Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 157

‘SPAIN’S BEST NEWSPAPER IN ENGLISH’ - The Rough Guide 1 the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

the

olive press

FREE

Vol. 7 Issue 157

www.theolivepress.es

Make it stop!

A COMMUNITY of expats is fighting the construction of a six-storey hotel built just 20 metres from the beach.

The EU is now investigating the macroproject that dwarfs over the previous Hotel Santa Marta, which was a low-rise bungalow resort.

Despite the 1988 Coastal Law, planners in Estepona have allowed the mammoth 160 room project to go ahead, even though it towers over a dozen neighbouring villas.

Following Turn to page 3 to find out who complaints is the man in the mask from several

SURELY I’VE SEEN YOU SOMEWHERE BEFORE?

seepage page13 15 see

March 21 - April 3, 2013

Homeowners of quiet residential area outraged by six-storey ‘Algarrobico’ of Estepona that dwarfs over their homes and is less than 20m from the beach

DWARFED: A homeowners view is dominated while (right) building on the beach

Don’t let the Don’t thein bankslet cash banks cash in www.hifx.co.uk www.hifx.co.uk see page 13

By Mason Jones residents, a town hall technician visited the site in January but is still yet to finish a report on the building.

“I think they are just delaying the report until it is too late and there are six floors already built,” said one resident, who asked not to be named for fear of repercussion.

Other residents of the Benamara urbanisation say they have been forced to ‘live on a building site for four years’, suffering from dust, noise and air pollution every single day.

“The dirt and the noise is just horrible, they’ve taken a plot between what was once such a quiet residential area,” said one British expat, who has asked not to be named.

“It’s just not suitable for the area at all, it looks like something from the centre of Madrid!” she added.

Another elderly homeowner - also English - complained that her privacy has been completely abused by the closeness of the new building.

“I have had to evacuate my bedroom because I could literally touch the hotel wall from my terrace,” said the 80-year old resident.

The original Hotel Santa Marta was a low-key beach resort, which had several hundred protected trees, the majority uprooted.

But according to the group over 130 of them were protected oaks and should not have been touched.

“I think there are four or five of those trees now left,” slammed one local.

Turn to page 4

Zapatero minister also took a bung

By Rebecca Maguire THE net of corruption has finally snared a big fish from the Socialist PSOE party.

A former minister in Zapatero’s government has denied taking nearly €300,000 in return for permits for a pharmaceutical business.

Former Public Works Minister Jose Blanco has insisted he will give up his seat if he’s charged in an investigation into allegations he received payments from Galician businessman Jorge Dorribo.

The Supreme Court is investigating whether a total of €290,000 was paid to Blanco, 51, who was in the cabinet from 2009 to 2011.

Immunity

Currently he enjoys legal immunity because of his role as deputy general of the PSOE party, however the Supreme court has requested that his immunity be lifted so he can face the accusations.

“If the judges decide to give the order for a hearing, I will resign as a deputy and leave my seat,” Blanco said.

The court opened the investigation in December 2011 on charges of accepting bribes for influence.

Last month the judge reTurn to page 6

2

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

2

Do the time!

CRIME NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

ROBBERIES LEAVE VILLAGERS NERVOUS

BAD COP

KILLER: Noye’s home NOTORIOUS convicted killer Kenneth Noye has failed in a bid to get his time spent in custody in Spain cut off his sentence.

The former Public Enemy Number One, 65, fled to Spain in 1996 after stabbing 21-year-old Stephen Cameron to death during a road rage incident.

He was arrested while having lunch at Barbate’s famous El Campero restaurant, having been followed from his home in nearby Atlanterra.

Infamous

Noye’s Lawyers argued that the nine months he spent in custody in Spain awaiting extradition after his arrest should be taken off the 16year minimum jail term.

However, Judge Mackay said Noye’s appeal was ‘wholly without merit’ and described the convicted killer as a ‘professional criminal’.

The court also heard how Noye had previously served eight years for his involvement in the infamous £26 million Brink’s Mat robbery.

Noye also stabbed to death undercover police officer John Fordham in 1985, but was later acquitted after pleading self defence.

Policeman locked up after swapping impounded bags of cocaine for bags mixed with sugar and cement A POLICE officer has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after stealing 154 kilos of cocaine and heroin.

The policeman from the Udyco serious organised crime unit spent over a million euros buying yachts, fast cars, flats and even a houses on the beach with the proceeds.

The drugs were taken from Sevilla’s police headquarters between 2006 and 2009 after being confiscated from criminals.

The (above) officer Lars Sepulveda replaced the drugs with packets of sugar and cement and sold them on with the help of drug dealer, Manuel Alonso

Pensioner in rape attack on tourist A MAN in his 70s was one of three men who attacked a 31-year-old British holidaymaker as she walked home alone from a nightclub in Benalmadena.

After a row with her boyfriend the woman took a taxi back to the apartment she was staying in but was forced out of the cab after being sick. She was then attacked and raped.

Nunez.

Sepulveda was given a 17 year prison sentenced and fined €6.6 million for robbery, drug trafficking and money laundering.

Nunez was given a 15-year prison sentence.

The partners of both were also given shorter prison sentences for money laundering on their behalf.

It is one of dozens of similar cases of policemen being involved in drug dealing gangs around Andalucia over recent years.

A SPATE of robberies in the rural areas around Casarabonela have left residents nervous and resulted in meetings between town hall officials, the Guardia Civil and the local police.

As a result a long list of home security guidelines has now been issued which include keeping a record of the serial numbers of all electrical appliances, cameras and mobile phones and taking photographs of valuable items.

Mijas travel writer denies sex offences A COSTA DEL SOL based travel writer has appeared in court to plead not guilty to sexual offences against children.

Mike Souter, 59, is charged with offences against boys, as well as a charge against a man and a woman.

Souter, who has homes in La Cala, spoke only to confirm his name and enter a not guilty plea to all charges at Norwich Crown Court. He has been granted conditional bail until the next hearing on May 20, with a trial date set for June 3.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

3

Drowning his zorros or absolving his sins?

IT’S no Zorro sequel, but Malaga’s very own Antonio Banderas still looks swashbuckling in the extreme as he prepares for his annual star turn in the city’s theatrical Semana Santa processions.

While we loosen belts to tuck into chocolate Easter eggs, Semana Santa is more strenuous for the Hollywood actor, who joins his local ‘brotherhood’ to demonstrate strength, religious zeal and pride in a 500-year-old tradition.

Traditionally it is Maundy Thursday that the actor will be playing his usual role as he dons a robe and mask to join his fellow ‘costeleros’ from the San Juan brotherhood.

Between them they’ll heft a 500 kilo ‘trono’ featuring a statue of the virgin through Malaga’s streets, while thousands watch and cheer and try and get a glimpse of our Antonio.

Meanwhile, his actress wife Melanie Griffith, dressed in black lace, will join in the ritual of throwing rose petals.

There will be Easter parades beginning from Tuesday and Wednesday of next week in towns and cities around Andalucia.

And incredibly, for once, the weather forecast is looking good with sunshine and temperatures of 20-plus degrees predicted.

Bitter sweet in the Big Apple EXCLUSIVE

By Jon Clarke

Andalucia’s top chef has had a mixed month as he opens his first US restaurant (right)

ANDALUCIA’S top chef Dani Garcia has revealed how much he has enjoyed opening his new restaurant in New York.

But not everything has been plain sailing, he told the Olive Press.

The two Michelin-starred chef behind Marbella’s Calima restaurant revealed that typically on his first night off the New York Times food critic came to eat.

“And I have no idea if he liked it or not as he hasn’t done the review yet,” he revealed over tapas at a fashion launch at the Malaga car museum.

“But that said I am loving spending half my time in New York. There is such an amazing buzz in the city and there is literally everything to do and eat.”

The Marbella-born chef, who trained at Malaga’s cookery school La Consula, opened his first US eatery Manzanilla in the Big Apple a month ago.

The 600m square brasseriestyle restaurant in Manhattan is promoting the best of Andalucia with some clas-

sic dishes such as searched Iberican pork from Huelva.

There is also Payoyo cheese from Grazalema and a big selection of sherries from Jerez.

“They are becoming quite fashionable again in certain circles in New York,” he added.

Garcia has just reopened his Marbella restaurant again this month after a winter break. “The recession is biting so the prices are coming down a little and we are bringing back the a la carte menu because not everyone can deal with a 15-course menu degustacion.”

Wills ‘learnt to DJ in Spain’ PRINCE William learnt to DJ in Spain, it has emerged.

The future King took classes from his wife Kate’s wayward uncle Gary Goldsmith during holidays at his Ibiza villa.

In a candid interview, Goldsmith, who is looking to sell the luxury Ibiza villa ‘Maison de Bang Bang’, revealed the pair also enjoyed several ‘sexy’ mud baths at the home.

As reported in the Olive Press last month the unemployed 47-yearold put it up for sale at a cool €6.5 million.

PENNY LOOKS JUST SWELL AS if being married to one of the hottest men in the world isn’t enough, Penelope Cruz had to make us all even more jealous by escaping the horrible Spanish spring.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actress was pictured splashing around in the warm waters of Barbados on holiday.

The 38-year-old actress is several month pregnant with her second child with actor husband, Javier Bardem.

The A-list celebrity couple announced the pregnancy last month in a statement, saying they were ‘extremely happy and very excited’.

The couple already have a two-year old son, Leo.

Marbella bound?

HOLLYWOOD’S most eligible bachelor is said to be buying a home in Marbella.

George Clooney has been visiting the town for a number of years and was allegedly spotted in the celebrity hotspot looking at property shortly before Christmas.

Now the Oceans 11 actor is said to have snapped up one five-bed mansion in the hills above the town for a cool €4 million.

Clooney recently sold his other European home in Lake Como, Italy

4

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

4

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Comic Relief show raises €750 at BSM PUPILS at British School of Marbella helped to raise €750 for Comic Relief in a talent show.

Around 70 pupils took part in the two hour event which saw acts including a Punch and Judy show, piano solos and hip hop dances.

Staff also got into the fundraising spirit by putting on a surprise ren-

dition of Gangnam Style for parents and pupils.

More than 100 parents packed the school hall to watch the show which also saw teachers Mrs Yarwood and Miss Chalmers go head to head in a jelly eating competition.

Sian Kirkham, headmistress at the school, said: “Pupils proved that BSM truly has talent while raising money for an extremely important cause.

Well done everyone.”

Comic Relief is a fundraising event that raises vital funds for poor and vulnerable people in the UK and Africa.

MERCY MISSION IN PLACE

Terminally ill dad receives dozens of offers to help him get a lift back to see his family in the UK ‘SPAIN’S BEST NEWSPAPER IN ENGLISH’ - The Rough 1 theGuide olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

the

olive press

FREE

Vol. 7 Issue 156

www.theolivepress.es

Please get me home!

Szekely in crisis

A DAD-of-two with just weeks to live is appealing for help to get back to the UK to spend his last days with his children.

Omar Rahmoun, 54, has been given ‘between six days and six months to live’ after being diagnosed with an advanced form of cancer.

The expat - who has been running a computer shop in Zujar, near Granada, for nine years - needs someone to drive him home.

Due to his critical condition – he has a tumour in both lungs and cancer in both his pancreas, intentines and

Father makes heartbreaking death-bed plea to help get him back to see his family in the UK EXCLUSIVE By Frances Leate kidney – he is unable to fly.

Now a close friend has made an urgent appeal to Olive Press readers to help find someone who can drive him back to Nottingham where his children Kamal, 20 and Malik, 11, live.

Friend Eric Skilton, 69,

said: “I asked him what I could do for him and this was his last wish.

“It’s all there is left to do. Of course I would like there to be a miracle and see him get better but that’s not going to happen and so failing that his very last wish is to spend his last days as happy as he can be with his children in Britain.”

Skilton is helping him sell

HAPPIER TIMES: Rahmoun with his family his shop’s stock and his family is now in the process of getting him an emergen-

‘Wedding Runner’ husband in Irish fraud investigation

El Rincón de la sala

NOW OPEN s a n

p e d r o

d e

a l c á n t a r a

RESERVATIONS

95 150

6249

INFO@LASALASANPEDRO.COM WWW.LASALASANPEDRO.COM

Pensioner dies in Legionnaires outbreak

Turn

to Page

THE husband of a Marbella wedding planner who vanished with thousands of euros in deposits has been arrested in Ireland.

Howard Danker, married to Sue Danker of Spanish Dream Weddings, has been brought in for questioning

after a fraud probe by garda officers.

It is believed detectives began investigating Danker’s property assets after he fled Marbella with his wife in September last year. The couple left overnight owing tens of thousands of euros for dozens of weddings that they

A BRITISH ened the MP has likGibraltar frontier between ‘war zone’.and Spain to a It came House during an urgent of Commons bate dewhich on border delays, reached have recently “This is up to six hours. an EU a third-world border, not said Labour war bin, MP Jimzone,” slamming Dobtreatment Spain’s Minister of the enclave. for Europe vid Lidington Daproblem said the was having rect impact perity on the a ‘diproson both of communities Dem MP sides’, while Simon Lib condemned Hughes civilised Spain’s and tribal ‘untude’. atti-

2

TM

VISIT OUR

the

EXCITING

NEW COMPLEMENTARY

olive pre ss

FREE

Vol. 6

HEALTH

SECTION The original ON P.44 and only investigative English-language newspaper

The Wedding Runner

A PENSIONER and has died been three others hospitalised have an outbreak after naires disease.of LegionSprinkler cooling systems towers ing examined and are bena, near in Osuan 84-year-old Sevilla, after died from woman last week. the disease The town first case in the man was a 72-year-old and who was admitted from later discharged Hospital de la Mer-

Gib border ‘like zone’a war

Issue

146

in Andalucía

October

18 - 31,

By Frances Leate ill father-of-two urgently needed to get home to be with his children in the last

Algarrobico in Estepona From Page 1

But they have refused to give up hope and after construction work began in 2008, campaigners applied to the European Parliament who, in 2009, accepted the petition as an ‘environmental case’ for investigation.

They insist that planning rules only permit two-storey buildings on the plot and that the project violates the 1988 Coastal Law. The law dictates that any area within 100 metres of the beach is public and not suitable for private development.

The new hotel ends approximately 20 metres from the beach, replacing what was once a small single-storey chiringuito.

“There are seven five-star hotels in the area already and several bankrupt hotels which are already built, it would have been much cheaper to buy one of these,” said one of the campaigners.

Some of the community have already accepted that the hotel will go-ahead, but many still battle on in hope of recreating the outcome of Almeria’s Algarrobico hotel.

“There are plenty of similarities with the Algarrobico,” said one. “The fact that these arrogant planners and constructors think they can simply ride roughshod over everyone and break the rules is incredible.”

Last year the eyesore in Almeria finally received demolition orders for breaching the coastal law following years of campaigns from Greenpeace and other green groups

see page 13 see seepage page 13 47

2012

P18 for

full story

paying Spain EXCLUSIVE suppliers. without The unhappy pay for

By Mason planning again, the entire Jones to sue couple are understood wedding owner over €15,000.

Sue Danker, last month. of Spanish Weddings to total paid any The bride Unable Dream a week who her for of the money “This later ‘vanished’ - who to contact before company revealed: left to deposits and I sent and dry the nuptials show starred in Danker foot the left I was she added. wedding.”on the dayme high bills again,” - the The Great Irish TV Several couple of my The days later, were Escape not couple, who sage appeared left to to have asked a pany’s coveredbe named, on the mescombusinesswebsite stating they had only disa problem when ing’ beforehad ‘ceased the tradhusband Danker’s en down the site completely.was takHoward phoned them a FLED: with ‘lame Wedding Sensitive that she Sue Danker excuse’ The Olive was not well enough just before left planner Spain Press that tend the the big to atother there are can reveal nifer day “I had ceremony. couples, numerous McCloy companies, company rehearsalonly had as well from Planner. Spanish rival who the daya be owed as before Wedding Dream money by claim to The organiser, was fine,”and she Weddings. Spanish Photographers, cally said bride. who ironi“I knew the DJ’s to set has been attempting was lying he that told the florists and body up a representative but was up to Olive Danker them for rogue to keep an has not Press stress, my neck in their eye on I had “I paid “There’splanners, continued: time no tinghave writtenservices. to how a lot of speculation phonefor nonsense Full story the money,”off ever this happened bella-based is a very get“Only calls. one MarPage sensitive and “There’s DJ which later 10 minutes 3 is bad a long explained. subject,it who have industry.” that it came out list of news she people for the several not Another hadn’t couples been paid, 15 suppliers,” Vear-Smyth,planner, and at Kerry contact has been added least with Danker Jenher disappearance. in since “She Turn

EXCLUSIVE: Could Putin President have finally a good reason off...as to strip emerge claims has just that he bought a Marbella mansion?

seepage page13 15 see

to Page

8

Turn to page 2

cy travel document, as his passport has expired.

Omar, who uses oxygen for 20 hours a day because his lungs have failed, finds it difficult to talk and gets easily out of breath.

“We are hoping that an Olive Press reader might know someone travelling back towards the Nottingham area.

“There must be someone out there kind enough to take him.”

If anyone can help please contact Mr Skilton on 958 063 074 or email: email@ ericskilton.com

RAID ROW

WATERGATE: Barcenas claims PP broke in WAR has broken out between the PP party and its former treasurer after he accused bosses of orchestrating a Watergate-style break-in at his office.

Police are now investigating the alleged burglary at Luis Barcenas’s office within the government’s PP party HQ. The man embroiled in the national scandal, involving a €38 million offshore slush fund, claims that two computers and personal documents were stolen in the raid.

Dismissal

He has since accused a lawyer to PP secretary general Dolores de Cospedal, of ordering the theft.

Along with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, she is accused of taking illegal backhanders in cash from the fund based in Switzerland.

The PP, however insists Barcenas (top), who made the payments, has not had an office in the building since stepping down as treasurer in 2010.

Barcenas is also suing the Turn to page 5

weeks of his life.

The offers even came from generous Spaniards who were touched by the heartbreaking story of how Omar, 54, had been given just weeks to live after being diagnosed with rapidlyspreading cancer.

