(Adds MTA statement)

Vandalism attacks on benches and tables in the area reserved for barbeques at Ghadira have been condemned by the Mellieha council.

The council said in a statement that some of the benches were put on fire, others were broken and the wood of one of them was used for barbeques.

The council said it had invested in these benches and tables so that Maltese families would be more comfortable in summer.

It appealed to anyone who could have any information to lodge a report with the police so that action could be taken against the perpetrators.

It said it would never stop working to improve facilities at Ghadira and other zones within its confines.

MTA STATEMENT

"It is evident that there still exist a number of misguided individuals who feel that destroying facilities intended for the public's use and enjoyment is tantamount to amusement.

"The collective efforts of the MTA, local councils and various other departments and entities to improve our beaches and 'Product Malta', in general are rendered futile by such acts of cowardly, selfish and pointless destruction," it said.

The MTA called on the public to fully co-operate and report any and all incidents involving vandalism that may be witnessed around Malta and Gozo.

These acts, it said, served no other purpose than to deny the public better standards and services, while substantially lowering the overall image of the Maltese islands overseas and among tourists.