The Formentera Council's Office of Environment has announced that till May 31 it will remove derelict vehicles at no charge. The Council, together with the concessionaire at the vehicle disposal plant, Ca Na Negreta, is running a campaign to collect abandoned cars, motorcycles and scooters abandoned on private property.

“The aim of the initiative is to protect Formentera's natural beauty and enhance our local landscapes,” says Daisee Aguilera, councillor of environment of the CiF, “not only does removing these derelict vehicles contribute to a more beautiful countryside, but it reduces the risk of contaminating the soil where cars are abandoned.”

From May 2 to 31, Formentera residents can request for left vehicles to be removed from private property. Three removal options exist. If the person requesting removal is both the vehicle owner and landowner where the vehicle currently sits, a formal request must be made including proof of land ownership (notarised copy of title, property tax records, proof of waste collection tax payment, etc) and written consent for Council to access it.

If the applicant is the owner of vehicle, but not of the land where vehicle sits, he or she must present a formal request of removal including vehicle description and, preferably, consent from the property owner where the vehicle is parked. The documents must be accompanied by proof of land ownership (notarised copy of title, property tax records, proof of waste collection tax payment, etc). If applicant is the landowner where the vehicle currently sits, but does not own the vehicle, he or she must present a formal request of removal including proof of land ownership (notarised copy of title, property tax records, proof of waste collection tax payment, etc). When possible, applicants should provide identification and proof of vehicle owner's consent.

If vehicle owner cannot be contacted, removal proceedings can still carried out, though processing time will be longer and depend on various factors. For more information, contact the Office of Environment of the Formentera Council.

Councillor Aguilera reported that after May 31, proceedings will be brought against owners of abandoned vehicles, which can lead to fines of up to 3,000 euros.

The Formentera Council's Office of Trade has issued eight new cards certifying the training received by local craftsmen and women. The accreditation enables individuals to participate in the artisan markets of la Mola and Sant Ferran and serves as a way to promote local Formentera products. At a morning press conference department head Alejandra Ferrer congratulated recipients on their hard work on the accrediting exams. Since its launch in 2008, the programme has delivered 59 craft worker cards, nine cards for master artisans and four honorary cards. In Ferrer's words, “the idea is to improve the quality of our markets while simultaneously boosting the creations of our local artisans.”