Danger from fireworks barge

George Debono (Torture By Petards, August 23) is quite right to complain about the noise from the fireworks let off from a barge right in the middle of the bay in St Julians during the two feasts of Tal-Karmnu and Stella Maris. But I want to go further.

We shall very soon have the feasts of St Gregory and St Julians and a barge (which seems to be bigger than the one used previously) is lying right in the middle of Balluta/St Julians Bay very close to the shore, in front of a big hotel and the Independence Gardens, which have now become very popular with families and strollers. Apart from the inconvenience of the bangs produced up to a very late hour, there is the element of danger involved. An accident with the explosives would threaten people and buildings in the surrounding area. A few weeks ago we had an example in the Grand Harbour when explosives on a barge blew up.

I appeal to those responsible to order the removal of this barge from its present location and to put it out at sea a safe distance from the shore and not just leave it in the middle of Balluta/St Julians Bay.

The elderly and the sick should be respected as well, so please leave us in peace and quiet. Down with the noise, bangs and torture produced by certain types of fireworks.