2010 News
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Tuesday 16/06/2010
This letter was sent to the Spanish Ambassador to London by Bruce Hobday MBE. You may remember the name, as he was featured on the recent watchdog programme taking about the recent news of demolition order on his house.
To: Carles Casajuana i Palet.
His Excellency the Spanish Ambassador to London
Dear Ambassador
First of all your Excellency, may I apologise for not writing to you in your native language, but noticed you spoke excellent English on the recent BBC Watchdog programme. I have lived here 4 years, am taking lessons, but as a pensioner, find it difficult, especially with all the housing fraud and corruption issues to contend with, the stress becomes unbearable, and the will deteriorating.
I too, appeared in the Watchdog programme at the start, I live in El Fas, just 750 metres from Cantoria. I was filmed at the generator, and shown on camera on interview, that we were forced onto 20 months ago. We have a transformer, approved by Sevillana, capable of servicing 300 homes, standing idle. we were connected to it for 12 months, but due to our Dutch builder defrauding us, not to mention heavily involved in corruption, as was our abagados and Town Hall, notary etc, the necessary paper work was never completed.
Our builder was no doubt stealing, what he told us was “builders supply”, as, although we did not know it at the time, he was told to stop building in 2006, but ignored it and carried on. We were threatened in Sept 2008 (18 householders) with a 6,000 euro fine, as we, in fact were getting the electricity, so it would be us seen as stealing it, not the builder, in hindsight a mistake on our part, as we now know the builder to have been the guilty party..
Hence being forced on to generator, the builder had promised for months previously, we would get metres and boletins, but they were in short supply due to the boom. When the representative from the Proelec sub contractor electricity company cut us off, (a sub contractor for Sevillana), he magically obtained a generator and metres fitted to our 18 homes the next day. (for which we had to pay hire and diesel costs from then on between us), but the metres were fitted free. They were obviously in collusion to supplying stolen electricity, and we later found out Sevillana were checking outlets where electricity was possibly being stolen from. So both sub electric contractor and builder would have been caught.
Through your office, could you in any way instigate amnesty for us for temporary mains electricity?, and others in similar situation? we have metres, and although our denuncias are against our builders for building on rustic land, without licence (they lied to us, and showed us documents to the contrary) We should have been in court on the 24th May, but one of the accused sent in a sick note that she was in Holland with cancer, in fact she was here all the time, and we have video and witness evidence. (not that the court seemed bothered) The outcome of this is another retrial for next April 2011, where undoubtedly she will pull the same trick.
We are pensioners, having to pay expensive legal fees, and generator costs, and we are the genuine victims, but we seem to get punished, rather than the perpetrators, who openly laugh at the Spanish legal and housing situation. Crime certainly seems to pay here in Spain, as the Town hall watched these hamlets being built, the local economy flourished, we are now trapped, with worthless property, and a sentence of uncertainty over our heads.
Should the ultimate judgement be to demolish our homes, we can even accept that, but please help us to live with basic human rights in the meantime, ie, electricity. At present, as you may have seen from the programme, we can only afford diesel for 12 hours per day.
Anything you can suggest would be very welcome, in the gaining back our mains electricity, even temporarily,whilst awaiting trial.
Believe me, My dear Ambassador
Yours sincerely
Bruce Hobday MBE
Thursday 18/03/2010
Report of the demonstration in Malaga,
As everybody knows, we held our protest march in Malaga last week and the whole event was a great success. We estimate that around 500 people from our locality supported the event with some people flying directly to Spain in order to take part. We left the coach park in Velez Malaga with 6 full coaches and during the journey everyone was briefed on the order of the day and also practiced the singing of our protest song (thanks to Alan Liptrot for the lyrics and for acting as cheer leader). We arrived in Malaga on time and even the sun came out to support us ! As we waited in the Plaza de la Marina we were joined by a number of other groups from Andalucia who had come to protest with us and we reckon that our total number exceeded 1000 people. We were pleasantly surprised to see so many journalists and tv crews in attendance and they were all keen to report our story.
