Bad News for Estepona Residents

BIG increases in the I.B.I. PROPERTY TAX has been approved by Estepona Town Hall.  These were approved last August but only now have residents been receiving the notification as to what it actually means to the individual house owner.   Increases of between 100% and 500% have been reported and as a result there have been demonstrations called for by the Estepona Residents Association. There have already been demonstrations of 7000 people marching through the town protesting about the unfair and what seems to be unjustified tax rises.   These rises may harm the development of the town as prospective buyers may decide to avoid the town and opt for a less expensive area with a more reasonable approach to the I.B.I. Tax.

San Pedro de Alcantara Tunnel...1/2/07

Work on the new tunnel to ease the traffic congestion through San Pedro de Alcantara has started but appears not to be progressing very fast.  This is the biggest bottle-neck on route from Marbella to Estepona with long queues forming at peak times. The work going on just now is to clear the palm trees and other objects which will allowing the widening of the working area along the existing road.  This is also means that some access roads to the main road will be closed.

This is just the start of the inconvenience to residents and motorists in the San Pedro de Alcantara area which will last for some time. The Town Hall has put the plans of the project on public view and invite comments, views and suggestions to ease the disruption.  

New car-jacking scam...ALL car owners and car drivers please read....WARNING !!!                                                                                                                         Be aware of this new scheme.

You walk across the car park, unlock your car and get inside. Then you lock all your doors start the engine and put gear stick into reverse. You look in the rear-view mirror to back out of your parking space and you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window.  So you shift the gear stick back into neutral, unlock your doors and jump out of the car to remove the paper or whatever is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of the car that is when the car-jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off !   Your engine was running, you would have left your belongings, perhaps a purse, and they practically mow you down as they speed off in your car.

BE AWARE this NEW scheme is now being used in the UK and it is only a matter of time until it turns up in Spain. There are already similar distraction schemes in use in Spain.

Just drive away & remove the paper later.  Please pass this information on to family and friends especially to women !      A purse contains all identification, you certainly do NOT want someone getting your home address. They already HAVE your keys !!!  Take care as this scam could be just around the corner.

PALM - Red Beetle - WARNING

To those residents who have Palm Trees in your Gardens please note it is time to get them sprayed with pesticide to protect them from the Red Palm weevil.  The main type of Palm that this beetle attacks is the Canary Date Palm, Phoenix Canariensis which is a common tree throughout the Costa del Sol. This palm plague has been spreading along the coast from east to west over the past few years and is now to be seen in the area from San Pedro de Alcantara to Manilva. 

Once the tree is infected there is little hope of it surviving if it is NOT treated quickly. The tree is often beyond help before the infestation is discovered.  It necessary to have infected trees removed professionally to prevent the beetles flying off and infecting other trees.

Responsible property owners in the area should have their Date Palm Trees TREATED every 2 months to help prevent the spread of this plague which is already having a detrimental effect on the appearance of the Costa del Sol.  FOR EFFECTIVE TREATMENT ADVICE CLICK HERE

another website you may find useful is

www.villadeal.com for good villa and flight deals to Spain, features popular Costa del Sol resorts of Villacana and Park Beach near Estepona Late offers available at off peak times.

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