At the full monthly meeting of the Orihuela Town Council (Pleno) held on Tuesday 24th February 2009 the following points which affect Orihuela Costa were discussed.
Failure to provide access to Opposition Councillors in Orihuela Costa
The Los Verdes Motion for the allocation of office facilities for the Elected Opposition parties in the Orihuela Costa Ayuntamineto as reported on the 20th February was presented to the Pleno.
Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, the Motion was rejected by the PP ruling party with its 14 votes against the 11 votes in favour by Los Verdes, PSOE & CLR.
Once again the residents of Orihuela Costa are discriminated against by the PP, as they have done with the 2009 Budget and offensive statements from the Coordinator for European Residents, Stefan Pokroppa.
The PP Councillors stated that if residents of the coast have problems then they can speak to Sr. Pokroppa, the man who thinks so little of them, in the Ayuntamiento, they don't need facilities to speak to representatives of the Opposition parties.
This is a deliberate action to stop the residents exercising their democratic rights of free access to consult with their elected representatives in their local Town Hall, a public access amenity building.
Residential Nursing Home for La Zenia II
Another "surprise" on the coast for owners of residential plots in La Zenia II (Sector E-1) who thought they'd bought their property in a residential area.
The PP Government proposes a modification of the General Plan, to include in this part of the plan an area for hotel trade use, so as to allow the building of private residential nursing homes, up to 4 storeys high. Once again the PP uses town planning rules as it likes, so as to favour certain property developers.
Los Verdes think that it is disrespectful to the current residents, it will bring many problems, such as traffic noise day and night with the coming and going of ambulances and other service vehicles.
Los Verdes voted against this proposed modification.
PAU 21 – Las Collinas – Planning alteration.
The Sierra de Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor are considered as one of the most important natural jewels of the European Union. Proof of this has been its recent inclusion in the catalogue of selected areas by the Valencian Community to make up the network of natural areas of the European Community, thus recognizing the significance of this spot at the international level.
In this mountain range is situated the Las Collinas Urbanization (PAU 21) which has caused much controversy, and Los Verdes have always voted against this project because we believe it is vital to save this space because of its unique nature in Vega Baja.
Now the PP Government has planned for a re-arrangement of roads and parking facilities (an increase of 80 places) through a detailed study.
Only the PP voted in favour of this alteration using their outright majority of 3 to push it through.
Control of FEIL job creating funds for the long-term unemployed.
Los Verdes presented a motion in relation to complimentary measures in the investment projects financed by FEIL (state funds for local investment) to look for greater control of these funds and to prevent a certain rogue element that would exist at the time, to recruit the unemployed workers, by requiring companies contracting for the completion of these works to use at least 40% of people registered on the lists of SERVEF(Valenciano Employment Service and Training).
The Motion received an unanimous vote in favour by all parties (Los Verdes, PSOE, CLR and PP).
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Los Verdes on Excite FM Radio
On the 6th January I reported on the Los Verdes interview on the Nick Hawkins Morning Show on Excite FM, and mentioned the possibility of a regular monthly appearance.
It has now been confirmed that we will be broadcasting the work of Los Verdes on the third Monday of each month commencing on the 16th March 2009. the interview will normally follow the 11.30 am news slot.
It has now been confirmed that we will be broadcasting the work of Los Verdes on the third Monday of each month commencing on the 16th March 2009. the interview will normally follow the 11.30 am news slot.
Mónica's Investments in Orihuela Costa !
Los Verdes of Orihuela denounce the failure of the management of Mónica Lorente y her PP government team in Orihuela in respect of the infrastructure in Orihuela Costa, allowing a succession of unacceptable deficiencies for a centre of population of almost 30,000 registered people.
Despite that Mónica Lorente continues with her image campaign presenting investments that are not hers, and we don't know when they will be realized, investments that in the majority belong to work that should have been carried out by the promoters who constructed the houses, and which the Town Hall has consented to, as happens with those urbanisations that have not been adopted by the Town hall and whose illegality is blatant. The reality is that the situation in Orihuela Costa has not improved at all since the new PP government took office in May 2007.
