I was in the area of the Maritime Museum the other day watching the noon day gun being fired from across the harbour. On the way back and looking for a convenience I popped into the museum knowing from a previous visit that there was one there.

I was confronted by a bearded, cigarette wielding jobsworth who was not going to let me use the convenience without paying the entrance charge to his museum. As it was, I had been to the museum before and found it dingy, dusty and uninteresting.

I requested his approval to use the facilities but he was adamant that this would not happen. He did say, as he pushed me away, that there was a non-signposted one 50 yards away, but would not show me where.

There was also one in the opposite direction a hundred yards away which, the last time I went to use it, was closed.

In all the 25-plus years that I have been visiting Malta I have never been made to feel less wanted as a tourist.

This man guards this little visited museum – which at the time seemed empty – in a bullying and uncaring way, as if it were his own personal toilet.

Following my encounter I think I have discovered a way for the museum to cut costs –sack him.

It seems that it is overstaffed and those working there can be putto better use making the place more welcoming.

Such a strange attitude when a little help and consideration would have enhanced my opinion of Malta’s customer service, which sometimes needs some help.

Such a shame there are such underworked jobsworths employed at tourist destinations.