All the initiatives by the former Government aimed at preserving village cores were laudable and encouraging, and one would hope that the current administration will maintain these initiatives and add to them.

On the other hand, the rate at which small shops are opening in the so-called village cores is alarming and certainly to the detriment of locals. It is highly worrying that the planning authority is considering granting a permit for the opening of a retail shop in the centre of Attard, in a very quiet alley barely two metres wide. This will certainly prejudice the residents who did not purchase their property in a commercial area but in a residential area. This is not to mention the delivery vans passing through this alley, which incidentally is closed to traffic.

It is such a shame that these residents, who have invested their lifetime savings in such properties, must be faced with such a situation.