Olive Press Newspaper – Issue 284 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

Property

January 31st

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January 2018

Issue 18

8 URE CT PI201 THIS

- February 13th

Raheem Sterling and Branson moving in on Spain see page 13

‘inst aSpai n’s most prop erty gram mab le’ we take a revea led, plus phot olook at the most up for es hom dly frien grab s in Anda lucia

SEE PAGE VI >>

Voted BEST

expat paper in Spain

Bottoms up!

ihas been nom ria beer factory 2018. MALAGA’S Victo ding of the Year recently renovanated for Buil brewery was The 100-year-old itect firm GANA. Arted by local archhanded out every year by ural The awards are d’s most visited architect be category will chdaily, the worl winners in each website. The daily’s registered users. k of chosen by Arch announced in the first wee Winners will be February.

Mijas Costa

N O R E I D L SO

See page xx 5

Vol. 12 FREE mortgage floor

e on Fight for justic sier this year ea clauses to get

have vowed OURTS in Spain mortgage floor to speed up 2018. as increasclause claims for165,000 suits ventura, as well 50 and hirs to being and Fuerte It comes after 3% ss years before the amount of judge last year, but only people waiting owed for overpaying ing more civil servants to help proce itted subm were ing purposefully with in court. what they its. Lenders are g rejected (5,000) were dealts are the result of a repaidmortgage. lawsu the cil g the cause, havinattempted The severe delay ion to only allow 54 their Spain’s General Judicial Coun court not helpin 00 clients who government decis courts to deal with But announced an additional s some 650,0 purposefully built clause cases, caus- has ing cases in the Canary Island leaves cover all mortgage floor bottleneck’ that ing a ‘judicial

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CONCERN: Over Kim’s new refuge

Despite court cases and cruelty probe, Kim Halliwell opens new refuge A BRITISH expat accused of mistreating animals has opened another refuge after dodging a court date over animal abuse, it can be revealed. Kim Halliwell, who was the subject of a police investigation in Mijas in 2016, has now taken over Pepi’s Refugio, in Pedrera, Sevilla. It is her third animal rescue centre in five years, and supporters claim she took it over in October. Her arrival came after supporters of Pepi’s discovered dogs were increasingly malnourished and ‘starving’. One source claims that dogs who had been rehomed to the UK arrived ‘looking like skeletons’, before Kim had even taken over. “They were seriously malnourished and some had severe diarrhoea,” the source, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Olive Press.

Squalor

“One puppy and its mother were covered in dozens of tics, it’s just awful. “On one occasion the driver who was transporting the dogs to the UK was reluctant to take them. “He only did it as a favour.” But Jane Brian, who founded Pepi’s refuge 14 years ago and now rents it to Halliwell, insisted the claims are untrue and that Kim is doing a ‘fantastic job’. “No one understands the struggles of running a rescue shelter,” she said. “Kim is doing a fantastic job.” She claimed that police from SEPRONA visited last week and checked all her papers and everything was fine. SEPRONA have yet to comment.

Victory bonanz

won their deinvestors have . ANOTHER five Irish pthe Spanish courts posits back via invested in off-plan develo All of them had got built. The judgement is one ments that neverby Reclaim in Spain and the lawof over 200 won Herran, of Abolex, over the last la being de n cases Marti all yer in is confident of two years. “Martwill not take a case to court unsuccessful - he certain of winning,” victim Ollie less he is 99% Press. Reel told the Olive st the banks (not the develto provide the “The claim is again people just havessful claim.” In and ) oper/agent to make a succe correct evidence each of the claimants got theirt the latest case,plus 29% interest. “We expec deposits back ies this year,” added Reel, from victor more many ern Ireland. Armagh, in North

Issue 284 www.theolivepress.es January 31st - February 13th 2018

. with their banks sing to claim directly they are propo l abuSome reports claim offering to cance token funds, or private agreement and sive clauses by with high-fixed interest them e floor replac just as bad as the rates which are ’s General Council is to be clause rate. Spain the special courts now calling for g for a ‘more effective’ scrapped, arguin ‘total collapse’ of the plan to avoid the l system. Spanish judicia

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Animal rights special

Still on the loose Buying or sel

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

“I had heard the rumours about Kim but that is just a group of people who have made it their life’s ambition to stop her having a dog shelter,” she added. One of these, expat Jacqui Ross, claims she was ordered to appear in court last year to face charges of animal abuse

ling?

following denuncias against her Almeria refuge. The Brit, from Birmingham, who runs the One Last Chance sanctuary in Malaga, confirmed she had tried to shut down her Almeria and Mijas centres for five years. “I’ve given up, nothing seems to get done,” she said, “I saw first hand how dogs were starving, living in squalor and cramped conditions, it’s a real

shame.” Fellow refuge boss, expat Mary Page, 72, who runs respected ADANA dog sanctuary in Estepona, was stunned by the news. “She is not to be trusted and gives all of us who are actually dedicated to rehoming and caring for abandoned animals a bad name,” she said. Halliwell did not get back to the Olive Press before going to print.

Dog days are over DAVID the ‘dogman’ Klein has retired from his expat radio show at TRE citing ‘stress’. It comes after the Olive Press revealed how the ‘dog expert’ had allegedly sold illegal driving licences to unsuspecting expats. The 80-year-old also cited his age and health problems when he made the announcement live on air this week.

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Making history Spanish horse trader gets five years prison for death of ten horses SEE PAGE 2 WEBSITE

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Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es

Exposed: The traditions that still shame Spain SEE PAGE 7

www.theolivepress.es Seven Spanish traditions of extreme animal torture that MUST be stopped

PAIN is not historically famous for its kindness to animals. While most Spaniards today love animals, there are still pockets country where strange and sickening of the see our furry friends suffer torturous rituals treatment or death - just for the fun of it. Every year, Spain’s bullrunning traditions receive international condemnation, port for the bloodsport among its and supcitizens is declining. But an estimated 60,000 animals and lingering deaths every year indie horrific Spain as part of tradition fiestas - a shameful toll of torture. Below we have rounded up seven of try’s most sickening practices whichthe counmust be stopped.

FEATURE

Killer instinct Rapa das Bestas The Rapa das Bestas festival is a 400-yearold tradition in Galicia that is described as ‘terrorising horses’. On one summer afternoon, locals chase herds of wild horses into village streets. The horses are wrestled by weekend warriors who clip their manes and tails before branding them.

‘Burning bull’

The Burning Bull festival sees a bull’s set a alight before it is made to run horns through the streets in a frenzied panic. A petition calling to ban the event, in Foios, Valencia, each year, haswhich runs garnered more than 180,000 signatures. It comes after video of a bull at event showed it running into a postlast year’s and dying immediately upon impact. The bloodsport dates back 400 years cals say it is an intrinsic part of their and loculture. .

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Quail catapulting

BE ‘APPY!

Every year in Valencia, week- old baby quail are gathered to be launched from a specially-made bird-cannon. After being fired into the air they are blown to pieces by locals wielding shotguns. The primitave form of clay-pidgeon shooting is, thankfully, waning in popularity but still manages to draw crowds.

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Pero Palo The Pero Palo festival in Villanueva de la Vera, western Spain, sees a donkey dragged through the streets as locals chant and attack the animal with fireworks, cowbells and sharp objects. The donkey is then locked in a shed, if it has not died from exhaustion or from its injuries. The event is said to reenact the arrest of a town rapist who was caught and paraded through the streets on a donkey before he was stoned to death.

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Decapitating geese For 350 years, residents in Lekeito have been decapitating a live goose to celebrate their patron saint. A rope is strung across the harbour and a live goose is hung upside down by its feet from it. Boats then pass underneath it as locals try to rip off its head. Following animal rights’ outrage, the bird is now killed before it is strung up.

Goat throwing Banned in 2002, locals have been threatened with €15,000 fines for trying to defy it. On the fourth Sunday every January, young men in Manganeses de la Polyorosa would throw a live goat from a bell tower. A crowd below would then try to catch the goat with a sheet, drowning it if it survived.

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Unrest reduces economic prospects SPAIN is the only developed economy to have its growth prospects reduced by the International Monetary Fund. The forecast for 2018, announced during the World Economic Outlook Update, has been put down to political uncertainty in Catalunya. Projected to grow by 2.4%, it is one tenth of a point below the previous figures published in October. Estimates for 2019 have also been re-adjusted to 2.1%, one tenth above earlier suggestions.

Town halls may have to cut budgets if British expats don’t join the padron By Laurence Dollimore

TOURIST resorts along the Costa del Sol are concerned at the rising number of unregistered British residents. It comes after new figures revealed - at least - 16,000 people are living in Malaga province who are not officially registered. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE) there were officially 1,630,615 people officially registered as residents on January 1.

news

January 31st - February 13th 2018

Ghost residents WORRIED: Costa del Sol hotspots

The figure is a 16,000 drop from July 1 last year. The numbers come despite

CLINICA

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the province having grown by an estimated 80,000 residents, with those registered officially, via the socalled padron, only growing by 20,000. In towns popular with foreign residents, particularly British, the number of officially registered residents has, in fact, been declining over the past three years. It comes despite town hall campaigns selling the positives of the padron, as well

as several offices set up to deal with Brexit concerns. In towns, including Mijas, Benahavis and Nerja, British residents are the second highest number of official residents after Spaniards. But now these towns fear a ‘pattern of bleeding of residents’ who choose to unsubscribe to the padron. They believe various British residents are not signing on because of all the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. “But in reality they are still among us, living here,” said a Nerja town hall source. Towns with more than 20,000 inhabitants say if the trend continues, they may have to cut down on councillors and initiate budget cuts.

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Four more years? MARIANO Rajoy will run for prime minister yet again - despite his party being engulfed in corruption scandals. Spain’s PP leader made the announcement after his party finally apologised for the levels of corruption in its ranks over the last few decades. “My plan right now is to try to be a candidate again,” he said. “My party has to want it too, but I will certainly give it a try because we are headed in the right direction.”

Corruption

Make a move!

COUNSELLING/ PSYCHOTHERAPY Christie Nicholas

UP FOR IT: Rajoy

BRITS hoping to seek out the good life and head to Spain could have until December 2020 to make a move before new post-Brexit rules come into force. This would be mean a nineteen-month extension from the current March 2019 deadline after the EU said a little more time will help ease Britain’s exit from the bloc. In a statement, the EU said: “According to the EU position, during the transition period the whole of the EU acquis (accumulated legislation) will continue to apply to the UK as if it were a member state. “All existing EU regulatory, budgetary, supervisory, judiciary and enforcement instruments and structures will also apply, including the competence of the European Court of Justice.” The new deadline has yet to be agreed by the British government.

The PP party is currently fighting three large corruption cases – Gurtel, Punica and Lezo - in which numerous members, politicians and even cabinet ministers are involved. A recent poll also showed Ciudadanos would win a general election if it was held tomorrow, while the Catalunya crisis is doing little to win over voters. Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera has started directly campaigning on an ‘anticorruption’ ticket for the regional and local elections in 2019. He told a large gathering in Toledo this week that the serious levels of corruption within the PP party is ‘putting a break on the economic recovery of the country’. He added: “Spain doesn’t deserve a leader that doesn’t keep his word and who covers corruption under a carpet.”

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poli t ics

January 31st - February 13th 2018

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Lovely Jubbly Adrian Darlington, Gibraltar

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Voted BEST

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EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

A BRITISH couple are toasting a stunning New Year victory after they reversed a draconian demolition order on their stunning Spanish villa. Brits Valerie Jubb, 65, and hubby Patrick, 66, told the Olive Press how they have ‘been through hell’ over the €20,000 legal battle to save their luxury B&B. It came after their €680,000 four-bed property in Jimena de la Frontera, was slapped with a demolition order in early 2015, just as they came to sell it. Beautiful Vina de Linan had been a popular holiday hideout for British holidaymakers and expats alike prior to their decision to move back home and retire.

