Updated - Adds video - Local councils are to be invited to nominate a representative to sit on the Mepa board, with voting rights, when major developments in their localities are being discussed, Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia,who is responsible for planning, announced this morning.

He was speaking during the second inauguration of Swieqi community centre.

The minister said the former government had been 'taking the mickey' when it inaugurated the centre for the first time shortly before the general election, because the project was far from ready.

He referred to the council's call for a police station to be set up there, saying he had  had talks with Home Minister Manuel Mallia, the police and the local councils and the wheels were in motion for this wish to be realised.

Dr Farrugia said that over the coming weeks he would host a consultation on the Mepa reform with the public and the MCESD and would explain most of the plans for the Authority.

"Most people think this is going to be just about planning and the environment. We want to create a one stop shop for all planning, environment and other development issues," he said.

The civic centre includes the local council offices, offices of social services providers, a health clinic, a hall and a playground.

Mayor Noel Muscat receives the civic centre keys from Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia.