Enjoyment of countryside (1)

I believe Francis Spiteri (Access To All, April 4) misunderstood the gist of my previous letter.

Of course I agree that the countryside should be accessible to all and that illegally cordoned off areas are given back to the public. What I condemn are those individuals who blatantly regard the countryside as free to all.

Regrettably, I've been faced with numerous situations of people jumping over rubble walls, picnicking, camping, damaging and leaving all sorts of litter and even motocross bikes going crazy. One even tried to evict me, but when I finally got hold of the phone to call the police he left.

Mr Spiteri mentioned the "filthy rich" being able to buy land. Well, some years ago more than 800 tumoli of land stretching along some cliffs was sold by a foreigner to local individuals. I've heard that to date they are still trying to evict squatters. I for one, knowing where the land is, will not go there. If anyone wants to go there, it's their problem and at their risk.

Private property is exclusive, with no expectations. Unless one gets lost or really needs to traverse across land which is private, pathways are there to be used. Unfortunately there is private land that includes items of historical interest. In such situations, the government should intervene and at least requisition a path just for public access. I believe that this has already been done in Xemxija, where the imgiebah (apiaries) are found.

I implore to the government to take notice of everyone's concerns. Once proper legislation is ratified, possibly identifying "public" areas and private land, everyone can enjoy the countryside without hindering anyone else.