The Times (January 8) reported that, in reference to Auberge de Castille, "a spokesman for the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs said that the façade of the building and its sides of Merchants' and St Paul streets will be cleaned-up in the coming months". This is an incredible statement. The façade of the Auberge needs a thorough conservation programme.

Some years back, when I was in charge of the Valletta Rehabilitation Project, I wrote a detailed report to point out the damage that was done to the façade when certain structural changes were carried out, primarily when the façade was literally "cut" to put in an anti-humidity system (the remains of which are very visible on the façade) and when new internal openings were made for doors and intermediate floors.

These interventions resulted in parts of the façade seriously leaning forward as well as cracks in the masonry. The façade also has some serious masonry deterioration. Instead of action being taken to stop this deterioration and structural problems I was, as often happens, threatened with disciplinary action for even making these remarks!

The façade of the Auberge, as can be seen by the attached photo, is in a very bad state of conservation. The façade should not be cleaned. It needs a very strong restoration intervention.