ORIHUELA COSTA MOUNTS CAMPAIGN ON LITTER

News

Press Release / 2011-10-23 09:52:36

Pedro Mancebo, Councillor for Tourism and Coordinated Services within the Orihuela Costa, in coordination with the Councillor for the Orihuela Costa and the Councillors for Infrastructure and Commerce, have confirmed their intention to get to grips with the fly posting of posters, some of which are very distasteful, the painting of graffiti and the general littering on the coast.

“We are the place where we live” commented Mancebo “and we portray the image of the place we live in.”

“It is very important to improve the image of our home, especially if we want to attract more visitors and residents to Orihuela Costa and we must strive to dramatically improve the quality of our tourism offer.”

“This was an accepted practise of the old government for many years,” explained Bob Houliston, “as the responsibility for the N-332 was in the hands of the administration for transport. The new government was unhappy with the old situation and requested the Ministry of Transport to devolve their responsibility to the Town Hall, especially at that time with the forthcoming “Vuelta de España“ event which was held in August of this year. Our request was accepted on a permanent basis and for the first time this became the responsiblity of the Councillor of the Coast,” he said.

“In the case of persistent violators fixing posters we have been careful in providing evidence in order to take these people to court. This explains why the posters reappeared. However, this should not occur in the future and we can take on this important responsibility and make sure the area is kept clean and respectable,” concluded Bob.

In future fines will be issued immediately to everyone who breaks the law by pasting posters on public property and to people who ignore the littering laws.

Councillors say that it is only by taking a firm hand with the people or companies who are acting irresponsibly and making Orihuela Costa an eyesore will they sit up and take notice. “Perhaps if people’s wallets are affected, instead of the same people ignoring requests and then warnings, this might have the desired effect,” said Cllr Houliston.

“Public spaces and property have to be specially cared for to make them attractive, not only for the people who live in the region, but also for tourists and people visiting the area. Happy and satisfied tourists and visitors are the best and most economical method of publicity,” commented Mancebo.

“Orihuela Costa,” concluded Mancebo, “has so much to offer and it is our intention to show ourselves from our best side. If this means issuing people with fines according to the law then this is the road the Councillors will take.”