Horses' owner evicted from illegal stables

The owner of 10 horses was yesterday evicted from a plot of public land in San Ġwann, which he turned into private stables.

Land Department employees started demolishing the wooden stables and a number of small rooms in the morning. The horses' owner had been served with an eviction notice in early May after the Land Department was informed he was illegally occupying government property, a department spokesman said.

The man refused to move his animals and, in fact, was surprised when the enforcement officials turned up yesterday. He claimed he had a permit to use the land but it was soon established that it was not the case, the spokesman said.

The plot of land, situated in Naxxar Road, was used to keep 10 horses.

He moved the animals elsewhere and officials from the Works Department confiscated garden furniture, including chairs and tables, and demolished the structures. Because civil servants are on half-days, they will continue with their work today.