Ruling

But their carefully made plans to sell up and move back to the Scottish Borders were shattered when they were ordered to knock down the first floor, kitchen and pool. The order came despite the fact that all the alterations had been done BEFORE they bought the home in 2008. Indeed, as we reported in 2015, the couple had even got a certificate from the Junta declaring that there were ‘no outstanding’ planning infractions when they bought the home. As it later emerged - and was agreed by a Malaga court - the previous owners had actually legalised the 1994 extensions to the home in 2005. “I cannot express how hard these last three years of hell have been,” Valerie told the Olive Press from her home in Scotland. “It has drained us on a personal and financial level, costing us €20,000 in fees, but we are so happy that it is finally over and we can move on.” She continued: “The huge court case last May was traumatic. We were literally fighting for our livelihood, everything was on the line. We had sunk our life savings into that place.” The problem emerged because the home is inside the Alcornocales Natural Park, meaning the normal ‘four year rule’ did not apply - meaning the 4

NEWS

ANALYSIS

April 16th - April 30th 2015

Heartbreak hotel

It’s all too common

Former B&B faces demolition over alterations undertaken by old owners over two decades ago A RETIRED British couple face seeing their luxury B&B knocked down because of an ongoing property dispute with their town hall. Expats Patrick and Valerie Jubb, 63, ran celebrated La Vina de Linan, in Jimena de la Frontera until last year after buying the property in 2008. But now, the stunning farmhouse, which is for sale, is facing a demolition order from the town hall over some illegal additions made by a previous owner 14 years ago. “We did everything by the book,” explained Patrick, 64, a former engineer from London. “We used Spanish lawyers, contacted the Junta and the

EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan town hall, and obtained all the correct paperwork.” The couple only learned about the legal issues when they struck a deal to sell their 4-bedroom property for €680,000 last year. But as the deal reached its final stages the town hall declared that the first floor, kitchen and pool had been constructed illegally by previous owners in 1994 - some 14 years before the Jubb’s even purchased it. This was despite the couple getting certification from the Junta - seen by the Olive

FINAL VERDICT: For Terttu

AN expat grandmother has lost a six-year battle against Estepona Town Hall to save her loft conversion. Finnish expat Terttu Balson, 70, was this week forced to start demolishing the extension, even though her next door neighbour has one. Incredibly she has also been fined €24,300 for building the extension without the correct planning permission despite her neighbour - and many others - in the Seghers development also having illegal extensions. But it is not all doom and gloom for Balson. The town hall has now granted her permission to construct a smaller extension after the original comes down.

ANALYSIS

All too common Maura Hillen, the president of AUAN, a group set up to legalise properties in Andalucia, said cases like this are ‘all too common’ across the region. “This is yet another variation on how foreign buyers fall foul of the way planning is badly controlled in Spain,” she said. “It all comes back to the same thing. Failure to enforce the planning regulations and too much power in the hands of town halls. “If it is any comfort they are not alone, many others have similar stories to tell.” 10

the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ashya thanks

BRITISH ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, has thanked the Hospital Materno Infantil in Malaga for its treatment of Ashya King, on behalf of the British government.

NEWS

HALF-BAKED: BBC show

ANTHONY’S

are ‘all too common’ across the region. “This is yet another variation on how foreign buyers fall foul of the way planning is badly controlled in Spain,” she said. “It all comes back to the same thing. Failure to enforce the planning regulations and too much power in the hands of town halls. If it is any comfort they are not alone, many others have similar stories to tell.”

www.theolivepress.es

They’re singling me out! Pensioner, 70, complains of discrimination after being ordered to take down extension, despite neighbours all having the same

Top stamps

SPECIAL edition stamps of King Felipe and Queen Letizia have been launched by postal service Correos. Showing official photographs of the Royal duo, they can be bought for €1.

A FINNISH grandmother ordered to demolish a nineyear-old extension has accused Estepona Town Hall of being 'racially motivated' and 'singling' her out. Terttu Balson, 70, has been involved in an ongoing six-

EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan

year legal battle with the town hall after they served her with a demolition order and fined her €24,300 in 2008 for building a loft extension

without the correct planning permission. Several other properties in the Seghers community have similar extensions without planning licences - including Balson's next door Spanish neighbour - but Balson is the

Boozy trips

ONE in seven youngsters coming to Spain on holiday have admitted that they are drunk on the plane, according to a survey by website Jetcost. com.

Big Willy

MANCHESTER City goalkeeper Willy Caballero has told La Liga officials that he was approached by a match-fixing syndicate when playing for Malaga last year.

A CONTROVERSIAL documentary about expat life in Spain has been dubbed ‘irritating and unsubstantial’. The BBC programme ‘Costa del Sol: Last Brits Standing’ was also incorrect, with recent figures showing that, in fact, British expat numbers grew last year and continue this year. “It’s a manipulated, out-ofdate report that doesn’t bring anything new to the table. Just irritation,” said Barbara Mora of online news site Vertele. Meanwhile Spanish daily ABC said that the assertion that dreams go sour in Spain was unfair given last year’s record tourist rates of 65 million, 15 million of those British. Telegraph critic Ceri Radiford described the documentary as ‘an entertaining if insubstantial look at expat life’.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Terttu’s ‘illegal’ extension and

adjoining neighbour’s (right)

only resident facing court action. "It is completely discriminatory, I cannot help but think that it is not a coincidence that I have been chosen when I am the only foreigner living here," she told the Olive Press. Balson believed she had received planning permission when she contracted a Spanish architect Mario Jones in 2005. Now however, she feels that he did not do his job properly despite being paid €2,500 to take over the project and sort out the building licence. Jones, however, said he feels 'no guilt or responsibility and that Balson is to blame for the situation. He said: "I told her from the beginning that she wasn't allowed to build. Most people get away with it but she DESPERATE: Balson hasn't. and dogs "She is definitely being unfairly treated and I am not with so many foreigners livsure why. I hope that the ing on the coast I don't think town hall is not targeting her it happens now." because she is foreign. Despite numerous attempts "Maybe that sort of thing Estepona Town Hall did not happened in the old days, but answer any of our questions.

Still on-the-run FLASHBACK: Our story Offer

A WANTED property fraudster has been tracked down to a luxury home in Benahavis, after an exclusive Olive Press investigation this month. According to neighbours in kids barely went to school upmarket La Heredia urbanand rarely even came out to isation, Rebecca Wells, 37, play. has fled owing money to sev“She never mixed with the loeral businesses. cal community here and one Keen horserider Wells - who day she was gone leaving an spent eight years posing as unpaid electricity bill.” an estate agent - is now being The Olive Press has still been sought by police, as reported unable to contact Wells, over in the Olive Press last issue, her defrauding of expats who after four denuncias were paid rent on properties she posted against her. did not own. “She owes money to the Wells, aka Prior, allegedly DISAPPEARED: Wells and La Heredia, where she rented a butcher, restaurant and the took a series of deposits for home baker, as well as for repairs to homes which she did not own. reported concern for her four If you have any information her car,” said one neighbour. former neighbour Frank Cochildren. An expat couple living oppo- myn, president of the Palmabout Rebecca Wells, please Comyn, who lived opposite contact newsdesk@theolivesite Wells’ house in the ur- eras del Golf urbanisation her for two years said: “The press.es banisation reported that they in Benalmadena Costa, has saw her packing all the family’s possessions into a rental car on October 1 the day our expose came out. When the Olive Press visited a few days later, the house had clearly been abandoned and the family car - a black Fabulous food and entertainment including a 5* Christmas Chrysler - was apparently or New Years Eve Gala Dinner with fine wine dumped outside. Meanwhile another

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THE Balearics would be one of Europe’s worst affected areas in a no-deal Brexit. The government has reported its fears in a hard-hitting damage limitation report, compiled by the EU. Half of Spain’s regions fear a serious downturn if the UK left the union without a deal. A total of 8 out of 17 regions have joined a group of 40 European areas warning of serious economic effects. A massive 80% of the Balearic economy relies on tourism and if Brits can no longer afford to travel, it will greatly affect the island’s service industries. “Any change in the freedom of movement will be felt, given that 25% of tourists are from the UK,” read the appeal, compiled by the European Committee of the Regions. The UK is also the second biggest investor in the region after Switzerland. The Canary Islands, which ship 16/06/2017 15:36 a considerable amount of food

PLEASE HELP US Tourist downturn predicted

TOURIST figures for the Balearics may have peaked. A leading tourist boss fears a gradual decline of visitors due to a recovery in the Turkish and Tunisian markets.“The growth curve of tourism is beginning to change its trajectory,” said RIU hotels boss Carmen Riu. to the UK, have warned that no free trade agreement ‘could destroy’ its economy. Andalucia is also extremely vulnerable to Brexit with a feared drop in tourism as well as trade and investment, plus the issue of the Gibraltar border, which

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Issue 17

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November

22nd -

December

Find out how drones changing are game and the property help you how they can sell your home

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5th 2017

XVIII >>

Best in class

The Rock’s original community

PHILOSOPHER’S STONES: stunning Thinker Casa Mata Llull (left)

THE Fairhomes has scored Group a hatrick at the Property International Awards, London. in While its Imperial Ocean Plaza won best residential developmenthigh rise in Gibraltar, the World Centre Trade office won the best and the development

IT Onewspaper N once lived

best office architecture PAIN is award on the Rock. healthy all set for another The World market. year for the property Trade CenAnother tre has Sales and to rise… 12 months into the also been put as long prices are expected more sales final for den economic as there in Europe’ ‘Best are - as long of growth in which the country’s shocks, be announced will predictsno sud- 6.1% as Catalunya Spain with largest agents. According cember one of next year, on Depected 6.9% compared 10% ticulary as Emilia 4. 9.3% next to Anticipa sales is dealt with an this year. Hazell-Smith, Prices the marketing with up from year to 526,000 will rise by ex- independence been calledregional elections for resales meanwhile, properties, of Fairhomes, director for December more than481,000 this have now and situation direct rule. and Madrid year and to increase are expected new builds part of which is Prices are in 2016. However, has calmed down.21, and the 21% quarter Ocean imposed The region to continue by 5.8% said the also expected Village, of Spain’s this has not over the of this year. est in Spainis regarded group ‘very proud’ The firm’s stopped to rise fourth as the wealthiwas with links largest property and its some by compiled latest report, has seen achieved to have capital share pricesto the region, companies the honour. however, before price risessome of the highestBarcelona “The award Catalunya was It seen their slump. Merlin Properties property testimony is the best is hoped this year. declared 5.3% and of the and Colonial ty will not that the political quality high 6.4% respectively affect sales height of uncertainfell by we have construction too much, Investors the independence developed at the and the par- policy are adopting crisis. successful design in the run a sence that is the esup to the‘wait and see’ of elections. Ocean lage’s success.” Vil-

The Gibraltar January 31st -Olive February 13th 2018 Press speaks exclusively to Fabian Picardo on Brexit, the Gibraltarian constitution and his passion for politics. “We will never fall into the New Labour trap.” SEE PAGE 6

WIND CHILLING Buying

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Page turner

Gibraltar’s new literary sensation tells us all

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Load of waffle

The dining experience taking the Rock by storm

Page 21

or selling?

