The ongoing saga of St George’s Square in Victoria, Gozo continued on Wednesday morning when officials from the Lands Authority, Police, Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta and other entities descended on the area to remove tables and chairs for work to be carried out.

The authorities made their way around the establishments within the square, measuring up and drilling holes into the paving stones ready for marking out each area for permitted tables.There were some protests from establishments on their allocated space, however the authorities continued with the job in hand.

The question on everyone’s lips now is, “how long will this latest action last.”

The saga was brought to a head last month following an incident in the same square involving an ambulance that needed assistance from the Police to enter, with tables and chairs having to be moved at the entrance to the square, as well as along the narrow road leading to it in order that the crew could attend a person who had been taken ill in St George’s Basilica.Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, said at the time that the Ministry was looking at introducing vehicles of a “suitable size” for the area.

A protest meeting was held in June 2024 when Gozo’s St George’s Parish, cultural organisations, activists and residents rallied against the continuous “rampant” take-up of public space all around the centre of Victoria.Enforcement has taken place on several occasions over the past year, however within hours, the situation returns to “normal” with tables, chairs and umbrellas spread out across the square.

Photos by Gozo News: 1,2,3; St George’s Square 1pm Wednesday after action carried out – and bottom; The Square whilst entities carried out the work

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