If you click on the link below you will see the online version of the Sur in English who reported our demonstration on the first 3 pages: http://www.surinenglish.com/20100318/news/costasol-malaga/homeowners-march-malaga-protest-201003181825.html (English) http://www.diariosur.es/hemeroteca/?qAND=SOHA.ES (Spanish)
There are plenty other links relating to the media coverage mentioned above. Once we had dealt with all the media requests our President Philip Smalley gave a speech (see below) which was loudly received by everyone in attendance. Mario Blancke then repeated the speech in Spanish before handing over the microphone to Marta Andreasen MEP who had flown over from the UK specifically to support us at the demonstration. She spoke passionately about the situation that many of us find ourselves in and pledged to do all she can to help us resolve the issues that are blighting so many people’s lives. She also urged everyone to write to their MEPs to ask them to take up our cases at all appropriate meetings of the European Union. At the conclusion of the speeches and with hundreds of earplugs fitted and whistles fully wetted the march began through the main shopping district of the city centre. We were surprised at the number of Spanish people who were very interested and supportive of our situation and are very grateful to the large number of locals who actually joined the march. After 45 minutes of marching (and deafening the Malagueños) we returned to the Plaza de la Marina before Philip Smalley and the other group leaders headed off to deliver a letter to Señor José Antonio Griñán Martinez who is the President of the Junta de Andalucia (see below)
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made the effort to be with us in Malaga. Although we hope that our protest will persuade the Junta de Andalucia to re-consider its current stance I’m certain that we will need to maintain our pressure by way of further demonstrations. Therefore please don’t throw away your whistles and drums just yet…………..
Speech by Philip Smalley, president of SOHA.ES, made prior to the march in Malaga on 17/03/2010,
My dear friends. Welcome to Malaga. I would especially like to welcome our friends from Almanzora, Almeria, Cartama, Mijas Thank you all for coming here today to Malaga on this very important occasion. We march here today as immigrants to Spain from other European countries – from England , from Germany , from Ireland , from Scandinavia * and from many other countries? We are the foreigners who have invested our life savings to come here to Spain to live a better life. For many of us this is the last house we will ever buy. But many of us are now having our right to live peacefully in those houses threatened by demolition. Demolitions being forced through by the Junta of Andalucia. We are the buyers of some of Spain’s many irregular properties. In Malaga province alone, we are told, there are 50,000 illegal properties. In Spain as a whole the figure could be many times that. We came to Spain to enjoy, not only the warmth of the sun but also the warmth and friendliness of the Spanish people. We have come to share the remainder of our lives with you. To share with you the sunshine and the laughter. We march here today so that the Junta of Andalucia might understand our plight. In Andalucia many thousands of houses have been built on rustic land over the past 10 years. Houses bought in good faith with lawyers engaged, taxes paid and proper paperwork obtained. The Junta now declare that many of these houses are now illegal and demand their demolition. Where was the Junta as the Alcaldes wrote the licences? Where was the Junta as the concrete was being poured? Where was the Junta as the houses were being registered? Where was the Junta as the tax receipts rolled in? The Junta stood by and did nothing. Is this justice? Is this fair? No. Will we stand idly by and see the dreams of thousands of Europeans destroyed? Never. Spain is in the grip of a fierce economic crisis. Unemployment stands at 18% and could go beyond 20% this year. For the youth of Spain the figure stands at 42% the highest in Europe. Retirement to the sun is a huge industry in Spain. At this moment there are 500,000 retired people from other European countries living in Spain. If each of us on average spend 10,000€ each year then the total spend is 5,000 million € annually. This figure is roughly equivalent to the total amount of exports from Spain each year to the USA. Add to that the money our visitors bring, our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our friends and family. Our contribution to the economy of Spain could easily exceed 7,000 million €. This could grow but will not while our homes are being threatened, while the bulldozers stand ready, while our human rights are being ignored. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Junta, are you killing the goose that lays the golden eggs? Today, we ask three things from the Junta. Firstly, that if a house must be demolished because it is in an inappropriate place, for example in a protected area, then compensation and alternative accommodation should be provided in advance. Not be fought over after-wards in a painfully slow legal system. Secondly, the Junta have told us that they believe that the majority of illegal houses can be regularised. We have seen no evidence of this process. If the Junta mean what they say then the time to start that process is now. Actions speak louder than words. And finally, that the issuing of new demolition orders must stop immediately. As things stand the Junta continues to demand demolitions. In the vast majority of cases the villain of the piece is not the homeowner. How can the Junta promote such an unjust system. If a mayor has broken a law, punish the mayor. If a lawyer has broken the law, punish the lawyer. If a developer has broken the law, punish the developer. But by demanding the demolition of a house the Junta seems intent on punishing the victims! Punish the guilty, not the victims! Punish the guilty, not the victims!
