A local resident discovered the lifeless body of a 64-year-old English pilgrim in the Robo River close to Puente la Reina-Gares on Friday morning, May 22. Police Foral officers, the police force of Navarra, rushed to the spot after receiving the alert at 9.30am.

Location and circumstances of the fall

Investigators suspect the man attempted to cross a ramshackle wooden bridge constructed from logs and pallets. This unofficial crossing is said to sit around two to three metres above the water level and serves local people accessing allotment plots. Reports indicate the structure does not form part of any official Camino de Santiago path. Registration details confirm the pilgrim was booked in as a registered guest at Hotel Albergue Jakue and nearby Albergue El Peregrino on Wednesday night. Concerns grew following failure to return for his booked accommodation among those around him.

Emergency services deployment

Firefighters from Navarra joined a duty doctor and an ambulance crew at the riverbank site. Medical staff could only confirm the death upon arrival near the riverbank on the way out of town towards Pamplona.

Police investigation underway

Officers from the regional force continue to examine details of what happened. Judicial authorities are now overseeing the case as standard procedure for such incidents. Everything points to an accidental slip that led to a plunge into the river. A possibility exists that the man struck his head during the fall from the height of the bridge. A local gardener who uses the bridge daily reported no unusual activity the previous day. Discovery occurred when the gardener returned to his plot the following morning and saw the body partially submerged.

Dangers on the pilgrimage

Another pilgrim lost his life on 17 April near Santiago de Compostela. That incident took place in the rúa do Beado area of O Milladoiro after the traveller suffered a sudden illness. Emergency teams from various services attended but could not revive him at the scene.

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Residents in the Costa del Sol area can look forward to safer and easier crossings thanks to fresh approval for improvements to a vital pedestrian bridge.

Historic campaign that built the crossing

Stella Bosworth spotted serious dangers on the busy A-7 road back in 1984 while working for a British tourism company. Her strong call for action pushed forward plans for a safe footbridge near developing residential zones. Alan James, her then boss, and a leading British developer and chairman of The Experience Group, stepped in to fund and complete the structure within six months when public support stalled. This elevated walkway has protected countless people since then, linking communities on both sides of the busy motorway.

New ramps will transform access

Permission now allows full upgrades focused on accessibility. Oscar Puente, Spain’s transport minister, finally gave permission for the works to start, allowing Estepona jurisdiction over this, what would normally be the Ministry of Transport. Plans include concrete access ramps on each side with a maximum gradient of 12.5 per cent. Elderly users, individuals with reduced mobility, cyclists and parents pushing strollers will gain straightforward passage across the A-7. The local council will cover all construction costs after more than three years of preparations. Technical details came together with input from nearby property owners and residents.

Communities united by better connections

El Paraiso and Benamara stand to benefit directly from smoother links across the motorway. Daily journeys become simpler for hundreds of households in these outskirts of Estepona. Families can move freely between homes, shops and leisure spots without relying on steep stairs. This project builds on the bridge’s original life-saving purpose and reflects ongoing efforts to support growing populations in the region.

Contracting processes have started, with construction expected to follow in the near future. The original 1980s bridge, built with mixed concrete and steel beams on metal supports, will retain its core while gaining modern features for universal use.

Alan James and Stella Bosworth’s early determination continues to shape safer travel for new generations. Their story reminds many how individual resolve combined with community backing can deliver lasting infrastructure. Local users express relief at the progress toward inclusive crossings that strengthen neighbourhood ties.

Applications opened on May 22 for a new support scheme that helps local businesses hit by major council projects in Benalmadena. This latest round targets shops and hospitality venues around Santo Domingo, Plaza de España, and nearby streets.

Previous support reached 70 businesses

Local leaders built on an earlier initiative that delivered €350,000 to around 70 traders in Avenida Retamar, Avenida Juan Luis Peralta, and the eleven Gamonal streets. Success in that first phase encouraged expansion into additional areas where work is still going on.

Higher grants reflect longer disruption periods

Businesses affected in this second phase qualify for amounts reaching €9,000 each. Extended construction timelines beyond twelve months justify the increased figures. Mayor Juan Antonio Lara stressed the importance of helping companies manage ongoing costs such as rent, utilities, and staff wages during these problematic periods.

Council strategy balances infrastructure needs

Complex improvement works in long-neglected zones form a key part of the current administration’s plans. Officials introduced this pioneering aid programme to reduce economic pressure on local commerce. Support measures aim to keep shops viable while essential urban upgrades proceed.

Who qualifies for the grants?

Commercial operators, service providers, and restaurants open to the public can apply if registered before the call. Both individuals and companies meet criteria, provided they hold current tax clearances with national authorities and the Benalmadena council.

Single application rule ensures fairness

Authorities accept only one submission per person or company. This approach promotes equitable distribution across eligible premises.

How to submit claims before deadline

Interested parties must file requests by June 22 through the official electronic portal of the Benalmadena Town Hall website. Complete documentation including invoices and expense records remains essential for processing. Applicants should prepare evidence of costs directly linked to the construction period.

This fresh aid package demonstrates continued commitment to protecting local economic activity. Traders facing prolonged work now gain valuable financial breathing space to maintain operations and plan ahead. The initiative reinforces Benalmadena’s approach of combining necessary infrastructure development with practical business assistance.