BBQ prohibited time and IBI Payment details

We have been advised that no BBQs can be held in the countryside from now until 15th October or told otherwise by the fire service.

Given we are forecast to have a very hot summer we must all be mindful of fire risks.

Secondly the below poster has been sent out regarding IBI for this year which can be paid in the various ways from the 20th July to 20th November. Andreas can print off your bills after the 20th July.

Post Boxes Free Paella Palaces

As many of you, who have lived here for years know, the Correos cannot afford to have deliveries to every individual home (despite our best efforts over the years) and as result of discussions with the Correos support Manager in Huercal Overa he advised that he would ensure that deliveries are made to buzons (banks of postal boxes).

To help people ensure they got their post delivered to a local point the Town Hall commissioned a bank of boxes to be installed outside the Pool Bar to serve that area. I have helped install postal boxes in all the other areas of the Municipality and they are all working well.

There are a number of these boxes not being used and I imagine many of the residents would like one. Originally the payment was to rent a box but my decision is that all those who have a box own them and can pass on or sell in the future.

The cost of each box is €25. If you would like to have your post delivered to one of these post boxes please get in touch and I will arrange allocation.


As part of the Fiesta in Palaces there is free Paella at 2.00 in the village. I am advised that the local association hold a collection for their funds during the Fiesta.

Palaces Fiesta Programme

From Happiness to Sadness

I was a very happy man on Monday morning with the result of our Local election, as we had done so well, but within a few hours I heard of the resignation of Lola Antas our Deputy Mayoress, for personal reasons.

Lola has given exceedingly dedicated service to our town over the past 4 years and I count her as much more than a colleague, more as a good friend. I hugely miss her calling into my office each morning as she did to say ,¨Good morning Jim¨ in her happy bubbly way. Many of you will know her from the many  activities she organised and was involved iin ncluding our cultural trips. She was always so friendly and helpful to everyone.

No one can replace her but I respect her decision and hope she enjoys her future.

https://www.lavozdealmeria.com/noticia/3/provincia/172747/la-teniente-de-alcalde-y-segunda-del-psoe-renuncia-a-su-acta-de-concejal?fbclid=IwAR2-_ZUosDk3-8MPF2vQ2fvXJIsQ2dhIVzilwvxijJ5rFslmBYWCUUs6A50

Hiatus

We have a slight hiatus now until the investiture of the new administration.

This takes place on 15th June when the new administration effectively takes over and is sworn in. There will be a slight change to our list as one has resigned. We will also announce the roles and responsibilities of the councillors.

Whilst we are in this interim period most issues, other than day to day running, are on hold. 

Kaths Wednesday Walking Group

Just a message on behalf of Kath Gaskell, the organiser of the Wednesday walk that after this Wednesday there will be no more until after the summer. I believe Barry is organising this weeks walk, as Kath is away, but after that there will be none until September. 

Details of the Result

Election Result

After two weeks of intense campaigning we have a result in our Local Council elections as follows,

We have achieved 8 seats which gives us a great majority. Out of the 11 seats we have 8.

Thanks to everyone who votes for us and I intend to ensure that your faith in us is rewarded.Thanks everyone for your support and looking forward to the next 4 years. Negative campaigning failed and looking forward to working to improve Zurgena for the next few years. Thank you.

The Finishing Line

Today is the last day for campaigning for the election on Sunday 26th May for the Town Council.

Despite all the scaremongering by the other two parties I believe we have made clear what the actual situation is through our meetings and door to door canvassing.

I have not quite managed to visit every English speaking home but I think I gave it a good shot. Been on the stump since Sunday 12th May!

I thought I should list the accomplishments I have been involved in over the past 4 years to give you some idea of what I have done,

Teamwork,

1. One of the team that worked to achieve the PGOU.
2. One of the team that reduced the Town Hall debt from €1.200,000 to €600,00

As Councillor for Citizens and security

1. Developed the Help Desk into one of the most supportive in Almeria for our residents.
2. Provided a whole range of equipment for the Polizia Local.
3. Established the free interpreter service for the Doctors.
4. Recruited a new officer.
5. Formed and trained a Civil Protection unit to assist in local events or emergencies.
6. Together with colleagues developed an Emergency Plan for the municipality for any emergency.
7. Arranged numerous subsidised cultural trips.
8. Organised numerous events to assist with integration eg food exchange days etc
9. Encouraged and assisted local charities who wished to work with the Town Hall.
10. Helped and encouraged use of all our facilities by the English speaking community.
11. Responded to all calls for TH attention
12. I have ordered a new Police car for the Polizia Local.
13. I was also instrumental in forming a close relationship between the Spanish Legion and our town. (So that they now regularly conduct exercises in our municipality which benefits local businesses)
 14. Many other things but the above are the most effective.

