A Very Sad Day

 Well that’s it over. After 16 years of involvement in the Town Hall my time has come to an end.

We were thoroughly beaten by PP in the election and although I do not know how many councillors we have, we certainly do not have more than a couple.

We fought a fair, honest and truthful campaign. I do not want to dwell on some of the negativity but there are certain aspects I was very disappointed in.

I will no longer have any role within the Town Hall. I am sure the new administration will arrange some additional help for non Spanish speakers. I am confident that Jose Manuel will keep the job we gave him, so you will always have him in the office. I think the English speakers on Domingos list will be contacts for you all to use relative to Town Hall issues. They are Michael Foulkes, Gary Bowen and his son Simon and Ann Richardson. 

I wish the new administration good luck for the next four years. We leave the Town Hall in Zurgena in a vastly improved situation financially and with all the ground work done for the industrial estate, the mill interpretation centre, the railway, the camera security system and many other projects. It should be easy for them to finish those off.

It just leaves me one thing to say and that is to thank all of you who have supported me over these past 16 years it has been interesting, challenging, rewarding and at times fun. I have met and made many wonderful friends during my time. Many memories of our trips and Town Hall activities stay in my head. Zurgena will always be in my heart.

The blog will remain online and is always searchable in the box above.

Thanks and goodbye

Jim

Thanks

 I just want to record my sincere thanks to the below named people. They have all helped me and this week to try and speak with every non Spanish voter but I am afraid we didn't manage to see everyone. The weather and time restricted our ability to see everyone and I apologise to all those we did not manage to see.

Tom Taylor, Palaces, Shelagh Murdoch, Cucador, Chrissy Maywood, Los Carasoles, Volker Bendell, Alfoquia and Chris Hart Zurgena. 

Thanks all.

Final Days

 Well folks today is a day of reflection so no canvassing or electioneering allowed. 

I do hope all of you who are able to cast your votes for PSOE tomorrow. I will be outside the Alfoquia polling station during most of the day. 

I have to apologise for not getting to everyone’s house to canvas as it has been very hectic. I am really sorry to have missed some folks 😢

The results are usually known by the end of Sunday and we will know who has won and probably what my role, if anything, is going to be after 1st June.

And remember it is Palaces fiesta today with the free paella at 1400 hours. Everyone is welcome.

Voting Process for Sunday

 For information of anyone not sure of voting procedure thought I would explain.

Firstly all residents who are entitled to vote in Alfoquia, Los Carasoles, Cucador, Llanos del Peral will vote in the school on the opposite side of the big square area to Coviran. The other areas, ZURGENA, Los Menchones, Palaces etc will vote in the Town Hall. Those polling stations will be open from 0800 until 2000. THIS SUNDAY.

A point to note - I have been told that if you have not received your voting papers in time but are entitled to vote you can take your TIE card as it shows both your NIE number and your address. Although I would also recommend taking your passport as well, as they may ask for additional ID.

When you attend at the polling station you will see which table (mesa) to go to based on your name. Present yourself with your card or TIE. They will check you are entitled to vote and you can then select, from piles of ballot papers, each pile will be for one of the parties. DO NOT MARK THE BALLOT PAPER. I am obviously hoping you decide to vote PSOE, place the slip inside the envelope seal and place in ballot box. Really simple and easy. 

I will be outside the Alfoquia School polling station during most of Sunday in case anyone needs help. Also if anyone needs a lift please message me or call me on 0044 07368 990809 I also have this number on WhatsApp. 

Palaces Fiesta Programme

 Programme for Palaces Fiesta

Wednesday 24th May

1900h Salute of Fireworks to open the Fiesta

1945h Floral presentation to the patron saint.

2000h Salute and prayer of the holy rosary in the school house

Friday 26th 

1900h Salute of fireworks and traditional procession with the virgin saint to the houses of Palaces.

2100h Return of the procession to the chapel and the counting of donations.

2300h  Popular concert by the duo Amanecer

Saturday 27th May

1015h Chocolate and churros at the school

1045 Inauguration of commemorative plaques on the wall of the school.

1100h  Presentation of the book entitled”El Eden de la Memoria” by Francisco Martínez Garcia at the school

1230h Shoe tossing tournament.

1400h  Day of Fiesta with Free Giant Paella provided by the Town Hall.

