Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced an investment of one billion euros between 2027 and 2031 in the Alicante-Elche Miguel
Hernández Airport, including the old terminal and the new taxiway, among other projects. These projects will increase aircraft tra c and prevent the provincial air eld from becoming overwhelmed. However, the Prime Minister skipped over the construction of a second runway at the AlicanteElche Miguel Hernández Airport.
Sánchez visited the Alicante airport to present the Airport Regulation Document (DORA) 2027-2031, which includes the planning for Aena’s infrastructure. The government will invest €13 billion across Spain, compared to more than €2 billion in the previous plan, Sánchez explained. The investments will reach “all
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Spanish airports.”
The works at Alicante-Elche Airport were more than necessary. Especially since Aena forecasts that more than 20 million passengers will have passed through Alicante-Elche Airport by 2025, which will have been recognized for the fth time as the best in Europe in its category. This will once again set a record after 2024.
The national forecast is for 320 million passengers. Of these, the PM indicated that one in ten passengers passing through Spain will do so in the Valencian Community. That’s 30.2 million. In another twist, two out of three travellers arriving in the autonomous region by air do so in Alicante.
More data: a 10% improvement in air tra c represents 0.5% of the national GDP. And
another: every thousand passengers creates a direct job. Therefore, Pedro Sánchez has thrown a lifeline to the tourism sector in general, one of the country’s main economic drivers, which he called on to “continue caring for and protecting.”
However, the PM did not address one of the business community’s greatest desires: the second runway, a request from the Chamber of Commerce and the Generalitat, which the Ministry of Transport has consistently denied, asserting that the airlines were not requesting it.
But even the president of Aena, Maurici Lucena, has acknowledged that “things are starting to get tight” in terms of air tra c. “The surge in tra c following the pandemic has pushed several airports to the limit of their capacity,” he admitted, and,
therefore, “large airports need a huge wave of investment.”
Transport Minister Óscar Puente has also acknowledged the issue. He announced that Spain will break its passenger record in 2025, with 320 million passengers on the national network. This is 15 million more than last year.
The DORA “is unprecedented in recent decades,” the president of Aena stated. The public company will be responsible for the total investment re ected in the document. The Council of Ministers, “which is where the government is governed,” according to Puente, will approve the document in approximately one year.
This document “reveals the Spanish government’s unrealistic priorities regarding airports,” Puente said.
Man arrested for attacking elderly woman who ended up in the ICU
National Police o cers in Orihuela have arrested a 25-year-old man accused of assaulting an 80-year-old woman and attempting to rob her purse.
The incident occurred mid-morning as the victim entered her apartment building. The suspect allegedly attacked from behind, using a “muzzle grab” to immobilise her, covering her
mouth, and forcing her inside. According to her testimony, he threatened to kill her while demanding her bank card PIN.
A neighbour descending the stairs heard the victim’s screams and confronted the attacker, who released her but violently snatched her bag before eeing. The neighbour pursued him, recovering the discarded purse, though
the assailant initially escaped.
The victim su ered serious injuries, requiring three days in intensive care and ongoing treatment for psychological trauma.
Investigators from the Orihuela Judicial Police determined the assault had been premeditated. Evidence showed the suspect followed the woman from a
nearby ATM, where she had withdrawn money shortly before. Although the victim herself was chosen at random, the attack was deliberate.
After identifying the suspect, o cers conducting routine patrols located and arrested him on a city street. He was subsequently brought before Orihuela’s investigating court, where he remains in custody as the alleged perpetrator.
Costa Blanca’s tourism industry vendors see drop in revenue this summer
Benidorm’s commerce, the tourism powerhouse and barometer for the province of Alicante, has had a dark summer.
According to the Independent Retailers Association (AICO), the 2025 summer season has been “the worst in years,” with sales declines in many cases exceeding 40 percent compared to the previous year.
An internal survey conducted by the employers’ association among its members reveals a very worrying picture: in June, 70% of businesses reported a negative balance sheet, with losses between 11% and 30%. The situation worsened in July, when 94% of respondents reported lower sales than in 2024, and almost half reported declines of between 31% and 50%.
The month of August o ered some slight relief, with an average rebound of 15% to 20%. However, this boost has not been enough to o set the poor start to the summer. “We are still well below last year’s levels,” warns AICO.
The association’s secretary general, Juanjo Camarasa, described the data as “alarming” and asserted that local commerce is losing appeal compared to other destinations in the province. He also criticized the city council’s tourism policy, stating that
“the city’s commercial image is deteriorating. It is becoming less and less attractive to visitors who come from nearby towns to spend the day,” lamenting, among other issues, the pedestrianisation of various roads and the implementation of the Low Emission Zone.
AICO attributes this decline to a combination of factors.
In addition to those already mentioned, it also adds the change in consumer habits following the pandemic, with tourists prioritising accommodation and dining over shopping. On the other hand, there is the reduction in domestic daytime tourism and foreign visitors with lower purchasing power.
The general rise in vacation costs has also had an impact. “Tourists have paid more for the same things
as last year, but with the same budget. Retail has been the last link in that spending chain,” Camarasa points out.
Added to this is the increase in xed business costs—rent, fees, and taxes—a lack of institutional support, and a decline in local consumption, which is of particular concern to retailers.
Another factor that, according to AICO, has diminished the attractiveness of the commercial o ering is the implementation of the Low Emission Zone in the city centre. Many local and regional customers have reportedly reduced their visits due to “fear of nes” and the increased di culty of access by private vehicle.
“People from Benidorm itself, from neighborhoods like La Cala and Rincón, no longer go downtown to shop,” the association complains.
A 63-year-old Brit woman strangles friend with a vacuum cleaner cord in Benidorm
National Police officers in Benidorm Police have arrested a 64-year-old British woman for her alleged involvement in the violent death of a 66-yearold British woman with whom she was friends, in the tourist capital of the Costa Blanca.
According to reports the incident occurred after the two friends had an intense argument inside a home in the Rincón de Loix area. The weapon used in the crime was reportedly a household appliance cord—apparently a vacuum cleaner—with which she was allegedly asphyxiated.
A third person, another British woman reportedly witnessed the events and reported the incident to the authorities.
National Police have already arrested the accused, who was cooperative with the officers, although nothing has been revealed so far regarding whether she has yet made any statements and, if so, the motivation behind this tragic incident.
When the first officers arrived, they corroborated the
authenticity of the call and confirmed that the victim no longer had vital signs and that the cable used as the murder weapon was still wrapped around her neck. Furthermore, there were clear signs of death by asphyxiation.
The alleged perpetrator was arrested on the spot, offered no resistance and confessed to the murder. The exact motive for the crime has not yet been revealed, nor have the circumstances surrounding the events. The detainee was later taken by ambulance from the Emergency Information and Communication Centre to a health centre in Benidorm for a medical examination, as is routine for any person arrested.
National Police officers secured the area, and Forensic Police specialists began a visual inspection to establish the scene and gather criminal evidence. They then seized the cable, from which they will extract DNA and search for possible fingerprints of the perpetrator
Alicante airport feels affects of European cyber attack
The consequences of the large-scale cyberattack against the technology provider that manages the check-in and boarding systems at numerous European airports continue to wreak havoc. In Alicante, the terminal’s check-in counters have experienced up to ten delays since early Sunday morning, in addition to a cancelled ight.
The Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport has been the hardest hit in the region, with several ights delayed due to the congestion at international terminals in Brussels, London, and Berlin. The infrastructure in these cities indicates that Sunday will be “di cult” in terms of operations following the cyberattack.
The a ected European airports warned passengers on social media this Sunday of potential incidents during landings or take-o s, as they have not yet resolved
the logistical problems. Therefore, they were urging travellers to check the ight status before arriving at the airport.
A ight to Brussels was cancelled at Alicante-Elche Airport, where departure delays increased through the day. More than a dozen ights were a ected since early Sunday morning. This includes ights to Liverpool, Baden-Baden, Düsseldorf, Wroclaw, Manchester, London Gatwick, the East Midlands, and Oslo.
Sundy morning saw four ights to Alicante have experienced delays at the airport. These ights are three hours late, as the scheduled landing was 9:15am on Sunday, which was delayed till around 12:17, and the arrival from Porto landed at 10:15am, despite being scheduled for 9:20am. The same happened with ights from Palma de Mallorca and Toulouse.
Meanwhile, other
airports were also feeling the e ects. Brussels Airport expected Sunday to remain a “di cult” day for operations, while at Berlin-Brandenburg, the recommendation is to use virtual check-in systems, as “there are longer than usual wait times” at physical check-in counters.ç
London Heathrow Airport has stated that “the vast majority of ights” have continued operating despite the incidents, although it has also urged travellers to check and not arrive at the airport too early to avoid congestion. No group has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that a ected check-in and boarding services at several airports, none of them in Spain.
Aena has assured that Spanish airports did not experience any problems beyond the disruptions to ights connecting to other European destinations that have su ered incidents linked to Collins Aerospace.
2026 Gaudi centenary to be marked with Sagrada Família tallest tower
Barcelona’s landmark Sagrada Familia is expected to crown its highest tower in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of the death of its visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, organisers have announced. The full completion of the basilica, however, is now projected for 2035.
The building committee has invited Pope Leo XIV to lead a solemn mass on 10 June 2026, commemorating 100 years since Gaudí died after being hit by a tram.
‘We hope to receive a response this month,’ said Esteve Camps, president of the construction board, during a press brie ng.
The 172.5-metre central tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest of the 18 spires Gaudí conceived, is scheduled to be nished in early 2026 when a massive cross will be placed at its summit.
