Controversial Naxxar circus is to move... by a few metres

The controversial Naxxar circus will shift by a few metres to satisfy planning regulations which state that it cannot remain on the same spot for more than 30 days. The tents will be moved onto another footprint, recessed from the original one, and the show is expected to go on today at 5pm, a circus spokesman said. This logical yet impractical solution means that the Circo Fantasy will not be breaching planning law while the Malta Environment and Planning Authority will ensure its regulations are respected, a spokesman for the circus said. Being a temporary structure, the circus does not need a Mepa permit to set up. But, according to planning regulations, temporary structures have to be removed within 30 days. On Tuesday, Mepa ordered the circus to cease operations after its 30-day permit expired and gave the owner 16 days to leave. Circus owner Mario Sali claimed he was in possession of police, veterinary and local council permits to run the circus in Naxxar until January 6. In protest he locked himself in a cage with two tigers for seven hours on Wednesday, only emerging when a meeting was set up with Mepa to find a solution. On Thursday attempts were made to find an...