1730h Traditional Games for the children

2000h Mass presided over by Silvera Sanchez Franco  Parish priest of San Ramon Nonnato accompanied by Jesus Torrecilla Priest of Zurgens. Followed by solemn procession accompanied by music.

2230h Popular concert by the orchestra of  night.

2300h Gala of the fiesta. With recognition of Dona Elodia Palomino and Ana Josefa Sanchez Garcia for the ‘AVVV La Torrecilla’ and the last national shows in Palaces and of  her husband Francisco López Ramon. Then the coronation of the Fiestas Queen and  Mister.

0100h Fireworks and lights to end the fiesta.

Election Fun

 We are now well into the electioneering time.

It can get a little fraught with the competition but my party, PSOE, will try and remain focused on the positives.

Our PSOE candidate for Mayor, NOELIA has proven herself over the years to be hard working, honest, enthusiastic and committed to the good of our community. She is not in it for the power but for the good she can and will do. 

You may have noticed that some of our English signs keep disappearing after being put up. We do wonder who could be doing this but I am sure we will ensure everyone knows our plans. 

These are the dates/times for our meetings to inform the non Spanish speaking residents of our plans and to meet our candidates. I am flying over to lend my support as I think it really important that we vote the PSOE team back into power to complete the work they have started.

If you can please try and make it to one of these meetings. It will be to everyone’s benefit to have an informed citizenry.

Next Walk

The next walk in the keep fit series sets off from the entrance to Juan Andres de Toledo school in Zurgena (up Avenida 19th de Octubre by side of chemists)  at 0930 Tuesday 16th May. 

If you fancy a gentle walk just turn up and join the walk

The Craziness Begins

Today is the first day when campaigning can start for the local elections on Sunday 28th May.

As many of you may know this is the only election in which non Spanish residents can vote and impact the people who, for the next four years, will manage our municipality. It is therefore really important that if you qualify to vote eg lived here and on Padron for more than 2 years, that you exercise your right to vote. If you are unsure just call into the Town Hall and ask.

I have had the honour to serve on our local council in various roles over the past 16 years. I have worked with many different colleagues and developed an in depth understanding of the complexities of managing a small Town Hall such as ours.

It is because I know most of the candidates standing for this election that I will be endorsing the PSOE party led by an eminently knowledgeable , hard working effective person who I have known and worked with for many years - Noelia Garcia Jimenez (Noe to friends). She has been indispensable in our recent work to put our finances in a healthy position, to develope good ideas and plans for the future as well as manage our team.

We will shortly announce our plans for the future and how we will communicate that to all non Spanish speaking residents. Watch this space for updates. 

Dearth of Posts

 Sorry about the lack of posts lately but everyone has been manically organising stuff for the upcoming elections!!

No one is allowed (by law) to start electioneering prior to the 12th May.

So unless anything urgent occurs, between now and then, the next posts will be about the election. There is quite a lot to explain but will do so when allowed. 

Presentation Meeting

The meeting at which all candidates on the list for the upcoming election for the PSOE party will be presented to the public as below.

This is your opportunity to meet and hear from the party which I recommend you support. It is an excellent group of candidates under the new leadership of Noelia Garcia (Noe) who has for years served in different roles in the previous administration. 

At the Renfe building, Alfoquia at 7.0pm on Thursday 4th May. CHANGE OF VENUE NOW TO BE HELD IN THE THEATRE IN ZURGENA

Below is Noelia’s statement.

Neighbours!

After twelve years working for our town as councillor of the Government Team, for the next municipal elections I decided to face the challenge of presenting myself as a candidate for mayor. I face this challenge with great enthusiasm and with enormous responsibility, managing a municipality like ours is not an easy task, but I feel prepared to do it, together with the team of brave and hard-working people, who on the 4th I will present to you all at the Cocherón of the Renfe at 7:00 p.m. Needless to say, you are invited to meet first hand the candidacy presented by our party!

Healthy Gentle Organised Walks

 "For a million steps" is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Consumption of the Junta de Andalucía, whose purpose is to promote the practice of physical activity in the population as a whole, through the organisation of group walks .

Why not join in and make or take a few friends for a bit of healthy exercise!

The project is intended for associations and groups of people, and its implementation is at the local level. Our City Council is going to collaborate with Magdalena and Concha, the nurses from our office, whom we thank for their involvement, and who will help to achieve this challenge!

We will try to take at least one million steps in a month. By adding the steps of all the neighbours who are participating in this initiative?

