The NGO Moviment Graffitti has launched a mailing list intended for keeping people updated about action that the organisation said it will take against a controversial hotel development on Comino.

The statement comes the day after the ERA gave the greenlight for environmental works – which includes the removal of over 600 trees and shrubs – to begin, even though the permit for the hotel itself is currently under court appeal.

“Despite Comino’s status as a protected nature reserve, our local authorities have yet again been pandering to commercial interests. Most recently, ERA has yet again failed to ensure the protection of the island’s delicate ecosystem by approving the uprooting of 800 trees and intensive construction works, even as the planning permit is currently under scrutiny following the court’s decision in favour of our appeal,” the NGO said.

The 800 trees claim has been disputed by both Hili Group and the ERA.

“Following last Friday’s shameful ERA board meeting, the public has been swept with rage,” Graffitti said.

“We encourage people to hold on to that anger. It is the only logical reaction to such betrayal by our authorities and they will be facing it sooner or later, especially if Hili Group dares to start works on Comino while their planning permit is being questioned,” the NGO said.

Moviment Graffitti urged the public to sign up to a contact form “to ensure they are notified of future calls for action against Hili Group’s villas and hotel development on Comino” at the following link: https://comino.movimentgraffitti.org/

“By signing up to our Save Comino list, the public will be informed with plans of action once they are organised. Let’s all send a clear message - we will not take this abuse of power lying down!”