Betting shop in heart of Senglea 'contravenes urban conservation areas policy' - FAA
The site of the proposed gaming shop in Senglea.
Environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar said today it was supporting the view of a number of Senglea residents that a proposed betting shop/gaming hall in the heart of the city should not be granted a permit.
An application for the betting shop to be set up in a palazzo on Senglea's main road is due to be discussed by Mepa tomorrow.
"One month ago, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of Cottonera Forum and some local residents objected to this application at Mepa on the grounds that it contravenes the guidelines as to what commercial outlets are allowed in urban conservation areas and due to the fact that it does not enhance the quality of life of residents in this city.
"Efforts to improve the social fabric of Cottonera are beginning to bear fruit and the future could be a bright one if cultural tourism were to be developed to the benefit of the residents...allowing this application for a gaming room in an old historical building would open the doors to many others and would effectively nullify all the official policies and programmes related to social regeneration and the upgrading of Urban Conservation Areas," the FAA said.
"Gaming rooms are contrary to the promotion of good neighbourliness inherent in the Grand Harbour Local Plan which encourages small-scale retail space in or order to keep our towns and villages alive. The change of use from class 4 shop into a class 9 gambling hall would represent a loss of retail shopping space and thus be contrary to policy GL18 of the area plan for Senglea."
The society argued that research showed that slot-machine establishments did not target those with disposable incomes but rather those who could not afford to waste their income.
FAA noted that in Cospicua, the Mayor had been able to stop six applications for gaming rooms in his city. However Senglea Local Council appeared to have failed to take an active role in this matter. It was hoped that this council would be present to protect the community's interests at the Mepa hearing tomorrow.
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Nathaniel Caruana
Apr 18th 2012, 21:42
Ahna F'pajjiz Demoktratiku jew le qeghdin nghixu?.. jekk jien irrid immur nilghab hawn xi hadd jista jindahali?..
Min Irid jilghab, jilghab ghax irid hu.. Nimmagina li ahjar hekk milli ikunu f'xi kazin tal-banda b'balla tfal iduru maghhom.. Kunu reali!
Peter Scott
Apr 17th 2012, 13:51
The evidence is overwhelming that slot parlours are economically and socially damaging . Because of the money they siphon out, US research suggests that each slot machine causes a permanent loss of one job in a community. Up to half of all slot machine revenue comes from problem or addicted gamblers whose losses often lead to financial and health problems, family breakdown, other addictions and crime.The costs of these problems are estimated to be three times any economic benefits. Gambling can be a harmless diversion for the better off, but the potential customers in the Cottonera are not rich yachties but poor people whose lives will be made worse by the proximity of slot machines.
Giovanni Carmelo aka John Carmel Navarro
Apr 17th 2012, 10:06
If the reported statement is correct that Cospicua Council has objected to this issue and Senglea’s Council is sitting on the fence then yes us Sengleani feel much cheated by those who very recently were elected to speak and look after our interest? I implore the Mayor Justin Camilleri and all the other Councillors to support us residents otherwise sadly the term of office they have just been elected to serve is just going to denigrate their standing in our Community.
joanne pace
Apr 17th 2012, 10:00
While Caritas do their best to help these poor Gamblers,and in the South there are many,the Government gives licenses for more betting shops to open.Shame and Shame.
Thomas C. Cassar
Apr 17th 2012, 08:48
Ghaliex dawn il-postijiet qed jifthu f'postijiet fejn l-aktar hemm l-aktar problemi socjali u nies b'xi vizzju? JInfethu galore f'postijiet bhal Kottonera, Hamrun, Belt, Zabbar etc pero ma jifthulekx f'lokalitajiet ohra, hemmekk il-kwartieri jifthu u l-ufficini. Nispera juru rieda tajba u jimpjegaw ukoll nies mil-Kottonera maghhom, mhux biex jehdulna l-flus mil-but u jsallbu lil min diga msallab isibuna.
