I have been reading the debate about noise from building works and cranes blocking streets in Sliema for some time.

But what fails to be addressed is the complete disregard for other people by contractors and the stores/projects for whom they are working.

Marks & Spencer is a case in point. The building work on the store, while welcomed by residents, has been loud and intrusive for months and a nuisance to neighbours… with no regard it seems to the time of day.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t there some kind of noise pollution law about creating unbearable disturbance with work before 7 a.m.? Not in Sliema it appears as yet again we were woken up just after 6 a.m. by banging and crashing as work began outside our balcony. On investigation a giant crane was already on the go dropping large slabs of concrete into a truck below.

While no one wants to stand in the way of progress, we couldn’t help but feel the need to hire a crane, several workmen, a lorry and a skip and arrive at the home of the contractor or the M&S store manager at 6 a.m. and raise them from their slumber.

If M&S does not believe us... we enclose timed pictures to prove it.

Oh for a peaceful Sliema.