Is this selfish or what? Tents replace deckchairs and umbrellas at Armier

Some bathers had every reason to rejoice at the removal of illegally-placed deckchairs and umbrellas from Armier… it gave them an opportunity to move in with their gazebos

Gazebos replace umbrellas and deckchairs
Gazebos replace umbrellas and deckchairs

There’s nothing better than a refreshing swim and lounging by the sea to beat the scorching summer heat – until you realise that there’s a new inconvenience in town: gazebos.

On Saturday, police cleared Armier bay of deckchairs and umbrellas in a surprise raid, collecting five truckloads.

The operation, which cleared the 20 metres of beach closest to the sea, was an initiative by the Malta Tourism Authority, carried out in cooperation with the Lands Department, as the beach concessions operate on public land.

But no sooner had the raid made the news and bathers rejoiced at the freed up land – whilst others asked “but why?” – others came up with the ‘bright idea’ of setting up gazebos.

“Is this for real? So the umbrellas and sun beds have been removed for these selfish imbeciles?” one Facebook user asked.

From the photos posted, the gazebo users did not even bother to move their tents to the back but appear to have chosen the best spots, closest to the shore and blocking the view for anyone else who would be forced to sit behind them.