Archive for February, 2011

Sector A Clean Up and Gardening Group – February

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

Despite the chilly mornings the teams have been out clearing the streets and weeding the green areas.  We are extending the gravelled area opposite the new Salud and are delighted to see two new waste bins outside the building and very little rubbish around the area now!

We had a very upsetting incident in early February when two trees were stolen from the Garden of Remembrance.  One was planted in memory of the Reverend David Holley, a founder member of the Garden, and the other in memory of Carol who worked as a volunteer in Zone 2.  Naturally her husband is very distressed, and we are all horrified that anyone could do such a despicable thing.  Whoever took the trees fortunately left the commemorative plaques and we will replace these trees.  We cannot allow ourselves to be beaten by such callousness.

Our main, regular source of income is the bookstall held every Friday outside the shops on A.  We have been informed by the Council that, when the new cultural centre is opened at the beginning of March we will have to remove our books from their storage place in the former Homeowners Office, which is owned by the Council, as they need to use it.  We have been offered a space in the cultural centre but do not feel it appropriate to run the bookstall there.  Moving it away from the commercial centre on Sector A will have an effect on the bars and shops.  The Friday bookstall has proved very popular with many people both from within Camposol and further afield who come to browse, shop and chat.  Most importantly, as I have already stated, it provides a very necessary income to enable us to carry out work in the area.  We understand there are no plans at present for a takeover by the Council of these duties so; unless you want to see the area become run down and untidy we have to carry on.  We are looking at all sorts of alternatives for book storage and if you have any ideas, or can help in any way, please let us know.  We need to keep the bookstall on A.

Stop Press:

Dotcom.World & Luz de Sol have offered us permanent storage in the back of Dotcom.Worlds place and we have our stall outside their premises if it’s raining!  This is absolutely wonderful news and we are deeply indebted to them for this kind act.

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Murcia Dance Festival

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

Mazarron Festival de Baile 2011

Mazarron Festival de Baile 2011 will take place on 25th & 26th June during the Camposol Fiesta weekend. Dance schools from across the region of Murcia and Alicante will take part in the event. Last year 50 dancers from 4 different dance academies participated in the event.

This year the festival has doubled in size and quality. As well as offering a competition, awards presentation and an opportunity to perform on the main stage, dance workshops, taught by leading professionals, will be offered free of charge to all participants.

The following schools have already signed up to the event and given an overview of competitors who will perform at the event. This includes Dance Extreme, Footwork Dance School, Ghost Performing Arts Academy, Marcia’s Dance Centre, Murcia Dance, Raquel Peña Flamenco Dance Center.

Festival organiser’s, Murcia Dance is extremely excited by the interest shown both by the community of Mazarron and dance schools so far this year. “It really is a tremendous response so far for what looks like is going to be a regular annual event on the calendar. What better way could you spend a couple of days in June in the beautiful surroundings of Mazarron, Murcia appreciating the wonderful art form of dance and seeing for yourselves possibly some of the top dancers of the future”.

From Ballet to Ballroom and Flamenco to Hip-Hop the festival has something for everyone. For more details on the event and how to get involved please telephone Louise on 655 421 120. The festival is open to dance academies, community groups and individuals who have a flair for dance. Categories include children to adults from beginners to advance.

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Reunión con el Ayuntamiento el 10 de febrero de 2011

Sunday, February 13th, 2011

La reunión contó con la participación de los miembros de ambos Comités de Camposol (CRA y sector A).

El alcalde declaró que en la última reunión el 27 de enero, se comprometió a mantenernos informados acerca de cualquier progreso, y que ése era el propósito de la reunión presente.

El 28 de enero, hubo una Junta de Gobierno Local. Nos fueron entregadas copias del acuerdo oficial al que se llegó en dicha reunión. Había dos documentos: uno para el sector A y otro para los sectores BCD, que eran prácticamente idénticos.

