PSOE Alleges “Total Abandonment” of Torrevieja’s Eras de la Sal – Broken Fences, Open Archaeology and Public Safety Concerns
Torrevieja, Spain – The local PSOE has publicly denounced what it calls the ”total abandonment” of the Eras de la Sal archaeological site in Torrevieja, claiming repeated warnings over the past 18 months were ignored until a later municipal intervention followed incidents of vandalism and a violent crime.
Key figures: PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler and Mayor Eduardo Dolón (PP).
What happened at the Eras de la Sal?
according to the PSOE’s statements and a municipal-related report seen by the socialists, the site - which contains newly exposed archaeological remains - suffered months of neglect that left finds exposed to the elements, to looting and to vandalism. The socialists say they repeatedly raised questions in council meetings about why the remains were left unprotected and why the enclosure was neither properly closed nor monitored.
Problems documented by socialists and in municipal paperwork
- Perimeter fencing broken in several places, enabling uncontrolled access.
- Occupations by people without housing and illegal waste dumping.
- Open archaeological sondages left exposed to erosion and risk of looting.
- Health and safety hazards from garbage accumulation, overgrown vegetation and presence of harmful fauna.
- Incidents of arson attempts, graffiti, drug dealing and, alarmingly, a murder inside the enclosure.
Disputed municipal response: “There was a technical report” – that never existed?
Bárbara Soler says the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, initially justified inaction by referring to a technical report that allegedly advised against interventions – arguing vegetation served as a “natural protection” for the remains. PSOE demanded the report repeatedly; according to Soler, the mayor later admitted no such report had ever existed.
After nearly two years of alleged neglect and after the criminal incident inside the enclosure, the municipal government reportedly moved to protect the area: commissioning archaeological work, planning demolition contracts for an adjacent building (the Grupo de Empresa building), and announcing the construction of a new perimeter fence.
What does the newly seen municipal report say?
The contract-related report from July – which PSOE says served to prepare demolition, fencing and archaeological contracts - outlines serious concerns:
- Perimeter fence broken in multiple points and uncontrolled access.
- Occupations and illegal dumping inside the site.
- Open archaeological sondages vulnerable to erosion and expoliation.
- Insalubrious conditions due to garbage accumulation and uncontrolled vegetation.
- Recommendation for urgent installation of new perimeter fencing to protect exhumed remains and enhance citizen security.
PSOE accuses local government of disrespecting heritage
PSOE argues the municipal negligence reflects a broader lack of respect for Torrevieja’s ancient patrimony. The socialists also raised questions about whether the revelation of important heritage remains in the upper part of the Eras de la Sal complicates or conflicts with municipal plans for a projected “Museum of the Sea and Salt” (Museo del Mar y de la Sal) at or near the same site.
“It is indeed intolerable that a place with so much historical value has reached this level of abandonment,” said PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler, who also called the mayor’s earlier explanations “lies” after the supposed technical report was shown never to exist.
Immediate proposals and urgent actions
PSOE and the municipal report both stress immediate measures required to stop further damage and protect public safety. Suggested actions include:
- Install a secure perimeter fence without delay and repair all openings.
- Begin controlled archaeological excavations and protect open sondages.
- Clear hazardous waste and manage vegetation to reduce fire and health risks.
- Increase surveillance to prevent occupations, drug activity and vandalism.
- Coordinate heritage protection with any plans for the proposed Museum of the sea and Salt.
Swift reference table: Problems and proposed responses
| Problem | Evidence | Proposed Response |
|---|---|---|
| Broken fencing | Multiple breaches reported | Install continuous perimeter fence |
| Open archaeological sondages | Exposed to erosion and looting | Protective covers and controlled excavation |
| Insalubrity & occupation | Garbage, harmful fauna, squatting | Site cleanup and increased surveillance |
Why this matters
Beyond the immediate public-safety concerns, the condition of the Eras de la Sal raises questions about how local authorities balance heritage conservation, urban projects (like the Museum of the Sea and Salt) and social policies for people experiencing homelessness. Protecting archaeological remains is urgent not only for cultural reasons but also to prevent permanent loss due to looting, erosion or vandalism.
What to watch next
- Whether the municipality proceeds promptly with the perimeter fencing and funded archaeological work.
- Statements or clarifications from Mayor Eduardo Dolón and the municipal government about the missing technical report.
- How the Museum of the Sea and Salt project will be coordinated with heritage protection on site.
- Steps taken to improve safety and social support for vulnerable people occupying the area.