Agricultural and ODZ land between Hal Safi and Hal Kirkop is facing an uncertain future after a development proposal for the area was submitted.

The area, known as l-Ghadir, provides much needed greenery in the area and is considered by many to be the lungs of Safi, Kirkop and Zurrieq. "This will mark the beginning of the destruction of this pristine, agricultural land that covers the whole area ending at Vjal ix-Xarolla in Zurrieq," warned one Facebook post by a group campaigning against the development.

Meanwhile, locals Saviour Sammut and Alexis Callus are rallying residents and lovers of Malta's rural heritage to join forces to protect the Green Belt between the three villages.