Aim to make St George's Bay first Blue Flag beach

Alternattiva Demokratika has reiterated its call on the government to enforce the law and clamp down on operators who occupy the best spots on Malta's most popular beaches with umbrellas and sunbeds.

Addressing a press conference at St George's Bay in St Julian's, AD chairman Harry Vassallo said that the replenishment of St George's Bay was a step in the right direction, "but authorities should ensure that access to the beach is not hindered in any way.

"Here in St George's Bay the placing of sundecks on the sandy beach through a lease will reduce the accessibility to the public and the authorities must ensure that deckchairs are only put out on demand."

AD environment spokesman Mark Causon said there was a clear danger that this move may lead to other beaches being revamped through government funds and then given to private companies to run which would mean limiting accessibility to people.

"AD insists that beach furniture should only be available when requested by the client and no area of our beaches should be occupied by any kiosk or beach establishment."

Dr Vassallo said AD was launching its free beaches campaign at St George's Bay beach because it disagreed that such a project which was made for the people was now being partially taken over by private enterprise.

"From past experience, it is evident that beach concessions intrude on the beaches and deprive people the right to swim and sunbathe freely as large areas are taken up by private enterprise. The public will not have to pay to use the beach but kiosk operators should only place beach gear on the sand when a client requests it."

Dr Vassallo highlighted the problem that many times instead of laying down the furniture on request, kiosk operators place a considerable number of beach furniture on the sand early in the morning ready for hiring, taking up most of the front part of the sandy beach.

"The Maltese coastline is too limited for the authorities to allow the development of exclusive and private beaches. Legally the public has a right to access the first ten metres of the foreshore. AD will continue to insist that access to all beaches should remain free," he said.

Meanwhile, Nature Trust said it had met with Ian Decesare of the Eden Leisure Group who told them that his group was being given the management of St George's Bay beach by the authorities.

"It was explained that the sandy beach would remain open to the public free of charge and the public would be allowed to get their own umbrellas, etc. It is the intention of the beach managers to provide full facilities to the public, such as showers and toilets." Mr Decesare explained that their aim was to get Blue Flag status for St George's Beach.

Nature Trust thanked Mr Decesare for the clarification and said it looks forward to St George's Bay making it as the first Blue Flag beach in Malta.