Over 10,000 sqm of agricultural land in an area known as Ta' Brija, l/o Siggiewi, which over the years was illegally converted into a large scrapyard is once again being returned to its original state after the Planning Authority (PA) started carrying out a direct action operation.

The PA, in a statement, said that officers from the PA's Compliance & Enforcement Directorate accompanied by members of the Police Force moved in early Wednesday morning after the site occupier was warned, on several occasions, to fully abide by enforcement notices and clear out the site.

"Truckloads of material were carted off from the site, which covers an extensive area of land. The material consisted mainly of dilapidated and abandoned vehicles and related parts which were dumped in an area predominately used for agricultural activity. During the ongoing operations, members of the Police Force (Rapid Intervention Unit) had to intervene and arrest the contravener after he became aggressive and threatened the Planning Authority officials. Prior to the operation, the Authority consulted with other entities to ensure the proper disposal of the material carted away. In parallel to this operation, the PA's direct action team is also clearing out another site in Triq Hal Tarxien, Zejtun. This site was also turned into an illegal scrapyard. In this case, the contravener is co-operating with the instructions and is clearing out the site under the PA's supervision. The Authority draws the attention of the public, that dilapidated vehicles and other similar waste must only be disposed of, in a responsible manner through licensed waste facilities."