Access to Il-Munxar (1)

Il-Munxar in Marsascala is one of the south's and indeed all of Malta's unique sights - the white cliffs are reminiscent of the White Cliffs of Dover. The promontory also features inlets and coves, frequented by bathers, anglers, and the like, and people stroll along the cliff-edge pathway as there is a breathtaking view. The track is also very popular with cyclists as it is the highlight of a route leading to Delimara Point.

But according to Mr Michael Attard it seems that access to the entire headland has been closed off. The gate restricting vehicular access but with an appositely designed open "walkaround", has had this "walkaround" definitively closed.

It may be true that the entire area is private property. However, the foreshore is not, as far as I am aware, or at least, the law provides for public access. How can one now access the foreshore if not by boat?

Secondly, the area even features a little sandy beach. Is it legal for anyone to deny access to a beach?

Thirdly, people have been using the pathway for years; I have been using it for some 25 years. Undoubtedly others will count far more. Do we not have any rights to continue using this pathway?

In the UK, for one, any pathway open to the public, even on private land, and used for a number of years, may continue to be used and access may not be restricted in any way - the public gains inviolable rights of way. No private landowner is exempt. Even Madonna has had clashes with the public using such pathways on her private estate, clashes which unfortunately involve paparazzi and the like, and not genuine ramblers.

We live a relatively hectic lifestyle on a small rock. People relieve the stresses of everyday life by seeking the few remaining truly open and unspoilt areas. Yet plans for golf courses, villa developments and the like are now compounded by "developments" such as these restrictions on access to entire peninsulas, and are, counter to the trend and necessity, reducing the public's access.

In many ways we are reverting to the Eighties when our countryside was under continuous threat, with no let-up. The only difference is that now, those responsible are finding ways to legitimise such activities, either by claims of private ownership, "public interest", etc.

This situation is unacceptable and something must be done. A sector of the population feels very strongly about this. They are not the type to make noisy, or even worse, violent protests, unlike some other sectors often defending self-interests. But they know full well when their opinion can be made to count.