The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has started proceedings to reclaim the building housing the Tamogán neighbourhood association in Las Delicias, near the El Rosario main road. This action follows multiple failures to submit required documentation and the unauthorised change of locks on the premises.
Tensions escalated when local carnival group Los Avispados reported alleged misuse of several items by the association. Approximately 18 months ago, a verbal agreement allowed Los Avispados to use the space three times a week for rehearsals, provided they paid utility bills. However, after the carnival season ended in January, the group stopped attending. When Tamogán demanded payment for outstanding utility bills, some exceeding £450, Los Avispados refused, leading Tamogán to change the locks, reportedly preventing them from recovering their belongings.
Los Avispados not only filed a police complaint but also informed the council, prompting the local government’s response. Javier Rivero, a councillor for the Ofra Costa Sur district, stated that Tamogán has failed to submit updated documentation and activity plans since its board changed in 2019. Although Tamogán was deregistered from the neighbourhood association registry two years ago, it continued to occupy the building “illegally,” leading to the council’s decision to take action.
Rivero noted the city council cannot even access the building due to the lock change, and a lengthy recovery process for the property will follow, during which Tamogán can present its case. He added that while the agreement allowing Los Avispados to use the building was made without council oversight, the association has acted improperly since 2019. Consequently, the impending eviction will affect Los Avispados as well, as they have no formal rights to the premises.
