Sliema local council will be asking the government to ban street hawkers along the promenade, saying the authorities appear toothless in the face of repeated abuse.

Mayor Anthony Chircop told Times of Malta the most frequent complaint was that street hawker vans were being left parked overnight, in prime areas, in breach of licence conditions.

Apart from occupying precious parking space, in some cases these street hawkers encroached on part of the promenade by placing chairs, tables and other items.

He complained that police enforcement was sporadic and the illegalities usually resumed a few days later.

“In the circumstances, residents have lost faith in the authorities and we are starting to doubt their willingness to take action. As a result, the only possible solution would be an outright ban on street hawkers in designated areas like the promenade,” Mr Chircop said.

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