Żurrieq mayor Ignatius Farrugia is being investigated by the Department for Local Government after giving orders for repair work without council approval, The Sunday Times has learnt.

Sources said the investigation has been launched into the €4,000 direct order as Mr Farrugia is suspected to have breached council regulations because he did not seek approval.

Contacted yesterday, the Labour mayor confirmed the investigation was under way and added he had no difficulties with it.

He admitted he did not seek council approval prior to ordering patching work on a small alley between Triq il-Warda and Triq il-Kbira in Żurrieq.

The alley, which is just a few metres wide, is not in the centre but is still used by many villagers.

He justified his decision to instruct the contractor to surface this road because of several complaints he and the council received. He said several people had been injured because of the potholes in this alley.

Mr Farrugia was first elected mayor in 2002 and remained in the top seat until 2008, before being re-elected mayor in the March council election.

“If I breached council regulations by ordering work so residents do not get hurt, I apologise, but my sole aim was to prevent accidents,” he said.