A rocky gap in Għadira, considered to be a health hazard by neighbouring operators, was yesterday filled with sand, extending the eroding beach temporarily.

Mellieħa mayor Robert Cutajar said the bay had seen a “jump in quality standards” in recent days.

He was expecting random inspections from Blue Flag International to determine whether the beach was up to scratch. So far, 70 per cent of it met the required standards and he hoped the remaining 30 per cent, including signage, health and safety, accessibility, and the adhering to obligations by concessions, would be achieved in the coming weeks.

“With everyone’s cooperation, we hope to achieve Blue Flag status next year,” Mr Cutajar said, urging the public’s cooperation on cleanliness too.

For the next eight weeks, five youths would be educating the public on waste separation using the newly-installed bins and distributing flyers in a joint campaign between the local council and Green MT Ltd.