The people of Gharb voted today against having more fireworks factories in their locality.

A consultative referendum called by the local council in the wake of last September's fireworks tragedy found 60 per cent of voters against the granting of new permits, while 40% were in favour, the Mayor said.

The official result still has to be published.

491 people cast their vote.

Mayor David Apap said that while there were some 1,200 registered voters, turnout at elections in Gharb was usually about 800. The remaining registered voters do not ordinarily live in Gharb.

The referendum was called after six people died in a massive blast in a fireworks factory near Gharb on September 5.

The voters in the village were asked whether new fireworks factories should be allowed. The council had said when the referendum was announced that it was seeking the view of the residents in view of the fact that several members of the council had conflicts of interest and could not therefore decide on new applications for fireworks factories.

There is currently one pending application for a new fireworks factory - submitted by a group of Gharb residents.

The Mayor said the vote would now be discussed in the council and presented to the authorities and it was hoped that the people's will would be respected.