The Marsascala Residents Network (MRN) is "up in arms on the issue of the illegal take-up of public spaces by owners/operators of catering establishments" in their town, which it said has reached disproportionate levels this summer.

Citing recent declarations by the Prime Minister and various Cabinet Ministers regarding solutions for this impasse, the MRN also stated how in the past months they have been drawing the attention of concerned authorities (among whom are the Planning Authority, the Lands Authority, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Police, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, and Transport Malta) to the various instances of abuse by various catering establishments. "These outlets are either occupying public spaces illegally, or not abiding by the conditions of the permits issued so far," the MRN said.

"This situation is resulting in instances where pavements, ramps and public spaces are blocked or made unusable by the general public, compromising accessibility and residents' safety, with cases of children being exposed to the passive smoking of patrons of these catering establishments within the confines of Marsascala Bay playground."

The MRN said that it has repeatedly asked for meetings with the respective Ministers responsible for the Lands Authority and the Planning Authority, but to date have received no reply.

"Instead of showing interest and goodwill in curbing these abuses, authorities are instead allowing owners/operators of catering establishments to continue with this illegal take-up of public spaces. Those who abuse of public land are being allowed to apply for sanctioning of these illegalities, without being asked to remove them whilst awaiting a decision to be taken on whether permits can be issued or not."

"This is evident from replies that the MRN has been receiving from the Planning Authority. After several complaints filed about a number of catering establishments abusing public spaces, the Planning Authority representatives confirmed that action might be taken only after a decision is released on the sanctioning applications filed by the owners/operators of these same catering establishments."

The MRN feels that it is unacceptable that rights of residents, young and old, are being blatantly abused. "Responsible Ministers, and relevant authorities and entities are expected to ensure that guidelines, regulations and civic principles are safeguarded. Instead, this drastic situation is being completely disregarded." To this end, the MRN insists that these abuses are stopped at once, and that respect towards residents and visitors of Marsascala is duly restored.

Furthermore, the resident group is encouraging residents who wish to live in a village that respects principles of justice and accessibility, "to put pressure on Local Council members, so that as expected, these elected members safeguard the rights of residents."

"Complaints can be sent to any one of the relevant authorities (amongst which the Planning Authority, the Lands Authority, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Police, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, and Transport Malta). It is important that any reported irregularity and/or lack of accessibility due to these abuses, includes date, name of establishment and street, accompanied by photographic evidence."