- Letters issue 84

Letters issue 84

Written by LETTERS

Hi Inland Trader

Regarding the unfortunate misunderstanding and conclusion your reader appears to have arrived at in the article of `Letters to the Editor` of 22/5/07, regarding the destruction of all feral cats, these are not not the actions of a `misinformed do-gooder`, as i have been branded. As I will explain, a close neighbour of mine confided in me that she was experiencing problems with ever growing numbers of feral cats invading the space of her domestic cats. Action for animals by way of help, said they would leave her a few cages to catch as many cats as possible for the reduced cost or possibly free sterilisation scheme, which occurs for one day every so often. However they only supplied two cages for that days campaign, and this seemed to me to be a drop in the ocean. Being aware of the extent of the problem, when an opportunity arose I seized it with both hands. The local Mayor seeking re-election, had invited local residents, to a seminar held in the local sports centre. A question, and answers session was held, during which I raised such questions as when will we get mains water in Rosaleas and were does he stand on the proposed massive developments of the campo, which I emphasised could destroy our community. I then continued to praise his past and future proposed efforts to assist integration of the foreign community, but I would like to emphasise it was as an `any other questions` session at the same meeting, I raised the question which has caused so much concern. We received a visit from `Animals for Action` more or less accusing us of ordering the destruction of the feral cat population, as a direct result of a complaint I made to the town hall. This however was certainly not true and we had not approached the town hall with any such complaint. However as the lady's article states cats are a subject of which I know little and any plans that were made for them had not been revealed to me at that time. I would like to stress that it was not my intention to promote mass slaughter of the cat population and my request was totally misunderstood. My wording of the request at the meeting was could the town hall assist with the problem of growing numbers of feral cats in the area, which I expected, perhaps naively, would be addressed by the `Action for Animals` organisation or similar body with town hall assistance and any cats apprehended would be re homed or moved to a cat sanctuary. Furthermore I posed this question/request all in good faith, for the benefit of the lady who has branded me a `do-gooder`, primarily because she was unable to represent herself, because of family commitments in England at that time. I felt it only neighbourly to speak on her behalf, knowing what a problem ferals have caused her in the past, however it would appear being a caring neighbour, has in this instance resulted in me and my family being branded `mindless do-gooders`, in conclusion I do hope you will print this and give me a chance to put my side of this really unfortunate situation and who knows perhaps show me as someone who thought they were doing the right and neighbourly thing, not the monster I am being portrayed as and who knows bridges may be rebuilt!!

Yours John Lawrence- Rosaleas - La Canalosa

Dear Editor, Just a little something I would like to make your readers aware of.
I recently visited the Valencia area to visit my mother who lives in Montroy. Upon my arrival and during the drive to her house we decided to stop in SUPERMERCADO CONSUM in Montserrat to pick up a couple of items. Since my luggage was not in sight, being securely locked in the boot of the vehicle, I made the fatal mistake of accompanying my mother into the store. Upon our return not more than ten minutes later we discovered to our horror that the car had been burgled, with the thieves forcing the passenger side door lock and entering into the boot via the back seat.
We of course reported this immediately to the store, whom in turn called the local police. The police upon arrival took a statement, asking me go to the station to compile a list of items stolen. Although they were courteous enough we certainly got the feeling that this is just the regular routine, were they go thru the motions time and time again, giving it no more thought once you are out of the building. When I asked an officer if this was an on going problem he confirmed that yes it was. I understand the police are extremely busy but to continue to ignore this problem is inexcusable to me.
The supermarket also take no responsibility stating that the car park is not owned by them, yet they know full well all of their customers use it for the supermarket and they even have their shopping trollys stowed within the car park. Until this crime happened to me there was not one single warning sign anywhere, stating that thieves are regularly operating there.
This I am pleased to report has now been changed however the signs the police made up and posted are not particularly noticeable they could be made larger and placed in more places with perhaps some red ink to draw your eyes to them. Yes you may say but CONSUM has a security guard, well she was no where around on the Monday morning that the crime against me was committed. Either the thieves operating know her routine, or feel they can still get away with thieving as the guard appears to sit within the store? Not as one would expect circulating around the car park, sending a clear message to the thieves not to loiter around there (which we now know they did in my case).
Incidentally these were no ordinary holiday bags, I had been working aboard a yacht for the past 8 months and had my life and most precious possessions within them. I have lost everything, only stuff you may say but of course many things are irreplaceable with deep sentimental value! I have now moved on from the area and am starting over to pick up the pieces.
Please don't allow this to happen to you or anyone else. Beware but also perhaps if you speak Spanish maybe you can follow up with this and try and get CONSUM to become more responsible and take the necessary precautions to protect their customers?

With kind regards, Anne Hall-Reace

Dear Inland Trader Team

When we first launched our inland business in Xativa, we were delighted to see any publication that would promote our then little known area of Xativa. Of course, that was some years ago and the Inland Trader has now grown beyond recognition from its earliest editions to its present professional presentation. We had complete confidence in you personally and your publication from day one and that view remains unchanged.

We would simply like to personally thank you and all of your team for your endless ideas, guidance, professionalism, design ideas and relentless enthusiasm and feedback in helping us get our product information to all those towns and tiny villages.

We cannot imagine what an advertising nightmare our life would be today without this paper and your entire teams support. I had never previously experienced such a high quality, committed personal service from any U.K or Spanish based publication. The "proof is always in the pudding" and our increasing levels of business that our advert in your paper generates for us speaks for itself, it really is the "first and best" for Inland advertising. Stepping aside from any other previous opinions in the "letters" page as a business and a paying advertiser, our only interest is whether our advertising budgets are well serviced in an informative publication and that it is effective and productive .......thank you Inland Trader yes it is and we will certainly be with you for the long term !

Sue & Carol Xativa Trading Post S.L