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Published: Friday, 06 March 2020 21:20
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Written by Michael H
This event has been postponed due to Covid 19 Prevention measures
With Brexit now a reality and the withdrawal agreement beginning to kick in Blevins Franks in conjunction with the British Consulate in Malaga have organized a presentation in La Casa Grande Ayamonte on the 7th April at 11.30am.
The presentation will cover the main protections of the Withdrawal Agreement and the key facts UK nationals in Spain need to know. In particular the implications with Residency, Healthcare, Pensions, Driving Licenses, Passports and voting will be looked at. Most importantly they will be discussing the actions you may need to take now to protect yourself for the future.
This joint presentation which is backed by Ayamonte Town Hall and the Costa Esuri Residents Association La Luz will have Javid Rustam, David Bowern and Claire Harnett on behalf of Blevin Franks and Charmaine Arbouin, British Consul from the British Consulate in Malaga.
Everybody is welcome and it is free so make sure you pop along to the Casa Grande on 7th April at 11.30am.
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Published: Thursday, 15 August 2019 16:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
Isla Canela S.A have completed the purchase of Costa Esuri West Golf course. Costa Esuri 18-hole golf course has been closed since 15th of May 2019 when the previous golf management company H2O Integral Service S.L announced that a dispute with the course owner about water payments obliged them to close the course.
Isla Canela S.A is part of the Pryconsa group and have had a strong presence in Ayamonte since 1985 when they bought most of the land around Isla Canela where they have developed over 4000 properties as well as five hotels, Isla Canela Marina and Isla Canela 18 Hole golf course. Their strong connections with the area and knowledge in both running a golf course and developing tourism in the area is excellent news for Costa Esuri and indeed all of Ayamonte.
On completing the purchase of Costa Esuri West Golf course Isla Canela SA said on their facebook page: We are glad to inform that from today, 14th of August 2019, the company Isla Canela S.A. will be in charge of the management and exploitation of Costa Esuri golf course. It has been a long process in which the Ayamonte City Council has shown its commitment and determination to solve the golf course situation, firstly with the support from the former Mayor Mr. Alberto Fernández and lately with the new government team led by Mayor Mrs Natalia Santos to whom we would like to thank publicly for the arrangements done.
From Isla Canela S.A. we would also like to reflect our total commitment in the efforts of the recovery of the important asset that is this golf course which will join to the already working Isla Canela Golf Course. The offer of these 36 holes will join Isla Canela´s hotel vacancies, will allow to revitalize the town all year long by contributing with wealth and stability to Ayamonte.
Our challenge ahead is not going to be easy, having in mind the actual state of the golf course. But we commit, using economics and human means that Ayamonte will become a referenced golf destination to national and international levels.
Isla Canela S.A. just as its past years policy, reaffirm its commitment and relation with the town of Ayamonte.
Lastly, we would like to thank the work and effort being done by all who has been involved throughout this process.
Alberto Fernández former Mayor of Ayamonte and who started the negotiations with Isla Canela S.A upon the Esuri golf closure in May had this to say:
From the Popular Party, we are greatly satisfied with the sale and definitive solution to the possible loss of the Costa Esuri Golf Course.
For months we were working on putting all the parties in agreement, making them see that the important thing for the future development of Costa Esuri was that the Golf continued.
That the company Isla Canela SA is the new owner is a guarantee for the neighbourhood, since they are a very serious company with which there will never be any problems with the golf course.
This golf solution plus the works that before leaving the mayor's office, we had prepared and started, set Costa Esuri on the road to recovery
And is one of the great satisfactions that I take after leaving the mayor's office.
Thanks to all the residents of Costa Esuri.
After the closure of the course numerous members have joined other local clubs with the hope of returning to Costa Esuri very soon. Members such as Steven & Jan Fraser who also own a villa looking directly onto Costa Esuri Golf course
We are absolutely delighted that the golf course is now owned by professionals with extensive experience in golf and golf facilities. Their expressed intention to create a first-class golf course will benefit both golfers and the wider community of Costa Esuri and Ayamonte. We look forward to an enjoyable future.
Harry Young the captain of Costa Esuri Golf club was delighted with the news of Isla Canela’s purchase and said that it put an end to three months of uncertainty surrounding the course and the club. He looks forward to meeting with Isla Canela to come to agreement with them for the members of the club: he also pointed out that although the course may remain closed for the coming months while they bring it back once it was reopened he has no doubts it will be one of the best courses in the area.
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Published: Saturday, 15 June 2019 16:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
Natalia Santos from the PSOE party was sworn in today as Mayoress Thanks to the key vote of Juan Jose Santana from the Adelante Ayamonte Party.
There are total of 21 councilors on Ayamonte Town Council and after the elections on May 26th Partido Popular topped the polls by nine votes (3852 votes) followed closely by PSOE on 3843 votes and finally Adelante Ayamonte with 533 votes. This gave 10 councilors to both PP and PSOE with Adelante Ayamonte having the final seat and effectively the decision on who would become Mayor of Ayamonte.
Adelante Ayamonte support of PSOE meant that Natalia Santos became the first Mayoress of Ayamonte. In her first words as Mayoress she thanked everyone with all her heart for the honor to be the first female Mayor of Ayamonte and promised to work her fingers to the bone in the next four years for Ayamonte.
She said that the it hasn’t been easy to get to where she is today as she had to overcome many obstacles and betrayals. However, with the help of her team and their goals for Ayamonte, nobody or nothing will stop them reaching their objective. From this day forward she would be the Mayoress for all of Ayamonte and is at their total disposal. She thanked the assembly of Adelante Ayamonte and Juan Jose Santana for their vote of confidence and promised to not let them down.
