Allow me through your newspaper to draw the attention of the authorities, Sliema Local Council, Transport Malta or the relevant Ministry to an incident I personally witnessed on Monday (21st) afternoon at 4.30pm.

Whilst walking down Tigne Street, near the Malta Union Club, in Sliema I came across a largish white van manoeuvring to enter the small, short and tight alley which presumably accommodates solely one store for one of the well-known outlets in the lower section of the same Tigne Street.

It was very obvious that the driver was unable to enter his vehicle into this narrow cul-de-sac without damaging the newly-installed bollards that had been placed on the edge of the pavement opposite. As the driver was having difficulty the solution for him was to knock down the obstruction i.e. the bollard. Not only was he witnessed knocking down this bollard but went as far as to have it manually removed. This was in full view of an elderly lady, and others who happened to be by the main entrance of the Malta Union Club at the time. The lady in fact drew the attention of this person that the bollard was there for a purpose and belonged to the general public. I was flabbergasted with the delivery man’s loud reaction: “I do not care, as I do what I like!”  The vehicle entered the alley, had its merchandise unloaded, and parted leaving the damaged bollard in its damaged state ready for the next visit.

One cannot but show disgust at this man’s attitude and action! A disgrace to public esteem, and to his employer!

I have no doubt that were the owner of the said ladies’ outlet that uses the store in the said alley to read the above, he/she should ensure that the incident is not repeated at any future stage. Moreover, the culprit should be invited to solve his parking problem differently, as well as to be more respectful to the public in general. Or would that be asking too much in this day and age?

Camilleri

Swieqi