A.F. Busuttil
Apr 17th 2012, 08:38
Prosit lis Sindku ta Bormla. Ma jistax ikun li dan il post li bghata tant bid dockyard issa se jkun mifni bil gaming shops. Fejn huma il pampaluni ta Bormlizi li tant iriduha. Nitlob lis Sindku li meta jhoss jghajjat lill Bormlizi ahna kollha warajh u nipprotestew kif ghamlu San Giljan.
Joe Grech
Apr 17th 2012, 01:30
This administration will surely go down in history as the one which turned Malta into one gambling den. Many people are being ruined as a result. The most vulnerable are the ones at greatest risk. And our administrators keep declaring that they have the welfare of the Maltese family very much to heart....they should hide their heads in shame. Surely even their closest relations no longer believe them. Even the Church keeps mum about this irresponsible situation....The actual facts show that the social fabric of our society is being rent apart indiscriminately as a result of insensitive and irresponsible administrators who keep putting party interests before all else.
Caroline Said
Apr 17th 2012, 00:26
I find it very odd that in a country where so much outrage was expressed over divorce being introduced, arguing that it is a harbinger of the break-up of traditional values, and where huge debates raged about supposed pornography literature in campus publications as well at theatre productions (wasnt it "Stitched" that was banned?), nonetheless when it comes to gambling, the punters of maintaining traditional values fall silent. If this permit passes in spite of it contravening MEPA's own regulations then why doesnt MEPA just scrap this facade of regulating the gambling industry and let them set up gaming rooms wherever they like.
Carmel Vella
Apr 16th 2012, 23:00
To: Astrid Vella
The government should NOT have any rights whatsoever to tell a private individual or entity who owns property what he can do with his property, unless it's an illegal; business, or a very dangerous business , such as fireworks manufacturing. GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO STAY OUT OF BUSINESS.
Anthony Grech
Apr 16th 2012, 22:20
Fejn huma l-priedki ta' dari dwar il-mishut vizzju tal loghob?
j brincat
Apr 16th 2012, 21:47
Jonathan Caruana
"If I want to gamble let me gamble.I want to lose all my money and I don' want anyone to inherit them. I' ve never gambled my family.I gamble online, in the clubs...everywhere. Let me do whatever I like.It's my country. it's a free country.This is Malta not a Muslim extremist country"
Do you mean so that we can boast that we live in a banana republic?
(jb).
j brincat
Apr 16th 2012, 21:34
@Carmel Vella
"Is this property owned by a private person or group, or is it owned by a government/taxpayer entity? If private, the owner should be left alone to attend to his own business"
Are you for real?
What has it got to do whether the property is private owned (as most probable is the case) or government owned?
So, according to you any private owner of a property can do what he/she deems fit as long as it is 'legal business' And what is your definition of a legal business?
U hallina!
(jb)
Victor Laiviera
Apr 16th 2012, 21:25
On a related note, Maltco should be made to cap Super 5 prizes.
This week it will be €700,000 - ask any shopkeeper and he will tell you that sales of foodstuffs and other essential items will drop sharply ....
Alex Ciantar
Apr 16th 2012, 20:56
After the betting shops what's next? a mini soho? that's all we need! Cottonera has enough problems as it is so keep gambling shops away from it!!
M. Mizzi
Apr 16th 2012, 20:44
I still cant understand all the fuss that Senglea Mayor is doing about this. Gaming establishments are heavily regulated by the LGA and approval is only given under very strict conditions. If I were Mr Mayor who seems to be against gaming please take a deep look at the many hidden slot machines located around Malta including Senglea! Start putting pressure to find a close down this illegal chaos as those are destructing families not legal gaming shops.
Guza Zammit
Apr 16th 2012, 20:38
Is this a joke? We should either ban betting shops altogether or not continue with such a farce that such activity "does not enhance the quality of life of the residents".
