LOCAL NEWS – TUESDAY 07 FEBRUARY 2012

NEW ADAPTED VEHICLE FOR CRUZ ROJA

The Cruz Roja of Almoradí showed off their new vehicle this weekend, which has been especially kitted out to serve people with disabilities.

As part of the showcase, volunteers from the non profit group also arranged for blood pressure and glucose tests for the needy, whilst allowing visitors to examine the ambulance which will also cover the municipalities of Callosa de Segura and Orihuela.

PROMOTING WINE GROWTH IN LA MATA

The visitor centre of the Natural Park of La Mata in Torrevieja welcomed the presentation of a project aimed at regenerating the wine landscape of the area to promote tourism and enhance and add value to locally produced wine.

On the occasion of the celebration of World Wetlands Day, which this time is to link these natural areas with tourism, architect Maria Victoria Bernicola presented the proposal dubbed "Dancing with vineyards," a project based on the integrated environmental architecture that focuses on the revitalization of wine tourism in the Natural Park of La Mata and Torrevieja.

FIRE FORCES BUILDING EVACUATION

Twenty people were forced to evacuate their homes in Sant Joan d'Alacant on Monday after a fire broke out in the kitchen of a home on the third floor of a seven storey building, number 53 on La Rambla.

Emergency services were called just after noon when a witness saw smoke coming from the building. A police patrol was just 30 metres away and was on site within seconds. There were no humans in the property, but a dog, a rabbit and a cat were all rescued after a pan had been left on the cooker unattended.

COUNCILLORS TO STAY AT LEGIONELLA HOTEL

The Mayor of Calpe, César Sánchez, has announced that he and the other councillors who form the municipal government will stay at the hotel which was the focus of the recent outbreak of Legionnaires disease, in a bid to instil confidence in the hotel once it reopens.

The Diamante Beach Hotel remains closed whilst the work of disinfection is being completed, following the outbreak of Legionella that caused the deaths of three British guests and affected another twelve, who are recovering well.

DISTINCTIVE CAR DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER CRASH

The driver of a distinctive Ferrari car was arrested by police officers from Altea, after he allegedly crashed the car and fled the scene in neighbouring Calpe.

After witnesses had reported the incident, which caused damage to property on Sunday, the vehicle was later spotted by a police patrol who attempted to stop the car, but the driver made an evasive move, almost hitting one of the officers, and fled, hitting other vehicles before the officers managed to burst a tyre and force the car to a halt.

The driver was breathalysed and gave a positive result and will face alcohol related charges as well as alleged crimes of disobedience, resisting arrest and offences against road safety.