Our readers regularly send us messages and emails regarding Lanzarote, here are some of your thoughts that we printed in the August edition.
Readers are reminded that views and comments expressed within the Ed’s Postbag page are those of the contributors and may not necessarily reflect the opinions or standpoint of our staff. It should also be noted that we are an independent publication free from political persuasion or governmental censorship.
We publish your letters! Have something you want to say or something to get off your chest? Send your letters to editorial@gazettelife.com to have your thoughts featured.
DON’T GO HOME
Dear Gazette Life,
There are a lot of news stories back in the UK saying the tourists are not being welcomed with people telling holiday makers to go home.
This surprises me as 35% of the Canary income comes from tourism.
Allan Saunders
Ed: There’s been a lot of exaggeration in the UK press, Allan. Recent protests in the Canaries were aimed at the authorities, not tourists, and no one is telling anyone to go home.
ZIP IT!
Dear Ed,
Is zip-merging taught in Spain? The roadworks at Playa Honda means that traffic in both directions must filter into a single right-hand lane, but I see very few vehicles continuing to the end of the left -hand lane before merging into the right, with each car on the right allowing a lefthand car in (like a zip).
This technique annoys inexperienced drivers who think cars passing on the left are getting an unfair advantage (some even deliberately block other cars) but it has been widely shown to reduce delays, tailbacks and possibly accidents. We’ve already had a pile up or two at the roadworks, so would it be a good time for Guardia Civil traffic agents to encourage the practice?
Yours, P. Robertson
Ed: As far as we know, the “efecto cremallera” is not taught in driving schools, although awareness of zipping appears to be increasing here.
MYSTERY BUILDING
Dear Editor,
Hi, my wife and I are both retired and visit Puerto del Carmen three or four times a year. We love our daily walk from the old town to Matagorda and back.
For years we’ve wondered what the building is opposite the San Antonio Hotel? It has the remnants of a windmill at one end, two blackened chimneys at the other and appears derelict, was it perhaps a grain to bread bakery perhaps?
Terry and Carol from Birmingham
Ed: We know the building well, but can’t find any further details. If any reader can help, please contact us at editorial@gazettelife.com
HOUSING CRISIS IN LANZAROTE
Dear Gazette,
I really sympathise with workers that can’t find or afford a home for their families. However, two points stand out. In Playa Blanca there are hundreds of uncompleted small houses, probably held by banks from the slump 16 years ago. Banks should either develop them or have them seized by the authorities.
The second point is that ridiculously large hotels are being permitted in PB and elsewhere, with no provision made for their employees. There are not nearly enough local people with dwellings to serve the hotel needs. As a consequence, more and more staff are coming from South America and North Africa, adding to the housing problems.
The locals should direct their anger, not at visitors, most of whom are in hotels rather than houses, but at the banks holding empty dwellings, and the authorities granting permissions for hotels without demonstrating that staff can be accommodated. Sure, AirB&B needs controlling better, but it’s not the major problem.
Bill Walker
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