Reference is made to your report "Mushrooming kiosks" and a letter to the editor "Proliferating kiosks" (TMIS, 19 August) where it was alleged that in Gozo illegalities are allowed to happen whenever and wherever, with specific reference being made to two "mobile" kiosks in the Qbajjar area that also had tables, chairs and umbrellas set up next to them.

MEPA carried out its investigations, which included a site inspection and ordered the kiosk owner to remove these illegal structures. It transpired that these two "mobile" kiosks were in fact permanent structures for which a planning permit is required.

An enforcement notice ECF561/07 was issued in accordance with the Development Planning Act that orders the kiosk owner to remove all the illegalities noted on site, which includes the tables, chairs and umbrellas.

It must also be clarified that mobile kiosks do not require a planning permit. It is the responsibility of the police authorities to see that all mobile kiosks have a trading licence.

The Authority is committed to continue its efforts to ensure that its role and function as defined in the Development Planning Act are carried out.

Peter Gingell

Marketing Executive

MEPA