True to the architect’s plans, the basilica’s height will remain slightly lower than Barcelona’s Montjuïc hill, which rises 177 metres and continues to dominate the city’s skyline.
Despite the milestone,
the centenary celebrations will not mark the end of construction on what is often described as the world’s most famous un nished church. Started in 1882, the project has been repeatedly delayed by wars, nancial di culties, and most recently the Covid-19 pandemic, which derailed earlier hopes of nishing everything by 2026.
No nal date has yet been con rmed. ‘We have spoken of in about 10 years, but it is only an estimate,’ chief architect Jordi Faulí
explained.
One of the biggest sticking points is a planned staircase for the main entrance, which would mean demolishing several apartment blocks. The proposal has triggered strong protests and is still being discussed with the city council.
The basilica’s works are nanced largely through ticket sales. Last year, almost 4.9 million people visited the site, reinforcing its status as one of Barcelona’s top attractions.
The Costa Blanca Trust has taken part in a destination presentation in Athens to celebrate the launch of the new air route between Alicante and the Greek capital. The event, organized by Turespaña at the Spanish Embassy, targeted leading tour operators, travel agencies, and specialized media.
Representing Alicante’s Provincial Tourism Board, director José Mancebo highlighted the province’s diverse tourism o erings and unveiled the new “Wow” campaign to the metropolitan Athens market.
“This action is part of our strategic commitment to expanding into new markets and is in line with the recent air connection between Alicante and Athens, operated by EasyJet,” Mancebo explained. “The route has received a positive response, and our goal is to maintain and strengthen it next year, forging closer ties between
two Mediterranean destinations while creating new opportunities for our tourism sector.”
More than 70 top media outlets attended, including Naftemporiki, Ethnos. gr, Fortune Greece, Greek Travel Pages, and TravelDailyNews, alongside other in uential digital and national platforms. Key players in Greece’s tourism ecosystem also participated, such as Visit Greece, HATTA, SETE, INSETE, the GNTO, and Athens International Airport. Travel agencies including Mazi Travel, Ask2Travel, Iberica Travel, and Kyklos were also present.
The Athens event marked the rst promotional action since the route opened this summer, which has already carried more than 11,150 passengers. The Provincial Tourism Board aims to build on this momentum, with new joint proposals involving local tourism operators and the airline for 2026.
Costa Blanca showcases new Alicante-Athens route in Greece
During the presentation, the Costa Blanca was positioned as one of the Mediterranean’s most diverse destinations, o ering year-round culture, gastronomy, leisure, and nature. Mancebo also emphasized the region’s leadership in Spanish gastronomy, its cultural events in Elche, and Benidorm’s recognition as a European Green Capital.
“Greece is a pioneering market for the Costa Blanca,” Mancebo noted. “Through this collaboration with Turespaña, our aim is to consolidate this segment, working handin-hand with the tourism sector and the airline.”
He concluded by underlining the broader value of the Alicante–Athens connection: “This route not only boosts leisure travel but also fosters cultural and business exchanges. Keeping this bridge open is a unique opportunity for both destinations.”
CSIF demands class suspensions above 27ºC
The Independent Trade Union Confederation of Public Servants (CSIF) has called for the suspension of classes in schools whenever indoor temperatures exceed 27ºC, citing health and safety concerns for students and sta . The demand comes as the region experiences a new heatwave, with classrooms reaching extreme conditions.
According to CSIF, many schools are recording temperatures above 30ºC before 10:00 a.m., with levels climbing to 38ºC by midday. The union warns that such heat not only hinders learning but also poses risks to the wellbeing of both students and teachers. In some cases, pupils have resorted to bringing handheld fans to class to cope with the oppressive heat.
The request was formally raised during a meeting with representatives from the Regional Ministry of
Education. CSIF urged the administration to respect existing regulations, which establish a maximum of 27ºC for teaching spaces, and to implement an immediate action plan.
Beyond short-term measures, the union insists on the urgent development of a comprehensive infrastructure strategy. This would involve adapting older school buildings to withstand rising temperatures and designing new facilities with proper ventilation, shading, and energye cient cooling systems.
“Every year the situation worsens, and every year we see classrooms transformed into ovens,” a CSIF spokesperson stated. “We cannot continue to expose the educational community to these extreme conditions.”
The union argues that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent
and intense, turning high classroom temperatures into a recurring problem rather than an isolated issue. CSIF maintains that proactive investment in infrastructure is the only long-term solution to guarantee safe and healthy learning environments.
While recognizing the challenges of immediate implementation, the union stresses that suspending classes during extreme heat events is the minimum safeguard required. They argue that protecting health should take precedence over academic schedules, especially when students and teachers are unable to perform e ectively under such conditions.
CSIF plans to continue pressing the Regional Ministry until clear measures are adopted. For now, the union calls on authorities to act responsibly and prioritize the wellbeing of the educational community.
Man arrested in Bigastro with drugs ready for sale
The Civil Guard has arrested a 31-year-old Spanish man in Bigastro, accused of drug tra cking after being caught with various narcotics prepared for distribution.
The events took place on August 24 during a preventive identi cation checkpoint carried out by the Torrevieja Citizen Security Unit (USECIC). The operation was set up near a nightclub in Bigastro, where a large group of people had gathered despite the early hour of 11 a.m.
O cers noticed a vehicle whose driver appeared visibly nervous at the sight of the patrol. This behavior raised suspicions, prompting the Civil Guard to stop the car. During the initial inspection, they found an open dose of cocaine. A more thorough search of the vehicle uncovered several bags containing di erent drugs, all divided into individual doses,
along with a sum of cash.
The seized substances included 97 MDMA pills, 58 grams of crystal meth, 58 grams of speed, 31 grams of cocaine, and 4 grams of pink cocaine. Authorities believe the drugs were packaged and ready for immediate sale.
Following the arrest, the man was transferred to
o cial facilities and placed at the disposal of Orihuela Investigative Court No. 1. After appearing before the judge, he was released on bail pending trial.
The Civil Guard continues its e orts to prevent the distribution of narcotics in leisure areas across the Vega Baja, stressing the importance of these preventive operations to ensure public safety.
DISCOVER ONE OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT CRAFTS OF THE COSTA BLANCA
The famous traditional craft linked to the salt industry of Torrevieja is the creation of the salt boats. All assembled by hand, the boat structure is rst formed from pieces of wood, then covered with cotton cloth. When the lagoon is crystallizing, the boat setting begins, which involves lowering the boat into the brine so that the salt crystals adhere to the structure. Finally, they are placed in secure
glass cases. This precision has been mastered over many years by local salt artisans, and some of the work can be admired and explained in more detail at the Museum of Sea & Salt on Calle Patricio Perez no.10, Torrevieja. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-2pm & 5pm-9pm with free entry. More interesting places to discover on the Costa Blanca can be found on the website costablancascene.com
Two arrested in Torrevieja and Alicante for violent robbery and €2,200 fraud
The National Police have arrested a 24-yearold man in Torrevieja and a 22-year-old woman in Alicante for their alleged involvement in a violent robbery and subsequent fraud that caused a nancial loss of €2,270 to the victim.
The events unfolded in Alicante during the early hours of the morning. The victim was walking while talking on the phone when the man suddenly snatched the device from her hands. At the same time, the woman restrained the victim to prevent any immediate pursuit. In their haste to ee, the female suspect dropped a bag containing personal documentation, which proved crucial in identifying the pair.
Targeted Theft and Fraudulent Scheme
According to police investigations, the suspects had chosen their victim in advance, waiting for the right moment to act. The unlocked mobile phone gave them direct access to personal and banking information. Shortly after the theft, they used the device for immediate expenses, including a taxi ride.
Arrests and Charges
The investigation culminated in the arrest of the man in Torrevieja and the woman in Alicante, where o cers also seized a high-end mobile phone used in the scheme. Both suspects face charges of robbery with violence and fraud.
The fraud escalated when, with the help of a third accomplice, they called the victim pretending to be from a “lost and found” service. By requesting sensitive information, they were able to delay the o cial complaint while gaining data needed to reset online banking credentials. With these details, the suspects carried out several fraudulent transactions in Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, and Torrevieja.
The man has already appeared before the Alicante Investigative Court, while further proceedings against both individuals are ongoing. Police have not ruled out additional arrests linked to the third person who assisted in the fraudulent activities.
The National Police highlighted the importance of securing mobile devices and being cautious about sharing personal data, especially following theft, to prevent similar scams.
GBP
The Bank of England (BoE) held their sixth MPC meeting of 2025 this week (Thursday) and voted to hold rates steady at 4%. As this decision was widely anticipated, market reaction was muted. The decision re ects the central bank’s balancing act between sticky in ation - with CPI holding at 3.8% - and signs of economic softness, including 0% GDP growth in July. While further rate cuts are expected, the decision reinforced Governor Bailey’s “gradual and careful” approach to monetary easing, with only 7bp priced in by the end of year.
In addition to its interest rate decision, the MPC voted on its quantitative tightening programme, electing to reduce the pace of its balance sheet run-o from £100bn to £70bn, in the next year. This is expected to ease pressure on the UK bond market as it will mean less active sales than if they’d maintained their current pace, given the amount of bonds naturally maturing next year.
The Federal Reserve also met this week Wednesday and cut rates by 25bp, in a move that was widely anticipated. This was not a unanimous decision, with interim Governor Miran voting for a 50bp cut.
