From Mr J. Borg

The pedestrianisation of Republic Street in Valletta and the area around Bay Square in Bugibba are a credit to the government of the day for having carried out this popular scheme found in many tourist resorts overseas.

This scheme was followed with the allocation of areas to catering establishments fronting such pedestrian sites, for their use. However, we tend to go over the top sometimes and reach ridiculous heights.

The St Paul’s Bay Local Council, in particular, is going beyond the reasonable application of this scheme and at the moment is digging up roads in Bugibba /Qawra to provide space in front of each bar/restaurant at the expense of parking slots.

Such misuse of a decent scheme is unhealthy for the restaurants’ clients, who will be exposed to car exhaust fumes, and an inconvenience to pedestrians.

I wonder if MEPA, the Heath and Transport Authorities, were ever consulted about the present application of the scheme.

God forbid local councils are allowed to carry on with these irrational initiatives by the ministry just to satisfy the egoistic instincts of their local voters.

Joseph Borg.

ST PAUL’S BAY