Updated: Illegal rooms demolished

A number of rooms built illegally near Torri l-Abjad in Armier over the past few years were demolished this morning in an action coordinated by Mepa and the Lands Department.

The authority also removed a number of white goods and furniture that were found in the illegal rooms that were also used for recreational trapping activities. The site, which is within the buffer zone of the scheduled Torri L-Abjad and military battery, is a special area of conservation and an area of ecological importance.

The action came a day before the Lands Department formally hands over Torri l-Abjad to Mellieha local council.

The transfer of the tower will mark the opening of Iljieli Melliehin, a three day festival of arts and culture in the streets of Mellieha between Friday and Sunday.

The demolition of rooms is expected to continue in the coming days, a Lands Department spokesman said.