ALARM OVER DEPOPULATION IN THE SERRANÍABy David Eade
The widening economic crisis is again bringing to a head the concern over the depopulation of the Serranía de Ronda, which also has as a side effect - an increase in the average age of the remaining residents.
Over the years the Serranía has lost more and more young people to the Costa del Sol and the major cities. There they can enjoy a better lifestyle with the benefit of regular, secure employment.
In the last ten years attempts have been made to put a break on the flight of the young. However the current jobs crisis has seen a steady drop in the populations of the villages again setting the alarm bells ringing.
Rural tourism and small co-operatives have been the main motors for boosting the economy in many of the villages. Small hotels, restaurants and shops aimed at drawing in visitors are now facing their own crisis as the recession bites. The agricultural sector also plays a major role but for many growers the low prices offered for their produce, olives being a case in point, have also caused major headaches.
The Diputación de Málaga and the various town halls are now working together to offer common services to all the communities to guarantee an acceptable quality of life. The new Consorcio Serranía, representing all the town halls in the Serranía and Valle de Guadiaro except Ronda, has a major responsibility by promoting investment, management and the development of these resources.
The objective is to be able to offer young people secure employment and a good life style within the Serranía region so that they are not tempted or forced to leave. Ronda, as the major town in the region, has a special role to play. If it can attract more visitors then they in turn will also visit the Serranía bringing a much needed boost to the economies of the village communities.
FORMER MAYORS AND COUNCILLORS IN THE DOCKTen councillors from the Partido Popular, PSOE and GIL, including three former mayors – Isabel María Aguilera (PSOE), Juan Fraile (PSOE) and José Herrera (PP), are accused by the Málaga prosecutor over the granting of a licence for an illegal construction in Ronda’s Hoya del Tajo. They voted in favour of the licence in 2005 for the renovation of an old cortijo at the Puerto de la Muela in the Tajo gorge valley although the prosecutor says it was the works were over the construction limit and located on protected land in the PGOU. They have been accused of perverting justice. The current mayor, Antonio Lara, along with his PA councillors and the IU abstained.
TANKER DRAMA
A tanker lorry belonging to Cepsa caused chaos last Wednesday morning when it overturned on the road from Cuevas del Becerro to Setenil de las Bodegas. As a result between 28,000 and 30,000 litres of fuel poured in to a stream but was prevented from reaching a nearby reservoir. The driver was seriously injured and two Guardia Civil were affected by the fumes.
MAYOR’S WIFE
The councillor for the Partido Andalucista, Francisco Harillo, has stepped down for personal reasons. He was responsible for the departments of employment and gardens. He will be replaced by Josefa Valle who is the wife of the mayor, Antonio Marín. She works as a nurse at the Ronda hospital.
JEWELLERY THEFT
Jewellery that is worn by the statue of the Virgen de los Dolores in Cuevas del Becerro have been stolen from the chapel in which she is kept. The statue was being prepared for the forthcoming Easter Week celebrations when it was noticed that a number of chains and pendants were missing. They were donated by church members and are of great sentimental value.
BEST PARKING
The Real Automóvil Club de España has recently announced that the best parking in Spain is to be found in the Martínez Astein underground car park in Ronda. The car park was opened last year and it received top marks for being modern and the services it offers to clients. Ronda received the gold medal in competition with facilities in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
BIG MAC
A 47-year-old man has been arrested in Ronda after he exposed himself to a group of children. Local Police chief, José Carrasco, says the incident happened outside McDonalds in the plaza de España when he dropped his trousers in front of a group aged eight to 15 years. The police are checking to see if he has previous convictions that might explain his actions.
POLICE CORRUPTION
The former Ronda National Police chief, a sub-inspector, two officers and a Guardia Civil have been told they will face corruption charges. The offences date back to January 2007 when they were first arrested. It is alleged they closed their eyes to the activities of three brothels in Ronda in exchange for sexual favours and money. Another five people face charges related to prostitution.
BAD ROAD
The spokesperson for the Partido Popular on the Diputación de Málaga, Francisco Saldo, has spoken out against the bad state of the road that links Atajate with Jimera de Líbar noting that the number of accidents has doubled in recent times. There are no barriers on the road and at some points it is so narrow that two vehicles cannot pass in different directions.
