EURO MP MICHAEL CASHMAN
SUPPORTS 'VEÍNS DE PARCENT'
Euro Mp Michael Cashman has featured
in Spanish and English newspapers this
week backing petitions made to Europe
over the abusive Valencian land law, LRAU.
He gives his support to our petition, as
reported this week in the following article
from Round Town News.




















Photo European Parliament

Europe Hits Back Over Land Grab
Written by Jack Troughton
Thursday, 11 May 2006
Surrounded by more than 15,000 complaints received by the European Parliament, he vowed to continue to fight for the rights of thousands of 'desperate' victims affected by the LRAU.And the MEP for the West Midlands has also sent a personal message to the 2,697 people who signed a petition organised by the 'Neighbours of Parcent' against plans to build nearly 1,800 new homes in countryside surrounding the tranquil village.The three urbanisations received outline planning permission on January 30th this year, sparking a massive campaign of protest in the area. Mr Cashman, who led a fact-finding mission to Valencia last summer, told the Neighbours of Parcent, "You have my full support.
PRESSURE"We will do all we can to keep the pressure on the authorities in Valencia."The Valencian Government and Housing Minister, Rafael Blasco, have sought to deflect criticism and discredit protests against the controversial laws. The authority claims Europe was making a concerted and unfair attack on its construction and tourism industries. In a letter to Valencia, Marcin Libicke, the Chairman of the European Parliament's petitions committee, noted, "Local authorities continue to abuse the rights of citizens to their legitimately acquired properties." And he wrote that as the LRAU was replaced by the LUV in February - legislation already criticised by the EU - 34 plans were rushed through before the deadline, "at the last minute and without proper consideration." Mr Libicke confirmed that his committee continued to receive petitions from people suffering under the land grab laws, "the latest from Parcent, which we will be investigating."
FIGHTHis colleague Mr Cashman, the committee's first Vice-Chairman, has led the fight for justice for Spanish and other European nationalities affected by the legislation. "Mr Blasco claims the EU is exaggerating as to the severity of the problem concerning the LRAU in Spain," he said. "We most definitely are not." The former actor said more than 15,000 petitions were received from people directly affected by the "abusive implementation of this law" and "we are acting on their behalf in order to ensure justice is done." And Mr Cashman promised both victims and the Valencian Government, "The European Parliament will not rest until this issue is resolved. If that means going to the European Court of Justice, so be it."
On Sunday the 'Neighbours of Parcent' has organised another mountain walk to show people the area's natural beauty. The 15km route over El Carrascal is said to be fairly difficult and for experienced walkers. People interested in taking part should meet in the village centre at 8.15am and the walk is expected to take five hours.