Our Pollença concerns

Dear Sir,
I returned home to Scotland on Saturday after my third visit to Puerto Pollensa. My wife, two children and myself had a very pleasant holiday but we did note the comments in your paper about the decline in standards. We love Puerto Pollensa but pollution–canine, marine and noise–gave us major cause for concern.

The amount of dog dirt in the streets around the beach area suggested a complete lack of regard for others' health or indeed for basic hygiene. The water around the beach in the centre of town was often cloudy and looked unsuitable for swimming.

The level of noise emanating from the main square last Friday night had to be experienced to be believed. It was a poor attempt at staging a football stadium rock event in a heavily built up area. This wall of sound continued unabated till approximately 2.55 a.m. We had a plane to catch at 7.30 am and as I stood wide awake on our balcony overlooking the beautiful marina–I vowed never to take accommodation in the centre of Puerto Pollensa again. (I suspect a lot of others would do the same) The powers –that –be who sanctioned the noise should offer some raison d'etre for it to all the people affected as well as an apology.

Finally,on a more general point, no taxation without representation is a fundamental of democracy. The tourist tax is undemocratic and is basically a rip–off.

The Balearics and Puerto Pollensa in particular are going to kill the golden goose if they continue to disregard visitors in such an off–hand manner.
We love the place but do not take us for granted.

Yours in concern

Dear Sir,
Just through the door at home in N.Ireland this minute after 3 weeks in Puerto Pollensa and we wanted to add our comments to those we've been reading over the past weeks before your meeting with the mayor tomorrow. We go to Puerto Pollensa 3 times a year and have appreciated the debate of the past few weeks.

People go to Puerto Pollensa because it is different, from other resorts in Majorca but also elsewhere. It must work to maintain these differences or there won't be a reason to go there specifically.

We mean its quiet, relaxed, low key ambience, part of this is the major feature of the promenade from Llenaire to Pine walk, it needs to be kept clean, free from dog fouling and general litter and dirt. Trees damaged in recent storms may need to be replaced. We agree much more could be made of the main square and surely locals would appreciate this as much as tourists. Local restaurants are wide ranging and often excellent but let's find a way to encourage Majorcan cooking and not have more of the Burger King developments, especially in prominent sea front positions.

The beach was already looking the worse for wear and the peak season is only just under way. Can the cleaning machines be used daily? We thought the sea water was O.K. let's keep it that way.

Please emphasise that U.K. visitors love Puerto Pollensa but only if its old–world charm can be retained. By all means promote Majorcan culture, that's what we want to see, we want local restaurants, local festivals, fiestas, we want to hear about local issues, as indeed you raise through your paper. We don't want British this that or the other, we don't want Alcudia, Magalluf etc. in Puerto Pollensa. We would welcome the sort of work done by the local architect Manrique on Lanzarote in setting standards for buildings, preservation of architecture etc. on his island to be tried in Mallorca.

Let's all work to promote high standards in the Port and keep it the unique place it is.
Much appreciated reading your paper as usual throughout our stay.

Dear Sir,
There has been much said in recent months regarding the deterioration of Port De Pollensa which for many years was undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of Majorca.

Last year we purchased a home in Port De Pollensa and the deterioration even in the last twelve–months is disappointing to say the least. Our apartment is beside the Boquer Walk. The start of the walk on the Avinguda Bochorris should and could be lovely. Tourists from all over Majorca visit this area and the initial part of the walk must give a very poor impression of Port De Pollensa. The walls are broken and there is glass, rubbish and dog excreta on the path and in the grassed areas to the side. Cleaning up this area and improving the landscaping would be a fairly simple task.

Although there is a building ban the current level of construction seems high and all too often the areas around the construction are left like deserted building sites with discarded building materials and cement.

Another matter, which concerns us, is the introduction of fast food joints like McDonalds and KFC. If it is limited to those two it may be acceptable but I understand more are to follow and this is surely not in keeping with the character of Port De Pollensa.

In general the standard of cleanliness of the beaches and the Pine Walk is far short of what has become our expectations. I hope the Mayor pays heed to what so many people are saying and appreciates that the criticisms are being made because we know what it can be like and hope the previous standard is reinstated.