Latest from Town Hall

I had the opportunity today to get another update, whilst I was discussing a problem of water supply to 3 houses near Cucador, from Candido.

Firstly regarding the water supply he stated that if Galasa had any problems about the ownership of the land across which the supply needed to go he would happily give them a letter outlining th situation. The only issue was one of licences of 1st occupation for the houses two of which would have no problem as they were restorations but the thrid was a new build without a licence and that would cause a problem.

Secondly he was able to inform me that the licences of first occupation for the Socribo houses were being completed over the next few days today and would be sent to Socribo when they have faxed through proof of payment. Once that is done then residents should be able to get a copy. Porbably early next week.

Thirdly regarding Los Menchones he was still unable to be certain which houses I was enquiring about so gave me a number of quetions to ask the residents and that information should help us resolve the question of lighting and adoption by the Town Hall.

Regarding the letters issued to the residents of Llanos Del Peral he advised me to tell any and all those residents who had received letters NOT to engage a solicitor as they were 100% confident that the case would fail. The reason only Mena houses were sent letters was because when they (Mena) as promoters were sent the notifivation they immediately responded to the Junta by identifying the purchasers of each of the houses. The other promoters who may have received letters may not have infomed the Junta and therefore those  occupants will not be aware of the action.

Regarding the road at the top of the Prodisa houses at Palaces and the street lighting for that area he informed me that these would both be included in the project currently being drawn up by the Town Hall for submission in a few weeks. They were looking for between €300,000 and €400,000 euros from Regional government to do this work as well as many other things such as fencing on dangerous bends, other roads and a bowling green. They have little money themselves due to no licences being issued and no tax` being collected. 

I asked again why we were not paying our IBA tax on our properties yet and was told that the Almeria government were not letting us have access to the details of 1,500 houses which we should be able to tax. He hoped that this situation could be resolved in the next few weeks!

I asked about a petition that had been submitted by residents of Palaces and Cucador regarding noise from the clay pidgeon shooting range. He said that that was an issue that the councillors will need to discuss. He did say that he did not think the range would have the necessary permission as it is a business which impacts on the locality he (the owner) needs to have a form of permission which includes the agreement of local residents. He would obviously not get that. So it is another issue for the council to discuss.

On security issues I asked if he was aware of the Pubwatch scheme that had been established and I also asked if I copuld have an opportunity to speak to the Police about NWS, Pubwatch and how such schemes can assist the Police in intelligence gathering. He informed me that he intended to have a meeting with the Police in the next week or tow and I would be invited and couldsay what I wanted. Better get my thinking cap on! 

I asked about an apparent vigilant called Martine who goes around the villages. He told me that Martine is like a Special Constable in the UK. He loves helping out in the community. He is a friend of Candido's and he was given short contracts by the Town Hall, when we had no Police, to assist at times of fiestas etc. He now gets an occasional 1 week contract for a fiesta which keeps him happy. He does not however have any authority whatsoever.

Finally I asked about the rumour going around the village that Candido has been sentenced to 9 months imprisonment, to be served when he ceases to be Mayor. I was assured that this was a load of rubbish. Spanish law does not allow for the deferment of prison sentences and inn any case not one of the cases brought so far has found any guilt against the Town Hall.