A gate that blocked access to Fomm ir-Rih Bay has been removed, the planning ministry said.

Environmentalists fumed on Thursday after photos of the new gate were posted on social media.

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

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.

In comments to this newspaper, the ministry said that the area has privately owned for decades. It said it was informed that the gate had installed due danger in the area but has since been removed and a formal application will be filed with the Planning Authority.

The ministry said it is working on reaching an agreement with the owner so that the public can eventually be given adequate access to the foreshore while respecting the right to private property.