Crime and vandalism

I am writing with regard to the rampant theft and vandalism occurring in the Wied Blandun/Ghajn Dwieli area.

Over the past few days at least nine vehicles have had their windows smashed and their car stereo stolen... this has occurred with such an alarming frequency that no one is daring to park in Wied Blandun Road.

This is exacerbating the already atrocious parking problem in Ghajn Dwieli Road (a parking situation which is not helped at all by the fact that an auto trader takes up a good four to five parking spots year round).

Apart from this, the entire area has been unkept for ages. Heroin abuse is rampant in the valley itself and residents cannot go for a walk there without finding used and discarded needles lying about. All the benches along the valley have been damaged and destroyed, the public dust bins removed and burned out light bulbs have never been replaced.

It is a known haven for crime - and, unfortunately, neither the local council nor the Paola police have done their fair share to at least control the situation.

I understand that I do not live in a northern locality - so I cannot expect to have a well lit promenade or any other embellishment project started in this area - however will the residents of this no man's land between Paola, Cospicua and Fgura ever have their peace of mind back?