Letter handed to Mr. Grinan Martinez, 17/03/2010
Dear Señor Griñán Martínez,
We are the representatives of associations from Andalucia formed to defend the homes of citizens against urban abuses. While the problems of our members differ widely the source of all our problems remains the same, namely, the inability of the Junta de Andalucia to manage the urban planning process. To resolve these problems the Junta de Andalucia has embarked on a strategy of punishing the victims of urban abuse while allowing those who have broken the laws to walk free. Article 8 of the The European Convention on Human Rights states that everyone has the right to respect for his home. Our objective is to defend these fundamental human rights for every single member of our associations. Today, we have taken to the streets of Malaga to ask three things of the Junta de Andalucia. Firstly, that if a house must be demolished because it is in an inappropriate place, for example in a protected area, then compensation and alternative accommodation should be provided in advance. Not be fought over after-wards in a painfully slow legal system. Secondly, the Junta have told us that they believe that the majority of illegal houses can be regularised. We have seen no evidence of this process in some areas and in others it has become clear that the current strategy will take much time to achieve. Time that the homeowners and the economy do not have. If the Junta mean what they say then the time to speed up that process is now. If the law must be changed to achieve this then please change it. ‘Si quiere, puede’ And finally, that the issuing of new demolition orders must stop immediately. We are prepared to work with you as much as we are prepared to defend the rights of our members. We hope that it will be the former.
Yours faithfully Philip Smalley – Save Our Homes Axarquia Maura Hillen – Abusos Urbanisticos Almanzora No John Bowling – Abusos Urbanisticos Levante Almeriense No Jose Antonio Sanchez Pena – Asoc.Chaparral – Alberquilla( Juan Antonio Blanco Ruiz y Xavier Leiva Leiva – Regulacion Viviendas Mijas
Wednesday, 10/03/2010
Link about the EU meeting in Malaga next week,
http://www.eu2010.es/en/agenda/informalesministros/evento131.html
MEETING FRIDAY 5th OF MARCH 2010-SEVILLA- WITH THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND TERRITIAL INSPECTION.
A delegation from SOHA.ES, The Greens of Alcaucín, the law firm Borbolla and the local architect J. Gámez gathered with a delegation of the Junta de Andalucía, presided over by Ms. Ana María Moniz Sánchez, Directora General de Inspección de Ordenación del Territorio, Urbanismo y Vivienda and her colleagues for about an hour on the afternoon of 5th March.
SOHA.ES stressed, once more, the problems that the owners of irregular houses are facing. The Junta admits that there has been massive fraud. They suggest that owners should not direct their anger solely towards the Junta, but that they should start legal proceedings against the promoters and Town Halls who have acted improperly. SOHA.ES responded that these procedures are far too expensive, that they might take 10 years before any sentence is pronounced and that the promoters or Town Halls could still plead “insolvent”. At the end, it might turn out to be a waste of time and money.
The Greens of Alcaucín added that if the Junta had begun to act against irregular building practices 10 years ago, the number of houses affected would be significantly less. The Junta suggested a major factor was the slow speed of the judicial system. The Greens of Alcaucín also suggested a moratorium on new demolition orders while the Junta looks for a solution to this problem.
Junta suggested the use of a procedure called the “Incidencia de ejecución de Sentencia”. This procedure is only valid for those villages who have presented a new PGOU (Ordenation Plan) within the LOUA. Alcaucín is among 16 villages that have already presented that plan, Viñuela is currently in the Supreme Court. In this case the judge suspends any demolition order until the new PGOU is updated. Some of the affected houses might be legalized within the new PGOU. However, to be regularised, the Junta insists that those properties will have to be equipped with roads, street lights, sewage, etc. and that the cost of it will have to be borne by the promoters or the owners!
The Junta confirms that some demolitions will be inevitable, and went on say that over the years, it is expected that all irregular houses will “return to dust”.
We strongly oppose this policy. We also stress that once again that it is the victims that appear to be being punished. We suggested the possibility that the LOUA adapt to the situation by postponing the date of application of the law. This could give the Junta the possibility to legalize the vast majority of irregular houses. Afterwards they could start with the firm application of the law to avoid further destruction of rural zones. This of course doesn’t exclude the possibility of taking legal action against mayors, lawyers, politicians, etc. who are suspected of breaking the law.
The subject of the registration in the Town Hall was also discussed. According to the Junta, the irregular situation of the houses doesn’t impede registration-EMPADRONAMIENTO.
SOHA.ES and the Greens express their wish that massive registration of the foreign community take place so that they may exercise their political rights during the next municipal elections of May 2011.
