I read with deep sadness the online report ‘No respite from nightclub noise pollution for Żebbuġ residents’ (June 6).

Noise pollution is a sickening and creeping menace in Malta. The blame game is used to explain why the authorities hide behind a licence granted in 2006. Am I missing something here?

A licence can be revoked or modified as necessary or, perhaps, it is more an unwillingness by the authorities to face the consequences.

As a resident of Rabat, I have the benefit of Gianpula keeping me awake until after 4am on a regular basis.

It was reported that the Home Affairs Minister declined to accept any responsibility, throwing all on the shoulders of the Malta Tourism Authority. If this is true, it is not a shining reflection of due care and responsibility of the environment.

The issue is not that a licence was granted but that the noise is now intolerable to anyone within three kilometres and the government appears to brush this off as not being its responsibility. Whose responsibility is it then? The impact on families, children, old people and vulnerable individuals is life changing, literally destroying their lives. It demeans the good name of Malta and, bluntly, the government should be ashamed of itself.

I fear that redress must now be sought outside Malta and directly through the European Court of Human Rights. I wonder if there is a public-spirited human rights lawyer who would be prepared to conduct a test case on a pro bono basis. Sadly, to suggest that redress will be obtained through the normal court system is just not credible.

I would like to make it clear I am not a killjoy, seeking to stop young people enjoying themselves. Acoustic barriers can easily be installed but why should the owners do so when there is no pressure from the authorities?