Natalia Santos asked the people of Ayamonte to judge on her for who she is, not for the past, but for what she is going to do in accordance with program of PSOE & Adelante Ayamonte.
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Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 15:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
Juan Jose Santana Hernandez the elected councilor for Adelante Ayamonte announced today that the Assembly of Adelante Ayamonte would support the candidacy of Natalia Santos for Mayoress of Ayamonte.
He pointed out that after two weeks of intense debate they agreed to support PSOE so Natalia Santos could become Mayoress but that it was not a pact to be part of the government with them. They had agreed on several points that will be published on their website for the people of Ayamonte to view.
Juan Jose Santana also spoke about the offer from the PP to have a collation government in Ayamonte with 5 councilors from PSOE, 5 from PP and one from Adelante Ayamonte. He qualified the proposal of the outgoing Mayor Alberto Fernandez as not very serious as it was announced only 24 hours before Adelante Ayamonte press conference and not just after the elections.
Adelante Ayamonte were also quick to point out that the relationship between PSOE and Adelante Ayamonte in the last four years has been anything, but smooth and now PSOE would have to regain their trust. The continued collaboration of Adelante Ayamonte with the PSOE would be conditioned by their compliance to the terms agreed.
On Saturday 15th June Natalia Santos Mena will be elected Mayoress of Ayamonte and will be the first woman to hold the highest position in the Town Council.
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Published: Tuesday, 04 June 2019 22:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
The popular Tapa Route in Ayamonte returns for what is now its tenth edition. The route which takes in 16 different establishments spread throughout Ayamonte. It runs from 1st of June until 30th June
This year’s main sponsors are Playa Hoteles, Catering Los Mellizos and Conservas y Salazones Huelva . As with previous years you can pick up your card from participating outlets or the tourism office and once you have ticked off at least 9 tapas you can take part in a draw for a lunch for two in the Playa Canela Spa Hotel with a hamper of tinned foods, there is also a prize of 2 nights in Los Mellizos Hotela and a hamper of tinned products.
All tapas are €2. Last years winner was the Thebussem in Isla Canela Golf Hotel with a tapa of duck in a nest with potatoes and vegetables.
Establishments which are taking part in the Tapa Route 2019 are:
Parador Hotel, Avda de la Constitucion
Casa Barberi, Plaza de la Cornacion Nº13
Chiringuito Bombadill, Paseo de los Gavilanes.
Meson Plumas, Calle Jose Perez Barrosos Nº14
Thebussem, Hotal Isla Canela Golf.
Tucuyo Isla Canela, Paseo de los Gavilanes
Los Mellizos 1, A49km 130 Salida 129
La Cantina de Rafa Perez, Paseo de la Ribera Nº8
Bar Luca's, Gonzalez de Aguilar Nº6
Los Dos Reales, Calle Jose Perez Barrosos Nº22
Gastro Bar El Toril, Plaza de la Laguna
Playa Canela Hotel, Avda de la Mojarra.
Timanfaya Bar & Tapas, Plaza de la Lota Nº4
Lotita Lounge Bar, Plaza de la Lota Nº5
Bar Anyma, Antonio Concepcion Reboura Nº12
Cerveceria El Estero, Plaza de la Laguna
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Published: Monday, 27 May 2019 07:08
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Written by Super User
The Partido Popular have won Ayamonte local elections getting 42.05% of the vote, an increase of 3.88% on 2015 results. It is not an overall majority as they have polled 10 seats just like PSOE. There are only 10 votes between first and second with PP polling 3853 while PSOE polled 3843The results for Ayamonte are as follows with 60.1% turnout:
9261 votes, 122 blank votes and 99 spoilt votes.
The number of seats has increased this year from 17 to 21, leaving an overall majority at 11 seats.
The question now is will the most voted party be allowed to govern as they will need to go into a coalition to have an overall majority. Dicussions between the parties will start on Monday. Adelante Ayamonte under leader Juan Jose Santana Hernandez holds the key to who will be Mayor of Ayamonte.
The turnout for the 2019 elections was up 2.64% on the previous local elections, 60.10% compared to 57.46% in 2015.
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Published: Thursday, 11 April 2019 10:08
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Written by Super User
It is coming up to local election time and like four years ago, InfoAyamonte would like to put 10 questions or more to the political parties and what they have planned for Ayamonte should they win.
The English-speaking resident can play an important part is swaying who eventually wins the local elections. In the 2015 elections the difference between the two leading parties was only 375 votes. All you have to do is e-mail infoayamonte at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your question, all questions will remain anonymous.. Ten questions or more will be chosen and presented to the political parties for them to answer. Here are the questions that were asked four years ago and some of them are still valid for this election:
1. Why should I vote for your party in this election?
2. Do you think you can help change attitudes towards keeping dogs as pets? It's a beautiful town and the beach is stunning BUT it seems that it's seen as acceptable to allow your pet to poo anywhere and owners have no obligation to pick it up. It's everywhere in Ayamonte and on the beach and will affect tourism? 3. What is your position on the future waterpark in Ayamonte?
4. Do you have any specific projects for Costa Esuri?
5. Do you have any plans for dealing with half-finished buildings which have no prospect of being completed?
6. Will the new road to Punta de Moral be completed under your mandate should you be elected?
7. With the introduction of a fast food outlet on Carretera del Parador there has been a huge increase in litter, would you do anything about this?
