More enforcement action over encroachment permits

Enforcement officers from the Lands Department have removed metal and wooden signs a St Julians restaurant illegally placed on government property, The Times has learnt.

Earlier this month, officers issued a formal notice asking the restaurant tenant to remove the signs and three spotlights that were illegally installed. On inspecting the premises on Thursday, however, officers found that the signs and lights were still there and so they removed them themselves, a government spokesman confirmed. The action was taken after a complaint was lodged with the department.

Such enforcement action was taken following the government's decision that structures and furniture not in line with the encroachment permit issued would be removed.

A nation-wide operation is in progress to ensure that restaurants, bars and coffee shops abide by their encroachment permit. So far, action has been taken in Sliema, Marsalforn and Xlendi.