Skill swap shop in Spain

CASH-STRAPPED residents in Orgiva have come up with a lateral approach to the economic crisis.

Over 40 locals and expats alike have joined forces to set up a Local Exchange and Trading Scheme (LETS) that lets people swap skills and services rather than paying for them.

“It is like a bartering system,” explained London musician Gary Garret, who has lived in the Alpujarra town for 20 years.

“LETS doesn’t use money but has a directory that puts people with skills and services in touch with potential clients who then trade using a local currency, the olivo, on their own terms.