AND HERE IS THE NEWS…
….a quick glance at the latest local news with Caroline Manson
Swimming pool remains open – and free of charge!
Due to the drought situation and local water restrictions, several communities (such as Le Boulou, Ille-sur-TetIlle sur Têt and Argelès-sur-Mer) have decided to close their public swimming pools during the summer. The Mayor of Arles-sur-Tech has decided to do the complete opposite, and during a recent council meeting it was voted that the 2,784 inhabitants of this town, located 50 minutes from the sea, will be able to enjoy the municipal swimming pool free of charge! This will be a welcome relief in view of the current departmental ban on the purchase of above-ground pools and the topping-up of in-ground pools.
Woman dies in shed fire
On Tuesday morning firefighters were called out to a fire in a large shed situated near Jean Rous College in Pia. The flames had completely destroyed the 100m² shed and inside was the lifeless body of a 65 year old woman. Her 80 year old husband had attempted to rescue her and suffered burns on his arms. He was transported to hospital but had a heart attack on the way – luckily he was able to be revived and his life is no longer in danger. An investigation has been opened into the cause of the fire but so far it appears to be a tragic accident.
Accident on A9
An 8 year old boy was seriously injured in a collision between two vehicles on the A9 on Saturday afternoon when a Renault Clio collided with a van. Four people were injured, the most serious of which being an 8 year old boy who suffered injuries to his stomach, liver, lungs and legs. He was firstly evacuated to Perpignan Hospital and then transferred to Montpellier for specialist treatment. Traffic around the Le Boulou exit was at a standstill for nearly an hour whilst the recovery operation took place.
Tourist bookings down due to drought
On Friday, during a meeting for tourism professionals, it was announced that the number of bookings for this summer is well down compared with other years. Obviously the drought is the main cause but the professionals blame the media for causing panic and one of them stated that in recent weeks he had received more phone calls from journalists than he received during the Covid crisis. They reiterated that they wish to convey a positive message, that tourist establishments will still be able to operate their swimming pools and that the infrastructure is in place. Private individuals and gites remain subject to the restrictions – with an instant fine of 1500€ if they are not respected.
Fatal accident between tractor and car
A 70 year old man lost his life on Wednesday evening after a head-on collision with a tractor, on the D900 near Tresserre. When the emergency services arrived they found the man trapped in his vehicle and in cardiac-arrest. Unfortunately they were unable to revive him and he was declared dead at the scene. The 21 year old driver of the tractor was uninjured.
The jellyfish are back!
The jellyfish are ‘late’ this year but they have arrived – with many being seen in the sea and on the beaches around Barcarès, Canet and Saint-Cyprien. This first batch are said to be “aequorea forskalea” and are not said to be dangerous, ie they don’t sting. However, if you do come across one in the sand it is highly recommended not to touch it as other varieties (such as the “Aurelia aurita”) can be dangerous, even when dead.
And finally…
If you hate that weekly grocery trip, the noise, the hustle and bustle, the crowds etc – Auchan is the place for you! The enormous hypermarket in the Porte d’Espagne has announced a new operation called ‘Calm Hours’. Every weekday between 1pm and 3pm the store is reducing the brightness of the lighting and the volume of sound generally and you will be able to do your shopping in a less noisy, less bright, cooler and more cozy ambiance (says the store). I have to admit that I had no idea about this when I dropped into the store last Friday at 2pm but definitely noticed it was quiet and peaceful and I just thought I had arrived at a particularly quiet time of day.
