I remember the good old days when many of us used to work extra hours in preparation for participation by our company at the International Fair of Malta at the Trade Fair Grounds in Naxxar. Several others used to earn extra money by assisting as sales persons at so many stands at the same venue. I am also sure that a lot of business used to be generated for the benefit of many companies and the self-employed, serving as a boost to the economy.

From what I read lately on several newspapers, the Trade Department is not issuing the required permit to the trade fair grounds in Naxxar. The organisers have declared that they have legal advice that this permit cannot be withheld.

So why is this happening? We are living in a time when free trade is the norm. As far as I know everybody is against monopolies.

The EU itself makes it very clear that all member states should allow free trade and monopolies are not allowed. There are also objections from the Naxxar residents.

I appreciate their concern, but who in Malta has not got to accept a large amount of traffic passing through the roads? Sliema residents have to bear this every weekend.

Floriana has to bear a large amount of traffic every day and furthermore, if there is an activity such as Notte Bianca or political gatherings and so on, all vehicles pass through St Anne Street. Let's face it, Floriana does not benefit at all from such activities as they take place in Valletta and not in Floriana.

The situation in Naxxar is different; the trade fairs take place in Naxxar.

Many residents used to enjoy the international fair so much that they attended every day. Ask the business community in Naxxar and they will all tell you how much they have lost since the trade fair grounds have become dormant.

Let common sense prevail and let's see the trade fair grounds active again. I urge the authorities to intervene and stop this nonsense.