My husband and I have just returned from three weeks vacation in Marsalforn. This has been an almost annual trip for us for the past 20 years as we and our family have the good fortune to own a flat there. I am not sure, though, if we will return next year due to the appalling noise, dust and disruption caused by construction works on St Mary Street, behind our flat.

There are numerous flats being built behind us, encroaching horribly on neighbours' flats. At some points there appear to be mere inches between one building and another, leaving no space for sunlight or air to flow through. We were woken up every morning at seven, or earlier, by loud noise, though the regulations clearly state that in August works will not commence before 9 a.m. (plus a barking dog belonging to one builder who accompanied him each day). This noise continued throughout the day and this, together with the enormous amount of dust, greatly reduced our enjoyment and relaxation.

Gozo is a beautiful island and, for over 20 years, our families and friends have enjoyed holidays there. This year though, only three lots of visitors (including ourselves) used our flat and this was in part due to the construction going on.

Given that there are numerous empty properties, plus ugly shells all over Marsalforn, I am at a loss to understand why so many flats are being constructed.

We can leave and choose not to return but residents have to put up with this throughout the year and I feel for them, especially those who will lose their light, air and privacy. Surely this over-building can only damage Gozo and its tourism industry.