A year ago I wrote a letter describing the unbearable situation my family and I face as a result of the constant loud music that bombards our home right in the middle of Żebbuġ from the Gianpula club.

The music is so loud that the bass beats drum themselves into your brain, so that it is impossible to sleep well, especially at the weekend. This madness goes on until 6 a.m. And what is even worse is that this is 'legal' in a supposedly civilised country.

From what I gather, it is the Malta Tourism Authority that is ultimately responsible for allowing places like Gianpula to operate in this way. Why?

It seems that it is not only Żebbuġ residents who are disturbed at night. Apparently residents of Dingli and Mdina are also victims of Gianpula.

This is a clear case of noise pollution, and it is shocking to read about the effects on people's health.

According to a report in The Guardian of August 23, 2007, research shows that "noise can increase the levels of... hormones such as cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenalin in the body, even during sleep.

"The longer these hormones stay in circulation around the bloodstream, the more likely they are to cause life-threatening physiological problems. High stress levels can lead to heart failure, strokes, high blood pressure and immune problems."

Moreover, "all of this is happening imperceptibly... Even when you think you are used to the noise, these physiological changes are still going on."

Restrictions should be imposed on the noise levels and operation hours of places like Gianpula. Discos that disturb citizens should be closed down or move indoors with proper sound-proofing.