A group of concerned citizens from Kalkara has urged the prime minister to take urgent action to repair parts of historic Fort Ricasoli which are in imminent danger of collapse.

The fort, Malta's largest, was built by the knights in the late 17th century to guard the entrance of Grand Harbour, opposite Fort St Elmo in Valletta.

Its seaward side, in particular, has severely deteriorated and some stonework has collapsed. The fort is currently in disuse other than occasionally as a large film set.

READ: Malta's largest fort is falling apart... and it could cost €50m to save it

The committee of the Wirt Il-Kalkara group said it handed Dr Muscat a report on the state of the fort, highlighting the areas which are in danger of collapse.

The group said that while it was important to have a strategic plan for long-term restoration of the fort and its use, emergency works needed to be taken in hand immediately. 

Works were needed on the seaward side of the fort, St Nicholas Chapel and the main gate, the group said.   

The group said Dr Muscat showed interest and said the government was committed to finding a solution. He said that regeneration of the fort should lead to is being put to use and also being accessible to the public. 

Those present for the meeting included Labour MP Glenn Bedingfield, who in his own Facebook posts has been highlighting the sorry state of the fort.  

The Wirt il-Kalkara delegation was led by the president, Ivan Cauchi.

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