GALE force winds have battered Gibraltar closing schools, bringing down trees and diverting flights. One person was hospitalised, while Ocean Spa Plaza in Ocean Village, saw its upper floor scaffolding cover torn apart in the early hours of the morning. In shocking footage put on social media, steel bolts and scaffolding poles can be seen falling on top of St Anne’s school gymnasium and a line of cars below. The winds of more than 100km/h also meant that some flights from the Rock were di-

Hats off John

We preview Galliano’s exciting new menswear line

Fuengirola

verted, with passengers transported by coach to Malaga. St Anne’s and Notre Dame schools were shut due to minor damage, while a third school St Martin’s, also called off lessons. Following an emergency civil contingency meeting Minister Gilbert Licudi QC, said: “Today we have withstood the effects of very serious, abnormal wind conditions. “I am grateful to the emergency services, teachers and technical staff for quickly working to mitigate the effects of these conditions and to keep Gibraltar safe.” TAKING A HIT: Ocean Village

Straight to detention

A BITTER row between the government and Gibraltar Teachers’ Association (GTA) has escalated. The two bodies are at loggerheads, after a GTA spokesman claimed that 99% of teachers were ‘not happy’ with the government’s con-

Row after claims ‘99% of teachers’ unhappy with controversial schools plan

troversial schools’ plan. In an angry statement, Victor Gonzalez insisted that ‘none of the staff’ at West-

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Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

2017

Vol. 3 Issue 63 www.gibraltarolivepress.com January 31st - February 13th 2018

952 581 561

Michael Fewings, London

November

DON’T think about owned by one of theit too long… but just come godfather’s this historic The 1,500 up for sale. of Spanish home once ownedmetre square philosophyonce has by Mallorcancountry home, wrote in philosopher Casa Mata, Credited Catalan. as being was Ramon one of the Llull, who forefathers even has of Catalonia, a university him in Barcelona. named Llull On sale after stunning via various agents, hunting ca has the estate 53 hectares in Mallorand numerous of prime The 13th outbuildings. land century was hugely writer influential and artist land and once taught on the II of aragon. isking James ANCIENT: a Llull book Llull lived in the huge Algaida estate near from 1250 of six religious a missionary until converting leave his family visions leda series cism. him Muslims to He wrote and Jews lead a life as to tomb in over 200 works to catholiPalma’s ing restored. basilica during his life of St Francis, and has His family a currently It sits nearsold the home bein the Llucmajor Montuiri. on the 16th century. road from Randa to

952 887 125

• Car • Home • Pet • Business • Health • Marine • Travel • Holiday home

17 January

small bag, unless passengers have paid for priority boarding. The centuries-old local delicacy made from pastry and powdered sugar is deemed one of the very few European exceptions. The price of checking in a suitcase has dropped from €35 to €25 with the weight allowance going up from 15 to 20kgs.

In Mallorca

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Catalunya was excluded from giving its opinion after losing its autonomy following the referendum chaos last year. But it will also be badly affected. It is estimated that a hard Brexit will leave a €10 billion hole in EU finances each year, much of

which would be spent in Spain. The report, stated that all of the 40 regions would see ‘immediate effects’ on commercial trade and the movement of people and tourists. One British-owned Mallorcan removal company, White & Company, told the Olive Press this week that it was already seeing a fairly substantial net loss of British expats from the island. “We’re definitely moving more back to the UK, than are arriving,” said spokesman Robert Jones. “It's a lot to do with the uncertainty at the moment with the Brexit scenario and the older generation who are anxious about the future generally,” he added.

Have your cake… IT is one of the most common sights while boarding planes at Palma airport. Now airline Ryanair has agreed to allow passengers to take a box of ‘ensaimada’ tart on top of their normal hand luggage when flying from Mallorca. This comes despite the airline recently tightening its cabin bag rules, only allowing one

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She also fears tourists from the mainland will be the largest lost market in 2018, due to the recent rise in tourist tax. Despite the likely drop in tourist numbers, she still fears a ‘problem of saturation’ on the island this summer, due to a lack of control on tourist numbers.

could affect the jobs of 10,000 Spanish workers. The other regions affected would be Valencia, Murcia, Castilla la Mancha and the Basque region, which has 50 companies with offices in the UK.

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HardMaura Hillen, president of AUAN, a group set up to knocklegalise properties in Andalucia, said cases like this

THREATENED: B&B and (below) Patrick and Valerie Press - confirming there were Alcornocales Natural Park, no planning infractions when meaning the normal ‘four they bought the 280m2 prop- year rule’ does not apply. erty. “It means the land registry Although the previous own- should never have approved ers didn’t have official build- the alterations, but of course ing permits at the time, the they did,” explained Patrick. alterations were later legal- “We are in absolute pieces ised, according to the Jubbs, over this. All we want is to at the land registry in San go back to the UK to be with Roque in 2005. our family and friends, but we The problem emerged be- can’t. All our money is tied up cause the home is inside the in the property.”

Mock-umentary

land registry should never have approved the alterations. “It has been a complete failure on the part of the town hall and those in charge, and we will never invest in Spanish property again,” added Valerie. “I feel betrayed by the town hall. I ran the local animal rescue centre and saved them a fortune by rehoming and neutering stray cats and dogs.“It’s such a shame because the area is so beautiful, but at least we can finally move on.”

Told you so

The land registry should never have approved the alterations. The couple said: ‘It has been a complete failure on the part of the town hall and those in charge, and we will never invest in Spanish property again,’... JUST DON’T BUY PROPERTY IN SPAIN, how many more times do I have to say it?

BUZZING: Jubbs are all smiles after villa (above) is saved and (inset) 2015 story

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF

Wage wars

WORKERS in Spain get paid 27.3% less than the Eurozone average, making €15.70 per hour in 2014 compared to the €21.60 average in common currency nations.

Crony central

THREE Manilva mayoral candidates vying for the coveted post still have pending court cases against their names.

Pest control

OVER 300 bird boxes have been installed in Mijas in the hope that small tits will flock to the area and prey on the poisonous processionary caterpillar.

Jennifer Meadus, San Roque

At last!

HELL AND BACK

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Vol. 12 Issue 283 www.theolivepress.es January 17th - January 30th 2018

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Fiesta!

CLEARED: James Berry

Well done guys! This reads like such a battle but glad you got through it and saw it through to the end! Surely an inspiration for those in a similar situation.

Mijas Costa

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Our readers react to the news that the Jubbs won their home back after their town hall tried to demolish it almost 10 years ago Gambler’s game Inspiration Buying property in Spain is like playing Russian roulette with your money. One minute everything is fine and above board and the next minute it’s all illegal.

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AN expat headmaster has had a sex abuse claim against him dropped. Mallorca’s provincial court has archived the case against James Berry. The owner of the King Richard III school in Portals Nous had been arrested after his adult daughter made claims of sexual abuse in March 2016. But an investigation has now discovered that the accusations were false and made in a bid to take over his school. “I lost all sense of time”, explained Berry, who was kept in a police cell for two nights. “I prayed. They were some of the most difficult days of my life.” He explained that his daughter and a couple of other former teachers wanted to run him out of the school and his daughter wanted to headmaster. Numerous parents from the school have spoken out in support for him. One mother said of the daughter’s false accusations, “She wanted to be the director. We believed in him. We never had any doubt”. Despite his ordeal, he will not take any action against his daughter.

GOOD times Ahoy!

Voted

FLIGHTS

per person from

side, Governor’s Meadow, Bishop Fitzgerald and St Martin’s were ‘happy with the plans as they currently stand’. He added: “99% of our members were not happy and they felt they are not being consulted.”

The issue revolves around a plan announced in October that would see the construction of eight new schools on the Rock by the end of next year. As well as rebuilding existing schools, including Gibraltar College, Westside and Notre Dame, the government will open two brand new co-ed schools at Waterport.

The government has now come in for further criticism after it supported senior teachers at Westside School

and banned the GTA from with a minimum amount holding further meetings on of disruption and in a way site. which puts children first.’ Junior teachers expressed The two main concerns their ‘sadness and disap- were the issue of a ‘mega pointment’ at the ban, add- school campus housing ing: “We feel that as GTA two independent secondary members we have a right to schools’ and ‘the unreasonmeet our union representa- ably fast pace’ the plans are tives at our place of work being implemented. irrespective of how good or “It is abundantly clear that bad current relations are. teachers and other educa“We stand fully behind our tion professionals feel left union.” out,” Llamas said. The GTA went public with The government hit back its concerns aiming to put at the GTA’s concerns howpressure on the government ever, arguing that it remains to consult more with teach- committed to further coners over the project. sultation with teachers and An anonymous survey into other education professionthe reforms, carried out by als. independent MP Lawrence It also argued that new deLlamas, found that 81% of signs for Notre Dame, West146 teachers believed the side and Bayside schools government had not suffi- had been signed off by their ciently consulted them. respective head teachers. A further 70% disagreed A representative from that the government had the GTA condemned the taken enough time to en- government’s action this sure that plans for reform week as a ‘gross overreacwere ‘carried out correctly, tion’.

In Gibraltar

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OlivePressNewspaper olivepress

January 31st - February 13th 2018

olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs

BE ‘APPY!

The only place in Spain where you can buy the artist’s balloon sculptures in miniature for millions less

Do you have a what’s on?

January 31st - February 13th 2018

in Spain where you can pick up one of these sculptures for a fraction of the price. Frenchman Jean Claude, owner of Vertigo, is selling miniaturised versions of Koons’ iconic balloon monkey, balloon rabbit, balloon swan and bal-

Guetta load of that!

Send your informati on to newsdesk@theolivep ress.es

Balloon rhapsody

NOT WANTED: Statue Download our app now and PURCHASING a Jeff Koon sculpture can set you back a fair begin enjoying the best Spanishfew million, on a good day. news on the go. Among the American’s claims to fame is having the most expensive piece of art by a living artist sold at auction - a 40-foot FEMINISTS are demanding balloon dog, which sold for the removal of a bronze statue $58.4 million in 2013 in New York. of Woody Allen in Oviedo. This is in response to allega- But if you don’t have the room tions that Allen molested his for such extravagance, help is at hand. daughter The Dylan Olive Farrow when Press she was seven-years-old in Vertigo Marbella at the Marbella Club Hotel is the only place 1992. TOP forFeminist news inOrSpain! The Asturias ganisation said the life-size sculpture serves ‘to honour an abuser and pervert’. His daughter alleged in the New York Times that he ‘touched DAVID Guetta will play at one of the Costa del Sol’s my labia and my vulva with his biggest music festivals. fingers...whispering that I was The French DJ and producer will be one of the biga good girl, that this was our segest acts at the the Weekend Beach Festival in Torre cret’ - something Allen denies, del Mar this summer. claiming his ex-wife Mia ‘cyniOther international superstars are still to be ancally’ coached their adopted nounced. The fifth edition of the festival will take daughter to level the charges to place on the Axarquia beach on from July 4 to 7. ensure a messy divorce. Other artists include The Offspring, Jimmy Cliff, Allen has frequently used OvieBunbury, Izal, Macaco, Invisible Dance, Aborosie, El do as a location for his movies, Langui, Celtas Cortos, Muchachito, Arco, Neuman most notably, Vicky Cristina and Long live Sweden. Barcelona.