I have worked in the Town Hall for 12 years now (as many of you know without pay). I came in in order to initially provide a conduit between the English speaking and the Town Hall, due to all the issues we had with Planning. Now that we have been successful in agreeing our PGOU I thought that my work was complete but there are further actions I and the team would like to complete.

This is my plea, that if you wish this current team, which in my opinion has been the best ever, to continue their good work and, show support for the work and commitment I have shown over the years, please take a few minutes to go vote for PSOE on Sunday.

Tomorrow is a day of reflection so neither I nor any politician will be bothering you and I will be lying  in a semi comatose state for most of the day.

Must add that, no matter what the result, my thanks go to all those who have supported and encouraged me over the past 12 years.

NB Polling stations open Sunday 0900 x 2000.

Circulation by PP regarding Costs

I am receiving a number of calls from worried people about some web links which are being circulated about our PGOU.

Because the opposition cannot do anything with our already approved PGOU there are resorting to scare tactics AGAIN. The PGOU is approved and irrevocable or changeable and we are party that has the experience, technical ability and competency to move this forward.

The links being shared from the opposition take you to pages which show figures but these figures are nothing to do with costs. When I followed the links it took me to pages about the square meterage allowable! When I typed in the page that is referred to at the end of this document it would not allow me to view. Additionally the information contained within the document is old and does not reflect the consolidation already carried out.

That is all irrelevant anyway. The Junta would not be able to calculate any such figures as that it is up to us as we have the detail on the services etc. It is also a previous version written before we did a lot of the consolidation work.

So please ignore these scaremongering tactics. It shows the desperation  of an opposing party that they have to resort to such deplorable methods to try and gain votes.

I will ask the opposition to send out a retraction but I doubt they will.

I will be walking the area of the Pool Bar between 4.0pm and about 8.0pm going door to door. If anyone wants to ask me any questions about this catch me, call me 610194260 or email me.

RBL Summer Fair

I have been asked to publicise the British Legions Summer Fair which is to be held at the Renfe Sunday 16th June from 10.0am. The poster below gives more detail. Bit of a rest from election stuff. Should be a great day.

Things Going better

Our election campaign is continuing in a positive manner and is gathering more support.

We had our 3rd local meeting for Palaces yesterday afternoon which went well and we have our last English ´Meet the Mayor´ meeting, of this campaign this afternoon at 5.0pm in the PSOE office opposite the school in Zurgena. This one is for residents of Los Menchones and Zurgena Pueblo or for anyone who has missed a previous opportunity.

Remember on Sunday when you go to vote take your photo identification. It must be an original document with a photo Passport or original NIE or Spanish Driving Licence.

oops Sorry Mistake

In the post about voting I showed the polling station for south of the riverbed as the school but itis not it is in the Town Hall.

Sorry my head is a shed this week!!

Charity and First Aid

Firstly I am really pleased to announce that my order for two defibrillators to be placed in the municipality has been fulfilled.

One will be initially placed in the Pabellon in Zurgena and the other near the Pool Bar in Alfoquia. They are fully portable and will be deployed with the Police for events etc. I am really pleased to have been able to obtain these.

And staying on health issues the Headmistress of the School in La Alfoquia was delighted to receive two new air conditioning units. One of which (shown in the pic) is in the Staff room and the other, which we could not photograph due to class being in session, in the biggest classroom. I am sure the kids and teachers will thoroughly benefits from this wonderful charitable act by Harmony Charity. Pictures with me are Lin Bennett and Catherine Young from the Harmony Charity. Once again the generosity of our english community is benefiting the local community. Well done and thanks again.

Voting Procedure & Dates (updated)

As it is one week today (Sunday 26th May) that is voting day I thought I should post the procedure on the day, as it is different from the UK.

