'Historic' Teulada's image 'ruined by rubbish bins'
WHEELIE-BINS on street corners make Teulada's historic town centre look untidy and should be replaced with a daily door-to-door collection, say opposition councillors.
The entire hub of the southern Marina Alta town was declared an official heritage site (BIC) by the regional government in 2008, based upon its well-preserved Gothic-era elements within what was once a 'city' wall.
But it needs a bit of TLC to enable it to keep living up to its status, argues left-wing Valencia regional party Compromís.
One case of spoiling the ship for a halfpennyworth of tar is the stainless-steel handrails on steps and steep, winding lanes, rather than investing in wrought-iron balustrades more in keeping with the pre-Renaissance style of architecture, according to the party.
Although Calle Colón, with the Porta d'Avall medieval archway, has underground rubbish and recycling bins which have just been repaired, these too should be replaced with a collection service, according to a motion supported by the three unaffiliated councillors, María José Vidal, Mamen Botija and Adrián Ruiz.
Also, the repair work should have been authorised by the regional government's heritage department, Compromís claims.
The party recalls that a local woman's house suffered structural cracks when the pits were hollowed out for the bins, and she has repeatedly alleged the works violated the terms of the BIC.
On-street wheelie-bins are not just an eyesore, but another breach of the heritage status, Compromís assures, and the BIC could be withdrawn if the facades of the buildings are blocked by refuse containers.
Compromís accused the Partido Popular (PP) local government for Teulada-Moraira of 'neglecting' the needs of its historical gems.