Woody who?

green

loon dog collections. The collector, who describes himself as a ‘self-confessed art addict’ says he is selling portable 30 centimetre high sculptures, some of which are limited editions. “Koons has always pushed himself from the beginning and I think his artwork reflects that drive,” Claude told the Olive Press. Getting your hands on these glossy miniatures will set you back €10,000 to €15,000, depending on the piece. Claude also has a showroom in Geneva, Switzerland where he started selling Koons work two years ago. He set up another emporium in Marbella six months ago. It was in Switzerland where Claude established a relationship with Bernardaud, the company with exclusive rights to the porcelain casts of Koons’ work.

what’s on

olmenar February 4 Festival of La Candelaria

THE village pays tribute to its patron saints, the Virgin of La Candelaria and San Blas with a procession from their chapel to the church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion.

uerto Banus - February 14 - Valentines

alahonda February 10 - Classic car

Day

CELEBRATE a special day with your loved one listening to Whitney Houston from a live tribute band at La Sala.

show

‘GINGER and pink’ is the theme of this years classic car show bringing together some of the finest motors through the ages. Starts Centro Comercial Los Olivos at 10am.

l a donaira salon sessions proudly presents: Irish tenor

Dominic McGorian

February 16 2018 This is the first of a programme of monthly Salon Sessions: world-class performances featuring international artists, accompanied by good company, fine wine and a tapas supper. Tickets are €35 and include food, drinks and shuttle transport from La Posada (Calle Fuentes, 49), El Gastor. Tickets can be paid for at La Posada on the day, but owing to limited availability, should be booked in advance. Transport 20:00; Tapas 20:30; Concert 21:30. Contact info @ladonaira.com.

www.theolivepress.es

12 culture

January 31st - February 13th 2018 January 31st - February 13th 2018

EXPLORING: (Left) the hills of Ronda and (right) mountain biking in action

There is nothing I like more than getting out on my mountain bike and exploring the stunningly beautiful Andalucian countryside, writes Ashley higgins

Ride wild side

on the

NDALUCIA has a well-deserved reputation for Literally on our doorstep we can enjoy anything from having some of the world’s best single track easy non-technical cross country rides to Moab style trails, technical down hills and ‘slick rock’ riding and anything in becross-country mountain biking. tween. My home in Montecorto is located on the On our doorstep I am a UK registered and qualified mounedge of Granada’s Grazalema Natural tain bike instructor so when riding with we can enjoy Park and close to the Serrania de Ronda clients I can, if required, incorporate and the Sierra de Nieves. skills and practices into their mountain anything from From there I can ride vehicle-width dirt biking to develop braking technique, body tracks all day long, dropping into villages easy cross country positioning and balance on the bike. like Setenil de la Bodegas, Grazalema, ZaThis often means that we will stop at secto Moab style hara and El Burgo for lunch. tions of the trail that require a new level However, if I also want to test myself and of skill for on-the-trail coaching. push the limits, I can ride mile after mile of This informal training usually results in testing single track, tough climbs and fast flowing down an improvement in their technical ability and, therefore, hills. their confidence.

For 14 years now I have explored this area on my mountain bike and have an unrivalled knowledge of the best places to ride and more importantly the best places for my clients to ride that will leave them pumped with adrenalin, a touch tired but also grinning from ear to ear at the end of the day!

If you fancy coming up and joining me for some bike riding, mountain biking or road cycling give me a call on 0034 952 184 042 (office) or 0034 677 028 469 (mobile).

NATURE: Andalucia has beautiful cycle paths and (right) there are routes for pros and kids

Property www.theolivepress.es

olive press

www.theolivepress.es

January 2018

Issue 18

Picture13 this

January 31st - February 13th 2018

Spain’s most ‘instagrammable’ property revealed, plus we take a look at the most photofriendly homes up for grabs in Andalucia

SEE PAGE VI >>

Bottoms up!

MALAGA’S Victoria beer factory has been nominated for Building of the Year 2018. The 100-year-old brewery was recently renovated by local architect firm GANA. The awards are handed out every year by Archdaily, the world’s most visited architectural website. The winners in each category will be chosen by Archdaily’s registered users. Winners will be announced in the first week of February.

SOLDIER ON C OURTS in Spain have vowed to speed up mortgage floor clause claims for 2018. It comes after 165,000 suits were submitted last year, but only 3% (5,000) were dealt with in court. The severe delays are the result of a government decision to only allow 54 purposefully built courts to deal with all mortgage floor clause cases, causing a ‘judicial bottleneck’ that leaves

Fight for justice on mortgage floor clauses to get easier this year people waiting years before being repaid what they owed for overpaying their mortgage. But Spain’s General Judicial Council has announced an additional court covering cases in the Canary Islands

and Fuerteventura, as well as increasing the amount of judges to 50 and hiring more civil servants to help process the lawsuits. Lenders are purposefully not helping the cause, having rejected some 650,000 clients who attempted

to claim directly with their banks. Some reports claim they are proposing token funds, or offering to cancel abusive clauses by private agreement and replace them with high-fixed interest rates which are just as bad as the floor clause rate. Spain’s General Council is now calling for the special courts to be scrapped, arguing for a ‘more effective’ plan to avoid the ‘total collapse’ of the Spanish judicial system.

Victory bonanza

ANOTHER five Irish investors have won their deposits back via the Spanish courts. All of them had invested in off-plan developments that never got built. The judgement is one of over 200 won by Reclaim in Spain and the lawyer Martin de la Herran, of Abolex, over the last two years. “Martin is confident of all cases being successful - he will not take a case to court unless he is 99% certain of winning,” victim Ollie Reel told the Olive Press. “The claim is against the banks (not the developer/agent) and people just have to provide the correct evidence to make a successful claim.” In the latest case, each of the claimants got their deposits back plus 29% interest. “We expect many more victories this year,” added Reel, from Armagh, in Northern Ireland.

Buying or selling?

II 14

Property

www.theolivepress.es

HOME SALES IN ANDALUCIA Q3 2017

Foreign buyers dominate home sales in Malaga The latest figures show foreign buyers made up 14% of the market in Andalucia in Q3 of 2017. In Malaga province, the figure was more than double at 30%. Of the 7,638 properties bought in Malaga, some 2,262 were purchased by foreign buyers, the majority being British.

Agencies need more regulation, writes Mark Stucklin

RIPPLE of alarm is running through Spain’s property sector over the return of cowboy realtors. The reappearance of these opportunists keen to ride the crest of the new buying wave is worrying some of the most established names in the business. They’re concerned that it could have a negative effect on the sector’s reputation which has cost so much to rebuild in an industry that is permanently under the spotlight. You only need to look back a decade or so, when it was fashionable to be a developer or estate agent with no experience, to understand the concern among the companies with more experience. This includes those who have sat out the crisis and the new arrivals who have helped to relaunch the market (for example Aedas Homes). The risk of the arrival of newbie companies pursuing easy money is one of challenges to be met in the new property market cycle. It was precisely the ‘chiringuitos’ (beach bars) – the term used at the time (a decade ago) to describe the amateurs in the property sector – who helped inflate the bubble and damage the industry’s reputa-

January 31st2018 - February 13th 2018 January

Cowboy concerns

tion through malpractice. New en- gain the high profile they had in the trants in property development were past. helped along by easy bank loans for “We aren’t aware of this phenomenon at the moment,” he adds, “but dubious housing schemes. “The economic context allowed peo- we’re not ruling out the occasional ple with no training or experience in incident.” He believes that the sector itself enthe sector to become part of it with sures there aren’t the sole objective of many of these making easy money on Many of the new agents, since it an all-or-nothing basis,” badly affects the says Daniel Cuervo, entrants lack serious and reGeneral Secretary of professionalism sponsible compathe Spanish Property Developer and Conand are chasing nies. “Suppliers and structor Association easy money partners who (APCE). These pseudonurture non-proprofessional operations fessionals will tar were the first to disappear during the property crisis. themselves with the same brush Banks nowadays are more cautious and find it difficult to work with proand don’t give loans to just anyone. fessional companies,” he says. This means the development sector His words are, for the time being, is more protected from opportunists, backed up by the facts. According according to Cuervo. to the national business registry “The loan market requires a signifi- compiled by the Spanish Institute of cant injection of capital, such as hav- Statistics (INE), in 2017 there were ing the land paid for as well as the 67,812 companies involved in sellproject and licence costs. You also ing property, the lowest figure since need to show a track record of abil- the registry started in 2008 with ity, know-how and professionalism,” 106,375 on its books. Since then, he explains, adding that “it would be the number has not stopped falling. very difficult for non-professionals to But if the property development

business is protected from cowboy operations by financing considerations, the estate agency business is not. Anyone can set up as an estate agent in Spain, and the barriers to entry are low, which helps explain why the number of companies in the sector has risen from 149,000 in 2015 to 169,000 today, according to figures from the INE. Industry insiders fear that many of the new entrants lack professionalism, are chasing easy money and could end up damaging the industry’s reputation, just like they did in the past. “It seems that the real estate agency business has no restrictions and anyone can work in it,” one unhappy client told the Olive Press. “In my case I got the impression that they just want to close sales any way they can, and collect their commission, without taking care of the client.” Some industry insiders are calling on the Spanish Government to regulate the business and make it difficult for cowboy operations to take advantage of the recovery and damage the industry’s reputation again.

www.spanishpropertyinsight. com

Property

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Fashion funds

AMANCIO Ortega has injected €100 million into his Spanish real estate business Pontegadea España. It comes after the billionaire created the new subsidiary for Spanish properties in November. The new business will focus on properties in Spain and currently has holdings worth more than €1.6 billion, including Madrid’s Torre Cepsa tower designed by British architect Norman Foster. The Zara founder’s property corporation Pontegadea Inmobiliaria already has separate companies in the US, France, UK and Korea, which are dedicated to managing the property business in each country and has holdings worth €6.7 billion.

January January 31st - February 13th 2018 2018

RICHARD Branson’s long planned eco-hotel has come one step nearer to reality. A Mallorca mayor has publicly backed the scheme, insisting it would bring jobs to the quiet town in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The project, first conceived in the early 2000s, aims to be ‘the best eco resort in Europe’. It would see the historic Son Bunyola estate turned into a luxury environmentally-friendly resort. Although many locals were behind the original project and the jobs it would have created, after a lengthy battle the local town hall in Banyalbufar refused the building permits.

III15

Green light The Virgin boss currently has three properties in Mallorca, all of which have been moderately restored while keeping the historic value intact, winning favour among locals. The Son Bunyola estate was sold after the original project fell through but it was recently re-bought by the billionaire entrepreneur. The property, encompassing three villas, is vast and contains a third of the town’s open land. The Council of Mallorca will have the final say on the project.

Lotta sterling

England ace Raheem Sterling netting a mega bucks purchase on the Costa del Sol

ONDER kid Raheem Sterling is investing big bucks into a new home on the Costa del Sol. The Manchester City star is celebrating his stunning form by forking out more than €5 million on a palatial Marbella pad. The holiday hotspot is said to be a favourite for the forward, who signed with City for £49m from Liverpool and earns around £200,000-a-week. The 23-year-old has been repeatedly seen jumping on an EasyJet flight to Malaga during his time off from fighting it out for the Premier League. The youngster and his wife Paige Milian already have a huge £3m mansion in the Cheshire countryside but are keen to add the Spanish pad to their property empire.

SUN IS SHINING: On Spain’s British property market

Sunny forecast

A PLACE in the Sun has forecast a rosey outlook for Spain’s property market this year. It comes after 2017 saw a much betterthan-expected bump in enquirires from Brits looking to buy in Spain, despite the ongoing Brexit fallout. And Spain has continued to be the hot favourite, receiving far more enquiries and with Brits remaining the bigget buyers.

Adventurous

GEM: Raheem’s home

The luxury villa in Marbella is located just 100m from the beach between Puerto Banus and San Pedro de Alcantara. Costing a cool €5 million, the description says it 'represents a unique opportunity to experience the Marbella lifestyle'.

“We British are an adventurous, acquisitive bunch who love property and 2018 will see a sizable number of people move forward with plans to buy their place in the sun”, says Andy Bridge, Managing Director of A Place in the Sun. “Each year throws up issues that impact the number of buyers – the value of the pound, Brexit worries, the wider economy – but inevitably we don’t want to be put off”.

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Property

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January 31st2018 - February 13th 2018 January

Don’t get bitter, get Bitcoin

YOU can now buy property with Bitcoin on the Costa del Sol. It comes after Drumelia Real Estate listed a property which can be bought with the cryptocurrency. The property is worth €2.49 million - around 183 bitcoins - and sits in popular La Alqueria, in Benahavis. Drumelia Real Estate director Sergey Sinichkin said: “Those who accept the payment of a property in bitcoins are investors in cryptocurrencies. “They trust bitcoin will be consolidated and that it’s a safe payment method. “Actually, in practice, it’s like any other currency.”