Unable to fly due to his condition the computer shop owner - who has lived in Zujar, Granada, for a decade - appealed to Olive Press readers to help.

Close friend, Eric Skilton, 60, who has been handling the calls, revealed the response has been overwhelming.

He said: “It has been phenomonal. The phone rings about four times a day and I’ve received more than a dozen emails offering help to get him home.

“One tearful call from a Spanish policeman in Malaga who was anxious to offer help was especially touching.

“It’s nice to know the Spanish also read the Olive Press.

“Some of the offers have been so generous.”

Omar has sold his shop and is due to leave for Nottingham to see his sons, Kamal, 20, and Malik, 11, this week.

42

SCORES of big-hearted locals have offered their help to give tragic Omar Rahmoun a lift back to Blighty.

They got in touch after reading how the terminally

Don’t let the Don’t bankslet the banks cash www.hifx.co.uk cash inin www.hifx.co.uk

www.theolivepress.es

Couple Costa left thousands wedding plannerout of pocket AN Irish vanishes as leading ing legal couple are takMarbella action with deposits allegedly weddingafter their planner fled

failed to organize.

One hotel manager revealed this week that he had ‘at least three’ weddings due to take place last year at his hotel.

The Olive Press reported (above) that Turn to

Don’t let the Don’t thein bankslet cash banks cash in www.hifx.co.uk www.hifx.co.uk see page 13

March 7 - March 20, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

5

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

5

6

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

OPINION Must stick together ANYONE who has ever spent any significant amount of time in Spain will know that one of the country’s biggest problems is ‘red tape’.

Many people, expats or Spaniards, trying to move forwards in business find they are continuously getting caught up in this metaphorical tape.

But while many people don’t like it, it takes a brave soul to put his or her head above the parapit and really take a stand.

That is exactly what the chairman of Talk Radio Europe, Martin Nathan, did when he wrote a scathing and unforgiving open letter to the Junta condemning the move to close longrunning radio station, Coastline FM. The station, which been running as a viable business for more than 20 years, had been closed by the powers that be because of new laws requiring all stations to have a terrestrial broadcasting licence.

Mr Nathan did not mince his words when he accused the government of actively preventing businesses from succeeding and encouraging unemployment.

All business leaders, including media professionals, must stick together and stand up for their right to flourish.

Ditch the eggs!

While it means little more than chocolate eggs and a day off work to many Brits, for those living in Spain, Easter is quite the occasion.

In Andalucia, Semana Santa is the spiritual highlight of many people’s year.

For over 500 years, Andalucia has brought the church out into the open-air for both the devout follower and the curious disbeliever to enjoy the procession of religious floats.

If you are new to Spanish living then this is your best bet to really get to grips with the culture, and the history, of your area.

The weather is looking good this year so make sure you don’t miss out on the week long celebrations!

Have a happy Easter..see you the other side.

Got a news story?

Contact our team of journalists in our Costa del Sol office on

951127006 or 691831399 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

theEE

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

olive press

FR

Tel: 951166060 (admin) or 951127006 (editorial) A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 186,000 copies distributed monthly (120,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month.

Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 Urb Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350 Malaga Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Reporters: Frances Leate frances@theolivepress.es Mason Jones mason@theolivepress.es

Distribution: 951 166 060 Admin/advertising sales: Pauline Olivera admin@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: West Costa del Sol Jane Jewson 673 958 858 Axarquia Charlie Bamber 661 452 180 Cadiz Elizabeth Gould 683 337 342 Ronda/San Pedro/Marbella Jon Clarke 691 831 399

FEATURE How a string of major corruption cases are being handled by judges – many of them female subject to pressure from the same powers they are investigating, writes Jeronimo Andreu PILAR de Lara is a slight-framed, mild-mannered judge who arrived at Lugo’s 1st Juzgado de Instrucción (examining court) in 2007. Lugo, a provincial capital often blurred by a melancholy drizzle, seemed like a nice, quiet placement for a 37-year-old magistrate fresh out of another courthouse in Mieres where she had dealt with drug traffickers and one of the Madrid train bombings of March 11, 2004.

But that was until she ran into a hot potato of a case involving a Civil Guard officer who obtained favors from Brazilian prostitutes whom he knew to lack residency papers.

De Lara interrogated hundreds of prostitutes, tapped their clients’ conversations and ordered searches of police precincts. What she uncovered was a widespread web of corruption extending out from the brothels of Galicia and affecting law enforcement and elected officials.

De Lara found that police chiefs were deliberately ignoring abuse by the owner of a sex club called Queen’s. This same brothel provided cover for a group of businessmen who boasted about having mayors eating out of their hands and awarding them no-bid contracts.

Now, De Lara’s investigations are extending to the regions of Asturias and Catalonia (Operation Manga). In total, her fact-finding work has led to over 100 indictments for people trafficking, sexual abuse, drug trafficking, money laundering, embezzlement, bribes and other crimes.

Some of the high-ranking officials facing charges include the mayors of Lugo, Santiago de Compostela and Ourense, and the Ourense chief of police.

The prize for De Lara’s bravery has been a life of isolation, surrounded by powerful people who have declared war on her. The judge has received all kinds of threats and been the subject of political attacks and police plots to run her out of Lugo.

First the prostitutes delivered messages to her: “Leave Lugo or the police will come after you.”

Then, it emerged, a police officer admitted he was offered 22,000 euros to file a complaint against De Lara and online police forums are full of insults against her.

In order to cover her own back, De Lara leads the life of a monk, going straight from her home to the courthouse, where she works long hours regardless of whether she is sick or weak to the point of fainting. It is a tough life.

It is a familiar pattern: a new judge arrives in town and starts asking questions (under the inquisitorial system of law used in Spain, the judge does much of the investigative work in a case, as opposed to the adversarial system used in Britain and the United States, where evidence is gathered and presented to the judge).

The magistrate finds something odd, and immediately becomes the local enemy. The most vulnerable judges are the ones who work in small municipalities, with few resources and lots of guts, exposing the corruption that permeates the country, from the lowest to the highest levels.

Pressure is the key to keeping examining judges at bay. “Social fear makes some judges opt for lowprofile crimes. This in itself generates a corruption of sorts,” says Miguel Ángel Torres, the presiding judge in the Malaya case, the largest raid against corruption ever conducted in Spain.

The man who brought down the entire local government of Marbella now carries out routine work in a quieter court house in Granada. He now feels that judges, attorneys and police officers who investigate well-known, well-connected suspects are not sufficiently protected from this pressure by the state.

The more political the case, the greater the pressure - and not just from the targets of investigation.

Josep María Pijuan, the judge in charge of the Palau case, should know. The case involves the Palau de la Música, one of Catalonia’s premier cultural

www.theolivepress.es

The Lone Rangers

CRIME FIGHTERS: Judges Alaya (left), De Lara (right) and Torres and Pijuan (centre) institutions, whose manager Félix Millet siphoned off over 35 million euros over many years. Judge Pijuan is investigating whether part of that money was used for illegal party financing.

The evidence points to a major construction company, Ferrovial, paying commissions to Convergència, one half of the CiU bloc that rules Catalonia. These commissions were apparently disguised as cultural sponsorship of the Palau in exchange for hefty public contracts. Pijuan has set a bail of 3.2 million euros for the region’s most powerful party.

Pijuan’s is a special case because he did not unwittingly open a can of worms but went out looking for it.

A 60-year-old Pijuan was leading a quiet life at the Provincial Court of Barcelona, but asked to be trans-

“Social fear makes some judges opt for low-profile crimes.

This in itself generates a corruption of sorts,” says Torres ferred to Barcelona’s 30th examining court when a spot opened up.

This happens to be the court investigating the Palau case. His arrival speeded up proceedings that were going too slowly under his predecessor.

Pijuan has a strong personality and an incisive style that have made him famous. He handles his job with the aplomb and insists on the need to create teams of specialists to work together against corruption, rather

than rely on a star system of investigative judges.

His proposals come at a time when the very concept of the examining judge could soon disappear. Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz Gallardón has already taken the first steps to reform criminal procedure legislation and make the public prosecutor, rather than the judge, responsible for investigating the facts of cases.

The prosecutor is theoretically independent, although in practice he is appointed by the government, and many voices in the judiciary fear that the public prosecutor will have even more problems taking a stand against political corruption.

Jacobo Pin, the young magistrate in charge of the case against the politician Carlos Fabra -- the longtime head of Castellón province -for influence peddling, bribery and tax fraud, knows how hard it is to remain independent from political oversight. When he first arrived at Nules courthouse the case had already gone through eight judges as Fabra and his stable of lawyers kept delaying the investigative work in a stifling climate.

But Pin was made of sterner stuff and little by little he made his way through the reams of evidence in the case. He showed diligence in his information requests to banks, he reopened blocked avenues of investigation, and he applied the law rigorously. He also began getting pressure from Carlos Domínguez, president of the Provincial Court of Castellón and a personal friend of Fabra.

And then Pin dropped a bombshell... he asked the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) for protection from his superiors. In a written brief to the Spanish judges, Pin insisted that the

PSOE corruption probe From Page 1

quested the bank account details of Blanco and his wife from the tax authorities and extracts from the period 2006 to 2011.

Meanwhile, the courts continue to investigate whether former PP treasurer Luis Barcenas paid millions in cash from offshore accounts to various PP ministers and current Prime Minister Rajoy.

It has emerged that PP officials got detectives to tap his phone and monitor him as they feared he would go public with the claims.

The government is now suing newspaper El Pais claiming that so-called ledgers owned by Barcenas and showing payments are fake.

FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es leaders in Castellón were “trying to indirectly impose a stay of proceedings on the alleged crime of bribery,” which Pin wanted to add to the other charges against Fabra.

Against all odds, the CGPJ and then the Supreme Court ordered that Fabra also be tried for bribery.

These are small triumphs that examining judges mark like notches on their pistols. Judge José Castro already has a few of them. The chief investigator of the Palma Arena case has lost weight in recent times, but not for the same reasons as his most famous indictee, royal son-inlaw Iñaki Urdangarin, who is alleged to have appropriated millions of euros from no-bid public contracts he obtained because of his connections.

Following doctor’s orders, the 67-year-old Castro has traded his powerful motorbikes for a bicycle and, watching him pedal the five kilometers that separate the courthouse from his semi-detached beach house, one would be tempted to think that he leads the quiet life of a pensioner.

He has a girlfriend, grandchildren and a Yorkshire terrier, and shuns public appearances. He has a good working relationship with public servants and the police, and never misses out on a single house search, whether at the posh home of former Balearics premier Jaume Matas or at the shantytown of Son Banya.

These days, Castro is dedicated exclusively to the high-profile Urdangarin case. When widespread corruption under Matas, of the PP, began to emerge, regional political powers began trying to show the judge who was the boss of the islands. But Cas-

tro failed to take notice. It was a big fight, with even the state attorney trying to prevent an indictment of the Balearic leader. It was all to no avail. And it was precisely while investigating the building of the Palma Arena cycling track that the Urdangarin case emerged as an offshoot.

People who know Castro personally say he thought it over carefully before indicting King Juan Carlos’ son-in-law. But something halfway between a sense of duty and love of a good challenge made him do it.

But boldness does not come for nothing. This lesson was learned the hard way by Baltasar Garzón, once Spain’s most famous investigative judge. Garzón seemed untouchable:

Alaya is a good example of the slippery terrain that judges tread when the morality of a city is in their hands he had a position at Spain’s High Court and was well known inside and outside the country because of high-profile human rights cases against people such as former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.

But none of that stopped him from getting suspended over a wiretapping issue in connection with Gürtel, the widespread corruption case he was investigating.

His successor at the helm of Gürtel, Antonio Pedreira, is living proof that health is also part of the equation where the administration of justice

is concerned: he is now bed-ridden, suffering from a debilitating disease.

Judge Mercedes Alaya also knows how a body under pressure can react. Her trigeminal neuralgia is associated with the tension she has endured for the last two years. Popularly known as the ‘suicide disease’, it causes indescribable pain in the eyes, jaw and even hair, which can be triggered by nothing more than a breath of air. For five months now, every time the judge in charge of the Andalusian ERE case touches a piece of paper, she starts to suffer.

Alaya’s return to Sevilla is awaited as anxiously as people await an apparition of the Virgin Mary.

“Doctors have found the key to her illness,” says a source at the courthouse, but the truth is her health is as enigmatic as the woman who has revolutionized the entire region of Andalucia with her investigation into a massive scam involving public subsidies for companies making labor adjustment plans.

Without her ambition and her patience, the case would have never seen the light. But it has become such a personal thing that it seems nearly impossible for another judge to take over from her. There are two whole rooms filled with boxes containing documents and personal annotations on post-it notes. Meanwhile, attorneys are despairing over the delay and the difficulty of finding a replacement.

Alaya is a good example of the slippery terrain that judges tread when the morality of a city is in their hands. In certain situations, it seems easy to believe that nobody but oneself can clean up a rotten town.

This attitude could be construed as messianic, yet it is based on a truth. Who else would be willing to take calls from important people suggesting that it is high time to end the investigation? Who else would be willing to open the newspaper and find comments on one’s battle strategy?

Probably only someone who believes that the prize is worth fighting for, and that behind an accused silence, there is a lie.

This feature first appeared in El Pais

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

7

8

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

Embargo battle A BRITISH expat is facing an embargo on her home over a €600 debt which is not hers.

Kritzlynn Al-Taib, 62, claims her local town hall has ordered her to pay the last six years of water bills from a restaurant she legally closed in 2006.

Al-Taib had rented the Almijara restaurant in Canillas de Albaida, in the Axarquia, for over two years

By Mason Jones before closing the restaurant due to ill health.

It was then taken over by a local family who ran it until recently.

Now the town hall is demanding the expat pay €600.11 in utility costs or face an embargo on her home and bank account.

“Of course I was legally

Welcome to my village A SCOTTISH born author has written a book documenting the history of his village.Michael Tracy, 80, hopes the book, Bubion – The story of an Alpujarran village, will help more English speakers discover the area.

“I’m very fond of both the village and the people and realised nothing had been written about the place in English,” said Tracy, who spends his time between Bubion and Belgium.

The book is available from www.hermitagebook.net

British expat ordered to pay water bill for restaurant she closed six years ago responsible for the water when I ran the restaurant but the town hall know the contract came to an end in 2006,” she told the Olive Press.

“The mayor lives in the village, so he knows very well that this restaurant was being run by a local family for the last six years and not me.

“They must not have registered to pay their bills,” added the expat.

Al-Taib says she will not back to the demands.

“I’m digging my heels in, I’ve always paid my dues and paid my taxes here in Spain, so why should I be made to pay a debt that is not mine,” she added.

Al-Taib says she has repeatedly asked the mayor Jorge Martin Perez to look into the matter more closely, or told me not to occupy myself with it, it will be sorted he said,” added Al-Taib, who has until the end of the month before the embargo

MISTAKE: Al-Taib hit with bill for neighbour is placed.

The town of Canillas de Albaida hit the headlines last June when former mayor, Leovigildo Lopez, was banned from public office for seven years, narrowly escaping jail for planning crimes.

9

10

NEWS

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Charity angels WHAT an angelic bunch they are. The primary school choir from Swans International School sang live on air during the Talk Radio Europe telethon last week. The group also handed over a cheque for €250 to cancer charity Cudeca, which was raised at a recent cake sale.

Radio wars THE chairman of Spain’s leading English radio station has hit out at the government for the recent closure of Coastline FM. In an open letter to Jose Manuel Soria Lopez, the ministry for industry, energy and tourism, Talk Radio Europe boss Martin Nathan slammed the Junta for forcing the closure of the longest-running expat station on the Costa del Sol. The Olive Press recently reported how the 24-year-old Axarquia-based station had been forced to close after being ordered to stop transmitting by the Junta.

It is thought the move was made because the station did not have a terrestrial broadcasting license, which is a complete muddle in Spain.

In the scathing letter, Nathan accuses the Junta of ‘increasing unemployment’ and adding to the ‘burden on social security’ by allowing viable businesses, like Coastline FM, to close down.

He goes on to state that many of these radio stations boost tourism and are ‘essential

TRE boss accuses the Junta of increasing unemployment by allowing popular stations to close to the well-being’ of the community they serve.

He criticises the introduction of the Audiovisual Communications Act in 2010 which left scores of radio stations, mostly serving the English speaking communities, unlicensed and unlawful overnight.

He said: “As the law stands independent stations are being shut down without ever having the opportunity to regularise their situation - an act that is constitutionally indefensible” He added: “We urge the government to act quickly to reverse this unfair law and prevent further avoidable unemployment and misery.”

ANNUAL CHARITY TELETHON RAISES €17,000 FOR CUDECA ORGANISERS of the annual Cudeca telethon, which raises vital funds for the Benalmadena Hospice, have hailed the one day event a great success.

Hundreds of people called in to place bids and donate money during the one day telethon organised by Talk Radio Europe (TRE) and Cudeca on Friday, March 8.

Prizes up for grabs included a car, holidays, a chance to be a radio presenter for the day, as well as free advertising space in the Olive Press.

The live bidding show was hosted by the TRE team alongside some special guests and there was also an array of musical talent performing live on air in the studio.

Cudeca’s Laura Haggis said: “The auction opened for live bidding at 10am and by midday the atmosphere in the studio was alive and buzzing with listeners joining in the bidding frenzy which lasted until late that evening.

“Cudeca Hospice would sincerely like to thank all the staff at Talk Radio Europe and all those generous businesses and individuals who donated items.”

All the money raised will help the Cudeca Hospice to continue caring for more than 750 people each year with cancer and other advanced and non-curable illnesses within the province of Málaga.

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

11

Banker was my father AN IMPOVERISHED Spanish woman has won the right to have one of Spain’s richest financiers exhumed from his grave.

After years of struggle, Ana Gallart will find out if her DNA matches that of Mallorca multi-millionaire banker Juan March.

March died in 1962 having become the most successful Spanish banker of the first half of the twentieth century.

The 65-year-old, who lives in working class neighbourhood in Valencia, insists she is the daughter of March and is therefore entitled to a share of his fortune.

She made the claims after discovering that her birth mother was a cook in the March household, when she gave birth in 1947.