Si bien no podemos publicar este acuerdo debido a la Ley de Protección de Datos, las líneas generales son las siguientes:

1. Todas las actuaciones que el Ayuntamiento ha abierto en contra de Masa se combinarán en un nuevo expediente.

2. Los avales bancarios deben ser tomados por al Ayuntamiento compañía para terminar la infraestructura, por lo que se han enviado cartas a todos los bancos que poseen estos avales.

3. Las obras de la urbanización están ahora en manos del Ayuntamiento, que próximamente decidirá el sistema de gestión de las obras sin terminar.

4. El Ayuntamiento hará una valoración económica de estas obras sin terminar. Estudios provisionales arrojan un cifra posible cercana a los 10 millones de euros.

5. Incorporar todas las actuaciones precedentes del Ayuntamiento contra MASA en el nuevo expediente.

6. Este acuerdo ha sido transmitida a MASA, donde disponen de 15 días para apelar a partir del 1 de febrero. Una vez definitivo, el Ayuntamiento decidirá cómo se va a completar la urbanización, y en qué orden.

7. Lo más importante en estos momentos, es volver a establecer la electricidad para la depuradora de agua residual y para las farolas de la calle. La estación de bombeo en el sector A ya está funcionando, pero se señaló que hay que volver a instalar contadores allí donde se han quitado (por ejemplo, en la estación de bombeo del sector B). Ésto llevará algo más de tiempo. El Ayuntamiento ha tenido varias reuniones con Aqualia, para ver cómo se puede conseguir contadores en todas las propiedades de Camposol. Entonces, cada factura de agua se pagará directamente de la compañía de agua. Actualmente se encuentran negociando con Aqualia, pero puede ser necesario abordar otro proveedor si no se alcanza un acuerdo.

8. Notificación a Justo y Manoli, SL sobre el presente acuerdo de la Junta de Gobierno.

Estos son los puntos principales que el Ayuntamiento dijo que ejecutaría con carácter de urgencia, y que están actualmente en curso.

Una vez que los servicios iniciales se hayan establecido, el Ayuntamiento estudiará una nueva forma de administración para Camposol, porque la idea de una entidad urbanística ha demostrado ser impopular.

Cuando se le preguntó, el alcalde declaró que el nuevo sistema de gestión (empresa municipal o no) de Camposol, no incurrirá en costes adicionales para los vecinos.

Además de la incautación de los avales bancarios, el Ayuntamiento tiene una lista de activos de MASA, que podrán ser embargados para compensar cualquier déficit. También hay expedientes contra MASA por valor de 5 millones de euros, que serán reclamados con toda la fuerza de la ley.

El alcalde quiso dejar claro que garantizaba que no iba a embargar las propiedades sin escriturar que, en teoría, todavía pertenecen a MASA pero que han sido compradas por vecinos. De momento sólo van a embargar parcelas sin construir.

Se explicó que, a pesar de Masa podría apelar contra la decisión del Ayuntamiento, las actuaciones continuarían aplicándose.

Se le pidió al alcalde que mandara a técnicos a las estaciones de bombeo de los sectores A y B para limpiar la zona cuando las bombas funcionaran correctamente. Así se acordó.

El alcalde va a investigar, quién es el responsable último de la iluminación de las rotondas de la autovía, ya que la autoridad de carreteras ha negado serlo.

El alcalde declaró que se había reunido con el cónsul británico, quien felicitó al Ayuntamiento por las medidas adoptadas. El alcalde también afirmó que estas acciones han sido muy difíciles para ellos, ya que éste es un nuevo territorio. La ley sólo contemplaba para Camposol una entidad urbanística, y la toma de este nuevo acuerdo supone un acto de valentía. Se dijo que todos teníamos que colaborar con el Ayuntamiento para llevar las cosas a buen término ya que este proceso es algo oficial, y no sólo promesas de palabra.

Por último, el Ayuntamiento fue presionado por miembros de ambos comités para tratar el asunto de las aguas residuales como absolutamente prioritario.

Preguntado por un plazo aproximado para una solución al problema de aguas residuales en B20, el concejal Román (de Urbanismo) y el alcalde respondieron que alrededor de 15 días, y “en ningún caso más de un mes a partir de hoy”.

