AND HERE IS THE NEWS…. a weekly update of the local news
WITH CAROLINE HILL
Violent incident outside bar – ‘Doormen’ at the Boca-Boca late bar in Perpignan called the police when a group of young people started making threats and throwing objects when they refused entry. When the police (with dogs) arrived, one of them was struck on the head by a bottle, causing him to collapse on the pavement. The youths ran off but, thanks to CCTV cameras the ring-leader was identified and arrested the following day. The youth was sentenced to 6 months in prison – with the option of 160 hours of community service and a compensation payment to the injured dog-handler instead.
Crackdown on drink drivers – In the early hours last Sunday morning a team of 30 gendarmes carried out alcohol tests on drivers around Rivesaltes, Le Boulou, Le Soler and the A9 at Perpignan. 250 vehicles were stopped and 23 drivers failed the breathalyser and 2 others failed a drug test. A further 2 drivers were found to be driving without a licence.
Car fires in Passa – Firemen were called to extinguish fires in several cars in a street in Passa last Sunday morning. The smoke was so bad that a family in a house nearby had to be evacuated. An enquiry has been launched into the cause of the fires.
Stray dog causes panic in Ceret – a stray dog wandering the streets of Ceret managed to bite 3 people before being caught and taken to the pound. One of the victims required seven stitches to a wound to her leg.
Lost walker rescued – A 70 year old woman, walking alone from Prats-de-Mollo towards Col de Canaveilles, called for help when she realised she was lost. The helicopter crew arrived within the hour and transported her back to her starting point.
Body of missing walker found – A 57 year old man who had not been seen since leaving his home in the Aude on 25th May for a walking holiday in the Pyrenees has been found dead. A fisherman made the grisly discovery of a body on the shores of Lac du Lanoux.
Mystery of the black Mercedes – In the early hours of Saturday morning a black Mercedes was seen being driven the wrong way up the A9 (and the A61). Despite being spotted by several drivers between Lezignan and La Palme, traffic police have not been able to trace it.
Man attacks police with a Sabre – Police called to a dispute between neighbours in Saint Gauderique were shocked when a man appeared at his door wielding a sabre with a 70cm blade. As the man was ‘extremely drunk’ they were quickly able to restrain him but received cuts to their arms in the process.
Routine border check reaps rewards – Police who stopped a car at the border to carry out a routine check discovered that the Belgian driver had 192kg of cannabis resin hidden in his car. The 61 year old is now in custody.
Montesquieu-des-Alberes loses restaurant – Le Bistrot, a popular and convivial meeting place for young and old, has closed it’s doors for the last time. The owners, who opened the restaurant in the former Post Office in 2011 say that the bad start to this season means that the figures no longer add up and they can no longer continue trading.
UFO Identified – Don’t be alarmed if you see a strange object flying low over the region, it is a remote-controlled cameral. It is grey, 1.30 metres in diameter and has 8 rotating blades. It has been designed to fly at a maximum height of 150 metres over the ground and will be used to carry out topographical surveys.
Lady missing from Pia – A 50 year old lady has not been since since last Tuesday when she left home driving her red Citroen C1. Anita Mignot is described as slim, with ‘salt & pepper’ hair and green eyes. She was wearing blue jeans and an orange top.
And finally…..
Flashmob planned for Argeles Concert – Fans of the group C2C are practicing their routine ready to surprise the band when they perform at this year’s Deferlantes festival in July. At the first notes of the track ‘Happy’ the fans will start their routine. Apparently the band have no idea that this is being planned – as long as they don’t read Facebook or the local newspapers. Or Anglophone-direct….
