Petrol Station Queues As Transport Strike Begins
(added 9/6/08)
Spanish hauliers have begun an indefinite strike in protest of fuel costs which have increased by 20% this year. Up to 90,000 lorry drivers are expected to take part in the strike which will affect supplies
all all products.
Hauliers claim that supermarkets will run out of food within days and long queues have been witnessed at local petrol stations as drivers hurry to top of their tanks.
Homeoners dread reverse of 'Ryanair Effect'
Final Departure For Ryanair? (added 15/5/08)
The prospect of losing budget flights between Granada and the UK looms, ever since the withdrawal earlier this year of subsidies to airlines flying in and out of Federico García Lorca airport.
The Granada city council voted during the winter to cancel subsidies to the airlines which amounted to 15% of their operating costs. It has also been reported that around €190,000 promised last year is yet to be paid out.
The usually vocal chairman of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, has remained tight-lipped about the airline’s plans but rumours are circulating that they may be planning a departure.
‘Ryanair Effect’
A large number of British immigrants to Spain specifically choose where to buy based on proximity to airports and specifically to budget airlines.
According to international property agents Savills, houses located within 10 miles of airports served by low-cost airlines maintain a value 39% higher than similar properties further away. As such, one can understand why many homeowners are concerned about the value of their investments.
The Granada Chamber of Commerce, which recognises the positive affect that airlines have in stimulating the local economy, was already contributing an additional 5% subsidy when the city council announced their turnaround. Now, they have launched a new campaign to raise funds for the airlines and hopefully encourage them to stay.
The initiative, entitled ‘Hacemos volar a Granada’ or ‘We make Granada Fly’, hopes to raise €200,000 by signing up businesses that will pay between one and ten thousand euros each in exchange for using the campaign logo and being able to sell their products at the airport.
According to the chamber of commerce, two thirds of passengers travelling to Granada on Ryanair are tourists who make a substantial contribution to the local economy and who are responsible indirectly for the creation of 240 jobs.
Sierra Sur Today has written to Ryanair but the airline has thus far declined to comment. We will keep readers updated.
Grants To Reform Houses Extended To Villages
(added 5/4/08)
Villages surrounding Alcalá can now benefit from grants to aid in the rehabilitation of homes which had previously been reserved for residents of the historic centre of the town, thanks to an agreement between the town hall and the Junta de Andalucía. Houses must be at least 10 years old and their owners must satisfy a number of prerequisites, including an earnings threshold.
The grants can cover up to 50% of the cost of reforms and funds are released in two stages. Aides from the town hall in Alcalá will be meeting with village mayors to make sure they and local residents are properly informed about the programme.
Important Archaeological Discovery At La Mota (added 5/4/08)
Archaeological excavations at la Mota have revealed a Roman statue which had been buried under the site of the former brothel. Amongst several pieces discovered, the statue of Hercules is considered the most important. The statue, carved from stone, dates from the 4th century AD when the Romans inhabited what is now Alcalá la Real.
Investigations have revealed the rapid decline of Roman civilisation in this region immediately following the death of Emperor Constantine.
The quality of materials exhumed from the site provide optimism for even greater discoveries, according to investigators.
Alcalá To Be Home Of Hockey Training Centre (added 29/3/08)
An agreement was signed on Friday to create the Andalucian Hockey Training Centre in Alcalá. The purpose of the centre will be to promote the sport and offer training to talented youths from throughout the region.
Alcalá Online Launches New Magazine For Region (added 16/3/08)
The editors of Alcalá Online are pleased to announce the launch of a new magazine entitled Sierra Sur Today. The name of the magazine is derived from the region of Andalucía in which Alcalá la Real, Castillo de Locubín, Alcaudete, Frailes and Martos are located and reflects our committment to provide news and information for these communities and all the surrounding villages.
The magazine will be published every two months and includes top news stories from the region, interviews with British people who have moved to Spain and articles featuring local businesses set up by expats.
In addition, Sierra Sur Today includes an illustrated events calendar, information on places to visit, a handy list of important phone numbers and a recipes page.
