Felling of Aleppo Pines

I am astounded and sickened by the news of the destruction of the Aleppo Pines on Mdina Road and am certainly not alone in experiencing the revulsion that an organisation which exists to protect our environment should deliberately allow such a despicable and philistine action.

Unfortunately it is a destructive action among many which receive Mepa's blessings almost daily. Mepa will no doubt say that the law allowed the felling of these beautiful trees, though I don't believe that a mere two days of public notice are sanctioned by law. Even if this were the case I would have thought that the sense of aesthetics should revolt against it and prompt Mepa to press for changes to these laws which do not serve the well-being of the Maltese people. Nowhere else in Europe would the uprooting of ancient protected trees be allowed and Mepa has allowed it in order to make way for a petrol station?

When is Mepa going to cease to co-operate and collude with the developers and stand unequivocally by its remit to protect Malta's environment?

It is true that the environmental organisations do not make and create money and give privileges; the actions they advocate will not produce the proverbial "fast buck" but will ultimately support the real employment providers like tourism and high-tech industry which requires the clean air and healthy atmosphere that the Maltese public deserves. They are committed to preserving what is left of our natural environment. Is not Mepa supposed to stand by these same principles?