Arenal residents angered by inaction over drunken tourism

He claims that that absolutely nothing is being done this winter to bring about a change. "The feeling we have as residents remains the same. There is a great deal of scepticism because we see no interest in addressing the situation, despite the many promises made by the town hall."

Hotels will, he notes, be opening earlier. Some of them are preparing to open this month, which means a lengthening of the season. Meanwhile, there is advertising on the internet which promotes Majorca and Playa de Palma as destinations for drunken tourism.

Last April, there was a party in the street which was denounced by the residents. The video of that party is being used, says Barceló, as an incentive to attract tourists.

The blame for this and for what residents have to put up with lies with local authorities. "They don't do anything and nor do they act on their promises of investment."

At a meeting last week with the councillor for Playa de Palma, Helena Paquier, residents' attitudes turned to anger when Paquier said that the lack of action by the town hall was due to the "Montoro Law" of national finance minister Cristobal Montoro. Budget restraint means a lack of public employees, she explained. In addition there were the cases of alleged corruption affecting the town hall.

"Her words were not appreciated, and there was some confrontation with neighbourhood groups," says Barceló.