Resort stripped of Madeleine McCann posters
The town where Madeleine McCann vanished seven months ago has been stripped of any sign of her.
Appeal posters have been taken down from every shop window and removed from the church in Praia da Luz where Kate and Gerry prayed daily for their daughter's return.
It is as if locals are desperate to wipe out all trace of the four-year-old who disappeared from their midst. Canadian Meri Hanli, who runs a health food shop in the Portuguese town, said: "It's not that people don't care, they just want to get back to how it was. It is so many months on now. It's all been too much."
Yet surely it is too early for Praia da Luz to turn its back on Madeleine, four. Posters appealing for information could still spark the vital phone call that will break the case wide open.
They used to be on display in every shop, garage and restaurant - with Madeleine's photo staring straight out. The posters offered rewards and carried a confidential witness phone number.
Yet they have even been taken down from the Ocean Club resort where Madeleine vanished on May 3.
The noticeboard outside Our Lady of the Light church, which was adorned with images of Madeleine, is also bare.
And the green and yellow ribbons of hope that used to flutter in the trees throughout the town have all gone.
Ms Hanlin said some locals resented the fact a British family sparked such huge publicity.
She said: "They thought there was too much focus on the poor little girl because she was English and the police were not looking for their own lost children."
McCann spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "The people of Praia da Luz were incredibly supportive when Kate and Gerry were there and we believe that affection and support is still there.
"They have nothing but fond memories and remain very grateful to the people for their help."
Mirror
