“While I agreed to share his good qualities, in a meeting we held, he promised Bormla residents that he will take care of the restoration of the town’s bastions, which fall under his responsibility,” she said. “Four years have passed since then and his promise to us has not yet been kept. My endorsement to you today, Honourable Minister, is that you have disappointed us with your words and actions.”

The mayor vented her frustration shortly after Bonnici announced that restoration works will commence next year on the Santa Margherita Lines, the Cottonera Lines and St John’s Bastion, all at a cost of €2 million.

The minister also referred to recently completed restoration works in Bormla, such as on the parish church, the Oratory of the Crucifix and two religious statues.

“I deeply thank Mayor Alison Zerafa Civelli for her excellent work, as well as the rest of the local council,” he said. “Cospicua residents should be proud to have a council that works tirelessly in favour of their town. We are determined to keep making a difference for the sake of our national patrimony.”

Zerafa Civelli’s criticism of Bonnici comes as the Labour Party prepares to elect a new leader to succeed Joseph Muscat, who has been in charge of the party since 2008 and who has led it to a string of record electoral victories.

The Bormla mayor is the sister of Lydia Abela, the PL’s executive secretary whose husband Robert Abela is contesting for the leadership, and she has endorsed Abela’s candidature.

Bonnici, meanwhile, has endorsed Chris Fearne, describing him as the ideal person to lead the Labour Party and the government forwards.