Chris Bryant, the British Secretary of State for Europe, was in Albox today for talks with local residents and politicians to inform the British Prime Minister of the real state of demolitions in the area.
Also present at the meeting were Giles Paxman, the British Ambassador, and Steve Jones, the British Consul.
At least eight British families have received demolition orders for their homes built in the area, which are expected to be carried out in April.
A ninth Spanish family in Vera have managed to obtain a judicial review of their demolition, which was to be carried out in January.
The surprise trip was announced by local anti-demolition group AUAN, who have also arranged for five families who have received demolition orders to meet Mr Bryant during his trip.
It is believed that Mr Bryant visited the home of 82 year old John Burns, a retired builder from Leeds who received a demolition order over Christmas.
Homeowners told him of the stress and legal expense they are suffering as a result of the demolition threat, despite having purchased their homes in good faith and being in possession of all the correct licences.
They stressed to the minister that a quick and equitable solution was required to this problem.
Maura Hillen (AUAN President) raised the disgraceful track record of the administration with respect to the payment of compensation to Helen and Len Prior and the difficulties surrounding the ‘one by one’ solution currently proposed by the Junta.
Mr Bryant had a private meeting with the Mayor of Albox, Sr Jose García, who is to inform him of the town halls position over the demolition orders.
Mr Bryant had a meeting last night at the British consulate in Málaga with Juan Espadas, the Andalucian minister for housing, and Gaspar Zarrías, the Spanish minister for territorial cooperation. Mr Bryant said he was "an Englishman who loves Spain" and encouraged British residents in Spain to "get on the padrón and register to live here".
After the meeting, Juan Espadas confirmed that a new liasion officer would be sent to the Málaga consulate to speed up Anglo Hispanic communication on the urban abuse problem, although the exact duties of the new office are not yet clear.
Speaking ahead of his trip on Sunday, Mr Bryant said: "I am visiting Spain to listen to the problems British citizens are facing with the properties they have bought here."
But he added: "I would advise people to be extremely careful with property purchases overseas.
"Through our travel advice we suggest that prospective buyers seek independent legal advice and contact relevant local associations of those affected by property problems.
"We continue to work with the government of Spain and relevant local authorities on resolving the issues that the people of Albox face."
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Chris Bryant's Ministry are not interested, and Steve Jones Consulate likewise, they both state that they do not intervene in the affairs of other EU member states. Strange they use British Tax payers money for their sortie's.
The European Union also decline to interfer in the internal administration of member states.
As for Mrs Robinson MEP (UKIP) claiming to 'withhold' EU funding to Spain, is she not aware that a Belgium MEP (Margeret Auken) passed a resolution last March to do just that, and still the EU does nothing!!
I do have something positive from the EU Human Rights Commission, they say l should take the case to the Criminal Courts, they do not however say who they think should fund the possible £50k bill for that.
As for the Defensor Del Pueblo in Spain (Ombudsman) don't waste the ink, they tell you quite clearly they wont go against the authorities.
As l see it, l want my property legalised and l want compensation of at least 250,000€ to cover my expenses to date, and it wouldn't go a miss their having consideration for the time and the stress this has caused.
Yes, Spain and the people are beautiful, the system is awful, but, the political situation could be changed with agreement. However, the false hope provided by our own politicians will not help, we want honest representation.