Alternattiva Demokratika is opposing plans to relocate the Gozo law courts to the heart of Victoria, saying the move will exacerbate traffic problems.

AD says it is in favour of the move in principle but is opposing the site, a residential area in Pjazza l-Assedju 1561 used as a car park.

Residents in the area are worried that having the courts there will increase the chronic traffic and pollution problems in Victoria and destroy one of the few open spaces left in the capital of Gozo.

AD chairman Arnold Cassola says the Green party is not against the building of new premises to house the law courts.

However, it is proposing instead to move the courts to the outskirts of the city, on a vacant complex formerly rented to Malta Dairy Products where commuters could be served by a shuttle bus service.

AD says the residents were not consulted about the change of plans that will certainly affect their quality of life.

AD spokesman for Gozo, Victor Galea is urging the government to seriously reconsider the plans.

Questions were sent to the Gozo Ministry about the project but no reply was forthcoming at the time of writing.