Gran Alacant Advertiser August 2023

Gran Alacant Advertiser continues to bring you all the local NEWS including information from the local Town Hall representative. Working for the local community since May 2005.

If you have any QUESTIONS or PROBLEMS you would like us to discuss, please email on info@granalacantadvertiser.com

Q: Parking

Dear Lou,

There have been many recent much needed improvements to the post office building in GA. However, I am bewildered by the addition of a burger bar to the already, far too small car park. I have nothing against the owner of this business trying to make money during the summer season, but who on earth seriously thought allowing the van with its tables and chairs to monopolise the car park was a sensible idea, when parking is so limited at the best of times?

I would love to know who gave permission for it to be sited in this location. Also, do not get me started on the car park up by the medical centre being taken up with fairground stalls every summer!

Kind regards

Michael

Oscar Valenzuela’s reply:

My apologies if the burger bar outside the post office and the fairground in front of the medical centre causes frustration to some residents. This will only be temporary for the summer months. The fairground is especially important for families with children.

Q:  Speed Bumps Near The School

Speed bumps have been built in two areas of Avd. Noruega, but the most dangerous point remains flat. Many children cross the flat pedestrian crossing for school at around 9 am. Cars are parked haphazardly, which makes exiting from Novamar 3 very stressful. To add to the stress some parents are driving like crazy.

Kind regards

Rune

Q: Speeding on Calle Belgica

This is the fifth time I have written concerning speeding on Calle Belgica.

Five cats have now been killed (two of which were mine). Last week a red car driving like an idiot hit my cat. Luckily, the poor animal survived; limping, but alive. Thank goodness! Of course the driver of the vehicle did not even stop. I am sick of it. Am I the only person here who is scared to death to go out of my door?

Oscar recently visited but 5 months have passed and still no speed bumps. I am going to try to install something before my door to slow down the racers. I have no choice. If a child was hit I am sure a speed bump would be installed quickly enough.

Ria

Q: Speeding on Calle Belgica

I would like to draw attention to the speed of motor vehicles passing my home on Calle Belgica. My neighbour Ria has also written to you and her complaint falls on deaf ears. Just recently, a motorist stopped and spoke with Ria about an injured cat on the road that had been involved in a hit and run. This could easily have been a child.

Ria and I request that the council put in speed ramps to slow motorists down before there is a more serious accident.

Kind regards

Joyce

Oscar Valenzuela’s reply

Concerning the installation of more speed bumps in and around GA. Phase 1 has been complete which focused on busy main roads. The budget was already in place for this. Now that we are in phase 2, we can examine other locations together with the local police. A budget is necessary for this and it will take time.

Q: Parking on Escandinavia Market Site

Hi Lou

When the new temporary school goes on the market site, will there be parking still

available for the public on the existing market car park?

The parking at the top of Gran Alacant around Quicksave is getting less and less for customers, when trying to visit the local businesses. If the town hall stop letting customers park on the market site, the parking situation will be even worse. Please ask the town planners if they have thought of this and if people will still be able to park on the market car park.

Thanks Lee

(on behalf of businesses at the top of GA)

Oscar Valenzuela’s reply

Yes, parking will be open for everybody and it is possible that market will move to a new location sooner than planned which will create more space.

READERS RESTAURANT STORY

My friends recently visited Gran Alacant. Looking for a restaurant close to where they were staying, they decided to eat at a well-known Chinese Restaurant, which charged a set price for all you could eat. Upon entering the restaurant, the proprietor produced a tape measure and proceeded to measure their 10-year-old son to ascertain which pricing category he fell into. This was both intimidating and disturbing for the family, and a procedure never witnessed by them before in Spain! They were then charged an adult price for their son. They will not return to this particular restaurant. In addition, as bad news travels fast neither will many other couples with children.

RECYCLING Hello Lou

We are not living permanently in Spain so when we come we try to catch up on the back issues of the excellent GA Advertiser which always provides us with a lot of useful information. In the April edition, I was very impressed by the article entitled Home Turf written by Juan and Archie regarding the lack of environmental consideration given to the planning of projects in the area. They are of course correct, so I wondered whether there had been any changes in any of the ongoing or future projects because of their article? Have the local councillors been shown the article for their consideration? Apart from the fact that we all need to consider the global climate

crisis, what they say about the area looking and feeling pleasant and welcoming is also very relevant.

