There is still no decision over the application to close two arterial roads to let off fireworks for the Msida feast, with police saying they are still "processing" the application.

The controversial closure of roads is being frowned upon by the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry, though it will not intervene in the issue since the request is still being processed.

For some 11 years the Santa Venera bypass and Regional Road have been closed for the duration of the feast, causing traffic mayhem. The problem will be aggravated this year since Regional Road is a major artery leading to Mater Dei Hospital, and closing it has been strongly deplored by hospital superintendent Frank Bartolo.

But the Msida band club president, Vince Azzopardi, is adamant that the roads should be closed and last week told The Sunday Times that whoever did not like it should steer clear of Msida.

He added that anyone attempting to allow traffic through would do so "over my dead body".

The potential traffic nightmare has raised the ire of a number of people. Even the College of Parish Priests expressed concern over the risk to the sick and the inconvenience it would cause to their relatives.

In a statement earlier this week, the college denounced Mr Azzopardi's comments, saying his attitude was not worthy of a modern society, a Christian and a person holding a position of responsibility in the organisation of a Christian feast.

Their statement was endorsed by Archbishop Paul Cremona, who is currently visiting Australia.