The launch issue of Sierra Sur Today features an article explaining some of the history and traditions of Semana Santa as well as details of all the events taking place in Alcalá la Real throughout the week.
You can get your free copy of the magazine at shops and bars throughout the region. In Alcalá la Real, Sierra Sur Today can be found Café-Bar Rio de Oro, Words of Wisdom bookshop, Bonita furniture and home accessories, Café-Bar El Parque, Finest Fayre food shop, Hotel Torrepalma cafeteria, Welcome To Spain and Casa Andaluza estate agents.
Alcalá Online Unveils New Look & Announces Collaboration With Top Spanish Website (added 16/3/08)
Alcalá Online is pleased to announce a new colloboration with the editors of alcalalareal.net, the top Spanish-language website for Alcalá la Real. Our partnership with the longest standing Spanish website for the region means we will be able to provide our readers with the most detailed and up-to-date news and information.
The editors of both websites share an interest in helping Spanish and expat readers to better understand each other and, by doing so, to help British people become better integrated in the community.
Mayoress Inspects Progress At New Industrial Estate (added 12/3/08)
Last Friday, the mayoress of Alcalá la Real, Elena Víboras, visited the site of the new industrial estate Polígono Industrial Llano de Mazuelos with a representative of the provincial government in order to inspect the progress of construction. Crews are making steady progress and it is intended that the first businesses will be able to open in the industrial estate in the next few months.
The mayoress also took time to check on work at the southeast bypass which will connect the industrial estate to the N-432.
The new business park will have a total are of over 700 thousand square metres and will be home to many large and small businesses. The design also incorporates open spaces, green zones, sporting installations and areas for social functions.
On the same day, the mayoress and her guests attended the opening of a photographic exhibition on the history of Alcalá at the Palacio Abacial, which houses the town museum. Entrance to the exhibition is free of charge and is open during the normal museum hours (see ‘Places To Visit’ in this website)
Drunk Driver Crashes In Alcalá Town Centre (added 10/3/08)
Early last Sunday morning, just before the polls opened for the general election, security forces attended the scene of two incidents. The first occurred in the Carrera de las Mercedes, also known el ‘el Llanillo’, when a driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the entrance of the shoe shop ‘Calzados Romero’. According to the police, a 24 year old local resident was driving his black Alfa Romeo when he lost control of the car, mounting the kerb and crashing into the shop front at around 5:30am.
The vehicle had moments earlier crashed into a rubbish bin, tearing it from its foundation before carrying on several metres and colliding with the shop. Several youths were walking along el Llanillo at the time and were nearly run over by the driver, who was subsequently breathalized and found to be over the limit. According to police, the man has been charged with endangering traffic safety.
In a separate incident, firefighters were called to extinguish a fire in a rubbish container on the Avenida de Europa, in front of the Sagrada Familia School. The fire was set intentionally by individuals who fled the scene when firefighters arrived. There were no reports of injuries.
Council Demanding Proper Use Of Rubbish Receptacles (added 9/2/08)
Recently, the town council placed stickers on neighbourhood rubbish receptacles in order to make residents aware of the rules for their proper use. An initiative on the part of the Environment Office will also include other means related to rubbish collection and keeping the town clean.
The stickers explain that rubbish bags placed in receptacles should be sealed carefully and only deposited between the hours of 19:00 and 21:00. They also warn residents that a failure to comply with the regulations may result in a fine up to 750 euros.
The council would also like town residents to be aware of its Punto Limpio, or 'Clean Point', where items such as unwanted furniture, electrical appliances, mattresses, clothes, garden waste, and automotive oil can be deposited free of charge. The Punto Limpio is located on the old Priego road, near the N-432. It is open Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 19:00 and on Saturdays from 10:30 to 13:30.
