Demonstration in Valenica 25.2.2006

On saturday a group from 'Veïns de Parcent' travelled to Valencia to join in a demonstration organised by 'compromís pel territori'. The demonstration was joined by over 100 different groups each with their own local fight against unwanted and destructive development. Although the reality of the scale of the threat facing so many Valencian communities was sobering we were also encouraged to see people mobilising to fight back and we made many useful contacts with different groups. After hearing speeches from different campaigns, including a speech from a 'Veïns de Parcent' member, the march proceeded through Valencia to the 'Corts Valencianes' where the organisers read a proclamation of intent to keep on campaigning and motivating all present to add to the numbers. As always the more people prepared to protest and work to protect their environments the more chance we have of succeeding.

BLOG RESPONSE

I have received many positive emails in response to the blog, people have been shocked by the threat to Parcent and many are offering to help in any way they can. Blog technology is still new to me and many others so I am hoping that in time you will all start to add your comments and we can share with everyone what you all think about the proposed development plans and your memories of Parcent. GET BLOGGING!

PARCENT 25.02.2006

Almond blossom time, the valley is covered in a blush of pink and white.

Thanks Jenny for this photograph

EL CARRASCAL, PARCENT, ALICANTE

This is the view I wake up to every day from my house in the small Alicante village of Parcent. This beautiful mountain side that defines our village is currently under the threat of destruction by the agressive plans to build 1700 houses on its slopes. Not only will our natural heritage be lost but our village will be changed forever.

Parcent is a village with a population of around 1000. It is about 20 minutes inland from the Costa Blanca so is a popular place for tourists to come in summer and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains away from the bustle of the coast. Many Europeans have bought homes here and the village has a foreign resident population of about 20%. I moved here 16 years ago, have raised my children here and have been made very welcome by the locals.

The building plans passed by our Town Hall if built will increase the village population fourfold. We believe the village can not assimilate this increase in its numbers. We do not have the infrastructure in place, the school, medical services and social services will be unable to cope. We are worried that 1700 new houses with pools will exhaust our water supply, already burdened and threatened by drought. But perhaps worst of all the very nature of Parcent will be lost, it will no longer be a Valencian village with its culture, traditions and language that we all love and cherish but will become an enclave surrounded by a transient foreign population who although always welcome will so outnumber the locals that Parcent as we know it will no longer exist. We are fighting back against this abuse.

FUNERAL FOR PARCENT. PROTEST AT COUNCIL MEETING

WHEN PLANS WERE APPROVED 30.1.2006

VEINS DE PARCENT

We have formed an association to campaign to have the plans withdrawn and a new General Plan produced allowing for the sustainable development of Parcent. 'Veins de Parcent' is made up of people from all walks of life, political persuasion, young, old, Spanish or foreign residents, all united and determined to protect Parcent. We ask for your help. I will be using this blog to tell everyone what is happening with our protest movement and to invite anyone who has ever been here to send me their opinions. I'd also love to receive photos, artwork or any writing about the area that we can post and share and show the world what a fantastic place Parcent is and why we need to save it from the speculators.

Please join us and spread the word, the more people we have supporting us the more chance we have to stop the building. For more information please visit our website www.veinsdeparcent.info THIS BLOG WILL BE PUBLISHED IN SPANISH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!! ESTE BLOG SE PUBLICARÁ EN CASTELLANO CUANTO ANTES!!