Residents in Orihuela Costa have stepped up complaints about the state of local infrastructure, symbolised by a decaying fishing boat that has stood on a roundabout in La Zenia for a decade. Once bearing the town hall’s crest and the name Armengola, the vessel has become, for many, a sign of neglect along the coast.

Neighbourhood association Costa Campoamor has requested an urgent meeting with the councillor for the coast to address what it describes as serious deficiencies in maintenance and public services. Residents cite overgrown verges, broken or non-existent pavements, potholes, poor signage and overflowing rubbish bins, particularly during the busy summer season when the population exceeds 100,000.

Concerns have also been raised about beach conditions. Seaweed has yet to be cleared while the removal contract remains unawarded, and accessibility at Barranco Rubio and Punta Prima is limited due to broken lifts, despite a €250,000 budget allocation two years ago for replacements.

Financial figures show that of the €12.4 million earmarked for coastal investments in 2024, only 19% has been executed. Around €6 million of planned projects have not yet been put out to tender, even as the council services a €41.5 million bank loan, costing more than €1 million a year in repayments.