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Villajoyosa bridge to be widened further

In the ongoing rehabilitation project, the Calle Cervantes bridge over the Rio Amadorio will be widened by one metre in excess of the original plan. The bridge restoration project, which was initiated in November 2024 and was draughted in 2021, initially concentrated on the correction of damage caused by the passage of time, including water leaks and humidity in the structure. The local government has made the decision to incorporate significant technical and functional modifications in order to ensure the long-term durability of the infrastructure and substantially improve accessibility and mobility on the bridge, as explained by the councillor for urban planning, Pedro Ramis. Specifically, the works have revealed deficiencies in past expansions.

Between 1840 and 1878, this infrastructure was constructed. The board was subsequently expanded in the 1950s, and the modifications were implemented to organise the pavements and lights. Ramis elucidates that ‘until the pavement of one of the sidewalks was raised, it was discovered that a fundamental component of the board that was the subject of expansion in the 1950s was inadequately executed. This was due to the fact that the load distribution slab, which was intended to anchor both the railing and the lights, had not been completed. Consequently, a much more ambitious action was necessary, not merely a restoration, but a structural one, to guarantee the stability of this fun

The project will be modified to include the construction of a new concrete slab, which will enhance the bridge’s total width and allow for the creation of pavements that are approximately two metres wide. Similarly, the railing and luminaires will be replaced with more contemporary and lightweight components, which will also contribute to the expansion of the functional width.

At present, efforts are being made to finalise the project’s specifics, assess the cost, and predict the duration of execution for these modifications. The local government’s objective is to minimise the inconvenience to citizens by completing the works in the minimum possible time. This bridge is a critical component of the municipality’s mobility infrastructure, as it facilitates both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It links the Plaça de la Generalitat to Carrer Cervantes.


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Costa Blanca

Beckhams former bodyguard found dead on Alicante coast

Craig Ainsworth, the bodyguard who served as the protector of luminaries including the Beckhams, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Zendaya, was discovered deceased in the Valencian town of Lliria on Sunday. The former British police officer’s lifeless body was discovered by two men who were strolling through San Vicente municipal park. They immediately raised the alarm.

A day prior to his suicide, Ainsworth, who was 40 years old, posted a farewell message on his Facebook profile: “Goodbye, beautiful people.” Living is the most uncommon phenomenon on Earth. This will come as a surprise to the majority of you; however, my suffering has been immense for the past four years (…).

Two patrols from the Lliria Local Police and one from the Guardia Civil responded to the alert that a man had hanged himself in the municipal area. Additionally, a physician and a team of firefighters were present.

An inspection was conducted by the initial officers on the scene, and no criminal evidence was discovered. The documents discovered within a rucksack located a few metres from the body were used to identify Ainsworth.

Officers located the rental car that the bodyguard used to travel from Dénia to Lliria in the municipal parking area. Before the body was transported to the Valencia Institute of Legal Medicine for an autopsy, a second investigation was conducted in the pine forest by a team from the Lliria Guardia Civil’s Judicial Police.

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The vehicle was also examined by specialists from the armed institute, who discovered no evidence that anyone had accompanied Ainsworth in the car from Dénia to Lliria. The Civil Guard’s investigations indicate that he made the decision to commit suicide without the assistance of anyone.

In an effort to locate her son, Ainsworth’s mother had utilised social media platforms. The individual who served in the military was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. After being informed by an acquaintance of her daughter about the potential location of the bodyguard’s phone, the woman travelled to the Lliria area.

Life’s Challenges
However, what was the reason for his suicide? He elaborates on several of the challenges that life presented to him in his departure letter: “I lost some truly amazing people I was proud to call friends and colleagues, particularly Ryan and Jamie, who were like brothers to me, and the lockdown (from the pandemic) destroyed everything I had built.”

In his final remarks, he expresses his gratitude for his family and friends, as well as his rebuke of those who attacked and humiliated him. “I lived the life of ten men.” I lived with a pure spirit and good intentions (…). I made an effort to spread positivity and assist others. Another paragraph of the ex-marine’s letter states, “My confidence has been shattered by everyone who speaks about me without interacting with me.”

