Many environmentalist NGOs and nature lovers are reasonably concerned about the future of our remaining countryside and open spaces.

If the environment had to be left in the hands of speculators and money-grabbers, we’d be left with concrete blocks of flats, hotels, garages and whatever else makes money, with hardly a little green open space to breathe fresh air and a coastline where a family could enjoy a quiet afternoon by the sea. The planning authority recently rejected two applications for the extension or building of lidos on the Sliema foreshore.

This decision was welcomed by environment NGOs after witnessing many disappointing decisions taken in the last 30 or 40 years where planning for building projects was done haphazardly, destroying beautiful areas in the countryside, old buildings, village cores... you name it.

The government is carrying on where its predecessor left off, letting certain speculators develop where they should not, allowing irresponsiblepeople to occupy public land with boathouses (and even negotiating this land!) and turning a blind eye to privileged people who break the law without being punished for it. This government should stop this rot once and for all, if it wants to continue enjoying its massive popularity.