Castell de Ferro’s fair causing complaints amongst sleepless neighbours

THE festivities in honour of Castell de Ferro’s patron saint, celebrated on July 10 and 19, has created serious disturbances to neighbours and business owners of the area, according to a number of them.
It has been three years since the fairgrounds location was changed to a land plot in the middle of the town, normally used as a car park. This new location has sparked outrage amongst residents, who complained about the loud noises which prevent them from sleeping.
“During the 10 days our fair lasts, this place is absolute chaos: from day one, hotels, camping sites and holiday apartments are emptying due to the noise,” said Carmen Pino, head of the Neighbours Affected by the Fair Platform, who added: “This is the village’s main source of income, and it is negatively affecting the economy.
The association, which currently has 500 members, is to file an official report against the town council for the location of festivities.
“For 70 years, the celebrations took place in the town’s main square and all of a sudden they decided to change it to a place which is not even adapted for this purpose, said Ms Pino, stressing: “It is especially serious as this land plot is in the most tourist populated place of Castell, in which residents and visitors could not sleep at least until 7am due to the noise.”
From the platform, they complained that this location is damaging the businesses, saying they had received a great number of complaints, especially from foreign visitors who even requested compensation for damages.
“We have had to call the Guardia Civil at least five times per fair night,” said the spokesperson: “They have encouraged us to pursue legal action.”
“During the fair, people came here to stay at least three days, but after hearing the noise they used to go the day after and we have lost many customers,” said hotel-owner Antonio Galvez.
On the other side of the story, Mayor of Gualchos-Castell de Ferro, Toñi Antequera told local media: “Our decision is justified: we have gathered all celebrations in one single place, instead of having them distributed all over the town. We can also celebrate markets in this location. When I speak to neighbours and tell them this is the only place we can celebrate the fair, no one has disagreed. This is a problem which exists in each town, but it is only one week and during that week the town is at its full capacity and July tourism results have been the best so far this year.”