At first glance, this low on San Pedro Pascual street in Valencia does not attract attention. Its ancient metal closure is covered with graffiti, like many others in this part of the historic center, although perhaps the most important detail is the access door , permanently ajar.
Because behind that door, as reported by the neighbors, there is a brothel that operates 24 hours a day . After years of protests without getting any response, the residents decided as a last resort to place this week on the facade of their block of housing posters in which it can be read: «Under this farm prostitution is exercised and the authorities do nothing».
And the maneuver has worked . This Friday, the City Council finally reacted by announcing its intention to "expedite complaints against prostitution and drug trafficking in Velluters" through an agreement between the Department of Citizen Protection and Public Space. He did so after a meeting of municipal officials with the neighbors in which they were informed of the planned measures.
"We've been with this for three years now," says Angel, one of the residents. «We have even tried to speak with the co-owner, with the Police ... I do not know if it was the signs that we have placed that really gave rise to a couple of agents coming this Thursday and being at the door. We saw them talk, apparently, with the lie, because it is known by sight and usually swarms around here.
It is, he says, a “ tense situation to the fullest . Teenagers and young people live here, and in the rehabilitated new plaza there are many children. And it is a very unpleasant environment ».
It all begins, explains this neighbor, «when they are hired, probably in Velluters, 300 meters from here. It can be people with normal appearance, although people who are alcoholic or drug addicted are also seen . Sometimes they urinate here on the portal, or throw beer cans or alcohol briks ». And sometimes, he adds, "when you see neighbors coming out the door, someone who was hanging around and made proposals has come to you."
When the street was renovated, says Angel, the health problems caused by the activity on that ground also came to light. «The person in charge of the work told us: 'You have been at nothing to drain the drains , because of the amount of sanitary napkins that came out there.' And I don't know if they will even have water, if they are using that ... », he points out.
During these years, the neighbors have gone to the City Council, the Local and National Police and have also filed complaints. “The local police have told us that at the moment an altercation took place, we would let them know, but that is only an instant. If they see that you are there, they disappear, ”he says.
"There is an illegal activity here, and it is a 24-hour service," said this resident. "They always leave the door of the low ajar and sometimes, when you pass, you can look out and see it: Red bricks without shining, light bulbs hanging from the ceiling ... As if we were in a third world country," he says.
And, he adds, “ as I have heard, the owner has no activity license . Because what legal activity is that which can rent a bass with its cubicles for prostitution?
What most surprises this neighbor is that after the visit of the police the activity will continue as if nothing: « Are they not able to see that it is something illegal and close it? ». And while he speaks these words, an older man passes before the portal by the hand of a much younger woman. "You realize? There goes another one! ”He laments.
According to the criteria of The Trust Project
Know more- Valencian Community
- Valencia
CultureArt against Alzheimer's
Courts Julio Iglesias appeals the sentence that recognizes him as the father of Valencian Javier Sánchez
Social services Hemiplegic, malnourished and tied to the bed of a residence