The president of Din l-Art Helwa, Simone Mizzi, has written to the prime minister with a fresh appeal for the Valletta market not to be extended to the area between the new parliament and Pjazza Teatru Rjal.

"While the decision to relocate has already been taken by government, and although we find the location in Ordnance Street to be inappropriate for a street market, may I, on behalf of Din l-Art Ħelwa and its members, appeal to you most sincerely to avoid the spill over into what in essence, is, the ‘most noble brow’ of our capital city, as this will endanger the experience of grandeur and admiration when you enter Valletta as you savour the sightlines between the restored theatre ruins and the iconic Parliament building with Castille as a backdrop," she wrote.

"The City Gate area has always been the victim of political debate and now risks remaining so if the decision is politicized. We believe your government has the maturity to stand above the political pressures that have been brought to it and urge you to heed the advice of so many experts, many appointed by government, the Board of V18, the Valletta and Floriana Local Councils and so many other leading exponents in the cultural field who have all spoken against the choice of location.

"While we are pleased to hear the design of the stalls is being revisited, we maintain placing any market in this area will be an undesirable and irreversible insertion within this sacred triangle of our historic and architectural legacy for many years and especially if the stalls are to remain permanently in use even after hawkers’ hours.

"We would strongly appeal to you to keep this particular area safe from the indignity that any market will bring to it. It is a matter of pride for the whole nation that is at risk which far outweighs the benefit to the few."