Five-star frenzy CASH INJECTION: Upgrades for Calle Ancha (above) and Plaza del Santo Cristo (right)

MARBELLA’S count of new luxury hotel openings has risen to FIVE. One group of British and Swiss investors are sinking €15 million into four developments in the historic Old Town. The Rhone Property group has snapped up some of the old quarter’s most picturesque properties to restore as five-star hotels. One will see a 16th Century mansion in Calle Ancha transformed into the Maison Ardois boutique hotel. A four-storey Plaza del Santo Cristo house and the former Dr Maiz Vinals’

Millions being ploughed into luxury Marbella hotels by foreign investors

home in Plaza Puente de Ronda will also receive the hotel upgrade. A fourth project - Hotel Castillo - will be built inside the old castle walls. Together the new hotels will offer 50 rooms to 105 guests, with the Calle Ancha and Plaza de Santo Cristo buildings nearing completion next

month. Meanwhile, the March opening of the five-star Nobu Hotel in Marbella and signature Nobu Restaurant, reported in our last issue, brings the number of new five-star establishments coming online in the town to five. Rhône Property boss Miguel Cerván said: “The investors who come to Marbella are looking for something special. They are aware that tourists’ tastes are changing. They wanted places which would enable clients to discover the real Marbella, the traditional, typical town which few people really know.”

Property

www.theolivepress.es

GOLDEN MILE

Ref: OP9902

Beachside penthouse with sea views in Puente Romano!

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Wonderful 4-bedroom, second line beach duplex penthouse in the much sought-after, fully gated complex of Marina Puente Romano. Only a few steps to the sea. It must be viewed to be appreciated!

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Ref: OP7261

3-bedroom ground-floor corner apartment with private garden in a gated complex, just a few minutes’ walk to the beach and Puerto Banús.

GOLDEN MILE

January January 31st - February 13th 2018 2018

Built: 137 m² Terraces: 45 m² Price: € 495,000

Charming 4-bedroom villa distributed on two levels. Located in La Carolina, walking distance to the beach and all amenities.

Built: 344 m² Plot: 1,052 m² Price: € 1,295,000

Ref: OP9830

5-bedroom villa next to Centro Plaza, close to all amenities and walking distance to Puerto Banús. Sea views, guest apartment and 2-car garage.

GOLDEN MILE

Ref: OP9735

Built: 217 m² Terraces: 76 m² Price: € 3,450,000

Built: 327 m² Plot: 812 m² Price: € 1,150,000

Ref: OP8122

3-bedroom apartment in La Trinidad. 24-hour security, within a very short distance to the beach and the famous 5-star Hotel Puente Romano.

Built: 198 m² Terrace: 33 m² Price: € 1,345,000

Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Marbella Club Hotel Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 info@panorama.es www.panorama.es An International Associate of Savills

Regulated by RICS

XVI 17

VI 18

Property

www.theolivepress.es

January 31st2018 - February 13th 2018 January

Snappy happy

Andalucia’s most ‘instagrammable’ properties

SPANISH villa has been labelled one of the ‘most Instagrammable’ luxury pads in the world. Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent Villas announced its Black Collection 2018 this week, a selection of 40 stunning villas chosen by a panel of experts based on location, décor, popularity with guests and ‘Instagrammableness’. The Mallorca villa (left) comes complete with a pebbled beach and is built on a 275-hectare private estate on the northwest coast of the island. The property’s name - Se Terra Rotja - translates as ‘red earth’, with the villa capped with terracotta tiles and constructed with red-tinged stone and mortar. Priced from £2026 (€2305) per person per week, the villa sleeps eight people across its four ensuite bedrooms. Below we have rounded up some of Andalucia’s ‘most instagrammable’ villas.

ANUNCIO OLIVE PRESS ENERO 18 OK.pdf

22/1/18

15:33

3.850.000 €

Looking for Design Inspiration?

Benahavis beauty

This stunning four-bed is one to get the camera snapping. Set in the exclusive El Madroñal estate and with views of Africa, this 2,600m2 property comes with a separate apartment ideal for guests or live-in helper. Built to the highest specifications, this ecofriendly property has everything to provide the most comfortable life, including its iridescent mosaic tiled, salt water infinity pool (11 m) with pre-installation for heat pump, landscape gardens and the large terrace area that curves around the back of the house allowing views of the whole property.

The leading home decoration magazine for homeowners with style… Tel. (+34) 951 38 38 97 | info@homeandlifestyle.es | www.homeandlifestyle.es

www.spanishestateagent.com Continues on next page

Property

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January January 31st - February 13th 2018 2018

XVI 19

VIII 20

Property

www.theolivepress.es

January 31st2018 - February 13th 2018 January

€29,000,000 €6,500,000

Soto mansion

Zagaleta belter From previous page

This unbelievable property is the stuff of Instagram dreams, but you’ll have to get saving to meet its whopping €29,000,000 price tag. Constructed over three levels plus an enormous sub basement area, this superb property offers everything you could possibly wish for. With south facing panoramic views over the enormous 6900m2 completely flat plot, to the Mediterranean sea and beyond. The villa has a large office, library complete with private lounge, and a gym area. The guest accommodation here is an open plan studio style, with a fully fitted kitchen, bedroom, bathrooms and dressing room, and although this area is fully integrated into the overall structure of the house, it is completely independent and is ideal for guests wishing to have their own privacy. Here you also find the staff accommodation comprising of a

shared kitchen, living room, two bedrooms en suite and walk in wardrobes. The entire ground level has been primarily designed for your entertainment, offering a spacious lobby with central bar and is ideal for parties or receptions, a wine cellar, billiard room, home theater, double bowling alley and a golf simulator. Also at this level is a fabulous spa, with a saltwater swimming pool and various saunas - a classic sauna, steam bath, salt bath, coldarium, all with access to a large covered terrace, jacuzzi and a separate bar. A simply stunning property, completely unique to this stunning part of the world. With two gated and fully guarded entrances the estate has 24 hour high level armed security.

This fabulous and impressive project set in a breathtaking, private location, will be built to the highest of standards. Using all natural materials, hand crafted carpentry and large natural stone slabs. With full home automation, under floor heating, air conditioning and integrated security systems this property will be delivered fully furnished as shown, with an indoor swimming pool and spa, gymnasium, cinema room, bodega, 6 car garage, paddle tennis and tennis court and jogging track. It comes complete with drawing room, dinning room, family kitchen, catering kitchen, TV family room, a gentleman’s study, 6 bedroom suites, a 2 bedroom guest/staff apartment and a further staff apartment.

www.holmesotogrande.com Reference HSN2-1146 Price Bedrooms 9 Baths 9

www.propertyoverseasgroup.com Reference: R2630780

€220,000

Malaga chic

This cute apartment is just a stone’s throw away from Museo Thyssen, Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Larios - a wonderful carfree environment full of small shops, restaurants and bars, but yet with complete peace on its own street. The project consists of a restoration of an old magazine headquarters that will turn into a total of 11 apartments in modern, urban, industrial style with 4 metre-high ceilings.

www.maklarringen.se Reference CNON126 From Bedrooms 1-2

Property

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January January 31st - February 13th 2018 2018

XVI 21

www.laherradurahomes.com

Visit o u SHOW r FLAT on sit e 35 recently finished townhouses with 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms all with big terraces, sea views, garage, storage and community pool within a short walk to the beach and amenities from 265,000â&#x201A;Ź

Call our on site sales office on 652 736 253 or email us at costadelsol@maklarringen.se Bought to you exclusively by

Maklarringen is a Swedish real estate agency with 70 offices in Sweden and a long presence in Spain and on the whole Costa del Sol.

www.theolivepress.es

Property of the Week

Property

January 31st2018 - February 13th 2018 January

castle building

Two historic sites are getting the VIP treatment to help attract more tourists

Teba Castle

Villanueva deRute Algaidas - Málaga CJ408 149.950 € Cordoba, - TH3555 42.500€ Beautiful in large open Amazing 2 bedtownhouse property with stunning counarea where parking is easy. Ground floor tryside views from every angle with great has living dining access to theroom, property androom, only a bedroom, short drive kitchen, large bathroom, patio, with to local amenities. Established gardens and private with fruitfireplace trees. Swimming pook,terrace patio and BBQ great views. On the first floor there private area. Great lovely rural property! are three bedrooms. A must see!

tel: +34 952 74 15 25

tel: +34 952 741 525

Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Calle de la Villa 14, 29532, Molina, Malaga Mollina, Malaga info@inlandandalucia.com www.inlandandalucia.com info@inlandandalucia.com www.inlandandalucia.com

IR Robert the Bruce’s disembodied heart was nearly lost during a battle at this castle in 1329 when the man carrying it in a silver casket was killed. Sir James Douglas, the late King of Scots’ lieutenant, was fulfilling a deathbed promise to take the heart to the Holy Land when the Teba battle cut short his crusade.

Cash

While Douglas and his king’s heart were both returned to Scotland, Teba castle remains a memorial to the monarch 700 years on. And soon the ancient fortress will stand taller after receiving a €2 million cash injection to turn it into a major tourist attraction. The 12th centrury structure has witnessed many a battle between Moors and Christians, down the centuries yet remains practically unaltered, making it one of the best preserved castles in Andalucia. The Junta is now investing millions into converting the 25,000 m2 site into a major tourist draw, in three phases: restoration of the walls to enclose the castle completely; construction of a vistors’ centre in the Torre del Homenaje tower, and a PR campaign to attract them; and a final upgrade with green areas and pathways inside the castle itself.

UPGRADE: For magnificent inland Malaga castle

Torremolinos tower

T SYMBOLIC: Torremolinos tower has seen many battles

HE 14th century watchtower known as Torre Pimentel will be transformed into a cultural space after a six-figure facelift. The 700-year-old ruin backing the church of San Miguel will receive €158,647 from Madrid and a total of €225,000 to stop deterioration of the protected building which is listed for its special cultural interest. Standing 18-metres tall, in its heydey the keepers of the tower were responsible for monitoring the coast and looking out for potential invaders. Now the strategic outpost will see its walls and rooms restored and a lookout platform added. Neighbouring properties will also be spruced up to give a better impression of the area. Signs that currently block the view of the tower will also be taken down. Malaga town hall plans to use the tower to host different culture events once the upgrade is complete.

Property

www.theolivepress.es

January January 31st - February 13th 2018 2018

XVI 23

Villas & Fincas | Casares Property Agent Ctra. de Casares s/n, 29690 Casares Malaga SPAIN Phone: + 34 952 895 139 Mobile: +34 636 546 796 E-mail: info@villasﬁncas.com

Villas & Fincas is urgently looking for Quality Properties for clients Country Villas, Beach Villas, Equestrians, Vineyards, Olive Farms, Cortijo´s in the area of Casares, Estepona, inland Sotogrande, Gaucin, Ronda, Jimena, El Cuarton, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, Caños de Meca, Atlanterra, Zahara de los Atunes, or large cortijo´s inland Andalusia

GAUCIN – 1.650.000 € Ref. Nr. 186-2749P COUNTRY VILLA NEAR CASARES AND GAUCIN WITH PANORAMICAL VIEWS, IDEAL FOR HORSES

Ref. Nr. 186-00633P CASARES –595.000 € COUNTRY VILLA IN CASARES WIT STUNNING SEA AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Bedrooms: m² Built: Garden: Garage:

Bedrooms: m² Built: Garden: m² Terrace:

5 499m² Private Private

Bathrooms: m² Plot: Pool: m² Terrace:

5 25.000 Private 123

4 246m² Yes 35

Bathrooms: 3 m² Plot: 10.050 Pool: Yes

Ref. Nr. 186-00259P

Ref. Nr. 186-00085P GAUCIN – 1.495.000 € COUNTRY VILLA NEAR GAUCIN WITH VIEWS TO AFRICA Bedrooms: m² Built: Garden: Garage:

5 924m² Private Private

Bathrooms: 6 Plot: 27 Ha Pool: Private

www.villasﬁncas.com

RONDA – 1.250.000 € LUXURY MODERN COUNTRY HOUSE, CORTIJO FOR SALE, RONDA CASARES Bedrooms: –5 675.000 € Bathrooms: 5 OLD OLIVE 573m² MILL NEARm²CASARES m² Built: Plot: 25.000 Garden: Bedrooms: Garage: m² Built:

Private 4 Carport 325m²

Garden: Garage:

Private Private

Pool: Bathrooms: m² Plot: Pool:

Private 2 12.130 Private

Ref. Nr. 186-00234P

XII 24

Property www.theolivepress.es

In our new section private individuals get a chance to market their properties direct to over 100,000 readers. Contact us for more details 951 27 35 75

Private house sales

January 31st2018 - February 13th 2018 January

INLAND GEMS

INDING the perfect rural retreat requires vision and planning, and you need both to hunt down the best gems out there. While there are plenty of good agents to help in your search, there are also a fair few cowboys… and all the more so when your dream home is deep inland. The Olive Press launched in deepest rural Andalucia a decade ago and still distributes in every village from the mountains of Cadiz to the extreme Orient of Granada. We know the inland areas better than any other publication by miles and to help connect sellers to the huge army of potential buyers out there, we have launched a new section.

