Asturias Sunday Rastrillo

A meeting took place on Tuesday 24th March at 16.30 hrs. in the Asturias restaurant to discuss the current problems with the closure of the popular Sunday rastrillo.

34 people attended the meeting organised by Nelinda Neuvinger in the role of the spokesperson for the stallholders, including Carlos Campo, the owner of the premises, Gérard Perret, Coordinator of the Los Verdes Orihuela Costa Working Group, and a spokesperson for the ASIMEPP charity, one of the beneficiary charities of the rastrillo.

A suggestion was put forward that a demonstration should be held to show the Council the support that exists for the continuation of the rastrillo. The meeting was advised by the Los Verdes representative that this was not the time for such action and that it would probably exasperate the situation with the Council. At this time it will be more constructive to follow the correct administrative application procedures.

It was agreed that Nelinda Neuvinger will present a new application to hold the weekly charity rastrillo, supported with the necessary Council required documents, to the Town Hall.

In addition she will forward a copy of the application to Monserrate Guillén, Los Verdes Councillor for the Coast, so that he can talk direct to Councillor Aniorte, PP Councillor for the Coast, and PP Councillor Cutillas, who is responsible for the market licences, to emphasis the benefits of the rastrillo to Orihuela Costa.

Gérard Perret confirmed that Los Verdes will continue to work with the organisers of the Asturias rastrillo to try to see its successful re-opening, as we are with a similar rastrillo at the Emerald Isle leisure facility.

Los Verdes believe that there are several benefits to be had from the approval of the rastrillos (flea markets) including the generation of funds for the charities, the opportunity for residents of the area to profit from the sale and recycling of their unused and surplus items, and the opportunity to meet and integrate socially with other European citizens.