While a twin sister died at only eight months, she was adopted to a family in Valencia.

She discovered her past after finding her biological mother was called Rosa,

Famous financier exhumed to discover if he sired two girls adopted at birth FORTUNE: Anna Gallart could get millions

By Rebecca Maguire who had sadly died a few years ago at the age of 62.

So sure is Gallart of the connection that she has risked her pension, plus the pension of her husband and mother to help cover €10,000 in legal costs. She’s also borrowed money from family and friends, who know they might not get it back.

“I hadn’t questioned my past until I discovered that my birth certificate read of unknown parentage,” Gallart explained. “I wanted to know who I am and where I come from.”

A court agreed with her claims and March’s body was exhumed last week. The DNA results will be known in a few weeks.

If Gallart is the daughter she will be entitled to a claim to the March fortune.

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

11

12

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

12

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

NEW RIGHTS FOR EURO PASSENGERS AIRLINES which cancel flights will have to book passengers on rival carriers if they cannot offer one of their own within 12 hours, under a new package of EU consumer measures to be unveiled today.

A number of new laws to help passengers are being introduced as part of EU aviation rules.

Subject to the approval of member states and the European Parliament, the new laws are due to come into effect in early 2015.

Airlines are already required to refund passengers when flights are cancelled.

However, they have frequently been accused of trying to dodge their obligations by forcing customers to drag them through the courts to obtain compensation.

Under the changes, airlines will have to pay for a maximum of three nights hotel

No more extortionate fees to change boarding passes, as new regulations are set to improve flying conditions around Europe accommodation if passengers get stranded because of cancelled flights.

The reforms will also mean airlines are banned from charging a fee to correct a misspelling of their name.

Ryanair currently charges €150 to correct a flight booking at the airport while easyjet charges around €50.

Airlines will now also be required to hand out water and make the toilets available when a plane is stuck on the tarmac for more than an hour.

DID THE EARTH MOVE? AN earthquake, of magnitude 4.8 on the Richter scale, struck Andalucia at 4.11am on Monday morning, prompting calls to the 112 emergency services.

Jimena de la Frontera was the epicentre although tremors were felt in Malaga and Sevilla provinces too.

There are no reports of personal injury or damage.

Teenage air steward saves life in emergency landing

A RYANAIR flight from Lanzarote to Bristol had to stop in Sevilla when a female passenger suffered a heart attack on board.

And if it hadn’t been for the quick-thinking actions of a teenage air steward the passenger would almost certainly have died, insists the airline.

Luke Rexworthy (above), 19, gave the woman the kiss of life and oxygen from the on board emergency kit when she collapsed.

A nurse on the flight joined the rescue attempt which went on for half an hour as the plane made an emergency landing in Sevilla.

Luke is now about to receive a top national life-saving honour from the Royal Humane Society and has already been presented with a Ryanair Excellence Award in Dublin.

The passenger, who was rushed to hospital as soon as the plane landed, has since made a complete recovery.

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

Clampdown on school sex offenders UK law enforcers have launched a new police check that will help British schools in Spain to identify and screen people who are

ART COMP BUDDING artists are being invited to enter a competition that takes place at the Homes, Gardens and Lifestyle show in April in Torremolinos .

The competition, sponsored by Avalon, is for all levels of painters and in any type of technique. It is split into three categories: Beginners (with less than three years experience) , Intermediate ( with 3 to 8 years experience) , and Expert (with 8 years + experience).

It costs €5.00 per exhibit, and money is being donated to the Children’s Wish List Charity. Contact Marie Jahn on 951 120 046 or email cdsmarketingmanager@avalonsl.es

unsuitable to be working with children.

The new International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) was presented to delegates from 60 international schools at the annual conference of the National Association of British Schools in Sevilla.

The UK national law enforcement agency that deals with child protection launched the certificate after finding that some international schools, charities and other agencies overseas do not have the same level of police checks that are available in the UK. It said this was enabling sex offenders to gain positions of trust with children.

British Ambassador Giles Paxman, who attended the conference, said: “Schools have a critical role to play in guaranteeing the safety and well being of children.

“This is an effective tool designed to reduce the chances of sex offenders gaining access to children.”

13

News IN BRIEF

Lucky escape LOCAL police in Torremolinos saved a 78-year-old British man who became trapped in his home for three days after falling and breaking his hip.

Speed talks Spain is reviewing speed limits for motorways, secondary and urban roads with a possible increase of the top speed to 130 kph.

Hospital hurry PP bosses are calling for the Junta to open the new Guadalhorce hospital, which has remained closed for nearly a year since its completion.

Fresh discounts A new supermarket, Don Market Descuento, has opened at the La Trocha commercial centre in Coin.

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

13

14

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

14

GREEN NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Plastic poison kills whale

The only official stockist of CROWN PAINT in Spain Try our revolutionary new Spectro scanner to match any sample or swatch - the possibilities are endless!

Call us: 952 835 172 MON-FRI 8.00 - 17.30 SAT 9.00 - 13.00

r o f y d ea r !

R t e G e m m u s

DECKING

Supply Only OR Supply & Fit

see WEBSITE for all our TRADE & DIY products & services

www.abbs.es Polígono Ind. Las Chapas, ELVIRIA . N340 KM.192 .

A WHALE found washed up on a Granada beach died from swallowing plastic, according to scientists.

The ten metre long, 4.5 ton sperm whale was discovered dead on the beach in Castell de Ferro.

One of several found dead in recent years, biologists found 59 pieces of plastic sheeting, of the type used by nearby greenhouses to protect crops, inside the whale.

In total, the animal had ingested nearly 18 kilograms of the material used for the plasticulture industry (see feature on page 22).

It was also discovered that the whale had swallowed nine metres of rope used to hold the plastic sheets down, proving that much of the industry’s waste is being dumped in the rivers and sea.

The plastic had caused one of the whale’s stomachs to burst. As well as the large

amounts of plastic discovered in the whale, biologists also discovered two flower pots, a spray can and various other pieces of rubbish that had been thoughtlessly dumped into the sea.

Renaud de Stephanis, who led the investigation, said he was shocked and saddened at the discovery.

He said: “I was thinking, who on earth put plastic in here?’ The stomach had exploded and the gastric contents had ended up in the abdominal cavity,” De Stephanis, who has spent several summers in Almería, recognized the objects as typical of the greenhouses that cover much of the coast between Murcia and Málaga.

Plastic is a leading cause of death for 250 marine species, including fish, turtles and birds.

It is thought that sperm whales dive as far as 1,000 meters down in search of squid, and that they may

Drive of your life... but fuel not included THE drive to get more electric cars on the roads of Spain has gathered pace.

City hall bosses in Malaga are the first in the province to introduce 20 municipal vehicles that are 100% electric.

As well as the new cars, the Mayor of Fuengirola, Esperanza Ona, recently opened the first rapid charging station for electric vehicles in Spain.

The charging station will be open to the public at the end of this month.

The opening is part of the Zem2All (Zero Emissions Mobility to All) international project.

There are also due to be other electric charging stations in Malaga City and Marbella as part of the three year project.

The stations are able to recharge 60% of the battery in just 15 minutes.

The local TV channel, FTV, who are supporting the project, will be using two electric vehicles which are expected to save €2,500 per year on fuel.

There will also be a charging point at the television station’s headquarters.

Recharging costs €1.6 per 100 kilometres.

The environmentally friendly vehicle requires no oil, which is quickly becoming a scarce recourse and can cut down on harmful CO2 emissions.

THIS fishing boat was photographed by an Olive Press reader inside the legal limit of the beach in Benajarafe, Malaga.

The illegal trawler was reported to police by the reader who said: “The sea belongs to us all and taking small fish in this manner is harming stocks for future generations.”

Tragic fate of whale that swallowed 59 pieces of plastic sheeting, nine metres of rope, a spray can and other debris dumped in the sea

mistake plastics for prey or swallow it accidentally.

In 2008, the Olive Press launched a campaign to ban plastic bags in an attempt to stop them filling up landfill sites and cause havoc to the

environment.

It is thought a single plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to degrade and in the meantime gets swallowed by whales or caught on the flippers of sea turtles.

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

15

16

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

THE OLIVE PRESS IS NOW DISTRIBUTING 4,000 COPIES ON THE ROCK Here are the main places stocking the Olive Press in Gibraltar: • Café Fresco • O’Reileys • Ibex Insurance • Morrisons • Elliot Hotel • Sacarellos • ICC Shopping Centre • Cafe Solo • Café Rojo • Colourworks • Rolex • Caleta Hotel • Ibex Insurance • Eroski city (Waitrose) • Gala Casion • King’s Bastion

GIBRALTAR NEWS

Pollution overhaul

www.theolivepress.es

Beatles first for Gibraltar

RARE: Lennon collection heads to Gibraltar

A MASSIVE €17 million overhaul is hoped to finally cut down feared pollution rates at the CEPSA refinery in San Roque.

The controversial refinery has installed a number of new safety measures after being criticised by the EU last year.

A total of 1,400 workers undertook the work over a month and a number of the reconditioned units are already in service.

The modernising of its equipment included reforms of its catalytic cracking units and the installation of energy saving measures.

Its director Ramon Segura insists the refinery now has the highest security levels

A new refit is hoped to make CEPSA Refinery safer and more efficient

By Rebecca Maguire possible.

“The improvements will increase the refinery’s efficiency, which is our main objective looking ahead,” he said.

“The plant is much more modern now, because the whole facility has been rejuvenated.”

The changes come a year since the EU’s environment commissioner cited ‘shortcomings’ at the refinery and promised to work with the Spanish authorities to reduce

the plant’s pollution levels.

The EU Commission inspected pollution levels in the area in 2011 after the refinery doubled its output in a year.

At the time there were repeated concerns about tackling pollution in the bay of Algeciras.

However fears about cancer rates were calmed after research by a Danish University showed cancer rates in Gibraltar were within the normal range of other EU countries. CEPSA is one of the biggest employers in the Campo de Gibraltar.

A COLLECTION of rare and private memorabilia that gives glimpses into the life of John Lennon is being displayed in a Gibraltar museum.

The Julian Lennon Beatles Collection, which has only been seen in Liverpool, will be officially opened by First Minister Fabian Picardo at the Gustavo Bacarisas Galleries, next Wednesday.

A huge Liverpool FC fan himself, he has long had an interest in the band.

The exhibition has been created by John Lennon’s son Julian and includes family photographs and clothing such as John Lennon’s famous Afghan coat. Also on display will be his Honda ‘monkey bike’ motorbike and Paul McCartney’s handwritten lyrics for ‘Hey Jude’.

New service for Sotogrande A NEW Catholic priest will be holding twice weekly services in English in Sotogrande.

They will take place at 7pm on Saturday and 10.30am on Sunday at the Sanctuario de la Divina Misericordia, in Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro, opposite SuperCor.

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

17

18

AXARQUIA NEWS

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

Axq IN BRIEF Car crash

NO one was injured when a red Peugeot crashed into a roadside barrier near a bus stop in Nerja and plunged into an embankment.

Work help

A NEW scheme to help people set up new businesses and find work is being launched in Torrox.

SEWAGE PLANT ON HOLD THE construction of a sewage plant in Nerja has been delayed until May 12. The consortium contracted to build the plant, Corsan-CorviaIsolux, has asked for extra time to prepare their final proposal.

If there are noamendments or alterations made by the Ministry of Environment then work will finally begin.

www.theolivepress.es

Break in warning The village of Alcaucin has been hit by a string of burglaries, sparking calls to step up security

Bid for tropical fruit recognition FRUIT producers in the Axarquia are putting pressure on the EU to give their crops protected status.

The group has set up an association to demand that Brussels gives their products their own DO (Denominacion de Origin) status.

So far 50 companies have joined the Tropical Fruit Producers association, based in VelezMalaga. They hope to be joined by 400 members from around Malaga and Granada provinces to gain more influence.

CONCERNED: Mario Blancke giving advice on how to avoid burglaries

A RESIDENT’S association has issued a warning to villagers to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries.

There have been five break ins in the last month in Alcaucin alone sparking calls for homeowners to step up security.

Mario Blancke, association spokesperson, said: “We have been concerned for some time now as we saw a lot of break-ins towards the end of last year and over Christmas.

“It went quiet for a while but this passed month they have started up again.”

Frightened

Mr Blancke added: “We are asking everyone living in Alcaucin to keep an eye on their properties and those of neighbours in their absence.”

On two occasions the burglars were frightened off, once by an alarm system and another time by the owners of the property who were inside at the time.

It is hoped that the incidents can be prevented by villagers looking out for each other and installing alarms.

www.theolivepress.es

15

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

19

20

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 83.70% full Same week last year: 76.84% Same week in 2003: 60.57% AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000 EMERGENCIES Police 091 Guardia Civil 062 Medical service 061 Fire 080 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.3 American Dollars 0.6 British Pounds 1.34 Canadian Dollars 7.46 Danish Kroner 10.08 H Kong Dollars 7.44 Norwegian Kroner 1.62 Singapore Dollars

DAY LIGHT ROBBERY Dear Olive Press, The Smart meters now being installed by Endesa is controlled to produce whatever level of consumption Endesa wants to see.

Last year, I moved into a little house with a smart meter.

I was HORRIFIED at the level of consumption that was being invoiced.

From October 18th I have been carefully recording the meter readings and I reduced my consumption by restricting the hours the power was actually switched on and by restricting myself to my laptop computer and occasional lights.

On 29th October with an average metered consumption of 250w per hour, I went with the house owner to the Endesa office in Coín.

Endesa insisted that their meter was recording correctly.

But it is too much of a coincidence that my consumption dropped by 76% after my visit to the Endesa office.

At the moment I use my refrigerator, my laptop for six or seven hours a day and electric lights for a maximum of three hours a day – it does not seem reasonable that these would consume

LETTERS

www.theolivepress.es on, I wonder if anybody else has actually received any kind of not ification from Hacienda that the new law was being introduced?

The new law, for those of you who don’t know, requires all ex pats who are fiscal residents in Spain to declare any assets they own in other countries outside Spain by 30th April.

Failure to do so will result in quite shocking fines.

When changing a law or introducing a new one, is it not the responsibility of the authorities to notify the people whom it will affect?

Let’s imagine that a person never reads a newspaper, and has not seen the articles (there have been very few actual articles) nor the advertisements from companies who can help you to deal with these new requirements.

How is this person (who is

SNOW JOKE

Dear Olive Press, Winter heating allowance? Bring it on.

Colin Gillie, Casarabonela 1Kw of electrical power per day.

I am now back in the dark ages, using candles for light and boiling water on my gas hob.

Something seems to be very wrong with these meters.

How many other people who have them don’t realise that the cost increases they are experiencing are not necessarily because they are

using more electricity?

Arthur Webster Coín

DECLARE YOUR ASSETS Dear Jon I have just read the letter in this week’s paper about the 720, and although I agree that it isn’t just foreigners like us who are being picked

living perfectly legally) supposed to know that there is a new legal requirement which they have to fulfil or face a €10,000 minimum fine?

I asked a Hacienda manager that question and he looked at me as if I had lost my mind. His eyes went like saucers and he said incredulously ‘but we sent a letter to each one of you!’

Did they?

I never received one. Did anyone else? If you did, then please write to this newspaper. If I invited everyone who did NOT receive such a letter to write to the paper, then I bet it would be inundated.

As a last point Rajoy must surely be a bigger lemon than I took him for.

Slapping the expats is a very foolish idea, because we can just go home and take our money with us.

If this man had any qualification in economics, I would write to the exam board and ask for a re-mark.

Yours Debbie Ryder Rincon de la Victoria

KILLJOYS? Dear Editor, I am amazed that you call the Spanish Police ‘killjoys’ when they are only diligently doing their job. (issue 154, backpage) Are you really prepared to condone 20 foreign drivers driving high powered cars at high speeds on public roads without valid licences?

Actually, the police had every right to fine any illegal driver who they saw driving, and impounding the cars did, at least, put a stop to their ban being ignored which it could easily have been as soon as their backs were turned!

We like to read The Olive Press each week. It is one of the better News papers around for sure.

Yours sincerely, A.B.Milne, Vera

CROSSMOT 4

Across 7 Los Pilotos (6) * 8 Suficiente (6) * 9 Lío (4) * 10 Packing (8) * 11 Golondrina (7) * 13 Enojado (5) * 15 Medio (5) * 17 Más Populares (7) * 20 Dieciocho (8) * 21 Este (4) * 23 Pasar Por Alto (6) * 24 Entra (6).

Down 1 Fuego (4) * 2 Fósil (6) * 3 Thick (7) * 4 Verb (5) * 5 Polen (6) * 6 Holes (8) * 12 Escritos (8) * 14 Montado (7) * 16 Escuela (6) * 18 Tratado (6) * 19 Fiebre (5) * 22 Llaga (4).

L = 198

Almeria

ED: Well thank you for your points, but we actually believe that journalist are some of the best and most sensible drivers around... and don’t forget these drivers had their US licences

PLE WR ASE ITE

Letters should be posted to Urb. Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350, Malaga or emailed to letters@theolivepress.es The writer’s name and address should be provided. Published opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

la cultura 31

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

Life’s a beach

evilla, The CAAC, now until June 30, 15 pieces of work by Chinese artist and activist Ai WeiWie will be on display including one of his most famous, Sunflower Seeds.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-3pm. Entrance fee: €1.80

Crime book set in the plasticulture industry of southern Spain

By Frances Leate Goodwin, who has owned a house in Rubite, near Motril, for 18 years, added: “During that time the plastic greenhouses have grown to staggering proportions.”

The novel deals with corruption and violence in one of the large agricultural consortiums.

The protagonist, Mark Blake, is on the run in Spain from a killing and embezzlement in the UK. From the backstreets of Almeria he bankrolls ruthless peasant Pedro Gonzalez in developing invernaderos to grow drugs.

The lives of the migrant

what’s on

S

Famous seaside painting by Sorolla is expected to fetch up to €3 million at auction

A BOOK that deals with the murky underworld of the plasticulture industry in southern Spain has been launched.

Bad Seed, written by British born author James Goodwin, is a fast-paced crime novel set around the large greenhouses (known as ‘invernaderos’) that have sprung up on the Granada and Almeria coastline.

