I was very happy when I heard that Robert Arrigo will contest on Ta’ Xbiex for the next election, happy because he is not one of those candidates that show up only a few days before the election, promise that everything is going to change, then send a thank you letter and you won’t see or hear from them again.

In his article (TMID, 25 August), he wrote that he went for a closer look of Ta’ Xbiex, and indeed, he is right when he mentioned that there are some missing facilities for children, it’s true that the promenade needs a good upgrading, and it’s also true that sometimes it’s not a nice experience to walk through the marina garden at night, especially in winter.

The adjacent road that was also mentioned in his article has been a headache to all residents for years: I have lived in Ta’ Xbiex for the last 15 years. Three governments and two local councils were elected to no avail as these problems still exist in the locality.

My suggestions are that the CCTV cameras are to be re-installed in the areas where the oldest trade thrives, and where used syringes are found daily on pavements. But these cameras should not be used to issue parking tickets, these CCTV systems should help the police to identify those breaking the law.

More foot patrols by the police will also help to make the streets more secure.

Regarding the promenade, this should be a project that must involve all the local councils of Sliema, Gzira, Ta’ Xbiex, Msida, Pietà and the central government working on a promenade like the Sliema/St Julian’s type with belvederes, benches, lights and flower pots. I also suggest that all heavy traffic should pass from the seafront as this is a flat road, and avoiding the uphill of Abate Rigord Street, so reducing the pollution in the centre of the locality.

Mr Arrigo was right when he wrote that he did not see any wardens patrolling the area. But I think that this is coming from the local council, as I feel that a go-slow situation exists in the council offices, because whenever one complains about something, the reply or acknowledgement is rare.

Only good people with good values live in Ta’ Xbiex, and I truly believe that with some good effort from all the authorities concerned, Ta’ Xbiex will be one of the best places to live in, so if Mr Arrigo were to channel all his energy into solving the problems to make our little community live in a nicer environment, then yes, I would think that Ta’ Xbiex will give him warm welcome.