With the same argument why don't we ban bars because it induces people to drink alcohol? why dont we close confectioneries as they may lead to increase in overweight problems? why do we keep doing feasts in every city or village, as it will lead people drink more alcohol and sometimes lead to an occasional fight?
I am from that part of the island and the demeaning argument put forward is an insult to the intelligence to all Senglea Residents. It would have been better to bring about the argument that such a shop may lead to a reduction in the property value of the neighbouring houses.
With the same argument, shall we presume that the licence given to the Casino the Venezia be revoked? As I am pretty sure that the proposed betting show is much smaller than that gaming bliss which is found just 15 minute walk away or 3 minutes by boat!
S. Azzopardi
Apr 16th 2012, 20:28
I sincerely hope that the local councill does all that it can to stop this application. Gambling is a wound that has been allowed to fester for far too long.
Jonathan Caruana
Apr 16th 2012, 20:28
Jahasra kemm ghandkom mohhkom maghluq hawn 4 minnkom.Hallu lil kulhadd jaghmel li jrid mohhkom fil-hmerijiet.Hawn minnkom lanqas intom mill-kottonera u lanqas Maltin.Kif qed tikolkom qalbkom issa ghan-nies tal-kottonera?B' hekk qatt ma nimxu 'l quddiem dal-pajjiz.Ghax kulhadd mohhu f' kulhadd.Ghixu hajjitkom u hallu lil haddiehor jghix hajtu.Mohhkom fin-nies.Mid-dehra hawn xi barranin jghixu hawn li ghax sinjuri jaghmlu kullimkien taghhom hawn, minghalihom.Malta taghna, ma joghgobkomx morru ghoddu fluskom go pajjizkom.
Jonathan Caruana
Apr 16th 2012, 20:23
Did the Vittoriosa council put any pressure on Mepa in granting permit to the Casino di Venezia to operate?
Francis Attard
Apr 16th 2012, 19:52
Dawn il-"Betting Shops" ghandhom jispiccaw minn kullimkien, darba ghal dejjem, ghaliex qieghdin jirrovinaw hafna familji.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 17th 2012, 06:30
U l-hwienet tal-lottu x'jaghmlu, sur Attard?
Jien naqbel mieghek - imma nghidlek wahda: JIEN qatt ma dhalt go 'betting shop' wiehed. Mela, mhux huma li 'jirrovinaw hafna familji' imma min hu injurant u min irid jirrovina l-familja, jirrovinaha, u ma noqghodux nilghabu u nduru mal-lewza. Ejja nghidu l-affarijiet kif inhuma.Hafna affarijiet 'jirrovinaw il-familji' - inti trid tkun biex toqghod attent u tara li ma tmurx mal-hazin.
Imma naqbel li ghandna noqghodu attenti fejn inhallu dawn l-'outlets' jifthu.
Jonathan Caruana
Apr 16th 2012, 19:50
If I want to gamble let me gamble.I want to lose all my money and I don' want anyone to inherit them. I' ve never gambled my family.I gamble online, in the clubs...everywhere. Let me do whatever I like.It's my country. it's a free country.This is Malta not a Muslim extremist country.
Astrid Vella
Apr 16th 2012, 19:59
Jonathan, your argument is completely off the point. No one is blocking individuals from gambling, harmful though that is. We are simply saying that operators of gambling shops have to obey the laws and regulations, including MEPA regulations of what is allowed in Urban Conservation Areas.
Don't these unscrupulous characters do enough damage without letting them wreck our villages illegally as well? Or are you saying they're above the law?
Eddy Privitera
Apr 16th 2012, 20:44
Jonathan, if you want to gamble, go to one of the casinos. But I suppose that if you lose all your money in gambling, you might end up committing a crime to get the money to feed yourself or to continue gambling, which can be a worse drug than some of the drugs we know ! And so you will become a threat to society, as well as a financial burden ! Government is there to protect society. And gambling outlets in our villages and towns are a real threat to society in general.