We had a very interesting meeting but without any positive result. The Junta will continue to appeal against the irregular issued building licences. They suggest a new meeting within 2 or 3 months. The priority for La Viñuela is to present a new PGOU in accordance with the LOUA. The only way to prevent demolition orders for the moment is that the Town Hall appeal against the revocation of the building licence.
Conclusion: Your attendance at the Protest March of the 17th of March in Málaga, is more important than ever before, at least if you want to defend your houses and those of your friends.
Tuesday, 09/03/2010
Article in today’s Sur (in Spanish)
http://www.diariosur.es/v/20100309/axarquia/extranjeros-viviendas-irregulares-movilizaran-20100309.htm
Monday, 08/03/2010
Article in the Telegraph today. Please see link below,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/7392959/Bulldozing-expats-will-hurt-Spain-Foreign-Office-minister-cautions.html
Article with regards to the visit of Mr Chris Bryant to Andalucia, Please see link below,
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=21849038
Articles in El Pais and El Mundo today,
The Spanish government has agreed to place an advisor at the orders of the British Consulates to watch for British owned property problems in Valencia (Alicante) and Andalucía (Málaga) after an agreement was reached today in Málaga with Gaspar Zarrías (the long-time advisor of Manuel Chaves, now Secretary of State for Territorial Cooperation), Juan Espadas the Junta’s planning tsar, Chris Bryant the British Minister for Europe and the British ambassador Giles Paxman.
Mr Bryant evidently travelling down to Málaga after his meeting this morning in Albox. The agreement, which will help ‘the million Britons living in Spain’, is designed to help and advise Britons wishing to live here, with the endless and complicated rules and regulations explained and observed. This should avoid any future ‘illegal’ situations for Britons to do with property, health and social issues. ‘It is better to find a solution beforehand’, said Minister Bryant today, ‘before the courts are needed. In Albox they used lawyers but still got into trouble, and this is not good enough’. Zarrias and Espadas (in what some British readers might consider to have been a jocular moment) underlined that juridical security in Spain is absolute: ‘Los británicos saben que aquí funciona el Estado de Derecho y que hay leyes, todo se hace conforme a derecho’. So, perhaps – in one month’s time, when the new system begins and certified Spanish advisors are in place in the two consulates – things may have taken a change. And that’s good news.
Chris Bryant in AlboxSunday 07 March 2010
The British Minister for Europe Chris Bryant is met four of the ‘Albox 8′ home-owners today in Albox, a fact which has now made the national Spanish press. An article in today’s El Mundo is rather better and more balanced than the effort from yesterday’s provincial El Almería (see below). The article explains that many British families (it suggests eight thousand) bought homes in the Almanzora Valley for an average 200,000 euros in the 2002 – 2003 period ‘in good faith’ only to afterwards find them to be (in one way or another) ‘illegal’. This has caused a stir in the UK and the British ambassador has now asked for an audience with the President of Andalucía, José Antonio Griñán, to explain the behaviour of that authority.
Later: (AUAN Press Release): Representatives of the AUAN were very pleased to be invited to attend a private meeting between Chris Bryant, Minister for Europe, and four of the Albox families threatened with the demolition of their homes. Also present at the meeting, were Giles Paxman, the British Ambassador, and Steve Jones, the British Consul. Mr Bryant, who was well informed on this subject, reassured the affected families that the British Government were both aware of and concerned about the situation in the area. He went on to say that, though the UK has no jurisdiction in the affairs of Spain, he would do everything in his power to help. He also referred to the detrimental economic impact this scandal has had on Spain. Homeowners told him of the stress and legal expense they are suffering as a result of the demolition threat, despite having purchased their homes in good faith and being in possession of all the correct licences. They stressed to the minister that a quick and equitable solution was required to this problem. Maura Hillen (AUAN President) raised the disgraceful track record of the administration with respect to the payment of compensation to Helen and Len Prior and the difficulties surrounding the ‘one by one’ solution currently proposed by the Junta. After speaking with the homeowners, the Minister went on to have a closed meeting with the Mayor of Albox, Jose Garcia. Before leaving, he spoke of a planned meeting with Juan Espadas, the Planning Minister of the Junta de Andalucia.
Watch this space for more upto date news and the report of the latest meeting between SOHA.ES and Junta de Andalucia which took place last week.
Also from one of our Dutch members,
Support for SOHA.ES from the Dutch supermarket in Algarobo Costa on www.super-rijo.com
Look out for articles in Dutch newspapers and magazines with regards to SOHA.ES.
