New benches at Salib tal-Gholja vandalised

The Malta Tourism Authority has condemned the act of vandalism carried out over the weekend at is-Salib tal-Gholja. limits of Siggiewi.

The MTA had just installed a number of benches in the area.

The installation of the benches was part of the EU funded project 'Malta goes rural - Sustaining Rural Tourism in Malta' which is partly co-financed through the European Agricultural Funds for Rural Development - Improving the Quality of Life in Rural Areas.

"Through this project, the Malta Tourism Authority plans to launch a number of walks in Malta, upgrade a number of rural areas as well as install directional signage for the walks and interpretative signage near places of historical / cultural interest," the authority said in a statement.

"MTA also plans to market rural tourism in Malta in overseas magazines.
 The Salib tal-Gholja is one of the spots promoted in the soon to be launched walks."

MTA described the Salib tal-Gholja as an area of historic, religious and cultural interest, as one of the most scenic places in Malta, from where one can see a considerable part of the island beneath him.

The area is visited by many foreigners and locals alike and the benches were serving the purpose of offering some well merited resting place in the shade in an area which is devoid of any seating facility.

"MTA hopes that this act is not repeated.," it said, while it appealed to anyone with any information to come forward and pass it onto the police.