Updated 3.20pm 

An unsightly restaurant sign in the corner of Valletta's Palace square is to be removed with immediate effect, Valletta 2018 Foundation chairman Jason Micallef has said. 

Photos of the sign set tongues wagging on social media, with people wondering whether it was legal and appropriate in one of the prime spots of the UNESCO World Heritage city. 

A manager at the premises admitted that the sign was "ugly", but insisted it was temporary and that all necessary Planning Authority permits were in hand. They directed further questions to a Joseph Zammit, who however hung up when asked to provide further details. 

The Times of Malta subsequently turned to the Valletta 2018 Foundation. Mr Micallef said he had spoken to entrepreneur and restaurant owner Frankie Grima after being made aware of the sign yesterday evening.

Mr Grima, Mr Micallef said, had assured him that the sign would soon be replaced with a "more appropriate" one. 

"However we both agreed that it should still be removed with immediate effect," Mr Micallef said. 

The Times of Malta has also asked the Planning Authority to confirm the restaurant's claims that it has been granted a permit for a more permanent sign in the square.