The Councilor for Citizen Participation, Bárbara Santos, highlighted that this proposal, already implemented in other localities such as Málaga capital, will feature exhaustive control of the hours contributed and received by each participant. The initiative, which was part of the electoral campaigns of the ruling party, IULV-CA, seeks to generate a sense of solidarity and closeness among neighbors.

The 'Time Bank' operates as a free system where time is the currency of exchange. A secretariat designated by the Town Council will be responsible for regulating and supervising exchanges, recording each person's hours. This system allows participants to accumulate hours by offering services and then use them to request help from other registered members, without the need for a direct exchange with the same person.

Among the services that residents can exchange are language classes, minor home repairs (electricity, plumbing), companionship and care for the elderly and children, or transportation to work, given the limited bus schedules in Istán. The premise is that any knowledge or skill can be exchanged.

Councilor Santos emphasized the importance of languages in a municipality with a significant foreign population, allowing a participant to practice English and accumulate time to, for example, request plumbing assistance. Registration can be done in person at the Town Hall, by phone (6177383372) or email (barbarasantos@istan.es), with registration formalized by opening a file with each person's data and offers. Service requests will be managed through a WhatsApp group, phone, or email, and the Town Council will maintain a list of participants and their services.

This initiative aims to address social needs arising from population aging, women's entry into the workforce, and the relevance of languages on the Costa del Sol. Santos is confident that the project will be a success, fostering closeness and trust within the community.