St George’s Bay will be closed for 24 hours to allow for a sand top-up, probably towards the end of the week, a Tourism Ministry spokesman confirmed yesterday.

The sandy beach was created artificially last year and is the first one in Malta to be accorded the much-acclaimed Blue Flag Status. It is a managed beach and has proved hugely popular with holidaymakers, language students and locals alike.

Sources within the ministry confirmed that the beach will be closed for a maximum of 24 hours while the sand levels are topped up.

The sand was supposed to arrive early last week, however, the ship which is carrying the cargo has been delayed at the Suez Canal in Egypt. As a result, the sand is expected to arrive late this week or early next week.

The source confirmed that the beach will not be accessible to the public while the sand is being topped up.

It could not be established as to why the exercise will be carried out in July, right at the start of the summer season.