Minister to meet expats in Spain

FOREIGN Office minister Chris Bryant will meet British nationals whose homes in Spain are threatened with demolition.

The Europe minister's visit today comes as the regional government of Andalucia appoints a dedicated civil servant to provide advice to Britons on integrating into life in the area.

Around a dozen British expatriate families in the town of Albox are fighting demolition orders issued at the end of last year, as part of a long-running campaign against properties which were allegedly illegally built in the southern Spanish region.

Speaking ahead of his visit to Albox, Bryant said: "I would advise people to be extremely careful with property purchases overseas. Through our travel advice we suggest that prospective buyers seek independent legal advice and contact relevant local associations of those affected by property problems.

"We continue to work with the government of Spain and relevant local authorities on resolving the issues the people of Albox face."

Bryant is due to show his support to expat families today as well as meeting the mayor of Albox, Jose Garcia Navarro.

He will be joined at the British Consulate in Malaga to announce the new civil service post by Spanish territorial affairs minister Gaspar Zarrias and Juan Espadas Cejas of the Andalucia regional government.

The civil servant will provide advice to the many thousands of British residents living in Andalucia on issues ranging from property rights to registration and healthcare.