Residents in villages and towns across Malta are taking action against the blocking of pavements by restaurant tables and chairs, using a novel approach to highlight their concerns. Stickers bearing messages like ‘pavements for citizens’ or ‘no pavement, no vote’ are being placed on public spaces encroached upon by restaurant setups.
These stickers have appeared in several areas including Valletta, Sliema, Mellieħa, Marsascala, and Buġibba in recent days.
Moviment Graffitti has coordinated this campaign, with Ruth Mercieca from the NGO emphasizing that residents are taking matters into their own hands after feeling ignored and neglected by authorities.
The initiative follows a demonstration in Valletta where residents protested against encroachment in the capital city. Similar issues have been observed across Malta and Gozo, with concerns raised by the archpriest of Victoria about restaurant expansion infringing on public spaces.
Moviment Graffitti, in a Facebook post, condemned the “invasion” of public spaces, criticizing authorities like the Planning Authority, Lands Authority, and Tourism Authority for turning a blind eye to the chaos and inconvenience caused to residents.
Mercieca clarified that the sticker campaign is the first step in planned actions and reiterated that they are not opposed to outdoor social spaces but are fighting against abuse and the lack of enforcement of residents’ rights to safe public access.
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