Gozo Cathedral parishioners reside in various parts of Victoria. Most of them, as well as some who come from villages, use private transport to attend religious functions at the cathedral.

Before the restoration works, Cathedral Square and nearby streets overflowed with parked cars, such as during Holy Mass at weekends. Obviously, alternative parking is now required at the Ċittadella for these cars.

A possible solution, instead of destroying the 'masterpiece townhouse' (April 18) could be for the government to buy, with EU funds, the one-storey house and adjacent empty plot situated next to the entrance of the temporary parking area at the hairpin bend. This house is presently for sale.

On that site, the government would be able to build a multi-level, underground garage, with an exit road to St Ursula Street, where, recently, a house was demolished.

The previous planning objection would be eliminated as the parked cars would be out of sight. The garage would include lifts for motorists and their passengers.

The land where the temporary parking area is located could be exchanged with an equivalent number of parking spaces in the underground garage.

These spaces would be under the control of the Church, to be reserved for those attending functions at the cathedral. In this way, the townhouse would be preserved.

When restored, it can be used partly as lodging for the cathedral archpriest, who, at present, lives in rented accommodation.

In the rest of the house, it may be possible to hold pastoral activities for children, youth and adult groups.

With the cooperation of the government and the Church and also with aid from NGOs, the above solution could be of benefit to all.