The hillside connecting the Porfirio Pascual neighborhood to the riverbed in Elche has become a constant source of dirt. According to residents, plastic waste, bottles, and garbage bags accumulate among the vegetation and uneven terrain, particularly in the area stretching from the Ferrocarril bridge to the Bimil·lenari bridge. "That whole area full of trash hasn't been touched for many years," points out a resident.
As night falls, Francisco Fernández Ordóñez park and its surroundings become the scene of almost daily outdoor drinking parties. "Every night, every week," summarizes a resident, lamenting that after these gatherings, "all the bottles and rubbish are left behind." In addition to the dirt generated by these parties, residents criticize general incivility, with animal excrement and urine in the corners, causing olfactory nuisances in nearby homes.
Residents claim to have repeatedly reported their complaints to the Elche City Council. Although they acknowledge that "four truckloads of garbage" were recently removed after citizen insistence, they believe the actions are sporadic and come too late. "We shouldn't have to wait for complaints for the neighborhood to be cared for," they insist, highlighting that the area's deterioration dates back "four or five years ago."
Amidst this situation, the neighborhood has been undergoing rehabilitation works since February of last year. While they view the urban improvements positively, residents warn that the construction has introduced new problems. They have observed individuals collecting surplus construction materials, such as windows and iron, for resale. "I understand everyone has to make a living, but we residents are paying for this work," criticizes a resident, who fears these materials, especially glass, could pose a fire risk as the weather heats up.
The general sentiment among residents is that the Porfirio Pascual neighborhood is one of the most "forgotten" in Elche. "How clean the Glorieta and Carrer Ample are, but how neglected we are," laments an affected resident. They believe municipal investment is concentrated in the more central and tourist areas, while their neighborhood, despite paying taxes, receives "nothing" in return. They demand maintenance, increased surveillance, and comprehensive intervention to restore the environment.
