Sammy Bridges criticises as "stupid" the direct action operation carried out by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority on a number of structures at the Rinella Mediterranean Film Studios (Authorities Lack Common Sense, June 8).

He describes the illegal building as an "innocent building which stood harmlessly near the tank and which was apparently built to facilitate special construction of a Japanese movie". He also adds that he could not imagine how tourists visiting the Rinella fort and the massive cannon that overlook the film studios could be perturbed by this "illegal" structure. Such comments question the motive behind his letter but here Mepa would like to draw Mr Bridges's attention to a number of salient facts:

Firstly, this direct action operation was not about one illegal building but four structures - all constructed below the Grade 1 scheduled Rinella Fort.

As the photo clearly indicates, two of the illegal structures were clearly intruding on the visual integrity of Fort Rinella. The fact that the author points out that he hardly could make out where the illegal eyesore was from on top of the fort questions which way the author was looking.

Also from the authority's investigations it transpired that the structures were not related to any ongoing film production at the studios but illegal structures that began mushrooming in the area.

Lastly, Mepa over the years has continuously supported the initiatives and efforts the filming industry takes to remain competitive in the international market and even during the operation took all the necessary steps to ensure that this direct action was not in any way disrupting any ongoing filming activities at the studios.

It is the authority's obligation to maximise its efforts to safeguard and enhance the cultural and architectural heritage of our island and keep working to improve the Maltese product.