The area outside the former Lowenbrau factory, used for Arriva’s Park and Ride facility and as a bus depot at night, will exacerbate flooding in Qormi, according to local MP Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

Qormi, being built on and around valleys, is extremely flood-prone, as was evidenced last October when strong flooding paralysed the village and sent coffins stored in a garage surfing the torrents.

What was formerly a car park servicing the Marsa racetrack has now been walled off for Arriva’s use. This, according to the Labour MP, has further restricted the flow of water, making the area even more flood-prone.

The area in question was also a bone of contention between the Qormi council, the St Sebastian fireworks factory and Arriva in connection with the letting off of fireworks for the feast of St Sebastian this coming weekend.

The area from which the factory is licensed to set off fireworks is close to the bus depot, where according to the council fuel is also being stored. As a result, the police have not given permission for the fireworks to be released at such close proximity and there was a chance the displays would be cancelled.

But in a joint statement yesterday evening, Arriva Malta and Qormi Council said that following talks, they had agreed a mutually acceptable position that would permit the fireworks show to proceed as planned this weekend while minimising disruption to bus passengers travelling on services to, from and through the Marsa Park & Ride site.

No details of the agreement were given.

Arriva Malta said it appreciated the importance of the festa for Maltese residents but at the same time it had a duty to ensure that a safe and workable environment for its staff and passengers was maintained.

Mayor Jesmond Aquilina had earlier said the council had proposed a viable solution which Arriva had rejected. “The fireworks factory has been preparing for this event for two years and it would be a shame if all that time and effort did not come to fruition,” he said.