The mayor, as reported on Thursday, had issued a "proclamation" that was reminding everyone of the need for good behaviour and outlining things that were on the banned list, such as street selling. A reader, Sue Parrish, wondered if Mr. Mayor was living on another planet and invited him to look at the sellers from her balcony.
There were also rules for "tiqueteros" (otherwise referred to as PRs). Their areas of operation were set out as were the requirements for their employment, such as having a contract. On Friday we learned that the regional ministers for employment and health had been in talks with the town hall regarding working conditions and the offer of jobs via the internet, some of which may well be as PRs. Or for the sale of laughing gas, which is also on the banned list. Or perhaps also for party boats (booze cruises). Last Sunday we reported that one operator of these cruises was already sold out from June to August.
Meanwhile, it was said on Wednesday that Magalluf (and Palmanova) were heading for outstanding seasons in terms of hotel occupancy, albeit that current forecasts for June and July were only 84% and 87% respectively: not the fully sold-out picture that has been referred to but which may apply to other resorts.
Bus stops in Puerto Pollensa
In Puerto Pollensa there was another complaint to follow those regarding the pedestrianisation work and absence of beach services. This one, as reported on Tuesday, had to do with the relocation of the bus stops to a position where residents are being "driven to distraction" by the noise and fumes. The town hall said that the siting of the bus stops is temporary and that a draft for the project for a new location will be available within two to three months. Residents subsequently suggested that they had received a rather different message from the town hall. Readers' opinions were pretty unanimous in attacking, for example, the "muddle-headed thinking of the town hall".
Palma police and terraces
In Palma there was a major row over policing. While the town hall was able on Monday to greet its new summer intake of local police to add to the force to assist holidaymakers, it was also waiting on news of National Police numbers to be drafted into the city over the summer. It was this, the National Police element, which created the row. The town hall, as we said on Thursday, was "furious" because of the lack of reinforcements. The mayor said that these would not be arriving until 1 July, when "the tourism season starts much earlier" in Playa de Palma.
The national government's delegation to the Balearics, responsible for organising the National Police, suggested that the mayor and the town hall were dabbling in politics in advance of the June general election.
In the city itself, restaurant owners on the Born avenue were indicating that takings were down by 80% because of the book fair. They had been obliged to remove their terraces to make way for the stalls. Jason Moore yesterday recommended that the town hall thinks again when it comes to next year's fair. The town hall seem to be "making life difficult" for the restaurants. Readers were inclined to agree. "What a mess" on the Born was one observation.
Poverty in Majorca
While summer business in Majorca is due to be very good, thoughts should be spared for those who see little or no benefit from tourism record numbers. A Thursday report highlighted the level of poverty risk, and the next day we heard from the church charity, Caritas. In its annual report it spoke of "chronic poverty" in Majorca. "The richest are getting richer and the workers poorer."
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