Academic Goodwin, who has had a house near Motril, was inspired by the growth of the industry over the last two decades.

He said: “It was during my travels in Almeria that the idea for my novel began to take shape.”

21 21

M workers are not Blake’s concern until he meets Kate Anderson, the double of the woman he once loved.

“Two major themes are explored but revealing either of them would give away the plot,” he adds.

The Olive Press begins a short serialisation of the novel overleaf. It is available to buy on Amazon.

HE proved that the life of an artist didn’t have to be fraught with grief and worry.

Now one of Joaquin Sorolla’s most evocative works could fetch up to €3 million at an auction in London in May. The masterpiece Ninos en la Playa (Children on the Beach), is one of a stunning series he created while painting on the beach with his family during a holiday in 1916.

Born exactly 150 years ago in Valencia, the artist famously set up a tent for shade and painted his children playing in the sand.

Part of his family’s private collection, it was created during a break from his monumental work Vision of Spain.

“As well as being an exquisite painting, with a wonderfully fresh contemporary feel to it, it also has a fascinating history,” said Adrian Biddell, of Sotheby’s.

The painting has an interesting history as it came back to the family in a full circle having been first bought by a Spanish collector, who sold it back to the painters grandson 50 years later.

arbella, La Sala restaurant, March 21, a night of flamenco and Spanish guitar in the piano lounge.

For more information call 952814145 or email reservations@ lasalabanus.com

A

lmeria, Centro

Andaluz de la Fotografía, now until April 14, Antologia exhibition, photographic exhibition from Cordoba-born photographer Gervasio Sanchez. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am8.30pm, Sunday 9am3pm. Free entry.

la cultura

22

H

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

E had the apartment rented for two weeks so he knew he had time before she would be discovered. He drove the car to the outskirts of London, left it in a side street and dropped the keys down a nearby grating. He threw all of Gloria’s previous identity into a trash bin, caught the underground back into the city and took the train to Dover. He used his new passport. He felt nervous but was waved through without a second glance. At Calais he bought a train ticket to Milan but got off at Lyon. He caught a train to Bordeaux, then an overnight to Barcelona. He checked into a two star hotel and waited, tense, as the receptionist took the details of his new identity. She smiled as she handed the passport back and wished Mr Blake a pleasant stay. When he got to his room he felt exhausted. He lay on the bed, in and out of sleep, visions of Gloria. Only when it got dark did he venture outside. He tried to appear calm but he was too aware of the £250,000 he had in the briefcase, too aware of Gloria’s body still lying undiscovered in the apartment. Once she was found he was certain he would be recognized. He’d been in Barcelona for only

BAD SEED

In the first extract of a new crime book Bad Seed by James B Goodwin, Mark Blake goes on the run from embezzlement and a murder in the UK. Ending up in Almeria he bankrolls a partnership with ruthless peasant Pedro Gonzalez a few hours but the British tourists alarmed him. He had to find somewhere he could hide.

He went into a bar in a side street in the Bario Gotic, a dark and narrow cobbled alley. There was a football match on TV. The barman and four men at the bar were watching the action. He ordered a beer. The barman poured, his head turned to the TV. Blake took the beer and sat at a table. He picked up a newspaper left on the chair next to him. It was in English about the British community living on the Costa del Sol. In the centre was a double page spread on Almeria and the Cabo de Gata. He read about Almeria City, the busy port, the Alcazer fortress high above the city looking

out over the Mediterranean, pictures of invernaderos, the plastic greenhouses, transforming the area. He decided to take a look, see if this was where he could be safe, see if this was where he could start over again.

He checked out of the hotel the following morning, changed two hundred pounds into pesetas and bought a ticket for Almeria. It had been three days since he had killed Gloria and he could contain himself no longer. He bought a copy of the Daily Express at the station bookstand and forced himself to sit down quietly on a platform bench.

The Duchess of York had had her second child. There was a picture on the front page of Fergie holding the new born, Eugenie Victoria Helena.

He turned the page. There was a problem with the new Hubble space telescope, it couldn’t focus properly. The article said it needed glasses.

Mikhail Gorbachov had won the Nobel Peace Prize. There was a picture of Princess Diana holding the hand of a little black boy who had been born with AIDs. He looked back through the pages to check that he had not missed anything. Nothing. The train pulled in and he got up, threw the paper into the trashcan, and climbed aboard.

The journey to Almeria took seven hours. The train stopped at Tarragona, Valencia, Alicante and Murcia.

At Murcia, the sun broke SINISTER: Migrant workers and through, the clouds cleared (top) invenaderos and the warmth of the sun and the clear blue sky lifted He couldn’t afford to have a think of) what he’d been dohis spirits. As the train ap- fortune lying around. The fol- ing before he came to Spain, proached Almeria, Blake lowing morning, he rented a (recently divorced, decided looked out over the barren locker at the station. He felt to sell his business interests, landscape. The earth looked nervous that it wouldn’t be seek other opportunities) his lifeless. Boulder strewn, it safe there, either, but he felt reasons for being in Almeria.

The guidebook had said how rolled way from the train into he had no choice. the barren hills. The desert The estate agents was a parts of the region were belandscape shimmered in the grubby little place in a side al- ing developed for holidays so heat and the colour drifted ley. It doubled as a car rental Blake said he was looking to from bleached clay to rusty and advertised legal services. buy property that he could dered and on to the blues and The estate agent could speak velop as holiday homes. purples of the distant moun- a bit of English, phoned the He was ‘in luck,’ apparently. tains. There seemed to be owner and Blake went off to Ortiz said his family owned range after range, lying be- take a look. It was small; a many properties just right hind each other, hazy, flat, living room with a gas hob for development. And by furtwo dimensional, the blues and a sink in an alcove and ther good fortune, Ortiz had a and purples unreal, stylised. a bed behind a wallpapered number of uncles and cousHere and there, trees and plywood divider. The bath- ins who were experienced shrubs clung to the cracked room was down the hall and in all kinds of building work. shared with another tenant Blake, it appeared, had been earth searching for life. very fortunate Finally, the train pulled in bumping into Almeria. A kiosk on into someone the platform had maps and guide books. He “He’d been in Barcelona for only a as well connected as bought a guidebook and few hours but the British tourists Ortiz. He was street map of the town sure he could and, a hundred yards from alarming him. He had to find make very the station, sat down on a favourable arsomewhere he could hide.” bench in the Plaza de la rangements.

Estacion. He picked up his Blake nodded, bags and started walking. smiled, said, The afternoon sun was hot and reflected off the tall and the owner and his wife. ‘Si, si,’ from time to time and buildings lining the street. The owner, Ortiz, described agreed that Ortiz could go He walked along the side of it in a mixture of Spanish and ahead. a narrow park, the sea on English. It was, apparently, The next day Blake went with his left. He passed dark ca- the most sumptuously fur- Ortiz to see the properties. fes with Arabic script on the nished apartment in Almeria. He had no intention of buywindows. He took a right into To begin with, Blake misun- ing the places but felt Ortiz Santa Cruz and found himself derstood the price. It didn’t gave him legitimacy. With wandering in a maze of nar- seem possible to him that Ortiz he was part of the lorow streets. Washing hung the rent could be so low and cal community. They drove above him, dark gypsy-like in the confusion he asked east out of Almeria in Ortiz’s kids kicked a ball to each about the price again. Ortiz 2CV. At first Blake barely noother, dark-skinned men and shook his head in the manner ticed the plastics. A couple women sat out in the street of the landlord who is forever went by, the ageing plastic, on hard chairs and fell silent being exploited and reduced milky, yellowed and tattered. as he passed. He felt out the rent even further. Blake Then more and larger versions appeared. They looked of place. The two hundred agreed to take it. and fifty thousand weighed The owner, Ortiz, lived on the like primitive greenhouses heavy in his hand, vulnerable. premises and owned and with polythene instead of He made his way back and ran the shoe shop on the glass. They were built on a looked across the busy road ground floor with his wife, framework of wooden poles to the ships in the harbour, Adel. Blake realised as soon tensioned by steel wires. He the cranes turning and winch- as he took the room that asked Ortiz what they were. ing loads into the holds. He there was an unforeseen ‘Invernederos, plasticos,’ he took the guidebook from his problem. Ortiz liked to talk. was told. ‘New farming. Very pocket and picked a hotel. He Blake was forced to invent a good. Three crops a year. booked into the Costasol for background; where he came ‘Pimientos, tomates, judias a couple of nights. He need- from, (London, Chalk Farm verdes.’ Blake remembered ed to find a flat or apartment. was the only place he could and nodded his head.

A

E

ll about

www.theolivepress.es

Issue 157 March 21 2013

stepona

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

Breaking the mould Estepona is where those-in-the-know come to find a bit of true Andalucian charm

23 23

24 24

Estepona special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

Spanish town A town of true Andalucian charm, Estepona is the place to find celebrities like Michael Parkinson, Rod Stewart and Cilla Black, writes Mason Jones

I

T doesn’t take long to realise that Estepona is not your usual Costa del Sol resort.

While much of the coast has been heavily influenced by the English, French and Germans, Estepona has taken pride in sticking to its roots.

Quite clearly the odd one out

Residents sip coffee under the orange trees while tourists admire the squares on Spain’s famous southern coastline, the attractive town has little of the rowdy or ostentatious elements so typical of most of its neighbours.

Following the narrow cobbled streets up towards picturesque Plaza de los Flores, you soon get a flavour of the town’s distinctly Andalucian charm.

Bemused residents idly sip coffee under the shade of orange trees while small gangs

CAPTION:

of tourists stop to admire the surroundings of the square.

Around the corner, busy shoppers troop down Calle Real before store-keepers defiantly close at 2pm for their daily siesta, now something of a rarity for many towns on the Costa del Sol. And nowhere are the features of a traditional Spanish town more evident than from the doorway of Bar Gaspar.

This minuscule watering-hole has sat proudly between Estepona’s indoor market and the town’s historic monastery since 1957.

From a kitchen not much bigger than a wardrobe, a vast selection of delicious traditional dishes are produced and fed to a friendly, but noisy bunch of regulars who visit the bar religiously.

“This area is the true heart of Estepona,” explains regular Antonio Lopez, 34.

“I have been coming here since I was a child,” he adds, looking through a doorway to the market.

“My father and I would go to the market every Saturday morning to buy fresh fruit and vegetables like everyone else in the town, and then we would come into the bar to see everyone and eat tapas.

“For us it was like going to church,” he adds.

Named ‘Estebbuna’ by the Romans, the town is now littered with historic monuments from its Phoenician and Roman days.

“Just last month various 2,000-year-old artifacts were found around the town and outside my house,” reckons local sailor Tomas Reyes. “It is a treasure chest of history here.”

Estepona

www.theolivepress.es

Delving further into to the rich history of Estepona, we find that the town was destroyed by the conquering Christians in the 15th century and rebuilt by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand almost a century later.

In 1729 Philip V granted the town a charter for 600 families to reside here and the town has continued its growth to this day with around 65,000 people now living here all year round.

And the melting pot of cultures which forms the town is still very much evident today.

From the scattering of watchtowers warding off the Moorish invaders to the Arab-built clock tower and the 16th century castle ruins, the place is awash with history.

Another of the town’s most popular attractions is the old Franciscan monastery which is now the Church of our Lady of Redemption.

Built in the 18th century, the church is formed by three vaulted naves and a tower which provides spectacular views of the whole town.

From here you can marvel at the true magnitude of the glorious Sierra Bermeja mountain range, which dominates the view inland.

Take a wander through the old quarter, admiring the white-washed houses and freshly painted flower boxes along the way.

Up above Calle Real the streets have now been pedestrianised and are dotted with plant pots and interesting buildings.

And this, according to its residents, is the real difference

If you happen to be in the port when the catch is landed, you get a real sense of the bygone days of Estepona as a bustling fishing village.

Fisherman and wholesalers gather round as the catch is iced, auctioned and then transported throughout the region.

Walking out of the port, back towards the town centre, it is not uncommon to see fishermen hosing down nets or playing a game of cards in their lock-ups after a hard day at sea.

Not only does the port provide the town with high quality seafood, it is also home to some of the town’s most popular bars and restaurants.

Each weekend, tourists, expats and Spaniards alike can be seen mingling at bars such as Reinaldo’s, which many claim to be the port’s oldest drinking spot.

25

Feature Pic

ESTEPONA: Set in between stunning mountains and blue sea, it’s the perfect seaside town The town truly seems to have something for everyone, but spend just an hour wandering though its streets and you will see it retains a strong sense of character.

In becoming very much part

It’s a quiet holiday resort but you are only ten minutes away from Marbella between Estepona and its counterparts along the coast.

“It has definitely retained its Spanish-ness, and I think that’s why people like to come here,” said long-term resident Amanda Thomas, 49.

“We also have the best of both worlds, it’s a quiet holiday resort but you’re only ten minutes away from the nightlife of Puerto Banus or Marbella if that’s what you want,” adds the expat.

It is the sea and beaches, however, which many in Estepona would claim to be their greatest asset.

Although Estepona no longer relies on fishing as its main source of income like it did fifty years ago, dozens of fishing boats can still be seen leaving the port each morning, returning early in the afternoon to please local restaurateurs with the freshest of ingredients.

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

The port is also home to a sailing school and a busy market which stretches the length of the entire marina selling a range of leather goods, ceramics and jewellery each Sunday.

Although shying away from the glitz and glamour of its coastal cousin Marbella, Estepona has still seen its fair share of famous faces over the years.

Television stars such as Michael Parkinson, Jimmy Tarbuck and Ronnie Corbett have all been visitors of the town, while the late Frank Carson had a house near the marina.

National treasure Cilla Black has also been known to holiday in the town, and Spain’s highest-paid matador, Jose Tomas has a home here and is regularly spotted by residents with his girlfriend and young son.

Even The Faces star Rod Stewart used to live just a few

minutes drive away on the road to Casares.

Perhaps celebrities are attracted to the town by one of the most highly regarded beaches on the coast, Playa de la Rada, which won a prestigious EC blue flag in 2009.

In the summer months this part of town comes to life with the opening of several chiringuitos that have lined the golden beach since the 1960’s hosting various musical events and fiestas.

To the west is the wonderful El Cristo Beach, an increasingly popular cove which also runs events during the summer and has even hosted the odd wedding.

“It is one of the only unspoilt little bays left on the coast, it is so nice I chose to get married there,” explains expat Pauline Olivera.

Estepona also boasts a string of high quality golf courses in the area such as El Paraiso, Valle Romano and Coto de la Serena.

of the growth in tourism on the Costa del Sol, Estepona has simultaneously broken the mould of the Spanish coastal town.

While becoming a magnet for estate agents, property

developers, foreign investors and celebrities, the town has some how managed to remain uniquely true to its Andalucian roots and continues to attract thousands from across the globe.

26

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

Estepona:

Not your average town on the Costa

B

EFORE I moved to Estepona, I started reading up on the Costa del Sol and imagined a string of skyscraper type hotels lining the beach.

I pictured gaudy tourist shops selling English newspapers and intoxicated holiday makers staggering out of the Irish

By Frances Leate bars every night.

I’d seen Costa del Street Crime on the TV and I must confess my pre-conceived impressions were not exactly good.

The small town of Estepona, once a tiny fishing village, is just 30km west from Marbella, but it couldn’t be more different.

Forget the plastic fantastic mentality and the quintessentially English feel of Marbella and Puerto Banus, everything about Estepona is unapolo-

Estepona special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

27

KIDS PLAY LOOKING for the perfect outing for the kids then visit Kids Kingdom in Cancelada.

This fabulous indoor play centre has a ball pool and a climbing area and is great for parties, face painting events and Easter egg hunts.

It is a great place for parents to have a snack and a coffee and watch their kids play.

The venue, inside the Supersol building, can cater for birthday groups, special events and toddlers. There is also free wifi.

Tune up your body

HEALTHY: Taking a walk down the promenade, one of the Costa del Sol’s most scenic seaside walks, while (below) a typical street scene and a bull statue on the beach real, authentic and unassuming Spanish town.

Even in the more touristy areas like the marina, expats and Spanish residents gath-

The true heart of the town, though, is the tidy and clean promenade

getically Spanish.

In fact, if, like me, your Spanish is limited to “No espanol, nada” or “vino tinto por favor” you will struggle to go about your daily business.

Many of the shopkeepers, bar workers, real estate agents, mechanics, hairdressers, police officers and taxi drivers do not speak English, although many of them do speak some.

And this is one of the reasons why Estepona is one of the few places left on the Costa del Sol that still feels like it’s in Spain.

The town has been described in guide books as “jaded” and “shabby”, yet I was amazed to find this proud little town actually rather pretty and upbeat.

It didn’t take me long to realise that far from being an English holidaymaker’s playground it was actually a very

er in equal numbers.

Parts of the old town glow with a pueblo charm mixed with a Sevilliano vibe and their quaint squares with orange tress and ornate statues make the perfect place to chill with a coffee and tapas.

Friendly bars that draw a crowd of regulars, can be found on Calle Real while the steep pebbled streets leading off are lined with beautiful townhouses decorated with coloured flower pots and hanging baskets.

The true heart of the town though, is the tidy and well maintained promenade that stretches all along the coast of Estepona.

This is where the dog walkers, the child walkers, the young couples, the joggers, the roller bladders and the scantily dressed holiday makers all go for a stroll in the sunshine.

Looking out to sea on most clear days you can spot the

rock of Gibraltar and even North Africa in the distance. wFrom good restaurants, lively bars and cafes to independent clothes shops and buzzing weekly markets, Estepona really does have it all-it just doesn’t shout about it which makes it all so much better to discover for yourself.

PAUL Knight is one of the coast’s only fully registered UK qualified osteopaths.

Practicing from the Fit 4 Life clinic in Gibraltar and his home in Estepona, he trained in 2001 before moving to Spain eight years ago.

Paul is able to help soften and relax tense muscles and release locked joints.

He is able to easily spot misalignment and teaches clients how to correct their posture.

“Like a well tuned engine, when the body is balanced it will function with the minimum of wear and tear, leaving more energy for living,” he explains.