A few days ago Ms. Lorente appeared, like a catwalk model including protection helmet, in Orihuela Costa showing off some investments that correspond to other financial years, and that in some cases as now, as a consequence of the promised funding from FEIL (funds from the state to fight the economic recession).
Bridges (over the AP7 and the N332) that should be installed by the promoters that made the urbanisations, and that appear in the urban planning; deficiencies in public services that residents have been asking to be rectified for more than 20 years ( for example a sports centre that will be thanks to FEIL); collector of waste water in La Zenia which should have been solved from the beginning of the urbanisation; cleaning of council owned land and private plots, that should not be done with public resources; repair pavements and other infrastructure already promised on previous occasions but never carried out; are now the latest demonstration of marketing that Ms. Lorente sells as if it was a detergent.
Where is the responsibility of those who have allowed year after year these circumstances? Where is the responsibility of those who have permitted the indiscriminate development of Orihuela Costa and without essential services? Now she has the solution to everything with state funds, with everyone's money?
Los Verdes do not believe a single word of the promises of Ms. Lorente because she is a perfect expert in putting up smoke screens and then doing nothing. Ms. Lorente will have to explain why we Oriolanos have to pay our taxes for works that should have been carried out by the Private Promoters, and why the PP of Orihuela allow that everyone's money should cover the shame of their business friends.
Despite that Mónica Lorente continues with her image campaign presenting investments that are not hers, and we don't know when they will be realized, investments that in the majority belong to work that should have been carried out by the promoters who constructed the houses, and which the Town Hall has consented to, as happens with those urbanisations that have not been adopted by the Town hall and whose illegality is blatant. The reality is that the situation in Orihuela Costa has not improved at all since the new PP government took office in May 2007.
A few days ago Ms. Lorente appeared, like a catwalk model including protection helmet, in Orihuela Costa showing off some investments that correspond to other financial years, and that in some cases as now, as a consequence of the promised funding from FEIL (funds from the state to fight the economic recession).
Bridges (over the AP7 and the N332) that should be installed by the promoters that made the urbanisations, and that appear in the urban planning; deficiencies in public services that residents have been asking to be rectified for more than 20 years ( for example a sports centre that will be thanks to FEIL); collector of waste water in La Zenia which should have been solved from the beginning of the urbanisation; cleaning of council owned land and private plots, that should not be done with public resources; repair pavements and other infrastructure already promised on previous occasions but never carried out; are now the latest demonstration of marketing that Ms. Lorente sells as if it was a detergent.
Where is the responsibility of those who have allowed year after year these circumstances? Where is the responsibility of those who have permitted the indiscriminate development of Orihuela Costa and without essential services? Now she has the solution to everything with state funds, with everyone's money?
Los Verdes do not believe a single word of the promises of Ms. Lorente because she is a perfect expert in putting up smoke screens and then doing nothing. Ms. Lorente will have to explain why we Oriolanos have to pay our taxes for works that should have been carried out by the Private Promoters, and why the PP of Orihuela allow that everyone's money should cover the shame of their business friends.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Opposition Party offices in Orihuela Costa Ayuntamiento
Los Verdes has presented two Motions for discussion at the Town Council Meeting ( Pleno) to be held on Tuesday 24th February.
One of the Motions is in respect of an improvement to the municipal facilities on the coast.
Given that Orihuela Costa has more than 28,000 inhabitants and that it is an area within the Orihuela Municipal, and that there are many residents who want to consult with their elected Councillors of either the Los Verdes, PSOE or CLR party, to seek their help; Los Verdes believe that the same facilities as that provided in the Orihuela Town Hall (Palacio Marqués de Arneva) to the Elected Opposition parties and the citizens of Orihuela should be available in the Orihuela Costa Town Hall.
This should include the provision of office space to the Opposition parties to enable residents of Orihuela Costa to have direct local access to their chosen party's representatives.
This would be an excercise in democracy on the part of the PP government and show a greater attention to the problems and needs of the citizens of Orihuela Costa.
We will update you as to whether this request is successful.
