The plans for building or digging around St John's Co-Cathedral to provide adequate space for exhibiting its treasures have, quite understandably, aroused a debate. I would rather the exchange of views be kept civil than becoming an occasion to hurl accusations.

I agree more space is required to preserve these treasures better, and to enable the public to enjoy them to the full. I also believe this space should be adjacent to the church itself.

The point has been made that digging in front of the cathedral will cause damage to the building, and ruin underground passages and wells. Are the underground passages and wells ever open to the public, or indeed to scholars who would like to examine them?

Are these structures limited only to this locality, and would tampering with them destroy something which is not replicated elsewhere in Valletta? Could not the work be carried out in such a way as to limit any damage? The issue of whether the ever-growing roots of the ficus trees in front of the cathedral, allegedly feeding on the water in these wells, are a danger to the cathedral structure was raised recently.

As for building along Merchants' Street, I like the current arrangement of arches which permits passersby to view the graveyard at the side of the cathedral.

But, if my memory serves me right, this is a post-World War II development. Before the war, centuries-old buildings blocked the view.

The issue is one of choosing a solution, out of several, which would best benefit Malta and its heritage. Leaving things as they are may not prove to be the best solution in the long run.