Valletta square trees to be relocated

Trees offering a patch of shade during hot summer days in St George's Square, Valletta will be removed as part of the embellishment project that will involve the complete repaving of the place.

The Ficus Benjamina, which line the side of the square opposite the Palace and date back to just after World War II, will be replanted at the Ta' Qali National Park, a Rural Affairs Ministry spokesman said. This condition was imposed by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority after it was decided to remove the trees because, according to the spokesman, their roots tend to spread, damaging both the paving and the tunnelling system under the square.

The trees will be replaced with a number of potted decorative trees.