POLITICAL WAR OF WORDS OVER CALVIA WORLD CUP PLAN...

By Humphrey Carter A political war of words broke out in Calvia last night over the local authority's World Cup security plan while angry members of the local tourism sector effected by the restrictions held talks with the council to try and reach a more acceptable and “just” solution. On England match days only, bars and cafes in designated areas of Magalluf and Palmanova can only serve drinks in plastic glasses while tv and big screens are banned from the terraces. What is more, alcohol outlets are also banned from selling alcohol in bottles an hour before, during and an hour after the matches. Leader of the PSOE socialist party in Calvia, Antoni Manchado, accused the council of failing to have consulted the local commercial sector when drawing up the plan. “The Partido Popular in Calvia does not think about tourism and this is another sad example of that. One can not introduce security measures on this scale without the support of the tourism industry,” Manchado said in a statement claiming that this latest scandal is further proof of the differences between the ruling PP and Majorcan Union parties which sit on the coalition council. Manchado called on the council to “swiftly” reach an accord with the commercial sector “this has, unfortunately, generated negative press in England and the tourism industry is very susceptible to bad press. It is shocking the level of irresponsibility the PP have shown on the very eve of the summer tourist season,” he said. “We can't afford to think in Calvia without consulting the tourist industry. We've got to constantly keep an eye on the industry which keeps Calvia alive,” Manchado said yesterday. Calvia Councillor for Foreign Relations, Kate Mentink, denied the accusations yesterday and told the Bulletin that the World Cup security plan has been drawn up with the best interests of the tourism industry and tourists at heart. “This has been done in full consultation with the tour operators, apart from central, local government and the security forces,” Mentink said. “This is not a personal attack on the English, after consulting the security experts, we decided it would be a sensible precaution to introduce security measures on England match days because Magalluf and Palmanova are predominantly English. “If Ireland was in the World Cup, the same measures would apply in Santa Ponsa,” she explained. “I know some British bar owners, even ones not in the designated streets, have accused us of singling out the British, but that couldn't be further from the truth. “As a Brit on Calvia Council, my primary concern is people's safety and enjoyment. “In the UK, people are being urged to enjoy the World Cup in Spain, if they can't get to Germany and, obviously, Majorca is one of the top destinations. “Four weeks ago we had a meeting with central government, Balearic government and police representatives, we were advised that, on England match days, there could be as many as 60'000 Britons concentrated in the Magalluf and Palmanova areas we have targeted with the safety restrictions. “That is a lot of people and we want to make sure they are safe,” Mentink said. “I want fellow Brits to come here and enjoy the World Cup and have a good time and, while they're here, we're going to do all we can to look after them,” she said.