“I urge anyone who is contemplating self-harm to seek assistance.” Please refrain from copying me, as you are unaware of the ordeals I have endured. Those who are most closely associated with me will be delighted that I have discovered tranquillity. The bodyguard suggests, “Consider that.”

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Ainsworth had a wealth of experience in private security and had served as a police officer in the United Kingdom. He safeguarded the Beckhams from threats and hazards, including obsessive fans, and accompanied the couple to public events and on travels while serving as their bodyguard.

He is described by his professional associates as a discreet and experienced bodyguard who maintained a close relationship with the Beckhams. Additionally, he safeguarded other public figures and personalities, including Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Hemsworth.


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Suspect held for the murder of John George extradited to a Spanish prison

Following his detention in Portugal last month, murder suspect Jonny Smyth has been extradited to Spain.

The 27-year-old male from Northern Ireland is presently incarcerated in a remand prison in the south-western Extremadura region of Spain, near the border town of Badajoz, after being forcibly transported across the border by law enforcement.

In anticipation of an expected transfer to the Costa Blanca, where he is the subject of an ongoing investigation into the murder of West Belfast father-of-two John George, a magistrate there ordered his remand in jail over the weekend.

On March 25th, Smyth was apprehended in Portugal on an international arrest warrant after being located at an Airbnb in Braga, a city located in the far northern region of the country.

He is expected to be summoned before the Torrevieja-based investigating magistrate who is investigating Mr. George’s murder, in order to ratify his continued detention in Spain.

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The hearing will be conducted behind closed doors, as is customary in Spain, where only trials are conducted in public, similar to the post-extradition court appearance in Badajoz.

Yesterday afternoon, Tuesday April 8th, a high-ranking court official confirmed that Smyth was now back on Spanish soil. The official stated, “The detainee was initially placed at the disposal of the courts of Badajoz after his extradition to Spain. The courts of Badajoz agreed to place him in provisional detention at the disposal of the Torrevieja court.”

“The Torrevieja court is currently anticipating a report on the proceedings that took place in Badajoz in order to determine the appropriate course of action.”

Last year, Mr. George, 37, disappeared on December 14th. His family reported him missing when he failed to board a scheduled flight home four days later, following a brief vacation.

On January 7th, his body was discovered concealed beneath overgrown lemon trees, near the town of Rojales. After nearly 72 hours in police detention, a man who was arrested on suspicion of homicide later that day appeared in court on January 10th. Manuel Ramon Rives, his defence counsel in Costa Blanca, blamed the decision to detain him on his “recent friendship” with a man whom he claimed the police were pursuing at the time as the alleged perpetrator.

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The police force, which has been extremely secretive about its investigation and has declined requests for interviews, issued the following statement following Smyth’s arrest: “In the context of Operation Resistente, which is being conducted by the Territorial Judicial Police Team of Pilar de la Horadada in response to an intentional homicide committed by an Irish citizen in the municipality of Rojales, we have received information through SIRENE regarding the arrest of a 27-year-old man in the Portuguese city of Braga on March 25th.”

“The Portuguese police executed the arrest in accordance with a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Court of Instruction Number Two in Torrevieja.”


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Costa Blanca

A sandstorm will sweep through in the coming days

The alteration in temperature and weather in Alicante is already apparent, and it is evident that a growing number of people are starting to wear their summer clothes.

The number of individuals who are already beginning to congregate in the busiest areas of our coast, including the beaches of Alicante and Torrevieja, is evidence of this.

Nevertheless, the quality of the air in various regions of the Iberian Peninsula, including Alicante, may be impacted by the advent of dust in the coming days.

Through the Olivier cyclone, this dust will be transported from the Sahara.

This new storm, which was identified by the State Meteorological Agency on Monday, 7th April, will be responsible for the resurgence of Saharan dust uplift and transport to the Balearic Islands, the Balearic Islands, Melilla, and Ceuta.

