Most complaints in Malaga are about noise and evictions

THE Malaga Ombudsman, Francisco Gutierrez, reports that most complaints relate to noise and evictions.

During the summer, bars and restaurants have more clients and consequently, more noise, leading to complaints from local residents.

Gutierrez claims that since the smoking ban was approved, things have got worse, as smokers have to go outside and noise levels rise, often annoying the neighbours.

He also says that since the economic crisis began, many people are contacting the office with complaints regarding evictions, although this is not within their jurisdiction. According to Gutierrez, in 2011, the number of complaints from families who are unable to pay the rent has also risen considerably.

In the six years since his office, called Oficina del Defensor del Ciudadano, opened, there have been more than 23,000 complaints for different reasons, 500 this July alone.