Madeleine Appeal Angers Praia Da Luz Residents

Praia da Luz has achieved that unwanted badge of geographical infamy: a town identified with a shocking or awful event.

Like Hungerford, Soham and Columbine, this pretty tourist enclave on the Algarve achieved international prominence after the disappearance of Madeleine McCann on May 3, 2007.

Understandable then that many of the residents - especially British expats - are less than welcoming to the media which have returned to cover this fresh appeal.

One man who owns a flat in the building where the McCanns were staying was visibly angry at our presence, calling us "pathetic" as he walked away in disgust.

The management of The Ocean Club say there is a good reason for local people wishing the attention would fade - it's bad for business.

They refused a request by Sky News to film in the restaurant where the McCanns were staying, but admitted that bookings have still not recovered six years after her disappearance.

The apartment building where Madeleine disappeared

Graham Roberts retired here 18 years ago, where he plays the piano every Sunday at the Fortaleza da Luz restaurant.

"There's no doubt that the case has changed the town. People who live here can't understand why Madeleine McCann in particular gets all the publicity when hundreds of children go missing every year," he said.

"There was another appeal recently and posters were put up again all over town. They were ripped down in days. People don't want to be reminded of what happened here."

We met one woman who had made the trip to Luz because she had seen the town on news reports and wanted to visit.

Mary Pearson, a tourist from Cumbria, told Sky News she hopes the reconstruction will eventually help the family be reunited.

"It's just awful what they are going through, I really hope someone remembers something," she said.

"Even if some of the locals don't want the cameras back, if it brings some closure to the parents then it will be worth it."

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