Rambling Club Welcomes New Participants (added 9/2/08)
The Association of Alternative Sports in Nature 'Zumaque' is preparing for the 3rd edition of its Liga de Senderismo, or Trekking League. Anyone interested in taking part can enrol until 29 February. The events, include 8 routes of varying levels of difficulty in areas of great scenic beauty. The beginners level, which takes in routes up to 15 km long that can be walked at a normal pace, is ideal for families and children. The advanced group, which takes in routes of up to 35 km at a quick pace, is suited to experienced trekkers. There are only 100 places available in the group which last year was fully subscribed. Anyone interested can enrol via the organization's website, www.adanzumaque.com or in person at either of these shops: 'Rodavilla limpiezas' or 'Herbolario Santiveri' (on Avenida de Andalucía). The league begins this year on 16 March and for the first time will have a night time walk around the outskirts of Fortaleza la Mota. Treks are also planned in nature parks such as in the Sierra Nevada, Sierra de Huetor, la Subbética of Córdoba and the Sierra de Valdepeñas de Jaén. The organization is directed at people who want to enjoy outdoors, and endeavours to educate its members about the value of the environment and respect for nature.
Carnaval Great Fun For Participants (added 9/2/08)
Another successful Carnaval has come and gone. It began on Friday with a parade in which children from various schools and nurseries participated along with groups of senior citizens and organizations of handicapped citizens. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the traditional singing competition took place at the Teatro Martínez Montañés and was simultaneously broadcast on Radio Alcalá and on the internet. Five groups participated, each singing original and usually humorous music about local society and culture. The winners of the contest, who were awarded a prize of 750 euros, were an all-women group which called themselves 'The Goddesses of the Carnaval'. There were also prizes awarded for best costume in several categories. Carnaval finished with a big party at 'el Silo'.
Important New Archeological Find (added 9/2/08)
Last Friday, an important new archeological discovery was unveiled. The find, a fragment of marble statue representing the head of a 'faun', or mythical creature which is half man and half goat, was encountered during excavations by town council archeologists at 'Casa Facundo' in the neighbourhood of la Tejuela. The excavations uncovered the statue which had been incorporated in a wall that may have formed part of a Roman patio. The head of the creature, which measures approximately 16 cm tall by 10 cm wide, displays vestiges of its crown of ivy and horns. According to Carlos Borrás, director of the Alcalá Museum as well as the present excavations, the piece dates from the 3rd century A.D., during the reign of Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander. The statue was presented to the public at the Palacio Abacial, where it will be displayed, with the mayoress, Elena Víboras in attendance.
Translating 'Telephones' Offer Help To Immigrants (added 9/2/08)
Immigrants who need to make use of social services at the town hall in Alcalá la Real can now access information via a special mobile phone which translates into 38 different languages. The telephone can be used free of charge at Casa Batmala, headquarters of Social Services, Services to the Elderly, Equality and Immigration. The Junta de Andalucía has funded the programme with the hope that all immigrants will receive adequate attention in their own language. Councillor Teresa Hinojosa stated, 'It's a very useful tool for immigrants to familiarize themselves with the resources of Social
Agreement To Improve Network of Rural Footpaths (added 18/1/08)
An agreement signed by the Junta de Andalucía, Diputación Provincial de Jaén and the town council of Alcalá la Real will serve to improve rural footpaths throughout the municipality during the next couple years. 130 kilometres of footpaths will be tidied up. Those deemed for public use and with the greatest traffic will receive priority. The works are included as part of the Plan for the Improvement of Rural Footpaths for the period 2008-2011.
The Dominican sisters of Alcalá la Real said the news they had won the Christmas Raffle sponsored by the association of local businesses, ACCEIPA, was a 'gift from heaven'. The raffle ticket was submitted by an anonymous benefactor on behalf of the religious congregation. The prioress, Sister Maria Luisa, said the prize of 4,820 euros, which can be spent in more than 80 local shops, will be used to stock up on supplies for a group of new nuns who are soon to arrive from Kenya and Madagascar. According to the prioress, the order, which normally lives a secluded life, will not be breaking its rules by going on a shopping spree which she calls 'just and necessary'.
For some time, foreign residents of Alcalá la Real have benefited from Spanish lessons provided by the local charity, Cáritas. Each Wednesday, the charity gives classes to people from countries including Morocco, Romania, Ukraine and Great Britain. The lessons and materials (including books and workbooks) are generally free, though participants who are earning a wage may be asked to pay a fee. Anyone interested in taking part in lessons should enquire at the Cáritas office on calle Alonso Alcalá.
