Marsaxlokk local council said this evening that it was insisting that the open market in the locality should be reorganised and the vendors should no longer park their vans near the stalls.

The council referred to a statement issued two days ago by the Association of Stall Owners, which said it had agreed with Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi that the stall owners and their vans could stay put while embellishment of Marsaxlokk took place, and talks on the organisation of the market would be held.

The local council said it had no knowledge of such an agreement and it expected the ministry to explain.

The council pointed out that last December the government set up a consultative committee of the organisation of open markets. The committee is to report to the Economic Affairs Ministry, the ministry responsible for the sector. Marsaxlokk council had not been contacted by the consultative committee.

Marsaxlokk council said it was not happy with the state of the locality’s open market, especially the way how the vans were parked, as they created an inconvenience and marred the environment.

In other markets, such as at Valletta and on other occasions such as San Girgor and Carnival, the vans were parked elsewhere.

The council also complained about the refuse piled up during the open market and said the vendors were not contributing anything for its collection.

The local council said decisions should be taken according to what was best, and after proper consultation.