Ramblers back call for walkways access

Environment Minister George Pullicino's comments on the need to reclaim countryside walkways for public use has been seen as a "breath of fresh air" by the Ramblers' Association.

In a recent interview, Mr Pullicino said "the public must have access to walk on the land used by hunters and trappers" and that "the country needs to reclaim walkways".

Lino Bugeja, the association's president, said that although the association's concern should not exclusively be directed at hunters and trappers, at least the minister had shown that he was fully aware of the unauthorised closure of paths, walkways and the foreshore.

Mr Bugeja said Mr Pullicino did not mince words when he blamed the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for this state of affairs.

The association president lamented that this extremely expensive watchdog has failed to deliver in this regard and said the association was willing to offer its services voluntarily to Mepa when and if required.