It would be “futile to repair” a crack along the Mtarfa belvedere, according to the local council, which is awaiting the outcome of a study on the needs of the area.

Local residents have raised concerns about the damaged belvedere, which is very popular with families seeking relaxation outdoors.

A council spokeswoman said the council was in constant contact with the architects surveying the area and they had decided repairs could wait.

“We have, therefore, asked them to continue with their investigations and cover a wider stretch,” she added.

Site visits were held, but the extent of the damage was still undetermined.

The belvedere was embellished in 2008, and the council continuously liaises with the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects on infrastructural issues.

The council did not want to cause unnecessary alarm at this stage

The damage to the structure became apparent after the recent bad weather.

A chain has been placed across the narrow stretch to stop people from using the passageway, where a crack in the ground is very visible.

Residents, however, pointed out that this did little to stop children from going near the dangerous pathway.

The council spokeswoman noted the chain had also been removed a number of times. However, she insisted it was an adequate safety precaution, adding that children should not be allowed to run around unattended.

She rebutted reports that the council had sent letters informing the people in the locality of the danger, saying the council did not want to cause unnecessary alarm at this stage.

The chain was a precautionary measure and an evident warning to the people who frequented the area.

“It was the residents themselves who had seen the crack on the ground first and reported it, so they should exercise caution,” the council spokeswoman added.

A breathtaking view of the countryside from the belvedere.