Wednesday, 24/02/2010
Update on our last general meeting,
Despite bad weather and access problems for many, over 180 people attended our meeting last Wednesday evening at the camping restaurant.
The minutes will be published shortly, however the main subjects were the demonstration in Malaga in March and the appointment of officers for 2010.
With less than a month to go we are getting organized for the march and it is of the utmost importance that we can count on everyone to be there.
Keep an eye on your emails and on this site for more updates very soon.
Other news…
SOHA.ES has another appointment with head of the inspections and urban developments in the Junta de Andalucia on the 5th of March to continue the existing dialogue with them. This is our third meeting with them in Seville, and the chairman’s report will be published on this site once the meeting has taken place.
Thursday, 11/02/2010
Reminder to all,
Please note the date for the next meeting, Wednesday 17th February 2010 (next Wednesday)
The meeting will all be held at Camping bar/restaurant and will begin at 19.30 hrs.
For directions see link, http://www.campinglavinuela.com/
We look forward to seeing you all there.
An up date with regards to case of Mr and Mrs prior
(Rosabel Rodríguez-Almería. El País 04-02-2010)
The Town Hall of Vera will pay the rent for the owners of the illegal demolished house.
The retired British couple, Leonard and Helen Prior, are about to close their garage where they have been living under inhuman circumstances-without water or electricity-since the 9th of January 2008, when their house was demolished following a court order: After waiting more then 2 years (during this laps of time the Constitutional Court revoked the demolition order), the Town Hall of Vera will now have to pay the rent of a similar house for the Priors. This order comes from the “Juzgado de lo Contensioso Administrativo”, Court Nº 1 of Almería, presided by Judge Tomás Cobo. “Town Hall has to provide a similar house or pay to the Priors the rent for it”, till the appeal of the Priors, asking for an indemnification of 600.000€ has been resolved. The local administration is held responsible for the loss of their house that was build in the non urban zone of La Loma. The resolution of the Judge will now be appealed by the Town Hall. However, the Mayor of Vera, Felix Lopez (PA), said that “they will look for a proper place for this family that is now living under inhuman conditions”, after their house had been demolished. The Mayor also expressed his disagreement with the demolition order. “We will not let them down, and after months of anxiety, their smile is coming back. The must know that we will help them till their case has been resolved”. After the decision of the Judge, the Priors started looking for a new house in the area. At the same time, they are facing the re-opening of their legal proceedings that revoked the municipal licence of June 2003 and the subsequent demolition order of their house. Their case has been re-opened by the Constitutional Court Nº4. The Court states that the constitutional rights of the Priors have been violated, as they have never been informed that their building license had been revoked. The Judge Vicente Martín therefore revoked the demolition order in April 2009. The Priors are holding the Town Hall responsible for “abnormal function of municipal services, granting a building license and revoking it years later”. At this moment, the Priors house is the only case of demolition in Almería. The estimation is that there are at least another 5000 houses in the same area facing the same irregular situation.
Tuesday, 09/02/2010
Yet another article, yet another sad story…
This story goes back to September 2008 and we don’t know how things have gone since.
See link below,
http://www.theolivepress.es/2008/09/03/demolished-dreams/
Also Reminder to all,
Please note the date for the next meeting, Wednesday 17th February 2010 (next Wednesday)
The meeting will all be held at Camping bar/restaurant and will begin at 19.30 hrs.
For directions see link, http://www.campinglavinuela.com/
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Friday, 05/02/2010
MAYOR GIVES OWNERS OF ILLEGAL HOMES HOPE Owners of illegally built homes in Spain have reason to be a little hopeful. There are signs that the Junta de Andalucía is showing more flexibility on the subject of the demolition of these homes.
For the full article see the link below,
http://theleader.info/article/21603/
INTERESTING FACTS AND REPORTS PRODUCED BY CIUDADANOS EUROPEOS (SPAIN) FOR YOUR INFORMATION.
Please see the following link:
http://www.c-euro.org/
WE ARE TRYING TO ORGANIZE A MARCH IN MALAGA IN 2010 to coincide with the meeting of the EU held at the Palacios de Congresos. You may be aware that
Spain has taken over the Presidency of the European Union for the first six months of 2010 and we wish to take advantage of their holding a Ministers meeting in Malaga also on the 17th March. We hope to be able to confirm this very soon, meanwhile we need as many people as possible to attend this march.
This is our chance to show the public how we feel and bring our problems to the attention of the national and international media.
Watch this space for updates.