One of the Motions is in respect of an improvement to the municipal facilities on the coast.
Given that Orihuela Costa has more than 28,000 inhabitants and that it is an area within the Orihuela Municipal, and that there are many residents who want to consult with their elected Councillors of either the Los Verdes, PSOE or CLR party, to seek their help; Los Verdes believe that the same facilities as that provided in the Orihuela Town Hall (Palacio Marqués de Arneva) to the Elected Opposition parties and the citizens of Orihuela should be available in the Orihuela Costa Town Hall.
This should include the provision of office space to the Opposition parties to enable residents of Orihuela Costa to have direct local access to their chosen party's representatives.
This would be an excercise in democracy on the part of the PP government and show a greater attention to the problems and needs of the citizens of Orihuela Costa.
We will update you as to whether this request is successful.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Los Verdes Surgery - 25th February 2009
The second surgery of 2009 to be held by Councillor Monserrate Guillén, Los Verdes Councillor for the Coast, will be held on the Wednesday 25th february 2009 from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon at the Emerald Isle in La Florida in Orihuela Costa.
This is the opportunity for any residents of the coast to discuss their individual problems directly with their Councillor irrespective of which party they support.
Please note that this surgery is at it's new location.
As all the previous surgeries have been very busy, if someone wants to ask for a specific time, to reduce waiting, they should contact us by email at either losverdesinorihuelacosta@gmail.com, or telephone 965319660 to request a time if it's still available.
We provide translation facilities for English, French, German and Swedish into Spanish during the surgery.
The FREE Starter Kits, available for the People's 'Litter Pick-up' as part of the 'Clean up the Costa' campaign, will be available for collection during the surgery times from any of the Los Verdes members present.
It is also the opportunity to discuss the 'Dignity for the Disabled' campaign.
This is the opportunity for any residents of the coast to discuss their individual problems directly with their Councillor irrespective of which party they support.
Please note that this surgery is at it's new location.
As all the previous surgeries have been very busy, if someone wants to ask for a specific time, to reduce waiting, they should contact us by email at either losverdesinorihuelacosta@gmail.com, or telephone 965319660 to request a time if it's still available.
We provide translation facilities for English, French, German and Swedish into Spanish during the surgery.
The FREE Starter Kits, available for the People's 'Litter Pick-up' as part of the 'Clean up the Costa' campaign, will be available for collection during the surgery times from any of the Los Verdes members present.
It is also the opportunity to discuss the 'Dignity for the Disabled' campaign.
Is the right person in the right job?
There have been articles recently by the Spanish press in La Verdad and Diario Información.es and by the English Press in the Costa Blanca, the CoastRider and the Round Town News, reporting comments made by Mr Stefan Pokroppa, who holds the position of Coordinator of the Office of European Residents in the Orihuela Costa Town Hall, about the attitudes and behaviour of the residents for whom he is supposed to be liaising for and working with.
Los Verdes have issued the following press release about this matter.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
When reading the above articles, one wonders! " Stefan Pokroppa has been named, by decree 18.07.2007 by the Mayoress Mónica Lorente as temporary member of staff for the position of Coordinator of the Office of European Residents with annual gross salary of 27.000€.....".
But this person has not been appointed on the basis of competition, neither on the basis of his own merits.
The Municipal Group of Los Verdes denounce his insulting statements, unworthy of public office , against the European residents of Orihuela Costa. Mr. Pokroppa states vague generalities, seeking no less than to give a caricatured image of the European residents: they create their own colonies .....consume products coming from their countries of origin that they buy in shops run by fellow countrymen or more the little interest to learn Spanish.
From Los Verdes we believe that these are issues that relate only to the private sphere of the individual, it is not possible to impose on the people who live in the Costa a way of life that has not been chosen by themselves.
Los Verdes proposed an amendment to the Budget 2009, a Program of Integration based on recreational activities, on a permanent dialogue and above all with the agreement of the majority of the population of the Costa. Clearly this amendment was rejected by the Government of the PP.