Corin Moss
Apr 16th 2012, 20:52
Dear Jonathan,
Freedom is indeed a beautiful and hard won facet of the gem that is our civilisation, however that freedom extends to the freedom of residents to reside "at peace" in their chosen domicile.
A "development" such as this threatens this core freedom. The tacit approval of such gambling establishments represents the tyranny of the state against its citizens (in this case, the residents of Senglea) - robbing their right to peaceful enjoyment.
Any proponent of the freedom expounded by John Stuart Mill in "On Liberty" (and I presume by your writing that you are a well read student of Mill) should be familiar with the complex analysis of this exact problem contained within his work. If perhaps you are a little hazy on his arguments, you could try reading Chapter 5, which specifically discussed gambling houses.
In short, I agree with you Jonathan - let us promote freedom - the freedom of the good people of Senglea to be rid of the specter of gambling and all of the well documented problems it brings! The freedom of the people of Senglea to raise their children in a healthy, civilised neighbourhood, free of the all too obvious scars left by such an establishment.
Jean-Pierre Aquilina
Apr 16th 2012, 21:46
Can I give you my bank account number? I could do with some extra cash.
Michel Ellul
Apr 16th 2012, 22:20
You wrote it Mr Caruana, it's a free country and you are free to go to Las Vegas if you are so much into gambling.
There are already social problems due to gambling habits and yes if this so called 'Hall' will further contribute to these social problems, then it should be stopped at once!
Manuel Mangani
Apr 16th 2012, 19:43
It is extremely worrying that neither the Lotteries and Gaming Authority nor MEPA take social considerations into account when they issue licences and permits respectively to gambling companies to operate in our towns and villages.
The authorities appear to be labouring under the delusion that simply because they have issued a number of regulations - some of which will have a relatively minor positive effect - governing gambling parlours, they have done enough to prevent the proliferation of problems. They are very wrong.
There is a direct connection between the opportunity to gamble and the number of gamlbing problems within a given community. Only by restricting the number of parlours to a truly small number can we hope to limit the number of cases of pathological gambling which will inevitably ensue among those who will frequent these gambling parlours.
http://manuelsmumblings.blogspot.com/2011/12/gambling-on-societys-future.html
Jonathan Caruana
Apr 16th 2012, 19:40
Min m'ghandux dnub igara l-ewwel gebla!
Manuel Mangani
Apr 16th 2012, 19:51
Whose decisions? The decision to grant permission to thegambling dens' owners to set up shop once again, does not appear to carry the approval of the Maltese people.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 17th 2012, 06:28
@ Manuel Mangani: I am against these gambling parlours, but if you don't want them around, you also have to close down the hwienet tal-lottu.
Jonathan Caruana
Apr 16th 2012, 19:38
Those who don't like our decisions can go back to their respective countries. Some of you whining here are not even Maltese. If you don't like our decisions, leave.
S. Azzopardi
Apr 16th 2012, 20:25
I am Maltese and I don't agree. Wanting to open betting shops in areas where it is known that gambling is already causing a lot of problems means literally wanting to use these social problems for personal profit.
Ms Xaxa Caruana
Apr 17th 2012, 09:18
@Jonathan Caruana
'Those who don't like our decisions can go back to their respective countries. Some of you whining here are not even Maltese. If you don't like our decisions, leave.'
And tell me what should Senglea family's do? Leave their homes too cause you say so? If this permit is given at the end of the day Sengela people will suffer and not foreigners.
Sengla Local Counsil, please NOTE!!!
Gustav Svensson
Apr 16th 2012, 19:37
Double morals anyone?? Of course there must be betting shops in Malta since Malta now is a online gambling hub.
Manuel Mangani
Apr 16th 2012, 19:47
Online gambling produces casualties among punters, no doubt about it. Gambling parlours wreak even greater psychological and social havoc and are accessible even to those who are computer-illiterate.
