Marsa track

I refer to the letter by Joe Cortis (Athletes' Hurdles at Marsa Track, November 15) and offer the following information both for his benefit and the benefit of all users of the Marsa track.

The Matthew Micallef St John Athletic Track is used by both athletes of various sports and members of the public who exercise to keep fit and healthy. It is, after all, a national athletic track. The athletes are usually undergoing a physical exercise programme, while third parties are exercising individually. However, such activities do not include the playing of football, volleyball, rugby or basketball on the track, as stated in Mr Cortis's letter.

Regarding the Marsa Sports Complex car park, the scheduled works established as the first phase were completed at the end of 2004 and certified by the architect in charge. Earlier on this year, the Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport (KMS) had issued a call for tenders for the provision of the electrical supply to the car park in order to ensure adequate lighting, which would provide a safe and user-friendly environment. Once the electrical works are carried out, the car park will be painted accordingly and the KMS will proceed with a decision on the operational management of the car park. As one can see, this is a far cry from being "abandoned".

The complex is serviced by one attendant after 4.30 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily. No reports were passed on to the facility manager relating to a group of children and adults playing football on the track and, in addition, no dustbins were reported damaged in the week referred to in Mr Cortis's letter.

As Mr Cortis uses the track regularly, may I suggest that he reports any misconduct directly to the attendant on duty on the day of the incident.