A contractor yesterday filed a judicial protest against the Paola local council claiming that he is blacklisted and was not being awarded contracts. He claimed this to be illegal and abusive.

Emanuel Spiteri, personally and on behalf of his company, Leli and Son, claimed that the council had blacklisted him illegally and informed him that it was useless submitting tenders to carry out work for the council because his tenders would not be considered and will certainly not be chosen.

Mr Spiteri explained that the council had taken a decision to blacklist him following a dispute he had with the mayor.

He said the persistent blacklisting was illegal and abusive and called on the council to withdraw the blacklisting. He is holding the council responsible for damages he is sustaining.

Dr Malcolm Mifsud signed the writ.