Tias

Lanzarote News In Brief – Week 23

Ambitious Transport Plan For Puerto Del Carmen

Tias Ayuntamiento has approved an ambitious sustainable urban mobility plan for both Tias and Puerto del Carmen. The €16 million plan will seek EU funding. The objective is to reduce the use of cars, and increase the use of bicycles, walkways and public transport. Currently 67% of school journeys, for example, take place by car. Part of the plan will see satellite car parks on the outskirts of Puerto del Carmen, and a circular bus service to take people into the resort.

New Manager for UD Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s football team, who narrowly missed promotion this season has appointed a new manager. Leonel “Pipa” Gancedo is Argentinian and a former professional player who played for River Plate and moved to Spain to play in the Primera Liga for Osasuna and Real Murcia. Fans are delighted at such a high profile appointment.

All Inclusive Decreases

The number of people choosing to stay all inclusive on the island fell in the first three months of this year to 26%. Bed and breakfast is the most common choice for visitors.

Fight Results In A Death – One Arrested

A bar fight between two foreign residents resulted in the death of one in Costa Teguise last Sunday. It’s alleged that a 46 year old man pushed his 50 year old victim, a British citizen, down some stairs. The victim was taken to hospital, but later died. The assailant has been jailed without bail and is expected to be charged with homicide.

Yacht Rescued Off Playa Honda

A yacht ran aground off the reef off the coast of Playa Honda this week. The 12 metre yahct took on water as it heeled on the rocks. Maritime rescue craft despatched to the scene were able to pump the water out, and the yacht floated off as the tide rose.

Coalición Canaria Takes Cabildo – Election News

In the elections held over the weekend, the CC took a slim victory, meaning Oswaldo Betancort, former Mayor of Teguise will take over the Presidency from Dolores Corujo. The result was unclear until the very end of the count, and Corujo conceded at 3.30AM on Monday morning. The two main parties, the PSOE and CC, tied with 8 seats each at The Cabildo, but the CC already had in place an agreement with other parties.

In the municipality elections the following municipalities had an absolute majority:

  • San Bartolomé – PSOE
  • Yaiza – UPY
  • Tinajo – CC

In all the other municipalities, there wasn’t a majority, so the parties will need to reach and agreement, but the party with the most seats in each is:

  • Arrecife – PSOE
  • Teguise – PSOE
  • Tias – PSOE
  • Haria – PSOE & Compromiso (tie)

In the Canary Islands parliament, the PSOE had an overall victory, but without an absolute majority. At this stage, it looks like the CC and PP could form a coalition to oust incumbent Angel Victors Torres.

General Election Called By Sánchez

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has brought the next general election forward by dissolving the Spanish parliament. The election wasn’t due until December, but having seen the large turnout for his party, The PSOE, across Spain in the municipal elections, he has chosen July 23rd as the date, and hopes to have his mandate increased. Spain also takes on the presidency of the EU in July, so it would be good to do so with the government decided.

Dia de Canarias Celebrations Planned

Celebrations of Dia de Canarias will take place across the island on Tuesday 30th May. Processions will take place in Punta Mujeres and La Graciosa, and there will be a food fair and children’s workshops in Arrecife.

Birth Rate Climbing Again

The birthrate in Lanzarote rose to 334 in the first four months of the year, which could put the island on target to have around 1,300 births, a notable increase after years of falling numbers. The brith rate reached its peak on the island in 2207 and 2008, when more than 1,500 were registered.

126 Social Houses To Be Built In Playa Blanca

The municipality of Yaiza has ceded a 42,000 square metre plot to the Canary Islands Government, who will build 126 social housing units offering low rental properties to residents. The government will now put the design and construction out to tender.

We’ll add more news here this week as it comes in…….

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