The Sliema local council said that markings were painted along the pavement in High Street, Sliema on the instructions of Anġlu Xuereb, who owns The Palace Hotel, without the authorisation of the local council or the Transport Authority.

The council said the case has been reported to the police and to the ADT.

Contacted by The Times, Mr Xuereb denied any wrongdoing, saying he had been ordered by Mepa, through an official letter, to do away with the parking spaces occupying the spot and instead reserve the area for coaches arriving at the hotel.

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