CAMPERS FINED FOR SETTING UP ILLEGAL SITE IN SAN PEDRO

An unannounced visit to San Pedro Creek by the Guardia Civil, the Environmental and Local Police at the weekend was not good news for the holidaymakers who had set themselves up a makeshift campsite on the beach. 172 of them were served with a denuncia for illegal camping while 3 others will be prosecuted for selling products without permission

San Pedro Creek is one of the most emblematic beauty spots in the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Nijar, and last July all interested parties, including the owner of the adjacent farm, reached an agreement for its management this summer.

Following the arrival of a large number of holidaymakers, campers and travellers recently there have been a large number of complaints submitted to the local authorities by residents. Visits to the area have been made on previous occasions and warnings issued but apparently to little avail.

The deputy Minister in Almeria, Andres Garcia Lorca, said that all three administrations (Central Government, Regional Government and City of Níjar) are working in a coordinated manner when conducting inspections in the area, and this was the case at the weekend when a decision was taken to involve the police.

Garcia Lorca said that 172 prosecutions of illegal camping were made and 3 others of selling products without permission. The deputy also pointed out that there were several cases where tents had to be physically removed as owners had apparently ‘gone missing.’

“These visits and inspections will continue throughout the summer months,” he said “when they are least expected.”

And it will be in September or October when the three governments meet to take stock of these initial activities and to plan the next step.

“We try to ensure that spaces such as the natural park are available to everyone. We all have a right to freely use these public spaces which the campers were making it impossible for the general public to do.”