A. Borg
Apr 16th 2012, 19:36
Ma narax li taghmel differenza. Illum tista tilghab online jekk trid go darek stess.
S. Azzopardi
Apr 16th 2012, 20:26
Since that is the case, we don't need another betting shop.
Jonathan Caruana
Apr 16th 2012, 19:34
LIVE AND LET LIVE! Those who go there, go on their own will.As long as they are legal, no one can stop the owner from operating this premises. Has anyone of you objected to the Casino di Venezia permit? Pls illuminate me if Vittoriosa isn' t one of the three cities.At least, there are no longer any slot machines in the clubs and our kazini. Those entering these gaming halls will not be our children as it was some time ago when we had these machines wherever we go.
D. Xerri
Apr 16th 2012, 19:14
@A.F. Busuttil :~) - Good Morning ..... Welcome to The Club !
Victor Pulis
Apr 16th 2012, 18:45
Where are all those who were against divorce a few months ago? Gambling is one of the main reasons for family break ups which in turn leads to divorce. When one considers the income to Malta's coffers from gambling one quickly understands why these dens of thieves are sprouting across Malta. Gone overboard are the christian values boasted of by some. A few years ago I remember seeing gambling machines being confiscated and taken away on trucks. There is no such thing as a legal gambling hall. All these places ruin people whether they have the blessing of the government or not.
Anne Marie Kissaun
Apr 16th 2012, 21:17
So true. A greater problem is that sometimes youngsters underage who look older then they are are allowed in. I hope that at least an ID card should be presented at the entrance. This should also apply to Bars in Paceville, where, I know for sure that under 16s are beiing allowed in as excuses are being given that Oh, well, I forgot my ID at home pretence, and when it is done a few times, the guy at the door gives up and allows the girl/boy in. It is a great pity and shame.
A.F. Busuttil
Apr 16th 2012, 18:26
we are becoming Europens NO VALUES
Franco Farrugia
Apr 16th 2012, 19:17
What does this petty comment have to do with the subject at hand? What does this have to do with 'Europe'? Since time immemorial there were 'banek tal-lottu' in towns and villages and weren't 'European' then! So, if we have no 'values' now, we weren't so well off either then. The only problem now is that 'gambling' is much more attractive, that's all. That said, I agree that in such a vulnerable area as The Three Cities, this 'development' should be a no-no.
U ha nirripeti ruhi bil-Malti biex forsi 'A.F. Busuttil' jifhimni, wara l-kumment li tefa' u l-mod kif tefghu:
X'ghandu x'jaqsam dan il-kumment miskin tieghek mas-suggett t'hawn? X'ghandu x'jaqsam mal-'Ewropa'? Sa' minn zmien l-antik fil-bliet u r-rhula taghna kien hemm il-banek tal-lottu u dak iz-zmien, zgur ma konniex 'Ewropej' kif ahna llum. Mela, skont il-logika, jekk issa minhabba dan l-izvilupp m'ghandniex 'valuri', qas kellna lanqas dak iz-zmien. Il-problema llum hi li dan il-loghob tal-azzard qed ikun pingut wisq izjed attraenti, dak kollox. Xorta naqbel li f'postijiet socjalment vulnerabbli bhat-Tliet Ibliet, 'zvilupp' bhal dan m'ghandux qas jigi kontemplat.
heather scott
Apr 16th 2012, 18:25
One of my neighbours in london, lost his wife children and house and became very depressed and turned to drink due to gambling I would not wish this on any of the good people of Senglea. I wish the local council good luck in representing the people of Senglea at the meeting with Mepa tomorrow.
Paul Richard Chetcuti
Apr 16th 2012, 18:24
Shame on the authorities and more on Mepa and who is responsible that instead of looking to a national and local needs, they look on commercial business only, and ruin our culture and education, the need of Cottonera is not the gambling shops, but local plans for special education, and who will not respect our country, have to been kept responsible for his decision and pay for his responsibility.
