Meals on Wheels drivers

I fully agree with Joe Zammit Maempel's description of the challenges faced by Meals on Wheels drivers in Sliema/St. Julian's. All drivers come across the same cranes, road closures and detours and time is precious for everyone. The writer unfortunately chose to ignore the important points I brought up in my letter.

First of all I aimed my comments on observation of several "service" drivers. I repeat, if a driver has parking space a few meters away from blocking parked cars he should use it. That is all this driver was asked and if he is rushed for time, as I honestly believe he is on every delivery day, he certainly does not have the luxury of spending several seconds verbally abusing someone who had asked him on other occasions to be considerate.

I must commend the same driver because I happened to observe him on Friday and he did show consideration and did not block the parking area. At the same time he stopped at a spot where he could exit and re-enter his vehicle in a much safer way. That is what I like to see of someone on whom others depend for their sustenance.

I am only interested in service drivers showing respect and concern for all residents. Sometimes they must inconvenience someone and Mr Zammit Maempel could help by making all drivers aware of this. In one of my walks last week I saw one of his drivers park his vehicle and leaving a car and some empty stalls blocked.

Conditions made this unwarranted. Someone arriving a few seconds later would have had to circle around the one-way streets for several minutes before coming back to park. Maybe this person is a relative of the same person being served by Meals on Wheels. I have had experience trying to look after an invalid, having a full-time job and a family and I know that every minute is precious.

I am glad that my comments created the opportunity of telling the public of the vital service Meals on Wheels provide. Please, though, a person who complains should not be painted as an ogre.