseuse relaxing and therapeutic Masseuse. Tel: 693 357 526 (295448)

LA ZENIA English lady for masseuse. Full body relaxing massage, in own apartment or 10 kilometres from La Zenia WhatsApp 711 041330 (303620)

CLASSIC SPANISH LADY , Playa Flamenca area, private premises, all massage services from 40€. Ana 657 603 495 (303169)

ANA SLIM ELEGANT LADY. PROFESSIONAL RELAXING TANTRIC AND PROSTATIC MASSAGE. ALICANTE. HOME VISITS ONLY 24HRS. TEL 697 207 715. (303631)

CHARITY 24 - 30 August 2023 • euroweeklynews.com CLASSIFIEDS 52

MISCELLANEOUS

MOTORING

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

MOTORHOME / Campervan wanted. Left or right hand drive. Cash waiting for right van. Tlf 650 722 905

PIANO , Keyboard, Organ, Qualified Teacher. Please call 606 984 535 (302201)

KAMAGRA Gold 100mg plus Kamagra Jellies. Collection or Delivery. ROY HAS A NEW TEL. - 613 584 915 (295447) tp

Male /Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@gmail.com

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 krugercanopies@ yahoo.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL & Healthy BICHON FRISE puppy available from responsible breeder. Contact 653 757 768 (302042)

EASYHORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE. We aim to rescue HORSES. If you would like to DONATE please call 965 967 033 or sales@easyhorsecare. net www.easyhorsecare.net or call Sue 652 021 980 (95706)

GATAMI ORGANISATION, to help kittens and cats, looking for good homes, also spaying wild cats in the community. Kittens require adoption, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, deflead. volunteers to Tel Anna: 966 806 976 / 654 729 977 (95709)

P.E.P.A. VOLUNTEERS & FOSTER HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED. By fostering an abandoned dog or spending a few hours each week on our telephone helpline, you could help save the lives of many animals. Please call: 650 304 746. For more information browse our website: www.pepaspain.com (95708)

SPAMA GANDIA SHELTER. Dog and cat rescue registered charity, La Safor area. 500 animals awaiting rehoming. Phone Gail 962 896 118. Visit our website for directions. www.spama.org and view our new blog at www.spama -safor.blog.com.es PLEASE HELP US TO HELP THEM (95707)

PETS BACK HOME Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.petsbackhome. co.uk Removals also arranged in other vehicles Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657

PLUMBERS

MR FIXIT. For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 (292158)

POOL

POOL MAINTENANCE Repairs, Spares and Leak Testing. Call 965 725 565 / 676 945 360 www.pooltechspain.com (292232)

REMOVALS

COSTA LESS EXPRESS , small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK budget prices. Urgent jobs undertaken www.costalessexpress.co.uk Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Tel: UK (0044) 01256 244657 (302827)

INSURANCE

MG5 - cruiser and practical family car

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

THERE are a plethora of Chinese car makers, whether in their own right or more established names now owned by Chinese companies. While some Chinese owned manufacturers are rather upmarket, like Volvo, there are more down to earth, value for money marques that have created their own niche.

One of those names is MG, a famous British brand that was recovered from the ashes of the Rover Group which has made a name for practical, stylish and affordable EVs. They started with an EV first in that the MG5 is an all­electric estate car. Now in its second incarnation it’s a more flowing and smoother design but the essentials that made the initial MG5 a hit have

all been retained to capitalise on that success.

Priced from €36,261/ £30,995 there are just two models ­ the SE and Trophy ­ with a terrific standard equipment list that includes everything from multiple driving modes and braking regeneration modes to navigation and Car Play and Android Auto, along with LED lighting and high beam assist. The higher trim Trophy model adds such items as heated front seats, privacy glass, auto wipers and a 360 parking camera. MG’s build quality has

Facts at a Glance

• Model: MG5 SE

• Engine: 61 kwh battery – 156 PS

• Gears: Automatic

• Price: €36,261/£30,995

improved immeasurably over the years that I have

• Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 7.3 seconds/Maximum Speed 185 kph (115 mph).

• Range: 250 miles on single charge WLTP

• Charging: 150kw DC charger from 10% to 80% = 35 minutes

• Emissions: 0 g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

been testing their cars, including a much more responsive touch screen system. A welcome example of where a car manufacturer is actually listening to its customers. Placing the charging socket at the front of the car is a clever and practical touch to make charging easier. While some EVs I’ve tested prove troublesome on the charging front, I never had an issue

charging the MG5 at any public charging point.

In terms of range the MG can be beaten by some rival EVs, where it can’t be beaten is on price. Look at the sharply styled MG4 from a whisker under €33k/£28k and with the MG5 there just aren’t any other dedicated EV estates so it’s on to a winner already.

The MG5, like all EVs, struggles with an abysmal public charging network so longer journeys need planning. On a more local level as a commuter car the MG is a very hard act to beat, it’s more than capable of longer runs providing you know your charge points.

