The planning authority is investigating the removal of algae from the tiny beach of San Blas after complaints that Gozo Ministry personnel used a mechanical shovel that also scooped up sand and stones.

A spokesman for Mepa said it sent an enforcement officer to the site yesterday after being alerted by Times of Malta.

When contacted, the Nadur council said it had been tipped off by a number of irate and concerned residents, who complained that the works were being carried out “roughly”, with sand and stones scooped up together with the seaweed.

The works were carried out roughly, with sand and stones scooped up

“The council has nothing to do with this – we are informed that the works are being carried out by the Beach Cleansing Unit within the Gozo Ministry,” Nadur mayor Charles Said said.

He said the algae washed ashore was cleared every summer but the works were usually done by hand.

“We are looking into the matter,” he added.

The planning authority spokesman said no permit was required for the clean up of algae from beaches used by swimmers but it too was investigating.

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