The development as proposed by the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure to renovate the area known as Il-Mixtla in Cospicua appears to have created a fair amount of controversy with Moviment Graffitti and the Cottonera Residents Association dead set against the proposal for a recreational park.

However, their press conference yesterday morning was interrupted by Cospicua mayor Joe Scerri who appeared on site shouting at Graffitti members that the redevelopment was positive for Cottonera residents and that no trees would be cut down.

Graffitti spokesperson Chris Mizzi said the area was the only unspoilt, natural part left in Cospicua and is widely used for recreational purposes. He said the proposed project includes structures such as gazebos and concrete paving that jar with the natural setting of the garden.

Mr Mizzi said that although MEPA has not issued the necessary permit for work to commence, this has already started. He mentioned ongoing projects such as the Belvedere in Zurrieq, which were also causing harm to unspoilt areas.

Frank Theuma from the Cottonera Residents Association said that Il-Mixtla is being threatened with the wrong, inappropriate development consisting of large concrete pathways, paved areas and ponds which will eventually displace the natural growth of wild plants, grasses and flowers.

Mr Theuma said the area has a picturesque landscape provided by the play of light and shade. He said the development would ruin the area forever and reduce the little open space that is left for Cospicua residents.

But in a statement issued later, Cospicua mayor Joe Scerri said the council has teamed up with the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure and no tree will be cut down. On the contrary, 400 olive trees will be added while a large number of acacia trees, which are harmful to people, will be removed.

Nor is it true, the mayor added, that the local council did not consult the residents. The people want the area to be cleaned up, Mr Scerri added, since there are a number of abuses taking place, beginning with illegal hunting and trapping, drug abuse, dumped waste and acts of vandalism, including setting fire to trees.

Nor is it true that access to the area will be restricted

Il-Mixtla ta Bormla is a sizeable area measuring about 300m by 190m (about 5.7 hectares) with many ficus trees. It lies between the inner bastion surrounding Cospicua and the outer bastion of Cottonera.