Just last week, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority said it had taken enforcement action against the operator of a restaurant in Dwejra due to light pollution in the area. However, the problem remains unsolved, and the only thing that seems to have changed is the rope lighting system.

In a letter to The Times last week, Mepa’s communications and PR manager wrote that “the operator recently removed the prominent rope lights which were fixed on the uppermost level on the façade and is altering the other lights which were not according to the permit conditions. The authority will keep monitoring this site to ensure the conditions of the permit are fully adhered to”.

As environment NGOs noted in a statement last month, the site of Dwejra is a Dark Sky Heritage Area, and accordingly should be protected by Mepa as described in its Local Plan for Gozo and Comino, which regulates the preservation of the Maltese dark sky heritage at several areas on the islands. The NGOs had noted with sadness that these regulations have been breached.

Light pollution is a problem in a number of areas around Malta and Gozo, and it is very difficult to find spots to enjoy the night sky; the public has the right to at least a few unpolluted areas of night sky, especially those having Dark Sky Heritage Area status. Dear Mepa, is that too much to ask for?

■ P. Spiteri

Rabat, Gozo