With the season pretty much here now, the beaches are starting to fill up nicely… except yesterday and probably again today, as the grey clouds circle and rain threatens. Although no comfort to holidaymakers, it is a welcome relief to residents, but rest assured that the weather app shows the orange balls will be back by the weekend.

The beaches are probably the biggest assets that the resort has to offer, particularly for families – and obviously cheap booze and free entertainment for the party lovers. Stag and Hen groups are in abundance and despite the dramatic headlines regarding Tiki Beach, it is still very much open for business and a magnet for the Brits.

But one thing that is missing from the beaches this year are the floating pontoons and pedalos! The council have been criticized by opposition parties about the delay in offering the contracts, which nets the Town Hall in the region of €150,000 each season – yes an eye watering sum of money and possibly explains why the rental charges are so high!

The council have received over 20 bids but still fumbling about – surely this should have been sorted months ago and in place by June? In addition to offering activities for holidaymakers, it is valuable income which I am sure they cannot afford to forfeit.

The beaches - Levante, Poniente, La Cala and Mal Pas, plus La Cala Finestrat are the jewel of the crown, attracting millions of visitors each summer. Plus we have the hidden coves of Tio Ximo and Almadrava.

At present there is just the cable ski, jet ski and banana boat at the far end of the Levante… and the only thing on sale along the rest are dodgy cocktails!

The other thing which you may have noticed missing this year are the beautiful sand sculptures along the Levante – again, the artists have to pay the Council for their spot so another lost income. As each councillor has multiple departments to run, obviously some are suffereing more than others with their attention - or lack of... strange how the fiestas and fireworks do not get overlooked!