I write on behalf of Sliema mayor Marina Arrigo with reference to the article AN deputy leader questions Sliema mayor’s actions (TMID, 6 March).

Angelo Xuereb ought to know that Ms Arrigo always acted both within her competence and according to the council’s resolution on this subject matter.

Mr Xuereb’s innuendos that Ms Arrigo has a personal agenda in the matter is being vehemently rebutted. Such innuendos are simply red herrings, intended to distort and distract attention from the proper issue.

As to the alleged (favourable) discriminatory treatment meted out to other hotel owners, (apart form the fact that this allegation is strongly rebutted), please be informed that hotel owners mentioned have all the relative and necessary permits from all competent authorities in place.

As to the parking spaces in question, the council has confirmation from ADT officials that Mr Xuereb has not sought nor acquired any permit or authorisation to encroach onto public parking spaces for the utilisation for a coach lay-by nor for the reservation of no-parking zones. Apart from this, it is public knowledge that all Mepa permits are issued without any prejudice to third-party rights. The council asks – does Mr Xuereb assume that he can override or sidetrack ADT’s authority?

The council is informed that ADT has in fact filed a report with the police authority requesting the police to take all necessary action against Mr Xuereb for appropriating public property for private use without the necessary and relative permit.

As to the alleged traffic congestion being created by parked vehicles, the general public ought to know that, on Mr Xuereb’s own admittance, the pavement in High Street was reconstructed to a width beyond the permitted pavement line according to Mepa. The council asks – is Mr Xuereb serious when he claims that the council is the cause of traffic congestion within the area?

On a final note, the road markings which were painted by or on instructions by Mr Xuereb were removed once by the council in the interest of the Sliema residents, which were in turn re-painted by Mr Xuereb in a direct challenge to the council’s and ADT’s authority. The parking zones were once more restored by and on instructions from ADT. Angelo Xuereb once more rode roughshod over ADT’s authority and had the no-parking signs re-painted. The council asks – who is taking unilateral and arbitrary action?

Ivan Gatt

Gatt Frendo Tufigno Advocates

Valletta