Also on the environmental topic, I refer to our previous conversation, when I asked what happened to the 'rubbish' in the big grey bins. Maybe I missed the answer in an edition of the magazine, but were you able to find out where it goes? I am really hoping it is not landfill, but I suspect it may be which makes it even more important for people to reuse and recycle as much as possible.

Do you know how the rates of recycling compare with other areas of Spain, or even other countries? I suspect that they are rather lower than we would like and it certainly does not help that the bins are not labelled, only colour coded. Non-local people would not know what the code is and therefore recyclables are likely to be put in the grey bins, or the wrong bins thus contaminating the load. Is it possible to suggest that the bins be labelled? An alternative may be to have signage near the bins, and maybe some extra information in your magazine to help holidaymakers? We designed a guide to help.

Thanks once again for all your work on the magazine

Nicky x

LATEST NEWS FROM THE GA COUNCILLOR OSCAR VALENZUELA

TRANSPORT

We want to inform our neighbors of the repeated requests to the Ministry of Mobility to improve the frequency and quality of the Transport Service in Gran Alacant.

There has been a decrease in frequency in transport service for the area of Gran Alacant and Santa Pola, without taking into account that it is a registered population of 36,000 inhabitants (50,000 if we take into account water and garbage consumption) nor its increase (up to 200,000 inhabitants) in the summer holiday periods.

We recently had a meeting with the winning company Vectalia to try and reach a solution to this problem. We plan to continue meeting in order to obtain the Transport Service that we deserve as a municipality as well as demand a more efficient transport service from the Ministry of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility.

PARKS, GARDENS, CLEANING & PEST CONTROL

During the last month and a half, gardening and clearing works have intensified, as well as pest and mosquito control throughout Gran Alacant.

PROGRESS IN PHOTOS

New school modules being placed on the market site and to be finished by September

ADVICE IN HIGH TEMPERATURES

Be careful in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 5 pm

Drink plenty of liquids even if you are not thirsty

Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or sugar, as they can promote dehydration

Eat hearty salads, fruits and vegetables

Be careful with your car, don't leave anyone inside, not even your pet

Look for cool places and shaded areas

Take special care of the elderly, sick and people under 4 years old

Avoid intense exercise in the hottest hours

Use protective sun creams

Playground at the front of the medical centre renovation complete

Police station at Centro Commercial under construction

Football pitch at the Sports Centre complete

FUNDRAISING in GA

GALS raise 126e for Elche Children’s Home

The GALS enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Il Sapore Italian restaurant on Friday 30th June.

We had exclusive use of the top terrace overlooking the sea and the breeze kept us all cool. Our fund raising raffle raised 126 euros for this year’s chosen charity (Elche Children’s Home). The prize of a free lunch was kindly donated by our hosts.

Any lady with a connection to Gran Alacant can join our friendly group - GRAN ALACANT LADIES (you can find us on Facebook).

We are so lucky to have a membership made up of so many nationalities. Jo, Selina and Claire

If you would like to supply news or info for our next edition, or have a question for Gran Alacant Councillor Oscar Pedro Valenzuela, please email: info@granalacantadvertiser.com

MONTEMAR BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB

Sponsored by The Pub, Gran Alacant Insurances, Dialprix, The Belfry, Sunrise Builders, La Piedra and Dunbars

CARBOOT

Sunday 18th June

As we had a lot of clothes and household items left from doing the table top sale at the bowls club, we thought we would try the car boot. It was quite a successful morning we managed to sell all the household items and some of the clothes. Thanks to Sue, Joan, Des, Lynne and Sheila.

We finished fourth in the league, well done to everyone who contributed.

CHICKEN RUN

Sunday 25th June

As the weather was very hot it was decided we would just play fourteen ends.

END OF SEASON LUNCH

Monday 19th June

The last game of the season was at home to San Miguel Christians, it was a good result we won 9 – 3. After the game thirty members had a very enjoyable afternoon at The Belfry. The carvery as usual was delicious and the company good.