If you have received your census form in the post you may also have received voting slips and an envelope. If you have you select the slip with the parties name on the you are voting for PSOE (my party), PP Domingo Trabalons Party or Cuidadanos Martin Menas party.  Place the slip in the envelope marked Concejales ((do NOT mark the paper) and take this together with your census form and your ID to the polling station shown on the census form. At the polling station go to the appropriate table (there will be people to help) identify yourself to the clerk, she will find your name on the electoral role and lt you place your voting envelope in the ballot box.

If you have not received a census form, I advise that you pop into the Town Hall and ask Andreas or Juanjo to check and if they confirm you are on the electoral role then you go to the Polling station for your area. All to the north of Almanzora river goes to Alfoquia School and to the South Zurgena TOWN HALL. Taking your ID with you.

If you have not got a voting envelope either from me or in the post then at the Polling Station the slips will be laid out in piles. You find the slip for the party you want to vote for, put it in the provided envelope and take it to the clerk who supervises you placing it in the box.

I have managed to get round most of Los Llanos, Cucador, Los Carasoles, Pool Bar area and Palaces. I hope to get round Los Menchones, Barrio de Chicago and Zurgena during this week.

We have a meeting in the Schoolhouse in Palaces at 5.0pm Tuesday 21st and in the PSOE office in Zurgena also at 5.0pm but on Wednesday. 22nd.

I have attached copy of our manifesto below but if you want a paper copy just let me know. In fact if there is anything you are unsure of or want clarifying contact me.

Presntation Evening

What a fantastic evening. We presented all our candidates to the Public in the Theatre in Zurgena last night. The theatre was full to the point that about 15 to 20 people had to stand outside and quite a few inside too. Our Mayoral candidate Luis Díaz García gave the most impressive political speech I have heard in a long time from any politician. It was emotional, funny, professional, serious but informative and motivational. If a speech can win an election we have already won all 11 seats!! CongratulationsLuis Díaz García that is another talent I did not know you had!
And nothing negative!!!!

Dirty Politics

Just a warning that in the run up to this election certain politicians may employ tactics which may be a little dirty. Some of our team have already been subject to personal attacks in the media.

Be aware of being sent political stuff in your email from people who misuse your email. Such use may constitute a breach of Data Protection rules and anyone doing so can be denounced.

Secondly I am hearing some ridiculous rumours which our opposition are putting out. If anyone has received any information they are unsure of please just ask for an explanation and I promise to give you the truth. Alternatively attend one of our meetings to hear the truth from Luis. 

First Election Meeting, Presentation Meeting and a Nice Trip

We had the fist of our  4 ´meet the Mayoral candidate and his team´ at La Vida and despite a rumour going round that it had been cancelled (wonder how that could have happened!) we had over 50 people listen to Luis and his passionate explanation of overcoming the problems of the past but also his view of the future

Our next is tomorrow Thursday at 5.0pm at Heathers.

Tomorrow evening there is also the full presentation of candidates in the Theatre in Zurgena at 9.0pm. There will be a video presentation of the works that have been accomplished over the past 4 years and our vision for the future.

And to lighten the mood Isa has forwarded to me the below poster. She is the lady who did the tour round Zurgena. If anyone fancies it just contact as shown.

Tonights Meeting at La Vida

I am unsure whether it is skullduggery, or not, but there is a rumour going round that tonights meeting at La Vida has been cancelled and it has NOT!

We will be there at 5.0pm today and at the same time at Heathers in Alfoquia tomorrow.

Cockroaches

We have asked our Pest Control company to attend to the green area between Calle Sierra de Hornachuelos and Calle Sierra Cardena y Montoya to treat the drainage in that area to try an ensure we get on top of the issue before the weather warms up.  They will do in the next 2 days.

Canvassing

I started canvassing for the election yesterday (Sunday 26th May) by working my way round Llanos Del Peral and Los Puntales. Picked a bad day with the Gran Prix on and the Premier League title being decided. Apologies but I have to do it!

As I do not have much time, to get round so many houses, if I did not visit your house yesterday and you live in any of these areas I will probably not get a chance to revisit. If you have any questions just email me or try and make one of the meetings.

I intend being in the area of Carasoles and the Mena Houses this afternoon. The area of the Pool Bar Tuesday afternoon. Cucador Norte Wednesday afternoon.

Remember Thursday 16th 5.0pm at La Vida to meet some of our team if you live in Llanos, Cucador or Carasoles.

and Friday 17th at 5.0pm at Heathers for all of Alfoquia.

