YOUR LETTERS

ATTACK IN MAGALLUF

I write on behalf of several traders in Santa Ponsa in relation to the situation in Magalluf. This kind of publicity is not good for Calvia, it is only a matter of time before something like this happens in Santa Ponsa but prostitutes here are not the problem. It is the so called looky looky men, they are getting very abusive with tourists that refuse to look at what they are selling, it will only be a matter of time before a major fight breaks out. Not only are they abusive to tourists but they are affecting the trade of many shops in Santa Ponsa. The public think they are getting a good deal because they can barter with the price but the truth is they are selling sub standard goods at vastly inflated prices (in most cases 50% more than you would pay in a shop). It is impossible to have a meal or sit in a pub without being constantly bombarded with handbags, sunglasses etc by these illegal traders.

These men do not pay any taxes or contribute to the Calvia community in any way. As for us traders we have to pay taxes and high rents but the police and Calvia seem to be powerless to stop this illegal activity of the prostitutes and these illegal traders so we the traders of Santa Ponsa call on all tourists to support the local shops and to not buy sub standard goods from illegal traders. We also call on Calvia Council and Calvia local police to clean up Calvia before it's too late this season as it has not been good for anyone. If this practice of prostitutes and illegal traders is not stopped Calvia will die as a tourist area, and with out the tourists we can not survive and we will be unable to pay our taxes which in turn will effect the Council and the Balearic government. Our answer is simple: if they are here illegally send them home, if they are here legally then up the fines and if they don't pay send them home. It's time to start acting tough to save our island and Calvia should lead the way.

Steve Peel

Dear Sir,

FOR those of you who are involved in tourism I'm delighted to bring you good news for a change. The president of the local chamber of commerce has reminded us that all next year will be the bicentennial of Chopin which will be a great boost for Majorcan tourism.

The only problem I foresee is if Easyjet etc have enough planes to accommodate the rush to the Chopin foam parties in BCM.
Yours,

John Rule

Sol de Mallorca