A holistic plan for Paceville which would include a stronger police presence in the area and spilling localities was this afternoon requested by Labour MPs Michael Falzon and Evarist Bartolo.

Addressing a news conference, Dr Falzon said that it was a well-known fact that police officers were sent to St Julian's as a punishment when they should be motivated to go there.

This was an area, he said, for which officers with special training were needed. Unfortunately, he said, the police were not trained for the specific areas they covered.

He said that this incidents, including this morning's where a man was grievously injured in a fight, showed that the police were being reactive when they needed to be proactive and stronger in their preventative role to help residents feel secure and safe.

Policemen, he said, needed politicians backing.

Mr Bartolo said the different elements, including residents, language schools and entertainment establishments, need not be at a tug of war since ultimately they all wanted the same thing, which was the keeping of law and order.

He pointed out that there were a lack of female police officers on duty in the area.

Mr Bartolo said "we do not need a police state but a balance which would be to the benefit of residents, businesses, entertainment establishments and English language schools".