Well done to Department of Information director Emanuel Abela (Crowne Plaza Hotel Site, January 10). In the space of a few paragraphs he has given me more information about the proposed plans for The Crowne Plaza site than I have been able to gather from all other sources so far... and rosy it sounds too, so rosy that maybe I should cast all thoughts of ever selling and moving away from here. Indeed I might be mad to do so when "Valhalla" is about to descend on this already over populated Sliema area.

Given all the above and to further re-assure, may I suggest placing a trailer exhibition on site in a prominent position (there's plenty of open space at the moment). Publicise this project well by mailing each individual household in Sliema in advance, as well as advertising it through the media. Display all the proposed plans, development briefs, traffic impact reports, proposals, recommendations, 3D projections etc. Have reading matter to hand, printed/illustrated and written in a way which would be easy for the layman to understand. Have independent informed experts on site to answer any and all questions honestly and further allow space to those for and against this project to put their views/suggestions. This exhibition should run at least a month and public debates to follow and before any final go-ahead is approved.

Similar information including plans should be displayed at the local council's offices. Given the expenditure being bandied about so far the costs of this will be minimal in comparison. This is what happens in any small town in Europe when such a large project is envisaged. Why can't it happen here?