Following their decision, the Federal Reserve set out its forecast for future rate cuts via the “dot plots”. These showed the Fed expect to continue cutting interest rates, but not as much as the market had expected. This contributed to strengthening of USD against GBP and EUR.
This morning (Friday), retail sales data was released, coming in better than expected, but this was overshadowed by public nances data which
GBP / EUR UPDATE
showed the August budget de cit was wider than expected. Sterling weakened following the release.
Governor Bailey is due to speak at the London School of Economics on Monday 22nd, where analysts will closely monitor his remarks on yesterday’s decision, as well as any clues regarding future monetary policy.
EUR It was a relatively quiet week for the Eurozone after last week’s ECB meeting, with a small number of data releases and a keynote speech from ECB President Lagarde at the ECB’s 10th Annual Research Conference.
German ZEW Economic Sentiment was released on Tuesday and exceeded expectations, coming in at 37.3 (versus a forecast of 25.3), +2.6 points higher than the previous month.
On Wednesday, Eurozone in ation data came in slightly lower than expected, at 2.0% year-onyear.
Next week, in addition to keeping an eye on the evolving French political situation, Flash PMIs across Europe will be released. If the data shows an improvement on last month’s reading, this will extend the recent modestly positive trend.
Views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may di er from your appointed Moneycorp representative. This commentary does not constitute nancial advice. All rates are sourced from Bloomberg and forecasts are taken from Forex Factory.
Torrevieja PP urges transport ministry to fast track N-332 expansion
The Popular Party (PP) in Torrevieja has called on the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility to accelerate the longawaited widening of the N-332 bypass as it passes through the city. A motion submitted by PP spokesperson Rosario Martínez Chazarra will be debated at the next plenary session of the City Council.
The proposal requests that the ministry immediately tender both the preliminary project and the environmental impact study for the remaining section of the bypass not covered in the current plans. It also calls for the construction project to be formally shared with the City Council so that local connectivity needs can be incorporated, particularly links with the CV-95, Torrevieja Hospital, Las Salinas Hospital, and the CV-905.
“Once again this summer, the N-332 highway through Torrevieja su ered daily tra c jams, often turning into complete gridlock,”
Martínez Chazarra stated. She emphasized that the project is essential not only to alleviate congestion but also to improve safety and accessibility for residents and visitors.
The motion further highlights the critical role of the bypass for emergency access to Torrevieja’s hospitals and
Martínez Chazarra stressed the importance of ful lling the commitment made earlier this year by Transport Minister Óscar Puente, who announced that the tender for the rst section of works would take place in 2025. To secure the project’s continuity, the PP is also demanding that the 2026 General State Budget include a speci c allocation for the complete widening of the bypass, covering a total of 7.68 kilometers.
its importance for regional mobility. According to the PP, the current infrastructure is insu cient to cope with the city’s population growth and its sharp increase in tra c during peak tourist seasons.
Finally, Martínez Chazarra welcomed the willingness of the Regional Ministry of Environment, Water, Infrastructure, and Territory to actively collaborate on the project. She noted that cooperation between the Generalitat Valenciana and the City Council could help streamline procedures and remove bureaucratic obstacles, ensuring the project advances without further delays.
If approved, the motion would add renewed pressure on the central government to prioritize the N-332 widening, a project that has been demanded by residents and local authorities for years.
Orihuela, Torrevieja and Guardamar launch own consumer vouchers after provincial cut
The decision by the Alicante Provincial Council to exclude the Consumer Bonus program from its 2025 budget has prompted several municipalities to nance their own initiatives using local resources. So far, Guardamar del Segura, Orihuela, and Torrevieja have announced campaigns aimed at supporting families and boosting local businesses.
The Provincial Council’s move e ectively ends a program that, in previous years, provided direct relief to small businesses and households, particularly in towns with limited nancial capacity to run such schemes. The Socialist Party (PSOE) has criticized the decision, warning that many municipalities will be left without similar support.
In Guardamar del Segura, the City Council has already approved the regulations and application process for the “Guardamar 2025
Commercial Voucher.”
The business recruitment phase has concluded, and the campaign is expected to launch in October.
Torrevieja, meanwhile, has earmarked €500,000 from its municipal budget for a consumer voucher program set to roll out in December. The timing is designed to coincide with the city’s patron saint festivities and the Christmas shopping season, maximizing its economic impact.
In Orihuela, the City Council has allocated €800,000 to its own voucher initiative. However, the local PSOE has criticized delays in its rollout. Socialist councilor María García accused both the City Council and the Provincial Council of “a lack of management and planning,” noting that although funding was approved in February, processing did not begin until July. “We are now in mid-September, the back-
to-school campaign has passed, and the call for a collaborating entity has not even been launched,”she said.
In response, Orihuela’s Councilor for Commerce, Vicente Pina, defended the government team’s handling of the program. He stressed that, unlike previous years when the initiative relied solely on subsidies from the Provincial Council, the current government has created its own fully funded municipal voucher scheme. He con rmed that the terms have already been approved and that implementation is imminent, alongside other measures to stimulate local commerce.
The launch of these local programs underscores both the importance of consumer voucher schemes for economic recovery and the political disagreements surrounding their management and funding.
Torrevieja awards €8.25M contract to rehabilitate La Plasa market
Torrevieja City Council has awarded the long-awaited rehabilitation of the La Plasa municipal market to COBRA Instalaciones y Servicios S.A.U. for €8,251,352 (VAT included).
The project is expected to begin in October, once the 15-business-day period for possible appeals has passed.
The works, originally planned to take 18 months, could be completed earlier thanks to COBRA’s commitment to reduce the execution time by up to 15 weeks. The contractor has also extended the warranty period by an additional 45 months beyond the standard oneyear guarantee, ensuring long-term coverage for the renovated building.
A Modern Market and Gastromarket
La Plasa’s rehabilitation aims to transform the building into a modern hub for both shopping and gastronomy. The ground oor will continue to host traditional vendors o ering fresh, local products, while about
25 stalls will be dedicated to a gastromarket and restaurant spaces designed to attract visitors and extend activity into the evening.
The project also includes redesigning adjacent streets to improve accessibility and better integrate the market with its urban surroundings. The second and third oors will remain open-plan, available for municipal multipurpose use, with some services relocated to other sites such as the Fábrica de Hielo and Las Monjas buildings.
Revitalising the City Centre Mayor Eduardo Dolón
described the rehabilitation as a “priority project” that will act as a catalyst for the city centre’s commercial revival. By modernizing La Plasa, the Council hopes to increase footfall, support local businesses, and provide new public spaces for residents.
Although residents should expect some disruption during construction—such as changes to access routes and temporary relocation of stalls—the Council sees the investment as a strategic step to boost Torrevieja’s economy and enhance its appeal to both locals and tourists.
ATM explosion sparks panic in Orihuela Costa
Residents of Orihuela Costa were startled in the early hours of Monday morning after an ATM was blown up in a violent explosion. The incident took place around 5:00 a.m. at a bank branch on Algarrobo Street, located inside the busy Los Dolses Shopping Center.
According to eyewitness accounts, several hooded individuals were seen near the ATM shortly after the blast. They quickly ed the scene and remain at large. Despite the use of explosives, authorities have con rmed that the attempt to steal money was unsuccessful and no cash was taken.
While nothing was stolen, the explosion caused signi cant material damage. The ATM itself was destroyed, while the force of the blast shattered the o ce’s windows and damaged parts of the bank’s interior. Nearby residents reported being woken by the loud detonation, which left the area in
shock but fortunately caused no injuries.
The Orihuela Local Police were the rst to respond to the alarm, later handing the case over to the Civil Guard. The Organic Judicial Police Unit (UOPJ) of Alicante Command has now assumed responsibility for the investigation. Their e orts are being supported by GEDEX, the specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, which is analyzing the remains of the device used in the attack to determine its type and origin.
Authorities are working to identify those responsible, while also assessing whether the incident is linked to a wider pattern of explosive attacks on ATMs seen in parts of Spain in recent years.
For now, the bank remains closed to the public as repairs are carried out and investigators continue their work. The dramatic incident has raised concerns among residents and business owners in the area, who are calling for stronger security measures.
INVESTMENT INSIGHTS
EventDetails: 9THOCT2025 Speakersfrom:
01:00 PM at: Hotel La Laguna, Quesada Alicante
Spain’s generational wealth gap widens as young struggle
Spain is facing a deepening economic divide between generations, with precarious salaries, limited housing access, and pensions that in many cases surpass the wages of younger workers. Analysts warn this imbalance is replacing the gender gap as one of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
A new report from the Juan de Mariana Institute highlights the scale of the problem. Spaniards born in the 1980s currently hold 46% less wealth than those born in the 1960s when they were the same age. Meanwhile, retirees receive on average 62% more in pensions than they contributed during their working lives.
The distribution of wealth illustrates the divide. Over the past two decades, the share of national wealth held by under-35s has collapsed from 7.5% to just 2%. By contrast, those over
75 have doubled their stake, from 8% to more than 20%.
This intergenerational inequality is growing even as Spain makes progress on narrowing the gender pay gap. While men still earn more than women, recent gures from Funcas suggest the di erence has fallen to 8.7% by the end of 2024. By comparison, the economic distance between young and old is accelerating.
Income trends show the imbalance clearly. Between 2008 and 2024, wages for workers aged 18 to 29 fell by 3% in real terms, while those over 65 enjoyed an 18% rise. Today, new pensioners earn more than under-35s, with average monthly pensions of €1,760 compared to €1,670 in salaries.
