The unsightly congregation of caravans and tents at Mistra Bay has returned two years after an enforcement notice was issued by the planning authority.

In recent weeks, with the peak of the summer fast approaching, caravans have mushroomed, looking to take up the best spots in the bay for several days if not weeks to come.

This newspaper received complaints that caravan owners were also obstructing access to parts of the bay. Some of them have attached a tent to their caravan and are encroaching on the beach.

This situation is creating tension whenever anyone dares take an umbrella or deckchair to enjoy a quiet day by the seaside, right next to them.

Following questions sent by Times of Malta, Mepa enforcement officers visited the site on Tuesday and asked some of the caravan owners to leave, in accordance with enforcement notice 460/11. A planning authority spokesman said Mepa could only take action against those caravans parked on the foreshore.

Up to yesterday just two caravans had left or been moved, meaning little progress had been registered.

Mepa has no powers to take action, the onus is on the police

The spokesman clarified that the authority has no powers to take action against caravans and other structures at the side of the road.

He added that in this case the onus is on the police.

By the time of going to print, the police had not answered questions sent yesterday by Times of Malta.