Roadside cafés

A report in The Times (September 10) has once again picked on the restaurant in Victory Square, Xaghra.

It seems there is some axe to grind with its owner since three photographs about this restaurant were printed, though other restaurants and cafés in the same square were causing the same "obstruction" to the bands and public alike.

What about the other restaurant that with its chairs and tables stretching from its door to the band stand was thus obstructing the free passage of the public in that part of the square and of the bandsmen who were required to go up on the band stand?

What about the two cafés on the other side of the square that with their ice-boxes, chairs and tables blocked completely half the square on their side? Or did the correspondent run out of film in these cases? What about the qubbajt (nougat) and the other mobile stands that obstructed the entrance to the square? What about the many others who with their chairs and tables occupied vast areas of the square? All these obstructed the public from celebrating with the band marches during the days of the festa. But still, they celebrated very peacefully.

But this was festa time and everyone tried to make the best of it in the circumstances. Of course, there is nothing wrong in healthy criticism but why pick on one, repeatedly, and cover the rest by not mentioning them at all, as if this was the one and only culprit?

Again, let me express my support to Xaghra local council for allowing the owners of these venues to enliven the square by putting out tables and chairs for visitors and residents alike to enjoy the festa and the square by having a drink and a snack in the fresh air of Xaghra. May I appeal to the local council to further enhance the special attractions of Xaghra and to draw more tourists and Maltese, thus encouraging entrepreneurs to embellish their area? Of course, all this should be done with a plan and controls for one and all.

I have been attracted to Xaghra for many years and have been a permanent resident of Xaghra for quite some time now. That is why I wish to see this old town flourish touristically.

Modern amenities should always be promoted. In all the cities all over the world you find roadside cafés, sometimes covering the whole pavement. No paper publishes photos of these cafés because they are giving a service to the public and tourists alike. Why not in Xaghra? Why not in Gozo? Why not in Malta?