Interpretation Centre Opens at La Mota (added 18/1/08)
Last Sunday, the President of the Diputación de Jaén, Felipe López, and the mayor of Alcalá la Real, Elena Víboras, presided over the inauguration of the second and final phase of the Centre for the Interpretation of Frontier Life at La Mota. Along with several aides, the pair toured the new facility which includes various displays about life in the fortified city.
Two Months of Works Begin on Avenida de Europa (added 18/1/08)
According to the provincial delegate of Public Works, Rafael Valdivieso, works to improve drainage in the Avenida de Europa are set to begin this week. The section of the road affected lies between calle Doctor Camy and Duque de Ahumada. For some time, the area has been affected by flooding due to the lack of adequate drainage, leading to complaints from local residents and businesses. For that reason, the Junta de Andalucía has committed about 150,000 euros for the first phase of the works. It will be necessary to raise a 150 metre section of road and pavements, which is expected to cause disturbances for a couple months.
Alcalá la Real Appears on Belgian Television (added 18/1/08)
The Belgian reality show 'Eeuwige Roem' or 'Forever Famous' recently recorded episodes in Alcalá la Real. The episodes, which will be broadcast this month, feature La Mota, Capuchinos and the Fuente del Rey.
Procession of the Kings Attracts Large Audience (added 7/1/08)
The climax to the Christmas season in Spain, the Feast of the Kings, was ushered in in great style on Saturday. During the day, children were able to meet Balthazar, Gaspar, and Melchior at the town hall and deliver their letters requesting gifts.
Later in the day, the kings went to the Iglesia de las Angustias to say a prayer to Jesus and deliver a message to the congregation before making their way to the fairground for the beginning of the procession. The three kings, accompanied by children representing various clubs and organizations, paraded through the town on beautiful floats. Thousands of sweets, balloons and other gifts were thrown by the kings and their helpers to the huge audience lining the streets in spite of the evening cold.
Christmas Concert at the Library (added 7/1/08)
Last Friday, more than 150 Alcalaínos were treated to a Christmas concert in the beautiful surroundings of the hall at the Convento de Capuchinos. The band from the botherhood of Nuestra Sra. de las Angustias and the children's choir from the brotherhood of la Virgen del Rocío gave a recital of Christmas music.
The children's choir was the first to perform, singing traditional Spanish 'villancicos' or Christmas carols accompanied on guitar by their director,
Antonio Pérez. Afterwards the band, which consists of brass and percussion instruments, performed six songs including Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, Feliz Navidad, White Christmas and Jingle Bells.
New Charges For La Mota Announced (added 30/12/07)
During its final meeting of the year, the town council announced new charges for the Fortaleza la Mota. With immediate effect, the entrance charge for la Mota will be 5 euros, however there will be concessions for students, pensioners and groups of 20 or more. The charge for night openings will be 6 euros and for theatrical events at the fortress entrance will cost 8 euros.
The museum will also offer a special card called 'Carnet Adalid' for 6 euros. Bearers of the card can gain discounted admission as often as they like for a period of a year to la Mota and the town museum in the Palacio Abacial- 1.50 euros or 1 euro for concessions.
JuegeAlcalá Seeks To Educate Children About Climate Change
(added 30/12/07)
The latest edition of JugueAlcalá took place last Thursday in the pabellón polideportivo municipal alcalaíno (the municipal sports pavillion) with the objective of developing children's awareness of climate change.
JugueAlcalá opened with recreational activities and then moved on to a number of workshops, educational games and cooperative activities. Besides learning about climate change, children also had a chance to consider other problems such as World Hunger in the 21st century.
More than 75 volunteers helped out at he event. There were a number of tables around which the various workshops were organized. One of the workshops helped children to learn about plant life cycles. Volunteers donated plants that the children could take home.
Members of the town council took part in the event as well as fire fighters. The local police provided a circuit for children to learn about traffic safety while riding bicycles. Others taking part included Taller Ocupacional (Occupational Workshop), Cáritas and the Andalucian Health Service. There was also an expert in falconry who presented a display and taught children about this ancient sport.