Mr. Pokroppa considers that the main problem of the foreign residents is the lack of a fluent communication with the administration and the real estate promoters. Whose fault is it? Los Verdes consider that it is the responsibility of the Government of the PP, which is compromised when Mr. Pokroppa and some civil servants are at times so arrogant, often unpleasant and unwelcoming to residents from other countries, who consult them with requests for help.
As for relations with developers because of infrastructure deficiencies in the urbanizations, we also should have the effective support of the department of Mr. Pokroppa because ultimately, all management of licenses of urbanization, of planning permission, are granted by the Orihuela Town Council, that means the Government of the PP. But apparently, the close relationships between the circle of construction and real-estate development and the politics of the PP are so intense that systematically it blocks the claims of the residents.
Mr. Pokroppa adds: Orihuela Costa has been the scene of an urban planning explosion and that the exploitation came to such point that they did not finish – the developers- one construction and they started another one. True, but he forgets voluntarily to mention that the Government of the PP approves the projects of all these urbanizations, that the Government of the PP should have planned the development of Orihuela Costa with a rate allowing for the finishing of the infrastructures and that the Government should not have allowed urbanizations to be left unfinished, without light, without water and without certificate of habitability.
Finally Mr. Pokroppa says: in spite of these "setbacks" the European foreigners have decided to remain in Orihuela Costa He uses the term setbacks, those are more intractable problems for property owners. They are hostages with their capital property assets tied-up and with real-estate in a value free fall, due to the lack of planning, to the massive construction, untenable for the environment and the quality of life in Orihuela Costa.
Therefore, more than 20 years of municipal management of the PP in Orihuela Costa have been a failure, a fatal blow to the image of Orihuela Costa worldwide, and in this way it goes on.
Los Verdes have issued the following press release about this matter.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
When reading the above articles, one wonders! " Stefan Pokroppa has been named, by decree 18.07.2007 by the Mayoress Mónica Lorente as temporary member of staff for the position of Coordinator of the Office of European Residents with annual gross salary of 27.000€.....".
But this person has not been appointed on the basis of competition, neither on the basis of his own merits.
The Municipal Group of Los Verdes denounce his insulting statements, unworthy of public office , against the European residents of Orihuela Costa. Mr. Pokroppa states vague generalities, seeking no less than to give a caricatured image of the European residents: they create their own colonies .....consume products coming from their countries of origin that they buy in shops run by fellow countrymen or more the little interest to learn Spanish.
From Los Verdes we believe that these are issues that relate only to the private sphere of the individual, it is not possible to impose on the people who live in the Costa a way of life that has not been chosen by themselves.
Los Verdes proposed an amendment to the Budget 2009, a Program of Integration based on recreational activities, on a permanent dialogue and above all with the agreement of the majority of the population of the Costa. Clearly this amendment was rejected by the Government of the PP.
Mr. Pokroppa considers that the main problem of the foreign residents is the lack of a fluent communication with the administration and the real estate promoters. Whose fault is it? Los Verdes consider that it is the responsibility of the Government of the PP, which is compromised when Mr. Pokroppa and some civil servants are at times so arrogant, often unpleasant and unwelcoming to residents from other countries, who consult them with requests for help.
As for relations with developers because of infrastructure deficiencies in the urbanizations, we also should have the effective support of the department of Mr. Pokroppa because ultimately, all management of licenses of urbanization, of planning permission, are granted by the Orihuela Town Council, that means the Government of the PP. But apparently, the close relationships between the circle of construction and real-estate development and the politics of the PP are so intense that systematically it blocks the claims of the residents.
Mr. Pokroppa adds: Orihuela Costa has been the scene of an urban planning explosion and that the exploitation came to such point that they did not finish – the developers- one construction and they started another one. True, but he forgets voluntarily to mention that the Government of the PP approves the projects of all these urbanizations, that the Government of the PP should have planned the development of Orihuela Costa with a rate allowing for the finishing of the infrastructures and that the Government should not have allowed urbanizations to be left unfinished, without light, without water and without certificate of habitability.