This challenge is intended to encourage people who are sedentary to start a more active life and those who are already sedentary to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

In a first phase, it means assuming the challenge of taking at least one million steps in a month, by adding the steps of the members of the association who participate in this initiative.

We will carry out this activity every Tuesday during the month of May at 9:30 a.m.:

Day 2nd May Departure from the Town Hall

Day 9th May Departure from the School of Alfoquía.

Day 16th May Departure from the School Juan Andrés de Toledo in Zurgena

Day 23rd May Departure from the Medical Office of La Alfoquía.

We will wait for you!

Doctors Surgery Reopens

We are able to announce the reopening of the renovated doctors surgery.

As from tomorrow, the Zurgena Medical Office will reactivate their services.

 This morning we received a visit from the territorial delegate for Health and Families, Juan de la Cruz, and those responsible for the Northern Health Area of ​​La Inmaculada Hospital, who, accompanied by our mayor, councillors and our nurse, Magdalena, have been able to see firsthand how good our office is after the full renevation work that has been carried out with the Town Council's own funds, and that it is now ready to return to service form the municipality.

 We appreciate the collaboration of the North Health Area, which has provided the medical center with new furniture and has collaborated with the installation works.

 We appreciate the collaboration of the La Alfoquía office to carry out the care for the users who of Zurgena town during this period of adaptation of this office and of course to all the neighbours for their patience.  The wait was worth it!

A Great Get Together

 Many of you will remember our food get together, of years gone by, when local ladies demonstrated and let us enjoy their traditional dishes. Due to Covid these were stopped but we have organised another similar event.

It is to be held in the Renfe Building at 1200 hours on Saturday 29th April.

You will have the opportunity to taste local dishes prepared by chef Cesar Perez but there is a price to pay! We are asking that all attendees bring along an example of a dessert dish from their home land. This will ensure you get to taste a variety of flavours from different parts of Europe. 

I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed these events in the past as, not only does it teach us about our area and it’s culinary history but it is a wonderful way to share food. I must also admit that I did take an occasional bottle of wine along and not yet sure whether any drink will be provided! 

So if you fancy going please give Paco a call on 610 194 264. He doesn’t speak much English so if you can manage a bit of basic Spanish and say,” Quiero asistir a la reunion en la Renfe el veintinueve de April. Mi nombre es …. y habra … (number) de nosotros.” He should manage but any problems or if you don’t fancy trying your Spanish then drop me an email message to jimszurgena@gmail.com and I will inform him. 

Have fun

Neighbourhood Watch Update

I have been asked to send out the following message on behalf of Zurgena Neighbourhood Watch:- Zurgena 

Neighbourhood Watch has a new Facebook page to raise awareness about this scheme 

 If you live within the areas of Zurgena and its surrounding villages, click on the link below for more information about your local Neighbourhood Watch. 

 Please like the page and click on the email link if you would like to join.

Zurgena NHW Facebook page

Anyone Want an Au Pair

I have been contacted by my good friend Andy Mortimer (our contact with the Spanish Legion) who in turn was contacted by a General who has a niece who has recently been orphaned. She is in her 20s and is loooking for a summer job for July and August. She wants to continue to improve her english language skill although she is basically competent. Really any sort of domestic support job and preferably living in would suit best. I will also put her CV on english summer job websites but if anyone is looking for some help during these 2 summer months let me know and I will send her CV and details.

Easter Programme

Please find below the programme for this easters processional celebrations in our villages.

