Smurf ville

Residents in a Spain village have been urged to keep their houses painted bright Smurf blue after the paint-job completed to celebrate the launch of the Smurfs movie attracted a large number of travellers.

The village, Juzcar was selected by the film’s producers earlier this year as a publicity stunt, however with tourism pouring in locals may decline the entertainment company’s promise to restore the city’s colour to white after the premier party, The Daily Mail reported.

According to the newspaper, the local government has been forced to add extra police on patrol to help control traffic while the local church celebrates extra funding in its collections.

Recognising the impact, Mayor David Fernandez said he would release a referendum later this year highlighting whether the village would remain blue.

“People have started calling me Papa Smurf,” the Mayor told media.