Din l-Art Helwa has expressed support with council member Stanley Farrugia Randon who, it said, was subjected to bullying tactics by Ta' Cenc developers at a Mepa hearing yesterday.

During the hearing, the planning authority board unanimously refused a permit for the erection of a gate at Ta' Kantra prohibiting public access over the rocky inlet at Mgarr ix Xini, in Gozo.

Dr Farrugia Randon said that during the hearing he told those present he was twice denied access to the beach at which point one of the Ta’ Cenc representatives called him a liar and warned him not to be in the area again.

Discussion continued even after the board decision and the police present had to accompany everyone out.

Din l-Art Helwa applauded Mepa’s decision to protect citizens' rights of enjoyment of the environment, and strongly condemned the behaviour adopted by the developer.