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Important passport delivery changes (10/10/2008)
From the 3rd November new charges will apply for delivery of passports in Spain and Portugal. All passport applications received on or after the 3rd November will be subject to these charges, although it will still be possible to pick up your passport in person from the Consulate-General in Madrid without delivery costs. The new passport courier service will mean a greatly improved service for customers. It will be provided by DHL Express, a reputable multinational company with a strong track record of secure, on time delivery. DHL Express will:
- provide 2 employees permanently based at the British Consulate-General Madrid to ensure an efficient, dedicated and tailor-made service for our customer;
- call every customer in advance in English to ensure that they'll be at home at the time of delivery;
- ensure an integrated end-to-end delivery process straight from our passport printers to your door. DHL Express has comprehensive coverage of the Iberian peninsula through its network of 7000 staff, 99 offices, 5000 vehicles and 25 planes;
- run an online tracking system so you can see the progress of your passport delivery in real time;
- provide uniformed, identifiable staff and provide a secure servic.
British Consular Services Iberia has negotiated a very competitive and comprehensive deal for passport customers with DHL Express. This compares very favourably to prices charged by other companies for secure delivery of important documents, particularly as it includes a number of additional features such as advance customer contact in English.
The costs for the new service are as follows:
Mainland Spain, Balearics, Ceuta, Melilla and Portugal: 16 Euros*
Canary Islands, Portuguese Islands and Andorra: 21 Euros*
(*These prices are exclusive to customers of British Consular Services Iberia)
Further information on this service, including delivery times, prices and tracking, will be published on the British Embassy website from 3rd November. You may also consult DHL's website for further information on their services.
Geoff Ogle, the DHSS Director for Pensions based in Newcastle, paid a fact finding visit to Torrevieja last week.
He and his aides met Graham Knight and Pedro Valero at the Foreigners’ Office for a discussion about how the many ex-pats living in the area are affected by DHSS regulations relating to pensions, allowances, etc. and how the Spanish equivalent, the INSS, worked in practice as far as foreigners are concerned. Although Mr Ogle has visited Spain previously, this was the first time he had visited Torrevieja, which was chosen because of the high number of ex-pats who have settled here.
There are too many sources of information regarding allowances and pensions to mention them all, but the main website in the UK for pensions and non-pension related allowances such as incapacity benefit, fuel allowances, etc., is www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
For healthcare abroad, visit www.dh.gov.uk/travellers There is a website in English here in Spain for information about Spanish benefits and pensions, for those who are entitled to them, at www.seg-social.es.
Incidentally, anyone who is eligible, but is not planning to travel outside of Spain this summer, need not rush if they are thinking of applying for a Spanish European health card (EHIS), which gives the holder medical cover outside of Spain. The INSS office in Orihuela is currently issuing just a paper certificate which gives temporary cover for 3 months. Staff there told our reporter, when he went to apply for his own card, that the reason is that they have none of the actual plastic cards to issue and are awaiting delivery of them from Madrid!
WITHDRAWAL OF VALENCIA HEALTH CARE CONCESSION
PRESS STATEMENT 12 JUNE, 2008
The withdrawal of the Valencia Health Care concession enabling certain British and other European Union citizens to benefit from health care in Valencia under the Spanish Social Security system will have serious consequences for many whose decision to live in Spain was partly based on the existence of this concession.
The advice of the British Embassy in Madrid that those affected should consider taking out private health insurance does not satisfy the situation of those who cannot afford private insurance and in some cases, an existing medical condition would exclude them from the scope of private insurance.
The British Embassy in Madrid states that it is in close contact with the Valencia government regarding the issue. C.L.A.R.O. hopes that solutions are being sought to avoid hardship for those who will be affected.
The decision of the Valencia regional government is no doubt based on financial considerations and it is appreciated that the withdrawal will be phased out so that those with SIP health cards will continue to benefit from access to health care until the expiry of their present cards. The withdrawal of the concession does not affect either pensioners or those employed in but essentially early retirees. The number will not therefore be great. In the case of British citizens, most early retirees would still be eligible for health care under the National Health Service if they were living in the United Kingdom
It should surely be possible for the United Kingdom and Valencia government authorities to find solutions for the relatively small number of British citizens living in Valencia who could otherwise face real hardship.
C.L.A.R.O. suggests all those who will be affected should contact the British Embassy in Madrid informing them of their situation and urging the Embassy to take a lead in defending their interests and finding a solution to the problem.
British Embassy, Madrid.
Telephone 91 700 82 00. E-mail: enquiries.madrid@fco.gov.uk
Los Verdes Praises Decision to Keep Ex-Mayor Behind Bars
Los Verdes have applauded the Spanish Government’s decision to deny clemency to the ex-Mayor of Orihuela and former Minister of the Valencian Government, Luis Fernando Cartagena.
