We, the undersigned, would like to bring to your attention persistent rumours regarding Balluta Square, St Julians. These rumours concern the old oak tree(s), ‘sigar tal-Ballut’ which have apparently been declared as sick and therefore condemned to be uprooted. The reason given behind the removal of such trees is to make way for an underground car park which would destabilise the square, risking harm to historic Balluta Buildings.

The St Julians Local Council has been approached regarding such rumours however the council has not been as forthcoming as one might hope or expect in response to enquiries by the general public for information about the planned works which will effect the public square It was not initially made known that the application was a council decision despite the Mayor's name appearing as applicant.

As you may appreciate, Balluta Square is one of the few open spaces available to the locals. The trees in question are old protected Maltese trees, which species gave the square and the locality its name. Too many established protected trees are being chopped down to make way for development which only takes account of the economical aspects, and fails miserably to take into consideration any social and ecological negative impacts.

We are therefore bringing this matter to your attention, as Minister responsible for the environment, and would very much appreciate if you can put our minds at rest that the people of St. Julians will be allowed to retain such an important open space with its mature local trees. We remind you of the importance of not destroying existing shade trees in this area frequented by all, including the elderly and families with small children.

Since this matter involves the Minister responsible for Agriculture whose approval would be requested for the uprooting of the trees, and also the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Local Councils, who have a say in the use of the open space with its trees, we are copying this letter to the above mentioned. Furthermore, since we are being continuously approached by the locals as to the need for urgent measures to be taken with regards to these widely circulating rumours, we are also copying this letter to the media.

Thanking you for your help and attention

Joanne Pace

Mireille Spiteri

Philip Galea

Alexander Pace Gouder

Fabian Grech

Anne Zammit

Yvette Guillaumier

Marie Amato Gauci

Michaela Spiteri

Peter Caruana Galizia

Adrian Pillow