On the Dot

• Jesmond Bugeja has taken the plea for the return of de Valete’s sword, often made in these columns, to a social site (Facebook). One hopes that, sooner rather than later, this issue is taken up at diplomatic level. At a time when pillaged treasures are being returned to their country of origin, it is only natural for this to be expected by the Maltese public.

Subscriptions

• The Arriva bus service appears to be getting better as time goes by. What could improve relations with the public is the introduction of a new fare; one that covers only one-way trips. Many people manage to get a lift to wherever they are going or back home. This means that half their ticket would actually have been bought for nothing.

Serious

• Many weeks ago, a huge gap and a smaller one were created in the pavement of Fleur de Lys Road, across the street from the Bank of Valletta offices in Santa Venera. To date, whatever is supposed to be there has not been placed. Since cars park all along the kerb, people are forced to take to the busy street to negotiate that stretch.

Severity

• The hot weather and the consumption of alcohol, as well as the high spirits induced by places of entertainment, are not exactly conducive to good behaviour. As a result, we have it on record that violent incidents in Paceville happen very frequently. It is not relevant whether the persons involved are Maltese or foreign; the fact remains that more heavy-handed methods of control must be used if this is to stop.

Subsidence

• It has been unequivocally proven that works on the Nadur burial grounds have gone way beyond the original plans submitted and the permits issued. It is being stated that a part of the damage wrought is irrevocable. One wonders whether any compensation is due to those who have suffered from the tainting of the water table, should tests establish water pollution.

Shuttles

• Despite the fact that many people complain that the public transport system does not meet their needs, the home-to-work shuttle service may be forced to reassess. One wonders whether the venture would have had more success had it involved mustering points at housing estates and at neighbourhoods where there are a lot of residents, who would surely have welcomed it. Indeed, in several places where there are many residences, people would appreciate at least one morning trip and perhaps a late afternoon one.

Shut

• It is good that Spinola Gardens in St Julians are closed in the evenings. However, does it make sense to close them as early as 6.30 p.m. in summer when it is very difficult to utilise it throughout the day because of the heat? Closing it a couple of hours later would make more sense.

Flimsy

• Someone has finally seen it fit to erect a shelter for 10 karrozzini horse at Valletta Waterfront. And, yet, at several other mustering points for these horse-drawn cabs, the situation remains as bad as it ever was. Coach-drivers rest and mop their heads with wet towels. Horses, meanwhile, despite promises, remain untended and standing for long hours. When all is said and done, a hot, tired horse will not be up to giving his best, anyway.

Fervour

• During the summer months, many people who keep rabbits and other animals at home tend to leave shed doors open because of the heat. This means that, unless the animals are kept in pristine conditions, the stench tends to linger in the air, annoying neighbours. This is unfair.

Fringes

• It is ironic that much ado is being made about the fact that hawkers are not pleased with having to restrict their stalls to within a definite space. Alas, the same measures are not taken when it comes to bars and restaurants, some of which encroach on public land in order to have more seating space for their clientele. Why are the same rules not applicable to both business sectors?

Falling

• The same may be said for owners of beach concessions who assume that they own stretches of beach from their establishment to the shoreline. Why is it that they are allowed to close off the bay in a straight line so that people have to walk up to the street because they cannot negotiate the water’s edge since a part of it is no go for them?

Favouritism

• When dogs were precluded from swimming in certain stretches of beach, the hackles of pet-owners were raised, whereas certain bathers appeared to relish the idea. For some weird reason, it was assumed that only dogs were taken for exercise on beaches and in the sea. What about all those horse trainers and owners who know that exercising in water is good for their steeds? Many of them still take their animals for a dip in beaches that are used by the public.

Frustrating

• The central government has recently completed the exercise of installing a pavement in the lower section of the steep St Anthony Street, Sliema. This is greatly appreciated by residents and visitors who use this area on a regular basis. Ironically, however, pedestrians and people using wheelchairs or perambulators, are having problems because vehicles are being allowed to park on the pavement. Double yellow lines need to be painted at the kerb as soon as possible to remind selfish drivers of their responsibilities.

Failure

• Trees in Ta’ Xbiex have been left to deteriorate to the extent that they are dropping leaves and ripe fruit, which gets squashed on the pavements and streets in the area, making the area look untidy. Moreover, the streets are not being swept often and so the whole place looks forgotten.