A metal gate blocking a path down to the picturesque Fomm ir-Rih bay has prompted angry reactions from environmentalists.

The discovery was made by environmentalist Raniero Borg, who is well-known for the organisation of clean-ups across the island, who then shared it onto his social media page, prompting angry reactions from his followers.

“I went for my usual walk to check on the beach at Fomm ir-Rih, Mgarr/ Rabat and I was unable to assess the only road to the beach due to this gate. Why is it closed? Why are we unable to walk down to the beach? All walkers and trekkers who enjoy walking in the countryside are unable to now”, the post reads.

The gate is plastered with signs which say that the area is private property and that it is dangerous.

He added that the bay at Fomm ir-Rih is usually occupied with many waste products which gather there due to the South-West winds coming from Africa, and that he has cleaned up the beach several times.

He questioned whether the Planning Authority, the Rabat local council, and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) knew about the gate and the restriction of access.

Public access to Fomm ir-Rih – which recently saw a slope collapse rendering it somewhat dangerous for people – has long been a bone of contention, because the area is part of an estate which includes a villa on the cliffs above.  It was only after several protests that the landowner constructed a path down to the beach.

The closure of the path means that the public has no access to the bay, something which conflicts with a public domain law which meant that the public has to have continued access to such areas – which includes the coast and foreshore.

The PN shadow spokesperson for the environment Robert Cutajar has submitted a Parliamentary Question to Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia on the matter.