The Marsaxlokk local council will be holding a vote for its residents on whether open markets should be dismantled at any particular time.

The councillors, who have already unanimously voted 5-0 for the markets to be dismantled at 3 pm, had a survey conducted amongst the market vendors and found that 82% agreed that the open markets should be closed within certain time parameters – the example presented being 3 pm.

The vote is to be held at the Marsaxlokk Local Council, and ballots will be open for residents on Saturday 12th January from 7 am till 7 pm to decide on whether they agree with the decision decided upon by their local council.

The reason for this, Mayor Horace Gauci explained, was to allow space for cleaning and for the space to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The Central Government did not agree with the Council’s view.

“We were always told that the reason was that the economy and sales would take a hit.”

“I believe that as other open markets close at 1 pm, and not at 3 pm, then I believe that remaining open till 3 pm in Marsaxlokk should be enough.”

Gauci went on to explain the issue of the stalls is linked to a chain of regeneration projects for the shore of Marsaxlokk, all related to a legal notice which is to include the removal of vehicles parked on the shore to allow for one of the projects in tal-Maghluq.

 

Photos: Luke Zerafa