The IU party of Salobreña has denounced that publicly owned land is being illegally used to provide private profit.

Originally, in 2005, the Junta gave the land to Salobreña so that a riverside pathway could be built all the way up to Lobres, however, this was never built.

Several years ago, the Town Hall decided to give the land another use, allowing boats to be stored there, instead of on the beach. Nevertheless, the terms under which the Junta ceded the land was that under no circumstances could the land be used con ánimo de lucro (to make money).

However, claims the IU, the said land is being used as a private boatyard with a turn over of 400,000 euros a year.

Party Spokesman, Ángel Coello, said that two associations are using the land for private profit, thus illegally: the sports club, Peña El Pargo and the Salobreña Boating Club. These clubs, he assures, charge 2,000 euros for a spot to store a  boat, plus maintenance costs, which, calculates, Sr. Coello, brings in a total of 400,000 euros per annum for the two clubs.

In the opinion of Sr. Coello, the Environment Councillor is well aware of the situation and chooses to turn a blind eye.

Furthermore, points out the IU Spokesman, the original idea was for small boats, but some of the craft there have a length of twelve metres or over; in other words the area has become a cheap alternative for larger recreational-craft owners to dry berth them without paying the costly fees of Marina del Este or the Motril Nautical Club.

To date, the Town Hall has not offered its own account of the situation.

(News: Salobreña, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)