8. here is no place where camper vans can correctly station for the night in Ayamonte, very unlike our Portuguese counterparts, would you promote or seek a place??
9. Costa Esuri has a bank guarantee of 4 million being retained by the town hall and another 1.7 million due. When will these funds be released for work on Costa Esuri?
10. When I first came to Ayamonte it used to have a great International Music festival held in August, will this return under your mandate?
The latest date to send your question is 22nd April.
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Published: Tuesday, 05 February 2019 22:04
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Written by Michael Halligan
As part of EDUSI (Strategy for development of sustainable urban areas), Ayamonte has launched it own project called “Ayamonte Mira Al Río”.
Europe is one of the most urbanized continents with more than two thirds of the population living in towns or cities. Under the plan Europe 2020, of which Spain has been allocated one billion euros, towns with a population of over 20,000 can apply for grants of up to five million euro to reactivate urban areas.
Ayamonte Town Hall presented the project Ayamonte Looks to the River in the Tourism Fair (FITUR) held in Madrid at end of January 2019. The Project has a budget of 2.2 million euro and was designed by architects Camilo Silva Nieto, Paloma Ogayar lechuga and Technical architect Rafael Luna Gonzalez.
An additional 1,130 metres of bicycle lane will be added to ever expanding network of cycling lanes in Ayamonte. Three different areas along the banks of the River Guadiana will be made into sloping bays for easy access to the water and for sports like canoeing, kitesurfing, sailing and windsurfing. A promenade will run parallel to the bicycle lane and connect Ayamonte fishing port all the way along Muelle de Portugal along Castro Marin street and connecting to Ronda de Felipe IV. Children’s parks, gardens with benches will also be created and parking spaces redistributed in the area.
See images below for layout of the design. Old warehouses which up until the beginning of this century housed some of the canning industry factories will be demolished as will the surrounding walls which are currently in a state of disrepair. There will be an area of 1240 square metres which will be adapted so dog owners can take their pets.
Detea S.A a construction company founded in Seville in 1988 have been selected at the company to carry out the project which will see work start in Spring of this year.
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Published: Monday, 21 January 2019 15:20
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Written by Michael Halligan
Ayamonte Town Hall has published the conditions for contractors to bid for the works to be carried out on the roads, footpaths and street lighting throughout the urbanization of Costa Esuri. This will be the first of several contracts which will use the money attained from bank guarantees to the value of €4.2 million.
Martinsa Fadesa the company who originally developed Costa Esuri went into administration in July 2008 with consequence that some of the infrastructures promised for the Costa Esuri development were not completed or simply not built. Ayamonte Town hall then proceeded to activate the bank guarantees in order to finish the required works. Some of the banks that held the bank guarantees also went under during the crisis with the consequence that of the six million plus euros expected from the bank guarantees only 4.2 million could be drawn down.
The contract details the work needed to be carried out on the roads and footpath as well as some of the garden areas along the side of the road and footpaths. The contract for the green areas will be published at a later date. The study was carried out by the architect Paloma Ogayar Lechuga and details eight points:
- Laying of pavement
- Repairing of roads
- Various works on the footpaths
- Resurfacing of roads
- Planting of trees
- Maintenance and planting in various green areas
- Street lighting and Road signs
- Installation of exterior lights.
The budget for these works is €606,736.50 with vat added of €127,414.66 which brings the total to €734,154.16. Contractors have 20 working days to present their tenders and once the tender is approved the works must be complete within four months.
The Mayor of Ayamonte, Alberto Fernandez, apologized for the delay in the start of works as he had originally promised to put out the tenders in September October 2018. He said that the delay was simply down to the fact that the workload in Town Hall was immense and it was only now that they could correctly send the contract out for tender. The Mayor said “Today is a great day, an important day and great news for Costa Esuri neighbourhood”.
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Published: Tuesday, 03 November 2015 22:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
Ayamonte palm trees have been fighting against the red palm weevil for some time now and the recovery of the palm trees in the Plaza Laguna was welcomed but now they have attacked the palm trees in the Paseo de Ribera. This pest chews away on the inside of the tree and often when the first symptoms appear it is too late to save the tree.
The Red Palm Weevil has wreaked havoc among many palm tree plantations all over Spain and Portugal. I am sure you have seen a drooped palm tree and thought what a pity the owners have let it go however nine times out of ten it’s this weevil that is responsible.
The female weevil can lay up to 250 eggs and each of these eggs can grow to a full blown adult some 3cm long within 4 months. Sadly the whole lifecycle can take place within the palms bark so it is difficult to detect until you already have a serious problem and the leaves of the palm tree are already beginning to wilt.
It is thought that the Red Palm Weevil found its way to Spain in the late 90’s inside some palm trees which were imported from Egypt and planted in Malaga and Granada.
Ayamonte Town Hall are currently trying to save the trees in question by cutting back the leaves and putting the trees on a course of pesticides which are injected into the bark, with some luck none of these 100 year old palm trees will be lost.
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Published: Sunday, 16 August 2015 14:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
The streets of Ayamonte were once again conquered by the artists which displayed their work on the streets surrounding the Casa Grande. No less than 176 artist took part in this year’s event which is now on its third edition.
The artwork which could be seen from 7pm until 2 am on both Friday and Saturday night attracted thousands.
The Paseo por el Arte (Walk with Art) now in its third year never fails to surprise and judging the attendance the comments of both spectators alike, it is here to stay for many years to come. Bringing culture and art out of the galleries and museums and onto the streets at a time that everyone can have a look at is a win - win for everyone. Many of the artists told me they have sold paintings and the feedback from the public has been great.