La próxima reunión se realizará después de que el Ayuntamiento haya tenido más discusiones con Aqualia.

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Town Hall Meeting 10th February 2011

Saturday, February 12th, 2011


The meeting was attended by members of both Camposol Committees – the CRA CLC and A Sector.

The Mayor stated that at the last meeting on January 27th, he promised to keep us informed about any progress, and this was the purpose of today’s meeting.

On January 28th, there was an internal Council meeting and we were given copies of the agreement which had been made official. There were 2 documents – one for Sector A and the other for Sectors B C & D – which were virtually identical.

Whilst this agreement was not for publication, due to the Data Protection Law, the outlines are as follows.

1. All proceedings that the Council have opened against Masa will be combined into a new one.

2. The bank guarantees are to be taken from the Company to finish the development, and letters have been sent to all the banks that hold these guarantees, asking for them.

3. Development works are now in the hands of the Council, who will decide the system of managing unfinished works.

4. The Council will make an economic valuation on these unfinished works.

From provisional studies already done on Camposol, it will need possibly about 10 million euros to complete the work.

5. Incorporate precedent taken actions into the new file

6. This has been conveyed to Masa, and they have 15 days to appeal from 1st February, but once it’s definitive, the Council is then the one that decides how things are going to be done, and in what order

7. The most important at the moment, is to re-establish the electric for the sewage and to get the street lights back on.

The pumping station on Sector A is now working, but it was pointed out that to reinstall meters, where they have been taken away (e.g. pumping station on B), will take longer.

The Council have had several meetings with Aqualia, to see how they can get meters on every single property in Camposol. Then every water bill can be sent directly from the water company. They are at present dealing with Aqualia, but may need to approach another supplier if no agreement is reached.

8. Notification to Justo y Manoli about the Council agreement

These are the main points that the Council said they would look into as a matter of urgency, and they are on-going.

Once the initial services have been established, the Council will then look into ways of administration, because the idea of an entity has proven to be unpopular.

When asked the Mayor stated the new system of management (municipal company or not) for Camposol, will incur no additional costs

As well as seizing the bank guarantees, the Council have a list from the Land Registry of all of Masa’s assets, which will be seized to make up any shortfall. There are also files against Masa for about 5 million euros, which will be followed up with all the strength of the law

An assurance was given, that no properties on Camposol, without escrituras, would be embargoed by the Council, as they are going to seize unconstructed plots in the first instant

It was explained, that although Masa could appeal against the Council’s decision, the work would still continue.

The Mayor was asked for technicians to be sent to the pumping stations on Sectors A & B to clean the area when the pumps were operating properly.

This was agreed

The Mayor, is going to investigate, who is responsible for the lighting on the Motorway roundabouts, as the Highways Authority have denied that they are liable

The Mayor stated that he had met with the British Consul, who congratulated the Council on the actions taken.

The Mayor also stated that these actions were very difficult for them, as this is new territory. The law had asked for an entity, and they claim this new agreement to be a brave move

It was stated that we all had to work with the Council, to bring things to fruition, but now its was in writing officially, and not just ‘spoken promises’

Finally, the Council was pressured by members of both committees to deal with the matter of the raw sewage as priority.

Asked for an approximate deadline for a solution to the sewage problem on B20,councillor Román (Urbanism) and the Mayor answered about 15 days, and ‘never more than a month from now’

The next meeting will be arranged after the Council have had further discussions with Aqualia

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B Clean Gardening Group

Saturday, February 5th, 2011

We wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

The various Gardening Groups are back out on their sectors – boosting their Health and Happiness with all the weeding, digging and raking still to be done, and we are hoping that there is enough Prosperity around to allow some ‘deep digging’  to continue!  A hearty thank you to all those who have contributed so much – in time, effort and kind donations – over the past year, helping us achieve our aim towards making Camposol look the great place it is.

It certainly seems that we can enter this year with guarded optimism; with recent reports of the Council’s Take-over, MASA Out, and Paramount Theme park plans underway.

And, the sunshine is guaranteed to return very shortly!

