Benilloba Residents Face Property Damage and Health Issues Due to Extreme Noise from Festival Mobile Disco
- Extreme noise from the mobile disco on August 14 caused structural damage to six homes in Benilloba.
- Damage includes broken roof tiles, fallen facade parts, internal wall cracks, and kitchen tile detachments.
- Noise also caused bird nest collapses,resulting in the death of swallows.
- Residents report health problems including anxiety requiring medical attention.
- Complaints focus on excessive volume and the event ending at 7:00 AM, disrupting rest and civic traditions.
- Local authorities, including the mayor, promise investigations, potential relocation of the disco, and compensation for damages.
- The opposition party demands stricter noise regulations and will push for new noise and event scheduling ordinances in September.
Benilloba, a small town in the province of Alicante, has been shaken by intense backlash from residents following a night of extreme noise linked to the mobile disco at the August 14 festival party, known locally as the Nit de l’Olla. The loud music not only disrupted the peace but also caused physical damage to homes and triggered health concerns among the community.
Severe Property Damage Reported
According to residents, including Josep Enric Aracil-who acts as a spokesperson and lives in the central plaza where the mobile disco was set up-the noise levels were so high that “it was impossible to stay inside the house; it vibrated and rattled.” The disturbances led to visible damage in around six houses, notably:
- Broken and displaced roof tiles
- Falling parts of house facades
- Collapsed partition walls inside homes
- Detached tiles from kitchen walls
In addition to structural issues, environmental damage occurred, including the collapse of bird nests and the death of several swallows, highlighting the broader ecological impact of the event’s noise.
Health Impact and noise Complaints
One resident even suffered an anxiety attack severe enough to require medical attention, underscoring the health toll caused by the prolonged loud noise.Residents criticized not only the high decibel levels but also the festival schedule, as the music did not stop until 7:00 AM. This late end prevented residents from participating in the traditional morning “diana” musical parade, a key part of local festivities.
Calls for Accountability and Immediate Action
While individual complaints have been made to authorities, including the Guardia Civil and the environmental protection division SEPRONA, the community is awaiting a clear resolution. They especially lament that, so far, “no one from the municipal government has come to see the damage caused to our homes,” as stated by Aracil.
Official Response from the Local Government
Mayor José Ramón Martí acknowledged the residents’ concerns, expressing understanding and regret over the incidents. He assured that “everything possible will be done to ensure this does not happen again” and indicated an openness to relocating the mobile disco to mitigate future problems.
The mayor has reportedly met personally with many affected neighbors and plans to hold a meeting in early September to discuss repairs and solutions.Importantly, he confirmed that the company responsible for the mobile disco will cover the repair costs.
Political Outlook and Future Regulations
Ramón Pérez Doménech, spokesperson of the Popular Party (PP) in Benilloba, emphasized his commitment to residents by listening and attending to their complaints since the begining. He stressed that the worsening situation was unacceptable, noting that despite similar complaints last year, no effective measures were taken.
Pérez Doménech announced that the PP plans to present a motion during the September municipal plenary session to establish clear regulations on noise levels and event hours, as no such ordinance currently exists. Additionally,the party will request details of the contract signed with the disco company to verify compliance with agreed-upon limits regarding noise and schedules.
what’s Next for benilloba?
- Insurance and repairs: residents are coordinating insurance claims and awaiting compensation from the disco company.
- Municipal meeting: Scheduled for early September to reconcile concerns and discuss changes.
- Noise regulation: Potential new ordinances aimed at regulating noise and event timings to prevent future conflicts.
- Community dialog: Ongoing conversations between local politicians, residents, and authorities to find a lasting solution.
For now, the residents of Benilloba remain determined that their homes and well-being should not be compromised for the town’s festivities, with the hopeful aim that responsible event management and clear rules will restore peace to this scenic Valencian town.
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Nit de l’Olla Festival – August 14 |
| Location | Benilloba, Alicante |
| Damage | Structural damage to 6 homes, bird nest collapse, health issues |
| Noise End Time | 7:00 AM |
| Next Steps | Municipal meeting, insurance claims, possible ordinance introduction |
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