Having spent many a happy time in Malta, I have recently retired to the island and I am writing to you regarding what I can only describe as a calamitous state of affairs.

Am I the only person who is absolutely outraged by the constant stream of scantily-clad women in skimpy bikinis and bare-chested men wearing nothing but speedo thongs, meandering along Sliema, Balluta Bay and St Julian’s waterfront with total impunity? It is a totally disgraceful example to set to innocent children, and it is no wonder why the youth of today behave the way they do.

Since the beginning of the Summer I have been carefully monitoring this behaviour from my vantage point in Balluta Bay and I think the situation is deteriorating rapidly

Isn’t there a law against this plague of shameless exhibitionism? And if so, why is it not enforced? I am reaching the point where I feel I will be forced to take matters into my own hands and give them a good clip around the ear and a severe tongue lashing. The bare cheek of it.

I would be interested to hear the views of other local residents and to find out if they are as incensed as me. I would also like to hear a response from the Tourism Authority, the police and the Catholic Church, who I am sure, must all share my concerns.

As an amateur historian I can but only warn that the demise of the Roman Empire was heralded by such displays of public immodesty. It would not be tolerated in a Muslim country!