Xlendi restaurant owners are objecting to government proposals which would see them move their outdoor tables and chairs a few metres away from the shoreline to allow free access to pedestrians, Gozo Minister Anton Refalo said in parliament this evening.

People are currently forced to walk between the restaurants and the tables they have set up on the promenade.

Replying to a series of questions by Nationalist MP Toni Bezzina, Dr Refalo said the ministry wanted to implement a masterplan for Xlendi as had been done in Marsalforn.

In that way, he said, there would be order and proper regulation involving parking, restaurants, boat parking and pedestrians.

He said talks are being held with all stakeholders and progress was being made. 

Plans were also being drawn up to better regulate Dwejra, where the current situation was also unacceptable, he said. He said a small action committee was being set up, including representatives of the ministry, San Lawrenz council, the Planning Authority, Transport Malta and the environment authority.