Contact Paul on 625957673

HEALING CENTRE INTERESTED in natural healing? Then visit Reiki master Margarita Taylor-Schleppe at her new clinic behind Estepona bus station.

A talented woman she and a range of therapists offer a huge range of treatments from Chiropractic Massage to Reflexology and from Acupuncture to Bach Flower Therapy.

28

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

My donkey was towed away!

www.theolivepress.es

One long term Estepona resident Sonia Longman recalls the days when the main form of transport in Estepona was on four legs

B

ack in the 1950s there was practically nothing in Estepona apart from a smelly fish factory, where the supermarket Carrefour is to-

day.

“When we used to get a taxi from Torremolinos, where we lived, to Gibraltar, I remember my mum giving us hankies with cologne as we passed Estepona to mask the smell of the glue made from fish oil,” recalls long-term expat Sonia Longman, 69 Longman and her sister, who have run the local English bookshop Longmans for decades, started life in the town working on Spanish newspaper, Sol de Espana.

Working under the tutelage of Lord Cowley, who was a direct descendant of the Duke of Wellington, they were given the job of producing an English page within the paper every day.

“We always liked to push the boundaries and even once got reported to the Bishop of Malaga for using a photograph of a sexy girl in a bikini climbing a tree.

“It was in the days of Franco and the editor was summoned to Malaga to receive a dressing down from the Bishop.

He got such a ticking off that we were forced to fill in the midriffs of all bikini photos with black felt pen so it looked like they had bathing suits on!”

She also recalled how - after she moved to the town in the 1960s - her sister’s donkey was ‘towed away’ by the local police for eating flowers in the main square.

“It was taken to the slaughterhouse and my sister had to literally beg the fat local policeman to give her a lift there to rescue it just in time.”

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

29

30

287 - March 20, 2013 the olive press - March

30

Estepona special

www.theolivepress.es

Great place to buy

The property market in Estepona has remained healthy despite the crisis

T

HE property market may have generally been on the slide recently, but for one family-run enterprise in Estepona, business is booming.

Not long in a new office near the port, Future Homes has even now set its sights on ex-

pansion into Marbella’s prop- Antonio and daughter Alicia. erty market.

Another local agent who Set up in 2000, boss Victoria moved here from the UK has Lewis is buoyant about the fallen in love with the very future.

“We have a waiting list “You mostly hear Spanish in the of people looking centre and its atmosphere is to buy property distincly Andalucian” so there is certainly a lot of demand,” said Lewis, who runs Spanishness of Estepona. the company with husband “IT is a true Spanish town

Home buying made simpler CLIENTS buying in Spain are well served in Estepona by surveyor Paul Gibson.

His company undertakes home buyers reports, defect surveys and residential valuations.

The company, which has two chartered surveyors has been based on the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar for over 14 years and has full professional indemnity insurance.

Yorkshireman Gibson qualified from the institute of chartered surveyors in the UK.

and is always a nice place to come home to,” reckons estate agent Adam Neale, who lives in the heart of Estepona’s old town.

“You mostly hear Spanish in the centre and its atmosphere is distinctly Andalucian.”

He lives around the corner from his agency Terra Meridiana in a former flamenco school with his Belgium wife Theodora and their three children, who go to school locally.

Despite the recession and negative press abroad, he insists that the market for homes in Estepona remains strong.

“Many people have waited three years for armageddon but it simply hasn’t happened,” reasons Philosophy graduate Neale. “I think there is a sense of realism returning to the market.”

Some of the success must certainly also boil down to the town’s easy-going attitude and location.

“It’s in a great location for

Estepona special

www.theolivepress.es

31

SOLID: The town has a great stock of housing, insists Adam Neale (inset) with wife Theodora the Costa del Sol and also Gibraltar and has everything infrastructure-wise,” explains Theodora, who met her husband, while working in marketing in Moscow.

“The town is very child-friendly and there are countless after-school activities,” she adds. “We have a sailing club, equestrian centres, tennis clubs, swimming clubs, so

much for the youngsters to do.”

For more information visit: www.futurehomesspain.com and www.terrameridiana.com

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

31

32 30 32

Estepona special

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Pretty as a picture postcard Estepona is a photographer’s dream with countless places to get those oh-so-lovely holiday shots

A stunning sunset picture over Gibraltar towards the rock of Gibraltar, while right some typical street scenes and a view of the stunning Plaza de San Francisco

www.theolivepress.es

No myth behind Man Friday

I

T has carved its niche as one of Estepona’s distinctly different eastern districts.

But how many people know how Man Friday got its name?

The area of shops between Estepona and San Pedro was actually named after a Spaniard COMMUNITY: The Jose Maria, who moved owners at Man Friday and married a Scottish and kids (below) woman in the 1970s. have fun at next door The all round handyman Funky Forest and engineer returned to the Benamarra area of the coast with his new to get your dry cleaning wife Maria Weldon 30 done as well as all your stayears ago. tionary needs... and there “He was a real handyman is even conveniently a new shop and we Mincalled i o n h i m selling R o b “Not only can you always Enginson C r u - park your car but you have l i s h p a s o e , a good range of shops” pers, M a n a s Fr i d ay well and the a s name beach gear and souvenirs. just stuck,” explains MaNext door in a copse of trees ria. is the fabulous cafe/kids Still running a supermarhang out spot Funky Forest. ket (Aliprox), in the area, her son Stefan is also running the popular Amara bar and restaurant.

“It’s a great mix of Spanish and English businesses and clients,” he explains. “There has always been a nice atmosphere here and we even have a couple of upmarket French clients.”

It is not hard to see why this small parade of shops is a popular stopping off place.

Not only can you always park your car, but you have a good range of shops and even a hairdresser David, a keen Spurs fan.

Aside from that you have Jane’s card shop, that also doubles up as a place

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

33

34

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

ATTRACTIVE: Most developments are an easy walk to the beach

Follow the Benavista road S

TRETCHING along the coast eastwards towards San Pedro is one of the most popular places for expatriate British to live on the whole Costa del Sol. But, while it is heavily populated by foreigners, the coastal zone from Cancelada to Benavista is completely different to the sprawling metropolis’s east of Marbella.

Far less developed, considerably more family orientated and - best of all – with easily as many good beaches and chiringuitos.

And then there are the golf courses, which line the nearby hills.

“We are so spoilt for choice,” says Hughie Holgate, 63, who runs the Benavista bowls club and next door restaurant Los Arcos.

“There are at least half a dozen golf courses within a mile of here and the facilities for families is great.

“On top of that you are only a short drive into the hills via the Ubrique or San Pedro roads.”

The entrepreneur, a father-of-four, added that the bowls club was a real magnet for the area.

A string of small developments between San Pedro and Estepona are some of the most popular places for expats to settle in Andalucia

“We have many members, who play in leagues up and down the Costa del Sol,” he explains. “And non members have their own green.”

Down from here you find a string of urbanisations – Diana Park, Benavista and El Pilar – which are full of local shops and services.

They include a range of excellent butchers and cake shops, as well as English supermarkets, curry houses and British bars.

“There is pretty much everything you could need around here,” says Pauline Kavenagh, who runs the Grumbles restaurant, which has been open since the late 1980s.

And Peter Williams, owner of Golf City, adds: “The area is not too over-populated and there is lots of open space to enjoy.”

BUZZING: Benavista bowls club

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

35

36

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

WHERE TO EAT

CAPTION HERE

Estepona has a fabulous range of places to eat from the Indian to the achingly hip, writes Jon Clarke

W

ITH a coastline that stretches for dozens of miles it is no surprise that Estepona has a good selection of restaurants.

But what is more surprising is the sheer variety of eateries on offer in the upmarket coastal town and nearby coastline.

In the heart of the town and in its port there are some excellent tapas restaurants and it is worth just taking a stroll around dipping in here and there to see what is on offer.

One of the most popular places to hang out during the day and sample great tapas over a glass of wine is Antonio’s.

A real sun trap, it is often full and counts a group of friendly bar staff.

Nearby is the Irish Fiddler, opposite the sailing club, which serves up a good range of beers and tapas.

Heading out of Estepona you are spoilt for choice for good eateries.

All the way along the N340 are a string of good chiringuitos and renowned restaurants such as Tikitano and Terra Sana in Laguna Village.

Some of the best are in Benavista, where you will find the excellent Indian restaurant Masala.

Well established on the coast for some years and with two sister restaurants up the coast, it is one of the best places to try some really top subcontinental tucker.

Run by friendly Hamza, it is atmospheric and is all cooked from fresh, with some great

spicy dishes to boot.

Across the road you must look out for Iglu, which is fast becoming one of the coolest spots to eat on the coast between Marbella and Sotogrande.

Now with a fantastic new chef Gemma Hammond, who cut her teeth cooking for Britney Spears, Jools Holland and the Red Hot Chili Peppers when on tour, you are in safe hands.

As well as cooking from the age of 15 and anchoring the celebrated King William IV restaurant, near Dorking, Surrey, for years, she has run the catering at Virgin’s popular V festival and even cooked for the Crystal Palace football team.

It’s certainly an exciting menu and is extremely likely to draw in the cool crowd from Marbella this summer. Last summer it even featured in the Sky TV show Marbella Mansions starring Robert Webb.

Back to the oriental and you must try out the Chinese restaurant Golden Sun, run by the friendly Laura and her team.

Well established, you have most of the Chinese favourite dishes and you can even get lobster if that’s your bag.

Of course you must consider nearby Benavista Bowls Club, where you can eat at Bar Los Arcos or the Green Bar. Another exciting new place in Benavista is Neli Gs set up by the very talented Neville Gaffney and his wife who used to run a string of top restaurants in Oxfordshire and Derby.

This hip new spot is really filling a gap in the market and providing the perfect lunch and breakfast spot, open from 8am to 6pm each day.

A little touch of the Irish

I

N ancient times, there was an unofficial commandment that stated: “Thou shall not drive through Benavista without stopping at Rory’s for a pint.” Well now everyone’s favourite Irish pub is opening behind the Farmacia in Centro Mustang.

Rory himself is a passionate fan of the old-style Irish bar and he and daughter, Lorna, have done much to create a truly traditional pub and an aesthetic delight.

“Lorna is never happier than when there is a line of characters seated along the bar and the banter is in full flow,” explains her dad.

And if you’re hungry try a bowl of Galway Fishmongers stew or Clonakilty Black Pudding.

With a pint at €2.45, a Guinness at €3.95 and a Gin & Tonic at a mere €3 you can’t go wrong.

Estepona

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

ORIENT AND ALL

A superb place for a sandwich, soup or special of the day, the kids will be spoilt with nice cakes, puddings and milkshakes.

Across the road you should also look out for the popular Amara, which has been serving the coast for nearly two

decades and counts a very loyal regular following.

Next door – particularly if you have kids – look out for Funky Forest, which has a great range of light bites and snacks.

And then there is Mini India just opened up the road in CC

Diana nearer to Benahavis.

Sister restaurant of the Jaipur Purple in CC Costasol, its owner Dave has an ambitious menu and alluring décor.

All cooked from fresh, with top quality imported spices, there is even a decent selection of wines, in particular from Navarra.

37

38

Estepona special

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

30

www.theolivepress.es

Retro Estepona talk radio europe

OLD CHARMS, LITTLE CHANGED: A lot has certainly changed in Estepona over the last 100 years, yet in the heart of the old town, many of the historic buildings still remain. Here are a few old pictures of Calle Caridad in 1913 and Calle Real and its square in 1929. Also witness (top right) the virgin being paraded during Semana Santa... and three more old shots of the centre of town

Estepona special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013 39

30 40

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

Estepona special

www.theolivepress.es

Solid as a rock

T

HEY are actually rather difficult to miss.

But it is worth keeping your eyes peeled for a series of massive sculptures by Scottish artist Toby Govan around the town.

Having lived in Estepona since he was seven – his parents were both artists - it is per-

haps fitting, that the sculptor has recently lent the town five of his works.

The sculptures, weighing up to 2,500 kilos, are made out of stone and white marble from nearby Ojen, can be found in a number of places.

Here, Mothers are Unique is to be found outside Estepona’s Casa de la Cultura.

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

41

42

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Top Dollar

www.theolivepress.es

The Olive Press fortnightly business section taking a look at the Spanish economy and offer43 the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013 ing tips on how to save AND make money

What recession?

Zara records biggest ever annual profit during crisis-hit year making its boss world’s third richest man A SPANISH fashion conglomerate has defied the recession with record breaking annual profits for 2012.

ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL: It has led to Amancio Ortega, owner Kate Middleton wears Zara of retail giant Inditex, being named as the third richest man in the world after expanding globally despite the EXPATS could find themselves €50 richer if they current crisis. take out car or home insurance in the next few His incredible months. wealth is now Expat specialists, Liberty Seguros, vows to put estimated at a €50 into the bank account of any new policy staggering €44 holders signing up before May 31. billion, pushing Serving over 150,000 expats in Spain alone, the Warren Buffet firm prides itself on being able to offer advice in into fourth place. several different languages including English, A 22% boost in Dutch and German. profits for InFor more information or an instant quote see: ditex is largely www.libertyexpatriates.es down to the

Spring payout

By Mason Jones opening of 482 new global stores 120 of which were Zara outlets - in countries outside of its usual market.

The huge expansion included 121 new stores in China and the opening of its first outlets in Armenia, Bosnia, Ecuador, Georgia and Macedonia.

The group now have more than 6,000 stores across 86 countries, with plans to open a further 440 by the end of this year.

The company also owns Pull & Bear and Massimo Dutti.

Ortega, who formed the company 40 years ago in the town of Arteixo, in Galicia, is only beaten in the wealth stakes by Carlos Slim, a Mexican telecommunications magnate, while American Bill Gates remains second.

MORE ON BREADLINE THE number of people in work in Spain but still not earning enough to pay their bills and buy food has risen.

During a study on inequality carried out by think-tank, Fundacion Alternatives, it was revealed that during 2007 to 2010, 12.7% of the working population was living in poverty despite being in employment.

This is a 2% rise since the recession first hit in 2008 and is expected to have increased quite a lot more since then.

The study concludes that Spain is one of the countries in Europe with the highest inequality.

According to the study, women, young people and immigrants are the ones most likely to be affected. The minimum wage is currently set at €645 a month.

Top Dollar

44

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander

It’s not a vendetta!

Richard Alexander insists the new tax filing deadline is not an attack on expats and brings some clarity on what is needed

ALTHOUGH the deadline for filing your tax return has been extended to the end of April, there is no time to lose, as you may have to gather some data before you can complete the process.

As a reminder, there are three asset classes of overseas investment to be considered; cash deposits, property and shares/investments.

And if in any of these classes you had assets worth over 50,000 euros on December 31 2012 you need to tell the taxman.

For cash, it was your bank balance on December 31 or the average balance over the preceding three months if higher.

For property, it is the pur-

chase price that needs to be declared and if the property was inherited, it’s the value when the inheritance was received (probate value) which should apply.

Shares/investments is the widest asset class and iincludes stocks and shares, bonds and gilts, pension funds, insurance polices and direct investments, as well UK premium bonds, etc.

Assets in joint names; each person should include the full value in their declaration, but note the percentage that they own.

For example, joint bank accounts with a total value of 60,000 euros need to be declared fully by each joint holder noting that their percentage holding is 50% – you cannot assume that it is 30,000 each and therefore below the threshold!

Regarding pension policies, it’s only if the pension is in payment that a declaration is required. If you are draw-

ing income from the fund, then it’s the fund value, which needs declaring as at December 31.

If it’s an annuity, the Spanish authorities have issued tables to calculate the equivalent capital value from the level of income receivable.

There is also a misconception that overseas investments need to be moved to Spain – this is not the case and if someone is trying to persuade you otherwise, it’s time to find another adviser.

Furthermore, it’s not a vendetta against expats living in Spain – this applies to all Spanish tax residents and if you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, that means you too!

Once you have identified what needs to be declared and the relevant value, the next question is how to do it.

There are two options. If

you prefer to do it yourself, you can do so utilizing the online filing process.

However, beware, this is not for the novice when it comes to IT as you need to apply for a certificate for your computer to be able to undertake the task and typical Spanish bureaucracy is involved.

The alternative is to ask your tax adviser or accountant to do it for you, then you have the peace of mind knowing everything is completed on time.

This process will not in itself lead to any additional tax to pay – if you have been declaring your income in Spain anyway then you are already up to date but you need to make sure you have included everything.

If you are still in any doubt or have questions which have not been answered, please email me on info@ ra-fp.com or through my website www.ra-fp.com

Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com

Top Dollar

www.theolivepress.es

Spain will not follow Cyprus SPANISH officials have calmed fears by insisting the government will not be following the footsteps of Cyprus.

It comes after the island introduced tough new financial charges on individuals to tackle spiralling debts.

As part of painful new bailout measures, approved by the European Union, holders of bank accounts in Cyprus with more than €100,000 will be taxed 9.9% while those with less funds in savings accounts will have to pay 6.7%.

EU officials hope that Cyprus will be able to raise some €10 billion under the

Government rules there will be no compulsory taxes on personal bank accounts to pay debts

By Frances Leate bailout, which Brussels agreed to give to the Nicosia government.

However, a spokesperson for Spain’s Ministry of Finance said that although it supported the measures it would not be introduced in Spain.

“It is a good plan because it resolves the problem in Cyprus, but it cannot be applied to another country be-

cause we are talking about a unique case.”

The decision stunned Cypriots and caused a run on ATMs, most of which were emptied within hours. The government also suspended electronic transfers.

A Bank of Spain spokesman has said there has been no sign of a deposit flight in Spain.

Cyprus is the latest country to ask Brussels for a rescue plan following Greece, Portugal, Ireland and Latvia.

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

45

DOWNGRADE COULD MEAN STRONGER POUND I RETURNED from a holiday to discover the markets, like a mischievous child, have started misbehaving as soon as I turned my back.

The pound has continued its torrid time of things with news out, while I was away, that Moody’s had brought down the UK’s credit rating.

The pound went into a nosedive but recovered a little particularly with talk that the Eurozone’s third biggest economy – Italy – was potentially putting a comedian in charge of the country.

Jokes aside, the result has caused a stalemate in Italy which brought uncertainty and helped the pound recover a little.

