Lack of enforcement action by various authorities led to a “worrying situation” in Sliema, as illegal billboards remained in place and street hawkers ignored the conditions of their licences, the council protested yesterday.

Sliema mayor Anthony Chircop speaking yesterday.

Behind him, an illegal billboard illustrated the point. The billboard, located along the Sliema ferries, had been served with an enforcement notice by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority “months ago” but, despite this, it remained standing, posing a threat to the safety of passers-by since it is not secured properly, mayor Anthony Chircop said.

Flanked by other council members, Mr Chircop said the billboard was just one example of a series of irregularities that were permitted in Sliema.

Hawkers were not respecting the conditions of their licences and stalls selling a range of items and services were sprouting around Sliema.

Besides, some of these stalls had been provided with electricity when the council did not sign the necessary documentation to allow this.

“We are worried about the amount of illegalities that are continuously happening. Residents have been reporting them to the council but the council does not have the power to take enforcement action,” he said.

For years, he said, the council had been in contact with the responsible authorities and meetings had been held but no effective action was taken. These authorities included the police, the Tourism Authority, the Land Department and Mepa.

The council does not have the power to take enforcement action

As he elaborated about the issue of the hawkers, he said they were issued licences by the Trade Licensing Unit against various conditions. These included that they had to vacate at night the parking spot from where they were operating.

But several hawkers, such as those selling fruit and vegetables, never moved their vans to the detriment of residents. Apart from these street hawkers, he said, street vendors also used benches to display their goods such as jewellery.

Then there were the small stalls, such as those selling boat cruises, that mushroomed along the promenade with staff often pestering people walking by to make a sale.

Mr Chircop said the council was calling on the authorities responsible for regulation and enforcement to carry out the necessary checks and take action where necessary – since the council did not have the power to do so.

“We have nothing against businesses but we want to ensure that there is order and discipline and that the laws are being observed,” he said.