Brits 'sleeping rough' in Ibiza as eurozone struggles

By Rick Kelsey
Newsbeat reporter in Ibiza

The British government's representative in Ibiza says the downturn in the Spanish economy is creating problems for young UK tourists visiting the island.

Paul Abrey, who is the British Consul for the Balearic Islands, says that although visitor numbers haven't dropped there's more crime and hospitals can ask for cash upfront for medical treatment.

It comes after Spanish banks were given £80 billion in emergency loans by the eurozone.

This has put more pressure on the Spanish government who have had to borrow heavily and make cuts to deal with the effects of the collapse.

'Expensive place'

Almost three quarters of a million visitors come over to the White Isle, as Ibiza is known, every year.

Many of them are young and want to experience the nightlife in places like San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa.

Paul Abrey said: "There are reduced services, fewer police around and a bit more crime in the resorts which are all consequences of a country that is struggling."

Walking around the West End area of San Antonio, many of the bar workers say there are fewer people around for the time of year.

Clare Gregg, 22, from Dublin is on her second season.

She said: "It's quieter but then this is an expensive place to come.

"The clubs charge around 50 euros to get in and drinks aren't cheap."

Many of the bars say there's been a change in tourists habits, with people often taking all-inclusive holidays or drinking more in apartments before they go out.

Distressed

Many young British people come out to work in the bars.

Twenty-one-year old Scott Graves from Romford is one of them.

He said: "I've found one job here as a boat tour helper but I need another one to pay the rent that runs out on Monday.

Scott Graves from Romford needs two jobs to pay for his rent in Ibiza

"It's at least 200 euros a month for a shared room, but worth it to see the sun and live the dream every day."

The charity 24-7, which looks after distressed young people in San Antonio, agrees saying it has seen more people from the UK sleeping rough on the beaches.

In the main hospital Can Misses, Doctor Pedro Melina said they were bound to feel the effects of Spain's crisis.

He said: "Compared with some years ago they used come and they went. Nobody tells them they have to pay now.

"Depending on the circumstances they may have to pay for treatment."

The hospital maintains that the care is exactly the same no matter if tourists can afford to pay or not.