Now we can look forward to the fourth edition.
For those of you who missed it you can see some of the work and artists on our facebook page here.For those of you who missed it you can see some of the work and artists on our facebook page here.Paseo por el Arte 2015
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Published: Saturday, 13 June 2015 15:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
Alberto Fernandez leader of the Partido Popular in Ayamonte was sworn in today Saturday 13th June as Mayor of Ayamonte with the votes of his own party and the vote of Gemma Martin Flores of the Partido Andalucista.
The investiture which was held in the Cardenio Theatre in order to let the maximum amount of people to witness the voting for the new Mayor. After the seventeen town councillors were sworn in, nominations for Mayor were asked for and each party except the Partido Andalucista nominated their own party leader for the post. Then an open vote for each nomination was held with Alberto Fernandez receiving his party’s seven votes plus the vote of Gemma Martin Flores. With an overall majority at 9 votes but with both the Izquierda Unida and Recuperamos Ayamonte supporting their own candidate, the Partido Popular candidate Alberto Fernandez was declared Mayor as they were also the most voted party in the May 24th Election.
Next each of the parties were given their chance to speak about their plans fr the following 4 years, Here is a summary of each speech.
Manuel José Arenas: Recuperemos Ayamonte
Manuel outlined that a change was obvious for Ayamonte and he was sorry it could be with him and that the people of Ayamonte had spoken and wanted a new organisation within the Town Hall. He pointed out that Recuperemos Ayamonte was not a political party but a municipal party which would work for Ayamonte. He wanted the town hall to be in touch with the population and to take care of those people who were facing eviction, who can’t pay their electricity and water bills and were struggling to survive. He thanked the people for their support and promised that he would continue to work for the people of Ayamonte.
Gemma Martin Flores of the Partido Andalucista.
Gemma also made it clear the need for change and to tackle the cultural, social and economic crisis in Ayamonte. She said the previous 4 years under POE had a flawed management model and the Pa as a party had a choice to work in isolation or to be part of a solution. For that reason she decided to support the PP candidate and it was not an easy route and won’t be an easy route as some of the PP polices as contrary to the PA beliefs. Gemma aslo recogineds that with the number of votes her party polled on May 24th it was clear that the people didn’t want the PA to be Mayor but wanted the needs of the people and the town to be taken care of. After 33 years being part of the town Hall Gemma said she wanted to put Ayamonte where is deserved to be.
Juan Jose Santana Izquierda Unida Ayamonte
Juan Jose started asking for the PP to apologise for their attack on the IU four years ago when they supported the most voted list. Today under the same scenario the Partido Popular are in power. Juan Jose reiterated that he would be in opposition but that it would be in a constructive format and was willing to listen to all proposals which were for the good of the people of Ayamonte. His parting line was “In a Game of Thrones not all is valid”.
Antonio Rodríguez Castillo Of PSOE Ayamonte
Antonio congratulated all the new councillors on their appointment and outlined that never before has a winning mayor had the same number of seats as the main opposition party, a precarious situation. He also pointed out that although there was a majority of left party councillors and he tried to form a tri-party consensus, it was not possible in Ayamonte and he would not be the one to detail why.
He said he would grant the new Mayor the first 100 days grace in office and called the PP electoral program ambitious and from his point of view impossible. He also asked that the PP do not make opposition to the opposition and that they approve the proposals they make which are for the good of Ayamonte.
Finally Antonio thanked the people of Ayamonte for their Support and the Support that allowed him to rule Ayamonte for two terms of office and apologised for any errors he may have committed and looked forward to form the opposition with honesty and loyalty at the forefront.
Alberto Fernandez PP Leader and Mayor Of Ayamonte
Alberto stared thanking everyone for the opportunity they have bestowed upon him and thanking Gemma Martin Flores for supporting his candidature.
He said he doesn’t like lies and that with work and common sense in the town Hall he was convinced that Ayamonte will find its way forward. There are no magic wand and no promises of jobs or favours; he is here to work for and with the people of Ayamonte.
He apologised to the PSOE party for any insults he may have made in the past which entered in the personal lives of the party members. He also recognised that maybe four years ago that the IU were right and it wasn’t his time to be mayor with the formation of a tri-party.
Alberto said that the PP had been losing for years in Ayamonte and thanked Ayamonte for giving him the opportunity now, he also gave a special mention to the late Emilio Lechuga and former leader of the PP in Ayamonte.
Alberto next outlines his plans for the Town hall: Transparency in the accounts, Budgets published on a yearly basis, creation of employment and investment in Ayamonte, Completion of the road to Punta del Moral without the demolition of houses, Opening of the Congress centre but with business based in the location, making the beaches of Ayamonte a place to be at least 9 months of the year with hotels and businesses open a longer season and bringing life back into Ayamonte.
Alberto said he knows there are difficult times ahead and he thanked his family for supporting him and looks forward to a time when he stands down as Mayor and walks through the streets of Ayamonte with his head held high because then he will know that he has achieved what he set out to do 22 years ago when he started in politics “To return Ayamonte to the place it deserves”.
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Published: Monday, 25 May 2015 00:08
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Written by Super User
The Partido Popular have won Ayamonte local elections for the first time getting 38.17% of the vote. It is not an overall majority as they have polled 7 seats just like PSOE.