Monday, 01/02/2010
Please note the dates for the next meetings,
Wednesday 17th February 2010
Wednesday 14th July 2010
These meetings will all be held at Camping bar/restaurant and will begin at 19.30 hrs.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Please inform others about these meetings and SOHA.ES activities and encourage them to take part and support us.
Friday, 22/01/2010
We have the following links to see an article and also sign a petition to bring our situation to the public attention.
It may be a good idea if you could email it to your contact lists as well, so we can get more people involved.
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_24588.shtml
and the petition is at,
www.so-called-illegal-properties-in-spain.com
TAKE ACTION!
Every name counts. Help yourself by doing your bit and don’t leave it to others to do it for you.
Wednesday, 20/01/2010
We have received this today from Richard King Parliamentary assistant to Marta Andreasen.
To see Marta Andreasen’s speech in the European Parliament today before Mr. Zapatero please see link,
www.ukipmeps.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD0wk5cK4LU
Below is the text of her speech
I have heard with attention your proposals for the Spanish presidency and ..I wish you luck. I represent the South East of England and many of my constituents together with other European citizens have been suffering urbanisation abuses in the Mediterranean coast and other parts of Spain for a long time now. Three reports have been approved by this Parliament urging the Spanish authorities to take action but other than the conviction of local officials and politicians and the passing of the new land law, no specific action has been taken to defend the people who are suffering prejudice. The problems my constituents face go from the dramatic situation of Mr.Len and Helen Prior (of Berkshire) who saw their house being demolished because the authorities said it was built in breach of the Costal Law, to cases like that of Mrs. Doreen Snook (also from Berkshire) in Alicante or Mr. Lohmann in Lanzarote who cannot actually live in the houses they have purchased because of the lack of proper infrastructure and services. As a national of Spain I am ashamed to see what is going in my country. And I have big concern for the future of the Spanish tourism business now that the press is telling about the bad fortune of these people. Sr. Zapatero me dirijo a Ud. ahora en su lengua materna que es también la mía: los afectados no son personas de gran fortuna, son simplemente personas que con el fruto de su trabajo compraron una casa en este país de clima benigno y buena gente para vivir después de su jubilación. Esta gente se ve injustamente abocada a pagar honorarios de abogados y otros expertos para defender el caso por vía judicial, todo ello sin grandes perspectivas de éxito! The European Union has been convincing its population that it is there to maintain peace in Europe. Is the situation I describe a way to maintain peace? You are telling us that you are going to get Europe out of the crisis. If you cannot solve the problem I am referring to, how much credibility can you have in solving Europe´s financial crisis? Mr. Zapatero, We want a solution now. We want the people to be able to live in the houses they bought. If this is not possible they need to be granted a fair compensation that allows them to buy a similar property. This Parliament has only threatened to block payment of subsidies to Spain, but I can assure you that if this situation is not resolved during the Spanish presidency I will do everything I can to turn this threat into action.
Tuesday, 19/01/2010
Just for your information there are a couple of new articles from the UK daily newspapers. Nothing really new in the stories themselves but they do at least show that the situation here in Spain is still very topical in the UK and hopefully the continued publicity can only help our cause.
Article from today’s Times: http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article6991752.ece
Article from yesterday’s Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1243586/If-come-bulldoze-villa-chain-inside-die-Spanish-dream.html
SOHA.ES report of the march in Almeria,
A full coach of SOHA.ES members and friends set off from Vinuela on Monday January 11th to join the protest march in Almeria. We arrived in good time and were joined by 5 coaches of supporters from Cantabria and one from Valencia. Numbers present were estimated to be between 500 and 1000. Maura Hillen, the organiser, had done a good job of organising it and the Police were at the ready to close off traffic where needed and keep us all in order. Some leaflets were given out but it was felt that next time we need far more as many Spanish were curious to know what it was all about. Although it was reported as a group of British and Irish taking part, there were some Spanish and other European and Scandinavians protesting at the problems many of us face because of the corruption in Town Halls or the power struggle taking place between the Junta de Andalusia and the Town Halls. Maura Hillen, Charles Svorboda and Helen Prior all spoke when we reached the offices of the Junta. Maura reported that as a result of the protest march, a meeting had been arranged for Friday January 15th with the Spanish Ombudsman, to discuss the demolition threats. Did it achieve anything? Well, it was certainly well reported in the British papers both in Spain and in England and was reported in several Spanish papers as well as on the television by Canal Sur. We still need bigger numbers if we are to get the interest of the Central Government to put pressure on the Junta or Regional Government if we are to see a solution to the problems in our lifetime. Those that took part in the protest feel ready to march again, and next time it will be aimed at a wider audience.