Finally Mr. Pokroppa says: in spite of these "setbacks" the European foreigners have decided to remain in Orihuela Costa He uses the term setbacks, those are more intractable problems for property owners. They are hostages with their capital property assets tied-up and with real-estate in a value free fall, due to the lack of planning, to the massive construction, untenable for the environment and the quality of life in Orihuela Costa.
Therefore, more than 20 years of municipal management of the PP in Orihuela Costa have been a failure, a fatal blow to the image of Orihuela Costa worldwide, and in this way it goes on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Los Verdes of Orihuela rebuttal of C.L.A.R.O. letter.
Following the very busy surgery on Wednesday 28th January, we held a press conference to repudiate the criticism of Los Verdes contained in the letter by Bob Houliston, president of the C.L.A.R.O. party, that was published in the CoastRider newspaper on the 27th January 2009. As a result of the conference the following article has appeared in the CoastRider 3rd February edition.
Los Verdes respond to C.L.A.R.O. budget letter
A letter penned by C.L.A.R.O. president, Bob Houliston, was printed in last week’s CoastRider, and its contents so angered the Orihuela opposition party, Los Verdes, their councillor and coastal representatives held a press conference to set the record straight.
In his letter about the Orihuela budget meeting, Mr Houliston wrote: “I have seen or heard no reports that either the Socialist or Green Parties stood up in this vital council meeting to criticise the budget for these incredible deficiencies as far as the coast is concerned”.
Los Verdes Councillor Monserrate Guillén said: “Mr Houliston forgot to mention that Los Verdes tabled 74 amendments to the proposed budgets prior to the special council meeting, including 17 specific amendments for the coast. Five of the 14 amendments which were accepted relate directly to the coast. Los Verdes councillors do not wave our arms around in the Pleno, we get on with the business of trying our best to get our proposals agreed.
Prior to the meeting, we discussed the budget with all parties, the ruling PP, the PSOE, and CLR. Our proposals were put together as a direct result of our campaign to encourage citizens to participate by telling us the issues which are most important to them. Had we not put forward these 74 proposals, there would have been nothing at all for the coast.”
The Councillor and Los Verdes representatives asked why C.L.A.R.O. had not put together their own set of proposals or spoken to opposition councillors to ensure their concerns were heard before the budget meeting. The Los Verdes group also added: “C.L.A.R.O. has targeted the opposition councillors when it is the ruling PP which makes the decisions, and C.L.A.R.O. must bear some responsibility for splitting the vote at the last municipal election, which damaged the opposition and kept the PP in power.”
Rebecca Griffin
The full published letter referred to is reproduced below in order to ensure fairness of expression of views.
Dear Editor,
The Socialist Workers Party (P.S.O.E.) captured your front page on 20 January by revealing that Orihuela Costa would probably get nothing out of the investment budget for 2009 and very little for anything else.
This turned out to be correct and C.L.A.R.O. has described the 2009 budget as an INSULT and DISGRACE from Orihuela Costa’s point of view.
But armed with this information BEFORE the budget debate on 19 January, what did the Socialist Party say in defence of the interests of Orihuela Costa? I have seen or heard no reports that either the Socialist or Green Parties stood up in this vital council meeting to criticise the budget for these incredible deficiencies as far as the coast is concerned.
We agree with the Socialist Party arguments in your front page article last week that the proposed outdoor sports centre for Orihuela Costa should not have been considered for Madrid emergency funding since it is not a brand new project, was promised in the Popular Party election manifesto in 2007, and first finance was already provided in the 2008 budget. Orihuela Costa should have got its full share of the Madrid funds for NEW investment projects AND the Popular Party should have included finance for the sports centre in the 2009 budget (with the addition of a heated indoor swimming pool to match that of the neighbouring municipality of Pilar de la Horadada with a smaller population).
This is what C.L.A.R.O. would have said if we had elected representatives in the Orihuela Council. But, the Socialist Party said no such thing in the budget debate in the Council on 19 January. Neither, apparently, did the Socialist Party in Orihuela say anything to the Socialist government in Madrid to the effect that the proposed sports centre was not eligible for emergency funding from the Madrid government.
