A veritable fleet of caravans is making a Mistra Bay restaurant owner’s life a misery and it seems that the authorities are reluctant to take action.

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 Times of Malta last week, about 10 caravans were taking up most of road next to the picturesque beach.

Restaurateur Claude Camilleri said he had written to several ministers on the matter in a final act of desperation as the caravan owners were making it difficult for him to run his business.

Instead of peace, they get the view of the backend of a caravan, and loud music and shouting

He said caravans not only blocked diners’ view, for which he had paid a premium when acquiring his restaurant, but they were also loud, ruining the peace and quiet patrons came to his establishment for.

“People come here to relax and enjoy the scenery while having dinner. Instead they get the view of the backend of a caravan, and loud music and shouting,” Mr Camilleri said.

Back in May Mr Camilleri filed a judicial protest against the Police Commissioner, complaining 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. He said he had since complained several times to the police, but to no avail.

Different authorities, he said, were playing pass-the-buck.

“Transport Malta tell me it’s not within their remit, then I go to the Planning Authority and the enforcement section can’t help me either,” he said, adding that he was “demoralised and depressed”.

Mellieħa mayor John Buttigieg said he was aware of the abuse, insisting the council had not issued permits and pointing out signs in the area that made it clear camping was prohibited.

“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.

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 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.