I would like, through the accompanying photo, to draw attention to the disgusting situation we are forced to endure throughout the summer.

My father owns an apartment on Qawra Road, named Windchimes, on the first floor of a three-apartment building, exactly in front of the Luzzu Restaurant and next to Chez Gaetane restaurant.

These overflowing garbage bins belong to a high-rise block of apartments which is next to our building. There are some 20 to 24 holiday flats which, wisely enough, do not overlook their garbage.

The photo shows, on the right, the ramp leading to the apartments and the garbage area. You can also see the old wrought iron fencing of our terrazzin entrance to the apartment on the left and part of the restaurant's black window.

May I add that this photo was taken on one of the 'least disgusting days' but, alas, the next day I left for Rome, where I live, and could not wait to get worse evidence, which is the norm. As you can imagine - but I can assure you the reality goes way beyond imagination - during the hot summer months the stench is unbearable, the flies and mosquitoes innumerable and at night we've seen mice too.

Garbage is thrown there at all times of the day and night (on Sundays it is not collected). This has been going on ever since these apartments sprouted up. The inhabitants can no longer take this situation; after all, why should we? Besides, all this is barely two metres away from a restaurant's kitchen and where tourists sit down to enjoy their meals. How legal is this? What can be done about it? What can the local council do to stop this once and for all?

I would really appreciate a reply from the local council indicating what steps it intends to take, or advice as to what can be done through other offices.