The traditional opposition parties in Orihuela argue that voters in Orihuela Costa should support them rather than a new, purely local, independent party, as they can defend the interests of the coast locally, as well as regionally and nationally where they are already represented. But they are doing nothing of the sort. Why? Are they concerned that their voters in Orihuela might take fright if they support a bigger share of the cake for the coast? Are they prepared to say openly that more for the coast would mean less for their voters in the rest of the municipality?
Yours,
Bob Houliston,
President of C.L.A.R.O.
From the comments made in the last paragraph Bob Houliston would appear to either be totally unaware of, or chooses to overlook, the well publicised work of the Los Verdes party, through the Orihuela Costa Working Group, on the coast.
He chooses to ignore the work of the many residents who have contributed to the 'Clean up the Costa' and 'Dignity for the Disabled' campaigns being coordinated by Los Verdes.
Are we concerned that the voters in Orihuela might take fright if we support a bigger share of the cake for the coast?
No, because Los Verdes of Orihuela work for the benefit of the whole of the Orihuela Municipality which includes Orihuela Town, Orihuela Costa, and the Pedanias. That is the responsibity of Los Verdes as a elected opposition party within the Town Council.
Are we prepared to say openly that more for the coast could mean less for the voters in the rest of the municipality?
Yes, because the expenditure for each area should be based on the essential needs of the area, subject to the limitations of the total budget for the whole of the Municipality.
What a pity that Bob Houliston, as President of C.L.A.R.O., did not act, by liaising with one of the official elected opposition parties to express his party members' suggestions and concerns, before the Budget was passed by the PP ruling party, rather than criticising those that did, after the event, or is that the easier course to take.
Los Verdes respond to C.L.A.R.O. budget letter
A letter penned by C.L.A.R.O. president, Bob Houliston, was printed in last week’s CoastRider, and its contents so angered the Orihuela opposition party, Los Verdes, their councillor and coastal representatives held a press conference to set the record straight.
In his letter about the Orihuela budget meeting, Mr Houliston wrote: “I have seen or heard no reports that either the Socialist or Green Parties stood up in this vital council meeting to criticise the budget for these incredible deficiencies as far as the coast is concerned”.
Los Verdes Councillor Monserrate Guillén said: “Mr Houliston forgot to mention that Los Verdes tabled 74 amendments to the proposed budgets prior to the special council meeting, including 17 specific amendments for the coast. Five of the 14 amendments which were accepted relate directly to the coast. Los Verdes councillors do not wave our arms around in the Pleno, we get on with the business of trying our best to get our proposals agreed.
Prior to the meeting, we discussed the budget with all parties, the ruling PP, the PSOE, and CLR. Our proposals were put together as a direct result of our campaign to encourage citizens to participate by telling us the issues which are most important to them. Had we not put forward these 74 proposals, there would have been nothing at all for the coast.”
The Councillor and Los Verdes representatives asked why C.L.A.R.O. had not put together their own set of proposals or spoken to opposition councillors to ensure their concerns were heard before the budget meeting. The Los Verdes group also added: “C.L.A.R.O. has targeted the opposition councillors when it is the ruling PP which makes the decisions, and C.L.A.R.O. must bear some responsibility for splitting the vote at the last municipal election, which damaged the opposition and kept the PP in power.”
Rebecca Griffin
The full published letter referred to is reproduced below in order to ensure fairness of expression of views.
Dear Editor,
The Socialist Workers Party (P.S.O.E.) captured your front page on 20 January by revealing that Orihuela Costa would probably get nothing out of the investment budget for 2009 and very little for anything else.
This turned out to be correct and C.L.A.R.O. has described the 2009 budget as an INSULT and DISGRACE from Orihuela Costa’s point of view.
But armed with this information BEFORE the budget debate on 19 January, what did the Socialist Party say in defence of the interests of Orihuela Costa? I have seen or heard no reports that either the Socialist or Green Parties stood up in this vital council meeting to criticise the budget for these incredible deficiencies as far as the coast is concerned.
