The dispute over the relocation of the Valletta open-air market entered into another phase yesterday when in a letter sent by Information Technology, Investment and Industry Minister Austin Gatt to the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, it emerged that there are two bones of contention that need to be sorted out.

The first refers to trade licences and the second to the new site for the market.

In his letter, Dr Gatt explained that the government will make available Lm120,000 to buy back 10 licences – Lm10,000 each. The government will be writing to all licence-holders to inform them about its offer, which is to be taken up on a voluntary basis. Initially, the government had offered Lm70,000 while the union had asked for Lm400,000.

On the new site, the minister said he believed that the matter has been discussed at length and a final decision needs to be taken.

In the letter, Dr Gatt said the government was open to changing the configuration of the stalls as long as it is in the established area.

He also referred to points on which there was agreement. It was agreed that the open-air market is set up in Freedom Square until the preliminary work on the area earmarked for the permanent site is ready, and this is expected to be completed by 7 June. It was also agreed that when the paving work has to be carried out – in September and October – the monti moves temporarily to Freedom Square again.

It was also agreed that the government, following consultation with the union, finances new stalls and uniforms for the sellers and that signposts indicating the site of the marker are put up in Valletta. The move to Freedom Square would be implemented if there is an overall agreement, the minister emphasised.