Sliema local council's rights and duties

The Sliema local council wishes to clarify matters in relation to the news item entitled Two Firms Accuse Sliema Council Of Making Illegal Demands (February 11).

The council categorically denies that it is acting in any way whatsoever contrary, or in breach, of the law.

The law clearly states that whoever intends to deposit building material or other material or objects in any street must first seek authorisation from the local council. Any such permit will be accompanied by a fee as specified by the law. The amount being levied in this particular case is in conformity with the relative law.

As to the bank guarantee mentioned by the developers, the council points out that it is its duty to provide for the upkeep and maintenance of all streets within the locality.

In line with this duty, it is the council's practice to seek indemnification from developers against potential damage to the street around the site being developed.

The bank guarantee is precisely this indemnification - a measure taken to safeguard the locality and residents at large. A measure that ought to be commended rather than criticised.

Insofar as the director of local government's so-called ruling, unfortunately the director hastily acted upon the information given by the two developers without consulting the council. The two developers' permit pre-dates the law that was referred to by the director and therefore, in this particular case, is not applicable.

The developers' permit from Mepa does not include any bank guarantee covering potential damage to the street near the development site.

Therefore the council's decision is more than justifiable, legitimate and legal.