And now we have had the downgrade, sterling may be able to start to find its feet. And don’t forget Moody’s put Britain on a ‘stable outlook’, which means no further cut is expected for 12-18 months – compared with both the US and France which were both left on negative watch when they lost their AAA ratings.

The next challenge will be whether Britain can avoid falling into a triple-dip recession. The economy contracted in the final quarter of 2012 and another fall in

The Olive Press’ finance expert, Keith Spitalnick, explains why downgrading the pound may not be a bad thing the current quarter will confirm a new recession.

With UK industrial production and manufacturing data released this month for January showing a sharp fall in both, many economists feel this could be the nail in the coffin for a triple-dip recession unless the service sector can pick up the slack.

All this uncertainty has meant we have seen a jump in business this year compared with the final quarter of 2012 as clients look to protect themselves from the sliding pound. Mostly clients wanting to protect their pension or mortgage payments from a sudden sterling devaluation.

As we can automate transfers via a direct debit at a fixed exchange rate, clients know what the payments are for the next year, helping them plan their finances.

Contact Keith on 951 203 986 or email olivepress@hifx.co.uk

Keith is head of European Sales at HiFX. To contact HiFX and find out how the team can help you with your international transactions, call in at the office in Centro Plaza, call 951 203 986 or email olivepress@hifx.co.uk

46

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

22

www.theolivepress.es

TOURIST TRAIN TO RIDE AGAIN A ONCE popular train that ran from Granada city centre to the Alhambra is being brought back by city bosses.

The reintroduction, which is being backed by the Council for Culture, is hoped to bring more tourists to the city.

It will see a new environmentally-friendly version of the

train running again.

The train will be electric and it is hoped it will improve access to some of the top tourist attractions in the city.

It was scrapped for being too noisy and bad for the environment.

A helping hand for expats ONE of Europe’s leading wealth management advisor is now focusing its attention on expats in Spain.

IFA International, which boasts over 20 years experience within the field, is offering a comprehensive range of saving and invest-

ment plans to suit those living abroad.

The firm prides itself on providing a dedicated service team to help clients step by step with financial planning.

It can offer a comprehensive range of independent savings and investments structures to include QROPS and

portfolio planning.

“Our clients are our most valuable asset,” explained boss Andy Caddick. “We appreciate that they have worked a lifetime for their wealth and we want to protect it and grow it for them.

“Our core values include honesty and transparency.”

IFA International has built

an excellent reputation from meeting clients face to face. However, an increasing amount of business is conducted via telephone and the internet.

Contact the company at 0044 2034326199 or visit www.ifainternational.com

Inheritance time bomb Advertorial

The Spanish Property Inheritance Tax Time Bomb

MANY property owners in Spain are sitting on a ticking Inheritance Tax (IHT/ ISD) time bomb unaware that when they purchased their ‘dream’ property they unknowingly created a potential financial burden for their beneficiaries.

Indeed, the surviving partner may have a tax bill which exceeds the value of the entire asset being inherited, plus the cost of obtaining probate in more than one country.

‘Tax treaties’ are often quoted as a method of eradicating IHT, and there are treaties that exist between Spain and the UK which reduce the risk of double taxation, but these are only effective if the taxes are similar in nature.

The fundamental difference between IHT in Spain and the UK is that in Spain

the beneficiary pays the tax and in the UK it is the estate which receives the tax meaning no treaty on IHT. Frequently owners are advised to re-finance the property as IHT is not charged if there is an outstanding mortgage. But this can leave beneficiaries with a huge debt they cannot pay off and many lenders will only finance the ownership if suitable life insurance is taken out.

Owning a property with your children is also risky and problematic as their share of the property may be jeopardised through financial or marital issues and if they pre-decease the parents then taxes are payable.

Our solution to the IHT/ISD problem is for the owner/s to invest the property into a UK Private Limited company which they would own as shareholder/s remaining in complete control of their as-

set (There is no 7-10% Property Transfer tax payable on this transaction).

A UK company should not be confused with an offshore company which is obliged to pay an annual tax of 3%. A further advantage of the UK company structure is the ability to offset certain expenses such as mortgage interest.

The corporate structure is a simple solution, costing less than most probate and legal fees, and saves the additional reporting and taxation burdens for the beneficiaries.

For your free Spanish inheritance tax illustration and the opportunity to talk to a consultant please call 965 830 991 or visit www. winchamiht.com.

Top Dollar HM Revenue & Customs will welcome Spain’s approach to UK

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

THE Spanish tax authorities are informing UK expats who are ‘tax resident’ in Spain that they must declare all offshore assets valued at over €50,000 by April 30th.

Assets should be valued as at 31 December 2012.

The minimum penalty for failing to declare an asset is €10,000. In addition, there will be income tax on undeclared income, late-payment interest and penalties which could be as high as 150% of the total tax due on the asset.

For these purposes, offshore assets include bank accounts, property and other movable assets such as shares, life insurance policies and annuity income.

For many years HMRC has marvelled over exactly how much money UK citizens starting a new life in Spain knowing that the Spanish had taken out of the UK. It tax collectors will seek to reseems there is little doubt cover HMRC’s funds. that HMRC will seek to gain The global proactive apinformation under the UK/ proach to conquer tax evaSpanish exchange of infor- sion and to recoup lost revmation agreement about ex- enues means that HMRC is pats who left the UK within likely to pursue this source the last 20 years. with some vigour.

You may well ask yourself HMRC is currently actively what HMRC can do with pursuing non-resident landthis information, even if they lords and the information can get it. Having informa- provided by Spain can only tion from the Spanish tax help it further in this area – authorities will give HMRC it’s not just about money in enough evidence to raise a bank account! assessments regarding the Knowing that information is individuals concerned, even likely09:32 to find its way CT 145 x 244_Layout 1 30/01/2013 Page 1 into the if they are located in Spain hands of HMRC may well

47 23

Advertorial

Roy Baldwin, partner at Smith & Williamson, to give a seminar on how the UK tax authorities are taking a close interest in expats who have moved prompt some expats with previous tax problems to consider sorting out the issue with HMRC before they are challenged.

Doing so by way of a voluntary disclosure is likely to save individuals a considerable amount of money in terms of a much reduced penalty.

There are several avenues

for making a voluntary disclosure including the HMRC’s Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility (LDF), the recent UK/Isle of Man Disclosure Facility (IOMDF) and a direct voluntary disclosure, should the conditions for the LDF or IOMDF not be satisfied.

If you would like to hear more about HMRC’s ap-

proach to offshore tax matters you are invited to attend our free breakfast presentation on Tuesday April 16 at the Eliott Hotel in Gibraltar where we will focus on UK offshore issues and look at the proposals set out in the 2013 UK Budget.

We are specialist advisers to many banks, accountants, lawyers and other profes-

sionals, in the UK and offshore.

All tax investigation professionals within the Smith & Williamson team are ex-inspectors of taxes who have successfully assisted many clients in dealing with a vast range of issues that require negotiation with HMRC. Please email roy.baldwin@ smith.williamson.co.uk for further information regarding offshore tax and for an invitation to our seminar and visit http://www.smith. williamson.co.uk/tax-investigations

Comfortable casual clothing in a wide range of sizes for him and her

New Spring Summer collection online now Reliable 4 day* delivery for only £6.95

Shop online today: cottontraders.co.uk *working days on in stock items, excluding sale periods

48

The Olive Press NOW has 33,000 Andalucia www.theolivepress.es 22 papers delivered across EIGHT provinces of and Gibraltar every fortnight by our hard-working team of distributors

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

ALAMEDA Mobile Home Park • Posada Tempranillo • Petrol Station • Casa Benito ALCALA Conexions Centre • Hotel Torrepalma • Library • Tourist Office • Optico Real • Hotel Zacatin • Estate Agent Andaluz • BP English Food Shop (opposite Mercadona) ALGATOCIN BP Service Station ALHAURIN el Grande Guzman Garden Centre • BP Service Station • Alhaurin Golf • La Boma • 1st Tabacconist • Annas Butchers • Christinas Paper Shop • Arte Hair and Beauty • Martins Paper Shop • 2nd Tabacconist • British Supermarket • Posh Pets • Cudeca • BP Service Station • AID Dog Home • Las Brisas Restaurant • Montemar Restaurant • Lauro Golf ALHAURIN de la Torre BP • Las Brisas Restaurante • Montemar Restaurante • Lauro Golf ALMUNECAR Spar Supermercado • Tourist Office • El Faro Bar • Olivares Shop • Danny s Bar • Bahia Tropical Hotel ALORA Hardware Store • Tropicana • Repsol Petrol • Cudeca • Zalea Bar ALOZAINA Petrol Station •Dia ANTAS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE The Full Swing • El Poligono • Costa Cars • Cepsa ANTEQUERA Lidl • La Veronica • Amapola • Antequera Golf • Tourist Office • Hotel Plaza San Sebastian • BP • Hotel Las Villas de Antikaria ARCHIDONA Cepsa Garage • 3R Café /Bar • Mercadona Garage • Sunset Estates ARDALES Paco’s Bar ARRIATE Petrol Station ATAJATE Andalazar BEDAR (El Pinar) Urb. Offices BENADALID Los Labros BENAHAVIS Canela Cafe /Bar • Amanhavis BENALAURIA La Molienda BENALMADENA Halfpenny Bridge Pub • Kiosko Puerto (Marina) • Tourist Office (main road) • Culture Centre Bil Bil • Paloma Library • Irish Time Bar • Xanit Hospital • UK Foods • Discovery • Rubens xchange • Sunset Beach • Supersave • Miura Bar • Benalmadena Bowls Club • Bar Ibense Fedex/ Post Office • Cudeca • Anns Bookshop • Riu Puerto Marina • Riviera Hotel • Potters Lodge • Kwik Save • Dolce Vita • Crystals • Bil Bil Golf • Dalziel Bar • Bar None • Star Bar • Wellness Centre & Gym • Aguila • Los Brothers • Martins Hair & Beauty • Jupiter • Torrequebrada Golf • Sensara BENALMADENA COSTA Wins Bar • Los Mimosas Golf Bar • Divas • Bull Bar BENAOJAN Meroil • Papeleria Ruiz BENAVISTA Bowls Club • Ibex Insurance • Grumbles • Experience Group • English Butcher • Costa Less Supermarket • Plaza Hotel • Dog House • Brubecks • El Paraiso Golf •Peggoty’s Fish & Chips • Petrol Station • Kids Kingdom • Agro Jardin • Calpe School • Laude International BENAMACARRA Hotel Cortijo Bravo BONANZA SQUARE Anne’s Book Shop • Kwik Save • Dec’s Irish Bar BUBION Supermercado Coviran CABOPINO Pina Pinaka • Cabo Pizza • Sportsmans Bar • Cabopino Camping • Garage • Shebeens Pub • Paper Shop/Supermarket • Plaza Bar • Alberts Restaurant CABRA Tourist Office CALAHONDA AParty Party • The Pit Shop • GT Mc Kenna Butchers • Mercadona • RBL • Club Naranja • Prensa Piscis CALYPSO MPA Estates (Bryce) • Inspirations Haidressers CAMPILLOS Fernando s Coffee Bar • BP Petrol Station Wildmann-Chard Health & Beauty Centre CAPILEIRE Supermercado Coviran • Cafe Moraima CARTAMA ESTACION Aguamania • Topres CASABERMEJA Petrol Station CASARES Arroyo Honda • The Forge • Venta Garcia • Villas and Fincas • La Tienda •Mi Cortijo • Venta Victoria CHICLANA Tourist Office COIN ROAD The Warehouse Outlet • RMDC Glass • Favel • Tamisa Golf • St Anthonys College • Speedys Garage • Camping Fuengirola • BP Garage COLMENAR CO2 • Bar Campesino •Belen Hotel COMPETA Todo Papel • Pavo Real and Restaurant • Sugar and Spice

TOTAL COVER

Covering the costas and ALL 8 provinces of Andalucia Less than 1% returns and a much bigger footprint than our 3 main rivals:

CORTES Camping el Salitre • Mary Becker • La Fuente CORDOBA Bodegas Campos • Hotel Casas de la Juderia • La Fuente CORTES DE LA FRONTERA Petrol Station •La Fuente CUEVAS DE ALMANZORA (Desert Spring Golf) Restaurant / Clubhouse DIANA Royal Nordic Club • Man Friday Supermarket • Super Market • Aud Dublin • Big BlueBox DUQUESA PORT Paparazzi Neswagents • Supermarket • Las Galleries • English Butcher • Duquesa Golf Club • Paper Shop • Gaston Golf • Manilva Properties • Topline Paper Shop • Clubhouse Bar • La Bella Vista Camping El CHORRO El Kiosko • Hotel Posada el Conde EL FARO El Faro Supermarket • Post Room • Zurich Office • Captains Bar EL ROSARIO German Bakery/Cafe • Da Fabio Restaurant • Mozaic/ Els News • Marbella Golf • The Jeans Factory EL TRAPICHE El Trapiche Cafe/ Bar ELVIRIA Martys Hairdressers • EIC School • Aventura • Amazonia • TFC Restaurant • Studio B • Bar Casi Casi • Regalos Isabel y Paco • Asia Foods • Playwrights • Mancomunidad ESTEPA BP Garage ESTEPONA Longmans Bookshop • Fergussons Bar • Cudeca Shop • Dune Bar • Laguna Village Paper shop • Hospiten • Albayat Resort • Best Coches • Terra Sana • Digi Print Optica Machin • Muebles Gavira • Furniture World • Techno Aluminio • Lidls • Amapola • Tourist Centre • Estepona Golf • International Club of Estepona • Costa Natura • Laguna Village: Entrance • Tibet Clothes Shop ESTEPONA MARINA Sailors Cafe • Business Centre EportBic Universal Estate Agents • The Irish Fiddler Marlow Chip Chop FRIGILIANA Hotel Almazara FUENGIROLA Iceland Store • Scotties Butchers • Specsavers • Cudeca • Dunnes Stores • Yorkshire Linen • Euromarkets Cayetano (C/ Malaga) •

Euromarkets Cayetano (C/ San Isidro) • Euromarkets Cayetano (Av de los Lirios) • Salon Varieties• Old Gold• Marfil• Tourist Office• Fafa Foods• Prensa Iberia• Califonia 7• Cafe Fresco• Dunnes Las Rampas• Opticos Vicente• Anthonys Diamonds• Prensa Maxim • David Bookshop • Spainsburys • Woodys • Yaramar • Prensa Quijote • Joys Pies • Prensa Don Luis • Torreblanca Supermarket • Caravajal Supermarket • Red Dragon • Oasis • Torreblanca Post Office • Wessex Bar • Cheers Bar • Manila Bar • Mananas Bar Tonys Shanleys/ Chequers Golf • Estanco PYR FUENTE DE PIEDRA Bar Rebujito • Corner Bar • Diane’s • Donkey Sanctuary GARRUCHA Clinica Veterinaria • Hostal Timar GAUCIN Repsol Petrol Station • Hotel Caballo Andaluz • Pura Vida Health Shop • Benassim Deli • Fructosa • El Convento • Casa Antonia • La Fuente • El Puente GIBRALTAR Café Fresco • O’Reileys • Ibex Insurance • Morrisons • Elliot Hotel • Sacarellos • ICC Shopping Centre • Cafe Solo • Café Rojo • Colourworks • Rolex • Caleta Hotel • Ibex Insurance GRANADA Airport • Hotel Macia Plaza • La Romanilla • Hotel Fontecruz Granada • Metro Bookshop • Hannigans 1 • Hannigans 2 • Tourist Office • El Catrachod • Jardines de Zoraya • La Alacena de Andalucia • Hotel Palacio de Santa GUADALMINA Tricky Rickys • Bookworld GUARO Petrol Station HUMILLADERO Restaurante Cinco Rios IZNAJAR BP • The Yoga School • Bar Verde JEREZ Tourist Office JIMENA DE LA FRONTERA Cepsa• Papeleria Los Garabatos • Bar Cuenca • La Tasca • Hostal Anon • Bar Oba • Estate Agents • Casa Henrietta JIMERA DE LIBAR ESTACION Bar Allioli LA CALA Cafe Boulevard • Cocinas Plus • Prensa Quetzal • BP Garage • Snack Attack

LA CALA DE MIJAS Corner Café • Lions Charity Shop • Pensioners Bar • Internet Café • Papeleria Quetzal • Captains Bar • Zurich Office • BP Garage LA CALETA Papeleria las Colonias LA COLONIA Euromarkets Cayetano (C/Lagasca) • KSM Properties LA HERRADURA The Hideaway Bar • Libreria Coral • La Tartana Hotel • Restaurante S. Nico LA HEREDIA The Best of Holland • The Dutch Butcher • Panaderia • La Casita • K Bar LA VINUELA Hotel Vinuela • A & N Gas Petrol Station • Bar Atilla LANJARON Cafe Bar Health • Tourist Information • Los Llanos LAS BUGANVILLAS Cactus LECRIN VALLEY E.S Leman Gasolina LOJA Cafe Continental LOS GALLARDOS Subministros Ridao • Gas station • Camping los Gallardos LOS ROMANES Camping Bar LUCENA Carrefour Pet Shop • Hotel Bronces • B.P near the fire stn.