Will put out a reminder for the following weeks canvassing for Zurgena, Palaces, Los Menchones, Cemetery area and meetings next week. 

Presentation of Candidates and A Concert

Tonight is our teams presentation of our candidates for the local election 26 th May 2019 in  the Theatre in Zurgena at 2100 be able to present a classical music concert

On Sunday we are lucky to be one of the few villages to be able to present a classical music concert  performance by a 35 piece band under the direction of Fernando Ocana Martin. The concert is free and starts at 8.0pm in the church San Ramon Nonato. Late notification due to location issues.

Sewerage Pipes Llanos del Peral

The contractors who are installing the main sewerage pipework in the area of Los LLanos Del Peral by Calle Nicolas Salmeron hope to finish by next week. They are also offering to connect any individual houses to the system for a fee. We suggest that should you wish to do this then agree a figure with the workers but do not pay them until all the work is completed. 

Election Meetings and People Needed to Reconfirm their Padron

As you are probably all aware the Local Elections are to be held on Sunday 26th May. If you are not going to be here you can obtain a postal vote (see previous post)

For your information there will be a Presentation Meeting of all the candidates this Friday night at 9.0pm in the Theatre in Zurgena.

I decided that the best thing to do to get our message out to the english speaking community was to hold 4 local meetings at which you will be able to meet our Mayoral Candidate Luis David Garcia, myself and some of our team. It will different ones on different days. I will be getting round as many houses as possible in the run up to the election (so look out for a strange man knocking on your door - me!) but these meetings will be your chance to meet and hear or discuss our teams agenda for the next 4 years - should we win sufficient support on Sunday 26th May.

Thursday 16th May 1700 hours at La Vida Bar restaurant. This is for the residents and Los Llanos del Peral, Cucador (both the old village and Cucador Norte) and Los Carasoles.

Friday 17th May 1700 hours at Heathers Bar For Residents of La Alfoquia.

Tuesday 21st May 1700 hours at the schoolhouse in Palaces for the residents of Palaces.

Wednesday 22nd May 1700 hours in the Sede Office - Opposite the school in Zurgena for residents of Cemetery area, Zurgena and Los Menchones.

I hope you can make one of these meetings and introduce yourself to our team.

A drink will be provided at the two meetings which are held in bars. I chose the time of the meetings so it does not interfere with you evenings.

The following list of names are people the Town Hall need to call in with ID to reconfirm they should be on the Padron and we have been unable to contact;

Linda Ann BAKER, Aiden Samuel and Lucas BARBER, Stephen BROOKE, Barry Stewart BUCKNALL, Simon CANTISANO, Rita COMPERNOLLE, Margaret COPPING, Brain  DAVIES, Melissa DUKE, Julie and Mark ELLIS, Kenneth and Wendy EVANS, Jennifer and Stephen FILBY, Peter FLYNN, Alan HICKMAN, Carole HOBROW, Rene HOFFMANS, Angelina HONDTONG, John and Margaret HUNT, Claire LARGE, Kevin and Susan LOCKE, Dawn and Geraldine MARTIN, George G  and Torr MASON, Garry and Boudicca MASON; Audrey MARTINEZ, Anne and James McKNIGHT, John MONK, Kenneth PARR, Tony PEARCE, Dianne and Ian POSTLES, Pamela E RHODES, Irina ROCA, Adam and Callum SHAW, Rebecca SHAW, Christina STAN, Nora and Philip STEPHENSON, Julie SUMMERSON, Andrew THOMPSON, Keith TOWN, Jason WEATHERBY, Nigel WEBSTER, Peter WEBSTER, Jame E WILLIAMS, Alfred and Brenda WINTER.

If you know any of these people please let them know. Thanks.

Digital Certificate

I am receiving a number of queries about people requiring a digital certificate for purposes such as Income Tax in Spain etc.

The procedure for obtaining this is as follows, firstly visit the below link (which has an english version) on your home computer. It must be your own computer which is why we cannot do this bit in the Town Hall

http://www.fnmt.es/ceres

You then select Obtain Certificate, Physical Person, Obtain Software certificate, Solicit Certificate, Complete Form, Send after agreeing to the conditions.

Once you have completed the form with your details and submitted it you will receive an email back with a code. If you bring in your paperwork to the Town Hall Juanjo can then activate it.