Intractable problem

First, I would like to join in condemning the vandal act carried out by some selfish and irresponsible person/s in uprooting the young trees below the Red Tower, in Mellieha.

Over the past few years, the number of vandal attacks on our heritage, culture and the environment have increased tremendously. We are told that this summer has been the worst for illegal tipping. Yet, no one ever seems to be apprehended!

I would like to know how many people are booked every day for throwing rubbish outside; according to the Litter Act, even throwing out a cigarette butt is considered a contravention. Then how is it that this country is getting dirtier by the day? We are told it is difficult to enforce the existing laws; is it really so difficult or is it that there is no willpower to do so?

We have wardens who continually dish out fines for parking contraventions, etc, yet these same wardens are not being used to counteract illegal tipping. I live in Qawra, and in one particular street, J. Quintinus, there are two large rubbish moulds containing all sort of waste - from furniture to water heaters to everyday rubbish. No matter the number of complaints to the local council, and the council's action to remove the skips, the situation worsens.

The areas are an eyesore and a health hazard. They smell of waste seepage, especially in these hot days. The situation will only get better once summer residents start going back to their winter homes.

It seems that the authorities do not exist when it comes to vandal actions, ill-treatment to animals and waste tipping.

Secondly, I would also like to condone Desiree Falzon's (BirdLife council chairman) and The Times report's play of words when linking off-roading activities to vandalism in Mellieha. While not saying that off-roaders are not the culprits, the way sentences are used can easily lead people to assume that this vandal act was the result of an off-road enthusiast.

The report carried forward Ms Falzon's message in that the vandals also damaged the fence in Mellieha. According to Ms Falzon, the fence was built to keep off-roaders out. This fence, as any other fence, keeps everyone out, be they off-roaders, walkers, poachers or others. I am sure both these persons know that off-roading is not to blame for the vandalism in Mellieha and they know that such unethical use of words is not only wrong but also defamatory towards the off-roading community.

I am a keen off-roader as much as a keen nature lover and, hence, I feel very much aggrieved when such articles are written. Off-roading is a legitimate sport.