Moviment Graffitti, took to the streets of St Julian’s to protest against plans for the Villa Rosa project, earlier this morning, however, an expected guest made a last-minute cancellation sparking discourse.

The protest was set to feature speakers from multiple local councils including St Julian’s, Swieqi and Pembroke. However, in a statement made just an hour before the event, the Pembroke Local Council took to Facebook to announce their withdrawal from the demonstration.

“While we thank Moviment Graffitti’s invitation, with a unanimous vote it was decided that the council will not be participating in the protest against the Villa Rosa project,” the post read, “The council assumed this position based on the fact that consultation on the proposed changes are still at an early stage, although, the council has already expressed its reservations.”

The sudden withdrawal was credited to the lack of technical advice regarding the situation, a fact which the council deemed would solve by hiring the services of “technical individuals to provide specialised consultation.” The statement continued to say that becoming more informed on the inner workings of the project would allow the council to “submit a more effective position, with the intent of defending the interests of the residents.”