Get your banners ready!
For photos of the march, see links below.
Wednesday, 13/01/2010
Auan Press release, 12th January 2010
NEW DEMOLITION ORDER FOR ALBOX COMES TO LIGHT
Please see the link below for the full press release,
http://www.almanzora-au.org
Tuesday, 12/01/2010
As you know a demonstration took place in Almeria yesterday and we were able to offer our support with a full coach of 55 people.
Thanks to all those who made the effort to attend. A full report of the day will be issued in due course but for ther moment and just for your information I have provided
several links of the protest below:
English Press coverage,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1242378/British-ex-pats-streets-Spain-protest-plans-bulldoze-illegally-built-homes.html
http://www.euroweeklynews.com/2010011170527/news/costa-de-almeria/british-ex-pats-demand-justice-in-almeria.html
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_24666.shtml
http://www.theolivepress.es/2010/01/11/expatriates-march-on-almeria/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/4213997/British-expatriates-march-in-Spain-to-protest-against-chaotic-planning-laws.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exzSyCn8daI&videos=3jihqgYh7cI
Spanish Press coverage,
http://www.elpais.com/articulo/andalucia/500/britanicos/reclaman/Almeria/legalicen/viviendas/elpepuespand/20100112elpand_11/Tes
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2010/01/11/andalucia/1263238950.html
http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/604008/0/
http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/603886/0/
I realise that not everyone speaks spanish but it at least shows that the situation is not being ignored by the spanish press.
Monday, 11/01/2010
Some positive news…
AUAN Press release – 9th January 2010
Victims of the recent demolition orders, together with their lawyers, met yesterday in Albox with several representatives of the town council and the AUAN to discuss the current situation. The Mayor of Albox, Sr. José García, was in Seville for talks with the Vice consejero of the Planning office of the Junta de Andalucia, Justo Mañas Alcón.
The lawyers representing affected homeowners outlined their points of view. It was underlined that the legal process is both complicated and very advanced.
Town Hall officials were at pains to reassure those facing the loss of their homes that “Your problem is our problem” and that “We are all in the same boat”. Asked whether Sr. Garcia would be prepared to execute the orders, we were told that he would do everything in his power, within the law, to prevent them from being carried out.
We were assured the Town Hall would not act impulsively and would continue to stay in close touch with the affected parties and their lawyers. Sr Garcia will return to Seville for another meeting next week with the AUAN… It was explained that it was in the hands of the Junta de Andalucia to stop these demolitions and within their legal powers to do so. Our continued pressure is therefore one of the most valuable tools we have in our struggle to stop this lunacy. Meanwhile, support for the planned demonstration on Monday has grown and grown. We have had to increase the number of coaches to take people to Almeria from Albox, and we will be joined there by groups from all over the country. Media interest has also been strong. In the UK many national newspapers have given us wide coverage. Spanish media interest is also very high and we have had sympathetic and widespread coverage.
A campaign has been mounted on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stop-house-demolitions-in-Albox-and-other-areas-of-Spain/274981508867?ref=m
There is a petition to 10 Downing Street
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/No-demolitions/#detail
Local ‘Albojenses’ (citizens of Albox) are signing a petition and the story is being covered on countless forums and interest-group web-sites in both English and Spanish.
Latest…..
The planned demolition of a home in Vera on the 12th of January has been postponed after last minute legal arguments were accepted. Our thanks to all the individuals and media who are supporting us. We still need you! Please continue to help!
Other News…
From our friends in AUAN…
I was interviewed by Canal Sur last night via Pat our press officer. It will be on around 2.30 today and they will be attending the march on Monday. The story has been covered by La Voz, El Almeria and El Mundo have gone BIG, publishing our much awaited two page article TODAY.
SOHA.ES have now over 40 members confirmed for the trip tomorrow, to take part in the protest march in Almeria. There are still spaces should you wish to go.
Please contact Philip Smalley.
Also more you tube links below,
The Priors story, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q89mu1xehhs
Last protest march in Almeria, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfrVvgJ0cI4
Other marches, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYz63-wwPlc
There are more videos on you tube under similar or same headings
Wednesday, 06/01/2010
Article in Typically Spanish, more on possible demolitions.
Please see the link below for the full article,
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_24588.shtml
URGENT
The travel arrangements for the trip to Almeria on Monday 11th January 2010 are confirmed as follows:
A coach willl leave Camping bar/restaurant at 0745 hrs and we expect to arrive back between 1900 and 2000 hrs. Thank you very much if you have already informed us of your intention to join the protest.
