Call for clean-up in Calvia outskirts

Dear Editor, IT seems to me that there may well be two streams of tourists who come to Calvia. One stream is the invisible numbers who stay in all inclusive hotels. They just seem to arrive, stay in their hotel for two weeks and then off back to the airport and away Then of course there is the second stream who we as residents do see, but I am afraid there are not many of them, certainly not in Santa Ponsa. So it is difficult to argue with Kate Mentink's figures (Daily Bulletin, Sunday 2nd April) when she states that this year's winter visitors are up by one percent on last year. Most of the areas of Calvia are quite nice to the eye. The beaches are generally clean. There are lovely blooming shrubs and plants to be seen as one drives along the roads, and surely that must be a little attractive both to residents and visitors alike. This seems to stop at the outskirts of Santa Ponsa. Just a few years ago, Calle Ramon de Moncada was rebuilt. The pavements which previously were absolutely disgusting were widened and lots of trees were planted along the paved areas. Along the pavements irrigated plots were dug for plants along the whole of (Calle) Ramon de Moncada. Through the columns of your newapaper, I would like to invite Kate Mentink to have a walk along Ramon de Moncada from the “Holiday Park” past the round-a-bout, which is an eyesore and for her to continue up the hill to “Caesars” apartment block. Have a good look, Kate, at the many trees which have been killed off hardly before they have become established. Have a look at the areas which were designated for plants. In many of these soil areas there are no plants, the soil is as hard as concrete and the irrigation pipes have been vandalised. There are three garden areas where shrubs have survived. They are overgrown and they do not look nice at all. In fact they are becoming an attraction for people to throw their empty cans and bottles as they pass by. Finally, the trees along the pavements which have been allowed to grow are now about to engulf the street lights with their uncultivated foliage. Instead of having a war of words with the hoteliers, why doesn't she help to transfer some of the gardeners from other areas of Calvia and begin to demonstrate where some of our rates could be put to better use. Tourism is also about the environment, not just bums on beds.