Alternattiva Demokratika (the Green Party) chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo described the constant attack on open spaces – not only by the government on a national level, but also at a local level – as worrying.

“Although leaflets issued by the PN show pictures of the pedestrian area next to the Attard church, the outgoing council wanted to undo part of the pedestrianisation project next to it. Fortunately this folly was not given the go-ahead by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority,” he told a news conference.

A leaflet being distributed by a PN candidate further confirmed the PN’s lack of vision when it came to public spaces, he added. In the leaflet the candidate lists as an achievement the imminent change of the playing field in Attard’s housing estate into a parking area. The reason given is vandalism.

It was also worrying that the views of the Labour Party candidates on these issues were unfortunately unknown. “Sometimes one wondered if they had any opinions at all. AD elected to Attard’s local council will insist on the protection and maintenance of open spaces,” he said.