In Brief

Various home owners in the Ciutadella urbanisation of Cala en Bosc have been the victims of robberies recently, with items such as tools and work material being stolen.The residents are complaining about the lack of police patrols and calling for more vigilance in the area. Council cutbacks have resulted in one police officer having to man the office in the Lago as well as carry out patrols of the urbanisation.

Unemployment up 10.5% on last July

The latest unemployment figures to be released show that, although the number of people out of work dropped between June and July, compared to last year the figure is up by 10.5%, standing at 4,910.In the Balearic Islands as a whole the number of unemployed at the end of July stood at 72,115, which is 12.64% higher than in July 2009 making it the region with the fourth highest increase.

Number of foreign residents falls by 4.13%

The number of foreigners registered as residents in the Balearic Islands fell by 8,398 people, to 194,981, in the second quarter of the year compared to the first, a decrease of 4.13%. This is the first time that the number has fallen since the first quarter of 2009.The drop in foreign residents in the region is 2.1% higher than the national average of 2.03%.

Bus service to the Mateu Orfila Hospital

Following numerous complaints from hospital patients and debates at Council meetings it would appear that a bus service that calls at the Mateu Orfila is a step nearer. Road markings have been painted near the hospital's main entrance reading 'bus' although, so far, this is the only sign that the longed-for service is on its way.

Secret tunnels discovered in Fornells

Some residents in Fornells have discovered various long-forgotten tunnels in the area known as Es Pujol. As in similar cases elsewhere on the island, these were built during the Spanish Civil War and were used for both shelter and surreptitious movement. There at least three underground rooms and three entrances to the tunnels; one in the road leading to the municipal water tank, another behind the cemetery and the third in Baix des Guix. It is believed that a fourth entrance could be situated close to the Ses Vinyes area.

The discoverers report that the tunnels are in poor shape, having suffered from erosion in the years since they were built, but have suggested that they could be restored and then opened as a tourist attraction.

A treat for stargazers on Thursday and Friday

Anyone interested in stargazing will be delighted to know that the heavens promise a real treat this week when the Perseids meteor shower will be at its peak and between 60 and 100 meteors per hour should be visible to the naked eye.

Although the shower will last for many days, up to 22nd August, the best time for viewing will be between midnight and the first light of dawn on Thursday and Friday mornings.

The annual display is named after the constellation Perseus, from where the shower appears to originate but, in fact, the source is debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet. For the last two thousand years the earth has passed through the cloud of debris resulting in a spectacular meteor shower.

Port d'Addaia to have postal deliveries soon

An agreement between Es Mercadal Council and the Addaia Association of Owners and Rate-payers will result in the urbanisation receiving money for improvements and maintenance, such as repairs to the steps leading to the port, road-cleaning, maintenance of road signs and gardening in public areas. The Council has also undertaken to install post boxes for the residents shortly, at a cost of 6,600 euros.