Lija tower controversy: Councils urged to collaborate in defence of heritage

Kirkop local council has backed the efforts of Lija council which is campaigning against the building of a four-storey apartment block just 20 metres away from the historic Gourgon belveder tower on Transfiguration Avenue.

"The time has come for Malta's towns and villages to collaborate more closely together in order to protect the characteristics of out village cores," Kirkop Mayor Mario Salerno said.

He also insisted that local councils should have a place in the proposed reform of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa).

Lija local council has formally filed an appeal with Mepa against the approved development which, it is feared, will overshadow the tower.

The tower was built in 1857.