Opinion and Comment

Wednesday, 14 December 2011 18:05

Written by Editor

Derek and June Boyd                        By email

We recently spent a fantastic week in Torreblanca and were welcomed so warmly by all the bars and restaurants we visited ... so much so, we are now Costa del Sol converts and will most certainly return. Most notably, and we believe worthy of some recognition, were the landlords and locals at the Rovers Return.   Not only had they led the way through November to draw attention and raise awareness of men’s health (photo attached), throughout the year they support other great charities like Help for Heroes and your local cancer charity Cudeca.

Additionally, we also learned of a lady who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer and whilst this clearly taking its toll she is doing so much good work in organising regular events to raise funds for Cudeca – well done Fiona Pink.

Whilst we recognise there are so many people doing wonderful things for great causes, it really did open our eyes to the level of support the residents and Costa del Sol provide for charities.

You all have so much to be proud of.

Anon                  By email

Personally I think it's long overdue for not only bar and restaurant owners but musicians and artistes to get together and figure out what can be done to try to curb the decimation of the leisure industry in southern Spain and especially the Costa del Sol.

For the past few years a slow erosion of the venues has made it more and more difficult for everybody in this industry, enforcing laws which make no sense and help no-one, and it seems that foreign owned establishments are being hit more often than Spanish owned (or is that just me?).

When are the authorities going to realise that the entertainment industry here is vital to the success of tourism and to destroy it will lead very quickly to a return to fishing, olive picking and the like.  In the almost five years I have lived and worked here I have seen a massive change from Malaga to Gibraltar          in the entertainment industry, and none of it is for the     good.

Look at Benidorm and the Costa Blanca where the regulations are governed with common sense and you will see a thriving tourist industry which has almost a year round season with bars, restaurants and entertainers all working together and making a great success of it.