AVE LINK ON TRACKThe president of Adif, Antonio González Marín, who was in Ronda last week to inspect the upgrade of the line between the town of the Tajo and San Pablo de Buceite, insisted that the cut backs in AVE investment would not affect the Ronda to Antequera line.
The ministry of public works has announced that it is placing a hold on new projects but Marín stated that the study of the new Ronda to Antequera connection was underway and the halt on spending would not apply to this project.
The head of the rail infrastructure company also said he was talking with the mayor of Ronda, Antonio Marín, over plans to do away with the two level crossings in the urban area. Both cross the line either side of Ronda’s station on the access roads to the industrial estate. As they have to be closed each time a train passes this causes major problems for traffic flow – especially for heavy vehicles.
The platforms at Ronda station have been adapted to cater for the new medium and long distance rolling stock which now have facilities for disabled people. Public access has been improved between the platforms to improve the connections via the ramps. Up till now passengers have had to cross the lines but an underpass is being constructed. This has stairways plus two lifts that can carry up to eight people.
Mayor Antonio Marín stressed the importance of bringing the AVE service to Ronda. He stated that it would link the town with the rest of Spain in the fastest and most comfortable manner boosting the local economy and tourism.
PGOU DELAY
Residents of Ronda will have to wait still further for the new local development plan (PGOU) to be initially approved by the council. It was planned to be voted on in March but the delay could last three months as various changes are made. Mayor Antonio Marín explained that this vital document should be approved by consensus between all the political parties.
SOUR GRAPES
The wine industry is an important growth sector in the Serrañia de Ronda. The number of quality vineyards is increasing with the wines produced receiving many accolades. However all is not well within the Associación de Viticultores that represents their views. Just three months since its election the board has resigned over bitter financial disputes with talk of a rival association being formed.
TRIAL SUSPENDED
The trial of four Ronda National Police officers and a Guardia Civil accused of corruption started last week in Málaga court then was abruptly suspended. The case relates to 2003 - 2007 involving prostitution, protection payments and drugs. The defence insists it cannot prepare its case because the identity of protected witnesses has not been revealed - this is now to be sorted out.
BENAOJÁN ROW
Last year the mayor of Benaoján, socialist Soraya García, was unseated when the IU withdrew its support and the other local parties voted her out. Former mayor Francisco Gómez of the APB was elected in her place ruling with the AIB and IU. Now García has denounced Gómez for coercion and abuse of power alleging he accepted commissions from those winning municipal contracts.
MORE JOBLESS
The number of unemployed in Ronda continues to grow. In February the total was 4,205 – an increase of 48. Women with 2,173 still out number men in the jobless league. The town hall’s plans to stem the tide and to battle the financial crisis have still seen the total steadily increase although 53 people have been hired by the town hall in February.
IN AFGHANISTAN
Over the past weeks the Spanish Legion in Ronda has said farewell as its troops prepared to leave for Afghanistan. Training intensified with tanks and armoured cars seen training in rural areas. Now 120 Legionnaires of the Tercio Alejandro Farnesio IV have arrived in the country where they will serve with NATO for five months. More Legionnaires will join them in the coming days.
