PN makes 20 suggestions on Paceville

The Nationalist Party this afternoon made 20 proposals on ways to improve the situation in Paceville.

The proposals were issued in the wake of an incident last month when scores of young people were injured in a stampede outside a club which caused a stairwell to collapse. The government is currently holding a public consultation on Paceville and reviewing the laws on places of entertainment.

STRONGER POLICE PRESENCE

The shadow minister for home affairs, Beppe Fenech Adami, said there should be a police station in Paceville and St Julian’s police station should be upgraded. During the weekends, a unit of the Rapid Intervention Unit and an ambulance should be based in Paceville.

Police presence should be stepped up and policemen deployed there should be given special training and an allowance, as is the case for special branches. Deployment should rotate every five years.

The government should also ensure that there is more CCTV coverage.

STREAMLINING OF LAWS

Dr Fenech Adami also called for a streamlining of laws on places of entertainment in order to ensure that there is clear delineation of responsibilities, no overlapping and no loop holes.

There should also be a committee on security and public order in Paceville headed by the Mayor of St Julian’s and including representatives of the establishments, the police, the health and safety authority, the MHRA and the GRTU. The committee would review government strategy and also make its own suggestions to the government.

The PN deputy leader stressed that security officers (bouncers) should all be licensed by the Commissioner of  Police . There should be a security officer at all establishments with a capacity of more that 250 persons.

Establishments with a capacity of more than 100 people should hold a fire and safety drill at least once a year under the supervision of the Civil Protection Department.

The PN is also proposing that the government should help NGOs provide counselling to Paceville residents.

PRESENCE OF CHILDREN

Dr Fenech Adami said there should be stiffer penalties for those found to be carrying weapons, including knives, in places of entertainment.

Laws against the presence of children in places of entertainment, and the sale of alcohol to minors, also needed to be made more severe.

He said that tourist wardens should be appointed to assist tourists in the Paceville zone.

An information leaflet on health and safety should be handed to language students.

TRAFFIC

He said the Paceville traffic plan needed to be reviewed, particularly because there were currently four places of entry and only one exit.

The press conference was also addressed by David Agius, PN spokesman on local government and young people, who underlined the need for young people to enjoy places of entertainment in safety.

St Julian’s Mayor Karl Gouder said residents of the area also deserved a safe environment.