The vice president of the Los Avispados musical group in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has lodged a complaint with the National Police against the president of the Tamogán neighbourhood association. This follows allegations of misappropriation of various items belonging to the group.
According to the complaint, which was reviewed by Atlántico Hoy, the group entered into a verbal agreement with the association one and a half years ago to rehearse in their facilities three times a week for free, provided they covered the costs of electricity and water. Initially, the president indicated that these expenses would range from €100 to €120. However, as detailed in the complaint, these charges reportedly rose over time, exceeding €400.
Despite these increasing costs, the group continued to pay their bills through fundraising efforts. However, trouble arose after Carnival when Los Avispados stopped rehearsing with the association. They claimed the association then demanded payment of utility costs amounting to €450 to €500 per month, even though the group hadn’t used the facilities since January. They believe the hike in costs relates to other events hosted at the venue, not their rehearsals, leading them to dispute the charges.
The vice president explained that when they refused to pay for months they hadn’t used the venue, the president allegedly changed the locks, preventing them from retrieving their belongings until the bills were settled. He stated that the association appears to be charging for utilities related to high-energy activities, which are unrelated to the group.
As a result, Los Avispados has lost access to many items, including a commercial popcorn machine, a beer tap from Estrella Galicia, hundreds of tables and chairs, platforms, and mirrors. The vice president emphasised that while these items are used by the group, they belong to them and are essential for their professional activities, leading them to purchase replacements due to the ongoing dispute.
In response, the president of the Tamogán neighbourhood association told Atlántico Hoy that he is not aware of any complaint, added that Los Avispados is not currently active in Carnival, and stated they can collect their belongings in September after the conclusion of educational activities at the association.