Green Way Meeting

As many of you know the green way project (which when finished will run from Baza to Huercal Overa and incorporates walking and cycling routes and additional features) will run through our village. It will also feature our railway. The next meeting of the overseeing body is to be held at the Renfe Building in Alfoquia on Thursday 20th April at 0900. I have attached a copy of the agenda for the meeting which is in Spanish but gives you an idea of the points. This is a major project of huge significance to the area and if you are in the least interested in it will be well worth attending. 9:00 RECEPCIÓN DE ASISTENTES 9:15 APERTURA Francisco Martínez Ramos, alcalde de Zurgena 9:30 SESIÓN I: DINAMIZACIÓN TERRITORIAL A TRAVÉS DE CAMINOS NATURALES Y VÍAS VERDES Juan Manuel Alameda Villamayor, jefe de servicio, subdirección general de Regadíos, Caminos Naturales e Infraestructuras Rurales. Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación. Programa Caminos Naturales Carmen Aycart Luengo, consultora COLOQUIO Discussion 10:00 SESIÓN II: PRESERVACIÓN DEL PATRIMONIO FERROVIARIO EN LAS VÍAS VERDES Juan Soria Martínez, gerente del Consorcio de las Vías Verdes de la Región de Murcia Domingo Fernández Zurano, alcalde de Huércal-Overa Caridad López Martínez, teniente de alcalde de Serón Rafael García de la Mata Escudero, Presidente Asociación Cultural de Amigos del Ferrocarril de Zurgena José Luis Pinilla Trujillo, Mare Ingeniería Ferroviaria Alternativa COLOQUIO Discussion 11:00 PAUSA CAFÉ 11:30 VISITA TÉCNICA AL RECINTO FERROVIARIO DE LA ESTACION DE ZURGENA 12:00 SESIÓN III: EXPERIENCIAS EMPRESARIALES EN EL ENTORNO DEL CAMINO NATURAL VÍA VERDE GUADIX-ALMENDRICOS Juan Yeste Martínez, Alojamiento Cuevas Balcones de Piedad (Baza, Guadix) www.cuevasbalconesdepiedad.es Luis Aurelio Pérez Tapia, presidente de la Asociación de empresarios turísticos del Valle del Almanzora www.turismoalmanzora.com Maribel y José Antonio Águila Sánchez, CEO y gerentes de Embutidos de Zurgena, www.aguilacarnicas.com José María Pérez, gerente de Eventos deportivos y de turismo activo Azimut Sur (Guadix) www.azsur.com Felipe Bonillo García, gerente de Catering Bonillo-Esencias de Levante (Arboleas) www.cateringbonillo.com COLOQUIO 13:00 CLAUSURA

A Different Saturday

Fancy a different Saturday? This Saturday 1st April from 5.30pm in the Park Gines Parra we are having the Fiesta of Colours. There will be a DJ animator who will provide a new way to enjoy your time. Pop along and have a fun time. The event should be enjoyed by over 12 years and adults.

Good News for Railway Attraction & End of burning

Firstly excellent news this week regarding a grant we have been succesful in obtaining and which will allow us to recruit train and employ 10 people in tourism commerce to progress the creation of the Raiway Museum and attendant attractions for the future. This is another major step forwa4d in making our area attractive to visitors an£ tourists. Secondly the authorities have decreed the end of the agricultural burning season from 1st April no burning will be permitted. This decree is constantly under review and takes into account meteorological conditions to minimise the risk of fire.

Railway Museum and Girl Friday

The AGM for the Railway Museum is to be held this Saturday 25th March at 1200 noon in the old railway station. It should be interesting to hear how things are progressing given that Rafa has acquired 2 items of rolling stock. If you are interested please pop along and show your support for the guys who are doing all the work on this amazing project for our area and maybe learn more about the plans. It will make our area an even more attractive place to visit. We have a young girl, who is the niece of our local priest, who is looking for some part time work. She is particularly interested in working to care for, or assist, the elderly. She has good refences, I am assured. So if you have, or know of anyone who may have, a requirement for such help please let me or Jose know and we can arrange.

Driving Licences. UPDATE 14th March 1840hours

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior have just released this press statement on driving licences. The Government approves the reciprocal recognition and exchange of driving licenses between Spain and the United Kingdom The agreement, embodied in the form of an Exchange of Verbal Notes between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, also establishes the exchange of information on traffic offenses in terms of road safety In this way, holders of a valid driving license in one of the two States may request the exchange in the country where they have established their residence without the need to take an additional practical or theoretical test. The Council of Ministers has approved this Tuesday the agreement by which Spain and the United Kingdom will proceed to the reciprocal recognition and exchange of driving licenses as well as the exchange of information on traffic offenses in terms of road safety. This agreement puts an end to the successive extensions applied to the exchange of permits between the two countries that had been applied since the end of the transitional period provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement of the United Kingdom from the European Union. From now on, holders of a valid and current driving license issued by either of the two States may request the exchange of their equivalent driving license where they have established their residence, without being subject to any additional requirement of practical test or theoretical and according to the equivalence tables between the categories of permits from both countries. The agreement establishes that all valid permits or licenses of current residents issued prior to its entry into force may be exchanged, while for permits issued after said entry into force it will be an essential requirement to access the exchange that the permits have been issued in the country where the applicant had his legal residence. With this pact, those British citizens residing in Spain who had not had their driving license recognized before Brexit, nor in the successive extensions granted, will be able to do so as of Thursday, March 16. To facilitate administrative processing at the provincial traffic headquarters, a period of six months has been granted during which British citizens can circulate in Spain with their original permit while they process the exchange. In addition, Spain and the United Kingdom undertake to provide each other with information on the data of the vehicles and their owners for the purpose of investigating traffic offenses related to road safety, especially in cases of speeding, not wearing a seat belt, failure to stop at a red light, driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence of drugs, not wearing a crash helmet, driving in a prohibited lane, or illegal use of mobile phone.

