AND HERE IS THE NEWS…

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

Drought restrictions continue

Despite the recent rainfall, and the torrential storm in September, the Préfecture have announced that the drought restrictions are to remain in place until November 30th.  It is still against the rules to fill or top-up pools (unless there is a big mosquito problem), you cannot jet-wash your terraces, house facades or vehicles (except at a designated car-wash), and watering of vegetable gardens is restricted to certain hours (which vary in different communes).  Fountains and beach showers are still out of action but ‘recently sowed’ stadiums can be watered two nights per week.

Perpignan Airport evacuated

Following a bomb alert sent by email, Perpignan Airport was evacuated on Friday afternoon.  This is the second alert in two days and after a thorough search of the airport, was proved to be a false alarm.  False bomb alerts have targeted airports, public buildings and schools all over France recently, following the tragic events in Israel.  Police are investigating every phone call and email in an effort to track down the perpetrators, and have already disclosed that many of them come from Minors. 

Police sniff out criminal

Gendarmes on a routine patrol in Ille-sur-Tet became aware of a strong odour coming from a nearby property.  On entering the property they discovered 10 cannabis plants growing on the balcony, and inside the property was more than 1.5 kilos of cannabis grass.  The plants were destroyed and the individual is to face court.

73 year old lady missing in Perpignan – FOUND

Authorities are concerned about the whereabouts of a 73 year old lady who left her retirement home near the college Cours Maintenon in Perpignan on Saturday afternoon.  According to relatives, Maria suffers from Alzheimers disease and is very confused, often believing she lives in Paris or Portugal.  She was wearing a lilac sleeveless jacket, white trainers and blue jeans.

[EDIT : Maria was found safe and well, if very tired, on Wednesday 25th October after several days of walking]

Winegrowers blockade the A9 at Le Boulou

Traffic came to a virtual standstill last Thursday when winegrowers blocked the A9 motorway at the Le Boulou Péage.  They are angry at the amount of cheap wine coming into France, when they are struggling due to competition and drought.  10 years ago the department produced 600,000 hectolitres, 5 years ago it was 500,000 hectolitres and this year it is anticipated that 30% of the harvest has been lost.  The traffic jam extended to 15 kilometres as around 600 people joined the protest and litres of wine were dumped onto the motorway.

National Banking Terminals breakdown affected local shoppers

Late on Saturday morning a sudden breakdown of banking terminals left shoppers unable to pay for their shopping by card.  McDonalds, Ikea, Carrefour, Auchan and Leroy Merlin were just a few of the stores affected, and several customers just abandoned their full trolleys at the checkout as they did not have enough cash on them.  The problem was finally resolved by the middle of the afternoon but not fast enough for the shops who suffered a loss of business on one of their busiest days. Worldline, the company that runs the technology for several payment platforms, say that it was not a cyber attack but just a ‘technical’ problem.

Cyclist attacked by dog

A Canadian tourist was cycling peacefully in the Vallespir, from Céret and into the hills above Maureillas-las-Illas when he saw a herd of goats on the gravel path in front of him.  He soon realised that the goats were accompanied by a large Patou dog, which headed straight for him and bit him deeply in the calf muscle.  Luckily he did not fall off and despite the painful injury he managed to reach the emergency department at the Vallespir Clinic in Ceret, where he was treated.  He has since filed a complaint at the gendarmerie, as the herd of goats was grazing near the public road, without any fence or protective barrier.

And finally…

A lady in Canet-en-Roussillon was scared when she spotted a man on the terrace outside her apartment.  She was hidden behind a double curtain so the man did not see her, but she was able to watch him approach the handle of the bay window, so she jumped forward and quickly turned the key in the lock.  All very frightening, but even more so considering the fact that her apartment was on the 5th floor of a residence – and she had never felt it necessary to lock the balcony doors.  She watched as the man climbed onto another terrace and managed to call the neighbour, who apprehended the man.  The 26 year old was arrested and will face court.