Elche Council has closed a second unlicensed long-term vehicle parking site near Alicante-Elche Airport as it continues its campaign to regulate airport parking facilities operating without the necessary permissions. The latest action forms part of a wider enforcement programme that has already resulted in dozens of inspections across the municipality.

Second unlicensed parking site ordered to close

Elche Council has ordered the closure of a second unlicensed vehicle parking site in Torrellano Alto as part of its campaign to regulate long-term airport parking facilities around Alicante-Elche Airport.

The site, which covers more than 5,000 square metres and has capacity for over 3,500 vehicles, was closed by Local Police after it was found to be operating without the required licence.

The closure forms part of an ongoing administrative process to prevent the opening or expansion of new parking sites in the airport area.

Mayor Pablo Ruz said the action followed the proper legal process and was based on compliance with planning regulations. He also noted that the operating company had unsuccessfully sought an emergency court order to prevent the closure.

Wider crackdown on illegal airport parking

According to the council, inspections showed the site had gradually expanded to occupy nine plots of land without authorisation. Around 3,650 vehicles remain inside, although owners will be able to collect them under an agreed procedure supervised by the Local Police.

The council has already closed another illegal parking site in recent weeks and says two further closure orders are at an advanced stage. Officials have so far carried out around 85 inspections as they review more than 110 parking sites across the municipality.

The enforcement campaign is intended to ensure that airport parking operators comply with planning and licensing regulations while maintaining proper oversight of commercial activity around Alicante-Elche Airport. The council says inspections will continue as it works through the remaining sites identified as part of its ongoing review.

Animals at Rio Safari Elche are staying cool during the hottest weeks of the summer thanks to specially made ice lollies, extra water features and changes to their daily routines. The zoo’s seasonal care programme is designed to keep every species comfortable while also providing enrichment that encourages natural behaviour.

Special frozen treats for every species

Animals at Rio Safari Elche are keeping cool this summer with their own special ice lollies, made to suit the diet of each species.

As temperatures remain high, the zoo has stepped up its summer care programme with frozen treats, extra places to cool off and changes to the daily routine for some of its residents.

The homemade ice lollies are prepared every day using ingredients chosen for each species. Some contain fruit, vegetables or juice, while others include meat, insects or even blood. The idea is not only to help the animals cool down, but also to keep them busy as they work out how to get to the frozen food.

Meerkats enjoy frozen mealworms, while jaguars and leopards tuck into chicken broth and meat ice lollies. Orangutans, chimpanzees and other primates get fruit-based treats, while giraffes can enjoy frozen olive branches.

Keeping animals comfortable in the summer

The frozen snacks are just one part of the zoo’s summer plans. Hippos and jaguars spend plenty of time in their pools, while mangabeys have their own small swimming pool complete with a slide.

Some animals, including giraffes, lions, leopards and chimpanzees, are also being given the choice of spending the night outdoors instead of indoors if they prefer.

Zoo staff say the measures help keep the animals comfortable, active and happy during the hottest weeks of the year.

The summer enrichment programme forms part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare, ensuring each species receives care tailored to its individual needs. By combining cooling measures with stimulating activities, Rio Safari Elche aims to help its animals remain healthy and active throughout the peak summer temperatures.

Visitors exploring Santa Pola’s Sierra nature reserve will now find it easier to navigate thanks to a major upgrade of the area’s signage. The latest improvements include dozens of new wooden signposts and QR codes linking walkers to maps and visitor information, helping enhance one of the municipality’s most popular natural attractions.

New signage installed across the Sierra

Santa Pola’s Sierra nature reserve has completed a major upgrade to its visitor signage with the installation of 27 new wooden posts carrying a total of 71 directional and information signs.

The project marks the completion of the second phase of a programme to modernise the signage and information panels across one of the municipality’s most important natural attractions.

As part of the latest improvements, the old metal signposts have been removed and replaced with wooden posts designed to blend more naturally with the surrounding landscape.

A new feature introduced throughout the route is the addition of QR codes on every post. By scanning the codes, walkers and visitors are directed to the official Tourism Santa Pola website, where they can access maps of hiking routes through the Sierra and other natural areas within the municipality, together with additional visitor information.

Improving the experience for walkers

The project has completely renewed both the directional and interpretive signage across the Sierra, making it easier for walkers to navigate the network of trails while learning more about the area’s natural environment.

The council says the improvements will enhance the visitor experience, strengthen Santa Pola’s tourism offer and help showcase the Sierra as one of the municipality’s most valuable environmental resources for both residents and visitors.

The upgraded signage also reflects the municipality’s ongoing commitment to improving access to its natural spaces while encouraging sustainable tourism. By combining traditional wooden signposts with modern digital information, the project offers a more informative and enjoyable experience for everyone exploring the Sierra throughout the year.