In Brief

Car sales fell last month, with only 51 being registered compared to 116 in February 2010, a drop of 56%. The figures are the worst to be recorded in the last decade and well above the national average decrease in sales of 27%.

Part of the reason could be due to the seemingly never-ending rise in petrol prices, the average price of which in Spain reached 1.30 euros per litre last week, an increase of 1.8% in seven days.

Diesel rose by 1.6% last week to 1.26 euros per litre, the highest price since mid 2008.

So far this year petrol has risen by 4.1% and diesel by 6.7%.

Speed limit reduced to 110 kms. per hr. on Spanish mainland

The State Government has reduced the maximum speed limit on the mainland to 110 kms. per hr. and the fine for breaking the limit has been set at 100 euros, as long as the speed does not exceed 141 kms./hr., but with no loss of points from driving licences. In the case of drivers exceeding 151 kms./hr. the fine will be 300 euros and the loss of two points.

Ciutadella to reduce parking meter fees from 1st June

Ciutadella Council plans to reduce parking meter fees in the blue zones with effect from 1st June. The prices charged will depend on the location of the blue zone, with extra being paid in 'tourist' areas.

Tapas competition to be held in May

Organised by the Asociación Empresarial de Hostelería y Restauración, "Tapas x Menorca" is a competition that will be held 12th to 15th May and aims to be of benefit to both the outlets and customers.

During the four days of competition, each participating restaurant, café or bar will produce one or two tapas, charging a maximum price of 2 euros. Customers having visited a minimum of five establishments will be given a form on which to vote for their favourite tapa and outlet. On 20th May the prizes will be awarded to the winners and to some customers.

Captains and Ladies' Cups to be held in April

The end of season darts competitions are to be held in April at the Casino in Sant Climent. The Captains Cup will be on 5th and the Ladies' Cup on 12th. On both nights player registration will be at 2000 hrs., the draw for order of play at 2015 hrs. and the start of competition 2030 hrs. Teams that have already selected their players can pass the names to Cathy Banks on 686 307 561 or 971 351 383 in advance.

Support our troops and win a gourmet dinner

The latest initiative to raise money for the Rest & Recover Menorca project is the brainchild of chef Adrian Deamer who is running a draw, the prize for which is a three-course gourmet dinner for two, plus wine, which he will cook himself for the lucky winner.

Having served for 24 years in the Catering Corps and seen active service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Croatia, Adrian says his gesture is to "show appreciation for the work done by our soldiers". Now a freelance private chef specialising in villa catering and weddings, Adrian plans to offer his services when the Household Cavalry soldiers wounded in Afghanistan arrrive on the island for their rest and recuperation leave.

Tickets for the draw are on sale at 1 euro each or five for 4 euros. Anyone wishing to enter the draw, or any bars willing to take tickets to sell, can contact Adrian on 608 723 649 or via adeamerltfc@live.co.uk.