Several caravan owners have descended on Mistra Bay in recent weeks, setting up structures that suggest they intend to make the place their home this summer.

During a site visit by the Times of Malta this week, about 10 caravans were present. They had canopies extending to the beach to provide shade. None of the owners was in sight, but barbecues, chairs, tables and other beach furniture were neatly lined beside the locked vehicles.

Notices reading ‘Do not move’ had been painted on the ground near the furniture.

Mellieħa mayor John Buttigieg said he was aware of the abuse, insisting the council had not issued any form of permit and pointing out signs in the area made it clear no camping or barbecues were allowed.

“It’s all about enforcement, and there is not much we can do. I flagged the issue to the police during a meeting I had with them some two weeks ago, yet it seems the problem persists,” he said.

Some of the caravans at Mistra Bay. Photo: Matthew MirabelliSome of the caravans at Mistra Bay. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Beachgoers, he said, often complained to the council that public space was being taken up through the summer months by  such vehicles. Other localities, he continued, were struggling with similar problems, since some people were taking up public space even though they were not authorised to do so.

Planning Authority sources said that enforcement officers were visiting the area regularly and the caravans had been removed about two weeks ago, though some owners had simply returned a few days later, indicating there was no end in sight to the problem.

Defaulting caravan owners were given two days in which to get in touch with the planning watchdog to be informed what the problem was before further action was taken, the sources said.

In May, Claude Camilleri, who owns a restaurant at Mistra Bay, filed a judicial protest against the Police Commissioner, complaining that the officers were failing to act against the caravan owners illegally camping there.

Mr Camilleri said he had filed a criminal complaint about the matter in August 2015, but no action was taken by the police. He said he had since complained several times to the police to no avail.

Questions sent to the police about actions against those illegally taking their caravans to Mistra had not been answered at the time of writing.

 

claire.caruana@timesofmalta.com

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