OMIC (Oficina Municipal de Informacion al Consumidor), the Manilva consumer information bureau, processed a total of 222 claims brought by the public last year, almost three times the number of the previous year; 2004 seeing 64 cases.

Of these cases 116 were resolved in favour of the consumer; 39 were judged in favour of the complainant but without compensation; 2 claims went against the plaintiff; whilst a further 44 were passed to other bodies for instruction or resolution.

44 of the total cases were resolved through arbitration; two in the courts; 20 were passed on to the Provincial consumer office; and 19 to other consumer protection organizations. 21 claims from last year are still in the process of being resolved.

There was a wide range of complaints brought to the attention of the consumer's office, the greatest number being property related with a total of 46 claims, followed very closely by telecom related complaints with a total of 45. Utility companies such as Sevillana Endesa (electric) and Aguagest (water) were the subject of 35 claims; businesses 24; shopping centers 12; the Post Office 10; and a further 10 were vehicle related.

Claims were also made against banks, bars and restaurants, professional service providers, service stations, transport firms and the health service.

Most of the enquiries made at the Manilva Consumer Office were made by residents of the municipality, and analysis of the complaints showed that 190 complaints were made by Spanish nationals, whilst a further 30 were made by foreigners, the majority of whom were British.

176 claims were made by consumers resident in the Manilva area, whilst the remaining 46 were made by complainants from outside the area.

The Manilva Consumer Office also provides a Citizen's Advice service as well as undertaking information campaigns on a host of subjects.

The OMIC office can be found in Plaza Ginebra in Sabinillas and can be contacted on 952 89 28 87. The office is open from 9 am to 2 pm Mondays to Fridays.