It’s a comfortable cruiser and practical family car that brings a green touch at a more affordable price than many rivals, it also offers a better specification in terms of standard equipment.

MG5: A comfortable cruiser that brings a green touch at a more affordable price than many rivals.

IS the electric vehicle the only path to a greener future? The recent collaboration between automotive and logistics giants suggests there are other avenues to explore, and are acting now to make a difference.

Cristóbal Colón, a partner at consultancy firm LEK analysis reveals that even if all cars were electric by 2035, emissions would only be reduced by 68.9 per cent. However, a mixed approach using various technologies could achieve greater reductions, wrote a news source on August 12.

In 2018, a significant partnership was formed between companies like Volvo, Maersk,

EVs not the only answer

Kuehne+Nagel, and DB Schenker. Their shared goal?

To reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint of transportation by 40 per cent by 2025, with a focus on cutting operational and logistics emissions by at least 25 per cent. Electric vehicles have been heralded as the future of transportation, but these companies are looking beyond the hype. Biofuels have emerged as one of the most promising tools in the fight against climate change, offering a viable alternative to

traditional fossil fuels. Colón proposes a scenario where 2 per cent of cars are electric and 98 per cent use renewable biofuels made from waste materials like cooking oils or industrial agri­food waste. Reportedly this approach could reduce emissions by 99.4 per cent.

In a world desperate for solutions, the focus on alternatives to electric vehicles is a refreshing perspective.

The road to a sustainable future is multifaceted, and the collaboration between these

companies is a reminder that there are many paths to the same destination: a cleaner, greener planet.

11,596 New motorhomes registered in UK in 2022.

LIMITED STOCK ON REDUCED PRICED DEMO CARS

GREENER FUTURE: The alternatives are a refreshing and necessary perspective.

Greenwood’s career over

THE football career of Mason Greenwood is over as far as Manchester United are concerned.

An internal investigation that was subsequently conducted by the Old Trafford club into Greenwood’s behaviour after he was arrested in January 2022, has now been completed the Premier League giants confirmed on Monday, August 21.

Even after a case against the 21­year­old including accusations of attempted rape, assault and coercive control was previously dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February, his future at United was always hanging in the balance.

A statement from the club read: ‘Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood’.

It continued: ‘Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights

and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible. This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case’, the statement explained.

‘Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for’, it continued.

‘All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.’

‘Inappropriate’ kiss

John Ensor

WAS it a simple show of affection or an act of inappropriate behaviour? The question lingers after Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kissed Spain’s football star Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

The incident took place as Hermoso was proceeding to the podium to receive her Women’s World Cup winners’ medal, following Spain’s triumph over England in Sydney on Sunday, August 21, according to a news source. The victory was sealed by Olga Carmona’s goal on the date of the final match.

After being awarded her medal by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Hermoso was embraced by Mr Rubiales, who lifted her into the air. A short dialogue between the two ensued, culminating in Mr Rubiales pulling Hermoso close and planting a kiss on her lips.

The act quickly ignited a storm on social media, with fans and former players accusing Mr Rubiales of misconduct. Former England player Casey Stoney tweeted: ‘Would he kiss a male player like this? This is NOT ok.’

Another said: ‘This is harassment, Bro took advantage of the situation’. While another said: ‘He kissed and hugged all of them which was already embarrassing, but this was cringe­worthy. He should be banned’.

When questioned about the incident, Hermoso spoke to Spanish TV network La 1, stat­

Off to the UK

SPAIN men’s national walking football team hope to emulate the ladies World Cup success this week when they travel to the UK to participate on the International stage, looking to lift walking football’s biggest prize.

A 12 man squad picked from sides competing on the Costa del Sol and Alicante region lock horns with England, Wales and the Czech Republic amongst others in a tough looking group.

ing: “Eh... yeah, I did not enjoy that.” Mr Rubiales, in response to the uproar, told Radio Marca, “The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocies. We are champions and that is what stays with me.”

The 33­year­old Hermoso, who has had illustrious stints with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona and now plays for Mexican team Pachuca, adds the World Cup to her impressive career achievements.

Carmona’s goal in the first half, reflecting Spain’s elegant playing style, was enough to secure victory against the Lionesses in Sydney, avenging their loss in the quarter­finals of the previous year’s European Championships.

Despite an unkind draw the team’s player/manager, Mark Coleman, was positive in his thoughts ahead of the World Cup Of Nations tournament held at the HQ of English football, St George’s Park.

“We go with high aspirations and feel that we can get to the knockout stages , that’s our minimum objective, to do well would really boost this football format and encourage participation in Spain.”

The tournament starts today, Thursday August 24 ­ Saturday August 26 and Spains matches are being shown live on the Recast TV App.

CRINGE-WORTHY: He should be banned.