In 2008, Vélez-Málaga became the first municipal authority in Spain to be ordered by the courts to pay compensation to local residents as a result of distress caused by noise pollution over a period of thirteen years and the matter is still dragging on.
Residents in the El Copo area of Torre del Mar suffered distress caused by noise pollution from the late night bars in the area over a period of thirteen years, the Council failing to act upon complaints to rectify the situation.
In 2008, the Court ordered the Council to pay compensation to the 18 residents affected by the noise pollution in the sum of €2.8 million. Delays and appeals meant that interest accumulated and despite now having paid €2.1 million, the residents are claiming a further €3.6 million in interest and the legal costs of the action.
The Council has now approved a motion to set up a commission to investigate the question of who is to blame and to determine if there was any dereliction of duty on the part of Council officials.
The proposal to investigate the matter was supported by all parties except the PSOE.