24th September 2001

NAXXAR LOCAL COUNCIL IRRESPONSIBLE

The Naxxar Local Council is trying to take the environment NGOs and the general public for a ride.

FoE Malta spoke to the council’s secretary two weeks ago and was told that the council was to appoint a sub-committee to decide on the best course of action for the trees in Labour Avenue.

The council secretary said that no quick decision would be taken without first studying the implications and possible ways of saving the trees. FoE was told that a member of an environment organisation would be appointed to the sub-committee.

Now it transpires that the Council has decided to remove the trees claiming that there was little opposition from NGOs. This is a ridiculous reason for cutting down the trees and we would have expected the council to show more maturity and intelligence.

FoE Malta trusted the council to study the problem scientifically and try and arrive at the best solution, rather than just saying yes or no. But that trust has been betrayed.

We call on the Council to reconsider its decision and try to find the best solution for the trees.

None of the trees should be cut down before a proper study is carried out to examine the problem. It could well be that a solution could be found that would be satisfactory for the residents and would save the old trees.

Trees are scarce enough on these Islands for us to be losing more capriciously, and those particular trees, besides being aesthetically pleasing, are a form of protection against noise, light and car exhaust pollution. They also do their small bit against climate change.