A VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE

“My main concern is the welfare of the residents.” That's according to Louise Clarke the new Press Officer for the Orihuela Costa Town Hall and the only native English-speaking member of staff within the organisation.

Speaking to the Leader just a week in to her new post, it is already clear that changes are abound within the Town Hall. Her appointment itself speaks volumes about the changing mindset of the PP run municipality, but these changes, especially if Louise has anything to do with it, will only be to the benefit of English-speaking residents.

“It is an opportunity to facilitate better integration between British residents here on the Orihuela Costa and the Town Hall.” She continues, “The coast is home to 18,000 British residents, all of whom regularly read the local English papers and it's important that the Town Hall recognises these newspapers in the same way that the Spanish ones are.” Louise is now that direct link and will provide a constant stream of information to the media.

As a former reporter for a local newspaper for almost four years, she is no stranger to the workings, or rather lack of in some cases, of Town Hall press offices. Having met so many people in the area with different issues, problems and questions, she is more than aware of the concerns of local residents. A people's champion, she always struggled to get any answers or responses from the necessary department but now, she feels she will be able to continue helping residents from the inside and will be able to provide the necessary answers they need.

“The Town Hall will be able to give their side of the story directly....the opposition parties have always had English speaking members who have given information and press releases to the press but now we will be more proactive and can deal with any negative press more efficiently.”

Although, she adds, she believes there will not be as much negative press and stresses that her door is always open to anyone, in much the same way that Stefan Pokroppa has acted on behalf of foreign residents in his continued role as Foreign Residents Liaison Officer; something which is beyond her official job role which is to promote the coast and Orihuela city to residents and visitors and show all it has to offer and to inform the English-speaking media of events and services.

Louise's appointment has caused much consternation amongst some who have vilified her for going to work for the government team that she has been so critical about for the last four years; accusing her of ‘selling her soul.' Elliot Sampford wrote of his shock and dismay in his blog saying “Opposition parties have perceived her as an ally in their fight against the governing Partido Popular party in the Town Council.”

Louise is disgusted at some claims that she has only been given the role to silence her and to remove a thorn in Monica Lorente's side and insists she will continue to be vocal and stand up for what she believes is right for local residents, “My job is not to cover up anything at all but to take on board any criticism. I have been critical of the Town Hall in the past and I will continue to be critical of the Town Hall if I need to be.

I can get people's opinions across from the inside.” She adds, “I know people were disappointed that I took the job but I never had any affiliation or tie with any political party or association and I have no political aspirations. I was very privileged to be asked to take on this role and I am looking forward to the new challenge.”

Whatever you think about the appointment there is no denying that to have a permanent voice acting on behalf of the English-speaking residents of the Orihuela Costa, to provide a greater communication link and flow of information, can only be a good thing.

Louise is based in the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca from 9.30am-3pm and the door is always open. She is happy for Leader readers to be able to contact her by email: lclarke@orihuela.es or by calling 966 760 000 ext 36.