The results for Ayamonte are as follows with 57.46% turnout:
8639 votes, 125 blank votes and 95 spoilt votes.
| PP |
PSOE |
IULV-CA |
PA |
R.AYA |
C'S |
| 38.17% |
33.78% |
8.56% |
8.16% |
6.19% |
3.67% |
| 3261 VOTES |
2886 VOTES |
731 VOTES |
697 VOTES |
529 VOTES |
315 VOTES |
| 7 SEATS |
7 SEATS |
1 SEATS |
1 SEATS |
1 SEATS |
0 SEATS |
The number of seats avaialble has been reduced from 21 in 2011 to 17 this year, leaving an overall majority at 9 seats.
The question now is will the most voted party be allowed to govern as they will need to go into a coalition to have an overall majority. Dicussions between the parties will start on Monday.
The turnout for the 2015 elections was down on the previous local elections, 57.46% compared to 62.5% in 2011. Many feel that this due to El Rocio pilgrimage coinciding with voting day.
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Published: Tuesday, 19 May 2015 22:59
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Written by Michael Halligan
We are into the final week of local elections with the various parties all plying for your vote. Having lived here for a number of years and a number of elections it seems to me that this is going to be one of the most fiercely fought. So who will win: Partido Andalucista (PA), Ciudadanos (C’s), Partido Popular (PP), Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE), Izquierda Unida (IU) or Recuperemos Ayamonte (RA). We will know the results by Sunday night.
As promised here are the answers to the 10 questions poised to the parties who are presenting their nominations for the 2015 elections:
At this point I feel I must explain how the questions were selected. Readers sent in their own questions and 10 were selected from these questions, as numerous had a similar theme we chose the one we deemed best fitted. See the example below and we chose the question highlighted
Does your program include making areas available for dogs to litter?
Will your party ensure that animal faeces deposited by dogs in the streets of Ayamonte will become a thing of the past?
Animal welfare and how owners let their pets stroll around the streets is perturbing, will your party be doing anything to remedy this?
Do you think you can help change attitudes towards keeping dogs as pets? It's a beautiful town and the beach is stunning BUT it seems that it's seen as acceptable to allow your pet to poo anywhere and owners have no obligation to pick it up. It's everywhere in Ayamonte and on the beach and will affect tourism?
The parties were then sent the questions in Spanish via e-mail with a deadline set for last weekend for them to respond. Of the six parties, C’s, PSOE, PP, IU, PA and RA three replied in the time frame.
Please read their replies here.
Make sure you vote on Sunday 24th May.
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Published: Sunday, 26 April 2015 22:59
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Written by Michael Halligan
Many readers have contacted me over the last few weeks asking about their banks and an e-mail or letter they have received from them. Some banks were asking for NIE, passports and even salary slips. This led to many people thinking it was some sort of scam. However in most cases it is not.
A law which is bringing Spanish banks in line with most European banking will come into force on May 1st. The law called Ley 10/2010 actually dates from 29th April 2010 and is to prevent money laundering and use of accounts by terrorist groups. All account owners have to be accurately identified. In most cases this was already being done by banks but for many non-resident clients their lawyer opened the account with a power of attorney and a copy of their passport.
So if your bank in Spain doesn’t have your NIE and current passport they can freeze your account as of May the first. Some banks are allowing copies to be e-mailed to them directly while other only accepts hard copies. Please make sure you send this information to the correct address.
If your account does get blocked you can re-activate it within 24 hours by sending in the required documentation.
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Published: Thursday, 23 April 2015 22:59
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Written by Michael Halligan
It is coming up to local election time and like four years ago, InfoAyamonte would like to put 10 questions to the political parties and what they have planned for Ayamonte should they win.
Three of the four parties answered our questions last time around and coincidence or not the fourth party that failed to return answers also failed to gain a single seat.
All you have to do is e-mail infoayamonte at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your question. Ten questions will be chosen and presented to the political parties for them to answer.
Here are the questions that were asked four years ago and some of them are still valid for this election:
- What is the first job you will attend to should you be elected?
- How would you rate your party’s work over the last four years?
- Why should we vote for your candidature?
- What specific plans do you have for Isla Canela?
- What specific plans do you have for Costa Esuri?
- Do you have plans to improve the public transport system in Ayamonte, more services to Isla Canela and Costa Esuri?
- Parking meters have been installed but we are still tormented by non-official parking wardens will you tackle this problem?
- Various projects are in the pipeline, water park, Marinas and the Congress Centre which do you see as a priority?
- A continual complaint from visiting tourists is that many of the streets in Ayamonte are littered with dog poo, although it may seem trivial considering the current economic crisis, do you have any plans to curb this problem?
- After a number of break-ins in holiday homes, will we see an increase in local police to patrol areas like Isla Canela and Costa Esuri in low season?
The latest date to send your question is 30th April.
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Published: Thursday, 09 April 2015 22:59
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Written by Michael Halligan
The dredging of the sand from the Guadiana River estuary is to provide a total of 55,000 cubic metres of sand for Isla Canela Beach.
The dredging which has been ongoing over the last few weeks comes at a cost of 723,000 euros. When complete at the lowest tide the area in question, measuring 1.25km by 60 metres wide, will have a minimum depth of 3.5 metres. The dredging has been an ever present demand among local fishermen for a number of years and various boats have come to ground in the area.
In the coming weeks the dredging will be complete however not everyone has been happy with the results or the fact that heavy machinery was hauling sand to Punta Moral beach during Easter week.
