MP visits demolition fear expats

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Britons who face seeing their Spanish homes demolished are to be visited by Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant.

Spanish authorities are attempting to reclaim the country's coastline by bulldozing some of the developments that resulted from tourism's growth.

To cash in on lucrative immigrants, some councils allegedly granted illegal planning permission, now being revoked.

Mr Bryant will advise the thousands of Britons living in Andalucia on issues from property rights to healthcare.

He will visit the town of Albox where about a dozen British expatriate families are fighting demolition orders issued at the end of last year.

Cautionary advice

Speaking ahead of his trip on Sunday, Mr Bryant said: "I am visiting Spain to listen to the problems British citizens are facing with the properties they have bought here."

But he added: "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 that the people of Albox face."

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

The regional government of Andalucia is also appointing an official to advise Britons on integrating into the area.