My email jiminysimpson@gmail.com

My email jiminysimpson@gmail.com

Friday, January 26, 2018

Another Donation

I am once again pleased to report another incidence of generosity by one of our neighbours.

Beryl Booth recently won a hamper and included within it was large Jamon. She asked if there was anyone who could benefit from this, as a gift. I enquired and found that we do have a large family who have fallen on hard times with the husband losing his job and having six children to support.

Our Mayor took the Jamon to the family today (Friday 26th January) so they could enjoy it over the weekend.

Thanks Beryl.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Calle Finlandia Work Delay Other bits

Sorry to have to report but the remedial work to be done to Calle Finlandia has been delayed by a few weeks. The contracting company are working on another part of the same contract which impacts the houses near the clock tower they have to finish that part of the contract before moving to Calle Finlandia. It is anticipated that it will be a few weeks before they start Calle Finlandia.

The work which was done last week in Calle Malta where they ripped up a whole length of the street, was conducted by Galasa and they will return to resurface the road in a few weeks, as is their usual practice.

The work on Calle Carl Von Lineo is awaiting further approval for reinstallation of a new electrical wiring system for the street lights.

The plan to install wheelchair access ramps across the village of Alfoquia has not yet been approved but the Councillor for Public Works is enquiring how is best to progress this issue and I will post when we get a response.

The repair necessary to the road opposite Speedy Fit where the pipe was laid last year should be attended to in the next months.

I have asked if the lights on the new roundabout can be repositioned or given less power due to complaints about the brightness of the lights dazzling drivers and the workers are going to look at that.  

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

1st Trip of 2018 and Free Gymnasium Class

The Town Hall of Zurgena has announced its first cultural trip of 2018 to be held on Friday 23rd February 2018. The itinerary is as below,

1000 Depart Alfoquia
1005 Depart Zurgena
1045Arrival at the Worlds Largest Mortar in Macael
1115 Breakfast in the Marble Factory of Macael
1200 Visit to the Fountain Square of the Lions
1300 Visit to Laroya, the Town, Monuments and Church
1400 Lunch of a Special Tasting Menu of products typical of Laroya.
1600 Visit to the Overlook of the Cosentino Marble Quarry
1700 Return to Alfoquia and Zurgena

Price to include all entrances, coach, lunch and guides €15.

As usual places are limited and it is a case of first come first served. Payment can be made at the Town Hall to Lola Antas or Jim Simpson.
We have asked that we do not have the same driver as last time!!

The Gymnasium (in La Alfoquia) has, since it reopened, held a number of classes, added to these classes now is Physical Maintenance Class on Mondays and Wednesdays from 0900 until 1000 which is free to the 3rd Age residents. So if you want to have a gentle workout to keep your joints working then pop along and join in.


How to get discount on annual IBI and Car Tax.

Further to the previous posts regarding the discounts of 5% for those paying these bills by Direct Debit.

I was originally told that there would be a form which we would need to complete in order to qualify for the discount. However, I am now informed that it will be applied automatically when the bill becomes due. Therefore all you need to do is, if you are not already doing so, go to your bank with your last IBI or car tax bill and ask the bank to set up the direct debit. Your payment will then automatically attract the 5% discount.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Padron Confirmations

The list below is of persons whose names will be deleted from the Padron of Zurgena shortly.

If any of these persons should remain on the Padron then they need to call into the Town Hall with passport or NIE and confirm they should remain on the Padron. Remember many benefits in Spain are dependant upon being registered on the Padron.

Michelle Louise SWANN MASON, Saxon Dakota SWANN, Alisa JOLY, Christopher JOLY, Kevin Arthur LOCKE, Susan Melanie LOCKE, Irina ROCA, Johnny Eugene CACHARD; Yolanda Magadalena  AUGUSTIJNEN, Julia Dawn PEARS, Eric BATHGATE, Paul John WHITE, Harry C ZARB, Kenneth McGIBBON, Jeanette McGIBBON, Karin Yvonne VAN TROOST, Patricia Karen MASON, Linda How HOWAT, Mary HARKER, Richard Francis CHAMBERS, Keith GRAHAM, Glenis Ann GRAHAM, Stephen John WALKER, Joseph Dennis SHAW, Gwynedd Ann WALKER, Simon Jonathan SAUNDERS, Gordon CHALKER.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Drones and Padrons

Just a short message regarding the use of Drones. Initially there was no legislation regarding the control of such devices however last year a decree 137 was passed which restricts the flying of drones over private property. The Police have been informed of this decree and will respond to any complaints.

Secondly a further reminder regarding the Padron. It is in your interests to ensure that you are on the Padron to ensure entitlement to various benefits. You also need to check it every two years. 

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

PGOU Update

Below is a translated version of a press article released yesterday by the Town Hall of Zurgena regarding the state of our PGOU.

This explains what the current situation is and identifies what further work is required to complete the PGOU. This additional work is currently under way and it is hoped that all requirements, for the full approval, will be completed as soon as possible.

16.01.18. The municipality of Zurgena begins a new and historical stage after the final approval of its General Plan of Urban Planning (PGOU) by the Territorial commission of Urbanism. This is the achievement of a historical process for the city of Zurgena that will allow the future growth of the municipality within the security and urban normality.