We agree with the Socialist Party arguments in your front page article last week that the proposed outdoor sports centre for Orihuela Costa should not have been considered for Madrid emergency funding since it is not a brand new project, was promised in the Popular Party election manifesto in 2007, and first finance was already provided in the 2008 budget. Orihuela Costa should have got its full share of the Madrid funds for NEW investment projects AND the Popular Party should have included finance for the sports centre in the 2009 budget (with the addition of a heated indoor swimming pool to match that of the neighbouring municipality of Pilar de la Horadada with a smaller population).
This is what C.L.A.R.O. would have said if we had elected representatives in the Orihuela Council. But, the Socialist Party said no such thing in the budget debate in the Council on 19 January. Neither, apparently, did the Socialist Party in Orihuela say anything to the Socialist government in Madrid to the effect that the proposed sports centre was not eligible for emergency funding from the Madrid government.
The traditional opposition parties in Orihuela argue that voters in Orihuela Costa should support them rather than a new, purely local, independent party, as they can defend the interests of the coast locally, as well as regionally and nationally where they are already represented. But they are doing nothing of the sort. Why? Are they concerned that their voters in Orihuela might take fright if they support a bigger share of the cake for the coast? Are they prepared to say openly that more for the coast would mean less for their voters in the rest of the municipality?
Yours,
Bob Houliston,
President of C.L.A.R.O.
From the comments made in the last paragraph Bob Houliston would appear to either be totally unaware of, or chooses to overlook, the well publicised work of the Los Verdes party, through the Orihuela Costa Working Group, on the coast.
He chooses to ignore the work of the many residents who have contributed to the 'Clean up the Costa' and 'Dignity for the Disabled' campaigns being coordinated by Los Verdes.
Are we concerned that the voters in Orihuela might take fright if we support a bigger share of the cake for the coast?
No, because Los Verdes of Orihuela work for the benefit of the whole of the Orihuela Municipality which includes Orihuela Town, Orihuela Costa, and the Pedanias. That is the responsibity of Los Verdes as a elected opposition party within the Town Council.
Are we prepared to say openly that more for the coast could mean less for the voters in the rest of the municipality?
Yes, because the expenditure for each area should be based on the essential needs of the area, subject to the limitations of the total budget for the whole of the Municipality.
What a pity that Bob Houliston, as President of C.L.A.R.O., did not act, by liaising with one of the official elected opposition parties to express his party members' suggestions and concerns, before the Budget was passed by the PP ruling party, rather than criticising those that did, after the event, or is that the easier course to take.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Gillian Merron announces new advice surgeries in Spain
The following article has been posted on the UK in Spain - Foreign and Commonwealth Office website today.
"Responding to calls for help during the economic crisis, Gillian Merron MP, Minister for Consular Affairs will be announcing the launch of a new advice surgery run in partnership between the British Consular Service, Age Concern, and the Department for Work and Pensions. The surgeries will run every two weeks from 10-11.30 am at two different venues across the Alicante region - consular staff and partners will be going to the areas where they're needed most, including sessions run from the Age Concern centre in Torrevieja. Confidentiality for customers will be assured.
Surgeries will offer a range of advice about pensions, benefits (including eligibility for Spanish unemployment and other benefits), healthcare, charitable organisations, moving back to the UK, and other issues of concern in times of economic hardship. Advice on residency, and notarial services will also be provided by consular teams at the sessions.
Other services run by the Consular team and partner organisations include
- Advice Roadshows with presentations from the Department for Work and Pensions team in Spain, Age Concern/the Royal British Legion
- Advice packs in both hard and electronic format on living in Spain
- Updated information on any changes to your benefits and entitlements on the UK in Spain website
- A large range of consular services including passports, notarial work, and visas
- Regular columns and news sent to the English Language media in Spain with advice on moving back to the UK, healthcare provision in Spain, and other issues
On her visit to Spain, the Minister will be meeting many residents, including older British expats and hearing about their lives in Spain; she'll also be hearing from community representatives in Alicante, Denia, Benidorm and Torrevieja, taking part in an advice roadshow, meeting local authority representatives, tour operators and partners, and hearing about the modernisation of the Spain Consular network."
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