The authorities have failed to take action against umbrella and deckchair owners in Comino, who have been operating throughout the summer.
When contacted, a spokesman confirmed that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority had not taken any steps against the operators despite the fact that an enforcement notice was issued in 2008.
Tightly packed to maximise the little available space on the island’s sandy patches, the deckchairs are placed centimetres away from each other.
Tourists and Maltese who want to spend a relaxing day in the sun have to meander around the beach equipment which leaves little or no space to unfurl a towel.
The planning authority spokesman confirmed Mepa had received a number of complaints about the situation, which sees the obstructive deckchairs planted all over the beach very early in the morning.
When asked why no enforcement action was taken, the spokesman said there was a priority list.
“We have looked into the case again and will see what the best way forward is,” he said.
A year ago, officials from the planning authority had cracked down to raid the beach but the attendants were tipped off about the operation and gave them the slip.
Enforcement officers arrived ready to confiscate deckchairs and umbrellas but when they got there they found nothing but a few concrete umbrella bases.
After a careful search, they found over 400 deckchairs and over 100 umbrellas hidden behind walls and trees but it was business as usual within a matter of days.