Local News
Tunnel upgrades
Black Flag for Maro beach pic : Dave Jamieson Torrox Tunnel entrance Westbound
Tunnels on the A-7 coastal autovía are set for safety improvements in a € 15.2 million modernisation programme . The underpasses at Capistrano , Tablazo , Frigiliana , Lagos and Torrox were named four years ago amongst those in Spain with security deficiencies .
The Ministry of Transport says the tunnels must be updated to meet current European regulations .
The beach along the edge of the Maro – Cerro Gordo protected area east of Nerja has been awarded a “ black flag ” by Ecologists in Action . The NGO last month listed areas of Spain ’ s coastline which it claims are in a poor state of conservation , either as a result of pollution or bad management .
Four dozen black flags are symbolically flying along almost 8,000 kilometres of the country ’ s coastline , and for the first time , the polluting effect of sun creams has been assessed . The group ’ s report describes the protective substances as “ a major problem ” because they contain , “ substances such as endocrine disruptors , among others , which not only affect the health of human beings but also that of seas , rivers and lakes .” It warns that nanoparticles in sun creams affect the vital functions of underwater species of animals and plants .
The ecologists say that while highlighting the problem near Nerja , which they attribute to “ tourist overcrowding ,” the problem is “ general ” along the coast . “ Every time a person covered in chemical sunscreens swims in a sea , river or lake ,” it says , “ they leave part of these toxins in the water .”
Of the 48 flags awarded by Ecologists in Action this year , 14 reflect problems with sanitation systems and purification , and 10 cite coastal developments , with dredging , erosion and litter amongst other deficiencies .
Nerja raids
Nine people were arrested during a huge drugs raid in Nerja on June 1 , with quantities of hashish and cocaine ready for sale confiscated . Twelve homes were raided by a force of around 80 officers and at least six points where drugs were sold were deactivated . Two local taxi drivers are reported to be amongst those detained .