N-432 To Be Improved Between Alcalá and Granada (added 28/12/07)
After returning from a meeting in Madrid, mayoress of Alcalá la Real Elena Viboras announced a project which has been anticipated for many months. A new route for the N-432 between Alcalá and the border of Granada province has been approved. Improvements to this 11 kilometre section of highway will cost 11 million euros. It is hoped that changes to the road will make it much safer. Recently, the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) declared the section of road as the third most dangerous in all of Spain due to the number of traffic fatalities occuring there.
The project will include positioning roundabouts at Ermita Nueva, Mures and the San Antonio cooperative. The road will also be linked to the proposed A-81 as well as the southeast bypass, the construction of which is due to begin shortly. Special attention will be given to the creation of banked curves and improved signposting. One negative aspect of the project is the necessary expropiation of land which will affect several landowners and cost approximately 2 million euros. The details of the project will be announced by technical staff in January.
This 11 kilometre stretch of road has been witness to numerous accidents, some of the deadly. Last year, a group of local residents decided to collect signatures on a petition requesting improvements to the road at the earliest possible opportunity. The mayors of Ermita Nueva and Mures have expressed their satisfaction with the proposed road improvements.
Speaking at the Palacio Abacial last Friday, the adviser to the chairman of the council, Gaspar Zarrías, presented a plan for sustainable tourism entitled 'Land of Romance and Legends'. The plan mostly concerns improving infrastructure and signs directing tourists to local attractions. The towns included in the plan include:Alcalá la Real, Alcaudete, Castillo de Locubín, Frailes, Fuensanta de Martos, ,Jamilena, Martos, Torredelcampo, Valdepeñas de Jaén y Los Villares. A budget of more than 7 million euros has been approved for the project. One of the first jobs to be undertaken will be the re-surfacing of the camino de San Bartolomé, at the foot of La Mota.The meeting was attended by the mayors of the towns involved as well as a representative of ADSUR, the Association for Rural Development in the Sierra Sur.
Entrances To Alcalá To Be Improved
Work On Southeast Bypass Begins Soon (added 20/12/07)
The councilor for Public Works and Transport, Concepción Gutiérrez, presided over the initiation of work on the southeast bypass that, with a length of 2.8 kilometres, which will unite the A-403 with the N-432. The road, with a proposed cost of 4.5 million euros, will be 10 metres wide with each lane having a width of 3.5 metres and the hard shoulders 1.5 metres. The works will also include the construction of a 2 kilometre bicycle path, parallel but independent of the road. The new bypass will allow drivers to avoid driving through town. In order to maintain connections between Alcalá la Real and Santa Ana, as well as giving access to the future industrial estate ‘Llano de los Mazuelos’, a roundabout with two minor roads will be constructed to serve as a junction. The works will begin shortly and will last 10 months.
During the visit to the site of the bypass, an agreement was also signed in which the town council ceded land at the crossing of C-335 and C-336 (Priego and Montefrio) for the creation of more modern roads giving access to the avenues of Iberoamérica, Portugal, Europa and Andalucía, as well as creating attractive spaces at entrances to the town. What the councilor did not specify, however, were the timing or cost of this project.
Festive Christmas Train (added 20/12/07)
The association of business, ACCEIPA, has arranged for a train to travel through the centre of Alcalá la Real until 6 January. In addition to adding to the festive atmosphere during the Christmas season, the association wants to promote its raffle with a prize of a 4700 euro shopping spree in local shops. ACCEIPA is trying to recover from a bad 2007 during which it was unable to organize the grand events of recent years, such as the Wedding Fair, due to lack of economic support. The activities of the small businesses have also been overshadowed by worries over two proposed out-of-town shopping centres.
Protected Housing For Young People In Town Centre (added 20/12/07)
The Junta de Andalucía will invest more than 4 million euros in the construction of housing officially protected for young people, as well as creating parking and commercial space in the historic centre of Alcalá la Real. There will be 43 homes shared among the following streets: Las Monjas, General Lastres, Alonso Alcalá y Martínez Montañés. Young people will be offered the chance to rent the homes for a period of 10 years with an option to buy at the end of the lease. These projects are financed by the Área de Rehabilitación Concertada, a programme that has already executed works in other parts of the town.