Advice from Gov.uk website regarding driving licences. Posted due to a number of people questionming the current state of play. The UK and Spanish governmrnts are still discussing options for UK driving licence holders and when they reach agreement to modify the rules I will post further. But at the moment the below applies; You cannot renew or replace your UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence if you live in Spain. Read the guidance on: what you need to drive in the EU road travel in Spain From 1 May 2022, if you have been resident for more than 6 months and have not exchanged your UK licence for a Spanish one, you will no longer be able to drive using your UK licence. Sign up for email alerts to get notified when we update this page. If you have a valid UK driving licence From 1 May 2022: if you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, your valid UK driving licence will no longer be valid for driving in Spain if you moved to Spain after 1 January 2021, your valid UK licence will be recognised for 6 months from the date you obtained residence The British and Spanish governments continue to negotiate on long-term arrangements for exchanging driving licences without needing to take a practical test. If it is imperative that you drive, you should not wait for the outcome of the negotiations to take action. You must follow the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) process for non-EU nationals to obtain a Spanish driving licence. This includes taking both a theory and practical driving test. Sent from my iPhone

Organised Walk

The Town Hall supported by the programme of Provincial Sports Plan 2023 has an organised walk on Sunday 26th March in the area of Pinar de la Alfahuara in Sierra de Maria, Los Velez Natural Park. Registration for this walk includes the technical service for the activity, qualified monitors, permission of use of the areas, civil liability insurance, and transportation to the route. All free! If you are interested in joining this walk please contact the Town Hall prior to 16th March.

Rubbish Disposal AGAIN

Once more the Town Hall has conducted a programme to try and tidy up areas where the basuras are situated. New signs are being installed at all these locations showing what cannot be disposed of. But remember large items can be placed by the basuras for collection by the Consorcio on the 11th and 26th of each month. Large items should therefore be left in the day or two prior to these dates. We have not yet installed cameras and neighbours are asked to ensure no one deposits forbidden items ot items at the wrong times. If anyone is seen doing so the Police will attend if informed. Their number is 664 395 513. Lets hope this time people comply with thevriles and keep our villages tidy.

Railway Project & Medical Help.

Two important updates today. No 1 Due to recent events the Town Hall has agreeed to allow Jose Manuel to assist non spanish speakers with medical appointments and issues. Jose trained and qualified as a meducal doctor in the USA and therefore has a medical bachground. He also has many contacts within the Spanish medical fraternity. He has asked me to publicise that he will provide this support at a cost of €15 per enquiry or advice. I& you want to use his services call him on 687 531 499. No 2. Amazing progress by my friend and collaborator of the Railway restoration project for Alfoquia Rafael. After 12 months of negotiations with ADF he has at last procured the first two items of rolling stock which will be part of the museum and eventually part of the tourist train we hope to run. i have attached photographs of these 2 carriages. One is a 75 seater railway carriage from 1996 and the other is a Buffet/restaurant carriage from 1954. It is anticipated that they will be delivered to Alfoquia in the second week of April and prior to the next meeting of the committee for the Almanzora Green Way on the 20th.

Anyone with a room to rent?

We have a young lady due to start work in the Town Hall shortly. She will be employed to assist young people in their training for jobs. She is not from Zurgena and needs to find a place to stay. She is learning English and would like to live with an english speaking family to help her. It would obviously help whoever she stays with their learning Spanish! She is, of course, willing to pay rent. So if you have a room to spare you might consider this idea an option. If you do please email me at jimszurgena@gmail.com or message me on UK +44 7368 990809 which is also on whatsapp.

