Residents in Cabo Roig have succeeded in halting Orihuela City Council’s plans to concrete the central reservation of Avenida del Cabo after a wave of protests over the removal of mature trees and shrubs. Many of the plants were more than 50 years old and formed part of the area’s natural character.

The controversy began after works started in March as part of a €209,344 project to improve accessibility and road safety along the avenue. Local associations estimated that between 2,500 and 3,000 square metres of vegetation had been cleared, prompting complaints that the urbanisation’s green identity was being destroyed.

Councillor for the Coast Manuel Mestre asked residents to collect 300 signatures to reconsider the plan. They delivered more than 500, while an online petition has exceeded 700. In response, the council has confirmed it will not pave the median and will instead develop a revised scheme with low-growing, drought-resistant native species.

Municipal officials said technical reports had highlighted visibility problems at junctions and pedestrian crossings, as well as pavement and lighting damage caused by tree roots. The new design aims to balance residents’ wishes with safety requirements. The project is expected to move forward once administrative procedures are complete, with completion anticipated by the end of the year.