February 2008

Xerez meets its match as Malaya moves in

By on February 28, 2008

Secret deal comes to light that saw Roca buy into club THE judge investigating the alleged web of corruption at Marbella town hall has turned his attentions towards a top Andalucía football club.

The “poverty complex” destroying Spain

By on February 27, 2008

The Olive Press’ JON CLARKE talks to Greenpeace director Juan Lopez de Uralde HE is lost for words when asked why Spain does not value its environment. After a pregnant pause, Greenpeace president Juan Lopez de Uralde begins: “I call it the poverty complex, a complex particularly involving politicians.

“Cemetery of trees” prompts Greenpeace action

By on February 27, 2008

Environmentalists launch unsustainable development campaign in Ronda

Emblematic fish – and dish – of Málaga under threat

By on February 27, 2008

Has climate change depleted stocks of boquerones?

Has the pantomime come to an end?

By on February 27, 2008

Madrid overrules plans to save controversial Cabo de Gata hotel BY MARK ROULSTON THE demolish it-save it soap opera surrounding Almeria’s controversial Algarrobico hotel continues apace. A month after a proposed change in land status effectively legalised the hotel, judges at the nation’s highest court have declared that the 411-bed complex is illegal and will […]

Ex-Betis chief in fraud investigation

By on February 27, 2008

Owners homeless after discovering beach-front apartments are – in fact – rental apartments JUDGES in Almería have opened a fraud investigation into the former president of a top Spanish football club.

New golf decree passed

By on February 27, 2008

GOLF courses can no longer be used as a Trojan horse to build thousands of new homes.

An ideal visit for royal Granada

By on February 27, 2008

STOP THE PRESS: During his visit to Granada on February 12, King Juan Carlos I dropped by the offices of newspaper Ideal and milk company Puleva. Above, the monarch in the room in which the Olive Press is printed each fortnight.

Strength In Numbers

By on February 27, 2008

Hundreds of expat homes at risk in the Axarquia, while Periana mayor wants to build yet another development on rural land By ANDREW LOWREY NERVOUS British neighbours in the Axarquia region have banded together to protect their homes from the spiralling threat of forced demolition.

Sinking ship feeds flames in new Gib row

By on February 27, 2008

Fears of “catastrophe” as New Flame sinks killing thousands of jellyfish A DIPLOMATIC row has flared up after a ship caused a huge oil slick off the Gibraltar coast. Spain summoned British ambassador Denise Holt to explain why a vessel that had a collision six months ago is still polluting nearby shores.

Russia link to murdered Irishman

By on February 27, 2008

IRISH gangsters shot in an Estepona ambush earlier this month were killed by Russian mafia hitmen. Detectives from Dublin believe Paddy Doyle crossed a Russian crime gang involved in drug running on the Costa del Sol.

Judge in double trouble

By on February 27, 2008

Did he plan to extort 8 million euros from a Marbella businessman? A JUDGE suspended for alleged corruption is being investigated in another money laundering case. Francisco Javier de Urquia – who is under investigation for his involvement in Marbella’s Operation Malaya – is now facing a probe into his links to Operation Hidalgo.

Tragedy as toddler drowns in 2ft of water

By on February 11, 2008

A BRITISH toddler has drowned near her parent’s remote farmhouse home. Molly May Counsell, 18 months, was found at the bottom of a neighbour’s swimming pool in 2 feet of rainwater after going missing on February 9. The girl’s father – John Richards, 61 – described how his daughter was helping him clear up in […]

Trapped! British couple scared to leave house in case bulldozers move in

By on February 8, 2008

Expats face heartache as Junta orders home demolition and imposes 80,000 euro fine Olive Press Exclusive – Mark Roulston in Lanjarón

Snatch terror of British mother

By on February 8, 2008

Exclusive A BRITISH mother has told the Olive Press how her son foiled the abduction of a toddler on the Costa del Sol. The mother-of-two revealed how the 11-year-old stepped in when an African man tried to lure the two-year-old British holidaymaker into his van with the help of a cat.

Government warns of worst drought in more than a decade

By on February 8, 2008

Agriculture set to be worst hit as country faces summer water restrictions

Council confirms Durcal bottling plant has no licence

By on February 8, 2008

Opponents ask Madrid to intervene A LECRIN valley-based mineral water company is operating without the correct documentation.

Ambush! Gangland boss slain in Estepona

By on February 8, 2008

A FUED between drug-traffickers has led to the shooting of two Irish gangsters. Suspected murderer, Paddy Doyle, 27, died from multiple gunshot wounds when his car was ambushed in Estepona on Monday.

Will new airport force Granada departures?

By on February 8, 2008

British consulate asks ex-pats to lobby budget airline Monarch

Banderas’s wing… on a prayer

By on February 8, 2008

Andrew Lowrey in Marbella ZORRO star Antonio Banderas will need all his swashbuckling skills to get himself out of this one. The actor and his wife Melanie Griffith have had a demolition order served on their luxurious Marbella beach house.

Spain refuses GM corn ban

By on February 8, 2008

French report warns of possible risks to human health SPAIN is refusing to ban a GM crop that poses potential dangers to human health.

Lucky clucky

By on February 8, 2008

Poultry producer receives RSPCA award for treatment of free-range chickens A FOOD company in Galicia has received the UK’s highest accolade for farm animal welfare. The free-range chickens produced by Coren can now carry the ‘Freedom Food’ label, a Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) award for companies that treat livestock […]

Search is on for Montefrio lottery winner

By on February 8, 2008

Did winner escape to Barcelona after 76m euro win? A LUCKY Montefrio resident is 76 million euros the richer after a record lottery win. With the numbers 2, 6, 9, 19 and 45, the unknown person scooped the highest amount ever won by an individual in Spain. As news broke that the winning ticket for […]