We still have a number of places left on the coach so I would urge everyone else to consider joining us.
If this protest is successful and helps to make a difference it will clearly be of benefit to all people who are affected by the actions of the authorities, included those of us here in the Axarquia region. Don’t leave it for others to take action as we have no way of knowing when the bull-dozers may arrive in our own towns or villages…………..
Monday, 04/01/2010
Please see the link below for the full article,
Article in the Sunday Express, 03/01/2010, by Jane Slade.
http://www.express.co.uk/features/view/149500/We-ll-march-on-Seville-to-save-our-homes
We have been asked by the administrator of the forum below to post the following link on our web site;
http://www.arboleas.co.uk/forum/index.php?board=87.0/demolitions
As a forum they are coordinating a campaign to stop these and other possible future demolitions happening.
Saturday, 02/01/2010
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH – THE VICTIMS TAKE TO THE STREETS
AUAN Press release,
British ex-pats in the South of Spain are organising themselves to strongly oppose eight demolition orders recently issued to British residents in the town of Albox, Almeria. We understand that none of the victims had been informed of the initial proceedings, and indeed the demolition notification has come as a big shock to them. We consider that they were deprived of a proper opportunity to defend the action, and that their human rights have been infringed.The Auan’s legal representatives, and the victim’s lawyers, are attempting to mount a legal challenge to the imminent demolitions, together with the support of the Mayor of Albox, who described the demolition orders as an ‘atrocity’.
Candlelight Vigil 9th January,
The first of two planned actions will be the holding of a candlelight vigil on the 9th of Janurary in the ruins of the home of Len and Helen Prior, pensioners whose house was illegally demolished in nearly Vera two years ago on that date. This couple are still living in what was their former garage with no mains water, no electricity and absolutely no sign of any compensation for their loss.
This event is the result of collaboration between two local groups fighting urban corruption in the area and they will be joined by representatives from across Spain, including the newly formed National Federation of Organisations against urban abuse(FAUN).
Peaceful Protest March 11th January,
The presentation, just before Christmas, of yet more demolition orders to unsuspecting homeowners in the area, again without any sign of compensation, has been the catalyst for the ex-pat community to take to the streets and make its voice heard. The AUAN (an organisation of homeowners in the area campaigning to obtain legal status for members’ property) is organising a march in Almeria town on the 11th of January to protest against this scandal and appeal to the authorities to respond to the just demands of those innocent people who invested in good faith and are now facing the possible loss of their home and life savings. We are protesting against legal and planning uncertainty, against bad administration and corruption, against the failure to respect citizens’ human rights and against the failure of the administration to comply with European Parliament resolutions including the Auken report. We cannot sit back and watch these demolitions and will do everything possible to avoid this injustice.
March Route, The starting point for the demonstration is the Puerta de Purchena at midday (12.00). The route is envisaged to follow the Ramble de Obispo Orbera to the Rambla de Almería (Avenida de Federico García Lorca). There will be a pause for speeches in the area of the Obelisk in calle Regina Regente and the marchers will return to Puerta de Purchena at apx 15.00. We are not prepared to stand politely by as more unfortunate families are destroyed through no fault of their own. Recourse to further demolitions will only further damage Spain’s image abroad. The authorities must be made to realise that to continue with these actions is not acceptable, is contrary to the rights of its citizens, attracts damaging and hostile publicity and is tantamount to economic suicide in this region.
Support, We ask all citizens and groups who wish to raise their voice and make their presence felt to turn up and support us.
SOHA.ES will be attending to support the march on the 11th, please see below for more informtion.
Friday, 01/01/2010
Protest march In Almeria Monday 11th of January 2010
The message and press release above has been sent to us via our friends from Auan as there are more demolitions planned in Almeria and Albox areas starting from the 12th of Januray 2010!!!
We need to support this event as numbers are very important. Members and friends of SOHA.ES should receive an email shortly asking them to take part.
Please get in touch with us to register your interest as we need to organise transport, etc.
Other news,
We have been notified that articles were published in the Sun and the Daily Mail today reffering to our situation in Spain.
Please click on the links to read the articles,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1239219/Bulldozer-threat-Britons-villas-Expats-Spain-fight-save-homes.html
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2787580/Brits-told-their-Spanish-villas-will-be-bulldozed-in-weeks.html
We have also had contact from the Sunday Express who informed us that the article with regards to our area will be published on Sunday 3rd of January 2010