MALAGA CITY British Consulate• Dunkin Coffee (Corte Ingles)• Hotel Tribuna • Pizzeria el Laboratorio • Restaurante Vino Mio • Terra Sana & Gorki restaurants (El Muelle Uno Shopping Centre) • Calle Brusseles • Celtic Irish Bar • Café con Libro • Picasso Museum • Robert Boyd • Plaza Restaurant • Hotel Don Curro • Hotel Molino Larios • Tourist Office • Hotel Vinci •Escuela de Turismo MALAGA AIRPORT Helle Hollis • Car Parking Malaga • Arrivals Information Desk • Monarch MANILVA Manilva Solicitors • English Bookshop • Manilva Properties MARBELLA BP Garage -Marbella Arch • Hotel Fuerte • Swans International School • Vergola • Puente Romano Hotel • MC Cafe Marbella Club Hotel• Polo House • Cocinas Plus • Panorama • International School

MIJAS PUEBLO Tourist Office • Town Hall • BP Garage • Mijas Hotel MIJAS ROAD World of Sofas • Centro Idea Danish Centrel • Euromarket MOJACAR PLAYA (Centro Comercial) Masko Cafe • Habana Cafe•Diego Ortega Notaria • Michael Davis Solicitors • Clinica Dental • Ibex Insurance • Pippas Cafe MOJACAR PLAYA Gas Station • Koi Cafe • Kasbah Romantic • Sal’s • Currency Exchange • Paco Salas Farmacy • El Olivo Restaurant • Total Entertainment • Tomas Supermarket • Mojacar Estates • Beachcomber Restaurant • H Puntazo Hostal • Trufibar • Kimrick Restaurant • Parador • Cafe Bellagio • K7 Real Estate • Price, Brown Partnership • Tourist Office (Playa) Tito’s • Los Arcos Bar • Los Amigos Bar • La Posada • ELC MOJACAR PUEBLO Centro de Arte Municipal • English Library • Bar Pavana •Bar Habanero •Bar Cherigan MOLLINA Bar Margarita • And Estates • Brit Shop • Lazy Days Mobile Home Park MONDA Paper Shop • Petrol St. •Design Academy MONTEFRIO Alan Russell MONTE HALCONES (Ronda Road) One Stop Café • Irish Café MONTEJAQUE Las Casitas MOTRIL Café AL Campo • Tourist Office Los Moriscos Golf • Bar/ Rest Moriscos • Gran Elba Hotel NERJA Hotel Carabeo • English Book Shop • Supermercado Iranzo • Smiths Bookshop • Tourist Office • John the Barber • H2O Bar • Keyhomes Estates Agents • Team Estate Agents • Olas Bar • Cocinas Nerja NUEVA ANDALUCIA Aloha News • Garden Bar • Yanks • Wilsons • Alberts • La Sala • HIFX • Mad Hatters • Terra Sana • H10 Hotel OLVERA Petrol Station • Dynos • Olvera Properties • Via Verde • Rest. El Puerto ORGIVA Indoor Market • Camac • Internet Café • Alpujarra Supermercado • Baraka •Limonero PAMPANEIRA

50 NEW DISTRIBUTION SPOTS IN FUENGIROLA AND BENALMADENA including Xanit hospital, Woodys, Spainsburys, Caravajal, Kwik Save and Torreblanca supermarkets AND 50 IN MARBELLA / PUERTO BANUS INCLUDING Marbella Club Hotel, BP, Bookworld, Cravings, Aloha News and Guey

Cafe Alfonso PERIANA Cantueso •Verduga PITRES Camping • Bar La Taha • Bar Frenazo PIZARRA Spa • Aliprox PRIEGO DE CORDOBA Tourist Office • Kiosko Maribel Cepsa Garage PUENTE DON MANUEL Moreno’s • Ian Petts Dentist • English Shop • Arkwrights PUERTO BANUS Bookworld • Iceland • Cravings Cafe • Starz Cafe • La Sala • Mad Hatters • Yanks • Asiatic Food • HIFX • Studio B • Aloha News • The Garden Bar • Terra Sana H10 Hotel • Hairworks • Currencies Direct Guey Skybar PUERTO REY (VERA) Club Deportivo • La Esquina RINCON DE LA VICTORIA Tourist Office • Hotel Rincon Sol Anoreta Golf RIO FRIO Hotel Almazara RIOGORDO Coviran RIVIERA DEL SOL Miraflores Bowls Club • La Terraza Supermarket • La Terraza Paper Shop ROAD BETWEEN CAMPILLOS AND RONDA Meson Diego • Petrol Station Cuevas del Becerro • BP Garage RONDA Almocabar • Bar San Francisco • Tourist Office • Atrium • Chocolat • Casa Ortega • To-Toro • Traga Tapas • Hotel Maestranza • Hotel Colon • Hotel Polo • Hotel Don Miguel • Locutorio • Serrania Services • Libreria Dumas • Huskies • Heaven Irish Pub • Pedro Romero RONDA ROAD Monte Halcones One Stop Cafe • Irish Cafe RUTE Estanco SABINILLAS English Bookshop • Eden • Visage Hairdresser • Coast to Coast Properties • Bar • Lidls • Kwasi Bar • Curtain & Bedding SALINAS Casa Monolo • Meson Estacion SALOBRENA Best Western Hotel • Post Office Antonio Machado • Tourist Office Plaza Goya • 1616 Books SAN PEDRO Tourist Office • Passion Café • TRE Radio Station • Staysure SAN ROQUE San Roque Golf Suites Reception area and golf clubhouse • Okay cafe • Supermarket SAYDO MARKET Angela Sat • Bakery • Chrissy • Hotel Reception SIERRA DE YEGUAS Kiosko SITIO DE CALAHONDA Club Naranja RBL • Plaza next to Paper Shop SOTOGRANDE GUADIARO Newsagent • Corner Café • Lemon Tree Café • Estate Agent • English Butcher Shop • Sotofiesta • Business Centre NH Hotel • Abbeygate Insurance • Mara Rest.

• Anglo Wines SOTOGRANDE MARINA Videola • 50K Bar • La Brasserie • Hairy Lemon • Hotel Maritimo • Midas TARIFA Tourist Office TOLOX Cross Road Bar • Vent Garradena TORRE DEL MAR Papeleria el Faro • English Bookshop Pasatiempo • Expatriate Help Centre • Lukuma • Baviera Golf • Las Yucas • Cudeca TORREMOLINOS Tourist Offices x 2 • Cudeca Town Centre • Baileys BP Garage • Parador Golf Hotel • Parador Golf • Riu Belplaya • Shennanigans • Hotel Melia • Rubens Exchange • Nigel & Cheryls Rest. • Cosy Nook • El Mojito • Toms Tavern • Wellness Clinic • Fig & Olive • Full House • Talk of the Tyne • BP Garage TORROX Russels English Shop • El Pino English Shop • Light of India • Tourist Office TURRE Fundraiser Shop• Zambra • Casa Diego • Total Entertainment • Tio Tomas •Connexions UBEDA Golden Poppy English Center VEJER Tourism Office • Califa • Camping Vejer • Monte Medio Golf • Barca de Vejer • Castilleria Restaurant VELEZ MALAGA Garden Centre La Palma • Eroski Centre • Bar Jamaica • Dunnes • Pronumatico VERA Iceland • Galasaa VILLANUEVA DE ALGAIDAS La Bodeguita VILLANUEVA DE ROSARIO Bar • Bar • Town hall VILLANUEVA DE TAPIA La Paloma Rest.

VILLANUEVA DE TRABUCO Ronnies • La Plaza • La Rubia • El Rincon de Teresa • Trabuco Books YUNQUERA Petrol Station • Bakery ZAHARA DE LA SIERRA Al Lago

IF YOUR NORMAL DISTRIBUTION SPOT HAS CLOSED OR DOES NOT HAVE PAPERS THIS WEEK PLS EMAIL ADMIN@THEOLIVEPRESS.ES

Top Dollar

www.theolivepress.es

Off your trolley AIRPORTS in Spain will start charging €1 for passengers to use luggage trolleys, according to airport operator, AENA. The State-run airline governing body, AENA, says this is part of a plan to claw back €3.2 million and clear huge debts.

AENA has defended the decision by saying Madrid’s airport’s luggage trolleys currently cost €3.7 million a year to maintain, but this will be reduced to €500,000 if they

charge €1 per use – a saving of 3.2 million.

Other European airports have already implemented similar charges, including Germany’s Hahn, Munich, Cologne and Düsseldorf; Italy’s Milan, Genoa, Torino and Rome-Fiumicino, and Athens.

Airports in the UK, including Manchester, Bristol, Luton, Birmingham, Leeds and Cardiff all charge up to two pounds per time.

MORRISONS TO GO INTO ONLINE BATTLE BRITISH supermarket giant Morrisons is launching an online food service.

News of the announcement saw shares rise by 3.5% and comes after its own label products were found to be horsemeat free.

Director Simon Thompson has studied the online market since 2011, spending time in New York with U.S. grocer Fresh Direct, in which Morrisons has a 10% stake.

It comes after it emerged that online food shopping is growing by about 20% a year.

It is currently unclear if the plans will

have any effect on the Gibraltar store (above), which is said to be the most profitable in the whole chain.

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013 49

50

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

Property

www.theolivepress.es

Repossession breather A landmark European Court ruling could halt mortgage default evictions

FAMILIES facing eviction for failing to pay their mortgage have new hope after the European Court ruled that Spain’s mortgage law could be illegal.

Campaigners are hailing the development a ‘historic ruling’, as it sets a new relationship between mortgage

By Rebecca Maguire holders and banks.

The ruling came over the eviction of Mohammed Aziz in January 2011, after he fell behind in mortgage payments with his bank Catalunya Caixa.

Huge discounts for properties A LEADING bank has slapped a 40% discount on all its properties.

The campaign by Sabadell bank’s real estate arm Solvia is aimed at helping new buyers get a foothold in the market.

The discounts will run until April 30, and aim to help those wanting to become landlords by buying to rent.

The bank hopes the temporary scheme will boost profits in an otherwise struggling market.

House prices in Spain have dropped dramatically since the recession first hit in

2009. Property now costs roughly the same as it did in 2002, according to figures from the Department of Housing.

Coastal areas have been hit hardest by the decrease.

It led to one UK buyer offering just €20,000 in cash for a home on the Costa del Sol. As revealed by the Olive Press, Peter Langford, from Norfolk, even took out a series of adverts to show how serious he was. However, the retired businessman has not yet had any luck finding his bargain basement property.

The EU court ruled that ousting Aziz contravened the 1993 Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts directive.

In theory, the ruling can now be applied to all eviction cases happening across Europe, but they cannot apply to cases retrospectively as pressure groups are demanding.

The court’s decision should let Spanish judges at least halt evictions until a local ruling.

In a number of cases, police have already joined fire crews refusing to evict homeowners.

There have been some 400,000 mortgage repossessions in Spain since 2008, of which half ended up in evictions. It has also caused at least half a dozen suicides around the country causing public outrage.

The ruling comes as amendments to the century-old Spanish mortgage law are now going through parliament.

AIN AG E D PE SAL OP DR UICK ,000 E 0 Q IC PR FOR € 13

Property

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

A LOOK TO THE LEFT

Having worked in the commercial and domestic property market for over 13 years in Spain, David Ballard has a definite, if not conventional view of the market. Over the coming issues he will take a leftfield view of investing in Spain with some often illuminating conclusions.w

D

UE to a combination of mismanagement and corruption in Spain over the last two decades, property prices have fallen to levels not seen since around 2002.

There are many people whose investments are worth a fraction of what they paid in the first place.

Many took bad advice or no advice, then based their exit strategies upon an ever upward valuation, or simply over leveraged their position (bought what they could not afford). Tragic.

It has led to a glut of low priced properties on the

market, but does the low price automatically equal a good investment?

Well of course not. Rubbish at a low price is still rubbish, and should not be considered by a serious investor.

The first thing a successful investor, in any market, will have to establish is their ‘Position’ or, why they want to purchase?

It could be a purely lifestyle decision... they want a nice villa in the sun for the family and to pass on to the kids. A 10, 20 or even 30-year strategy. No problem, choose a well built, well located house, buy at the best price,

in a manner that you can easily afford, great. Can’t go wrong.

It should hopefully sell for more than you paid, and even cover the running costs. This is not so much of an investment, but a lifeimproving choice.

But what of the investor who wants to earn a dividend from their portfolio, while still retaining the security that is normally associated with real estate purchases?

If this is you, there must be many serious questions to answer before committing further funds.

You might want to know, for

example, if Spain is a viable market and what areas of Spain offer the best security and returns, plus a realistic exit, if there is one?

Also how can you avoid the famous bureaucracy and apparent high taxation? Is finance available for investments from both banks and private sources? What are the best ways to actually purchase the property? As individuals or via a company?

These and other questions I will hope to answer over the next few issues.

Contact David at d.ballard@investorspain.

51

Law

52

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

Spain must obey the EU! Spain is discriminating by making nonresident heirs pay higher taxes than resident heirs, writes lawyer Adolfo Martos Gross SPAIN has for many years attracted foreigners to invest in a second home for holidays or to retire.

But most of these buyers don’t realise that when they die their heirs will have to pay higher taxes than resident Spaniards.

This tax discrimination is contrary to EU law because it goes against one of the fundamental freedoms of the EU: the free movement of capital.

Let us consider this example. John and Lisa, a married British couple, buy a home in Marbella in 2000. John passes away in 2012, having left his property in Spain to his wife. At the time of his death the value of the home was €350,000.

His widow, as non-resident for tax purposes, is only obliged to pay Inheritance Tax in respect of properties located in Spain that she inherits from her husband, that is, half of the value of the home, or € 175,000.

Let’s assume that this is the value of the inheritance. Lisa, simply due to the fact that she is a non-resident in Spain, will be entitled to reduce that value by nearly €

16,000 and will then have to pay tax on the difference, that is, € 159,000 .

According to this latter net taxable base, she would have to pay € 23,000 in taxes.

However and here lies the discrimination, if Lisa was a resident in Spain for tax purposes (because she spends over 183 days in Spain throughout the year), she would have to pay no tax whatsoever.

In effect, the Junta ‘rewards’ heirs who are residents by exempting them from paying inheritance tax whenever the net taxable base of what they inherit does not exceed € 175,000 (direct heirs, spouses, parents and children), whereas this same exemption (technically it is a reduction) for non-residents is limited to € 16,000 .

This tax discrimination due to residence represents a dissuasive measure against investment in Spain which, when taking place within the scope of the EU, affects the freedom of capital movements set out in article 63.1 of the European Union.

The European Courts of Justice has already made judgements on this, such as the Schumacker case in 1995 and the Talotta case in 2007.

It ruled that non-resident heirs must receive the same treatment as those who are residents, so that they may enjoy (or, perhaps better put, suffer) the same tax treatment.

Spanish courts have not yet delivered judgements on this specific matter, but the steps taken by the European Commission suggest

that we are on the right track.

In September last year the Commission requested that Spain amended its tax provisions for certain real estate sales.

Under Spanish law, capital gains from the sale of a permanent residence are exempt for tax if the proceeds are used to acquire another permanent residence. However, this provision only applies to Spanish residents, thereby discriminating again against nonresidents.

The provisions are – once again - incompatible with fundamental freedoms in the EU and the Commission is onto Spain over it.

In December 2011 the Commission proposed measures to tackle cross-border inheritance tax problems and stop discrimination.

So far though Spain has not yet amended the relevant legislation.

What can you do meanwhile to protect yourself from this unlawful discrimination?

My legal firm GUTIÉRREZ DEL ÁLAMO Y MARTOS, ABOGADOS advises our clients to pay the corresponding tax according to Spanish laws, while at the same time requesting a refund of the undue excess tax that was paid, calculating it as if the heir were actually a resident in Spain for tax purposes.

We have lodged a number of claims with the courts and we are convinced that sooner or later justice shall prevail according to the terms established by the EU and European courts.

Contact amg@gam-abogados. com or call 952828943

Law

53 2451

www.theolivepress.es

AGONY ANT

YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

Equity release is tax fraud

The Olive’s Press’ law expert, Antonio Flores, explains the government’s new ruling on mortgage loans THE Spanish Tax Office has finally ruled on the legality of using mortgage loans to avoid or reduce wealth and inheritance taxes, and has concluded that this scheme is fraudulent.

According to a request I sent to the tax office recently, taking out a mortgage after the property was purchased, while legal, is not a valid way to reduce exposure to property wealth tax or death duties.

Ask Ant Q. Our lawyer has been deducting the Equity Release off the house value in our wealth tax returns, is this correct?

A. I’m afraid not, this is precisely what the Tax Office has said you cannot do. This means that you should take up this matter with him to find out how best to deal with it in future, as well as decide what to do with past tax declarations.

Q. If the capital of the Equity Release mortgage loan is abroad, do I need to declare it under new tax rules?

A. Yes, your tax advisor will need to disclose this to the Spanish authorities prior to the 31st of April 2013 if you are a resident for tax purposes, pursuant to Royal Decree 1558/2012.

This is regardless of whether the capital of the loan was invested in a fund or a life insurance policy.

The ruling states that if a mortgage was not taken out for the purpose of buying the property, ‘it is not deductible for either wealth or inheritance and consequently, any person that has recorded a lower tax by applying it is committing tax fraud.’

There are significant implications to this ruling because thousands of so called ‘equity release contracts’ have been taken out for this exact purpose.

BUSTED: Tax fraud can lead to prison in some cases Often taken out on the advice of banks or agents, potentially millions of taxes have so far been avoided in this manner.

Some associations have already denounced the above schemes as being fraudulent. These include the Equity Release Victims Association (www.erva.es) which regularly publishes information on the matter.

Additionally, the Tax Office has also confirmed that for tax purposes non-residents have to pay taxes on any sums received from any life insurance policies on the death of the policy-holder.

This means that if the proceeds of the mortgage loan were invested through a so-called life insurance ‘wrap’ and the contracts were signed in Spain, that policy is subject to Spanish death duties and omitting it from the tax declaration is also, therefore, tax fraud.

Finally, it is worth noting that tax fraud can become a criminal offence – therefore potentially leading to prison - where the unpaid tax exceeds €120,000 in one calendar year.

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

53

54

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

E

Stay safe despite Andalucia hazards

Rental warning

Holidaymakers claim car hire firm is wrongly keeping deposits EXCLUSIVE

By Mason Jones After several weeks of trying to contact the company, Oliver went directly to his bank to make a formal complaint.

“One month later my bank returned the €400 fee and said it believed that it was unfair trading.”

Incredibly, Oliver claims his brother-in-law also lost €400 from the company at the same time.

However, a spokeswoman from Rent a Car Spain, claims Oliver did not wait long enough for the normal refund procedure to take place before contacting his bank.

“We are a serious company working here for more than 12 years and of course take a deposit as guarantee for the rental,” she said. “This

57 41

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

55

N

TA

A GON C

SEAT SALES PLUMMET

ONE of the nation’s leading insurance firms is offering handy advice after Andalucia was revealed to be the most hazardous place to drive in Spain.