Tax burdens add further pressure on younger generations. According to the study, income tax and social security contributions consume nearly 40% of the
cost of an average wage in Spain, well above the OECD average of 31.8%. When VAT, property tax and other levies are included, the gure climbs to 55%.
Housing is another fault line. While 81% of people born between 1945 and 1965 owned a home by age 42, the gure has dropped below 50% for those born after 1985. Today, just 20% of young adults have a mortgage, as property prices soar past levels seen during the housing bubble.
The Bank of Spain’s latest survey con rms that much of the income for over-65s now comes from passive sources such as rents, dividends, and interest. Property remains Spain’s main store of wealth, but it is heavily concentrated among older generations — leaving many young Spaniards locked out of ownership and opportunity.
Orihuela launches €1M coastal paving plan, promises €4M investment this term
Orihuela City Council has launched a major paving program on the coast, backed by an initial investment of one million euros. The initiative forms part of a broader municipal strategy to improve road infrastructure across the municipality. Mayor Pepe Vegara, along with Councilor for Infrastructure Víctor Valverde and Councilor for the Coast Manuel Mestre, visited the start of the works this morning.
Valverde explained that the paving program has already begun in Orihuela city and surrounding districts, and is now extending to the coast. “Work will reach practically all residential areas,” he said, stressing that both technical assessments and neighborhood concerns were considered when designing the plan.
Next Phase:
Campoamor Avenue
The current investment will be complemented
by another million euros dedicated to resurfacing Campoamor’s main avenue and other priority areas now out for tender.
Valverde underlined that the municipal government aims to allocate at least €4 million to coastal paving projects during this term, addressing long-standing infrastructure de cits.
“We are on track to meet this goal,” he a rmed.
Councilor for the Coast Manuel Mestre highlighted the interdepartmental coordination that shaped the plan, noting that both citizen input and technical criteria guided decisions.
“These works are a very important step that will continue over the next two years, and residents’ satisfaction con rms we are moving in the right direction,” Mestre said.
Most Ambitious Program in 15 Years
Mayor Vegara described the initiative as “the most
important asphalt paving program launched in Orihuela Costa in the past 15 years.” He framed the investment as part of a broader structural change to improve the area’s livability and connectivity.
“This is a commitment ful lled to this part of the municipality,” Vegara declared. “Orihuela Costa is a paradise that is becoming increasingly better thanks to the coordinated work of the Coast and Infrastructure departments, and this e ort will continue throughout the entire term.”
The City Council sees the paving plan not only as a necessary investment in basic infrastructure but also as a driver of improved mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike. With projects already underway and more set to follow, Orihuela Costa is preparing for its most signi cant road renewal in over a decade.
Rojales opens new footbridge linking Los Frailes and fairgrounds
Rojales has o cially inaugurated a new pedestrian footbridge over the Río Segura, providing a safe and direct link between the expanding Los Frailes neighborhood and the town’s fairgrounds. The structure was opened to the public on Friday, 19 September 2025, after months of construction.
The €491,000 project was awarded to UTE CovialCarrión in summer 2024, with works beginning in April 2025. Although originally planned to open in June to coincide with the town’s patron saint festivities, delays pushed completion to September.
Design and Features
The new crossing is a pedestrian arch footbridge built with a metal circularsection arch, reinforced concrete deck, and stainless-steel tension rods. While designed primarily for walkers and cyclists, the bridge can also accommodate emergency vehicles if strictly necessary.
Mobility and Safety Bene ts By connecting Los Frailes—an area of housing expansion and educational
facilities—with the recinto ferial, the footbridge o ers residents easier access to the weekly Thursday market and major events such as the Moors and Christians festivities. It also reduces pressure on Rojales’ historic Carlos III stone bridge and the Reina Sofía bridge, preserving their structural integrity while ensuring modern mobility needs are met.
Strategic Impact
Local o cials emphasized that the bridge supports both safety and urban development. For students and residents, it provides a faster and safer route across the river, while event organizers and
vendors bene t from improved pedestrian ow to the fairgrounds.
The new footbridge joins existing crossings in the town—two historic vehicle bridges and three pedestrian walkways— further strengthening Rojales’ connectivity. Municipal authorities will monitor use, maintain safety features, and oversee long-term upkeep.
With this project, Rojales continues to balance heritage preservation with modern infrastructure, o ering residents a practical and resilient new crossing over the Segura.
Do you fancy a FREE LUNCH provided by HAMILTON’S BAKEHOUSE?
Then join us for our FREE Prestige Lunch event hosted by the senior advisors from:
Where we will be exploring the following and more Legal and Financial areas:
Spanish & UK Wills / Powers of Attorney and how UK beneficiaries inherit a Spanish estate
How to save & Invest tax-efficiently in Spain
Assets in the UK? - The Modelo 720 overseas assets declaration explained Inheritance tax in the Valencia region - what about Stepchildren? What is happening with UK pensions after the recent budget?
On WED 1st OCTOBER at MID-DAY in BENIJÓFAR (NEXT TO HAMILTON’S BAKEHOUSE)
Attendee numbers strictly limited to 40 - booking/reserving your place in advance is required by calling: 865 756 058
Each attendee will be sent a digital registration voucher to be presented upon arrival
One lucky voucher will be drawn after lunch and the holder will win their choice of a FREE WILL (worth up to 159€) or a FREE POWER OF ATTORNEY (worth up to 199€) more info can be found at: www.chorusfinancial.es and: www.thywill.es
Spanish Court Rules: non-EU property owners can deduct rental costs in Spain
Spanish Court Rules: NonEU Property Owners Can Deduct Rental Costs in Spain
The Spanish National Court has issued a landmark ruling allowing non-European property owners to deduct rental expenses, a bene t previously reserved only for EU residents. The Court also declared Spain’s prior tax treatment discriminatory, marking an important step toward fairer rules for international property owners.
What has changed?
Until now, non-EU residents renting Spanish property could not deduct costs such as cleaning, utilities, or marketing from their rental income, while EU residents could. Non EU are also taxed at a higher at rate of 24% compared with 19% for EU citizens, a rate gap that still remains.
The case that triggered the
decision involved a U.S. citizen who owned property in Barcelona. Spain’s tax authority had argued that deductions were unavailable to non-EU residents, forcing them to declare gross rental income.
The National Court rejected this, nding it incompatible with EU law, particularly Article 63 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which protects free movement of capital.
Why the ruling matters
The Court stressed that Spain cannot justify harsher tax treatment for non-EU residents. Just as discriminatory rules on inheritance and donations tax were struck down by the European Court of Justice and Spain’s Supreme Court, the same principle applies to rental income. Equal treatment is the standard, regardless of nationality or residence. This judgment overturns the stance of Spain’s Central
Economic-Administrative Tribunal (TEAC) and opens the way for non-EU owners to claim deductions in the same way as EU residents.
Implications for future tax measures
The ruling also has political signi cance. Spain’s President, Pedro Sánchez, recently proposed a new “Complementary State Tax” of 100% on property purchases by non-EU residents. The Court’s decision strongly suggests such a measure would breach EU law, amount to discrimination, and likely be struck down in both Spanish and European courts.
A
move toward fairness
For non-resident owners and potential investors, this ruling provides greater certainty and reassurance. It con rms that Spain must respect principles of fairness and non-
discrimination, o ering a more level playing eld for those investing in Spanish real estate.
At My Lawyer in Spain, we see this as an important step forward for equality and legal clarity. If you are a non-resident who owns or plans to purchase property in Spain, our team can guide you through the legal and tax implications to ensure you are protected.
Tel: +34 966943219
UK: 0845 5082395
Emailenquiries@mylawyerinspain. com
website: mylawyerinspain.com
See our main advert on page 1
BUSINESS PROFILE
Please note that all information contained within this Costa Blanca People Business Pro le has been provided by the client, and is therefore deemed correct and accurate. Any errors, omissions or inaccuracies are the sole responsibility of the client.
This Week´s Movie Picks
Mean Girls
Saturday 27th September, ITV2, 10.00 pm
Lindsay Lohan stars as Cady Heron, a 16 year old homeschooled girl who not only makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels (Jonathan Bennett), the ex-boyfriend of queenbee Regina George (Rachel McAdams), but also unintentionally joins The Plastics, led by Regina herself. Join Cady as she learns that high school life can and will be really tough.
Tomb Raider Sunday 28th September, ITV2, 7.35 pm
Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) is the ercely independent daughter of eccentric adventurer Lord Richard Croft (Dominic West), who vanished when she was scarcely a teen. Now a young woman of twenty-one without any real focus or purpose, Lara navigates the chaotic streets of trendy East London as a bike courier, barely making the rent, and takes college courses, rarely making it to class. Determined to forge her own path, she refuses to take the reins of her father’s global empire just as staunchly as she rejects the idea that he’s truly gone. Advised to face the facts and move forward after seven years without him, even Lara can’t understand what drives her to nally solve the puzzle of his mysterious death. Going explicitly against his nal wishes, she leaves everything she knows behind in search of her dad’s last-known destination
23rd September
Edition 13:05 Channel 4 News
13:10 A New Life in the Sun 14:10 Car S.O.S 15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 The Great British Bake Off
22:15 The Inheritance
Celebrity Gogglebox 09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
Peppa Pig
Peppa Pig
Milkshake! Rosh Hashanah
Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley
Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:20 If I Can’t Have You 17:00 All Creatures Great and Small 18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun 20:00 Puppy School for Guide Dogs 21:00
Wednesday 24th September
Coronation Street
22:00 The Hack 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News London
Frasier
Frasier 11:40 Frasier
23:45 ITV News at 70: The Stories That Shaped Our Nation 10:10 Frasier
12:10 Undercover Boss USA
13:05 Channel 4 News Summary
13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Car S.O.S
15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village 18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 Location, Location, Location
22:00 The Donald Trump Show
23:00 The Shadow Scholars: Fake Essay Scandal
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:55 Peppa Pig 10:00 Peppa Pig 10:05 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley
13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:20 Nightmare in Paradise 17:00 All Creatures Great and Small 18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun
20:00 Puppy School for Guide Dogs
Dinner Date
Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries 15:05 The Only Way Is Essex 16:05 The Real Housewives of Cheshire 17:05 The Real Housewives of Potomac
21:00 Street Cops: Catching the Yobs 22:00 Coastguard SOS: Search & Rescue 23:00 Vigilante & Proud: Catching the Street Thieves 08:45 Dinner Date 09:40 Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries 10:35 The Only Way Is Essex 11:20 The Real Housewives of Potomac
14:30 ITV Lunchtime News
14:55 ITV News London
15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Tenable
17:00 Tipping Point
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:30 Tonight
22:00 Long Lost Family
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
23:45 London Has Fallen
Friday 26th September
13:30 Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
Impossible
Bridge of Lies 15:30 Unbeatable 16:15 Great British Menu 17:15 Earth
18:15 Flog It!