This week in the local newspaper Huelva Informacion it was announced that the central government will construct two wave breakers on Isla Canela to stop the continually erosion that Isla Canela beach suffers over the Winter and Spring months. With a budget of 2.5 million euros and an annual budget for maintenance of 75,000 euros, work is not expected to begin until end of summer season 2016.
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Published: Thursday, 09 April 2015 22:09
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Written by Michael Halligan
Easter week falling early this week combined with the good weather has helped Spring bring good news to Ayamonte in terms of employment.
The number of unemployed people dropped by 11 percent when compared to figures in March 2014. There are currently 2,331 unemployed people in Ayamonte. Since March 2012 the number of unemployed people has been progressively getting smaller and although there is still a long way to go, this year alone 344 people have found work.
The Mayor of Ayamonte, Antonio Rodríguez Castillo, welcomed the drop in unemployment and pointed to the Junta of Andalucía’s Plan for Youth employment coupled with Easter Week and the Mundalito tournament as the main source of the good results.
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Published: Friday, 13 March 2015 22:19
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Written by Michael Halligan
Since 2013 Sanitas and Marca have been organising a circuit in major cities in Spain where athletes can run either in the 5km or 10Km race. Ayamonte is to be added this year to that Circuit with the race taking part here on 25th July.
The circuit current has 11 venues including Madrid, Valencia, Vigo Valladolid, Alicante & Segovia to name a few and it is the first time a town the size of Ayamonte has been included. The Mayor of Ayamonte Antonio Rodríguez Castillo who was in Madrid to finalise details of the event was delighted to bring such a prestigious event to Ayamonte. “It is great that top flight athletes along with local athletes will be running along the streets of Isla Canela and Ayamonte in July. It also confirms Ayamonte’s place on the road running circuit and will bring a welcome boost to the local economy and tourism for the area.
The Mayor also pointed out that with the main sponsors of the event being La Marca newspaper that Ayamonte would get a lot of well-deserved publicity. La Marca is the most read sports newspaper in Spain and their website www.marca.com has daily readership of over 3.6 million.
Exact details and times of the Ayamonte Isla Canela Sanitas Marca Running event will be announced soon and we will publish once confirmed.
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Published: Wednesday, 04 March 2015 15:31
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Written by Michael Halligan
Yesterday Tuesday 3rd March workers carrying out some repair work in the Palm Sunday Chapel uncovered a framed altarpiece.
The workers who were carrying out some repair work in preparation for the upcoming Easter week were stopped on their tracks when they found hidden behind a false wall the painting which measures four metres high and two metres wide.
The painting which is on wood is being investigated and Carmen Sanchez Ruda a local restorer was one of the first people to inspect the piece and said that it could quite easily date from 17th Century. The scene depicted is from Stations of the Cross.
The Mayor of Ayamonte, Antonio Rodríguez Castillo and the Deputy Mayor for Culture Javier López, both visited the church to see the piece and have asked the Andalusian Cultural council for help in evaluating the piece and looking at a possible restoration.
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Published: Tuesday, 17 February 2015 20:29
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Written by Michael Halligan
The Guadiana Eurocity (La Eurociudad del Guadiana) which comprises of Ayamonte, Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo Antonio have put forward a proposal to both Spanish and Portuguese governments for a cycling path over the international bridge.
The Spanish government already have a project to reform the bridge which has a budget of 14.6 million euros.
The members of the Eurocity Guadiana currently feel that the bridge is the only obstacle blocking the free travel of bicycles along and over the Guadiana. Currenty the only leag way to cycle form Ayamonte to Vila Real de Santo Antonio is by using the ferry.
In May 2015 The Eurocity will celebrate its second anniversary and the Eurocity committee are currently working on an extensive program of events which will include: Exhibitions, tournaments and many more events. As soon as Infoayamonte is informed we will publish in the events guide.
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Published: Monday, 19 January 2015 22:29
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Written by Michael Halligan
It’s that time of the year again when infoayamonte needs a bit of a facelift. The webpage has been running Joomla 2.5 so we are going for a whole new facelift and a swap to Joomla 3.3.
Basically we are going to change loads of stuff so it works better and on all types of platforms, mobile, web, iphone etc.
So here are a few things that are changing.
Eye in the sky: here we will have a lot of aerial photos of Ayamonte, Isla Canela and Costa Esuri.
Restaurant Guide: The restaurant guide needs updating so send your nomination to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tapa & Tercio: Basically a guide to bars for a tapa or a beer. Again nominations please to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Michael H Blog: For a long while I have been thinking of how I can bring some news or simple instructions to the infoayamonte site but couldn’t really figure which category they would fit in. Be it the snug or local news or useful information. So I have just decided to open up Michael H’s Blog within a tab on the Infoayamonte site.
Of course all the older items will stay and we will be including many new interviews. So the countdown has begun the new site will be launched on March 17th 2015.
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Published: Monday, 12 January 2015 09:59
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Written by Michael Halligan
A new bus route which connects Ayamonte with Costa Esuri started today 12th January. The bus route which has 12 bus stops within Costa Esuri is a service that the residents of Costa Esuri have been demanding for some time.
The Deputy Mayor of Ayamonte and President of EUC Francisco José Álvarez Rubiño said “It is a great result to finally be able to confirm that the Costa Esuri residents will have their own bus service. It has taken a lot of work and after many meetings with the Local Residents association CERA and the transport company Damas S.A the buses are finally on the streets of Costa Esuri.
