“The deterioration of Santa Ponsa”

MY family and I are Scottish residents and as tourists have visited the beautiful island of Majorca approximately five times a year over the last 25 years and sadly have seen a substantial deterioration over the past three years.

Most of that time has been spent staying in the north side of Santa Ponsa Bay where you used to be able to walk from the Plaza, where entertainment was available for families every night of the week during the summer months, to the large beach on a safe walkway passing three small beaches and three small harbours. What a beautiful sight this was on a cool summer's evening with small boats moored in the three small harbours.

Back then, the price of food and drink was more than realistic and you could stop off at any of the five waterside restaurants for a pleasant meal and watch the glass bottom boats ferry passengers around the area. I have recently returned from Santa Ponsa, as the resort prepares for the summer season, and was horrified to see the devastation and decline of the north side of Santa Ponsa Bay. Two of the small harbours have virtually disappeared into the sea, the third harbour has been severely damaged by the storm and is impassable. The walkways are smashed up and neglected, old damaged boats litter the walkways and one swimming pool is now green with stagnant water due to neglect. I understand that last summer Santa Ponsa traders had a very difficult season with some traders reporting a drop of up to 60 percent in their turnover and property prices are in free fall. I can only see the situation this year getting worse due to the poor exchange rates and the collapse of airlines and tour operators such as Globespan and the Irish company Budget.

I personally believe that the Majorcan Authorities must repair the sea defences and walkways on the north side of the bay as a matter of urgency to permit tourists to walk freely along the coast line. The collapse of these walkways has made travel for people with prams, disabled people and the elderly very difficult.

The tourist industry as a whole in Majorca, I personally believe, should look at their prices by comparison to mainland Spain. Majorca is no longer an affordable tourist destination and the authorities must maintain the neglected areas as soon as possible.

Ian Rice.