Amid angry scenes, the Partido Popular regained control of Denia council yesterday after turncoat socialist Juan Collado and the three independent councillors voted in favour of a motion of no confidence in mayor Paqui Viciano (PSOE).

It means a return to power for Ana Kringe and her team who were responsible for plans to build 20,000 new homes to the north of the town during their previous tenure (1999-2003).

Those plans were shelved by Mr Viciano, whose party was trying to push through plans to protect four million square metres of undeveloped land.

A large crowd of mostly socialist supporters constantly interrupted last night's meeting by shouting insults, mainly directed at Ms Kringe (photo, left) - "Kringe, the town doesn't want you," "usurper," "mafiosi," speculator"- and Mr Collado (photo, right) - "traitor," "Judas."

In his defence, Mr Collado announced that he has been appointed to head up a anti-corruption investigation, alleged that "the one who's been speculating here is Viciano, who will be made to explain his relationships with the Realia and Conca companies," and claimed to have received "threatening e-mails and telephone calls."