The Mayor of Calasparra, Jesus Navarro, has defended the 749. 000 euro project to restore Calasparra´s Castle, of which the Town Hall must contribute one percent, saying: “We will probably never get another opportunity like this” adding that “every euro was worth 1.6 times the investment.”
The Ministry of Promotion signed an agreement last week to release the majority of the funds to restore the perimeter walls of the castle and install a viewing platform with a view to converting the monument into a tourist attraction. This week the Mayor has been quick to answer the voices of criticism that have surfaced in the town.
“Even though Calasparra has many needs the Castle of St Juan of Calasparra is an important part of the local patrimony and renouncing this agreement would be an error,” he said. He added that the restoration work would convert the castle into “another tourist icon for the locality alongside the Sanctuary.”
The Mayor also claims that, where possible, the companies undertaking the work, materials and the workers employed would come from Calasparra.
He also claims that the portion of funds payable by Calasparra towards the project may come from other funding organizations such as the Leader Fund, the Director of General Patrimony or even the Ministry of Promotion itself.
“In any case there is the possibility, as a last resort, of suspending the payments for three years,” he added.
The Mayor has also applied for funds for the restoration of the Roman Arcos de la Rambla (situated on the right hand side of the Carretera Mula going out of Calasparra).