A study by the Spanish Union of Insurance Companies (UNESPA), found there were 351,231 minor road accidents in the region last year alone, taking the lead from both Madrid and Catalunya.

Now, Linea Directa, which has studied accident rates for over 20 years, is offering motorists some top tips to stay safe.

The company advises drivers to pay extra attention to brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and oil levels, along with giving tips on how to drive more safely.

For more information on reducing risks call 902 123 104.

BRITISH holidaymakers are warning tourists to beware of a car hire firm on the Costa del Sol. At least six people claim to have been duped by Malagabased Rent a Car Spain.

Users of the company have complained that vehicles are in a poor condition and deposits are not being returned.

“The cars you get are damaged when they arrive,” said one client 70-year-old George Oliver, who holidayed in Fuengirola with his wife in November.

“The car had numerous bashes and scrapes, and I returned it after two days because the handbrake didn’t even hold.

“The second car was equally beaten up,” he added.

Oliver claims that following a safe return of the vehicle, his €400 ‘caution fee’ (or deposit) was not returned.

N S OR E D B Y

S

amino

PO

R

3232

P

n Buen 32

S

C E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................... www.theolivepress.es

33

is completely legal and obviously a client has to be responsible for any damage caused.

“In this case, as the client claimed to the bank, we had to stop our refund process, otherwise we would have refunded him twice.

“We agreed with the bank to refund the deposit as the car was returned correctly,” she said.

The spokeswoman added that Oliver has used the company more than once ‘without any problems’.

The company also claims to have no knowledge of the bashing it has received on popular travel website TripAdvisor. At least five people have claimed the same thing happened.

“If I can’t reach them I will be asking my credit card provider to look into this for me as a fraudulent transaction,” wrote one user.

VOLKSWAGEN’S Spanish arm SEAT was the only brand of the German automobile manufacturer to suffer a loss last year.

SEAT lost €156 million in 2012 with the number of vehicles sold falling 8.3% to 321,000.

New car sales in Spain last year declined by 13.4% to 699,589, the lowest level in more than 20 years.

Crisis Volkswagen chairman, Martin Winterkorn, said: “The continuing crisis in southern Europe has hit SEAT hard.”

However the Volkswagen group’s net income climbed 41% last year to €21.7 billion as sales rose 20.9% to €193 billion, boosted by strong growth in China.

As a member of Home Owners´ Club you will get lots of advantages “Fast, friendly & hassle free! That's why I've been hiring cars with Helle Hollis for over 10 years (& counting).” Butler, Middlesex

Fast Lane service 15% discount on the car hire Fair Fuel policy Join for FREE the Home Owners Club www.hellehollis.com

Helle Hollis Car Rental, Málaga Airport, Tel.: +34 95 224 55 44 Email: bookings@hellehollis.com www.hellehollis.com

56

COLUMNS

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

SO Formula One is back with the weekend’s Australian Grand Prix season opener. And didn’t Alonso do well, to boot?

For an unabashed petrolhead it means the rest of my social life grinds to a halt every other Sunday.

Personally I’m a big Jenson Button fan, but in Spain the Formula One season turns into a Fernando Alonso love in.

F1 in Spain is broadcast on Antena 3, which features the baffling baldie presenter Antonio Lobato.

To say that Lobato and the rest of the Spanish commentators are biased in Alonso’s favour is an understatment - if Alonso doesn’t win it’s a national tragedy.

Last season the programme’s opening credits characterised Lewis Hamilton and Jenson as evil cyborgs battling the blessed Fernando on the track.

There’s also a rather nasty and underlyingly racist view of black driver Hamilton. I’m not the driver’s biggest fan, but the abuse I witnessed at the Valencia Grand Prix a few years ago beggared belief, and then there was the ‘Hamilton Family’ retards who turned up in black faces at the Spanish Grand Prix to

www.theolivepress.es

Alonso a go go!

Hugo goes travelling

I watched the funeral of firebrand Venezulean president Hugo Chavez from the Talk Radio Europe studio while preparing for my weekend shows.

While the state funeral was a sombre occasion, it was somewhat spoilt by the predictive subtitles that Sky use for the hard of hearing that run in the studio. Instead of ‘Hugo Chavez’ the text read ‘You Go, Travellers’!

Schools out

mock him.

A word to the wise, however. One of the most dangerous times to be driving is just after a Grand Prix on a Sunday afternoon.

If Alonso has won – this weekend, fortunately he came second - every young Spanish driver acts as if he’s Fernando’s second cousin - running red

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

lights, overtaking on the inside and generally driving more insanely than normal.

Which is saying something!

It was back to school for me last week when I was invited to take part in Swans International School’s careers day.

I never turn up by chance to corrupt young minds so this was too good to miss.

It was actually great fun, and after the hour long Q&A session, I enjoyed my first school meal in over 25 years.

The only moment of slight apprehension was when I glanced up to see two police officers arriving at the desk opposite me.

Having been stopped twice by the Spanish authorities in the past month - due to my angelic good looks, no doubt - I really didn’t want to make it a third time in front of a class full of children. Another well known photographer must have been thinking the same thing.

Call it coincidence but when I looked over at his desk I was greeted by the sight of him scurrying off, lenses slung!

In the swing of it

www.theolivepress.es

Sponsored by

59 DISCOUNT OUTLET

La Sala owners swing into action for local charity

MARBELLA’S hottest restaurant chain is hosting a charity golf tournament on the Costa del Sol. Sala Group, which owns businesses in both Marbella and San Pedro, are teaming up with Simply Golf Holidays to raise money for local charity DEBRA. The competition, Sala Golf Classics, will take place every month throughout the year at various golf courses along the coast.

A string of exclusive prizes are up for grabs, including a signed shirt from Arsenal star Alex OxladeChamberlain.

Winners of the competition will also be presented and photographed with the Sala Group Golf Classics trophy, designed by renowned local artist Da-

Good cause golfing vid Marshall.

DEBRA Spain is a nonprofit organization which aims to raise money and awareness for people living with Epidermolysis bullosa (EB). EB, also known as Butterfly Skin, is an incurable, rare genetic condition which severely affects the skin and requires intensive daily treatment.

Previous competitors include sports stars Stephen Carr, David Bentley, Mi-

chael Brown, Wayne Henderson and Dean Austin, with the next event to be held on April 6.

Following the competition at Santa Clara Golf Course, a prize ceremony and charity raffle will be held at La Sala in Puerto Banus at around 2.30pm.

If you are interested in taking part, becoming a sponsor or want to find out more contact: reservations@lasalabanus.com

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

57

46 58 the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013 58

the olive press

C lassifieds

24

www.theolivepress.es

40

To place your classified, please call 951 16 60 60 or email admin@theolivepress.es 83 cents per word. Minimum charge based on 10 words per issue and a minimum of 2 issues. IVA not included All ads include the first 2 words in bold. For all text in bold add 25%

Display boxes Single column display box 35 euros per issue Double column display box 49 euros per issue Three column display box 72 euros per issue

SERVICES Bargain Car Hire!

Try group

B.basic Check out

www.hellehollis.com and you will be pleasantly surprised! *special conditions apply

Malaga Airport

www.hellehollis.com Tel.: +34 95 224 55 44

Full name and passport or NIE number must be provided when advertisements are placed. All ads must be paid prior to publication

SUNSHINE TOLDOS

All types of awning and blinds

Roller Shutter Repairs Conversion from Manual to Motorised New installations Awnings & Mosquito screens Call Julian 655825931

Installed or fixed Manual/electric Will travel inland No deposit/cash on delivery Call John on 952467783 680323969

the olive press

Advertise here for as little as 40 â‚Ź per issue We are on the lookout for key staff for our new Costa del Sol office:

ADMIN/EDITORIAL ASSISANT

The Olive Press is looking for a bilingual individual to help man its busy office. You will need to have a clean driving licence, have a good understanding of computers and programmes including Excel and Word.

SALES EXECUTIVE Advertise here for as little as 40 â‚Ź per issue

We are also looking for a self-motivated, hungry sales executive to cover the Marbella to Malaga area for the paper as we expand in 2013. Must have clean driving licence and good command of Spanish.

If you feel you can meet the above, please send your CV to jon@theolivepress.es

eed fr alo o ad rg g fo he Gu n i t k loo s in anada W o s l p e a Gr NO r are ales a and CT US e W ce s eri TA lan ce, Alms CON hor area

www.theolivepress.es

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

59

60

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

À la cart

Spain’s top chefs embrace horse meat for gourmet dining as sales rise nationally WHILE the rest of Europe panics about traces in their burgers, several Spanish chefs are serving up whole slabs of horse meat as a national delicacy.

The Olive Press has dis-

By Mason Jones covered that a number of the country’s top Michelinstarred chefs are firm favourites of the succulent meat.

Chow down!

From the ashes of James Hewitt’s Polo House comes an exotic Eastern joint, writes Rebecca McGuire PUNTERS arriving at Polo House looking for James Hewitt this season are in for a big surprise.

For the popular restaurant has had a complete makeover and is set to open as an Indian restaurant.

It comes after Hewitt and his partner Ram Nandkishore decided to call it a day, insisting the restaurant had become a victim of the recession.

“After four relatively happy years, and one bad year, James and his business partner decided to call it a day,” revealed a spokesman.

“The split was amicable and James will be staying in Spain and pursuing other interests. He’d had enough in the end. Polo House was a victim of the Spanish recession, but it was fun while it lasted.”

Still run by the successful Metro Group, the owners of Marbella favourites Jacks, Joys and Mumtaz, Chowka Indian Kitchen will combine the Spanish tapa concept with a variety of Asian dishes.

Anything, but your normal curry house, the restaurant will emphasise good home-cooked food a world away from typical chicken tikka take-aways.

Chef Ravi Deulkar (pictured above), a big fan of India’s modern food movement explains, “Chowka means mother’s kitchen so we draw on traditional recipes and cooking method found in any Indian home.

“Our cuisine is extremely diverse and new flavours are just waiting to be discovered.”

The former head chef of Michelin-starred restaurants including Trishna and Rasoi, he has relocated to the Costa del Sol to further his career.

And local produce are key elements of his cooking, with mussels with garlic naan, honey melon ice-cream and mango rice pudding with sweet chilli drizzle among his dishes.

“Acceptance of food has to do with cultural issues,” claimed Basque chef Andoni Aduriz, owner of two Michelin star restaurant, Mugaritz.

He believes the fuss surrounding the meat is due to cultural prejudice, rather than its taste or concerns about public health.

Another firm fan of horse meat, Nacho Manzano, owner of two Michelin starred Casa Marcial restaurant in Arriondas, prepares a very successful sautéed horse steak twinned with hazelnut oil.

The celebrated chef, who also cooks a mean braised foal with garlic, explained: “I really like the meat, both in its texture, flavour and quality.

“It is available in many local butchers and is very versatile. I use it quite a lot.”

Locally, Sevilla restaurant Fogon de Lena offers foal cooked ‘a la piedra’, while in Burgos 24 de la Paloma

prefers to serve the meat as a burger-like tapa or steak tartar.

The Burger Lab in Madrid and Pepito Burger in Vigo also serve ‘foal hamburgers’.

Going one step further, chef Saul Gomez has added raw horse meat to his menu in the form of Japanese dish, horse tataki, reporting that clients accepted the dish ‘without any problems’.

But, it is not just leading chefs, who like the meat.

One company in Madrid, Carnes Carrasquilla is doing a roaring trade selling a range of different horse cuts from 8.99 to 26.99 per kilo.

According to the government, the meat is becoming more popular.

The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that horse meat sales have risen from 11,200 tonnes in 2011 to 12,900 tonnes in 2012.

Much of this rise is due to the recession with horse meat costing around half the price of beef.

51 www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

61

62

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

46

FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

Food Porn In the second part of our serialisation of Food & La Vida, chef Thomas Donso explains the importance of photography and presents two more recipes from his restaurant Patria, in Vejer

T

HE idea for the cookbook came at the request of many guests.

But it wasn’t until the Patria owners met experienced food photographer Lykke Rump during the making of a Danish food program two years ago that it started to take shape.

Suddenly Ase and Thomas Donso saw the possibility of creating the book using 50 of their favourite recipes.

“In Cadiz, there are many small farmers who grow some amazing vegetables without pesticides,” explains Thomas.

“We knew that you needed a good photographer to get the most out of them.

“The pleasure you get from working with these ingredients can be seen in the images.

“Their raw colours really whet ones appetite, I think.”

The book contains many fresh salads and is filled with beautiful photos of both the area and its food.

The book is also an interesting story about how the young couple left the relative safety of Denmark to move to the Andalucian outback with their two young children.

FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com Sweet potato salad with lemon and dill (serves 4) 2 sweet potatoes ½ lemon 2 spring onions 2 sprigs dill Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1cm cubes. Place the cubes and lemon, thinly sliced, into a greased dish. Bake the dish in a 200-degree oven for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool to room temperature before folding in the finely chopped spring onion and finely chopped dill.

Add salt and pepper to taste. This is an easy, quick and inexpensive salad – and a great, original way of preparing sweet potatoes.

This salad comes into its own when served with fish or chicken.

Ajoblanco – Ajoverde (serves 4)

(traditional cold white or green soup with almonds and garlic) ½ melon 100ml water 3-4 garlic cloves (depending on how strong you prefer your soup) 2 slices day-old bread (soaked in water for 2 minutes) 100ml Masia el Altet or other really good virgin olive oil 1 handful blanched almonds 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar ½ cucumber Toss everything into a blender or Thermomix and blend at the highest speed until the soup is glossy and uniform. Add salt and pepper to taste and place in the fridge for 2 hours.

Dish the soup into deep plates or soup bowls. Add water if it’s too thick.

Garnish with halved, deseeded grapes and cucumber balls.

This recipe was inspired by our greengrocer, Paco. As a variation, try blending the soup with a generous handful of fresh coriander.

It adds a great flavor. You could

serve this soup in a glass. We sometimes use small shot glasses and serve it as an appetizer.

39

the olive press - March 21 - April 3, 2013

63

the FREE

the olive press - March 7 - March 20, 2013

HOLIDAY SNAPS KEPT UNDER WRAPS

THE vast majority of our holiday snaps are not seeing the light of day.

Only 10% of the photographs we take are deemed good enough to share on social networking sites, while 97% of holidaymakers admit they will never print their pictures out, put them in an album or frame them.

The average tourist takes 300 photos during a week’s holiday using a camera or mobile phone, according to the survey by website sunshine.co.uk.

“Holiday photos are a great way to capture the memories of your trip abroad but it’s not long after you return home that you tend to forget where you’ve been altogether when the stresses of everyday life kick back in.”

He added: “Too often now, photos end up stuck on computers or social media profiles and that’s the only place they exist.”

Covering Andalucia in 2013 with 186,000 papers www.theolivepress.es (120,000 digital) and around 150,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

olive press

Telephone: 951 16 60 60

March 21

-

April 3, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Budget bid

49,99 euros www.allabout andaluciaproperty.com

(brought to you by the OlivePress)

Easter lessons AN exhibition has opened in VelezMalaga documenting over four centuries of Easter celebrations in the area.

Spaniards get back in gear RAFA Nadal is back in the world’s top four just a month after his injury-prone knees were said to be putting his career in jeopardy.

It comes after the 26-year-old walked off with the title at Indian Wells in America and follows on from his third consecutive win since returning from a seven-month absence.

He is now just behind Djokovic, Federer and Murray after he took the BNP Paribas title with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over Juan Martin Del Potro.

Meanwhile, countryman, Fenando Alonso came second in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Following his impressive start to the racing year, the 31-year-old claims to be in the best shape of his career.

Sell your property THIS WEEK with an online ad reaching thousands for just

Gay stay

TOUR: Olympics bosses tour Ventas bullring in Madrid

Spain hopes thrifty approach will lead to Olympics success for year 2020

A CRISIS-hit Spain hopes to win the 2020 Olympics by touting a cut-price bid.

Officials in Madrid have revealed a plan to beat rivals Tokyo and Istanbul with a ‘recession-friendly approach’ to the games.

Spanish Olympic Committee boss, Alejandro Blanco, has estimated the games will cost €1.6 billion – much less than the estimated €10.5 billion of last year’s London games.

Blanco stated the much lower cost was possible because 28 of the 35 proposed venues are already built.

However, it seems the committee has learnt a thing or two from London, opting to use city landmarks as venues to cut costs further.

By Mason Jones For instance, the beach volleyball event, which was hosted at London’s Horse Guards Parade would take place in Retiro park, while the Las Ventas bullring would host the basketball event.

Prime Minister Rajoy was also quick to defend the bid, stating that Spain receives the third largest number of foreign visitors per year, with almost 58 million in 2012.

A final decision on which city will host the games will be made on September 7 in Buenos Aires.

JURASSIC PARK

SCIENTISTS in Spain have unearthed hundreds of dinosaur egg fossils, including four species that have never been found before.

Researchers studying the Coll de Nargo site, in Lleida, were surprised to find the horde dating back 71 million years.

“Eggs, shells and nests were found in abundance, and they all belong to different dinosaurs,” said research leader, Albert García Selles.

They mostly come from Sauropods, which were long-necked herbivorous creatures, believed to be the largest ever to roam the planet.

The discovery also shows that dinosaurs were not scared to lay eggs close to one another.

FINAL WORDS

64

A new hotel exclusively for the gay and lesbian community is to be built in Canjáyar, Almería, it was revealed this week.

Danger ahead Mijas town hall has submitted a formal request to Endesa for the removal of the overhead electricity cables along the Camino de Campanales for safety reasons.

BA back in Granada BRITISH airways is running direct flights between London City Airport and Granada. The airline will operate four flights a week for around €100 each way from July 25. The new route is the result of negotiations between BA and the department of tourism in Granada.

It comes after Ryanair and Monarch cancelled flights to the airport and after another airline Hispania failed to get off the ground.

No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without the explicit permission of the publisher. While efforts are made to ensure the authenticity of advertisements and articles appearing in The Olive Press, the publisher does not accept any responsibility for claims made, nor do contributors’ opinions necessarily represent his own. Copyright Luke Stewart Media S.L 2013