As we are adjusting our daily life to the short and damp days of winter, perhaps now is the time for the local council of St Paul’s Bay to start planning for next summer.

Prior to this summer it had embarked on a programme to replace the much maligned benches that used to cause aches and discomfort. The new benches, although far better than the previous ones, do not offer the total degree of comfort one would expect.

However, the biggest complaint from those frequenting the upper part of Buġibba/Qawra promenade (from Dolmen to the National Aquarium) was about the reduction in the seating capacity rather than the quality of the benches. Instead of carrying cushions with them to place them on the seat of the benches, as was formerly the case, this summer some people had to carry chairs to make up for the shortage of benches.

People exerted all kinds of pressure on the former councilto address this shortcoming. Will the present council heed these complaints?

Even the posting of benches facing the shrivelled grass and trees is held in disdain by many. Whatever the ecological worth, if any, the trees lying low along the promenade are not appreciated by the most of the public.

They spoil the view of the sea and outlying landscape overlooking the bays.

Rather than heightening the attractiveness of the surroundings these trees give the appearance of a fake and cheap ornament.

One must bear in mind that this area, being one of the most popular among the Maltese and tourists, belongs to the whole Maltese community rather than to the local residents.

Thus the local council is bound to address these complaintsand requests. If its resourcesdo not match the demands ofthis area, I suggest the area should fall under the aegis of national government.