A gate was erected yesterday at Ta’ Cenc, Gozo, just 15 minutes before an ecological walk was due to take place there, to the anger and dismay of the some 150 people – environment lovers and also tourists – who had gathered. At one point, some of the people attending the protest jumped over the gate and ran around over the garigue but some 10 policemen were hurriedly called in to help the four policemen at the scene.

The people who had jumped over the wall later claimed they were manhandled and pushed back by the owner of Ta’ Cenc Hotel and his employees, including some women. An SUV was reported to have reversed on to the protesters, in full view of the police.

Tempers ran high as Alternattiva’s Harry Vassallo did his utmost to calm things down, but he also asked the police superintendent why he was helping those who had committed an illegal act – putting up the gate – instead of those who were doing nothing wrong.

The walk to save Ta’ Cenc from any golf course was organised by a newly set-up coalition Eko-Logika, under the banner Insalvaw Din L-Art, made up of the following organisations: Alternattiva Demokratika; AD-Gozo Regional Committee; Fondazzjoni Ceratonia; Moviment Graffitti; Inizjamed; Dripht; Zminijietna Lehen ix-Xellug; Third World Group and the Sannat Residents Association.

Ta’ Cenc Hotel owner Victor Borg told this paper that he had erected the gate as a temporary measure to save the area from the impact of so many people roaming all over it. The area is famous for its endemic plants and cart ruts.

He also said the gate will be removed by this morning and people will be able to visit the area.

Alternattiva spokesmen however claimed that the gate is illegal and they planned to file a protest to have it removed.