Marsascala mayor, councillor in public spat over platform that blocked pavement

The mayor of Marsascala and one of the town’s councillors are embroiled in a public argument over whether permission should have been given to a butcher to erect a platform outside the shop that residents say blocked pedestrian access to the pavement.  

The butcher shop on Triq il-Qaliet, Boss Meats, erected the platform and tent on December 21 to serve food and wine, prompting complaints by residents who said the structure blocked the pavement. The establishment, they added, was also playing loud music at all hours of the day. 

On Wednesday, PN councillor John Baptist Camilleri took to Facebook to say the council did not know of, let alone approve the structure. 

“While I understand the gesture made by the shop owner, I do not agree with the installation of the tent for several reasons, among them that the location is dangerous, and there is already a risk to drivers and pedestrians. As a result, an inconvenience was created for those who need to use the pavement next to the tents,” he said, adding that the structure would be removed. 

Replying to the post, Labour mayor Mario Calleja accused his council colleague of “never learning”, sarcastically adding that Christmas was ending on a positive note. 

“From today onwards, the friendship between us is broken. Once again, you tried to create a storm in a teacup. All just so you can appear as some kind of hero in front of the usual handful of people,” he wrote. 

The mayor said the butcher asked for permission to erect the tent between December 21 and 24, “to thank his customers and offer them a glass of wine and something to nibble on”.

He added that he believed the initiative was a "positive" one and after consulting with the council secretary, gave his blessing as long as the establishment provided a security guard and made sure access for prams and wheelchairs was not impeded. 

“All these conditions were followed, but unfortunately the person who erected the tent did not leave enough space. I was the first to speak to the authorities, and they went on site immediately.” 

Speaking to Times of Malta, PN councillor Errol Cutajar confirmed that the council had not discussed the platform. 

“I think the mayor’s words on Facebook speak for themselves. Proper procedure was not followed,” he said. 

Caroline Caruana, from the Marsascala Residents Network, accused the mayor of bullying tactics. 

“This is not the first time he has put commercial interests before the wellbeing of residents. It’s not a storm in a teacup as he claims – it sets a precedent for other establishments to do the same in future,” she said.