R. Saliba
Apr 16th 2012, 18:23
What logical thinking! Confectionery shops should also be banned because most of the people are overweight. As should 'coffee mornings' and all the tombola halls that exist in most -if not all- the villages around the island.
Eddy Privitera
Apr 16th 2012, 19:03
R.Saliba, meta tqabbel il-coffee-mornings ma' hwienet tal-loghob tal-azzard, qisek qed tqabbel in-nida max-xita ! Mhux ghax ma naqbilx li certi nies, specjalment nisa, jghamlu hazin li jonfqu aktar milli jistghu f'loghob tat-tombla. Izda wiehed irid izomm bilanc. Dawn il-postijiet fejn wiehed jista jitlef eluf ta' ewros f'jum wiehed, huwa theddida kbira ghal familji. U specjalment ghal dawk li ghandhom nuqqas ta' edukazzjoni, li huma l-aktar li jaqghu fin-nassa tal-loghob tal-azzard !
joseph gellel
Apr 16th 2012, 18:19
i can"t understand how this gambling outlets are going to do any good to people. where is the church? these things do only harm to the families. I used to be a gambler for more then 20 years and i know what it feel to be a gambler. you loose everything even your family. thank god i stopped. There is enough problem in today's life so this things do only harm. Three people get richer the rest get in a lot of problems.
Stephen Gatt
Apr 16th 2012, 21:43
prosit.... People who gamble either have no active life...
Best thing is to keep positive and keep yourself with new financial commitments/challenges that you can reach and hopeful in the future one will be better off!!!
Carmel Vella
Apr 16th 2012, 18:10
Is this property owned by a private person or group, or is it owned by a government/taxpayer entity? If private, the owner should be left alone to attend to his own business , as long as it is a legal business. Government needs to stay out of people's businesses. Today they come after this guy, tomorrow they WILL come after you. Let freedom rule.
Astrid Vella
Apr 16th 2012, 18:23
Carmel, what you're proposing is cowboy country lawlessness. Even if the house is privately owned, the user, in this case the gambling shop owner, has to abide by the Urban Conservation policies.
Your car is privately-owned isn't it? But still you have to obey the law about road licence and insurance don't you?
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Apr 16th 2012, 17:31
I am serious. Such gaming shops should be all placed on Comino. These gaming shops are not factories where people can work. In the late 1960's many machine slots where introduced without any permits and the then administration closed its eyes. Now many gaming shops are operating almost in every town and village. MEPA should make it very hard to operate such gaming shops.
Dennis Quaid
Apr 16th 2012, 18:03
what does MEPA have to do with that at all?
This is an issue with the Gaming Authority, they are allowing those shops to open. Mepa shouldn't be involved at all, as the shop was already there with a permit.
And why should those shops not be allowed in Senglea, but in B'kara, Sliema or Comino. If someone wants to gamble, there are always ways.
No gambling shop in Senglea --> is this something against civil rights when other localities allow them?
Astrid Vella
Apr 16th 2012, 18:29
Dennis, what you are saying is not correct. MEPA is involved as the present outlet is a shop not a gaming parlour, which is a different category. Gaming parlours are is not included in MEPA's list of recommended commercial uses in Urban Conservation Areas, in fact quite the opposite - the Local Plan insists that there is to be no reduction of retail space in the area, and this is not retail space, so it contravenes MEPA regulations.
The outlets in other towns might not be in Urban Conservation areas, so that's a different kettle of fish.
VINCENT WILLIAMS
Apr 16th 2012, 18:47
Mr D. Quaid.
I wrote that, quote"Such gaming shops should be all placed on Comino." unquote.
So in other words that means that such shops should not be allowed even in B'kara, Sliema or else where. They should be transferred to Comino as it will be VERY DIFFICULT to go to Comino instead of closing all such shops.
