The Almuñécar branch of the PSOE opposition party has criticised the governing party for the deteriorated state of the Barrio del Espinar sports facilities.

The party spokesman says that the PSOE have responded to “complaints from locals” about the Barrio del Espinar sports area and can confirm the “abandoned state” of the said facilities.

“We received several calls concerning the lack of maintenance/cleaning, said the PSOE Councillor Pablo Ruiz Díaz. He added that the nearby kiddies’ play park is in a similar state.

Councillor Ruiz pointed out that the governing party had raised property tax by 30% yet locals do not feel that the tax increase has “translated into an improved quality in community standards.”

Editorial comment: These kinds of official press-release photos are depressing. Firstly, who wants to see three politicians standing around, looking accusingly at a basketball post? Show us the damaged equipment, full stop. Secondly, how convenient that the only litter on the court appears to be conveniently ‘sulking’ right between the politicians and the forlorn basketball post.

Furthermore, it appears that the proximity of the elections has caused amnesia concerning where the funds from the increase of the IBI tax have gone – they went on paying off outstanding loans; something that the PSOE knows full well, as they were present at the Plenary Meeting of the Town Council where such details were given.

But underlining this all is the ignored truth that one thing is building sports facilities and quite another thing is having the constant flow of cash to maintain them. Yes, it is wonderful that the Junta, Madrid or Brussels hands over money to build installations but do politicians ever stop to think about how they are going to maintain them? Buying a Porsche and not having the funds for the car insurance comes to mind.

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