Rojales Local Police have stepped up efforts to combat illegal dumping across the municipality, launching a special summer campaign targeting those responsible for leaving garden waste, furniture and other rubbish in public areas. The operation, which runs until the end of August, is already leading to fines and encouraging residents to help protect their community.

Police step up patrols across Rojales

Rojales Local Police have launched a special campaign to tackle illegal dumping of garden waste, furniture and other rubbish, with increased patrols continuing until the end of August.

The initiative began in response to ongoing problems caused by people leaving waste in streets and public areas instead of disposing of it properly. Officers are carrying out targeted patrols across the municipality in an effort to catch offenders in the act.

As part of the operation, police are examining packaging and other items left among dumped waste to identify those responsible. Officers are also monitoring social media and speaking to residents in affected areas to gather information.

The campaign is already producing results. During its first week, almost a dozen fines were issued, with several cases solved thanks to information provided by residents.

Residents urged to report offenders

Police say illegally dumping pruning waste, old furniture and other household items creates unnecessary cleaning costs and affects the appearance and health of the community.

Residents are being encouraged to continue reporting incidents. Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping can contact the Local Police on (+34) 966 715 129, or by email at policialocal@rojales.es.

Officers are asking people to send photographs or videos where possible, together with the location of the incident. This allows patrols to attend quickly, investigate the reports and take action against those responsible.

The council hopes the campaign will not only deter offenders but also raise awareness of the importance of disposing of waste responsibly, helping to keep Rojales clean, safe and attractive.

A recent horse carriage crash in Fuengirola has reignited debate over whether horse-drawn carriage rides should be banned, particularly during periods of extreme heat. Euro Weekly News readers were asked whether horse carriage rides should be banned, with the majority of respondents firmly in favour. Many focused-on animal welfare, while others acknowledged the impact a ban could have on those who rely on carriage rides for their income.

For Linda McFadden, there should be an end to both horse and donkey rides. She said: “Time to stop those carriage rides plus the donkey rides.”

Animal welfare was also central to Shon Drek’s response, who argued that animals deserve to be treated with the same consideration afforded to other living beings. “Respect for animals is respect for life. They are not toys for us to play games with. They think and they have emotions. They get anxious and bored. It’s incredibly sad to abuse them especially because we are humans with a conscience and should know better.”

Melissa Baker was similarly critical of using horses to transport tourists in high temperatures, saying: “No one wants to see these poor horses in the heat carrying entitled tourists.”

The potential danger to both animals and people was highlighted by Gordon O’Keeffe, who believed accidents could be avoided. “If accidents like this are happening and can easily be prevented, then yes. Horses are skittish at the best of times, unpredictable. Especially in boiling hot weather. Stressed and anxious, they can be very dangerous (point in question) The only other thing to consider is that these are people’s livelihoods, their only source of income perhaps?”

That concern about livelihoods provides another side to the debate, with carriage operators potentially depending on the trade to support themselves and their families. However, for Ali Scott, responsibility ultimately rests with those in charge. “Those in authority need to act and not just talk about it!”

Other readers were unequivocal in their views. Penny Evans simply responded: “Definitely yes.” Robb Spontaneous was equally direct, stating: “Yes. Total animal abuse.”

The responses show strong concern about the welfare of horses used for carriage rides, particularly during periods of extreme heat. While the livelihoods of carriage operators remain an important consideration, most people said horse carriage rides should be banned, reflecting growing concern over whether the tradition can be justified when animal welfare and public safety may be at risk.

Grab your dancing shoes, and an empty stomach, because something sweet, spicy, savoury and fun is about to fill the streets of Rincon de la Victoria.

Streets full of food and family fun

For the second year running Rincon de la Victoria is bringing back its Gastrolatino Festival from August 13 to 16, transforming the Plaza Al-Andalus into a lively, bustling meeting point of food, music and culture for four flavour filled evenings. Organised by the town’s Department of Culture, Fairs and Festivals, the free-entry event is bringing the local area a taste of Latin America.

Each day kicks off at 6.30pm with ambient music and children’s entertainment, before the main musical acts and animation shows take over from 8pm onwards. Every evening will close with a tribute concert. Festivities will wrap up at midnight on Sunday, 16 August, following a tribute performance dedicated to Colombian star Carlos Vives.

Food, drink and entertainment on offer

Visitors can take a proper culinary journey without leaving the Malaga province. According to Rafa Urquiza, the event’s producer, attendees will be able to sample delicious Colombian arepas, juicy Chilean sandwiches and flavour filled Argentinian cuts of meat, with sweet treats including artisan ice cream and buñuelos rounding off the menu for those with a sweet tooth. A dedicated tropical cocktail area and a foodtruck zone will complement the stalls, giving festival-goers plenty of reasons to linger well into the night.

Dance fans will not be short of options either, with salsa, bachata, merengue and vallenato rhythms ready to fill the square across the four days.

Entry to the Gastrolatino Festival is free throughout. Whether you are a local resident or a holiday maker, make sure to wear your stretchy trousers and drop by the Plaza Al-Andalus to eat, drink, dance and sample what the town has to offer.