THE new traffic sign warning of a notorious death bend at La Cala de Mijas will not be displayed in English.

Although Mayor Angel Nozal asked for it to be due to the large numbers of British and other foreign residents living in the area, the Ministry of Public Works has refused.

Mijas town hall was sent a letter by General Road Management, stating that “English is not an official language in Andalucia.”

However, official figures state that 42 per cent of the Mijas population is made up of foreign residents from 22 countries, most of them British expatriates.

During 2012 (until mid-November) there were 13 serious incidents, one death and numerous injuries at the blackspot between km 199 and km 201 on the A7.

General Traffic Management (DGT) said 21 per cent of all the accidents recorded in a year on Malaga provincial main roads happened on the La Cala curve

PLANS for a new petrol station between La Cala de Mijas and Entrerrios have been passed. Mijas council spokesman Mario Bravo said that the new station would mean drivers using this road would no longer have to drive through the centre of La Cala village to fill up with fuel.

MORE than 100 expats and local guests attended the opening of Moneycorps office in La Cala de Mijas last night (Wednesday).

Celebrations kicked off at 6pm and guests partied into the night. Entertainment was provided by a roving magician ‘Mr Magic’ who wowed the crowd with his card tricks and had them scratching their heads as he seemed to magically teleport objects. Guitarist David McLaughlan provided the background music that set the scene to an enjoyable night. Canapes provided by Deli Fresh Go caterers went down a treat and the drinks were plentiful.

A raffle of three prizes was held with the numbers drawn by the three visiting heads: Group CEO Mark Horgan, Divisional Managing Director Andrew Woolley and Head of Private Clients David Prendeville. Third prize was a bottle of Moet and Chandon and second prize a Tassimo coffee machine, won by Kristian Rubiano and Sean Vosper, both from Your Viva real estate. Magnus Sjobert, CEO of Diamond’s Code won the first  prize, a luxury hamper.

Moneycorp has been on the Coast nine-and-a-half-years, during the good and bad times and their team has been with them a long time. “At Moneycorp we believe in continuity,” said Stephen Tiley Regional Manager. “People tell me we are the friendliest and most professional foreign exchange company on the coast.”

For more than six years Moneycorp Spain was based in their Puerto Banus office. The decision to move to the premises in La Cala de Mijas was for ‘business reasons’, according to Regional Manager Stephen Tiley. “No matter what events we had we didn’t see many people’, said Stephen. “In the two-and-a-half weeks since we have been here 17 passersby strolled in saying they had heard about us but couldn’t get down to Puerto Banus to see us, so this business decision has proved successful already.”

Another benefit to the new location is parking. While previously customers had to park in an expensive car park, or park a few streets away, in La Cala de Mijas there is free parking right outside. It is just a 20-30 minute drive midway between Benalmadena and Marbella.

Moneycorp helps people “move money from A to B without getting ripped off,” said Group CEO Mark Horgan. Customers can carry “41 currencies at any time. It is the Rolls Royce of International payments.”

HUNDREDS of people, including Spanish and expat families, joined in the La Cala de Mijas Romeria fiesta celebrations held to mark the culmination of an annual event staged each October in honour of Saint Theresa, the town's patron.

TRAFFIC tailbacks lasting for more than six hours and at their height stretching almost 12 kilometers formed when a 10-wheeler juggernaut overturned at an accident black spot on the A-7/N-340 at La Cala de Mijas. No one was seriously injured in Tuesday's crash which blocked part of the dual carriageway in the direction of Marbella.

Holidaymakers enjoyed ringside seats. Some clad only in bikinis, and others in deckchairs on nearside grass verges, joined other onlookers as Guardia Civil, police and helpers - with a police helicopter hovering above - toiled directing traffic heading towards Marbella around the lorry as lifting equipment was brought in to assist the recovery operation.

Tailbacks of up to 12 kilometers built up at the height of the delays as police and towing vehicles took up strategic positions to assist in the five-hour recovery. 

Christian Galbraith, a nearby resident said: "This is the first major accident at this accident black spot this year. Some drivers just go too fast into the sharp bend despite flashing lights and warning signs. “The most remembered incident was about three years ago when a lorry carrying tomatoes overturned, spilling its load. Then local residents - some even with wheelbarrows – suddenly appeared to pick up the tomatoes for themselves. “But this lorry was just carrying water in containers.”

THE ‘burro taxi’ (donkey taxi) is set to arrive in la Cala de Mijas. After a test run during la Cala de Mijas Feria the local government provided positive feedback. Mijas Pueblo’s tourist attraction that doubles as transport was deemed “more than acceptable” for La Cala de Mijas according to the Public Roads Councillor, Juan Carlos Gonzalez.  “We want to provide a quality service,” said Gonzalez, “the guides must strictly follow municipal ordinances.” One requirement will be that each taxi use a nappy which collects the donkeys’ excrements to keep the streets clean.