Poble Sec Residents Await Infrastructure Amid Council Delays

Residents in the Poble Sec neighbourhood of La Seu d'Urgell continue to await basic improvements, including a long-demanded social centre, amid delays caused by a lack of coordination between local councils.

The area, which spans the municipalities of La Seu d'Urgell and Valls de Valira, has seen population growth in recent years but lacks investment in infrastructure such as better lighting, smoother pavements and additional parking. Walking there remains hazardous, particularly for elderly residents, due to persistent potholes and rough surfaces—exemplified by recent asphalt patches following minor works in the main square.

La Seu d'Urgell Mayor Joan Barrera has pledged to carry out at least one project in every neighbourhood, including Poble Sec. His plan involves raising an existing structure in the square to create the requested community space while adding parking spots underneath. However, he insists no action will proceed without the cooperation of Valls de Valira Mayor Ricard Mateu. The initiative is absent from La Seu's current budget draft.

Mateu views the idea positively but offered no firm timeline. He said technical staff were asked months ago to prepare a preliminary project but have been too busy, and he has not followed up. "We are waiting for the preliminary project to be drafted, and then we will analyse joint financing," he told reporters.

Barrera noted that the recently secured €12.5 million from the Catalan government's Pla de Barris fund—earmarked for the historic centre and adjacent streets—could not extend to Poble Sec. The scheme targets areas with average incomes below Catalonia's median and large urban zones. "We had to start with the city's historic heart for various reasons," he explained, adding that other neighbourhoods like Poble Sec, Sant Pere i Sant Antoni and Castellciutat also feel neglected and require attention.