Campaign Raises Awareness of Physical Disabilities (added 20/12/07)
Recently, the ‘Disability Classroom Bus’ parked in the Paseo de los Álamos so that children from the local infant and primary schools could learn about the difficulties people with physical disabilities face when trying to integrate in society. The children traveled around an course in which were placed various physical barriers and obstacles like ramps and slippery surfaces. They used wheelchairs and crutches and even had their eyes covered so they could experience what it’s like to be blind. The objective of the event was to promote equality and end discrimination against people with disabilities.
Street Demolished To Make Way For Luxury Hotel (added 20/12/07)
The demolition of the old dairy in San Bartolomé Road has begun. The land, which was acquired by the town hall, will be included in the grounds of the planned Parador tourist hotel, the construction of which is due to begin in the new year. Other streets scheduled for demolition include Escalerillas de Santo Domingo and Vía Crucis. Before preparing the land for the future hotel, it will be necessary for archeologists to carry out several excavations where the remains of ancient buildings, walls and streets exist on the outskirts of La Mota fortress.
Repairs For Town Streets (added 20/12/07)
The government in Jaén has announced its Provincial Plan of Works for Alcalá la Real in 2008. According to the proposal, 135,000 euros has been set aside for Calle Mesa to improve lighting in public areas, the supply of utilities and sanitation. Lighting will also be improved in Calle Juan XXIII, Pedro Ríos and López de Haro as well as in several villages (La Rábita, Las Grajeras, Venta de Agramaderos and Charilla) at a cost of more than 72,000 euros. The uppermost part of Calle Veracruz will also benefit from improved sanitation, supply of utilities, public lighting and paving of the road at a cost of 41,000 euros.
Children Against Climate Change (added 20/12/07)
“Tomorrow begins today: the climate is changing” is the theme of Juegealcalá 2007, which will take place on 27 December from 10-14:00 and 16:00-20:00. There will be several workshops concerning the environment, recycling and alternative energy sources as well as exhibits and a falconry display. There will also be traffic safety education, first aid and other more light-hearted activities. Those in charge of the event include the fire department, local police, the employment centre and occupational workshop. Others who will be collaborating include Cáritas charity and the Andalucian health service. In total, some 70 volunteers are expected to take part. There will be a charge of 1 euro to take part and the organizers are also requesting donations of flour, rice and sugar to be distributed to various development programmes. Buses will be laid on for children living in villages surrounding Alcalá la Real.
Improvements to Underground Parking (added 20/12/07)
The town hall and provincial government in Jaén have approved a plan to renovate the underground car park in the centre of Alcalá. Included in the proposal are the resurfacing of the access, improving the waterproofing, repairing the ceilings and improving the external appearance of the car park. The budget for the work is 101,000 euros.
Indoor Swimming Pool On Schedule For Completion (added 5/12/07)
Representatives of the town council announced yesterday that the construction of a new municipal indoor swimming pool is progressing well and have made assurances that it will open on schedule in the autumn of 2008.
Christmas Illuminations Being Prepared (added 30/11/07)
The Christmas illuminations, which cost taxpayers 30,000 euros, will soon be arriving to many locations throughout
Alcalá. They will take the form of stars, wreaths, Christmas trees, balls and geometric figures. Areas to be lit include la Tejuela, el Llanillo, the town hall square, calles Angustias and Veracruz, the plaza above the underground parking facility, the Avenida de Europa, the palm trees in Los Alamos park, calles Miguel Hernández, Isabel la Católica, Fernando el Católico and (new this year) the Avenida de Iberoamérica. The lights are due to be switched on in the coming week.
Industrial Estate To Be Expanded (added 30/11/07)
On Friday, 23 November, twelve property owners of land adjoining the Polígono Industrial (Industrial Estate) Llano de Mazuelos signed an agreement to cede more than 160,000 square metres of rustic land to the town council. As part of the accord, the council agreed to return 12% of the resultant industrial estate to the land owners as well as compensating them for any buildings or developments on their land.
