‘Gang of squatters’ take over popular Spanish seaside town loved by Brits | World | News
The housing crisis in Majorca has reached new extremes, with a group of squatters taking over an abandoned seafood plant just steps away from some of the island’s most popular beaches. Once a thriving facility, the Pescados Miro building in El Penon, Coll d’en Rabassa, a Palma de Majorca suburb near the international airport, has become a makeshift home for the group.
The men have been spotted using seawater and a nearby fountain to wash, causing concern among residents as the summer tourist season approaches. They’ve even managed to tap into the electricity supply illegally, the Olive Press reports.The makeshift home is mere metres from family homes and tourist beaches, leading to worries about rising anti-social behaviour and disruption to the peaceful way of life.
Locals have reported having personal items stolen, and the strangers have been seen “watching” their homes, fuelling frustration.
One resident told The Sun: “We’ve had bikes, bags, even phones stolen. And now there are strangers watching our homes and tourists.”
Despite repeated complaints to the authorities, the police say they’re powerless to act as the property is publicly owned and no official complaint has been filed.
The island’s property prices also continue to soar, with rental prices skyrocketing and the cost of living taking a devastating toll on locals.
One local added: “Locals can’t afford to live here anymore. But squatters get to stay on the beach for free.”
Ibiza is also grappling with shanty towns, with the area between Sa Carroca and Can Raspall increasingly swamped with tents and makeshift homes.
