I wholly agree with Lino Spiteri in his article Hard Core Development (May 31) and would like to further draw Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Sustainable Development Mario de Marco's attention to yet another instance where his concept of village tourism could be dealt a devastating blow, should a building application for Għargħur, which is included on the agenda for June 8, be given the green light.

Tourist ramblers regularly walk up from Madliena Valley, all along the Victoria Lines, and end up at our village of Għargħur. They enjoy walking around our narrow alleys admiring the very old houses and the, as yet unspoiled, rural environment.

This proposed development would be accessible through Fidiel Zarb Street (a narrow alley in itself) leading to two other alleys namely Sqaq Kromb il-Baħar and Sqaq San Ġorġ. These alleys are very particular for their traditional winding nature, with old village houses and rubble walls leading to the fields.

However, apart from the most harmful affect this development would have from the village tourism point of view, I am extremely concerned that it would be detrimental to our health and safety in terms of pollution from noise and fumes. One has to bear in mind that these lanes are so narrow that residents and their children walking out of their houses have to step straight onto the road as there is no room for pavements, so it is already dangerous enough now let alone if the traffic increases.

This apart from the increased emissions and horn blowing. Let me stress that both these lanes lead onto Fidiel Zarb Street which is in a cul-de-sac meaning that what drives in has to drive out the same way, and that doubles the emissions and noise.

Furthermore, I simply cannot imagine how an ambulance or a fire engine could ever reach this development should it be necessary.

This not to mention the material and the heavy machinery required for the building of this development.

I want to extend an open invitation to the members sitting on the board to visit this quiet location so that they could verify my claims and realise the threats and dangers which this development would bring about.