19:00 Richard Osman’s House of Games
19:30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys
20:00 Villages by the Sea
20:30 Beechgrove Garden
21:00 Gardeners’ World
Stranded on Honeymoon Island
23:00 BBC News at Ten
23:30 BBC London
23:40 The Graham Norton Show
22:00 The Newsreader
23:00 Natural World
23:05 Cracking the Case
23:30 Newsnight
23:58 BBC Weather
07:00 Good Morning Britain 10:00 Lorraine 11:00 This Morning
13:30 ITV Lunchtime News
13:50 ITV News London
14:00 Live: ITV Racing Live
17:00 Tipping Point
18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London
19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:00 Coronation Street
22:00 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
23:45 Mission: Impossible II
Saturday 27th September
The Chase: Celebrity Special
19:00 You Bet! On Tour
20:00 Win Win with People’s Postcode Lottery
21:00 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
22:00 The Jonathan Ross Show
22:30 ITV News
22:50 Joker
10:40 Frasier
11:10 Frasier
11:40 Frasier
12:10 Undercover Boss USA
13:05 Channel 4 News
Summary
13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Car S.O.S
15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 The Dog House
22:00 Taskmaster
23:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
11:10 Frasier
11:40 Frasier
12:10 Undercover Boss USA
13:05 Channel 4 News Summary
13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Car S.O.S
15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 Sun, Sea and Selling
Houses
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice
22:00 Gogglebox
23:00 Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping
23:35 American Pie: Reunion
09:55 Frasier
10:25 Frasier
10:55 The Simpsons
11:25 The Simpsons
11:55 Come Dine with Me: The Professionals
12:55 A Place in the Sun
13:55 Four in a Bed
14:25 Four in a Bed
14:55 Four in a Bed
15:30 Four in a Bed
16:00 Four in a Bed
16:35 Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It
17:35 Worst House on the Street
18:40 Jamie: What to Eat This Week
19:40 Channel 4 News
20:10 Mysteries of...
22:00 Kingsman: The Secret Service
09:55 Peppa Pig
10:00 Peppa Pig
10:10 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley
13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime
14:45 Home and Away
15:20 My Fatal Memory
17:00 All Creatures Great and Small
18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun
20:00 Puppy School for Guide Dogs
21:00 Yorkshire Great and Small with Dan and Helen 22:00 All Creatures Great and Small 23:05 Cause of Death
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Peppa Pig 10:00 Peppa Pig
10:05 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley
13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away
15:20 My Killer Colleague
17:00 All Creatures Great and Small
18:00 5 News at 5 19:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun
20:00 Puppy School for Guide Dogs
21:00 Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out 22:00 Ellis
10:10 Entertainment News On 5 10:20 Cruising with Jane McDonald
10:35 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 11:30 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 12:30 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild
13:30 Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out 14:35 Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out
15:35 Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out 16:35 Portillo’s Andalucia 17:30 Portillo’s Andalucia 18:30 5 News Weekend 18:35 Only Fools And Horses: Secrets & Scandals
19:25 Secrets of the Royal Palaces
09:40 Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries 10:35 The Only Way Is Essex 11:20 The Real Housewives of Potomac 12:10 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 13:05 Dinner Date 14:05
09:40 Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries 10:35 The Only Way Is Essex 11:20 The Real Housewives of Potomac
12:10 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 13:05 Dinner Date 14:05 Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries
15:05 The Only Way Is Essex
16:05 The Real Housewives of Cheshire
17:05 The Real Housewives of Potomac 18:00 The Real Housewives of New Jersey
19:00 Celebrity Catchphrase 20:00 Deal or No Deal
11:25 The Royal 12:30 Heartbeat 13:30 Heartbeat 14:30 Classic Emmerdale
15:00 Classic Emmerdale
15:30 Classic Coronation Street
16:05 Classic Coronation Street
16:35 Downton Abbey
17:40 Doc Martin
21:00 The 1% Club 22:00 I, Robot 23:00 FYI Daily 23:05 I, Robot 09:20 Classic Coronation Street 09:50 Classic Coronation Street 10:20 Doc Martin
18:50 Heartbeat 19:55 Heartbeat 21:00 Vera 23:00 Vera
Sunday 28th September
ITV Lunchtime News
14:10 You Bet! On Tour
15:15 Johnny English
16:55 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
19:30 ITV Evening News
19:45 ITV News London
19:55 M&S: Dress the Nation
21:00 Beat the Chasers
22:00 Coldwater
23:00 ITV News
23:15 Big Brother
Monday 29th September
ITV Lunchtime News
ITV News London 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal
Tenable 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase
19:00 ITV News London 19:30 ITV Evening News
20:30 Emmerdale
21:00 Coronation Street
22:00 Coldwater
23:00 ITV News at Ten
23:30 ITV News London
23:45 Peston
10:30 Frasier 11:00 Sunday Brunch
14:00 The Simpsons
14:25 The Simpsons
14:55 The Dog House
15:40 Four in a Bed
16:10 Four in a Bed
16:45 Four in a Bed
17:15 Four in a Bed
17:45 Four in a Bed
18:20 Channel 4 News
18:50 The Great British Bake Off
20:00 Hotel Chocolat Unwrapped
21:00 Educating Yorkshire
22:00 The Disappearance of Jay Slater
23:20 Catching My Stalker
09:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:10 Frasier
10:40 Frasier 11:10 Frasier
11:40 Frasier
12:10 Undercover Boss USA
13:05 Channel 4 News Summary
13:10 A New Life in the Sun
14:10 Car S.O.S 15:10 Countdown
16:00 A Place in the Sun
17:00 Help! We Bought a Village
18:00 Four in a Bed
18:30 Come Dine with Me
19:00 Sun, Sea and Selling Houses
20:00 Channel 4 News
21:00 Jamie’s Air Fryer Meals
22:00 Lucy Letby: Murder or Mistake
23:05 Lucy Letby: Murder or Mistake
08:25 Pip and Posy 08:40 The Adventures of Paddington 08:55 PAW Patrol 09:15 DORA 09:30 Aneeshwar’s Outdoor Adventures 09:40 The Smurfs 09:55 SpongeBob SquarePants
10:05 Entertainment News On 5 10:10 Cruising With Susan Calman
11:10 Holidaying With Jane McDonald: The Caribbean 12:05 Holidaying With Jane McDonald: The Caribbean 13:05 My Cornwall With Fern Britton 14:05 My Cornwall With Fern Britton
15:00 Live: NFL Big Game Day 18:30 Live:
09:45 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
09:55 Peppa Pig 10:00 Peppa Pig
10:05 Milkshake! Story Den 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:30 Storm Huntley 13:30 Vanessa 14:40 5 News at Lunchtime 14:45 Home and Away 15:20 The Bad Guardian 17:00 The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea
22:00 Murder: Suspect No 1 23:30 Police: Night Shift 999
08:20 Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?
Dinner Date
Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries 10:35 The Only Way Is Essex 11:20 The Real Housewives of Potomac 12:10 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 13:05 Dinner Date 14:05 Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries 15:05 The Only Way Is Essex 16:05 The Real Housewives of Cheshire 17:05 The Real Housewives of Potomac 18:00 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 19:00 Celebrity Catchphrase 20:00 Deal or No Deal
The 1% Club
Big Brother 23:00 Big Brother: Late and Live
Coronation
10:20 Doc Martin 11:25 The Royal 12:30 Heartbeat 13:30 Heartbeat 14:30 Classic Emmerdale 15:00 Classic Emmerdale 15:30 Classic Coronation Street 16:05 Classic Coronation Street 16:35 Downton Abbey 17:40 Doc Martin
18:50 Heartbeat 19:55 Heartbeat 21:00 Foyle’s War 23:05 Foyle’s War
If you have a question or problem with any household technology needing my help or want to join the Technology Help Group, please email Brian at cbtechnology.help@gmail.com.
As a group member, you would have access to the group website, which contains previous session notes, handouts and access to previous Costa Blanca People published articles.
Scan the QR code for a reminder of what the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group o ers.
Meetings at Dilly’s Bar, Av. Castuera, 3, 03184 El Chaparral, Alicante. Group meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10:00 to 12:00. The Next meeting is on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025. You are welcome to attend.
“My VPN sometimes get discovered when I try to connect to a UK TV iPlayer. What could be the issue”?