The document approved by the Junta de Andalucía contemplates the consolidated urban land of the historical nuclei of the municipality as the town of Zurgena, Chicago, La Alfoquía, El Cucador and Palacés. Other nuclei of the municipality, such as Los Menchones and the Llanos del Peral, are pending only on the approval by the Board of the corrections sent by the city Council and which presuppose the completion of the last procedures corresponding to the Local administration.

The decision to "definitively approve partially" the document was notified in June 2017 by the Territorial commission of Urbanism dependent on the Junta de Andalucía. However, it was just a matter of a few days ago when the city Council received the communication that "the issues remaining in the absence of approval are corrected". With the green light, to the PGOU of Zurgena, the neighbours are granted all the rights necessary to realise the urban projects, that they deem necessary, such as rehabilitations, demolitions or the building of housing. Until now only the urban nucleus of the town was contemplated, despite the historical character of the rest of nuclei and Zurgeneras neighbourhoods.

The mayor of Zurgena, Luis Díaz, has congratulated "all the people who have participated and worked for the elaboration of this General Plan" and has especially recalled "the work and assistance of the former territorial planning delegate, Antonio Martínez, whose Collaboration has been essential to achieve this step. "

The PGOU of Zurgena seeks to improve the quality of life of the residents and is a plan for the future for the locality by contemplating 30% of the land for the construction of official protection housing (subsidized), which will give facilities to young people and families of the municipality To be able to obtain a decent home without the need to leave this municipality. In addition, the PGOU accepts different green areas proposed, such as the urban park bordering the railway station, this is  thanks to the acquisition of this area by the city Council, as well as other green areas which will form the promenade and recreation area of neighbours and visitors. For example the area next to the Ginés Parra Park of the town. The same document also includes two large industrial areas dedicated to the settlement of companies in the municipality located in the places of the Covaticas and the Cucador.

In consideration of progressive and stable growth, the PGOU elaborated by the City Council of Zurgena identifies the reserved spaces for the construction of general systems like electrical substations and water purification that will improve the current infrastructures and the Provision of basic services for the citizens of the municipality. In the absence, of some corrections for the integral approval of the document, the process for which was started more than ten years ago, the approval of the Territorial Planning Commission comes as approved by a PGOU previously supported in the plenary of Zurgena with the supporting vote in favour of all political parties.


The mayor of Zurgena, Luis Díaz, who is also representative of the Andalusian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces in the Urban Planning commission of Almeria, has expressed his "great satisfaction with this historical approval for Zurgena that will allow the Future sustainable development of the municipality but also the present. " Although "some tools offered by the General Plan will not be able to be put into practice immediately, by administrative matters, the mayor has valued that" the PGOU offers us many resources that already allow to change for the better the lives of many residents of Zurgena. " In the same way, he has been convinced that "the collaboration with the new delegate in this field, Raúl Enríquez, will be a close and the most efficient as possible relationship for our neighbours."


Sunday, January 14, 2018

Burst Water Pipe

Sorry for delay in getting this out but there was a burst main water pipe in Cucador this morning which has left areas of Cucador and Los Carasoles without water.

I am advised that they are working on it and hope to have the supply restored before 1.0pm

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

IBI Discount & Spanish Classes (amendment ) & Cucador Norte Road Repairs

As promised, and as something I have managed to achieve, we will have the facility to apply a discount to IBI bills and car tax bills of 5% for all those who pay by direct debit.

As many of you have been enquiring regarding the IBI discount I can confirm that during this financial year all those who pay by direct debit will automatically receive a 5% reduction. The same applies to car tax and car parking licences. You do not need to do anything.

If you have not been paying any of these by direct debit previously but commence to do so this year, you will need to complete a form. I will be in possession of the appropriate form by next week.

The Spanish Classes recommenced yesterday, in the room below the library. I am advised by Manolo that he has no spaces available until June in his class.

I am advised that the company who have the contract to repair the roads in the Cucador Norte area (Nila) will be starting work on these roads before the end of this month. I apologise for the delay but we are in the hands of the contractor and they have been completing other areas before starting these works. 

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Gymnasium Reopening

The Gymnasium in La Alfoquia, by the side of the bowling green and football pitch, is reopening to the public on Saturday 13th January.

A new contract has been agreed with Andres from Kronos Gym in Albox. The success of this venture will determine its long term future. So if you enjoy an occasional or regular visit to a Gym please make this your first choice. June Hamilton will be organising a number of classes for all abilities.

Entrance and use of the gym facilities, on the opening day, will of course be free, so I encourage you to call in on the opening day between 0900 and 1230.

This is your chance to ensure the facility remains available.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Happy New Year & Xmas Decorated House Winner & Tapas Draw Winner

Firstly may I wish all the readers of this blog a very Happy 2018.

I returned to work today after 12 days in the UK but found a few of the team still on holiday. Got a bit to catch up on!

However, I was able to present to Lola and Paco the winners of the Tapas draw, Mrs Diane Postles from Palaces (see photo below of Diane with the Deputy Mayor Lola Antas, Councillor Paco Rojo and her husband).

She is to select a weekend and a location (where we have a choice of rural properties) to go and stay  for a weekend during 2018.




Also the winner of the Best Xmas Decorated house was won by Maurice and Christine Friend of La Alfoquia. The winner being selected by our press reporter Guillermo Miron. I have attached a (not very good) photo of the house and of Maurice receiving his prize of a Hamper from the Councillors.