Reader’s Letters – June 2026

Our readers regularly send us messages and emails regarding Lanzarote, here are some of your thoughts that we printed in the June 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.

CRAZY TOBACCO

Dear editor,

While staying in the Vik San Antonio recently we spotted a large Nicotinia glauca plant growing on the Los Pocillos beach. This plant is highly toxic, and especially dangerous for children.

I reported it the relevant authorities by email but have not heard back.

My wife Margaret and I both read your Lanzarote Gazette. It’s interesting and informative and good for Lanzarote’s image.

Well done and best wishes, Anto Kerins, Dublin

Ed: Thanks, Anto. Nicotinia glauca was introduced as an ornamental plant over a century ago and is now a fairly common plant on Lanzarote. Locally, it’s known as tabaco bobo (crazy tobacco) because of its ability to grow in the most unlikely and inhospitable places.

It’s classified as an invasive species, and there have been occasional attempts to eliminate it from certain protected areas of the island, but as far as I’m aware it’s not considered as a serious risk to humans.

The example you spotted appears to have been there for at least a year, suggesting that council gardeners have overlooked it.

BREXIT BONUS

Dear Editor,

With regard to the airport queues, maybe we could ask passengers whether they voted for Brexit in 2016 or not? Then those that did can go to the back of the queue and fully enjoy what they voted for, while those of us who had nothing to do with this idiotic decision don’t have to suffer as much for their stupidity.

Regards, David March

SORRY FOR DRIVERS

Dear Ed, The waste ground between the Aldi and C. Garajonay in Arrecife is a vital parking area, so why is it regularly closed off? Workers who work unsociable hours have to drive around looking for a parking spot.

Also, Av. los Corales in Costa Teguise is a disgrace. When will it be repaired?

I don’t have a car, I just feel sorry for drivers.

Many thanks, Les

Ed: I’d guess the waste ground is closed off to limit any potential liability for cars parked there, Les. As for Avenida Los Corales, Teguise approved a renovation plan which includes that stretch of road in December last year, so hopefully there’ll be some changes soon. Potholes often tend to get magically fixed before elections, which take place next May.

ALMOST APRIL FOOLED

Hi Ed,

You just about got me with the ‘Love Locks Work’ article in your April edition until I saw the Councillor’s name – Primero de Abril. Until then I was about to send a response questioning the existence of “The Cabildo Councillor in charge of Symbolic Fastening Devices in Tourist Zones’ only to have to reign it in at the end and, instead, smile and give you a big thumbs up on your wizard wheeze.

Nice one Ed.

Richard Perry, Puerto del Carmen

Ed: Cheers, Richard. We try and get the Councillor to appear every April – previously he’s been responsible for introducing shark nurseries to resort beaches, proposing Lanzarote’s bid for the Winter Olympics and controlling the “Viagra cactus” of La Graciosa.

EES “NOT PUNISHMENT”

I often see people complaining that the EU are punishing British people for Brexit. It’s not true, though. I flew into Spain from Tunisia recently and had to face exactly the same delays on entering the Schengen zone. The queue took about 45 minutes and I was the only British person in it.

Obviously, British tourists make up the vast majority of non-EU visitors to Lanzarote, and local and national authorities could have planned for this better, but it’s not punishment, just poor preparation. Yours, G. Dixon