While a VPN masks your IP address, your device’s operating system (OS) and web browser still use your local time zone settings. If your goal is to conceal your true location completely, you should manually change your time zone to match the one of the VPN server you’re connected to. Why Time Zone is a Privacy
Concern
Your tech questions answered by Brian Hoile of the Costa Blanca Technology Help Group, helping over 400 members with their PCs , smartphones and more. Group members can attend meetings in person or online using Zoom or Teams.
Your time zone can be a signi cant identi er used in a process called browser ngerprinting, which is a way for websites to collect data about your device and browser to create a unique pro le of you.
• Mismatch Detection: If your IP address is in UK, but your device’s time zone is set to Spain, it’s a clear signal that you’re using a VPN or proxy. This inconsistency can make you stand out and reveal your true location.
• Manually Change Your System Time Zone: The most straightforward way is to go into your device’s settings and change the time zone to match the location of your VPN server. On most operating systems, you’ll need to disable the “Set Time Zone Automatically” feature rst.
“What is AI ”?
Arti cial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of modern life, and knowing how to use it e ectively is a valuable skill. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just curious, here’s a breakdown of how to approach and use AI tools.
Understand What AI Is (and isn’t) At its core, AI is a eld of computer science that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human
intelligence. This includes things like:
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Understanding and generating human language. This is what powers chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
• Machine Learning: Systems that learn from data and improve over time without being explicitly programmed.
• Computer Vision: Enabling computers to “see” and interpret visual information. This is used in things like facial recognition and self-driving cars. It’s important to remember that AI is a tool, not a human. While it can produce creative and insightful results, its knowledge is limited by the data it was trained on, and it can have biases or make factual errors.
There are several AI Apps available, including ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini.
Join the Group by searching Facebook for “Costa Blanca Technology Help Group” Send your questions to cbtechnology.help@gmail.com
Brian Hoile
Bars & Restaurants
Spain to relaunch rent-to-buy aid with €30,000 support for young tenants
Spain’s central government is once again putting housing at the heart of its political agenda, at a time when nding a rental or securing a mortgage has become nearly impossible for many households. Prices have soared beyond levels seen during the real estate bubble, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to announce a new rentto-buy scheme that will o er almost €30,000 in aid to eligible applicants.
The initiative, presented during a meeting with the socialist parliamentary group, will be included in the next state housing plan for 2026–2029. According to the Ministry of Housing, the aid will only apply to tenants in subsidised social housing. Payments made in rent will count toward the future purchase price, e ectively allowing young people to save as they live in the property. Because these homes are permanently protected, the sale price
will be xed, preventing speculation and ensuring the property remains a ordable for future buyers.
Although the announcement has raised expectations, many details remain unclear.
Experts note that the measure will be limited to a small proportion of the population, since Spain’s stock of social housing is still very low, representing just over 3% of the total compared to 9% across the European Union. In 2024, 14,371 social housing units were completed, an improvement on the previous year but still insu cient to cover structural needs.
Analysts stress that the success of the scheme will depend on well-de ned contracts, clear purchase deadlines, and a xed price that deducts all rent contributions. Questions also remain over how the aid will be delivered and
what tax consequences it might have for bene ciaries.
The plan marks the return of an instrument that disappeared from national housing policies after 2013, although some regions, including Madrid, have since experimented with similar incentives. Alongside this measure, the government is also preparing to roll out rental default insurance for young people, which will protect landlords against nonpayment if rents do not exceed half of the tenant’s net household income.
Another proposal under discussion is a subsidy of up to €10,800 for home purchases in rural municipalities of fewer than 10,000 residents. While designed to attract newcomers, experts warn that the lack of job opportunities in these areas continues to limit demand.
This Summer Let's Rock Rock & Pop Choir
...are singing songs from The Movies, TV, West End & Broadway for our proposed Concerts to be held in the New Year ....come along and audition to join our fabulous singing group... Singing technique and voice coaching available
Wednesdays from 23rd July 2025 until the end of Summer 5pm to 7pm at St Peter's & Paul's Church La Siesta
Contact Sarah to find out more Tel 650 054 467 Call, WhatsApp or email singinggroup@outlook.com
Bollywood Dancers Coming Soon!
Climate change behind most Summer heat deaths in Europe
The deadly impact of Europe’s increasingly hot summers is now clearer than ever. A new study by scientists and epidemiologists from Imperial College London has quanti ed how many lives are being lost due to climate change. Their conclusion is stark: without human-driven global warming, last summer would have seen 16,000 fewer deaths across Europe.
Researchers estimate that of the 24,400 people who died from heat-related causes during the summer, nearly 68% of those fatalities were directly attributable to climate change. Rising global temperatures, intensi ed by the burning of fossil fuels, pushed summer heat up to 3.6ºC higher than it would otherwise have been.
Spain was one of the hardest-hit countries. Of the 3,893 deaths attributed to extreme heat, 2,841 were linked to climate change, accounting for 72% of the total. Only Italy recorded a higher share of climatedriven deaths, making the two Mediterranean nations
epicentres of the crisis.
Cities featured prominently in the ndings, with Barcelona ranking as the third most a ected city in Europe. The Catalan capital registered 786 heat-related deaths, of which 80% were attributed to climate change. This gure was similar to Athens but behind Rome, with 835 deaths, and Milan, the worst-a ected city with 1,156. The study analysed 854 urban centres across the continent, underscoring the particular vulnerability of densely populated areas.
The researchers also highlighted the demographic pro le of the victims. People over 65 accounted for 85% of deaths, a stark reminder that
Europe’s ageing population is especially exposed to the dangers of extreme heat. The ndings suggest that without urgent adaptation measures, future summers could bring even greater losses of life.
The study reinforces what many authorities and citizens have long recognised: extreme heat is a growing public health threat. But it also goes further by quantifying, for the rst time with relative precision, the portion of this toll directly attributable to humancaused climate change. As heatwaves become more frequent, longer, and more intense, the researchers warn, the capacity of Europe’s healthcare systems and urban infrastructure will be increasingly tested.
Ring in the New Year in Style at Hotel Algorfa
As 2025 winds down, many are already thinking about how to welcome the year ahead. For those seeking a festive night full of music, food, and celebration, Hotel Algorfa is once again hosting its highly anticipated New Year’s Eve extravaganza.
This year’s event promises a packed evening of live entertainment. Guests will enjoy the soulful voice of Wardi alongside a headline performance by Simon Patrick, widely regarded as Europe’s number one Elvis Presley tribute act. From classic ballads to rock-and-roll anthems, the show is set to
deliver all the energy and nostalgia needed to usher in 2026. The celebrations begin at 6 p.m. and carry on until 2 a.m., offering eight hours of nonstop entertainment.
The hotel has designed the night as a fully inclusive experience. Drinks will be served throughout, while a sweet and savory buffet ensures guests can keep their energy up as they sing and dance their way into the new year. The package is priced at €95 per adult, with children under 12 able to join for half the cost, making the event both festive and family-friendly.
With its lively program,
extended hours, and all-inclusive offering, the party has become one of the area’s most sought-after year-end gatherings. Hotel representatives recommend securing tickets early, as demand is expected to be high and availability limited.
Hotel Algorfa’s New Year’s Eve celebration offers more than just a party—it creates memories. Whether you are an Elvis fan eager to sing along to your favorites or simply looking for a joyful way to step into 2026, this event brings together food, music, and community spirit in one unforgettable night.
Holly Willoughby is ‘secretly plotting a spectacular TV comeback’ with her producer husband Dan Baldwin after being left without a show for the rst time in two decades.
The presenter, 44, was ITV’s Golden Girl for many years and carved out her place as the fan favourite face of its top shows including This Morning and Dancing On Ice.
However, after leaving the daytime hit in 2023 and following the cancellation of Dancing On Ice as well as Net ix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt, she was left without a hosting role in 21 years.
Eamonn Holmes and his girlfriend
Katie Alexander made their red carpet debut together on Saturday after it was revealed the honeymoon phase of their relationship had come to an end.
The age gap couple were all smiles as they on the carpet for the Icon Awards, which took place at the Troxy in the east end of London.
Eamonn, 65, who has been plagued with health issues in recent years after spinal surgery in 2022, used an electric wheelchair at the venue.
Jennifer Aniston has looked incredible on every red carpet with her age-defying appearance, and now her facialist has revealed the secrets to her youthful looks.
The Friends actress, 56, who is most famed for her role as Rachel Green in the American sitcom, has admitted to dabbling with cosmetic procedures to keep herself looking youthful.
And while she may have enjoyed a few tweakments over the years, Jennifer’s aesthetician, Joanna Czech, has revealed that many A-listers prep a staggering six weeks in advance before making a big Hollywood appearance.
Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins is reportedly the rst of its stars to be a ected by ITV’s job cuts.
The channel have announced a series of cost-cutting changes to the production of its major shows, which also includes Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women.
Charlotte, who celebrated her 50th birthday in May, has been a staple of the ITV breakfast programme since its launch in 2014 after she left Sky News.
He has become known just as well for his womanising as for his fast quiz answers on The Chase.
But since turning 60, Mark Labbett, who stands 6ft 7in and is known as the Beast on the ITV programme, has said that he is no longer bothered about having a girlfriend – or sex.
‘It’s not as urgent as it used to be,’ he told The Mail on Sunday, adding he would rather watch Sky Sports instead.
