Eviction Postponed in Alicante's Carolinas Neighbourhood

The court has postponed the eviction scheduled on Alcalde Suárez Llanos street in the Carolinas neighbourhood of Alicante. Upon the arrival of the judicial committee and security forces on Wednesday morning, dozens of people were waiting at the entrance of the residence to try to halt the eviction.

The Carolines Neighbourhood Union made a call on social media to "prevent an elderly and sick person from being left on the street," they stated in a communiqué. During the eviction, chants such as "no people without homes, no homes without people," "evict the worker, save the banker," and "Força Sindicat" were heard.

According to this entity, the case involves an elderly and sick woman with a vulnerability certificate living with her young daughter, under 20 years old. The owner had to resort to a deed in lieu of foreclosure with a social rent contract. Now, the bank that took over the property has sold it to an investment fund, and the new owner was unwilling to negotiate a new lease.

After several minutes of negotiation, it was finally agreed to postpone the eviction by one month. The Union posted a message on social media stating that "the presence of Union members was crucial in applying pressure during an eviction we learned about hastily."

However, although they appreciate the extra time, they do not consider this situation a victory, as if nothing changes, in four weeks they will have to gather again in front of this woman's house to delay another eviction attempt. According to the Union, the defence lawyer has already made progress in finding alternative housing for this woman, and it is possible she may have it before the next eviction attempt.

The attempt proceeded calmly, despite the tension, and the intervention of the police was not necessary.

With this attempt, the Carolines Neighbourhood Union has already organised two actions to prevent evictions so far in April. On the 10th, Carmelo and Nura, a couple living in the San Juan de la Cruz passage in Alicante's North Zone, had to leave their previous home due to an unaffordable rent increase. They spent two weeks in the municipal shelter before finding new accommodation.

In the new flat, they accumulated arrears, and despite attempts to negotiate a new contract or purchase the property, the owner decided to evict them. In this case, any negotiation was impossible, and the eviction was carried out around 10 a.m.

The neighbourhood association requested an ambulance to assist in the transfer of Nuria, who suffers from a psychological disorder and a physical health issue. They recall that Carmelo lacks stable employment as he cares for Nuria. An ambulance was dispatched to the area because this woman suffered an anxiety attack during the eviction. The eviction ordered by the court concluded with the change of the property's locks.