Ten illegal homes knocked down in Chiclana: 28 arrested

(Agencies/Photos: EuropaSur) CHICLANA - The developer, knife in hand, and members of his family, climbed onto the rooftops to stop the demolition. People renting some of the homes are considering legal action against the developer, Antonio Tocino Verdugo, for never advising them that the houses were scheduled to come down as the result of a judgement against him. Local Police and an anti-riot Guardia Civil unit turned up early yesterday morning, just ahead of the demolition machinery, and cut off adjacent streets. Just before that they had arrested 28 people for resisting authority. They were released during the morning after making their statements.>

Shortly after the incident, the promoter, members of his family and some friends, climbed onto the rooftops of the buildings in an attempt to stop the demolition team from carrying out its job. They came down with the help of Guardia Civil agents and firefighters who were called to the scene.

 

The homes began to come down half an hour later despite a strong rain and wind storm. Reactions from residents and people coming to protest included shouting insults to the authorities present, and against Chiclana Council for allowing the demolition. Another group headed for the Town Hall, where they were met by units of the Local Police and Guardia Civil.

The demolished homes belonged to the developer, nine of which were rented by families paying €550 per month. Some of them stated yesterday that they were considering takin legal action against Tocino because he allegedly had not advised them in time; they supposedly were unaware that there was a demolition order against the homes and added that they had been told that they would be coming down at 10pm the  night previous to the execution of the order.