Call for withdrawal of fireworks permit

A Kalkara resident and a company that runs a neighbouring scrap yard filed a judicial protest requesting the Police Commissioner to withdraw a permit allowing fireworks to be launched from nearby fields.

Lawrence Attard, a Kalkara resident, and ELA Ltd filed the judicial protest in the First Hall of the Civil Court against the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General.

They said that last July, the Police Commissioner granted a permit allowing fireworks to be launched from fields neighbouring Mr Attard's house and the scrap yard that was run by the company. This was on the occasion of St Joseph's feast in Kalkara.

Last July 15, firework fragments fell in the scrap yard and caused a fire. Thousand of liri of damage was caused to the scrap yard and to Mr Attard's residence. Mr Attard and ELA were also informed that the police had investigated the fire.

Although the Police Commissioner was aware of the hazard that fireworks in the area caused, he had again issued a permit allowing the fireworks to be launched from the same fields.

The resident and the company called on the Police Commissioner to immediately withdraw the permit and ensure their safety and that of their property. They held him liable in any damages they may suffer.

Lawyer Phyllis Farrugia signed the protest.