I fully agree with Margaret Grima (August 7) regarding the parking nightmare that residents of Qui-si-Sana have to endure. Sadly, Sliema as a whole has deteriorated beyond recognition.

It seems the new council has moved on- Anthony Camilleri, Sliema

Gone are the pleasing and lovely houses of the 1920s and 1930s, now replaced by characterless apartment buildings resembling concrete rabbit hutches and battery-hen houses.

This transformation has exacerbated the parking problem for the whole of Sliema. The fault lies in haphazard urban planning and surrendering Sliema to unscrupulous speculation in poor architectural buildings with no aesthetic values.

Had it not been for the relentless work of the Qui-si-Sana Residents Association over many years Qui-si-Sana would have become another Paceville, with all its many problems.

This would have resulted in a far worse parking problem than what we residents are facing now.

Here I would like to salute all the members of the association who worked incessantly and wholeheartedly to thwart the negative plans then projected.

Thankfully common sense prevailed and a pleasant child’s play area and garden replaced the old, tired gardens.

The parking problem can simply be resolved by the introduction of a residents’ parking scheme for the whole of Sliema as one finds in all European cities. Employees and visitors will have to use public transport unless they want to use the available car parks. Is the local council willing to introduce such a scheme?

Several weeks ago I brought the pigeon problem mentioned by Ms Grima to the attention of councillor Michael Briguglio, who very promptly acknowledged my complaint. I am very pleased to note that the council did take action and the cleaning of the pavement concerned has been completed. However, one has to go to the root of the problem to solve this issue unless the council intends to clean this stretch of pavement every week.

Less than 24 hours after the cleaning fresh pigeon droppings could be seen and more food put out for the pigeons at the corner of Hughes Hallet Street and the seafront. Signs should be put up that it is illegal to feed the pigeons and that those caught doing so should be fined. The council should also meet the owners of the block of the flats concerned so as to take the necessary action to deter the pigeons from inhabiting their roof and façade.

The quick response from the council in this case hopefully heralds a new beginning for its relationship with the residents. It seems the new council has moved on from the bickering and differences of the past. It is encouraging to Sliema residents to witness a quick response to their complaints. It shows the council this time round intends to work for the benefit of Sliema and its residents rather than for partisan politics.

The introduction of a residents’ parking scheme would definitely be good for Sliema and will greatly benefit its residents.

Let us hope that the council will have the motivation and willingness to have a scheme in place.