Around Majorca

FELANITX
The Town Council in Felanitx is to donate 38'000 euros to the Red Cross to carry out an agreed plan of social work. A contract was signed at the beginning of this week between the Red Cross and the Town Council which stipulated the programme. It includes a telephone home helpline where a user carries an emergency button, worn like a necklace, so that it is always on his or her person, and in the event of the need arising for immediate assistance, the button can be pressed which gives a direct telephone link to the Red Cross.

Another aspect of the social work is a “Meals on Wheels” service which is provided to about 40 residents in the district.
Parking plans move on

BUNYOLA
The Town Council in Bunyola have made urgent arrangements to put the works for the second stage of the Santa Catalina Thomas parking project out to public tender. The works are estimated at 475'227.51 euros, and will be funded by government budgets from both 2004 and 2005.

The parking project has been the subject of considerable political argument in the district and have ended up being behind schedule, partly due to the necessity to alter its original plans.

The lack of parking in the town remains one of Bunyola's chief problems.
Sports tourism

CALVIA
Mayor of Calvia, Carlos Delgado, recently held a summit meeting with the chief representatives of the tourist industry operating in the district. Attendees, including hotel companies, local tourism agencies, and for the first time, tour operator delegates, used the occasion to air problems experienced in the sector, and to seek solutions, both to present and future difficulties.

With reference to Calvia, tour operators as much as hoteliers were in agreement that tourists were complaining chiefly about litter, lack of security, and poor transport networking. Another issue which faces the industry is the number of “illegal” offers made to tourists, such as the letting of holiday homes by people who fail to comply with minimum standard by-laws laid down by the government. Such trade is undermining the business of bona fide commerce which complies with the law in terms of by-laws and taxes.

Delgado explained that the industry is suffering a period of uncertainty given that many client markets are being attracted by other countries who offer holiday destinations at a cheaper price. Businessmen in Caliva had therefore called on the mayor to facilitate a better competitive deal for the industry. Tour operators suggested more investment in sporting tourism and as an example, quoted the idea of building several football pitches with artificial grass to attract professional teams through the winter time.

Protection for mills

BANYALBUFAR
The Independent Party, in opposition on Banyalbufar Town Council have called for two mediaeval mills to be categorised as Monuments of Cultural Interest. The mills are situated on the rocky outcrop of the cove and there is documentary evidence to date their origins to the 13th century.

Councillor Barbara Bujosa said: “These two mills are a jewel in Majorca's water supply network” and “they are in need of restoration and maximum protection because of their exposure to the sea weather”.

Covered market

INCA
At the end of this month, the ruling government team on Inca Town Council is ready to set out the terms and conditons of contract which will be put out to public tender, for the construction works on the new covered municipal market and 270 underground parking places.

Inca's mayor, Pere Rotger, furthered that the project will finally get underway when the regional government ministry for Commerce and Industry have approved funding of 1'650'000.

The entire project includes the demoliton of the present covered market to make way for a new building incorporating 4 underground storeys, 3 of them for carparking and one for a supermarket and other trading outlets.