Things of huge interest to some

Aeromur has come out of bankruptcy protection and will not file for insolvency
Regional government spokesman José Ballesta reported on Friday that Aeromur, the company whose contract to construct and manage the Region of Murcia’s new international airport at Corvera is under re-negotiation, has successfully avoided entering bankruptcy proceedings and that the time limit within which this could have happened has now passed.

Initially the consortium, in which a leading share is held by construction giant Sacyr, had entered voluntary bankruptcy proceedings in September in order to re-finance its debts after it was sacked for failing to open the airport within the specified timescale, but a halt has now effectively been called to these proceedings, partly as a result of the increasing likelihood of the company being re-awarded the Corvera contract. Sr Ballesta reports that negotiations are still being held with Aeromur and with national and European authorities in order to ensure the legality of the procedure by which this might be achieved.

As part of these negotiations, agreements have reportedly been reached which will terminate  the legal proceedings in which the two parties and been locked over control of the completed airport terminal.

In the meantime, it is expected that over the next few weeks the regional government will advise the European Commission of its intention to open the airport in the second half of September this year. According to press reports the exact date proposed is 18th September: this information will be included in the report being sent to Brussels as part of the government’s efforts to gain permission for the plan to extend an equity loan to Aeromur, enabling the company to withstand operating losses over the first few years of the airport’s use........ For more check out source below.

Source: Murcia Today

This weekend sees the eagerly awaited return to one of the most popular and biggest events to take to the streets of Orihuela, the Medieval Market, 2014, which opens on Friday.

The 42,000 euro contract was awarded to the company, La Asociación Cultural Destellos, the only bidder to stage the event, a theatrical company founded in 1986 that works with the PirámideArt of Alicante and with the support of an international street theatre group, the Festival Internacional de Teatro en la Calle, or FITEC. 

Not knowing how many companies would bid, it is natural for those looking to receive the award to propose improvements and added value to their service provision, one such development to this year´s event is lighting for both the streets and the iconic Orihuela buildings.

Launching the event this week, the councillor for festivities, Carolina Gracia of the PSOE, along with representatives of historic groups in the municipality, detailed how the event this year will see a total of 151 entertainment activities on the streets.

Whilst presenting the poster, advertising and television campaign for this year´s event, Gracia explained how this festival is important for the profile of Orihuela, attracting both residents and holidaying tourists alike, and allows the monuments of the city to be seen for the value they hold.

Gracia went on to detail how the events will be spread over the 3 days of the festival, with 49 on Friday, 52 on Saturday and 50 on Sunday, which will include parades , dance, theatre , exhibitions and musical performances. 

The site of both the market and parade will be almost identical to last year, although it is hoed without the addition of the high winds that caused a number of problems to both stall holders and visitors, but the main starting point will be different and be on Plaza de Santiago, to the entrance to the city of Santo Domingo Church.

Antonio Manuel García Alcocer, President of the Asociación de Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos, further emphasised the role of the market as “one of the most important held in Spain”, as it is in a “unique environment”, of the cultural on history rich streets.

A bus service is being provided once again from the coast to Orihuela, to enable coastal residents to visit the Medieval Market without the hassle of driving or parking.

This year, the bus service running on the three days of the festival, will allow for longer time at the event to soak up the atmosphere.

The buses will run on Friday the 31st of January and Saturday the 1st and 2nd of February, departing from Playa Flamenca at 09:00, returning at 14:00, then again at 16:00, returning at 21:00.

The buses will also pick up and drop off at Entre Naranjos, as required, allowing those inland residents to also enjoy the festivities.

The price of the bus is just 5.30€ return from the Orihuela Costa, and just 3.30€ from Entre Naranjos, payable to the driver upon boarding.

However, in order to ensure that enough seats are available, booking is essential. This can be done by simply calling the Tourist Office at Playa Flamenca on 96 676 00 00 Ext. 32/24, or by popping in to the office, and you can also email orihuelaplaya@touristinfo.net. The Zenia Boulevard Tourist Office team are also able to take booking for the first time this year, so you can even pop in during your normal shopping trip.

The event is expected to be a huge success once again this year, and as it is one of the biggest Medieval Markets in Europe, it is one event to tantalise and tease everybody of all ages, and one event not to be missed.

Source: The Leader

Full programme in English, map & parking information here.

Owners of the 1,270 illegally-built homes in Catral can start preparing their paperwork for the next attempt to regularise the situation of their rural properties.

More in today’s Costa Blanca News.

The Corvera airport saga remains in the news this week as the political manoeuvrings to achieve a settlement with former concessionary, Aeromur, continue. In order to effectively “loan” money to Aeromur to take over the concession again, the region must seek permission from Brussels as this deal is on the edge of anti-competitivity rules, so this will again cause a delay as the paperwork is sent off for appraisal. Some are starting to call this airport Cor-never-a, although President Valcárcel remains optimistic that a solution is being reached.

