Palma residents outraged at removal of signs complaining about noise

What Happened in Palma’s Lonja and Born Area?

Residents of Palma’s Lonja and Born neighbourhoods were surprised when ten signs they had put up disappeared overnight. The signs asked people to keep noise down and showed frustration with loud restaurant terraces.

The Signs That Were Taken Down

• The signs were attached to the same sturdy anchors that had held other notices for years without any problem.
• They carried a clear message: “Please respect the neighbourhood – keep the noise down.”
• Residents placed them on walls and lampposts where they could be seen by everyone passing by.

Why Authorities Removed Them

On Wednesday the signs were taken down. The next day, a phone call told the residents association that the signs were not secure and could be dangerous. Officials said there were “internal police orders” to remove them, but they did not explain what would happen if the signs were put back up.

Residents’ Reaction

The association said the removal felt like an attack on their freedom of expression. They responded with determination:

• “Don’t worry, we’ll hang them from balcony to balcony, high up so they can’t be stolen.”
• They promised to use banners that are hard to take down and pose no safety risk.

Plans to Keep the Message Alive

Residents are already brainstorming ways to keep their complaint visible:

• Attaching signs to balconies and railings where they are out of reach.
• Using weather‑proof materials so the notices last longer.
• Coordinating with neighbours to create a network of visible reminders.

Ongoing Tensions with Restaurants and the Town Hall

For several years, the neighbourhood has clashed with nearby restaurants over terrace noise. The relationship with the town hall shifts depending on which political party is in charge, making it hard to find a lasting solution.

Noise from Terraces

• Outdoor dining areas often stay open late, leading to loud music and conversations that disturb residents.
• Many locals feel that business interests are prioritized over their right to peace.

Changing Politics

• When one party controls the council, negotiations tend to be smoother.
• When another party is in power, enforcement of noise rules can become stricter or more lax, leaving residents uncertain.

Looking Ahead

The residents association says they will not back down. They plan to keep putting up their signs, talk to local officials, and seek compromises that allow both businesses and neighbours to enjoy the area peacefully.

Source

Images Credit: www.majorcadailybulletin.com