Instead of gambling people should be thought to do other valuable things that are more of benefit.
Betting shops are not a civil rights!! Betting shops are just pick pocketing!!
tony abela
Apr 16th 2012, 17:28
It appears that the family values are going down the drain as after a spell of a couple of years where the present government stopped a number of gambling outlets at towns and villages, it seems that we are facing another u-turn and to the worst.
It's surely election fever having its effect.
mary borg
Apr 16th 2012, 17:23
Mhux ghal xi haga ....gaming shop jonqos go Senglea!! Imbad iktar igergru habba l'gholi tal-hajja! Mill-esperjenza tieghi nista nghid li in-nies t'hemm jilghabu hafna...anke fuq cucati, allura thajjarhom izjed?? Hafna min nies ma jikkontrolawx u jahsbu li jekk se jilghabu 10 euro se tirdoppja!!
Ms Xaxa Caruana
Apr 17th 2012, 09:05
@Mary Borg
Sinjura l-gholi tal hajja kull Malti jgerger bijha mhux Sengleani Biss!!
X'esperjenza ghandek go l-ISLA inti? kif tipermetti ruhek tghid li in-nies t'hemm jilghabu hafna, !!!!
Forsi int xi wahda minnhom?
Nies li jilabu issibhom kullimkien, tigbidx lil kulhadt taht keffa wahda.
Din hija is-soltu diskriminazzjoni lejn Isla ghax parti mil Kottonera.
Eddy Privitera
Apr 16th 2012, 17:06
If the Senglea Mayor and councillors do not take an immediate step to protest against the opening of gambling shops in Senglea , they would be failing their citizens. I had worked at the dragonara Casino for 34 years and know quite well the great harm which can befall those who fall prey to the gambling "drug" ! It is more than enough that we have already 4 casinos operating in Malta. It would be much worse when gambling shops start opening - as they had done - in the heart of villages and towns ! I also expect the Bishops to speak on this enormous threat facing families, and not speak just on divorce , IVF etc., ! Even members of parliament who have the interest of the family at heart, should speak up !!
J. J. Borg
Apr 16th 2012, 17:41
One cannot expect our politicians to condemn legalized gambling in Malta even as they encourage on-line gaming companies to set up shop here. We cannot have two weights and measures where gambling is bad for the Maltese and fine for foreigners.
Giovanni Carmelo aka John Carmel Navarro
Apr 16th 2012, 17:03
Senglea is a densely populated area having a betting outlet in the location suggested would certainly corrupt many minors who would have to walk past it on their way to school and again on their return journey home. MEPA have a moral responsibility to ensure that such premises are not approved, surely common sense would prevail how someone can be allowed to even consider such an outlet in the middle of a residential area. I implore the Local Council to take issue with this ludicrous proposal immediately and of course MEPA to ensure that not just Senglea but the whole of Malta is protected from such establishments. Gambling and gaming does not belong between residential houses, unfortunately these Companies have no scruples and would prey on the defenceless.
Gerald Duke
Apr 16th 2012, 20:42
I have been resident in Senglea for over 20 years. This application is contrary to MEPA policy yet our newly elected council sit on their hands and do nothing at a time when they should have no fear for their actions. Senglea is a very densely populated area and a development of this kind so close to schools and church is not appropriate. I strongly urge our newly elected and vigorous young councillors to act now. If they do not, my support for them and their abilities must be questioned throughout the rest of their elected term.
Anne Armstrong
Apr 16th 2012, 16:46
Problem and pathological gambling on slot machines do more than cause people to lose money and empty their bank accounts. The issue is wide reaching. In fact, much "like a stone thrown in the water, the ripple affect is felt along the shores". Keep this away from "The Three Cities"
j brincat
Apr 16th 2012, 16:40
Can MEPA please explain without any beating about the bush?
Is this to become a common occurrence now that the general election is round the corner?
(jb)
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