Works on the Siggiewi Civic Centre were carried out according to permits, the council insisted today, as Labour MP Marlene Farrugia persisted with her criticism of her party’s deal with the building in question.

Times of Malta revealed this week that an encroachment permit to allow the Siggiewi Labour Party Club to keep using part of the council's rented property had been 'secretly' renewed.

In a statement, Siggiewi mayor Karol Aquilina said that instead of resorting to making false allegations in Parliament, Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon should ensure that the local council is given back a property given to the Labour Party in an abusive manner. Referring to a statement made by Parliamentary Secretary in Parliament yesterday, the council said all works on the building were carried out according to permits given by the planning authority.

Dr Aquilina invited Dr Falzon to visit the Siggiewi Civic Centre to see the benefits the building was offering. “It is incredible how Dr Falzon as Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Mepa did not check the facts before speaking out in Parliament.”

The Civic Centre would include the construction of a night centre for the elderly, a resource centre for residents and organisations as well as a public library.

Meanwhile, Labour MP Marlene Farrugia defended her decision to speak out in Parliament about the building in question.

On Friday, she said the Labour Party should have asked people in Siggiewi whether they preferred a shelter for when they got older or a room where a few party supporters could meet. Posting on timesofmalta.com’s comments board today, Dr Farrugia said it was her duty to question “shameful behaviour”.