The winners of the chickens were Mary with seventeen shots and Neil with twentytwo shots. The eggs were won by Des and

Phil, Tanya Oliver and Jack Burrell donated the chickens, Julia and Ian Hamilton not forgetting the chickens donated the eggs. The football card was won by Chris Harding with Q.P.R. Just recently members who have won the Bonus ball and Football card have donated their winnings to the carpet fund, thanks to them and to all who attended and made it another successful club day.

BARBEQUE

Saturday 1st July

The barbeque at the Santara Resort was a great success. About twenty five people

attended the drinks flowed and the food was lovely. Well done to the chefs Ian Hamilton, Howie Williams and their assistant Les bounds. Thank you to the new ladies of the social committee for organising the event. Also big thank you to Keith and his team at Santara Resort for their help.

SKIPPERS

We are delighted that Simone at Skippers has included the Club badge on her staff’s new uniforms, they look very smart.

For further information about Monte Mar Bowls and Social Club check out our website www.montemarbowls.com or email us at info@montemarbowls.com We are also on Facebook

Book of the month

by Beth

This has to be my favourite book of 2023 so far

My Recommended Book of the Month

Bonnie Garmus

Lessons in Chemistry

Beth worked as a Qualified Librarian in Aberdeen for 20 years. She loves reading and delights in finding exciting new authors as well as reverting back to favourite writers of all genres. Beth has lived in Gran Alacant for the last 15 years.

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it is the early 1960’s and her all male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for One. Calvin Evans, the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize nominated grudge - holder who falls in love with – of all things - her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking proves revolutionary. But as her following grows not everyone is happy. Because Elizabeth is not just teaching women to cook, she is daring them to change the status quo.

This book often made me laugh out loud. Elizabeth is an original, vibrant protagonist. It is optimistic and full of love and family.

NEXT BOOK CLUB MEETING

Wednesday 30 August 2pm, Skipper Bar MASA Square

We meet up once a month, discuss the books we are reading now and suggest new ones. Anyone interested in joining us or looking for more information please contact Beth on Whatsapp +44 7853 363060

Symbol of confidence

YOUR API REGISTERED ESTATE AGENT IN GRAN ALACANT SINCE 2007

Out & About ...

We take many photos “Out & About” in Gran Alacant but can only include a selection

... in Gran Alacant

Children’s Piano Concert at Skipper Bar

Home Turf

Follow us on Instagram: juanruano.oficial & archiemaddan Beachcombing

The signature features of our region are surely its beaches. Nothing attracts visitors to Alicante more than the broad sandy beaches that are scattered along the Costa Blanca. However, our coastline also includes secluded rocky coves (called “calas” in Spanish) hedged around with steep cliffs. We felt that it was time for us to write about a few of the wonderful places on our coast that still retain that special Costa Blanca magic that has enchanted visitors to our region for so long.

The most famous sand beaches in the region are the “city beaches” at places such as Benidorm, Calpe and San Juan Playa. These wonderful expanses of golden sand have developed into sophisticated stretches of recreational real estate. They provide every service and entertainment one could desire, including fun fairs and even beach bars offering french champagne served at your sun lounger! Wonderful as these beachers are, we have decided to focus this article on more remote and less developed coastal spots. So pack your towels and come with us for a tour of a few of our favourite seaside haunts…

Just south of Santa Pola is El Pinet beach. Laying next to a nature reserve this narrow but long stretch of golden sand is a beautiful reminder of the original coastline. The northern stretch is backed by steep sand dunes and has a wild character that is always stimulating. The beach is mixed with some nude bathing alongside numerous families happily enjoying sand castle building. The southern part of the beach contains a line of old holiday homes. In this line of beachside houses are a couple of eating places; in particular the characterful Hostal La Maruja and restaurant which serves wonderful rice on its beach terrace

perched only a few metres from the sea! Book ahead to guarantee a place for lunch.

Turning North and travelling up the coast beyond Alicante one encounters a coastline with many beautiful beaches. One of our favourites is the rather extravagantly named Playa Paraiso in Villajoyosa. This wide sandy beach is extremely user friendly and safe. It has the advantage of having beach bars and other eating places within easy proximity. If one wants a straightforward easy day at the beach this is an excellent option.

