Human footprint mars beauty spot
Residents around picturesque Grandella cove campaign for council to rethink plans
VISITORS to an idyllic Costa Blanca cove left a 'disgusting' collection of waste in their wake despite claims the fragile environment would be protected, claim residents.
Picturesque Cala de Granadella in Jávea is a year-long magnet for visitors. However, in July and August, access by cars is controlled and free public transport provided by the local authority.
This high season, drivers were encouraged to park on the narrow twisting lane of Pic Tort and leave by driving up the one-way road with its blind bends - many drivers simply turn round, ignore the traffic flow and drive back down, creating another hazard.
And Jávea town hall plans to upgrade the steep lane this autumn - despite the objections of residents who fear its use is dangerous - by asphalting the decaying surface and erecting a safety barrier.
Householders living at the top of the road - where there are two-way ‘residents only’ signs - say the sheer volume of traffic on Pic Tort is dangerous and are opposing the move.
They believe the answer is to create more parking at the valley bottom, near the beach and have traffic use the existing two-way Granadella road back into Ja´ vea.
Residents of the 38 homes are campaigning for a rethink of the plan and have been gathering evidence to back their cause.
Tracy Beaver took nearly 100 pictures of the rubbish left by visitors in a single afternoon - ranging from unwanted food, empty containers and wrappers, plastic bottles, drink cans, unwanted shoes and clothes, to used sanitary wear and human excrement.
“It is just disgusting, it is terrible. You can see where people have gone for a poo and left dirty tissue,” she said.
“When the town hall said they were going to build this new road, they said it would not have any impact whatsoever...well it does!
“The rubbish is dumped almost all the way to the top neighbours find used nappies and bottles stuffed in their walls.”
She said councillors simply ignored protests and alternative solutions and the town hall was simply pressing ahead with its proposal.
“They say it would not have any effect on the environment but it can be clearly seen. That’s what annoys me,” added Tracy. “It is really upsetting.
“Sadly, there wasn’t all this rubbish before, the hillside was pure lovely countryside and enjoyed by cyclists and walkers...people just throw things out of their car windows.”