English language schools are calling for a “zero tolerance policy” to be adopted against any form of violence in Paceville that is gaining a bad reputation abroad for being a “lawless mecca”.

“If the deteriorating situation is not arrested, it will spiral further out of control becoming a haven of vice and violence,” the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta, Feltom, said.

The federation joined a chorus of calls for a safer Paceville that were sparked by a series of violent events in the entertainment hub. One such event spurred lawyer Anthony Farrugia to set up the Group Acting For A Safe Paceville, GASP.

Dr Farrugia set up the pressure group to confront the “lawlessness in Paceville” after his son was attacked by six thugs on June 20. GASP’s mission statement calls for more police presence in the area and better training for police.

Feltom said Malta’s reputation as a safe family destination was a key selling point for tourism and for the English language sector. “Yet, the number of violent incidents in and around Paceville are hitting the headlines with greater frequency... We fully agree that this situation cannot continue unabated and welcome the setting up of GASP and its efforts to draw attention to the problem,” Feltom said.

Earlier this week, the police said the presence of officers in the streets of Paceville “has always been effective, both in preventive measures implemented and action taken when the police intervention was called for”.