Coronavirus campsite chaos

British customers left in limbo under lockdown decree

THE GOVERNMENT decree issued last week, stating that all hotels, short term holiday rentals and campsites had to close caused alarm and upset throughout Benidorm’s campsite community.

There were many mixed messages coming out about which sites would remain open and which would be closing. Villamar, by far the biggest in Benidorm, with 1,500 pitches and the vast majority being British nationals was sent into panic mode.

Initially each was made to sign a disclaimer, stating that they would not hold the site responsible and that they were staying on at their own risk, with the shower cubicles reduced to ensure distancing.

But that all changed last Friday, March 20 when they suddenly announced that the shower and toilet blocks would be completely closed and only those with independent hot running water, a toilet and shower in their caravan would be allowed to stay.

A message was played over the tannoy system that door to door inspections would be made to each and every pitch, and those not able to comply would have to leave.

Costa Blanca News spoke to several residents on the site – none of whom wanted to be identified.

One couple, who like many spend the vast majority of the year here, without residency or a health card decided that it was time to head back.

The British consulate had put out a clear message encouraging those without adequate health cover in the event of contracting the virus to think about heading back, making it

Photo by Ángel García

clear that they would be charged for any treatment they would potentially receive.

This particular couple booked a flight with Jet2 and managed to get back on Saturday morning. They were perhaps a lot luckier than many as they had a property in the UK to go back to. The vast majority are sadly not in that position.

Another resident was understandably angry. He had residency – issued with a 'padrón' stating he lived on Villamar and a SIP card, entitling him to state healthcare.

He had paid his yearly site fees of nearly €5,000 and in his eyes was abiding by the rules. Now he was in a panic the site was saying that they were going to close completely because the law had changed.

“So the question being asked by us is does the site have the correct licence to allow long term residents to stay or is it just for short term holiday lets," he asked.

This led to the reception being inundated with many angry Brits, asking where they were meant to go in the light of restrictions on movement. They would be left homeless and on the street.

“Suddenly numerous rental companies have jumped on the bandwagon, but I don’t have a spare €1,000 or €2,000 to pay the deposit and two months’ rent on an apartment," said a resident. "I don’t have running hot water or a shower so in effect I am homeless if they do go ahead and close. I pay my site fees for the facilities, such as showers and toilet block. Fortunately, I was offered an apartment by someone I knew and moved on Sunday”.

Others however were determined to stay, burying their heads in the sand with one stating: “Why should we not be here? We have the right to stay as long as we like in Spain.”

The consulate stepped in and spoke with the site owners, who reluctantly agreed that only those with the stipulated requirements could stay, which came as a relief to some, but still left many not meeting the criteria.

Flights by Saturday were virtually non-existent and another couple ended up paying €500 each on British Airways to get back to the UK – and not even to an airport near their end destination.

British Ambassador Hugh Elliott noted that the Spanish authorities have published a list of hotels and short-stay accommodation that will remain open during the state of emergency.

Whilst these are mainly intended for workers, they will also be available for tourists who have been unable to return home.

“This is a very difficult time for British nationals who find themselves currently unable to get back to the UK and we welcome this announcement by the Spanish authorities that some hotels and short-stay accommodation will remain open during the state of emergency.”

He said the list could be found at the end of this document: https://www.boe.es/…/ di…/2020/03/25/pdfs/BOEA-2020-4027.pdf.