Parliament, in all its wisdom, has decided that further construction in what it called "existing green areas, parks, playgrounds, sporting fields and areas between residential buildings in regional centres and in towns with populations of more than 50 000" would not be allowed.

What I wonder is, when parliament will also decide that those "green areas" will need to maintained by the municipality.

As it is, in our Sofia neighbourhood, the grass in these "green areas" is cut about once a year when it is at least a meter high and just left where it fell.

The playgrounds for the children have not seen any maintenance since the neighbourhood was built in the 1970s, and the pavements in paths through and around these "green areas and parks" is either completely missing (and therefore turns to mud at the slightest rain) or broken as it has not been repaired since it was put in.

What is not missing is drivers who think that anyplace their SUV can get to, can serve as a parking place. (pictured)

The above picture was taken in the Mladost neighbourhood in Sofia, at a corner where a new apartment block was planned.

The only places in this city that have properly maintained "green areas" around buildings, appear to be privately maintained or sponsored by a company that puts up a big ugly sign with its logo on the lawn.

I can't help but wonder what would change if that block was built on this corner. What would that green area look like? And where would those cars park?