The article by Francesca Vella “No legal protection for residents” (TMIS, 5 August) highlights the degradation of life of residents in Gozo, not to mention visitors from Malta who come to Gozo (ghall-kwiet!) or tourists from overseas.

The noise pollution caused by the propane guns used to scare off birds is considerable. The authorities have declared that no breach of the peace exists. I am sure that they have not been exposed to this modern version of the Chinese water torture, i.e. anything between 2,000 and 6,000 gunshots for 14 hours every day including weekends. Other countries have regulations to control this kind of pollution; in Malta 2007 there is nothing. One hopes regulations will be drawn up, and more importantly, that they will be enforced.

For those interested in this problem, there is a wealth of information available on the Internet.

Stephen Vassallo

XEWKIJA