AND HERE IS THE NEWS…

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

Canet receives prestigious and unique award

The Canet-en-Roussillon Tourist Office has just been notified that the town has awarded the “Destination of Excellence” award – the first town in the Pyrénées-Orientales, and indeed Occitanie, to receive this.  It is awarded by the state and covers over 300 criteria, obviously based around the welcome offered to tourists but with strong reference to eco-responsibility (reduction in energy and water consumption, waste management etc) and also accessibility (taking into account the needs of people with disabilities, offering clear information and adapted facilities).  All these criteria have been checked by teams of ‘mystery’ visitors sent by an approved organisation.

Roadworks ahead

From Monday September 1st Vinci autoroutes are carrying out major repairs to the A9 between the Perpignan-Nord (41) exit and Leucate (40).  The program concerns 46 kilometres of roadway (23km in each direction) and will be costing Vinci Autoroutes approximately 20 million euros.  Disruptions to traffic are expected until the end of the year.

57 metre long artwork for Auchan shopping centre

A huge fresco is being built at the entrance to the Auchan shopping centre in Porte d’Espagne.  The artwork uses giant letters to spell out PERPINYA or PERPIGNYA (spelt both ways in the article in the press!) and each letter will feature a design of a local scene such as the Canigou, a Usap Rugby player and a beach scene for example.  So far just five giant letters are in place so we will have to wait a few more weeks to see how they will actually spell this masterpiece.

Prisoner violently assaults two guards

Having spent a few days screaming and shouting insults incessantly a 41 year old prisoner had been placed in isolation in an attempt to calm him down.  Unfortunately it did not seem to work as when two guards tentatively opened the door of his cell to deliver his meal the prisoner grabbed one of them by the arm and pulled him into the cell.  Both guards were violently attacked, including being head-butted and bitten on the thumb – which drew blood despite the fact he was wearing gloves.  This guard ended up being taken to Perpignan hospital for urgent treatment to injuries to his face, elbow and hand.  On a more positive note the building permit for the new prison just northeast of Rivesaltes has just been signed.  This will accommodate 500 prisoners and will hopefully take the pressure off the current prison which is one of the most overcrowded in France.

Argeles bar closed following disastrous foam party

Several young people were treated in hospital over the weekend following a foam party held in the Exotik Cafe in Argeles-sur-Mer.  They were all suffering from burning streaming eyes and lesions likely caused by chemicals in the foam which was used during the festivities.  The prefecture received a public health alert from the ARS (health services) which caused them to order the closure of the bar, and all opthalmolgists in the region have been alerted to refer anyone to the Hospital if they show any of the symptoms.

Fatal road accident in Bompas

In the early hours of Friday morning a man in his forties was violently hit by a car and despite receiving first aid at the scene he sadly died the next day in hospital.  The man, a father of two, was employed by the Sankeo Bus Company and was in the process of posting the timetables on the boards in various bus shelters and was just walking back to his car when he was hit by a motorist, who fled in the Super U area of Bompas.  The driver is still wanted by the police, who have launched an appeal for any witnesses.