Valdemoro Residents Report Gas Station Near Schools to Ombudsman

The installation of a service station on Cuesta de Valderremata street, next to two educational centers, raises concerns about health and road safety risks.

Modern gas station next to a school in an urban setting.
IA

Modern gas station next to a school in an urban setting.

Neighborhood representatives in Valdemoro have formally complained to the Ombudsman about the installation of a service station on Cuesta de Valderremata street, adjacent to the 'Cristo de la Salud' school and near the 'Los Paraísos' Nursery School.

The initiative, supported by associations like ACUSVAL, highlights the direct exposure of minors to an activity classified as potentially dangerous. The submitted document details that the gas station's location poses significant risks to a particularly vulnerable population.

"The location of the gas station entails serious risks for a particularly vulnerable population."

neighborhood representatives
Among the risks noted are the emission of volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, which are potentially carcinogenic agents, and an increase in road traffic in a school environment, raising the risk of run-overs and accidents. Warnings are also issued about the inherent dangers of handling flammable fuels just meters from classrooms.
The General Directorate of Public Health of the Community of Madrid had previously recommended seeking an alternative location due to its proximity to educational settings. Those affected have reported a "lack of transparency and sufficient information" regarding the environmental and health impact studies conducted to date.
Although the City Council maintains that the license complies with the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU) of 2004, residents argue that formal compliance with urban planning regulations does not exempt the administration from its duty to guarantee the right to health and an adequate environment, as established by articles 43 and 45 of the Spanish Constitution.
Therefore, residents have requested an investigation to verify whether the principles of precaution and health protection have been respected beyond bureaucratic procedures, as well as the adequacy of environmental impact studies. They believe that the competent administrations should review the license or adopt urgent corrective measures.