State railway company REFER is determined that the commando raid on its first set of fences, fences that have divided Olhão’s pedestrians and local opinions, is an act of vandalism and is determined that its plan to close the crossing will go ahead, come what may.

The original fencing lasted a couple of weeks until, as widely predicted, public spirited locals removed the obstructions early last Saturday morning and again allowed the free flow of pedestrians across the railway line less than 100 metres from Olhão station.

... and so the pressure starts to be applied to Silves council as a massive German property developer applies for permission to turn the Fábrica do Inglês into an ALDI supermarket.

This is not the first time a development application has been made for the prime site as a project was submitted when the factory was owned by the Alicoop/Alisuper group, according to a report by Sul Informaçao.

Italy is to receive additional help from the EU to deal with a record number of illegal migrants.

Italy, along with Greece and Malta, are the key targets for desperate migrants hoping to get away from turmoil and war in the Middle East and Africa.

After a tense wait for the test results to return, luckily showing that the suspected Ebola case in Oporto did not in fact have the disease, the health department now is taking the risk of an outbreak rather more seriously.

The Director General said today that he is to make sure that information is made widely available to his own healthcare staff.

The local Left Bloc in Olhão has lodged a formal complaint against the council executive.

Not content with complaining to the Constitutional Court, the Bloquistas also have complained to the General Inspectorate of Finances and the Secretary of State for Local Government.

The UK has announced it will sell its 40% stake in Eurostar, the high-speed rail operator connecting London and Paris.

The expected £300m will help “reform the British economy and tackle our debts”, according to Chancellor George Osborne.

Banks in the eurozone are rushing to ensure they have sufficient funds to pass the next round of stress tests.

The tests set out by the European Central Bank are designed to test the ability of each bank to withstand a financial shock. This round will be the biggest review of the financial wherewithal of eurozone banks ever made.

Island homeowners in the Ria Formosa natural area do not accept the demolition orders made by Polis Litoral Ria Formosa and are to fight the draconian measures in court.

Two weeks ago, many property owners on Faro Island received letters from Polis Litoral Ria Formosa stating that they must leave their properties by a certain date.