The twelve stops in Costa Esuri are as follows:
1. Av. Juan Pablo II (By the first gate of Vista Esuri)
2. Av. Juan Pablo II/Round about Miguel de Unamuno
3. Albatros Golf
4. Las Encinas (By the first gate)
5. La Jara Sur (Entrance in Jorge Guillén)
6. La Jara Norte (Entrance in Jorge Guillén)
7. Oasis Park (Before the crossroads to Colinas)
8. Las Colinas (Round about)
9. Guadiana Golf/Vista Hermosa (Fountain)
10. Lomas (In front of the shop)
11. Round about Miguel de Unamuno (In front of the post box)
12. Av. Juan Pablo II/Marina Esuri (Facing Stop 1)
Please see PDF of Stops here.
The cost per journey is one euro, The bus will stop at the bus stop near the Parador in Ayamonte and the Bus Station. For the return journey pickup points in Ayamonte are the bus station and Mercadona busstop.
Monday to Friday Costa Esuri to Ayamonte : 08.45, 10.45 & 16.00 (Saturdays 09.30)
Monday to Friday Ayamonte to Costa Esuri : 13.00, 15.00 & 19.00 (Saturdays 12.30)
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Published: Monday, 22 September 2014 22:37
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Written by Michael Halligan
With a recent press release from the Town Hall putting the date of the opening of the new waterpark in Ayamonte for 30th June 2015, I felt it was time I explained to all of you the exact location (see photo above) and a little more detail about the park itself.
You will have seen in the local papers the following. The cost of the development of the whole park is estimated at 10 million euros and it will create 171 jobs and it already has a pre-approved grant of 2.36 million euros from the Andalusian Innovation and Development Agency (Agencia de Innovación y Desarrollo de Andalucía IDEA).
The land where the waterpark is to be built belongs to the Fundación Tejada de la Santa Caridad the same foundation that runs the senior residents home in Ayamonte. The sale of this plot to the Russian investor Sergey Atroshensko will be a huge boost to the foundations funds.
The coordinator of the whole project is Gonzalo Cano with his architectural studio in Ayamonte and thanks to Gonzalo for explaining the whole project.
1. Octopus Lane: This will be a six lane twisty-turny slide located at the far left of the park as you enter.
2. Torando Blast: Is a water slide that drops you into at large saucer like structure and spins you around finally dropping you into a centre pool. It is located in the top left hand corner of the park.
3. Boomerang: A double boomerang shaped slide that brings you almost right back to where you started.
4. Hydro-Magnetic rocket: I will just have to record a video of this one when it’s build, but magnets propels you forward in a rocket shaped vessel surrounded by water. I am betting this will be my nephews favourite.
5. Dark Mammoth & Bubba Mammoth: Two serpentine water slides and you guessed it one is completely in the dark.
6. Interactive Pool: This is a shallow pool with lots of rides and games for children.
7. Pipe Line, Bullet Bowl and Topsy Turvy: A number of different water slides which I say will finally quieten my hyperactive nieces and nephews.
Of course there is a beach with a wave pool, right next to the beach bar and numerous restaurants and eateries dotted around the whole complex. Changing rooms and rest areas are also well distributed throughout the water park. Just outside the entereance there will be a large tiered car park with special areas for buses. All I can say is I am really looking forward to seeing the first sod being turned on this project which has been a long time in the pipeline.
Waterpark Plan
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Published: Tuesday, 24 June 2014 22:37
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Written by Michael Halligan
The Junta de Andalucia have approved this morning in a council meeting their support for the Ayamonte Water park and funding of 2.36 million euros for the 8.77 million euro project.
The Mayor of Ayamonte Antonio Rodríguez Castillo said that the people of Ayamonte can expect to see machinery on the plot of land where the water park is to be built before the end of the year.
The water park which is being developed by the Company Ayamonte Water Park SL will bring 81 new jobs to Ayamonte, 49 during the construction. The water park which will be located just behind the old Martinsa Fadesa showrooms is set on a plot of 97,760 square metres.
Having seen the project in full myself, I can safely say once it is built my days of driving down to the other end of the Algarve with my nieces and nephews are well and truly over.
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Published: Sunday, 13 April 2014 17:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
Just in time for Easter week, Bicilandia has opened on the roundabout of Isla Canela in Punta Moral. A young Dutch couple Frans and Marcha with their three children have opened a café activity centre where you can hire bikes, chill out drinking a coffee or take a kayak out for a couple of hours along the beach or the marismas tides permitting.
The business which officially opened Saturday 13th April will be offering special guided tours in kayak through the Marismas throughout the year.
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Published: Thursday, 10 April 2014 03:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
For seventh consecutive year the Mundalito returns to Ayamonte and Vila Real de Santo António. The tournament is open to all clubs that are affiliated to an association or federation associated with FIFA. There are four different categories, children born 2002/3, 2004/5, 2006/7 and finally 2008.
In the categories (2002-2003) and (2004-2005) teams are divided into groups of five or six teams.
In the categories (2006-2007) teams will be divided into groups of four or five teams.
In the category 2008, all groups will be formed by four teams.
The first phase will run in "league" system. The two best will remain classified for "GOLD TOURNAMENT", and the following for "SILVER TOURNAMENT". The rest of the teams will play for "BRONZE TOURNAMENT" and "FAIR PLAY".
