Residents of the Son Bauló area of Can Picafort are insisting that "enough is enough". They have issued a strongly worded statement accusing Santa Margalida Town Hall of "total inaction" in dealing with the Espigol Beach Apartments, which have had squatters for years.
The apartments are a problem that "degrades the area, compromises public health, and causes property values to plummet day by day".
The Espigol Beach complex was originally for tourist accommodation. But some twenty years ago, apartments were marketed as residential properties despite being non-compliant with zoning regulations and lacking necessary permits. When the matter was taken to court, it was admitted that the apartments had been sold illegally; one buyer had paid €173,000.
Since then, however, there has been administrative and legal gridlock. Squatters have taken full advantage of this.
The residents describe the complex as a "mess". There are insanitary conditions - two swimming pools with permanent stagnant water. Breeding grounds for mosquitoes, government public health inspectors have reported that the pools pose a health risk. There have been burglaries, power outages due to illegal connections, late-night parties and violent incidents.
They are demanding that the town hall and the owners assume their responsibilities. They want the place to be cleaned up, increased police presence, solutions for the squatters, and urgent measures to halt a situation they consider unsustainable. "We are incensed. Enough is enough."