Spanish Legion

We are delighted to welcome back to Zurgena the brigade of the logistics corp of the Spanish Legion for a full exercise. I always think of it as one of my best contributions to the community in establishing such a good relationship with the officers and men of this branch of the Spanish Armed forces. They will be in our municipality until Friday and, if you are interested,they have an open day on Thursday. At the last exercise quite a lot of us went along and were given an informative tour around the temporary base which they have set up in the same place behind the municipal swimming pool. So if you have an interest pop along and see how the soldiers set up camp

Thanks for Sticking your heads up

i am really pleased to say that we have a total of 5 non Spanish residents who have answered the call and agreed to support our team in the upcoming May Local Elections. It is even better when they all come from different parts of the municipality. We have one from Zurgena, one from La Alfoquia, one from Cucador, one from Los Carasoles and one from Palaces. So almost every area will have an ex pat on our list (P.S.O.E.) i thank them all for putting themselves forward and hope to meet 5hem all prior to the election. They have all met with, and had a chat with, Francisco, our current mayor who will probably our leader going into the election. I will post their names once i have theirs'and Fran's permissions.

Doctors Appointments

Just to reiterate that whilst the Zurgena surgery is being revamped we are adbised by ghe Health Authority that all patients will be seen at Alfoquia until the work is complete. This obviously makes the surgery much busier and patients can only be seen by appointment. To make an appointment please ring Maribel on this number +34 658 394 584

Andalusia Day

Next Tuesday 28th February is Andalucia Day. At 1.0pm there will be the procession of the Virgin Carmen round Alfoquia. This will be followed by free migas for all attendees and there will be unflatable bouncy castles. There will also be bar service at the new Bar Mandragora (next to argentinian panaderia) and there will be a bar in the Renfe building.

Water Interruption. UPDATE 1500. FURTHER UPDATE 1845

Parts of Zurgena and Alfoquia (areas including Zurgena pueblo, Alfoquia and Los Carasoles) are suffering from an interruption tontheir supply of water. This is due to a burst pipe near the park in Zurgena. they are working to repair it but itbis likely to be off all day. Galas send their apologies i ️ Work has continued since early in the morning to replace the section of the supply network that is broken and caused an interruption that affects the vast majority of the Municipality of Zurgena. The problem has occurred under the soccer field, where the pipe has burst,. This section of network has already caused various problems over the years, as it is a very old network. The City Council in collaboration with GALASA have decided to install a new network instead of patching it up again, as that solution would not ensure an end to these problems. The GALASA technicians tell us that they will try to have the work completed to restore the water supply tonight, but they still cannot guarantee the time. We show you some images of the work that is being carried out. GALASA operators together with machines hired by the City Council to expedite the work necessary to solve the water break as soon as possible, are finishing setting up the new supply network. It is hoped that late in the afternoon the water supply should be running The supply will gradually reach the different affected areas at differing times. But all hopefully later today

Train Project

Today in the Interpretation centre Gines Parra just past the Bar La Union at 1900 there is a presentation of as book about the Water Horses but also a presentation on the Tourist Train project by the amazing Rafael Garcia de la Mata. Rafa is the man who is doing the most to progress the idea and development of the Railway in SAlfoquia. If you have the t8me please pop along and give him your support and you may learn more about this great project.

Water & Update on other projects

We are receiving a number of complaints about the colour of the drinking water today. We have been in touch with Galasa and is a non hazardous chemical which they occasionally have to introduce to the water supply to eliminate iron particles. They will be sending out a communication but, as we sai, it would have helped if they had thought to do that prior!!! In addition to the detail given in the bridge project the mayor also informed people about the development of two other projects. There is a project to create a widening of Avenida Europa with a cycle lane and footpath. Also a project to tarmac the track which runs below La Vida up to Llanos del Peral. This is expected to be completed this summer. The upgrading of the street lighting to the newest solar powered type has also been agreed for most areas in the municipality. To be completed during this year. The installation of a new CCTV system to cover the main parts of the municipality, a project I did a lot of work on, has now been approved and equipment ordered so this also should be completed soon.

Carnival

Sorry about late reminder. The annual carnival parades from the Sports Pavilion at 1830 today.

