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25TH FEBRUARY - 2ND MARCH 2020 - EDITION 827
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ANGER AS SPORTS CENTRE REMAINS CLOSED Local political party C.L.A.R.O has expressed its anger at the continuing delay in reopening a fully functioning sports centre in Orihuela Costa, especially the continuing closure of the swimming pool. At a meeting in the Orihuela Costa Town Hall on Wednesday, coordinated by C.L.A.R.O., the Sports Councillor gave explanations as to why, after nearly a year since the centre was closed, it has still not been fully reopened. As a sign of the strength of feeling on the subject, the meeting was full to overflowing. The councillor explained that some facilities have been progressively reopened due to the presence of Town Hall Janitors, but the swimming pool remained closed. It could not be reopened without qualified life guards who could only be recruited in the context of a new overall contract for the management of the centre. He could not say when a new contract could be concluded. After his explanations, there was widespread dissatisfaction over his failure to say clearly when the centre would be reopened and fully
functioning. Heated protests came from Spanish and non-Spanish residents alike. They expressed real concern that elderly people needing the pool for therapy would be deprived of this facility, essential for their health, for well over a year. In any case, the lack of facilities for the disabled to use the pool had to be corrected. It was outrageous that school children had to go to neighbouring municipalities to have swimming lessons. It was made clear that the Town Hall could act when there was a will. Life guards were recruited for duty on the beaches during Easter and summer. As one participant said, the excessive and unnecessary delay was because people in Orihuela Costa were considered second class citizens. On Friday, in Orihuela the issue was Continued on page 3
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