A spokesman for the opposition party, which has three Councillors in the Orihuela Council, said; “We consider that the sentence imposed is a serious notice and warning for the plots of corruption that operate in the Vega Baja del Segura and throughout the Comunidad Valenciana.” The Spokesman continued; “Los Verdes hopes that justice will soon take account of other criminal cases that are still against this politician and former senior official of the People’s Party, as well as the rest of the accused, such as the businessman behind Colsur, the company who takes care of all the municipality’s rubbish, Angel Fenoll, amongst others.”
Unacceptable
Luis Fernando Cartagena’s prison sentence represents the seriousness of the offences against him and proves to other officials that this way of doing politics is not acceptable. Corruption on this scale has made it possible for many ‘businessmen’ to use democratic institutions as a mechanism to take advantage and get rich to the point that ‘anything goes’ in order to achieve those objectives. The Spokesman continued; “The lack of means and the collapse suffered by the Administration of Justice in Spain; especially in the region of La Vega Baja del Segura and the difficulties involved for individuals and honest politicians to face up to these persons who engage in crime from the municipalities and other institutions of public administration, has meant that this mafia style of doing politics has been consolidated, expanded and refined.”
Irregularities
The Spokesman concluded; “Los Verdes remains committed to working closely with the judiciary in the accusations of many irregularities detected in the municipal life of some of the Town Halls in which they participate politically. We are aware of the many obstacles that face our Councillors in the work of control and inspection of the management of municipal governments in Town Halls, such as those in Torrevieja and Orihuela; obstacles that only seek to conceal actions that if known, would put Council leaders in the dock.” Following this statement, the party also announced the first of the ongoing local surgeries to be held in Orihuela Costa. This will take place at 10.30am on Wednesday 11th June at the Celtic Isle in Playa Flamenca. Any resident, irrespective of which political party they support, who has a problem that they feel the Los Verdes Councillors might help them with, then this is the opportunity to tell them. Councillor Monserrate Guillén will be present to talk to the residents and there will be members of Los Verdes available to translate if necessary for English, German, French, Swedish, and of course Spanish.
Blog
It is the party’s intention to hold the surgeries on a fortnightly basis and in addition there is the day to day local availability of access to the Los Verdes Working Group for Orihuela Costa, made up of members who live in the area. Also, in order to help keep the residents of Orihuela Costa informed of the progress of the ‘Clean up the Costa’ campaign, the party has started an online Blog at http://cleanupthecosta.blogspot.com/ In addition, they have initiated another Blog entitled ‘Los Verdes in Orihuela Costa’ at http://losverdesinorihuelacosta.blogspot.com/ for news from, and views of, Los Verdes (the green party) of Orihuela on subjects that would seem relevant to the residents of Orihuela Costa.
Neighbourhood Watch Warning for Orihuela Costa
The neighbourhood watch in Orihuela Costa have been receiving lots of information over the last few weeks with regards to crime in the area and as a result, they have asked the local media to make sure that everyone in the area is aware of the latest scams.
A spokesman for the Coast said; “On the Orihuela Costa, we are experiencing a number of cash machine thefts. People are checking their accounts only to find that substantial sums of money have been withdrawn.” It appears that details of the victim’s cash card have been obtained by either scanning the card whilst it is being used or by means of a hidden reading device, secreted on or around the machine. The thieves, who have access to modern technology, then clone the card and use it.
Police
The Spokesman said; “The simple advice is to use, when possible, machines in bank foyers and when the banks are open. If you have to use the machine in the street, try to be accompanied and make sure that no-one is in the vicinity who you do not know.” He continued; “Never accept advice or help from a stranger and if you are not sure, walk away and telephone the Police and before using the machine, check that there is nothing on the machine or around the machine which does not look right.” Cameras and scanners can be very small and not noticeable unless you look, so if in doubt do not use and please call the Police. If the machine does not return your card on the first attempt of use, do not accept help from anyone you do not know, do not use the machine or let anyone else use it, they might be the thief, and call the Police.
Fishermen
The Neighbourhood Watch have also warned about fishermen who are on the prowl again. Not the fishermen who go out and fish for fish in the sea but the car key and wallet fishermen who use fishing rods to remove wallets, keys, etc from inside property during the night. The Neighbourhood Watch Spokesman said; “Please do not leave such items in view for people outside to see, especially now the summer is coming and you leave the windows open.”
There have been reports of house doors being forced when they have not been locked properly and the NW advise you to get a good alarm system. They say; “A good quality alarm which is connected to a control costs money but can save heartbreak and further cost. The thieves know which alarms are good and not easily disabled, so please be well protected.”
