It is 33 weeks since the last weekly market in Nerja, but we could now be entering a new phase in the dispute.
Under the original decree, there was a provision which stated that if the market traders refused to set up their stalls for three consecutive weeks, their licenses would be withdrawn.
The Council has now issued an ultimatum to the market traders and has invoked the ‘three week’ clause. This started on January 20th, so if the traders do not set up for business in Almijara by February 3rd, the Council seems set on withdrawing the current licenses and putting them out to tender to other traders.
It has been reported that some of the market traders have already received letters from the Council informing them of the situation.
It is unlikely, but not inconceivable, that a ‘one-off’ market could appear to prolong matters, but this is no solution to the problem.
The dispute needs to be resolved, one way or the other, and perhaps the best way to do this would be a local, and binding on all parties, referendum. The politicians are elected by the people to serve the interests of the people – so maybe its time to let the people themselves decide.
the old market trader says:
What a good idea to have a referendum about the market in town,- I’m sure it would be the first of the kind in the history in Nerja, but I’m afraid that the “democratic tradition” of the political leaders, would judge it as not only excentric, but absurd. The decree you talk about, was tried to cheat through without respecting the law, and thats the reason why they have not applied it against us until now. That is, the threat of taking away our licences if we don’t go to Almijara. Good “argument” to make us “accept” Almijara. It took the townhall four months (exactly the high season…!) to recognize that the place, as it is, is not big enough… They still claim Almijara is going to be absolutely great and fantastic for us, once they give us 50% more space… the question is if they would ever recognize it, if it is not… Best of luck, with the referendum-plan! I support it!!! Great idea, If all you güiris voted, I’m sure we would win!!
the old market trader says:
What a good idea to have a referendum about the market in town,- I’m sure it would be the first of the kind in the history in Nerja, but I’m afraid that the “democratic tradition” of the political leaders, would judge it as not only excentric, but absurd. The decree you talk about, was tried to cheat through without respecting the law, and thats the reason why they have not applied it against us until now. That is, the threat of taking away our licences if we don’t go to Almijara. Good “argument” to make us “accept” Almijara. It took the townhall four months (exactly the high season…!) to recognize that the place, as it is, is not big enough… They still claim Almijara is going to be absolutely great and fantastic for us, once they give us 50% more space… the question is if they would ever recognize it, if it is not… Best of luck, with the referendum-plan! I support it!!! Great idea, If all you güiris voted, I’m sure we would win!!