NEWS | Wednesday, 27 February 2008

AD calls for respect towards resident rights

The Green Party in a coalition government would push for effective remedies to aggrieved residents who suffer because of commercial activity happening in their neighbourhood.
AD Chairperson Harry Vassallo insisted he wanted to see the re-introduction of the system by which a commercial licence in a residential area could only be issued if permission is obtained from residents.
Vassallo also proposed the introduction of automatic noise detectors to monitor the noise levels of establishments. He also promised stricter enforcement of existing laws regulating dust and gas emissions.
Vassallo said residents in many localities were experiencing a loss in the quality of their life because of the abusive behaviour of certain commercial establishments. He insisted that the police, the law courts and other institutions have often failed to ensure that the right of private individuals to enjoy the investment they made in their homes is upheld.
“If a shop or establishment is not capable of operating without causing an inconvenience to neighbours than this is not a socially responsible company and does not merit the protection of the institutions,” Vassallo concluded.