I read with interest Angelo Xuereb’s proposal for the Sliema Ferries (October 11). I also would add to his proposal a first-class boat terminal to take passengers to Valletta and back.

Mr Xuereb, although not from Sliema, has the island’s interest at heart. I believe that the Sliema council should do what it can to make Mr Xuereb’s proposal happen. It would be a major project for the council and, in order to get the ball rolling, it should be taken over from the government’s hands.

The Finance Minister would have to allocate the required funds under the hat “Special Council Project” and channel them to the council. In turn, the Sliema council would have to set up a subcommittee of eight (chairman, council mayor, having a casting vote); three council members (represented by the two parties and one independent); and four co-opted Sliema resident members (architect, NGO, Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association member, resident) specifically for this project.

Whether the Sliema council has the right to take over such a project should not be an issue as this is a Sliema thing. The Sliema mayor must put pressure on the government and if it’s not allowable by law, council rules should be quickly amended and passed through Parliament. Where there is a will there is a way.

If any Sliema resident feels like me, then let us start a pressure group to embellish our town. We must not let this project be put on ice.

Sliema residents please do not forget what happened to our Għar id-Dud chalet. Such a fine piece of work, gone with the wind – the result, an ugly piece of cemented floor.