The Labour Party has started its consultation meetings about the regional development plans it will be drawing up in connection with Grand Harbour. The first meeting was held with the Kalkara local council.

Party leader Alfred Sant said the MLP considered the Grand Harbour region as one which had huge potential. The harbour was one of the best assets the country had, he said, and its development would benefit not only those living or working in the region, but the whole country.

Kalkara mayor Michael Cohen said he agreed that a well thought-out plan for Grand Harbour would lead to an improvement for all the regions around it. In Kalkara itself, he said, there could be more touristic development without the locality losing its characteristics.

Kalkara bay itself had potential and though it was heavily frequented, it lacked facilities. Fort Ricasoli, he added, was not being properly used either. The council had proposed a films museum for the fort, linked to the film facilities in the area, but the authorities had not given any support.