The president of the European Walled Towns Association, Joseph Spiteri, has expressed "great sadness and disappointment" over the decision to relocate the Valletta market to Ordnance Street, spilling over next to the Parliament building.

"Although all major projects, not least the new parliament building, the renovation of the former royal opera house and the City entrance, are judged subjectively, the whole project is already a remarkable site, more so when it will soon be completed. A project that should instil national pride. A project which is already creating a lot of interest by foreigners.

"I have personally met and have been told by several people from various countries, who have expressed a great interest in the new city entrance project, and have also liked the whole project designed by Renzo Piano.

"A striking entrance to a historic City, a World Heritage site, a City which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2018 will be ruined by this move and the shabby looking market stalls. This will be an insult to our history,culture and national pride and to all those who have our Capital City at their heart.

"With no stretch of imagination, can anyone justify such a move for whatever reason," Mr Spiteri said.

He hoped a  suitable alternative would be found if the Valletta market really needs to be relocated.