The poorest place to live in Spain are in this region

Carrús, Elche’s most populous neighbourhood, now ranks as one of the lowest-income neighbourhoods in Spain, down from first position. However, the area known as “Barrio de la Puñalá,” located close to the l’Aljub retail centre, continues to suffer from neglect and lack of investment by the City Council.

Socioeconomic status of Carrús

Carrús ranks third nationally among neighbourhoods with the lowest income, with an average yearly income of €14,812, after only Torreblanca (Seville, €9,693) and Nou Alacant (Alicante, €13,962).

In 2019, Carrús led the ranking with an income of €15,542, indicating a weak economic position with transitory work, the underground economy, and reliance on the shoe sector.

“La Puñalá”: The Most Forgotten Core

Residents and civic groups report that the Carrús-Aljub area, also known as “La Puñalá,” is one of Elche’s most neglected districts, regardless of economic metrics.

Among the major demands are:

• Cleaning and clearing the land.
• Redevelopment and paving of streets.
• Green areas are enclosed and maintained.
• Installation of speed bumps.
• adaptation and upgrading of public transport.
  The Elche People’s Party describes this as “an absolute abandonment that cries out to heaven.” Residents said they are “fed up with unfulfilled promises” and want immediate action, not pronouncements.

Municipal investments that do not impact the neighbourhood

The municipal government has announced significant initiatives for Carrús, including:

• A new sports and cultural pavilion next to l’Aljub will cost 12.8 million euros and be completed in August 2025.

• Pavement upgrades and infrastructural improvements are being implemented throughout the district.

However, the work has not yet reached the core of La Puñalá, where numerous streets remain undeveloped, resulting in significant accessibility and mobility issues.

Benitatxell Street: an example of abandonment

One of the most vivid examples is Benitatxell Street, where telephone poles remain in the middle of the road, impeding vehicle traffic and endangering pedestrians and cars.

This condition conveys a picture of institutional neglect unworthy of a modern metropolis like Elche. The fact that these posts have remained in the street for years without being removed demonstrates the area’s neglect.

Poor public transport

Furthermore, connectivity between La Puñalá and the rest of Elche is severely limited.

• Only one bus line, the K2, travels through the region every 40 minutes.

• Line C only operates in the mornings and is not coordinated with Line K2, resulting in long wait times and inefficient journeys.

• Both lines exclusively serve the centre station at Doctor Caro, with no service to other vital places across the city.

As a result, many inhabitants rely on private transport to get to vital amenities like employment or education.

“Carrús is also Elche.” La Puñalá requires genuine investment, not just promises. We want paved streets, well-kept parks, reliable transport, and institutional respect.

Although Carrús has seen an increase in population, residents argue that statistics alone do not provide a complete picture. The true task now is now to ensure that all sectors of the neighbourhoodspecially La Puñalá, receive the care and dignity they deserve.