Mepa employees this morning removed large quantities of illegally dumped construction waste, concrete blocks, a large canopy, plastic furniture, oil drums and parts of cars, engines and tyres from two large derelict sites in Qawra.

"Both these sites, one known as Ta’ Zandu in Triq it-Tamar and the other a popular former nightclub, were causing growing complaints from neighbours as well as tourists that booked their holiday accommodation in the vicinity of these sites," Mepa said.

In Gozo, the Authority removed stretches of roadside field walls that were illegally built with franka stones, inert waste and some idle mechanical equipment that were found on site in the vicinity of the prime archeological Xaghra Stone Circle site, also known as Brockdroff Circle. This site lies close to the Ggantija temples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and area of archaeological Importance.

In a separate operation in Xewkija, enforcement officers removed a number of derelict cars, engines, scrap metal and construction material that were being kept illegally at two sites in Triq Ta’ Hamet.

Mepa said the the owners had illegally changed the use of their rural property into commercial scrap yards and panel beating services. They, however, cooperated with the Mepa officials, and continued removing substantial material themselves following MEPA’s interventions.