Xewkija deputy mayor Monica Vella said yesterday she had not been officially told about her brother’s legal action against the council, which led to almost €200,000 worth of its assets being frozen.

G.V. Gozo Developments, owned by Dr Vella’s brother, obtained a garnishee order for €190,125, the sum it says it is owed for building pavements and a bulky refuse service.

The contracts were awarded in 2012 and 2006 respectively, when Dr Vella was mayor. When contacted, Dr Vella stressed she was not involved at all with the decision.

“The council’s minutes speak for themselves. When a family member is involved in competitive process, I move completely out of the scene.

“I don’t take part in any discussions or awards,” she said, adding it was untrue that the sum amounted to the council’s annual budget.

According to the Department for Local Government, Xewkija’s local council’s annual budget is €319,037.

The garnishee order, which lets creditors to freeze the assets of a debtor, was signed by Magistrate Josette Demicoli on Wednesday.