A public garden in Marsalforn centre is fast turning into an eyesore after being left in a state of neglect for nearly a year.

Located a stone’s throw away from the promenade in Triq il-Munġbell, the garden falls under the direct responsibility of the Gozo Ministry, even though the seaside village forms part of the Żebbuġ council.

In a recent Facebook post, deputy mayor Daniel Cordina called on the government to take action, saying authorities seemed to be dragging their feet despite repeated requests.

Contacted by the Times of Malta, Mr Cordina pointed out that up to last year the Gozo Ministry used to subcontract the Environmental Landscape Consortium – a public-private partnership, specialising in the embellishment of public spaces – to make regular maintenance.

“For some reason, seasonal flowers are no longer being planted, trees uprooted and benches removed,” he remarked.

While describing its current state as “unacceptable” Mr Cordina said that Marsalforn residents as well as tourists deserved much better.

Questions sent last week to the Gozo Minister had not been answered at the time of writing.