The owners of the Bird Park at Kennedy Grove filed a judicial protest against Transport Malta and the Transport Minister over lack of access to the nature park as a result of the project currently under way.

Kevin Mallia, representing Bird Park Malta Limited, complained that access to his business was completely blocked, even for pedestrians.

He said the project, that began on August 9, started off by closing access of both roads leading to the park. Eventually, even access for pedestrians was blocked, with Transport Malta workers instructing tourists and other visitors to take another direction to the park, which meant a walk of almost six kilometres.

In addition to this, a bus stop close by for visitors arriving by public transport was also removed.

It was only on October 21, after several meetings with contractors and architects involved in the project, that access was temporarily granted.

Mr Mallia said that as a result of limited access, the park had no option but to terminate the employment of a number of workers, as well as loss of earnings.

He said that although this problem could have been circumvented with some foresight, no precautions had been taken to limit the effect of the road project on the Bird Park.

In his judicial protest filed against Transport Malta, the Transport Ministry and the Police Commissioner, Mr Mallia held them responsible for damages suffered.

Lawyer Robert Piscopo signed the protest.