Wonderful

Here, we kick off with two wonderful country properties that combine the best bits of living in rural Spain without compromising on space or features. Deep in the soaring Alpujarras mountains, between Almeria and Granada, is Mark Cavell’s sun-baked house in Yegen - with a roof terrace to follow the sun’s path. As a retired Sussex Police counterterrorism officer you know when you buy this property that it has been in safe hands. “We spent quite a bit of money doing it

INCREDIBLE: View from Mark’s terrace and home (right) while (below) Casita Tranquila is a real bargain up,” he tells the Olive Press after buying it in 2012 with his wife of 33-years, Ana. With its four double bedrooms, it makes the perfect retreat for stressed out northern Europeans sizing up retirement or eyeing up a holiday home. “The village is 95% Spanish, so it’s very traditional and away from the hurly burly of other expats,” he said. For something a bit closer to the Costa del Sol and just 30 minutes from Malaga airport you might want to consider your own piece of history with Rosemary and Spencer’s finca, near Pizarra. According to local legend, their tiny hamlet of Gibralgalia was taken over by Franco during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s to serve his Nationalist soldiers. After the war it inherited the nickname, the ‘Abandoned Village’ when the soldiers and all other locals had long

vanished. “We’ve had our children and grandchildren here over the years,” Rosemary told the Olive Press, who found a pair of green army goggles in her back garden. It’s certainly a stunning spot and is the archetypal Andalucian farmhouse, boasting all its original woodwork, including doors with stained glass windows. With five bedrooms, three bathrooms, as well as a jacuzzi, pool and even pizza oven - all ages are taken care of. “We love the quiet nature of it,” she says and with a name like Casita Tranquila, the finca makes for the perfect retreat with Pizarra and Coin serving all your local shopping needs. See adverts information

CASITA TRANQUILA

QUICK SALE NEEDED JUST 230,000 euros

Beautiful restored finca, just 30 minutes inland from Malaga. 30mins from El Chorro and 90 mins to the ski slopes. Set in an acre of hillside, the property is well-fenced with beautiful far reaching views of mountains and sea. The house retains the original wooden beams, handmade doors with stained glass panels, original style wooden shutters. A bread oven cooks pizzas. It has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sitting room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast room, plus a study. The house has a glass curtained conservatory, patio area and pool. Pool and hot water

by solar. Outside is a utility room, barbecue and outside dining area with a jacuzzi. There is a double garage, workshop and kennels, plus a greenhouse and vegetable garden. Mains electricity, well water. Council tax only 300 euros year. All high quality handmade furniture, fixtures and fittings available at a very low price. URGENT NEED TO SELL, SO WILL CONSIDER PART EXCHANGE FOR SMALLER PROPERTY IN SPAIN OR UK, SMALL MOTOR HOME, ETC

VIEWINGS BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1 AND 24. rosemaryandspencer@themitchellfamily.co.uk or call 00447768100374

below

for

Amazing opportunity

Stunning country home for sale with amazing views Sold directly from the owner, it comprises two adjoining townhouses interlinked on the edge of the small village of Yegen, in The Alpujarras, south of Granada. 4 double bedrooms including 1 master bedroom with en-suite (full size bath) and walk-in wardrobe. 2 further bathrooms with showers. Large Lounge, Large Dining Room, Large Kitchen fully equipped and a dispensa next to it for storage. Small covered terrace and a large roof terrace with panoramic views. The village of Yegen has a small supermarket, 4 bars and a Hotel/Restaurant. 20 minutes away is the small towns of Cadiar and Ugijar where all provisions can be obtained. Public pool 5 minutes drive (open July & August) and two other hostels/bars nearby with a pool for extended summer period.

Price: 150,000 euros ONO Contact details Mark and Anna Cavell Tel 958957074 Mob 646010049

www.theolivepress.es

January 31st - February 13th 2018

Established in 2006 we specialise in inland property with an extensive portfolio of white village and country homes. Ronda Properties Estate Agent Inland Andalusia, c/San José, 1 29400, Ronda, Malaga, Spain

Tel: (+34) 952 187 313 Mob: (+34) 608 765 990 Email: info@rondaproperties.com www.rondaproperties.com

Country House

Cortijo

Splendid country house with pool. Comprising sitting-room with dining area and feature fireplace, large breakfast kitchen, 3 bedrooms & 2 large bathrooms. Country views.

Magnificent traditional Cortijo former home to Spanish nobility. Long driveway, 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, large breakfast kitchen, pantry, dining area, pool and gardens.

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

Build: 185m2 Plot: 6500m2

Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 5

Build: 911m2 Plot: 35000m2

Ref: 82305

€350,000

Ref: 85345

€595,000

Luxury Villa

FincA/apartments

Recently reduced - a beautiful property with much attention to detail. 5 bedrooms 4 bathrooms, sitting room diner, English style breakfast kitchen, underfloor heating and pool.

Finca with 3 high standard apartments 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, large mezzanine, spacious fitted kitchen, laundry, oak parquet floors, pool and 3239 hectares of land.

Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4

Build: 238m2 Plot: 44000m2

Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5

Build: 508m2 Plot: 3239Hm2

Ref: 83848

€499,000

Ref: 84998

€550,000

Inmobiliaria - Real Estate

La Serranía Services

tel: (+34) 952 187 313 movil: (+34) 608 765 990 www.laserraniaservices.com

Welcome to Serrania Services, Ronda Estate Agents, we are inland property specialists in the Serrania de Ronda, Andalusia. We have properties for sale and to rent in Ronda and the famous White Villages, Pueblos Blancos of the Serrania de Ronda.

Restored Village House

Townhouse Furnished

4 Bed Chalet with pool

Located in the village of Arriate, renovated to a good standard, completely re-decorated inside and out and priced to sell. Includes all the furniture. 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting-room with wood-burning stove. Front terrace with pleasant, open views.

Furnished Townhouse located near to the sought after village of Montejaque. The properties comprise sitting-room diner with wood-burning stove, French windows, large patio with beautiful views. 2 bedrooms, large bathroom and community pool.

Recently built to a high standard and located in a sought after area. 4 large bedrooms and 2 spacious bathrooms, cloakroom, fitted kitchen-diner, 10m2 storage area, parking space and pool. Double glazing, mains gas central heating, air conditioning.

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2

Build: 108m2

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

Build: 70m2

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2

Build: 150m2 Plot: 344m2

Ref: 99584

€69,000

Ref: 101141

€89,000

Ref: 101042

€257,000

www.inlandandalucia. com

www.theolivepress.es

January 31st - February 13th 2018

VOTED BEST and MOST INFORMATIVE WEBSITE

by our 2017 customer database survey of 13,500. SEE for yourself

*includes videos *google street maps *full descriptions *chat box

84.950 €

Villanueva de Algaidas – Málaga TH3658

3 bed, 2 bath charming townhouse. Gated entrance that opens to a pretty patio area. Ideally for a family home in the center of town.

129.950 €

Antequera – Málaga

Castillo de Locubin- Jaén

TH3465

Spacious large 3 bed townhouse surrounded by beautiful countryside with stunning views and close to all local amenities. Patio plus pool. Lovely property well worth viewing!

28.000 €

La Rabita – Jaen

TH3647

129.995 €

64.000 €

Humilladero – Málaga

TH3523

145.000 € Villanueva de Algaidas – Málaga

CJ354

24.995 €

Baena – Córdoba

TH3564

139.995 €

VL825

One bedroon property recently reformed keeping lots of character. It has a good sized patio with BBQ. Near to amenities and public transport. Must be seen!

This charming 3 bed double fronted property is close to all the amenities of this bustling town. 153m2. Must be seen!

This lovely 2 bed Properties is waiting to be lived in. Is perfect for both a holiday home or used permanently as you have all amenities close. Bargain!

VL826

Spacious large 3 bed townhouse surrounded by beautiful countryside with stunning views and close to all local amenities. Patio plus pool. Lovely property well worth viewing!

This large 4 bed country style property has been tastefully reformed and constantly maintained and is sold part furnished. Swimming pool and BBQ.

Zagra-Granada

This fabulous 4 bed villa is surrounded by olive groves with spectacular 360 degree views of the countryside. 3.484m2 plot. Tastefully decorated. Fully fitted English style kitchen.

Malaga Office

Jaen Office

Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Molina, Malaga

Calle Abad Moya 4b, 23680 Alcala la Real, Jaen

info@inlandandalucia.com

contact@inlandandalucia.com

952 74 15 25

953 58 70 40

Property

www.theolivepress.es

January January 31st - February 13th 2018 2018

XV 27

More and more buyers are looking inland, says agent Richard Woodland, from Property Overseas

CHANGE: In inheritance tax laws

January jackpot FAMILIES have hit the jackpot thanks to a change to Andalucia’s inheritance tax laws. Now anyone inheriting a property in the region worth €1 million or under will pay NO inheritance tax. The good news comes after the Junta officially raised the tax threshold this January 1. Previously, the ceiling for inheritance tax stood at €250,000, meaning practically anyone inheriting property would get a demand from Hacienda. The region of Murcia is another area where the tax on property inheritance has almost been eliminated in 2018. There has been a reduction of 99% of the final tax quote to pay for both inheritance and donation tax.

NLAND doesn’t necessarily mean provincial, insists Guadalhorce Valley housing specialist Richard Woodland. Indeed, half the homes his agency Property Overseas Group have on their books are less than 30 minutes from the coast… and of equal distance from Malaga airport.

Idyllic

He told the Olive Press that increasing numbers of European homebuyers have been opting for the idyllic life inland, as opposed to the congestion on the coast. “There’s a big demand for inland property, especially country fincas, as buyers are looking for affordable properties with a different, more Spanish lifestyle away from the coast,” he explains. In particular he has seen a big rush from buyers in the

Making iNroads SUCCESS: For Richard

Netherlands, Belgium and Scandinavia over the last year. And while Brexit uncertainty has meant some Brits have packed up and headed home, most have stayed where they are.

“I expect the market to continue a steady and gradual growth in 2018, and there’s early evidence that it’s gaining momentum at a sustainable rate,” he said. But make sure that you don’t get left behind as many properties are getting picked off the shelf. “Fewer country properties will become available for sale, so now’s a good time to buy,” he warns, adding that he expects prices to rise in 2018. Visit Richard’s office in Coin, opposite La Trocha or contact him at www.propertyoverseasgroup.com or on 952 814 780.

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17 January

XVI 28

Property

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January 31st2018 - February 13th 2018 January

New apartments and townhouses

Spain New quality homes in Spain since 1958 Buy directly from the developer Our Ourcurrent currentprojects: projects:

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Tolling Inheritance tax cut the bell B

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BE ‘APPY!

Taxslips don’t lie

January 31st - February 13th 2018

Download our app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.

