An application for the construction of Lidl supermarket on unbuilt fields in Xewkija Valley is to be decided tomorrow, the NGOs Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar , Friends of the Earth, Gozo University Group, Malta Organic Agriculture Movement, Nature Trust Malta and Ramblers' Association said.
They said the decision on this case had been deferred in spite of the fact that members of Mepa's Environment and Planning Commission found the site too small to accommodate an outlet this size, with adequate parking and maneuvering space.
The organisations said that during the last hearing, FAA raised the point that Mepa regulations recommended that impact retail assessment was carried out for the opening of large supermarkets such as this one in Gozo.
However, this was ignored by the Mepa EPC board, even though the supermarket would have significant impact on other retail outlets in Gozo and on local residents, especially elderly ones, who would be the most affected by the closure of small local grocers.
Registered objectors, they noted were not informed of the submission of new plans, as was their legal right.
The six environment groups said they always maintained that open agricultural land should not be built upon when empty buildings were available, alternatively by demolishing disused or dilapidated structures in urban areas.
This was also raised by the EPC board which also pointed out that the local plan guidelines for this area did not include retail outlets.
"The proposed site on the way to Victoria was a highly visible valley with Xagħra hill as a backdrop. What ruins the environment also ruins Gozo's tourism potential, and must at all costs be avoided.
"Mepa has already blighted Malta with past mistaken decisions, as we have recently seen in the cases of Wied il-Ghasel and the Madliena Ridge project.
"Since MEPA maintains that these past permits cannot be revoked, let us not repeat such mistakes.
"Building a supermarket in Xewkija valley next to an ECO-Gozo water catchment area, instead of in existing empty building, violates the principles of the National Environment Plan and every tenet of sustainability: environmental, social and economic.
"The outcome of this application will indicate whether all the talk of sustainability and ECO Gozo is to remain talk, or to become a genuine political commitment," the organisations said.
Source: www.timesofmalta.com
Sussex doctors' day of pensions protest - The Argus.co.uk
Sussex doctors' day of pensions protest
2:31pm Thursday 31st May 2012 in News
Hundreds of doctors across Sussex are to take industrial action for the first time in almost 40 years in a row over pensions.
Hospitals and GP practices around the county are expected to be affected by the day of action on June 21.
The British Medical Association (BMA) announced the move after a ballot of more than 100,000 doctors showed a clear majority in favour of protests.
Non-urgent work will be postponed and although this will be disruptive, doctors say they will ensure patient safety is protected.
This could include hospital outpatient appointments or routine check-ups. All urgent and emergency care will be provided.
The BMA said doctors will see anyone who is ill, or who believes they are ill, on the day of action, but will not do paperwork.
Health bosses in Sussex said it was too early to assess the impact the action would have.
Patients' safety
A spokeswoman for NHS Sussex said: “We will work with our provider partners to ensure clear information is available for patients regarding the proposed industrial action, and that all urgent and emergency care is maintained.”
Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust chief operating officer Jane Farrell said: “We are still assessing the impact of this decision by the BMA but we will be working hard to ensure that disruption is minimised wherever possible, and that patient safety remains the overriding priority.”
Further details about what will happen in Sussex are expected in the coming weeks.
Medics are angry at the government’s plans to shake up pensions, which would see younger doctors paying more than £200,000 extra over their lifetime in pension contributions and work eight years longer, to 68.
BMA chairman Hamish Meldrum said: “We are taking this step very reluctantly, and would far prefer to negotiate for a fairer solution.”
The big vote for action shows the strength of feeling among doctors, who are “acutely aware” of the impact of any action on patients.
Dr Meldrum said: “There will be some inconvenience, but the last thing we want to do is harm patients when our real bone of contention is with the Government.”
Doctors say they have been hit by a pay freeze and increased workload so the increased pension contributions were the final straw.
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
Rogers puts Sussex to the sword - ECB
Chris Rogers put Middlesex in a position of strength after the second day of their LV= County Championship Division One encounter with Sussex at Lord’s.
The Middlesex captain made an unbeaten 93 while half-centuries from Joe Denly and Eoin Morgan - with 67 and 52 not out respectively - moved the hosts to 229 for three at the close.
Rogers added 145 with Denly and 77 alongside Morgan to take Middlesex within 54 runs of Sussex’s first-innings total with seven wickets remaining.
Earlier, Tim Murtagh completed his first five-wicket haul of the season as Sussex were bowled out for 283.
That was a good effort considering they were 33 for four at one stage, and their tailenders continued the recovery by adding a further 41 to the overnight score of 242 for eight.
Steve Magoffin and James Anyon secured a second batting point before their partnership of 36 came to an end as the latter became Murtagh’s fifth victim; he chopped a short ball on to his stumps.
Chris Rogers puts Middlesex in command against Sussex by edging towards a second successive championship century
Monty Panesar made an entertaining 15 to add to Middlesex’s frustration before the England spinner steered a short ball from Gareth Berg to Ollie Rayner at second slip.
Magoffin ensured it was Sussex’s morning by trapping Sam Robson lbw for a duck in the second over as Middlesex reached lunch on 32 for one.
It could have been worse for the hosts, with Denly dropped twice in the slip cordon by Joe Gatting and Ed Joyce - both times off Anyon - when still in single figures.
The former Kent batsman continued to ride his luck as Anyon beat the bat numerous times during a fiery opening spell.
Denly made the most of the good fortune, reaching his half-century off 85 balls with eight fours.
Rogers followed in the next over with his fifty coming from 79, including five fours, as the pair brought up their 100 partnership.
Panesar made the breakthrough just before tea when Denly offered no shot and was given lbw for 67.
Dawid Malan went three balls later, caught at second slip by Joyce for one to give Anyon the wicket he deserved.
Normal service resumed after tea, however, with Rogers rarely looking troubled as he sought a second consecutive championship century.
He was denied the chance to complete it before the close when bad light brought an end six overs early.
Morgan reached his half-century with consecutive fours off Anyon in the final over before play was suspended; the England batsman hit six fours and a big six off Panesar.
Source: www.ecb.co.uk
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