The circus in Naxxar has been ordered to pack up and leave by the planning authority.

Mepa yesterday slapped Circo Fantasy with a stop notice and enforcement order because the 30-day period it had been granted for the temporary use of the land had elapsed.

Last October, the authority said it had no objection to the circus setting up in Naxxar, outside the former trade fair grounds. The local council had given its consent so long as it was for no longer than 30 days.

The circus did a first run of shows in November and a second run started on December 12. The shows have since been extended to January 6 “due to popular demand”.

The circus has now been ordered to halt operations in this or any other site unless it obtains the necessary clearance.

But the Naxxar council has informed the authority that it will not be issuing a clearance for the circus to be extended.

The authority said the police have been informed that any operation of the circus as from yesterday was not according to law. So far, the authority said, the operators have collaborated with the enforcement officials.

The arrival of the circus had been surrounded by controversy as Naxxar residents signed a petition against the original choice of location in a field along a main road. The site was eventually moved to the old trade fair parking area.

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