Successful pilot project at Marsascala

I refer to my letter entitled Setting The Record Straight (September 16) and the editorial note attached to it.

I confirm that the Marsascala Shops Association gave its feedback to mayor Mario Calleja who was fundamental in the success of the pilot project.

I appreciate the comments on timesofmalta.com but it seems that there is some misconception.

The pilot project's aim was to see the impact on the business in Marina Street, the issues with traffic management and to render Marina Street more commutable.

We are aware of the difficulties and, as we stated on various occasions, the pedestrianisation cannot be a measure on its own.

The extensive document prepared by our association also addresses the interests of the residents of St Anne Street and proposed an alternative traffic management system. In this manner, there would be no impact on St Anne Street residents.

The discussion document was made public in the conference on Marsascala last November.

It takes also into consideration the residents and commercial establishments in other areas such as Triq is-Salini and Triq il-Gardiel.

A copy of the document can be obtained by sending a request on info@marsaskala.org or by posting a request on www.marsaskala.org.

The pilot project needs to be interpreted within the scope of a holistic approach to Marsascala as presented in the document. The association itself has pointed out that the pedestrianisation of Marina Street on its own is not enough.

Keeping the above in mind and the contents of the document in question, we do agree that the pilot project was a great success.

I would like also to take the opportunity to thank the Ministry for Tourism and the local council for endorsing the association's long term vision.