The tournament will be played from 12th -19th April in nine different stadiums two of which are in Ayamonte: Estadio Ciudad de Ayamonte and Blas Infante. A total of 4,000 children will take part in this year’s tournament, 54 different nationalities and 200 football teams, playing over 750 matches. For full details on the matches please follow this link
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Published: Sunday, 23 February 2014 19:00
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Written by Michael Halligan
Last Thursday 20th February an informal meeting was held in Ayamonte town hall between the Mayor of Ayamonte Antonio Rodriguez Castillo and a number of residents on Costa Esuri. The main point of discussion to find out how and when the monies attained from bank guarantees would be used and who would govern how these monies would be used.
The Mayor first wanted to clarify exactly what monies had been attained from the bank guarantees. Four million euros are already being held in a bank account for use solely on the Costa Esuri urbanisation.
A further 1.7 million euros is being claimed on a bank guarantee held with Novacaixa Galicia. This bank is slow in releasing the monies and the Mayor also stated that although they have been actively demanding the money from Novacaixa Galicia for some time they have taken a more serious legal stance (judicial action) with the bank in the last 15-20 days.
One of the key points raised from the meeting was to find out when works would begin on repair of roads etc on Costa Esuri and if the residents would have any say on how this money would be spent.
The Mayor explained that the timeframe was dependant on when they could get the last outstanding monies from Novacaixa Galicia as all repair works would be tendered together. As for who decides what the monies would be spent on, the Mayor clarified that it would not be the EUC or resident but competence of the Ayamonte Town Hall Technical Department on how monies would be spent. Ayamonte Town Hall Technical department have already written up a report on what repairs will be done.
There were a number of other questions fielded from the people present, myself included and to ensure most was understood, Amparo Lalinde acted at the translator for the non-Spanish people present while Philip Johnson acted as spokesperson.
Below are some of the questions fielded by people present at the meeting and answers. A full report on the meeting is being complied in both Spanish and English and will be sent out to the various resident communities on Costa Esuri in the coming days.
• The safety of the fencing around the hotel and commercial centre was questioned as was the cranes which have been stationary for a number of years. Asked if some of the monies could be used to resolve this problem, the Mayor again clarified that all of the monies which have been attained for Costa Esuri via bank guarantees would go on infrastructures and could not be used for this purpose as it is a private plot. He did say that he would check into the licences to see if there was retention on the promoter of these plots that could be used to remedy the situation.
• The problem of sporadic delivery of post on some parts of Costa Esuri. The Mayor said he would speak to Correo about it but urged any residents who are having delivery with post to report it to the Postmaster in Ayamonte.
• Access to landline broadband on the whole of Costa Esuri. The Mayor admitted that there was enormous difficultly in speaking to the relevant parties and has had the same problem for years in Punta de Moral. Miguel Paredes one of the Spanish residents present at the meeting offered to mediate on the matter.
• Cement trucks driving within the urbanisation. The Mayor said there was already a dedicated route and timetable that heavy vehicles were obliged to use when entering Costa Esuri and urged any resident who saw inappropriate use to call the local police and report the matter.
• A bus service. The Mayor said that the current contracts for bus routes in the Ayamonte area still have approximately 12 months to run and that after that period a route from Esuri to Ayamonte could be looked at.
• Possibility of opening up a direct line of communication with the Town Hall. The Mayor said that he regarded Ayamonte as another neighbourhood of Ayamonte and both Philip’s and Amparo’s e-mail addresses were given to the Mayor for future communications.
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Published: Monday, 24 December 2012 22:39
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Written by Michael Halligan
Christmas brings out the best in people and once again I have to take my hat off to the people at the Esuri Book Club for their brilliant donation to Ayamonte.
I met with four book club members (Avril Maxwell, Shelia Butler, Shelia Johnson and Bryony Collins), just before Christmas and they told me their plan for this year. All I can say is that I am proud of what the English speaking community does here.
Many of you already know the club that meets on a Wednesdays from 4pm at Costa Esuri club house and where you can get a book for only a euro and then every other book you swap is only 50 cents. The club has many sides to it, from being a meeting point to a source of good information and guidance. However they have to be recognized for the great charity work they do year in year out. Charities like Aones, British Legion and the Red Cross are just a few that already know the generosity of this club which was set up a few years ago by Shelia Butler and Shelia Johnson. They have donated thousands of euros to local charities.
This year the club is making their donation to needy families living in Ayamonte. With the help of Janice Malone they have elaborated a shopping list for food hampers for over 20 families.
Mercadona, who kindly donated the wrapping paper and shopping baskets, delivered the shopping list to a house in Costa Esuri where members of Costa Esuri Book Club gift wrapped the parcels. They then delivered the parcels themselves to each household so the families would have something nice on Christmas Eve.
They spent over one thousand euros and to top up the kitty the golfers at Costa Esuri donated another two hundred euros.
And it doesn’t stop there, as on the night of January 5th when “Reyes Magos” deliver the presents the book club is also buying kiddies presents so no one is left out.
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Published: Tuesday, 28 February 2012 18:29
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Written by Michael Halligan
Local artist Florencio Aguilera Correa was awarded today 28th February 2012 the distinction of Andalucía’s favourite son of 2012.
Florencio Aguilera Correa was born in Ayamonte in 1947 and under the guidance of his father the late Rafael Aguilera painted his first painting in 1961 (un bodegón) at the age of 14. In 1962 he exhibited at with a number of artists from Ayamonte and Isla Cristina.However it wasn’t until 1966 that Florencio became a full time artist.
Today with an irrefutable career spanning over four decades Florencio Aguilera Correa, with many of his paintings coveted in both private and public collection all over the world, receives the acknowledgement from the Junta de Andalucía and the people of Andalucía for his works and cultural promotion in Andalucía.
Congratulations Florencio!
