Palma street reform works infuriate residents

STAFF REPORTER RESIDENTS and traders in the central Palma street of calle Blanquerna are up in arms at the disruption to their lives caused by an urban remodelling project that the City Council promises is set to be completed three months sooner than scheduled. “The works are ruining people's day-to-day activities,” claimed Juan Rey, a tobacconist in calle Blanquerna. “People don't know how to get from one location to another.” The building reform programme is being financed by a Central Government aid package designed to kick-start the construction industry at a time of recession. “Business for traders in the area has plummeted by 60 percent as a direct result of the works,” claimed Rey “and the Council do absolutely nothing to help us.” It was a similar story elsewhere with some restaurateurs saying that they had always had custom in August in previous years but now they were being forced to close for the month.