Not least because of its impact on physiological and mental health, noise pollution ought never to be tolerated, but it is even more important to ensure that the natural, night time quietness and tranquility be safeguarded as much as possible, particularly in residential areas.

I am writing this letter to the editor at 3 am on the morning of 29 June 2009 in order to bring attention to the fact that the residents of Triq Guze Ellul Mercer, Dingli are being frequently subjected to excessively high disco noises (which I believe are considered to be music by certain sections of the Maltese population) in their own homes even when all doors and windows are kept tightly shut.

According to the police officers at the Rabat Police Station (where I have just phoned to lodge a report) the noise is coming from the Gianpula Disco which has a permit to play music till 4am.

At my age I have no inclination to leave home and drive to Gianpula to verify this but I would like the competent authorities (as well as journalists who are so inclined) to check and verify, please.

It is also about time that places of entertainment in so called “remote” areas of Malta – whether legally licensed or not – are checked to ensure that they are not causing noise or light pollution to residents anywhere on the island and – if necessary – the relevant legislation should be updated to afford protection to level headed people who prefer healthy, peaceful, restorative, night-time sleep to obnoxious, demonic dins.

As far as I am concerned – in a truly civilised country – the authorities should ensure that the interests of those who want to lead healthy, peaceful lives override the interests of those who want to make a quick buck or euro no matter how socially and environmentally harmful their line of business happens to be.

Marianna Galea Xuereb

Dingli