Health & Beauty
Apples: nutrition, benefits, and risks
My childhood was an unhappy one; no one was able to voice an opinion or have a say in our house, if you did you would literally be slapped down immediately. My father hit me when I was just a young child, and when I say hit, I mean hit..... hard.... so hard I was practically rendered unconscious. I was prevented from doing anything I was good at, even ridiculed and told I was no good; either that or I was stopped from doing anything that cost my parents time or money; one time I was told I could not persue my hobby because the athletics club coincided with ‘Emmerdale’. I was not allowed to go on to further education, I was not allowed to apply for the armed forces etc etc. I was expected to get a paid job and bring money into the house. I left home and despite staying around for my mother’s sake; I know now that I was emotionally ostracized. 40 years on and my father is dead and my mother is hailing him a Saint. My wife has attempted to talk to her about how I was treated, but to no avail; my Mother’s response is that my father ‘is not around to defend himself’, and says there was no abuse towards me. This hurts, WRITE TO SARA IN CONFIDENCE. A PSEUDONYM WILL BE USED IF YOU WISH. SARA READS ALL LETTERS AND CAN GIVE A PERSONAL REPLY. EMAIL YOUR QUESTION TO SARA@ COSTABLANCAPEOPLE.COM OR SARA IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS, TELEPHONE 650 054 467.
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because she knows she was there. Your mother was not able to stand up for herself or her children, and chose to pretend that nothing happened; this is quite a common reaction. It was possible she did it to protect herself from any emotional pain; confronting difficult truths would have required making substantial life changes, and this was not a path she was willing to take. You tell me your father had affairs and she was treated very badly herself; this cut her deeply but she did not end her marriage. This is not something you can understand. Of course this allowed your father to have carte blanche from then on, and thus was the continual ill treatment of you all. But you left, and broke free to an extent. Thank goodness you did; however, you still suffer the sadness of it all. Think how much worse you would have felt had you been firmly ensconced in the family fold as your sibling was. It is quite common to have regrets and sorrows in life; however, the blame is one hundred percent on your father. Some people should never be spouses or parents.
Apples (Malus domestica) are the most widely consumed fruit in the United States and are enjoyed both raw and cooked. They are also processed into juice, cider, jams, and even wine. Beyond their versatility, apples are celebrated for their nutritional pro le and numerous health bene ts.
Rich in ber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, apples are particularly bene cial for heart health. Studies show that eating just one small apple a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol. Their soluble ber, pectin, also supports healthy digestion by softening stools and feeding bene cial gut bacteria.
Apples may help with weight management as well. Low in calories but high in ber and water, they promote satiety and can reduce overall calorie intake. Research suggests that people who frequently eat apples or other ber-rich fruits tend to lose more weight and have healthier body mass indexes.
There is also evidence that apples can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Flavonoids such as quercetin may improve insulin
What makes Indiana’s stand out is more than exceptional skill, though every service reflects the highest standards of quality. From precision haircuts and vibrant color to luxurious lash extensions, soothing facials, and advanced laser hair removal, every treatment is customized to match your personal style and needs. The team takes the time to listen, ensuring your experience is as unique as you are.
Clients often describe their visits as the highlight of their week. It’s not just about walking out with flawless hair or glowing skin—it’s about the conversations, the laughter, and the genuine sense of connection that happens here. Indiana’s is a place where you can slow down, recharge, and feel truly seen.
Unlike rushed salon appointments, every moment at Indiana’s is designed to be enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you’re planning a bold new hairstyle, craving the confidence boost of fuller lashes, indulging in a facial for radiant skin, or achieving lasting smoothness with laser hair removal, the boutique delivers it all in an atmosphere that’s both fun and relaxing.
sensitivity and regulate blood sugar, while ber slows carbohydrate absorption. Regular apple consumption has been linked to signi cantly lower diabetes risk.
Antioxidants and phytochemicals in apples are thought to play a role in cancer prevention, particularly against colorectal, breast, and lung cancers. While more studies are needed, their protective e ect against oxidative damage appears promising. Apples may also support brain health, with compounds that shield neurons from damage and may delay cognitive decline.
A medium apple with skin contains about 95 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 19 grams of sugar, and over 4 grams of ber. Most nutrients, including antioxidants, are concentrated in the peel.
While safe for most, apples can cause digestive discomfort in people sensitive to FODMAPs, and apple seeds should not be consumed in large amounts due to cyanide content.
Eating apples whole, with the skin, remains the best way to maximize their health bene ts.
Choosing Indiana’s means choosing more than a beauty service—you’re choosing an experience that celebrates you. From the moment you step inside, you’re treated with warmth
and care, making every visit something to look forward to.
For those who want more than just a quick appointment, Indiana’s Hair and Lash Boutique offers a place where beauty feels personal, empowering, and unforgettable. And chances are, it’ll become the best part of your week.
Our story, your health: 25 years of medical innovation at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
To mark its 25th anniversary, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has unveiled a commemorative mural that retraces, year by year, the key milestones that have shaped its history. Since its inauguration in 2000, the hospital has established itself as a benchmark in healthcare, grounded in medical excellence, clinical innovation, and personalised patient care.
Under the motto “Our Story, Your Health”, the new mural – a visual timeline – o ers patients, professionals, and visitors a look back at the de ning moments of its leadership, development, and commitment to advanced, human-centred medicine.
25 Years Leading Change
The mural not only gathers together the most signi cant milestones since 2000, but also stands as a testimony to the pioneering spirit that has characterised Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital since its foundation. Over the past 25 years, the hospital has consistently been ahead of its time, becoming the rst in Spain to implement medical techniques and approaches that transformed the way patients were treated.
Among these achievements are: the introduction in 2001 of HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) for peritoneal tumours; in 2004, the use of intraoperative radiotherapy with a mobile accelerator (MOBETRON) – the rst hospital in Spain to adopt this technology; the launch in 2007 of the rst Genetic Counselling Unit in the Valencian Community; and, in 2008, the arrival of the region’s rst Da Vinci surgical robot. In 2009, the hospital carried out Spain’s rst series of robotic surgeries for pancreatic cancer, and in 2010 it initiated an ambitious transcriptomics programme for personalised
oncology care. More recently, in 2023, the hospital obtained Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and in 2025 began applying arti cial intelligence to clinical diagnostics through tools such as the Scribe system, now implemented across all Quirónsalud centres. These are just a few examples of the many milestones that have consolidated the hospital’s reputation as a benchmark in medical innovation, technical excellence, and patient-centred care.
Each of these milestones re ects a clear commitment to medical excellence, technology at the service of the patient, and a forward-looking approach to health based on anticipation and continuous improvement.
12 Specialists, 12 Stories that Marked a Turning Point
The mural features 12 QR codes linking to a series of short videos in which the very professionals who led these milestones explain their impact from a close and human perspective. Among them:
• Dr Antonio Brugarolas, Director of the Oncology Platform and Medical Oncology Specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Dr José Farré, Specialist in General and Digestive Surgery, Oncological and Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Dr Rosa Mª Cañón, Head of Radiation Oncology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Dr Pedro Bretcha, Head of General and Digestive Surgery, Oncological and Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Dr Ramón González, Specialist in Medical Oncology and Genetic Counselling at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Dr Vanesa Escudero, Specialist in Hospital Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Ismael Manso,
International Territorial Director, Quirónsalud Levante and Canary Islands
• Dr Cristian García, Specialist in Neurosurgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Dr Manuel Papí, Head of ENT (Otolaryngology) at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Dr Erika Torres, Head of Neurology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Dr Juan Carlos Ruíz, Head of Hospital Pharmacy at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
• Dr Juan Costell, Head of Emergency Medicine at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital
Through these videos, visitors can gain rst-hand insight into what it meant for each of them to introduce techniques that were little known within Spanish healthcare at the time, and how these decisions contributed to consolidating the hospital’s clinical excellence.
A Story that Continues: A Present with a Vision for the Future
The mural concludes with the most recent milestones, highlighting the integration of
arti cial intelligence into patient records, structured clinical pathways, and a bold Master Plan that will transform the hospital over the coming years. This plan includes expanding the ICU, operating theatres, outpatient clinics, and critical care areas, alongside the construction of a new Emergency Department building and a therapeutic procedures unit, among other initiatives.
In addition, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability through a progressive decarbonisation plan, while also promoting health initiatives such as a healthy eating programme for patients and sta .
An Anniversary to Celebrate All Year Long
This mural is part of a wide-ranging programme of commemorative activities marking the hospital’s 25th anniversary, combining scienti c outreach, humanisation, the promotion of healthy habits, and meaningful engagement with both patients and professionals.
Activities include:
• “Our Story, Your Health” podcast series, featuring interviews with doctors and patients
• The Dreams Campaign, an initiative collecting wishes and messages from oncology patients, their families, and sta
• Charity run in aid of patient associations in Torrevieja • Discharges Exhibition, showcasing patients as the protagonists
• Meetings with patient associations across the hospital’s area of in uence
• 3 October – HPV and Gynaecology Seminar
• 23 October – 25th Anniversary Institutional Event
• November –Neuroscience Seminar organised by the new comprehensive unit
Accessing All Content
Visitors to the hospital can view the timeline on the physical mural, scan the QR codes to watch the videos, and access all extended content on the anniversary website: https://nuestrahistoriatusalud. com/en/
quarter of a century of innovation, two and a half decades of cutting-edge technology, five lustrums of personalized attention, and above all, 25 years of dedication to service.
DGT revamps driving theory test: what learners need to know
If you’re preparing for your driving test in Spain, it’s time to look beyond memorising a set of standard questions. The Dirección General de Trá co (DGT) has introduced major updates to the theory exam, with more changes on the way. The revamped format puts greater emphasis on real-world decision-making, modern tra c conditions, and, from 2026, even interactive video clips designed to test hazard perception.