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The Canary Islands will be impacted by this storm from Tuesday to Thursday. The westernmost islands will experience locally intense rainfall, wind, and waves.

Subsequently, it will approach the Iberian Peninsula, where it will accumulate a substantial quantity of particles in North Africa. These particles will be transported to the aforementioned locations within the next few hours. These particulates will even reach the northern region of the Iberian Peninsula.

Despite the meteorologist’s assertion that it will not be a significant intrusion, they caution is that “of course” the air quality will be exacerbated by the dust.

They say that individuals with respiratory issues may experience difficulty during these episodes, and as a result, it is advisable for them to remain at home.

It is also advisable for individuals who maintain excellent respiratory health to exercise caution. Advice is against engaging in extensive physical activity outdoors during this period.

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This dust is expected to settle in the province of Alicante beginning this Thursday, 10th April, and will remain there until at least Saturday, according to forecasts.

Additionally, it’s anticipates that mud precipitation will occur in significant portions of Spain by the end of this week, with the province of Alicante being the most susceptible.

Given these predictions, it is advisable to postpone washing your vehicle until the following week.


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Events Calendar

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Alicante Car Show 4th - 6th April
April 4, 2025 - April 6, 2025    
10:00 - 21:00
This weekend, Alicante will host the biggest car show in the province. The 21st edition of Sobre 2 ruedas and the 53rd edition of Firauto, [...]
Exhibition of Static and Radio-Controlled Naval Modeling in Torrevieja
April 6, 2025 - April 26, 2025    
10:30 - 19:30
An exhibition of static and radio-controlled naval modelling will be in the 'Los Aljibes' exhibition hall at the Park of Nations in Torrevieja and will [...]
Lenny Kravitz in Concert in A Coruña
April 10, 2025    
21:30 - 23:00
Lenny Kravitz will be preforming live at the Coliseum, C. Francisco Pérez Carballo, 2, 15008 A Coruña on Thursday 10th April this year. Leonard Albert [...]
Torrevieja Book Fair
April 12, 2025 - April 21, 2025    
All Day
The 27th edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, which will take place on Paseo Vista Alegre from Saturday, April 12th to Monday, April 21st. For [...]
Survivor: The Extreme Test in Alicante 12th & 13th April
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025    
All Day
The Survivor Race obstacle course is made for people of all skill levels, from novices to those who take their training seriously. The obstacle course, [...]
13th Classic Motor Festival in Guardamar on Saturday, April 12
April 12, 2025    
10:00 - 18:00
According to the mayor of Guardamar del Segura, José Luis Sáez, the 13th Solidarity Motor Festival will be held on Saturday, April 12th, and is [...]
Holy Week in Torrevieja 2025
April 13, 2025 - April 20, 2025    
All Day
From April 13 (Palm Sunday) to April 20, 2025, there will be Holy Week. Following the lunar schedule, Holy Week takes place during the same [...]
Murcia Spring Flower Parade 24 April
April 24, 2025    
All Day
The colourful Flower Parade, popularly known as the "Battle of Flowers," throws fresh flowers at spectators. Murcian women in regional costumes atop floral-decorated floats. Over [...]
Gran Hotel Bali Benidorm Vertical Climb
April 26, 2025    
10:00 - 14:00
The most famous climb in Spain will take place at the highest hotel in Europe. The 19th annual Vertical Climb will take place on Saturday, [...]
Murcia Burying the Sardine Saturday 26th April 2025
April 26, 2025    
18:00
They do bury sardines. Music, colour, dancing, and processions precede the more solemn religious holidays as funfair season ends. This centuries-old ritual of burying a [...]
Villajoyosa Medieval Market Saturday 3rd May 2025
May 3, 2025    
All Day
Experience Villajoyosa's lovely coastal village and annual mediaeval market on a day trip. You have time to explore the town's attractions, seafront restaurants and cafes, [...]
Events on April 4, 2025
Events on April 10, 2025
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Events on April 24, 2025
Events on April 26, 2025

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