Merchant Street is getting tighter to pass through?

Merchant Street in Valletta has been a 'foodie' area with restaurants catering and seating along the central lane of this street, however more permanent structures are being set up, diminishing the pedestrian city's walkability.

The well known Merchant street houses various catering establishments along its perimeter, where seating is also available in the middle of the street. These establishments practice permitted restrictions on the areas, where once the establishment is closed the seats must be removed for the public to have access to the full street. However once the restaurants are open for business, this leaves two parallel trails along the central seating area for people to walk by.

On the other hand, some private organizations can dampen the mood when their actions prove a selfish motive. Nowadays, Maltese citizens have become more aware when it comes to organizations acting in self-serving manners in our small island nation, where those who disregard public spaces and act in their own interest are being called-out by the public. A recent issue in Merchant street has proven again that the public will not accept unlawful practices and is demanding that a newly placed platform covering 40 squared meters should not be set up, especially considering the original and fast-tracked permit was for seating furniture and not a podium for the seats. 

These practices have been also evident in Sliema's busy promenade, where caterers are expanding their seating areas at the sake of pedestrian walkways. With many claiming it'll benefit the tourism and job opportunities, locals are unhappy with the privatization of areas, making roads inaccessible or tough to pass through. 

What do you think about the current situation in Valletta, or across areas in Malta? Share your thoughts and start a discussion below!