New Road Signs on the Syllabus
One of the most visible updates is the addition of recently approved tra c signs. Spain has modernised its signage system to re ect today’s mobility patterns, including symbols for electric scooters, bicycles, charging stations, and lowemission zones. Some outdated signs have been withdrawn, while many classics remain. For learners, knowing the latest catalogue is crucial — recognising an e-scooter sign could now make the di erence between passing and failing.
From Rote Learning to Critical Thinking
to change that. The exam still contains 30 questions, with a maximum of three errors allowed, but the format has shifted toward reasoning-based scenarios.
Instead of trick questions, candidates might be asked how to merge onto a motorway during rush hour or how to respond when heavy rain reduces visibility. “It’s about testing whether learners can think clearly under pressure — exactly what they’ll need behind the wheel,” explained one Alicante driving instructor.
Hazard Perception
Videos Coming in 2026
Perhaps the most signi cant innovation arrives in 2026: interactive video clips. These will simulate real tra c situations and require candidates to identify hazards and choose appropriate responses. Similar systems are already in place in the UK and France. A video might, for example, show a pedestrian stepping into the road or a cyclist swerving unexpectedly, and learners will need to react as if they were driving.
knowing the rules — it’s about seeing how they work in practice.”
The Goal: Safer Roads
The DGT stresses that the changes are about more than exams. With growing numbers of cars, e-bikes, and scooters sharing urban space, understanding judgment and risk awareness is essential. O cials believe the new exam will prepare drivers to handle unpredictable hazards, ultimately helping to reduce accidents.
Instructors also point out that the new format may make passing easier for those who study properly. “If you focus on the logic of driving instead of cramming questions, you may actually nd the test more straightforward,” noted a veteran examiner.
What Learners Should Expect For now, candidates must study the updated road signs and be ready for more practical, scenario-based questions. By 2026, hazard perception videos will become part of the standard exam. Driving schools are already updating materials and encouraging students to practise reasoning-based exercises.
In the past, the theory exam was often criticised for promoting rote memorisation rather than a deeper understanding of safe driving. The new approach aims
Driving schools welcome the change. “Videos put learners in the driver’s seat before they’ve even passed,” said one Madridbased teacher. “It’s not just about
As one learner in Valencia put it: “It feels tougher at rst, but if it makes us safer drivers, then it’s worth it.”
Four in ten motorcycles in Spain lack valid ITV certificate
Nearly 37% of motorcycles in Spain are circulating without a valid roadworthiness certi cate, according to the Association of Technical Vehicle Inspection Test Stations (AECA-ITV). Out of 4,369,990 motorcycles registered nationwide, at least 1,606,377 are missing an up-to-date ITV, raising concerns over road safety and environmental compliance.
“Despite the safety campaigns launched by the DirectorateGeneral for Tra c (DGT) and awareness e orts led by AECA-ITV, almost four out of ten motorbikes may not meet the minimum safety and environmental standards,” warned Guillermo Magaz, managing director of AECA-ITV.
The situation is even more alarming when it comes to mopeds. Of the 1,618,349 registered mopeds, 1,231,397 do not have a valid ITV. This means that more than three-quarters of the country’s mopeds are currently on the road without having passed a technical inspection.
Insurance compliance also paints a worrying picture. Data from the DGT shows that 27% of motorcycles are circulating without compulsory insurance, while the gure for mopeds climbs to 69%. Combined, AECAITV estimates that more than one million motorcycles lack both a valid ITV and insurance—or at least do not have insurance data available in o cial records. A similar gure applies to mopeds. This lack of compliance has serious
consequences for road safety. From January to 10 September this year, 207 motorcyclists and 14 moped riders lost their lives in tra c accidents.
“This is an extremely concerning scenario,” Magaz stressed. “If we want to reduce fatalities and improve safety on our roads, it is essential to guarantee that all motorcycles and mopeds have a valid ITV and are properly maintained.”
CHURCH AND CHARITIES
International Christian Assembly Evangelical Church. We welcome you to Sunday Service at 10.30 am (English) Calle Beniajan 14, Torrevieja, 03185 www.icatorrevieja.org Phone; 966799273 or 660127276 (SH) Join us at Salt Church. Sundays at 10.30am. We are a friendly Church, Bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship.Calle Daya Nueva 12, Poligino Industrial Levante II, 03187 Los Montesinos. www.saltchurch.es Facebook: SaltChurchSpain
The Alfaz spiritual friends centre o er a warm welcome at “The Comm” (Ex The Forum/Mare Nostrum) Camino del Pincho 2, l’Alfaz del Pi, 03580, Alicante. Visiting medium every week - services starts 6.30 pm every Thursday. ‘Free Healing is available after the service. contact Dot 634 320 013 email: dorothydorothy608@gmail.com
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and unwind with a
San Miguel Golf Society at Altorreal
The weather was glorious, but more about that later….. Inland to Murcia to this underrated course today. A warm welcome from the sta and a bacon sarnie before we teed o . The course was in pretty good condition, the greens were quick, and the fairways were nice and hard. It was enjoyable and good value for money.
43 golfers with four guests, and the return of some of our non-residents played. The yellow tees were well back which we feel contributed to a lack of highs scores today (and the weather “when walking”) – however, here goes the results:
Gold: Darren Strugnell (30 points)
Silver: Issy Wiggins Turner (37 points and best score of the day)
Bronze: Sandra “O cer” Dibble (34 points)
Two “Twos” this week shared between Mike Stott and Drew Niblock (welcome back) and Nearest the Pins were Darren Strugnell (5th), Norman Padmore (8th), No Body (10th) and Mike Stott (17th). Guy Wade-Palmer won the football card with Peterborough and Marit Rønsen taking the “McBride Bottle”. Best guest was Rick Ford with 29 points.
Next week we have our muchanticipated Captain’s Day at Vistabella.
Winners picture (L- R) Darren Strugnell (Gold & President), Tony “PBomber” Smale, Lee Eastman (Captain), Sandra “O cer” Dibble, Marit Rønsen (McBride Bottle), Issy Wiggins Turner (Silver).
Luis Enrique eyes Barcelona return despite PSG success
Luis Enrique has enjoyed a stellar season with Paris SaintGermain, guiding the French giants to their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph, while also lifting the UEFA Super Cup and reaching the Club World Cup final. Under his leadership, PSG have taken a major step forward, particularly in European competitions, where they had previously struggled to assert themselves.
Despite his historic achievements in Paris, Enrique has reportedly shared with close contacts his desire to one day return to Barcelona. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the former Camp Nou coach has long expressed an interest in coming back to the club, and with Barcelona entering another election year, the opportunity for his dream move could eventually materialize.
Enrique’s impact at PSG has been transformative. Last season, he led the team to an unprecedented treble, winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, and, crucially, the elusive Champions League. His tactical acumen, man-management, and ability to inspire players have solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s elite managers.
Currently, Enrique remains focused on defending PSG’s European crown this season and is expected to honor his contract, which runs until 2027. Nonetheless, his attachment to Barcelona
remains strong. Although he emphasizes professionalism and the importance of fulfilling contractual obligations, Enrique has admitted that life in Spain continues to hold a special place in his heart. A return to Catalonia appears to be a matter of when, rather than if.
Enrique previously enjoyed a historic spell at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017. In his first season back at Camp Nou, he guided the club to a treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. Over 181 matches, he amassed 138 wins, 22 draws, and only 21 defeats, boasting a remarkable 76.24% win rate. His success during that period earned him the admiration of fans and cemented his status as a Camp Nou favorite.
Since joining PSG in 2023, Enrique has continued to impress, achieving historic trebles with two different clubs—a feat few managers in modern football can claim. His accomplishments have placed him among Europe’s top tactical minds and reinforced his reputation as a manager capable of delivering on the biggest stages.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are enjoying a promising season under Hansi Flick, who has produced strong results in his first year back at Camp Nou. As a result, Enrique’s potential return in the near future seems unlikely, even though his interest in coming home remains evident.
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
QUICK CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1. Duffer(9)
Devour(3)
Date(11)
Utter(7)
Claw(5)
Cows (6)
Staid (6)
Brief(5)
Criminal(7)
Legacy(11)
Forefront(3)
Cash-keeper(9)
Interval(3)
Uplift(5)
Affair(6)
Encase(7)
Reprisal(11)
Rigorous(9)
Entreating(11)
Immoderate(9)
Shoe-fastening(7)
Uncommon(6)
Memoranda(5)
Hint(3)
WORDWHEEL
Using only the letters in the wordwheel, take ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must contain the central letter and at least three others. Letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one nine-letter word in the wheel.
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so that every column, row and 3x3 square includes all the digits from 1 to 9
1. What biased sporting photographers do!(4,5)
See 17 Across 9. End, as even the longest sentences do(4,2,1,4) 11. Defensive wall to appear different near the top of the trench(7)
12. Why Dracula hides another monster(5)
13. Right among those different people!(6)
15. Fixes a water system for the fruit, we hear(6)
17 & 8Ac. He’s saddled with the pack(8)
18. Noble baritone gets upset when I leave(7)
20. Tree producing pumice?(8,3) 22. One about to show bad temper(3) 23. An expert in physics(9)
2. A tailless hound causes a fuss(3)
3. Is put in trouble – don’t retire (3,2)
4. Rough sketches for indoor game, we hear(6)
5. What the schoolboy carries will upset nearly all the class(7)