Work Update: So far, in addition to tree pruning, general weed and litter control, and work carried out by individual poligono groups, we have been able to clear, membrane and gravel much of the Perimeter road bounding B1 – B2, both sides of the main approach road to the Commercial Centre and the area between the Petrol Station and B5.

Current Ongoing Work: Weather permitting, the following activities are planned:

Mon 7th Feb.               Membrane and gravel laying (28 tons) -to complete B2, front of Commercial Centre and Triangle between Gibeller and footbridge.

Mon 14th Feb.            Build a mud retaining wall between edge of waste ground and the start of dual carriageway, opposite Consum.

Mon 21st Feb.             Membrane and gravel laying to area B5 – adjacent to new Cultural Centre.

Sun 27th Mon 28th.   Paint the walls of the walk-way leading from the upper to the lower level of the Commercial Centre. (Consum – Best Wishes).

Thanks to the 12 volunteers from D Sector Gardening Group who are kindly

assisting us in this project.

Future Plans: Future work already planned will be prioritised and voted in at the next Group Meeting. Please attend and have your say about what work you want to see carried out in the coming months.

Fund Raising: All donations go towards improving the environment of our community. As well as the ‘Bucket’ collections, we try to raise funds with a monthly Lotto. Numbered tickets cost 1 euro each. 50% goes on the prize of meat vouchers from the English Butchers. The draw takes place at each monthly group meeting. Tickets may now be purchased on an annual basis; 12 Euros could win you a lot of meat! For an annual payment of 24€ you get an extra number free! (i.e. 3 for the price of 2). We do need to sell more tickets, so please contact us to obtain yours.

Social: Our Christmas Event at the Golf Club was a great success, and we owe our sincere thanks to all who donated prizes, mince pies and sausage rolls. Photos can still be viewed on our website. Contact Roger if you want any hi res copies emailed (free – but donations to ‘B Clean’ would be happily accepted!)

Next Function:

April 22nd (Good Friday)  – Golf Club  – 8€  – Food  – Band ~Backwater –

Next Meeting:            Thursday 24th February, 13.00 to 14.00 in Trevis Function Room

Information:               Sandy:  676929368     Brian:   634355950     Roger: 634347960

Website:                      www.bcleancamposol.com

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Meeting with the British Consul 2nd February 2011

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
Today, in response to a request to Bob Owen from the British Consul in Madrid, a meeting was held with Paul Rodwell the Consul, who was accompanied by Alexander Brown from the Foreign and Commonwealth office.

Also present were Bob Owen, Les Crook, and Sandy Allison for the CRA committee, and Linda Briggs, John Grant and Beryl Holland for the A sector committee

The Consul started by saying that they were dealing with property issues throughout Levante and Murcia which encompassed a variety of problems.

He emphasized, that although the Consul cannot intervene with the laws of Spain, they need to know the size of the problems, so that they can engage with Town Hall, regional Government or even national Government at a high level.

Linda then explained about the steps that Sector A committee had taken with the   Defensor del Pueblo , and promised to send Paul all the details in an email.  He remarked that all the correct procedures had been followed

The Consul wanted to know about the problems with the sewage, lighting, unsafe properties and infrastructure, and was given many examples by the people present. He agreed that after the meeting, he and Bob Owen, would go and look at the sewage leak and some of the unsafe properties.

He continued to say, that he knew that the Council had now accepted responsibility to rectify some of the above faults on Camposol, but could understand our concern about what was going to happen next and who was going to pay for the completion of the urbanization.

Paul concluded the meeting by saying that our biggest strength was to band together as a pressure group, and speak as one voice. Also, with the local elections in the near future, we had the chance to make our views heard, and to make sure that promises were carried out.

Following the meeting Bob Owen & Les Crook took the Consul on a tour around Camposol showing him the sewage problem and derelict buildings. Both the Consul and Alex were deeply shocked by what they were shown, took many photos and promised to take up the problems as a matter of urgency with the Town Hall.

Alex explained that on her return to the UK she was going to hold a presentation for ministers to show them the appalling problems being suffered by UK residents living in Spain.

Altogether a welcome sign of support from both Paul and Alex.

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