Torre Pacheco Council has instructed owners of all municipal plots to clear weeds, rubble and rubbish within one month, warning of risks to public health and the environment. In an official notice, Mayor Pedro Ángel Roca said keeping land in good condition is not only a matter of appearance, but essential to guarantee safety and cleanliness across the municipality.
The council said recent rainfall has led to dense vegetation growth, which could significantly increase the risk of fires once it dries out. In some areas, weeds have grown to more than half a metre in height.
If landowners fail to comply within the deadline, the council will carry out the work itself and recover the costs from the owners. In some cases, sanction proceedings could also be opened.
In previous years, the council charged around three euros per square metre for clearance work. This year, residents say the cost could be notably higher due to the amount of labour and machinery required, with some estimates suggesting it may double.
This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor before publication.