Torrevieja’s parks and gardens service has advised the removal and replacement of at least 30 palm trees along the town’s central seafront promenades. The recommendation follows a fatal incident on 15 November, when a palm infested by red weevil collapsed onto a car on the CV‑905, killing a 22‑year‑old local driver. Two of the palms already removed were affected by the pest, while others showed structural weaknesses linked to age and deterioration.

The contractor Actúa has been carrying out detailed checks of more than 5,500 municipal palms, mostly Washingtonia robusta, with some date palms and a small number of surviving Phoenix canariensis. Inspectors have focused on assessing the crown and trunk of each tree. The council says that identifying a palm as potentially problematic does not mean it is at immediate risk of falling, but replacements are being prioritised in busy pedestrian areas.

Nine palms have already been replaced on the Vista Alegre promenade, where several incidents involving falling date palms have occurred over the past decade. Some removed specimens were more than 70 years old and covered by regional heritage rules. Around 20 additional palms are set to be replaced on the Juan Aparicio promenade, and the council expects numbers to rise as inspections continue.

An independent external report has also been commissioned. The council plans to remove several disused concrete and stone tree pits on Juan Aparicio to create more space for pedestrians. Concerns have also been raised about some hospitality terraces incorporating municipal palms into their structures, adding lighting and other fixtures not included in authorised plans.