In recent letters to the editor, Lino Briguglio and others compared Sliema to a bazaar. I would go further and say that if the Sliema local council does not take control of the situation it will turn into a slum or a second Paceville!

Trading licence and local council regulations are clear: “No person may place any table or chair in any street for the catering of food and drinks, in any day, or special or specific day, without a permit from the local council.”

Yet despite numerous complaints made to the council, a tiny pavement area between 264 and 271, Tower Road, is now occupied by a new Italian restaurant, bistro and ice cream parlour, and is constantly cluttered with tables and chairs.

Pedestrians, especially those in wheelchairs, or parents pushing prams, find it impossible to move.

Surely the pavement is for pedestrian access, by law. Why is the council not enforcing this law? Is there a hidden agenda?

The council must act now before this situation becomes permanent.