A villa owner at Lija this morning started the controversial building of a private road near Lija fireworks factory after he was given police protection.

Lija Mayor Ian Castaldi Paris, speaking at an an on-site press conference condemned MEPA for having given the go-ahead for the building of the road, saying it was within the 183 metre buffer zone around the fireworks factory and could put the future of the factory in jeopardy.

He described the case as “scandalous”, saying the fireworks factory had been there for over 80 years and the council wanted to keep it there.

The villa owner had intended starting work on the road two weeks ago, but was forced to stop by fireworks enthusiasts. A group of about 30 people looked on this morning as an earth mover started the works.

The owner of the villa, Carmelo Gafa, could not be contacted this morning. He said earlier this month that he had been in possession of a permit to build the road since 2003.

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