With this latest acquisition, the new industrial estate will take up almost 700,000 square metres, of which 60,000 will be occupied by Condepols and Derprosa, the only businesses submitting applications for the first award of land on the estate. Sale of land to interested businesses will be through the town council. The second phase of construction is already underway and is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2008. The construction of an electricity substation and an access road to the N-432 are the next projects to follow.
New Lidl Supermarket To Open (added 28/11/07)
The opening of the new Lidl supermarket, which had been set for 3 December, will suffer a brief setback due to technical problems.
The supermarket, which is currently located in front of the fairground, is set to close its doors soon and move to its new location on the Granada road across from the petrol station. The opening of the new Lidl, which had been scheduled for 3 December, has been put back a few days, according to those in charge of its construction.
Wind Farm To Be Built Near Alcalá(added 28/11/07)
The environmental impact of a wind farm, whose construction has been proposed within the municipal boundary of Alcalá, is currently being studied by the provincial government, the Junta de Andalucía. The project, which is being promoted by the business Energías Especiales de Andalucía S. L., will be situated on the access road to the village Peñas del Majalcorón, on the crests of the hills Lomas de Cerro Gordo, La Torre and Majalcorón. There are four wind turbines with a total nominal capacity of 8 megawatts and an annual production of 8,660 Mwh. The electricity generated will be transported to a substation in Alcala.
Falconry Triathlon To Take Place In Frailes (added 28/11/07)
The neighbouring town of Frailes is set to host the 2nd International Low Flight Falconry Triathlon of the Sierra Sur de Jaén on 1-2 December. In contrast to the sort of falconry in which birds of prey soar at altitude in search of food, in low flight falconry birds fly directly from their trainers fists to capture their prey. For more information in Spanish, visit http://www.triatloncetrero.es/
New Post Office Opens In Calle Veracruz (added 28/11/07)
It has taken several months of work and the transfer from one building in Calle Veracruz to another, but managers of the new post office believe it is equipped with notable improvements. The complete refurbishment has provided the new site with better facitlites for storage and distribution, an improved area for serving the public, as well as new furniture. The entry way has been specially adapted to give easier access to people with physical disabilities and the new location complies with all rules for the prevention of job hazards. The new facility opened slightly later than forecasted because a water leak was discovered which had to be repaired. Rafael Chica, who manages the office, told the newspaper JAÉN, "Alcalá deserves a post office with improvements for its employees and customers." Coinciding with the opening of the new facility in Alcalá, rural post offices have disappeared and village postmen now come to town to collect post for delivery. Besides handling correspondence, the post office, which employs 21 staff, offers other services including topping up mobile phones, paying bills and banking.
Local Taxes Set For Slight Rise (added 28/11/07)
The municipal taxes for 2008 were approved by a uninamous vote. The average increase is set to be 2.7%, though the council emphasizes this is lower than the increase of the Consumer Price Index which is currently at 3.6%. José López, councillor for the Economy and Taxes, indicated during the meeting of the council that it was about achieving an adequate increase y he stated that Alcalá has one of the lowest rates of tax compared with other towns with similar characteristics.
There will be discounts for business initiatives which attempt to address social issues, special employment and youth centres, and a reduction in charges for day centre at the “Dr. Sánchez Cuenca” residence for people with severe needs. Among the most important increases, which were criticised by the Partido Popular and Partido Andalucista in spite of their voting in favour of the budget, is the charge for collecting rubbish and supplying water, which will increase by 10%. Also, some charges for using sports facilities are set to rise up to 50%, although there will be discounts for some groups such as children. Related to the theme of sports, arguments rose when PP councillor Natalia Gálvez asked for an investigation to shed light on why municipal yoga classes run by the business GADO will cost 41 euros per trimester instead of the 36 euros charged in 2007. José López said that there could have been an error. The Partido Popular also wanted to present a proposal for tax breaks which was refused by the ruling socialist party (PSOE).