Todays Bridge Meeting & More Police Equipment

There was an excellent attendance at meeting in La Vida for the Mayors presentation on the bridge project. I was asked by some of you who could not make the meeting to give an update on the plans. Basically the project as planned by us in 2019 has now been drawn up by architects, costed and agreed in priciple with the Junta. All that remains is the final push to get the funds signed off, which it is hoped will happen in the next few months. I attach below photos of the project as completed for your information

From today the Local Police of our municipality have a new police vehicle. The vehicle in question is a Ford Kuga-Hybrid SUV, acquired through leasing by our City Council, it has advanced technological systems such as emergency braking, rear camera and detainee kit, to aid the work of municipal agents. For the same reason during this last year they have been equipped with a Taser device, two body cameras, a tablet with access to the Appolo database, a digital printer, a defibrillator, signals and beacons for static vehicle control. Now we can add a new vehicle. We want our agents to work in the best conditions, because that is the way to guarantee the best service to the neighbourhood. It should be noted that the agents of this municipality are at your disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to attend to any emergency that may arise for our neighbors. ✍️ We will once again provide you with the telephone number of the Zurgena Local Police: 664395513. 📲

Spanish Legion Base visit

As some of you know we have developed a great relationship with the Spanish Legion based in Viator near Almeria. As part of our relationship we regularly host exercises by the Legion in our municipality. Another exercise is to be held later this year. Quite a number of our residents have visited the Legions base in the past and i can confirm, from my personal experience, it is a visit that I highly recommend. My contact with the the legion is Andrew Mortimer who is an honourary member of the Legion and he teaches the officers english language. Andy has advised me that the Legion are having a Parade day on the 6th May at the base. and he has said he will invite anyone I know who wishes to go. It normally includes a tour of their museum, which is very interesting, a good view of the parade and lunch in the officers mess. the benefit to Andy and the Legion is to have their officers practice english on you! If you are interested in going to the base on this date please drop me an email to jimszurgena@gmail.com inckuding your NIE and passport numbers (for security) and your contact details and i will ensure you are on the invite list.

Rubbish Campaign

Another attempt by us to control the deposits of rubbish is as below Citizens awareness campaign for the depositing of waste and rubbish in different areas of the municipality. Taking care of nature, preserving biodiversity, depositing waste correctly in its containers, etc... These are noble causes that we should all share and work towards. From this morning, signs are being placed on the containers to remind citizens of what type of belongings and waste are not allowed to be deposited in the organic matter containers, and the collection days on which the Consortium's collection truck comes round to take furniture and the items allowed. From the Hon. Zurgena City Council we request that our citizens collaborate to maintain a clean town without uncontrolled illegal tips.

Trip to Benidorm Over 65s

📢📢TRIP TO BENIDORM FOR THE OVER 65S‼️🌴☀️ From February 27 to March 1. Activity Within the 6th Provincial Plan of Community Social Services. The objective is the participation of the elderly in leisure activities and free time of a cultural nature. Maximum registration period is up until the 15th at 2:00 p.m. but as usual you will have to be quick!in theTown Hall There is only space for 14 people and their companions do a total of 28 Cost is €20

Meeting re Bridge over Rambla

As many of you may remember Luis, Fran and I included the idea of a bridge over the Rambla below La Vida in our manifesto of 2019 and is one of very few promises we have not yet managed to achieve. We felt it was necessary to build a bridge as the road surface is frequently washed away in heavy rains. This was included in our manifesto in 2019 and is one of the few promises not yet kept. However we have been working on the project and our Mayor would like to inform everyone about the state is the project.

In an effort to inform as many as possible about the project and how it is progressing he is holding a meeting at Bar La Vida at 1100 on Friday 17th February.

As this road is the main access for residents of Cucador Norte (previously known as Cuesta de Los Pinos) and Los Llanos del Peral all residents of these areas may wish to attend and get 5he latest news.

Almanzora Rally Road Closures

 The annual car rally will  be passing through our municipality this Saturday 11th February and the following road closures will be in effect from 0753 until 1443;

Avenida 19 de Octubre from the junction with Calle Mina to the Plaza Del Olmo and to the exit of the A1101 by the cemetery.

Candidates for Election

 I am a little disappointed in the response for people to get involved.

Throughout the past 16 years, by having representation on the council, a great deal of attention has been given to the issues and concerns of the ex pat community (even to the point where each year I was asked what the expat community wanted their share of the budget spent on) and I seriously doubt whether the same level of support will be available without some sort of representation even if  just a person on the list supporting the party. 

