I dare anyone from the MTA, the MHRA, Feltom or any other so called tourism association to take a small tour around Paceville and St Julians. While every effort is being made to lure visitors to our island, they are in turn being greeted with an environment similar to that of a Third World country.

Litter and rubbish is filling every nook and cranny and this situation has been going on for ages with little or no action being taken.

While acknowledging the work being done by everyone, I cannot understand why an important aspect of the tourist experience is being overlooked. Those reading this letter may view it as one written by another moaning citizen... the only difference is that I am not inflating the issue. Paceville and St Julians are truly and sincerely filthy.

The transport incidents last week were degrading to our tourism industry... what the tourists are experiencing once they walk in the streets of Paceville and St Julians is similarly degrading.

This is not my first attempt trying to draw the attention of those responsible in a bid to improve the situation. Consequently, authorities have always rebutted my concerns by giving me a breakdown of all the money spent for cleaning purposes or by complaining on the amount of litter bins that have been vandalised. While vandalism should be deplored, this is not an excuse in order not to increase the number of litterbins or not to beef up the budgets allocated for cleaning.

Similarly, the business community should also contribute their fair share. It seems that the term corporate social responsibility is alien to all the businesses in the area. I cannot understand how the management of the top hotels in the area allow public spaces close to their properties to be turned into rubbish dumps.

Is it that much of a big deal to contribute a fraction of one's earnings for the general well-being of the environment? This also applies to language schools and all other businesses. Such costs in my opinion should be viewed as an investment.

It would be a shame if you are a person who has the authority to take action after reading this letter but fail to do so.

Once again I dare any person holding a high position to take a walk around the area to see the situation through the eyes of the humble tourist. The situation is shocking!