Community

Vera coast residents urge ministry to end repeated sand replenishments

Published December 30, 2025 | Category: Community

TL;DR: Residents on the Vera coast are calling on Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition to stop repeated sand replenishments and finally build long-planned breakwaters, arguing that millions of euros have already been spent on temporary fixes that disappear after every storm.

Vera coast residents urge ministry to stop ‘wasted’ sand spending and build long-promised breakwaters

A residents’ association on the coast of Vera has launched a public campaign urging locals to contact Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and demand a permanent solution to ongoing beach erosion.

The group Veraplayazul has asked residents to “flood” the Ministry’s email inbox with messages calling for the construction of the pending breakwaters, while criticising what it describes as an “ineffective” cycle of repeatedly dumping sand on the shoreline.

The call comes after the latest sand replenishment carried out by the Dirección General de Costas in early December was largely washed away by storms that affected the area in mid-December. A further bout of bad weather last weekend reportedly worsened the situation, again exposing vulnerable stretches of coastline.

According to the association, the repeated loss of replenished sand shows poor use of public resources and underlines the need to deliver the coastal defence works that have been promised for years. The campaign specifically highlights the need to ensure the long-term survival of the beaches affected by erosion, with particular concern for the naturist beach.

Veraplayazul argues that sand replenishments are short-lived patches rather than a structural solution. It says that over the last six years, there have been eight replenishments, each costing around €400,000, for an estimated total of roughly €3.2 million.

By comparison, the long-planned breakwater project — first proposed nearly two decades ago — is estimated at around €3.6 million. Local groups maintain that the breakwaters are the only viable long-term option to stabilise the coastline and reduce the need for repeated emergency interventions.

The campaign has reignited debate in Vera, where the demand for breakwaters has long been supported across local politics. With winter storms repeatedly undoing temporary measures, Veraplayazul says it is now pushing the issue directly to the level of the Ministry, arguing that stop-gap solutions have been exhausted.

Want more on beaches, nature, local projects and environmental updates across the province? Browse our latest Nature & Environment stories.

Community

Albox sets out key projects for 2026 as new municipal budget takes effect

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: The 2026 municipal budget for Albox is now in force, setting out a series of local projects planned for the year ahead. Around €1 million is earmarked for investments including new public facilities, road access improvements and upgrades across several neighbourhoods.

Albox outlines major local projects as 2026 municipal budget comes into force

The municipal budget for Albox officially came into effect on January 1, 2026, defining the financial framework for the year ahead and confirming a number of projects planned across the town and its surrounding districts.

The total budget for 2026 amounts to just under €12 million, with close to €1 million allocated to direct investments. Among the most significant projects scheduled for development are a new residence for older residents, the future Auditorio Comarcal “Corazón del Almanzora”, and the transformation of the Avenida 28 de Febrero into a new boulevard-style public space.

The budget also includes funding for improved access to the Terdiguera industrial estate, alongside a series of smaller-scale projects in Albox’s outlying districts. Areas such as Los Segovias, Locaiba, La Aljambra and Llano de los Olleres are expected to see upgrades including new social buildings, public squares and family-friendly spaces.

In addition to physical infrastructure, the 2026 budget reflects increased funding for local community initiatives and cultural life. Allocations for sports clubs, cultural associations and local events have been maintained or expanded, while programmes aimed at active ageing and public participation are set to receive additional resources during the year.

Public safety and everyday services also feature in the planning for 2026. Measures include investment in video surveillance systems, staffing and equipment for the local police force, and a pavement improvement plan with a dedicated allocation of €150,000 for streets, squares and public spaces.

With the new budget now in force, the coming months will see how these plans translate into visible changes on the ground for residents and visitors alike, as projects move from planning into execution throughout Albox.

Looking for local updates and everyday life across the province? Find more stories in our Community section.

Community

Hailstorm hits Adra on Three Kings’ Day as Storm Francis brings more unstable weather

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: A sudden hailstorm hit Adra on Three Kings’ Day afternoon, briefly whitening parts of the town and the A-7 near Guainos. Traffic slowed as hail accumulated on the road surface, with Storm Francis still driving unstable conditions across Almeria province.

Hailstorm hits Adra on Three Kings’ Day as Storm Francis keeps conditions unstable

Residents in Adra got an unexpected taste of winter on the afternoon of January 6, when rain briefly turned into a sharp hailstorm around 16:00. The burst of ice pellets quickly coated streets and parked vehicles in parts of the town, while drivers on the A-7 near Guainos reported difficult conditions as the roadway turned white.

The hail episode appears to be part of the same unstable pattern linked to Storm Francis, which has brought unusually cold air, showers and snow to higher ground across Almeria province in recent days. Along the coast, that instability can occasionally translate into short, intense downpours — and in this case, a sudden burst of hail.

For motorists, the key risk is traction. Even a brief hailstorm can create a slippery surface that behaves like ice, especially where hail accumulates in dips or shaded sections of road. If you are travelling, it is worth checking live updates before setting off and driving cautiously if conditions change quickly.

Official weather updates and warnings are available via Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET. For real-time incident and traffic information on major routes such as the A-7, drivers can also consult the DGT.

With overnight temperatures still low in many inland areas and showers continuing in parts of the province, brief and localised weather surprises remain possible — particularly near the coast and around mountain foothills.

Want to stay informed about local conditions and daily life across the province? Explore more updates in our Community section.

Community

Almeria remains “frozen” as Storm Francis lingers, with frost alerts and road impacts

Published January 6, 2026 | Category: Community

TL;DR: Cold conditions continue across Almeria province as Storm Francis lingers. Night-time temperatures could drop to -4°C inland, with snow still affecting higher ground. Several secondary roads remain closed or require snow chains, while yellow alerts are active for early Wednesday morning.

Almeria remains under cold conditions as Storm Francis refuses to leave

After a Three Kings’ Day marked by low temperatures and grey skies, Almeria province remains firmly under the influence of Storm Francis. While the heaviest rain has eased, cold air continues to dominate, especially overnight and in inland and mountainous areas.

According to Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET, yellow alerts for minimum temperatures are active from Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning. In parts of the Almanzora Valley and Los Vélez, thermometers could fall as low as -4°C, with widespread frost expected.

Road closures and snow in inland areas during Storm Francis

Recent snowfall has left winter scenes in areas such as the Sierra de Gador and the Sierra de los Filabres. While the main road network across the province remains open, several secondary routes have been affected by snow and ice.

The Diputación de Almería has reported closures on a number of provincial roads, including sections of AL-5402, AL-5406 (Las Menas de Serón), and the AL-4404 near Calar Alto. Snow chains are also mandatory on the AL-3102 in the La Tetica de Bacares area. Drivers are advised to check conditions before travelling and avoid unnecessary journeys in affected zones.

Some local access restrictions have also been reported. In Pechina, the Ayuntamiento de Pechina has warned that access to the Andarax river area remains closed as a precaution, particularly around El Chuche.

Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to recover only gradually. Overnight frost risk will persist during the early morning hours, especially away from the coast and outside larger urban centres.

Want to stay informed about local conditions and daily life across the province? Explore more updates in our Community section.