On October 11, watching TV AM, I heard the mayor of Mellieħa, Robert Cutajar, vehemently trying to justify his council’s decision to remove the mature trees from the little square situated outside Mellieħa Sanctuary.

The result is there for all to see but, clearly, not one to be admired or emulated elsewhere. If the trees were causing so much damage to the main sewer, for heaven’s sake, why not renew the drains and encase them in concrete, if need be?

Do not vandalise and destroy the trees, the one and only redeeming factor that this public space had! By all means, repave and mimic Valletta’s St George Square but carting away 50 years of much needed urban greenery is totally unacceptable.

Today, visitors have an arid-looking square with a few pathetic saplings and wooden benches to sit on in the unbearable heat. Can anyone imagine what Sliema’s little St Anne Square would have looked like without its magnificent ficus trees? This little haven gives its many users, respite, bird song and cool shade, which is exactly what people in an urban environment look out for. This Mellieħa ‘project’ was ill advised and, as it is, totally unnecessary.

We seem to have been lately hit by a barbaric invasion of chainsaw-wielding tree haters. Hundreds of urban trees have been mercilessly chopped down or transported from the towns where they grew and matured and where they developed a loving relationship with residents.

Politicians and local councillors should adopt their recent vociferous stand against the reorganisation of car parks and, likewise, discuss and consult the public before giving trees the cruel chop.