THE Spanish tax authori- TRAFFIC on the Costa del Sol ties say popstar Shakira could be greatly reduced under owes income tax between plans by the Junta to drastically overhaul its current transport in2011 and 2014. Spanish tax authorities say frastructure. she was a resident during The plans include scrapping the those years and have asked toll charge along the AP-7, introThea tax Olive Press prosecutors to open ducing cycle lanes and widenevasion case against the ing the roads from San Pedro to singer which could Ronda (A-397) and Marbella to TOP be for in news in Spain! the tens of millions. Cartama (A-355) as well as a light The 40-year-old declared rail transport link to run alongside in 2015 that Spain was her the A-7. official residence but the However, there was no mention of tax authorities say she was earning money and not a high-speed rail link that has been long promised to connect Malaga paying tax before then. Sources close to the star to the western part of the Costa del say she has always com- Sol. plied with her tax obliga- The draft plan called Plan de Ordetions and that she was out- nación del Territorio (POT), is part side of Spain during that of a 20-year scheme to ease mobility along the coast and is more time. Her auditors, PriceWater- than 200 pages long. houseCoopers, had con- New access routes were penciled firmed the tax investiga- in to directly connect Benahavis, tion. Istan, Elviria, Mijas and Fuengi-

New plans set on overhauling transport network along the Costa del Sol

rola to the AP-7. Environment minister Jose Fiscal said tensions with previous POTs have been addressed after the previous plan was annulled by the Supreme Court. “Planning has to be an ally of economic growth, and we should never slow it down,” he said. The plans are not yet written in ink as the Junta does not have the power to remove tolls or construct new acess routes. All it can do is reserve land for future construction and wait for the POT to be voted on in the Spanish parliament.

Property AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

ack in February 2016, the Tax Office in Andalucia divulged interesting IHT data: only 7% of all inheritors in this region had had to pay tax following the demise of their loved ones, at a time when maximum allowance per beneficiary was €175,000. Of the 7% who had to pay IHT, only 2.1% were beneficiaries classed as next-of-kin of Group I (children - natural and adopted - and other descendants under 21) and Group II (children and other descendants aged 21 and over; parents and other ascendants, and spouses, with the remaining 5% being more distant relatives or beneficiaries with no family ties with the testators. In 2017, the exemption was increased to €250,000, thus reducing even more the overall impact of this annoying tax. In 2018, a further tax cut has increased the exemption by €1,000,000 -provided the beneficiary does not have savings or assets of up to the same amount. This exemption, which applies to residents in Spain but also, any inheritors - foreign or not

- who at the time of death of the testator were residents of the European Union or European Economic Area (EEA), means that pretty much nobody will pay IHT in this region, except of course if the inheritor happens to be a resident of the UK and Theresa May sets Britain on course for a hard Brexit (if she has not already done so). If the UK does not negotiate a separate agreement with the EU to maintain the status quo currently enjoyed all EU/ EEA residents, the negative impact in inheritance tax will become particularly visible for thousands of potential inheritors from the UK, for whom the maximum deductible amount will be - on average - €16,000 per inheritor, just as any non-EU citizen. The negative effects will equally translate to income obtained in Spain, which will be taxed at 24% as opposed to 19% now - and without the possibility to deduct costs and expenses, and CGT relief when reinvesting in a habitual domicile, which disappears.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com

A new dawn is coming to the world of conventional lending www.lendo.io

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January 31st - February 13th 2018

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travel

January 31st - February 13th 2018

Why Winter is the best time to buy Annual Travel Insurance Advertorial

f you love travelling abroad more than twice a year, and don’t want the hassle of buying travel insurance each time you go, or worse still, the risk of forgetting to buy it, then annual multi trip insurance is your best option. As a regular traveller you’ll save a fortune by avoiding shelling out on single trip travel insurance each time you reach for your suitcase. Especially if you are considering a long haul winter-sun, or winter sports break in the next few weeks, by getting your annual travel insurance sorted now, you can get these trips covered under the one policy too. However, a word of caution, check before you buy, as many annual travel policies won’t offer cruise, or winter sports as standard. Globelink include cruise cover on all policies and winter sports on our annual multi trip policies with a 45+ trip duration.

Christmas and New Year celebrations seem a lifetime ago, so how better to shake off winter blues than planning your next break?

Kick start your journey with our travel-savvy tips on why now is the best time to buy your essential annual travel insurance cover

Advanced

January and February, are traditionally busy months for advanced holiday bookings as we get enticed by the plethora of holiday promotions. Buying your annual policy now means you can sit back and book as many holidays as you like, with the peace of mind that your travel insurance is sorted for the entire calendar year. Opt for an immediate ‘start date’ so you are covered straight-away for holidays you book, or have already booked. Don’t leave purchasing travel insurance to the last minute, and don’t opt for a future ‘start date’ with the misguided self-assurance that you’re not travelling for a while. Otherwise you won’t benefit from the pre-departure elements the policy has to offer. If it includes cancellation, this protection kicksin instantly if you opt for an immediate start date. Holiday cancellation is one of the most common reasons for making a travel insurance claim, so it’s wise to start your policy immediately and protect costs you have pre-paid. A good annual policy lets you take as many trips as you like, under the one policy. However, some have travel limits, so look-out for restrictions on the number of trips, and ‘trip duration’. Be sure to buy a policy that covers the longest trip you’ll take. Look out for special deals such as kids go free, or couples discounts. This could save you a lot. However, beware, the cheapest policy may not provide the cover you need; and the most expensive may not be the best. Read the small print and chose based on your individual requirements, taking account of holiday costs; value of luggage; and always declare pre-existing medical conditions. Sidestep this at your peril, as it could invalidate your insurance and cost you dearly in both cash and anguish. Wherever you travel, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth (FCO) Travelaware website for travel safety and security advice before you travel and happy holidays! Globelink Travel Insurance for people living in Spain and the EU. www.globelink.co.uk, or call (UK) +44 1353 699 082 or our Spanish link line 96 626 5000.

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Food, drink & travel January 31st - February 13th 2018

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

London calling

OLIVE FARMERS: Headed to London

SPANISH olive producers will have a chance to show off their wares at the International Table Olive competition taking place in London this April. Classified as a fruit, the humble olive is among the oldest cultivated plant for human consumption, with evidence dating back to 6,000BC.

Brought to the New World by Spanish colonists, there are now believed to be between 600-1000 different types. Spain is the world’s largest producer of olives, with 2017 figures showing 1.150 million tonnes, roughly half the global total.

Olive farm protest Closed until mid February

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Farmers protest EU measures to cut down healthy trees to stop virus

MORE than 100 farmers have signed a petition to stop the destruction of healthy olive and almond trees in Alicante. This is in response to Valencian officials from the Ministry of Agriculture enacting EU plans to eradicate the plant virus, Xylella fastidiosa, which has damaged a massive amount of olive and almond trees across Europe. Under current plans more trees than are infected have to be cut down. But farmers feel these plans are not effective and have called on the Spanish government to publish the results of 7,000 test samples so the true scope of the disease can be understood.

DAMAGE CONTROL: Has gone ‘too far’ The farmers, part of The Plat- Ministry nor before Brussels. form for those Affected by “Razing all of the trees, both Xylella fastidiosa (AXFA), say healthy and sick, is not the current eradication plans mark solution. “The infestations the ‘beginning of the end of our have spread to three regions, forests, and of our people’. and there is a high probability AXFA spokesman Adolfo Ribes that new outbreaks will be ansaid: “The Valencian adminis- nounced soon.” This is the fifth tration has not dared to defend outbreak of the plant virus in us, neither before the rest of the region since June after it ran the autonomous communities riot in southern Italy last year, of our country, nor before our to which it is still recovering.

PRICE HIKE: For wine

Wine woes

SPAIN’S production of wine for 2017 was down 20% compared to the year before, figures have shown. The agriculture ministry has reported the total production of wine and must in the current 2017/18 vintage stands at 35.6 million hectolitres compares eith 44 million in 2016 – a 19.6% drop. Overall, production in 2017 is 19.6% lower than the previous season and 17.6% lower than the average of the previous six seasons. “The declarations confirm, therefore, a campaign of relatively low production, which, together with the also low productions of the main producing countries of the community, has supposed a price increase in the wine market,” a statement from the ministry said. The latest figures follow what has been a challenging year for producers throughout Europe, with with late spring frosts, widespread drought and a heatwave affecting large swathes of France, Spain and Italy. It comes after the European Commission in October said it expected European production to be at a 36year low with figures predicting at the time that Italy would suffer a 23% drop, France 19% and Spanish production 15%.

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RENOWNED chef Montserrat Fontane, 81, has been cooking up a storm at the 16th International Madrid Fusion Summit, this week, highlighting the importance of food origin. Owner of Can Roca, in Girona, for more than 50 years, she delighted the audience with anecdotes of post-war recipes featuring, the now fashionable, buckwheat and home cooking tips. Her children Jordi Roca, Josep and Joan all followed in her footsteps to open three Michelin star restaurant, El Celler, which has been named best restaurant in the world twice. Dishing out advice for budding gastronauts, Fontane said: “The dishes have to be rich. Then everyone has their point.”

OP - Food Promos January.pdf

28/12/2017

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January 31st - February 13th 2018

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education

January 31st - February 13th 2018 January 31st - February 13th 2018

Teacher terror

PSOE proposes NO university fees for first year students

STUNNING: Salamanca

Garden of Eden

THE University of Salamanca has been voted the second most beautiful university in Europe. Spain’s oldest university nabbed silver in a list compiled by the Times Higher Education (THE), highlighting universities that ‘boast spectacular architecture and plush green spaces that should not be ignored’. Among the attributes of Salamanca’s university, which was opened in 1134, THE noted that the college library had a special attraction to help students. “It attracts many students and visitors who spend time looking for the hidden frog. Legend has it that if a student spots the amphibian, they will easily pass their exams,” said the report. The University of Bologna in Italy, the oldest in Europe, was named the world’s most beautiful university, with the University of Coimbra in Portugal coming third.

SPAIN’S main opposition party has called for free tuition for all undergraduate students in their first year of university. The PSOE says the measure would guarantee equal opportunities and avoid the ‘racial difference between territories’. Speaking in Sevilla, PSOE General Secretary Pedro Sanchez added that it would ensure no one missed out on a university education because of financial concerns. “We do not want anyone to miss the opportunity to study at university because they cannot afford the cost of the first registration,” explained Sanchez. “We’re going to do it on a gradual path, four years from now, starting with those students with lower incomes.” He said it would mean putting aside 180 to 200 million euros per year to finance the measure, with the ambitious aim of increasing undergraduates from lower-income house-

FREE YEAR: Proposed for Spanish undergrads

Free for Freshers

holds by 20 to 30 percent. “Investment in universities has collapsed, we are at the tail

end of the last six European countries in terms of university spending,” denounced the so-

Uncovering corruption SCIENTISTS from the University of Valladolid have created a computer model that predicts the probability of corruption in Spanish provinces. According to the study, published in Social Indicators Research, the likelihood of corruption increases when the same

party stays in government. Interestingly, other risk factors for shady shenanigans include real estate tax, a housing price increase, bank openings and the creation of new companies, according to the study.

cialist leader. Back in 2014, the OECD recorded that educational spending in Spain was €10,189 per student. In four years the PSOE wants Spain to increase spending on education from 1.08% of GDP to 1.3%. This would bring the country more into line with the likes of Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden where there is free access to university.

CARAVANING

NINE out of ten teachers in Spain say violent episodes are a continual threat in their classes. According to a study by the CSIF union, teachers say violence in their schools, such as fights, abuse or vandalism, leaves them helpless to do anything about it. A shocking 75% of teachers believe that they have very little or no authority over students or influence with their families, with over a quarter of those surveyed saying life is not pleasant. The study is based on 2,000 questionnaires distributed to teachers in public primary and secondary schools in eight regions of Spain. Head of education at CSIF, Mario Gutiérrez believes that the cuts in teaching staff, increase in the ratio of students per class and a shortfall of support staff are all adding to fuel to the fire. “Sometimes teachers do not have enough authority to stop these situations,” said Gutiérrez.