Distraction
With holiday makers in abundance at this time of year, the NW are advising everyone to be extra vigilant as in the shopping areas, the old distraction trick is being used. People, on returning to their car, suddenly find a kind person telling them that they have dropped bank notes on the floor as they have got into the car. If this happens, do not be taken in, lock the car doors and drive away. The spokesman said; “Always beware of attempted distraction thefts especially on car parks. The elderly person asking for assistance, the local official who is asking your opinion or telling you that parking is prohibited, or the lost traveller asking directions.” He continued; “Another distraction theft which we have not yet encountered here, is that when it is necessary to reverse from a parked area, the driver finds that there is a piece of paper on his rear window prohibiting his view to the rear. He gets out of his car and is robbed.” Following several wallet thefts in the area the spokesman concluded; “When withdrawing money from banks, never leave the counter or desk before putting money safely away out of sight of other persons inside the bank, or looking through bank windows from the street outside. Above all KEEP ALERT AND KEEP SECURE.”
New Airport for Murcia at Corvera
The government in Madrid has given final approval for Murcia’s new airport at Corvera to go ahead. The project has been promoted by the regional government for many years as an alternative to the existing airport at San Javier which draws about two million mainly-British passengers a year to the region. The regional government has already awarded the concession to construct and operate the new Corvera airport and all that was holding up works was the final approval from the Ministry of Development.
The regional government is delighted with the news and it expects construction work to begin during the summer and to be completed by 2010. After that low-cost airlines are expected to make a bee-line for Corvera. Operations are restricted at San Javier, which is operated by the AENA national airport company, because of the need to share facilities with the military base at San Javier. At Corvera, civilian flights will be able to operate 24-hours a day. At present, land owners are having their land expropriated and this is expected to be concluded soon. There is no cash bonus for them as they are only being paid the value of their land as dry stony farmland.
It has already been announced that budget airlines have expressed strong interest in Corvera and have been in discussions with the concession operator about their needs and plans for the future. The new airport will be directly linked to the several new motorways that have been built across Murcia in recent years and to the main A7 north-south motorway. AENA intends to continue operating the existing airport at San Javier and has invested heavily in constructing a second runway, which is completed but not yet in use, and other infrastructure such as a second control tower.
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Sweet Charity Hospice Fund President / Founder Martha Harlam, has resigned as President of Sweet Charity Hospice Fund due to ill health. We all wish her a speedy recovery.
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Drought in Spain - as In The CoastRider 22 April 2008
Spain is currently suffering its most severe drought in 70 years with the average level of national reservoirs being just over 50 percent full.
According to the Spanish Environment Ministry, in the last six months rainfall across the country has been under half the expected levels.
From autumn 2004 to 2005, Spain recorded the driest 12 months in its history, and the situation has been exacerbated since then with rainfall barely reaching a level considered normal.
Barcelona has been hit particularly hard by the water shortage with some experts claiming that by October this year supplies might run out completely. The city has already restricted the use of water for domestic gardens, as well as parks and public fountains. As an emergency measure, the government has sanctioned the building of a 37 mile pipeline along the main AP- 7 motorway to pump water to Spain’s second biggest city. The project is expected to cost approximately 180 million euros, and has already been criticised by the PP-led Murcia and Valencia regional governments who claim it demonstrates central government favouritism.
Spain has invested heavily in desalination plants, like the one currently being built in Torrevieja, but these do not present a long term solution, and are not without environmental problems of their own.
It is not just the lack of rainfall that is responsible for the drought but the huge increase of consumption due to tens of thousands of new homes springing up all along the Spanish coastline. Adding to the problem are the numerous golf courses which have been opening, all needing a hefty supply of water to stay green. The drought will also impact badly on local agriculture with farmers competing for resources to irrigate their land.
The 2008 World Expo taking place in Zaragoza from June through to September has appropriately named “Water and Sustainable Development” as its central theme.
Recently, Monica Lorente, Mayor of Orihuela, has been in London, Madrid and Valencia promoting the municipality as a tourist destination. However, the mayor’s desire to see more hotels open in the city and on the coast and the fact that the region relies so heavily on golf as a holiday pursuit, do not reflect the severe water shortage we are experiencing, and are likely to experience in the future. A recent report published for the London Tourism Fair showed that guests staying in hotels are likely to use four times as much water as local residents.
Any tourism strategy for this area will need to factor in water sustainability, although if the excessive and scattergun approach to construction in this region is anything to go by, one does wonder if there is a tourism strategy at all.
Rebecca Griffin
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C.L.A.R.O. won the largest share of the votes, more than the Popular Party and the Socialist Party together.
C.L.A.R.O. thanks all it Supporters and Voters for the fantastic result, which we will use for the benefit of all those living in Orihuela Costa. C.L.A.R.O. succeeded in winning the largest share of the votes in District 5 which includes both Orihuela Costa and the neighbouring, separate district of Torremendo, as follows
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