Blue pathway blues
National association has been informed about the deficiencies
THE ‘SENDERO azul’ (blue pathway) award-winning coast walk between Cala Capitán and La Caleta (Cabo Roig) in Orihuela Costa has been ‘abandoned’ by the council, according to residents.
Although it boasts some of the best views on Spain’s east coast, serious deficiencies affect some sections of the path, the Cabo Roig and Lomas residents’ association (AVCRL) claims.
They note that the route has been awarded Sendero azul status by the environmental education and consumer association (ADEAC) – which also awards the Blue Flags for beaches – for the last three years.
And the councillor for infrastructure, Ángel Noguera has repeatedly published photos of himself and ‘his usual entourage’ walking along the path and expressing his pride at the prize. The deficiencies documented photographically by the association include an area where a large rock fell onto the path about a year ago, but the infrastructure department has merely put up some railings, which have been knocked down, and the risk of further rocks falling is endangering the lives of people walking underneath, they state.
The wooden bannister, which is about 10 years old, is missing more than 80 balusters, which could also endanger people, especially children, where several are missing in the same section, and some of the posts are so wobbly they could fall over at any moment.
Furthermore, the Cabo Roig watchtower, which is listed as an asset of cultural interest (BIC), is ‘totally neglected’ but the town hall has done nothing to make those responsible for it restore the building and open it to the public.
And the wooden signpost at the start of the route is broken and lying on the ground behind the frame, while another similar signpost is blank and has no information on it.
The AVCRL indicates it is ‘very probable’ that nobody from the Adeac has visited the path recently, so they have told them about the deficiencies so the infrastructure department can be pressured into carrying out the necessary repairs before giving the award again next year.
The residents have also
highlighted the current lack of public toilets on the municipality’s beaches, as this is a requirement for their Blue Flag status.
Moreover, the association accuses Sr Noguera of ignoring Orihuela Costa in general, citing his ‘masterpieces’ such as the pothole at La Caleta which took three years to repair and still has not been blended into the surroundings; the park at Aguamarina, which was paid for in full but only partially equipped and still lacks rainwater drainage; and the metal balustrade on
Playa Flamenca esplanade, which is practically lying on the ground.
The residents called for whoever forms the council after the elections in May to appoint a councillor for infrastructure who will resolve the serious deficiencies in Orihuela Costa.
They noted that they did not bother sending Sr Noguera a letter about the pathway problems, ‘as he has not replied to any of those the association has sent in the last 12 months’.