‘We will fight this obscenity’ – Pembroke residents unite against football club’s controversial plans

Pembroke residents are up in arms over plans to build a football club and training facilities in their quiet, leafy suburb. The proposed development, just off Triq il-Kuncizzjoni, has sparked outrage among locals who fear it will bring noise, traffic, and loss of green space to their community.

From Green Space to Football Pitches

The plans, submitted by a local football club, envision transforming a large tract of green land into a state-of-the-art football complex. The club argues that the new facilities are necessary to accommodate their growing membership and to comply with international football standards. However, residents are having none of it.

“This is a green lung for Pembroke,” says Maria Azzopardi, a long-time resident. “We’re not against progress, but this is too much, too soon. We’ll lose our peace, our privacy, and our green space.”

Residents Mobilize

Residents have formed a committee, ‘Pembroke United’, to fight the plans. They’ve been door-knocking, holding public meetings, and gathering signatures for a petition. Their Facebook page has over 2,000 followers, a testament to the strength of feeling among locals.

“We’re not just fighting for ourselves,” says committee spokesperson, Joseph Borg. “We’re fighting for future generations. Once this green space is gone, it’s gone forever.”

Club Vows to Compromise

The football club, while sympathetic to residents’ concerns, maintains that the new facilities are crucial for their survival. They’ve promised to engage with the community and explore ways to mitigate the impact of the development.

“We understand the concerns,” says club president, Mark Xuereb. “We’re not here to cause problems. We want to be good neighbors. We’re open to finding a solution that works for everyone.”

However, residents remain skeptical. “We’ve heard promises before,” says Azzopardi. “But once they get the green light, it’s a different story.”

What Next?

The plans are currently with the Planning Authority. A decision is expected in the coming months. In the meantime, Pembroke United vows to keep fighting. “We will not give up,” says Borg. “We will fight this obscenity until the very end.”

For now, the future of Pembroke’s green space hangs in the balance. The battle lines are drawn, and the community is ready to defend their home.