I know people tend to be critical of Town Halls but, if no one takes an interest in what the TH is doing then you  cannot expect the officials to be more mindful of that part of the community! As I previously explained, to become involved, can be as little as adding your name to the list or as much involvement as you want.

So if you feel you might be interested drop me an email at jimszurgena@gmail.com or call my uk phone +44 7368 990809 to have a chat.

Do you fancy getting involved? Road Works A7

 As many of you know the local council elections are to be held in May of this year.

This will be the first election since 2003 that I will not be standing in. 

The system in Spain is in many ways more democratic than in the UK. (I think)! Each political party has to draw up a list of local residents ( some parties do not even ensure all their candidates are local!). The members of the party then meet and agree an order for their candidates where No 1 would be the Mayor if they won the election and on down to No 13. The votes when tallied after TH election work on a form of proportional representation eg the party which wins the most seats forms the administration in our case that is 7 seats roughly 60% of the votes cast.

When I first stood I was number 6 and we won a majority so I had a seat on the council however our list had a total of 16 names and the others were merely supporters. As you know since then I kept getting higher on the list and ended up at No 2 as deputy mayor!

I have been asked by our mayor if I know of any English speaking residents who may want to support the current party at the next elections, by standing for election. I know of one or two who have expressed an interest but I am posting on here to see if anyone else fancies getting involved.

Your linguistic skills are not really important as we have 4 bi lingual speakers in the Town Hall and I have managed all this time with my limited command of Spanish! 

If you are interested, or know any local resident who is interested, please get in touch. I can answer any questions or issues you may have.

It is a huge opportunity to help the community even if just to support your town hall.

Road Works on new motorway/A7

Due to work on the new motorway there are to be some interruptions to normal traffic flow for approx 15 days starting tomorrow. From my understanding they are reducing the motorway to 2 single lanes and cutting the road at Pk 686. The advice is if travelling to Palaces Zurgena or La Concepcion you drive along the A7 towards Almeria and access the A334 at junction Pk 682 link to the A7 at Overa.

Rental Available?

 Asking for a friend of our ex Mayor.

Does anyone know of a villa available to rent for at least one year minimum 2 bedrooms bit of land and preferably with a swimming pool? It can be in Zurgena or Arboleas.

Any suggestions please drop me an email or message. Jimszurgena@gmail.com or or +44 7368 990809.

Lights Avenida Poetas area

 The street lights in the area of Avenida Poetas have been out for almost a week now.

They attended this morning but were unable to fix it but they are trying again over the weekend.

Last Reminder. UPDATE 13th January

This is a final reminder regarding your voting rights. 

If you have received the communication from the office of statistics then you are already registered and able to vote this coming May in the local election. 

If you have not received any communication and you have lived here for more than 2 years please contact the Town Hall to register. If you want any help then contact my colleague Jose Manuel whose is fluently bi lingual and is employed in the Town Hall to assist non Spanish speakers. His number is 687531499.

If you do not register by this Thursday you will lose your right to vote!

If you have already received the letter from the INS you need to sign and return it asap.

Jose and some of the Town Hall staff will be going door to door on Sunday to check whether people have done what they need to to be able to vote as they have extended the deadline to Monday. If you need to check or need clarification give Jose a call on the above number. The6 will obviously not be able to visit every home!

3 Kings Procession

For information; as usual the 3 Kings procession will take place in Zurgena leaving Plaza del Olmo at 1830 Thursday evening and visiting various parts of the village. 

Your Vote 2023. URGENT!!

 A reminder there are less than two weeks left to ensure you have a voice in the next municipal elections by registering at the Town Hall. 

As long as you have lived in Spain and been on the Padron for more than 2 years you are eligible to vote for the people who will form the next council and control the budgets for the next 4 years!

It is the only election you are entitled to vote in in Spain but they are the most important. For the past 16 years I have been honoured to serve on the council and to help ensure that the wishes of the expat community are considered. We have been fortunate in that all of those councils sought to please and consider the non Spanish residents and to help them in their life’s  in Spain.

The candidates for election have not yet been revealed but when they are you will have chances to examine their credentials and manifesto’s and vote for those you feel will best provide for all the citizens.

It is hugely important and I urge everyone who qualifies to call into the Town Hall with their passport and your NIE for identification, and register. If anyone has any problems just let me know but it should be a very simple process. Date for registration closes 15th January!! 

Please let everyone you know understand the short time frame available to register.