2018 a

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TWO WEEKENDS

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www.theolivepress.es GYM Junkie Café is open in San Pedro near the Boulevard. Their mission is to bring you fresh, healthy, nutrient-rich food and beverages at affordable prices. They use tasty, natural ingredients and super-foods packed with nutrients and vitamins to benefit your mind and body. With the hectic pace of daily life Gym Junkie Café cares for your health and wellness providing you a great alternative to other establishments. It’s perfect for a detox juice and a healthy breakfast before you train or a tasty lunch post-workout. Try their high protein grilled lean meat with healthy carbs or healthy salads and mouth watering wraps. Refuel with their high quality whey protein shakes. Taste their delicious protein pancakes loaded with all your favourite

Carlos Haya finally set for operation refurb to heal its ailing reputation CONTRACTS for the extension and refurbishment of one of Malaga’s busiest hospital departments have been put out to tender. It follows a pandemic of critcism that the A&E department at Carlos Haya hospital is understaffed and not providing adequate care. The hospital’s A&E is the fifth worst in Spain for the most complaints and claims (741 in 2017), a new report by the Defence of the Patient Association, revealed. Association lawyer Francisco Vazquez said the poor result

health

January 31st - February 13th 2018 January 31st - February 13th 2018

Attention gym-goers!

fruit, farm-sourced maple syrup or 100% natural peanut butter. It’s the right choice - where else can you enjoy great food without regret. Both passionate about healthy food and Gym Junkie’s themselves, owners Jamie and Deborah from London set up this

friendly family-run business. They felt there was a dramatic surge of gyms opening up in the Marbella area but a serious lack of healthy eateries.” We are targeting people who live an active lifestyle and who train regularly. People who want to get full results from nutrition.” “We all want to live a healthy lifestyle and to eat cleanly both in our home and when we eat out. At Gym Junkie Café we have created a community for gym-junkies....a place where you can relax, rejuvenate in comfortable, modern surroundings. Where you can refuel with our superior, healthy food served by friendly, courteous staff.” Gym Junkie Café will help you eat better and perform better in your daily life.

Hospital refurb was a minor improvement on 2016 when the hospital was the worst in Spain for patient complaints. “It needs to solve the problems that keep recurring year after year,” said Vazquez, who highlighted the importance of publishing damaging reports.

“We have shown through these reports that there has been an increase in complaints in the last four years,” he added. The Andalucian Health Service (SAS) say the works were supposed to have been completed two years ago. Compa-

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Eye-toeye

s an optician, I’m often asked about contact lenses and how they work. So I have put together a few questions and answers to help those thinking of using contact lenses for the first time.

Q: I have relied on glasses for years and want to try contact lenses, what do you recommend? A: I would recommend soft contact lenses, as they are very pliable therefore easy to get used to and comfortable to wear. They cannot be dislodged easily from the eye and they give excellent all round vision.

Q: What different types are available? A: There are a number of options to choose from; Daily disposable lenses which you throw away every day and replace with a new pair Monthly disposable lenses which last a month but need to be cleaned and stored in solution overnight All day-all night lenses which you can sleep in during the night Which ones are best for you depend on your lifestyle and preferences, so check with your optician.

nies tendering for the project are being asked to make the refurbishment as cost-effective as possible. The hospital hopes to carry out the work in three stages to minimise disruption and has €2.5 million in hospital coffers to fund them.

Care for Me – Marbella

37 37

Q. What are the best contact lenses for people who play sport? A. It depends on the type of sport and your lifestyle, but it's worth bearing the following in mind: Soft lenses tend to stay put better than gas-permeable lenses or spectacles, which is important when you're moving around a lot Playing squash is particularly dangerous to the eyes as the ball is just the right size to fit into the orbit so wear protective eyewear over your contact lenses Contact lenses aren't ideal for swimming as they can become dislodged. If you swim a lot, it's worth investing in prescription swimming goggles At Specsavers Opticas, you can try before you buy, with one pair of monthly lenses or five pairs of daily disposable lenses free. For more information and to find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es

email: nursemanager@careforme.es tel: 952 636 900 tel: 682 870 120

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3 8 Columnists

January 31st - February 13th 2018

50 and not out! W

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ell, gentle reader, I finally reached the landmark birthday. My big Five Zero, which had been lurking darkly on the horizon and was as welcome as a tropical storm at a garden party - it came and went. Believe it or not, I enjoyed myself immensely. Granted, I have refused to act my age for a very long time and seem to have dodged the middle aged bullet that normally involves golf and talking about schools at dinner parties. Perhaps a more conventional 50-year-old would have celebrated the event with a discreet gathering. So naturally I did the opposite and threw a loud and lively bash with the theme of ‘Rock Gods, Biker Chicks, Soul Sisters and Divas’ at an old friend’s restaurant in Puerto Banus. As a disclaimer I just want to add that he’s known me for over 30 years, so knew damn well what he was letting himself in for! One of my best friends, who I refer to as ‘Hobson’, flew out especially for the event and we made his beachfront Marbella house, ‘Base Camp’ for the weekend’s festivities. And we didn’t put a foot wrong - managing to cram in chiringuito lunches, dinners and even a quick caña in the Old Town over a 48-hour period. The party itself was a riot, with some fabulous outfits on display – none more so than from Hobson himself who was splendidly dressed in a look he described as ‘Hendrix – the Vegas years’. Hobson is renowned for never missing an opportunity for giving a speech, and this

ROCKING OUT: (Left) Giles Brown

was no exception. Having been at my 40th during what I refer to as my, ahem, ‘interesting’ period, he made a rather brilliant observation about my radio career. “In those dark days, when Giles would end up sitting in a room talking to himself in the early hours of the morning, would he have ever thought that he would carve a successful career out of…..you guessed it, sitting in a room talking to himself in the early hours of the morning!” With close family and friends – including a number of surprise visitors from the UK – and rock legend Russ on DJ duties – my 50th was everything I had hoped it would be. So here’s to the next 50. You have all been duly warned!

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

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Rising British star to lead Team GB at BE ‘APPY! Davis Cup tie on Costa del Sol +TheolivepressEs

KYLE Edmund will lead Great Britain’s team in their challenging Davis Cup tie against Spain in Marbella. It comes after the rising star Download our app nowreached and the Australian Open begin enjoying the bestsemi-finals Spanish this week. Captain Leon Smith connews on the go. firmed the team today, CHAMPS: Spain team with Cameron Norrie, Liam Broady, Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot joining Edmund for the three-day World Group first-round tie, which RISING STAR: Kyle Edmund will lead the charge against Spain in Marbella starts on February 2. Smith, who watched Edmund beat world No 3 Grigor DimiThe Olive SPAIN’S men’s handball team Press trov to reach the semis of a have made history by winning slam for the first time, said: their first European title.news in “I’ve not got a fixed mindTOP for Spain! Los Hispanos beat Sweden, set [about the second singles 29-23, in Zagreb, Croatia. spot]. Sweden won the first half of “Liam and Cam have played the closely fought game by nothing on clay; that’s the “Whoever goes out to play as thing they’ve got, learning pivotal player, in the absence two points but could only bottom line. So you don’t a No 2 against what will be from it and hopefully leaving of Andy Murray, who is recovmanage to score nine points know how they’re going to re- a really high-level opponent, a better tennis player.” ering from hip surgery. in the second. act to it. it’s about them giving every- Edmund is now the team’s Rafael Nadal has already Spain went on to dominate made himself unavailable, from the second half with but Smith said: “It’s the striker Alex Dujshebaev caustoughest draw. They are the ing a lot of problems for the most difficult team – whoever Swedes. they pick.” NINE Saudi Arabian footballers have joined, on brainchild of Turki al-Alshaikh, head of Saudi The win means Los Hispanos Great Britain last played Spain loan, six first and second division Spanish clubs. Arabia’s General Sport Authority (GSA) who has secured a place in both in 1986, winning 4-1 in Telford. La Liga’s Villarreal, Levante and Leganes have is keen to get his players ‘to play at the highest the World Cup in 2019 and The winners face Australia or signed one player each possible level’. the European Championships Germany in the quarter-finals With the World Cup looming, the transfer is the in 2020. from 6-8 April.

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39 39

League of Nations

SPAIN and England are set to go head-to-head in the inaugural UEFA Nations League. Both teams join Croatia in Group four of League A the last group of the best teams in Europe. The UEFA Nations League is a football competition designed to match similarly ranked teams against one another in a league system. All 55 European footballing nations have been divided into four separate leagues (A to D) depending on their ranking, which in turn are split into four groups. With 12 teams in each league, play-offs are scheduled for September in the supposed ‘empty’ seasons - where there is no World Cup or European Championship. But only one can finish top of the group to be promoted into the knockout stages of the final four teams to decide the Nations League winner in June 2019.

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FINAL WORDS

THE PP’S deputy general secretary, Ivan Obrador, has threatened to sue a website for circulating images of him in an inexplicit porn film, if they are not taken down.

Snail mail THE cost of applying for a British passport by post will rise from £72.50 to £85, a 17% increase, in a government effort to increase online applications.

Sing song VIEWERS of Operacion Triunfo have selected Alfred and Amaia as this year’s Eurovision entrance.

January 31st - February 13th 2018Poolschool S.L.

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Vol. 12 Issue 284 www.theolivepress.es January 31st- February 13th 2018

A worker has taken sick leave for a year on seven separate occasions in the last 15 years By Joe Wallen

THE case of a ‘work-shy’ government worker has divided opinion across Spain, after it was revealed he has been paid in full despite being away from his desk for 12 out of the last 15 years. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, receives a monthly salary of €1,500 after being employed as a nursing assistant at the Doctor Esquerdo psychiatric hospital in Alicante. His story came to light after it was revealed he had been on sick leave for over 4,000 days between 2001 and 2006. Further to his extensive sick leave, the employee avoided more work by taking his legally

Sick note contracted holiday. “Yes, it is legal, even if ethically and morally it may not seem so,” Alejandro Moral, a provincial official told the press. “We’ve even tried everything from a legal standpoint – we even started disciplinary proceedings against him.” However, the employee won every legal battle he’s faced, including a court case in which he managed to prove that the Na-

tional Institute for Social Security did not properly notify him that he was due back at his post following a period of sick leave. On seven occasions, the employee took sick leave for a year or more, with three of these instances stretching to a year and a half, the maximum permitted by Spanish law. The workers condition cannot be revealed legally but his doctors have signed him off on all his sick leaves without issue. To attempt to resolve the situation his employers are now attempting to secure him permanent disability leave so he can be taken off their books once and for all.

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You stripping lot A DOZEN brave men have been chosen to bare all for a naked calendar in aid of cancer charities. The Fuengirola Calendar Boys, shot in Bar Mortoni, is the brainchild of owner Hayley Mortoni and husband Paolo, 38, who has battled cancer twice in the last four years. Fuengirola's finest, aged from 20 to 72, include familiar faces such as Steve Lewis from Channel 4's 'A New Life In The Sun' and Paolo himself, who has acted in several London gangster films. Benidorm star Crissy Rock is also jumping on board to support the cause and will be promoting the calendar, on sale for €8.50, in the Costa Blanca.

No dirty dogs MARBELLA town hall is to install showers and even drinking fountains for thirsty dogs. The fountains and showers, which will cost €5,384, will be found on El Pinillo and Ventura del Mar beaches.

CHEEKY: Expats and locals bare all for cancer

Tight squeeze

Blessed be our animals A MADRID church welcomed all household pets to be blessed with holy water on the Day of Saint Anthony. Dozens of animal lovers queued outside the Church of San Anton so priests could bless their dogs and cats, some decked out in jumpers and ribbons for the occasion. “Mine has to wear a muzzle because he is old and a bit grumpy and I really don’t want him to bite the priest,” explained one nervous dog owner. A number of rabbits and even a lizard was brought for the service.

SEVILLA cops have arrested five people found carrying 4,000 kilos of oranges jammed into a trio of cars. The oranges had been robbed from an estate in nearby Carmona.

JUICY HAUL: In Sevilla