March brought nice weather and many flocked to the countryside, especially Baħrija. However landowners had to face an influx of trespassers damaging rubble walls and littering the area. A few months ago, after a general clean-up, the Rabat local council put up signs calling on visitors to keep the area tidy. Ironically a significant amount of rubbish accumulated under the sign, not to mention in the fields nearby. This is an eyesore for the many tourists who visit Baħrija and shows a disrespect to our environment. Harsher penalties are called for.

Too hot to handle – take two

On March 17, we reported on a trail of dog pooh left along the Wignacourt Arches at Mrieħel. Action was taken by the Cleansing Department and the Environment Health Promotion Department to clean the place. However 10 days later, the situation is worse. Not only was there dog pooh along the pavement; bags with dog pooh were left outside the bins and on the arches because the bin was too full and had not been cleaned in days. Does anybody care?

This grass is greener

Despite having signs every few paces indicating that no one can step on the grass, this picture of the Mdina ditch shows otherwise. Some moments before this picture was taken there were people sitting and eating on the grass. To make matters worse the watchman on duty was around but it seems he did not have the courage to face the culprits. Mdina council please note.

Unwelcome sign...

A restuarant in Republic Street, Valletta has put up a sign encouraging visitors upstairs for more seating and “outstanding caracter”. Definitely outstanding is their spelling mistake. Couldn’t they afford a dictionary? Is it possible nobody has pointed out their mistake yet?

... and entrance

Meanwhile, further up the road, the bridge on City Gate needs a thorough clean-up. Bits of paper, cigarette butts, etc. are wedged beneath and between the railings, giving the entrance to Valletta a very shabby look.

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