Marbella raises eyebrows & urges shopkeepers to keep the streets clean

Marbella Council, with funding from the Regional Government of Andalucia has launched an controversial campaign to encourage the shopkeepers of the historic CascoAntiguo/Old Town area to keep the roads clean. The council is accused of passing on the responsibility of street maintenance to tenants in one of the most visited areas of the town. 

Although municipal cleaning services have been praised for their “constant efforts”, the initiative is considered unprecedented. The Councillor responsible for cleaning was conspicuously absent at the launch. Alejandro Gonzalez of the West District Council and Carmina Serra, his advisor, presented “Keep the Casco Antiguo CleanThe slogan “Raise awareness” should, say critics, be directed to the Council rather than at traders and residents. The campaign is funded by the Junta de Andalucia Plan for Major Tourist Cities. It will distribute 1,500 informative leaflets throughout the Old Town.

Eyebrows raised – Don’t we already pay for this?

Speaking at the event, Councillor González described the goal as “reinforcing shared responsibility to keep this crown jewel of the city in perfect condition.” He said that the Cleaning Department was “working constantly” in the Casco, but emphasized that “collaboration [was] essential for maintaining the image of Casco Antiguo – a point of reference for tourists.” González reminded attendees of basic coexistence rules, including respecting waste collection schedules, flattening cardboard before disposal, and not abandoning furniture or bulky items without prior notification to collection services.

1,500 leaflets have already been distributed in the zone between the África Hostel and the beach, and between Nabeul and Calvario avenues. Posters and digital advertising screens will be placed in council offices.

Andaluz tradition – keep your own doorstep clean

It is possible that the tradition of cleaning one’s street has been lost with the globalisation and modernisation of traditional shopping areas. The fact that council tax collectors encourage taxpayers to take responsibility for the service they already pay for has raised some eyebrows.

The campaign materials include details of public sanitation regulations, including obligations and prohibitions as well as applicable fines.