Marsascala market proposals

I refer to the letter entitled Support To Marsascala Mayor (August 23). The Assocjazzjoni tal-Hwienet ta' Wied il-Ghajn, which represents approximately 80 establishments, disassociates itself categorically from the statement regarding mayor Mario Calleja and Josie Muscat. If, and we repeat if, any individual owner expressed himself in the way described in the aforementioned statement, s/he did that in his personal capacity.

The Marsascala market issue has arrived at a stage which may be considered nothing but a farce. Various councillors are trying to use the Assocjazzjoni tal-Hwienet ta' Wied il-Ghajn and/or individual shop owners to make their own party political propaganda. The association was never involved and will never be involved in local council politics.

The association was very clear in its proposals to the government, to the Malta Labour Party and to the local council. It had given examples of the type of market with a theme or characteristic that it envisaged. In order to ensure there are no misunderstandings the association had given specific examples in other countries and had also mentioned the antiques and arts market. The association will support any feasible and sustainable activity that respects and enhances the characteristics of Marsascala. The association is against short-term solutions that jeopardise the long-term plans described in the discussion document.

The association calls on the mayor and on the Marsascala local councillors to resolve the issue immediately through face to face discussion. It would be more beneficial to utilise one's time in a better manner for the economic regeneration of Marsascala as described in the association's discussion document. The association has seen no action in this respect by this local council and begs the council to concentrate on critical matters.