Wied Qirda, situated between Zebbug and Siggiewi, is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful valleys on the Maltese Islands.

It boasts an impressive rocky faced gorge lined with carob, olive, almond and bay laurel trees, and a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Visitation.

In winter, when the plants and trees come back to life, it is a hiker's delight.

For Dun Karm Psaila, the national poet, the valley served as an inspiration.

For some people, however, the valley is nothing more than a dumping ground.

The protected valley has over the years witnessed many shocking cases of illegal dumping -from construction waste, to white goods, to garbage bags and barbeque trash.

The Planning Authority had carried out an exercise to clear out construction material in 2017, and cleanups occasionally take place, but the valley is still vandalized from time to time.

During a visit to the valley last week, this newspaper witnessed freshly dumped materials, including stereos, old fridges, a broken car windscreen, rubber mats, metal cages and construction material.

In one popular picnic spot, someone left behind a mound of burned trash inside a makeshift fire pit, as well as a rudimental stone and concrete oven that was constructed on site.

Walking down the singular road found in the valley, one can spot hundreds of plastic bottles and empty beer cans.

Part of the road leading into the valley was recently covered with asphalt in a shoddy looking job. Concrete was poured all along the edge of the road, in parts covering the plants and reeds that line the edge of the valley.

The Malta Independent reported last week how Transport Malta also laid tarmac over an illegally constructed concrete dam - which lies smack in the middle of the natural watercourse - despite it being the subject of an enforcement notice by the Planning Authority.

The PA has still not replied to questions sent on 20 July.