Campoamor Market - Re-allocation of non-utilized pitches

I reported in the article on the 3rd March (about the meeting held with Clr Cutillas to discuss the Campoarmor market) that we were assured by Sr Cutillas that he would telephone Ulla Perret, Los Verdes member, on the 16th March to give an update on the re-allocation of non utilized market pitches.

Today (18th March), having still not received a call from the Councillor several attempts were made to contact him to obtain an update. As he was not available messages were left requesting the information.

As a direct result of the Los Verdes calls today we received an answer. As a result of the review carried out, with the deadline date of the 13th March 2009, there are only 10 pitches that have become vacant and of these 4 have been allocated to applicants (European residents) that Los Verdes have been helping to obtain a site.

Whilst this will be good news for the successful applicants we are disappointed in the number allocated. It would appear that there are still less than 9% of the total pitches (80) at the market allocated to European residents. This seems to fall short from the statement by Sr. Cutillas on the 3rd March that he wanted the market to be made up of a variety of different nationalities.

With the confirmation that only 10 pitches were not wanted by the previous licence holders, it must follow on that once the new traders take up these 10 sites the Campoamor market will be fully occupied every Thursday from now on. Los Verdes hope this is the case!

Members of the Orihuela Costa Working Group will continue to monitor the situation to see whether or not the "4 weeks non-attendance and the trader looses the licence" rule is adhered to by the Councillor for Markets.