Source: Murcia Today

Germany's air traffic controllers are planning to strike for one hour on January 29, in a show of support for an expected Europe-wide strike that could lead to considerable flight disruption, their union boss said on Saturday.

The Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination(ATCEUC), which represents 14,000 flight overseers across 28 European countries, this week revived plans to strike over planned safety and savings targets by the European Commission, which it says could endanger the safe provision of services...........

Read more at >> Reuters

Check out Peter's Facebook timeline, he certainly appears to have helped many watch UK TV without having to mess around with hiding your IP address. His fb is very interactive with anyone wanting to know more plus he comes across as exceptionally helpful.

"For now I will be leaving the cost at £5 in return for a honest review of the service on our Facebook page when I have enough feed back the cost will increase so get it now and save some cash you will see many happy people on our Facebook page. Payments will be made via Paypal"

https://www.facebook.com/groups/562762550478331/

http://uktvpeterbaker.com

Beware Of The 5 lb. Bag Of Sugarless Gummy Bears On Amazon.com – The Reviews Are Priceless!

Oh, Gummy Bears! They’re so tasty and delicious you can never eat just one. In fact most of us eat them by the handful.   And with diet season in full swing, some of us may be looking at the sugar-free alternative to help ease the gummy bear cravings.

But before you hop on Amazon to make a bulk purchase of the sugar-free variety, you just might want to read the safety warnings.  Or better yet, take a look at the user submitted reviews. We’ve compiled the best of the best for you here at Slightly Viral…

Sugarless Gummy Bears may taste like the original but these come with a safety warning…

Safety Warning: Consumption of some sugar-free candies may cause stomach discomfort and/or a laxative effect. Individual tolerance will vary. If this is the first time you’ve tried these candies, we recommend beginning with one-fourth of a serving size or less.

Just check out the many (401)reviews on http://slightlyviral.com/beware-sugarless-gummy-bears-on-amazon-com/

A very powerful message that everyone needs to hear, especially police.
I'd love to hear what police have to say about this.
This girl has guts.

Cyclists of Europe: From 11 January, 2014, the weight limit will be back to 32kg. 

Source: Easyjet

A consultation period has begun whereas upon completion the road traffic department of the central government will permanently close Access and egress of two popular routes off the roundabout on the N-332 at La Zenia.

The consultation document is available for viewing in the Playa Flemenca town hall, on the public notice board, indicating that the action is to take place as the site has seen a total of 44 accidents during a two year period, 11 of which have resulted in accident victims, with 16 people being treated for minor injuries.

At a location where The Leader newspaper offices were previously located, we can hold testament to the fact that the roundabout is an accident black spot, but closing these roads will not necessarily reduced the problems where the accidents occur.

On the one side of the roundabout, the road which runs past Fresco and Compured computers to the taxi rank is affected, and on the other side, the sloped road which runs alongside the car park access to a residential building and to the beach underpass, a favourite location of the Guardia Civil spot checks. Both of these roads will be close completely both leading onto and off the roundabout.

As the move is currently in a period of consultation, it is open for opposition from residents and business owners. If you would like to consult and offer your opinions for consideration, this can be done by writing to the ministerial department, in Spanish, and offering your reasons for objection. 

For its part, although they have no direct power, the Orihuela local council are proposing not closing the roads completely, but rather making them one direction to allow access off the roundabout, as well as providing a change to traffic flow on the road behind Consum and the construction of a mini roundabout at the crossroads at the far end of Consum where countless drivers persistently ignore the road signs and insist on carrying out illegal moves such as turning left towards the Villamartin direction.

The consultation period is only a short length of time however, and will close on the 19th of January. Your opposition must be received before that time, or it will be considered invalid. 

As always, staff within the International residents office will be able to point you in the direction of the document and, although the town hall is powerless and unable to get directly involved, they will assist you in any way they can, as is the case with any other issues relating to such matters.
 

Source: The Leader

The Three Kings, known in Spanish as the Tres Reyes Magos will be arriving in Torrevieja on the 5th January 2014. They will be preceded by their Official Post men will be collecting the letters from the children on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd January from 17:00-20:00 in the Plaza de la Constitución.
 
The Three Kings will arrive by boat at 17:30 on Sunday 5th January 2014. Gaspar, Melchor and Baltasar will disembark in the port at Torrevieja for their annual parade. The route will take them from the Dique de Levante past the Monumento al Hombre del Mar and along Calle Ramón y Cajal, Zoa to Calle Ramón Gallud. The parade will finish at the main entrance to the Iglesia de Inmaculada Concepción, in the plaza de la Constitución.
 
Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd January 2014
17:00-20:00 Collection of the Present Letters by the Three Kings Official Postmen.
Saunday 5th January 2014
17:30 Arrival of the Three Kings at the port for their parade to the church.

Source: Eurotourguide

There is an amazing group on Facebook who help people with problems. 

Currently many people in this group of over 4,000 members are concerned about their properties being demolished, there's lots of discussion on it.

As it is a closed group you must apply to join.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/citizensinspain/

Please come join us.