The re-introduction of canopies, combined with more a more visually impacting outdoor seating area in a couple of Marsalforn restaurants raised some questions by residents, who told this newsroom that outdoor structures were recently removed until works on the Marsalforn promenade were completed.

Works to upgrade Marsalforn have been conducted by the government, and are still ongoing in certain parts, and residents told this newsroom that the works on the promenade were well done. However, the same residnets noted that the outdoor structures erected in the pictured image are far more visually intrusive than what was present before.

It is unclear whether such structures still abide by past permits, or if new permits were required and have been granted. Questions sent by this newsroom to the Gozo and Tourism ministries remain, at this time, unanswered.

The ministries were asked whether the restaurants in question were allowed to install such structures, and whether other restaurants in the area will also be allowed to do so. In addition, the ministries were asked whether they will enforce a uniformity in the style of such structures if they are allowed, and whether any damage was caused to the recently renovated promenade as a result. At the time of publication, these questions remained unanswered.