The cancellation of a bona fide field trip to Ta? Cenc due to the owners? refusal to allow participants to visit archaeological remains and areas of natural heritage, is inconceivable, said Alternattiva Demokratika Gozo spokesman Victor Galea.

In a statement, Mr Galea added that the Festival Mediterranea organisers planned to organise a field trip to Ta? Cenc in Gozo led by Dr David Trump on Thursday, 2 November. However, a note issued by the organising members informed the public that "The owners of Ta? Cenc have cancelled the permission that they had previously given to us to hold this field trip on their property. So, we have had no other option but to cancel this trip."

"It is clear for all to see that Ta? Cenc should be given National Park status at once and conditions for access made clear to the owners" said Mr Galea.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo said that bona fide visitors are easily turned away by the owners? blunt refusal because they cannot all be expected to defend their rights forcibly.

"The government?s paralysis on this issue is a measure of its hypocrisy in claiming that the environment is its third policy pillar. It has provided no effective remedy for the constant erosion of citizens? rights to access their natural and heritage assets. It is also absurd to talk of rural development and an enhancement of niche tourism in Gozo under such conditions," said Dr Vassallo.