Further along the coast just after Altea is Playa de la Solsida. This beautiful narrow beach runs north under the cliffs and at the far end one perches on a rocky shelf between the cliffs and sea; this guarantees a degree of privacy and peace unusual on the Costa Blanca. An additional benefit of Solsida beach is the proximity of the charming Portosenso Port and Bar in the marina at the southern end of the beach, perfect for a sundowner…or two…

Moving further up the coast one finds two wonderful cove beaches: Cala Moraig in Benitatxell is famous for the exotic shapes of its eroded sea caves. So popular has it become that one has to book in advance to gain entrance! The effort of booking is however worth it. The steep road down to the cove leads to a curved beach enclosed by steep cliffs which one approaches with a sense of discovery. A truly magical place.

Along the coast, just south of Javea is Cala Portixol. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful and frequently photographed beaches on the Costa Blanca. The delightful whitewashed cottages that line the pebbly beach have surely launched a thousand Instagram stories! The beach is framed by a magnificent cove ending in little islets - one feels almost entirely enclosed. This romantic beach is a must for any visitor to our region.

Finally, those who simply want to swim in clear waters under magnificent cliffs should make their way to Cap Blanc just south of Moraira. This rocky cove beach lays at the base of cliffs facing south towards the rock of Calpe. The surrounding headlands are covered in a polite sprawl of expensive villas, some of which date from the 1960s and feature astonishing space age shapes and curves. One can drive down through the lanes leading to the cliff edge and then walk to the base of cliffs. The swimming here is wonderful: Protected by the embrace of the headland, one swims in clear waters surrounded by fish with the Calpe rock in the distance - Mediterranean perfection!

Our region is blessed with a variety of wonderful beaches to suit every taste and mood. It is worth reminding ourselves that (in contrast to countries such as France and Italy) all Spanish beaches are public with right of access for all people - long may this remain the case - Sous les pavés, la plage!

horarios establecidos a partir del día

1 de julio del 2023.

*Estos servicios realizan su paso por BABEL.

*Las horas de salida desde Óscar Esplá se realizarán 10 min antes de cada salida desde la Estación de Autobuses de Alicante.

Para más información pueden visitar la web → https://movilidad.vectalia.es/rutas/

TRANSPORT IN AND OUT OF GRAN ALACANT

Santa Pola, a 29 de junio del 2023

In July, we were unable to book our weekly Wednesday sessions at 11am at the Indoor Sports Centre next to the outdoor market on Av. D’Escandinavia. It seems that there is no facility available in Gran Alacant for us to use in July.

At the time of writing this article, we have no idea when the outdoor astroturf facility will be completed. We can only hope that we will be allocated time on the facility when it becomes available.

Our July social get-together at La Taverna, Sierra Mar was a success but it was agreed

not to hold one in August as nobody wants to go out much at the moment in the middle of the day.

We were all saddened to lose Clive Bailey, one of our founding members, this month. Clive died in Elche Hospital and was cremated after a private family funeral. We will all miss his sharp wit and humour at our events,

Gran Alacant’s ELCHE CF SUPPORTERS GROUP

A group of football fans in Gran Alacant have their own Elche CF supporters club to attend home games at the stadium and watch away games in local bars around Gran Alacant.

Home games see the group move around different bars in Gran Alacant as their meeting place, with bars used last season including Happy’s at the Commercial Centre, London Tavern, Jolly Roger, Naty’s, Shooters, and The Pub, while Tommy’s is the regular spot up the hill.

From there, the group arranges carsharing to get up to the ground in time for some pre-match beers and food before returning to Gran Alacant afterwards.

Travel to the ground is problematic with no easy public transport links. With the group sharing driving duties, the group has managed to shift larger groups of fans to games.

Tickets are always easy to come by via the club website at www.elchecf.es,

especially with the forthcoming season being in the second division, and there is also the occasional spare ticket available through the group as well.

Jornadas in Spain have games all spread out with each match being televised. It is normal for the actual date and time of the match to not be announced until 2 to 5 weeks beforehand. Home games in August are against RC Ferrol (Sat 12 Aug at 22:00) and Villarreal B (weekend of 27 Aug).

Find the group on Facebook at ‘Peña Elche CF de Gran Alacant’ ¡Mucho Elche!