The BP garage at the New centro commercial is nearly finished, with a completely different outlay to the original one, incorporated is a "Wild Bean Cafe",Opening date is not yet known. The centro commercial itself is gradually taking shape with the infrastructure in place, on the Rojales side of the roundabout as part of the new complex, a new Police and ambulance station are scheduled to be built.
Many people found yesterday that their Telemicro TV service was not working, information so far is that they have been closed down, this may be because of retransmitting Sky, but the word is dont move to another company just yet, because it could happen to them all. See blog 4th June 2008
Have you got a Bank account in Spain? I can hear a resounding yes from residents and non residents alike. Well be warned, you must have attached to that account either your residencia number or if you do not live here a non residents certificate (un certificado de no residencia).
Due to an EU ruling on tax evasion measures the Spanish Tax authorities are now taking action to freeze bank accounts without the appropriate paper work. They will place an EMBARGO on such accounts. What this means is no money can be removed from the account. It is likely that the first you would know about this is when your utilities are turned off because standing orders are not paid. It seems that there are so many of these “illegal” accounts that the Tax people feel it is not possible to inform the account holders when action is taken.
British citizens affected by the new regulations seem be to those who live in Spain for less than 180 days and who have not declared their ‘non residence’ with the National Police.
It also seems that the Government is using the legislation as a way to clamp down on illegal immigrants.
It has also been reported that hundreds of Moroccans have been hit by the embargoes and thousands of non-resident workers from North Africa have been drawing money out of banks because they fear their accounts will be blocked.
Embargos are lifted when the paperwork is in place.
Advice given in the English language press is to go to your Town Hall and ask where you can get a non resident certificate if you need one.
More money info: The Suma bills for you local council services are out now for this year. Paying on due dates can save you money.
As ever last Sunday night saw a big influx of clubbers, most of which arrive by car. It has been quiet for a few weeks as the place to be was wherever a fiesta was happening, but this Sunday it was back to Formentera and its assorted disco bars.
Sitting out enjoying another barmy evening is always entertaining on a busy night. Why is that you might ask, quite simply it is the parking methods these drivers employ.
Now we have a 21 year old car, went through its last ITV (Spanish MOT) no problem, cost 400 euros three years ago, and worth every penny. Some of our neighbours are more up market in the car stakes but we are by no means green eyed with envy. We see some of them nervously hanging over their balustrades come evening, even going out into the street at times. They are playing the mind my car game, which is less interesting to our mind than the find a car with out a dent game.
It seems to us that the norm on parking is find a space, and if its to small nudge the cars at front and rear till you fit in. No honestly, we see it happen all the time. In the space of 5 minutes last Sunday two people got their car dented. Which is why we have, as I said, a 21 year old 400 euro car that’s always parked with the hand brake off. Moral of the story is if you’re coming over and hiring a car pay the extra insurance, you could park a few streets away but I have a strong feeling this particular style of parking is not confined to the disco drivers of this world. Or you could if you have the time and inclination stand guard when the threat is greatest. Didn’t do the guy over the road any good on Sunday, his car got the bump, bump treatment and when challenged the offender just shrugged his shoulders and left.
Early this morning (02:00) we had earth tremors that were reported as 4.2 on the Richter scale, sounding like distant thunder, people at the bar in the square, said they could see the buildings shaking and the seats they were sitting on felt like they were on air, we were asleep and the airbed cushioned the vibrations although it was a wierd feeling. Mary slept through it. There was reported to be 4 separate tremors, with the epicentre near Formentera del Segura, but felt throughout a large area.
Some holidaymakers decided to sleep outside following the event.
