AND HERE IS THE NEWS…

….a quick glance at the latest local news with Caroline Manson

And here is the news – a light look at the latest local news

Restaurant closed following hygiene inspection

The Saveur d’Etoile ‘all you can eat’ Buffet located in the Polygone Nord area of Perpignan has been temporarily closed.  Food hygiene inspectors had issued a warning several days before having observed several breaches of hygiene rules but during a follow up visit it appeared that nothing had been changed so the restaurant was ordered to close. They stated an ‘insufficiency, or even a lack of cleaning and disinfection of the premises and equipment, the presence of pests, non-compliance with food storage temperatures and a lack of maintenance of equipment’.  On Google the restaurant has a 4 out of 5 rating with one reviewer even stating it was ‘the best Chinese buffet I have ever been to’, while others are less complimentary with one customer saying she saw a large cockroach in the ice and another, in early January, saying that he contracted food poisoning after eating there.  Last year more than 1000 hygiene checks were made on restaurants and food shops in the region and this year promises to be equally stringent.

Customs officers discover clever hiding place

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On Thursday morning customs officers at the Le Boulou toll decided to carry out checks on a Volkswagen car travelling from Spain to France.  The officers checked every corner of the vehicle until finally they discovered a cover hidden under the passenger seat, which concealed a box containing several packages of cocaine.  13 kilos of the white powder had been concealed, with a street value of several hundred thousand euros.  The driver, of Polish origin, was sentenced to 2 years in prison, banned from entering French territory for 5 years and fined 975,000euros.

Scam alert in Millas

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A warning has been posted on the Millas Facebook page alerting residents that a scammer is active in the municipality.  A man calling himself Franck Dubosque has been contacting residents saying that he represents the town hall and that financial aid is available, but to benefit they need to register and pay a subscription of 150euros.  The Mayor has stated very clearly that this man is not a councillor and is absolutely nothing to do with the town hall and that nobody should disclose any personal information or hand over any money.

Customs control at Le Perthus

A big control on traffic passing the border at Le Perthus was carried out on Tuesday 14th.  This anti-crime operation was carried out by the P-O gendarmes and involved 25 officers from Céret, including two dog teams.  The municipal police of Le Perthus and the Mossos (Catalan Police) from La Jonquera were also present.  Around 30 vehicles were inspected and several offences were discovered, including possession of narcotics, non-compliance with the Highway Code and tobacco smuggling.

Man found dead in Pia

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An investigation has been opened into the death of a man in his thirties who died at his home in Pia.  The incident occurred on Christmas Eve and was the result of domestic violence.  Apparently the husband and wife had been arguing and the man had left the property, but returned in the middle of the night and attacked his wife, hitting her in front of the children.  The mother and children managed to escape to a neighbour but her husband suffered a heart attack and died at the scene.  Medics have suggested that the man was under the influence of narcotics at the time.

Mayor of Port Vendres indicted for sexual harassment and assault.

Following three complaints against the Mayor of Port Vendres an investigation has determined that there is a case to be answered and Grégory Marty has been indicted for sexual assault, sexual harassment and violence.  The first case is from a former secretary, the second is from a town hall employee and the third case dates back to when the mayor was still a city councillor.  The Mayor has been placed under judicial control, with a ban on contacting the victims and witnesses in the case, and will eventually have to answer in court.

And finally…

A group of hikers were taking the coastal path between Collioure and Port-Vendres last Thursday when one of the group turned away and walked off on his own.  When the group returned to the mini-bus and discovered the man’s backpack and mobile phone but no sign of 78 year old Michael Rovira they called the emergency services.  A huge search ensued involving the Dragon 66 helicopter, the Saint-Cyprien nautical brigade and a dog team.  They searched well into the night and were preparing to recommence the search on Friday morning when one of hikers received an email from Mr Rovira.  He explained that he was fine but that he simply returned home to Bordeaux in his car.  He gave no further explanation for his hasty departure.

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Caroline Manson is an independent Property Consultant – for advice on buying, selling, renting or renovating, don’t hesitate to contact her at caroline@perpignan-properties.com

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