I would like to know who had the brilliant idea of erecting a pontoon on the rocks beneath Ġnien Pembroke. This structure is not only an eyesore, as can be seen in the photograph, but is also hazardous with sharp edges and protruding bolts.

Also, should a child jump into the sea from the edge he would surely hurt himself because most of the structure is built on the rocky beach with the end just reaching the water, which is shallow and filled with rocks.

This area is frequented by many Pembroke residents and also by foreigners but accessibility to the sea is limited and the only area available for easy access, by both young and elderly, is now obstructed by this useless monster. It has become more difficult and dangerous to manoeuvre around it.

When I called the local council, the secretary said the pontoon had been requested by the residents. I am sure local residents would have appreciated it more if a decent pathway from Ġnien Pembroke leading to the dangerously-slanted stairs had been constructed and maybe two ladders placed along this area, not at the only accessible point.

This would have cost the taxpayer just a small fraction of the money spent on this useless, unsightly and dangerous pontoon and would have saved the beach from such a monstrosity.

My concern is whether this pontoon was erected legally with Mepa permission and the blessing of the local council or whether this is the beginning of a private business venture where, in the near future, we will see deckchairs and umbrellas popping up, depriving the public from use of this area.