The popular tourist attractions of the Jameos del Agua and the Cueva de los Verdes may be closed during the first fortnight of May. Victims of the growing spat brewing between the Ayuntamiento of Haria and the island´s governing body the Cabildo. As both bodies clash over funding of the Centres of Art and Culture which are located within the municipality of Haria.

The Ayuntamiento has already stepped up pressure on the Cabildo over non payment of funds owing that are generated by these popular tourist attractions by siting a branded van stating their case outside the main government offices in Arrecife. And have now stepped up their campaign by threatening to close access routes to both the Jameos and the Caves in early May.

The Cabildo has responded by stating that the roads leading to the sites do not fall under the remit of the municipality, but are the responsibility of the island corporation. Whilst also pointing out that this type of action is inadvisable during the current economic climate and will give off a very negative signal to tourist visitors.

The Ayuntamiento of Haria however is still awaiting payment from the Cabildo, accrued by both these tourist attractions. With local Mayor Torres Stinga claiming that the amount now outstanding has risen from €800,000 to €1.4 million euros. As the Ayuntamiento receives 5% of the amount raised by ticket sales at the Jameos and the Cueva.

The Centres of Art and Culture this week announced that it was putting a payment plan in place to ensure that the funds owing to the three Ayuntamientos of Haria, Yaiza and Tinajo could begin to be paid.