The annual ban on excavation and demolition works came into force on June 15 but it seems that a number of developers in Sliema have found a way around it.

The Sliema council said work was still underway in 10 sites, which were given an extension to continue works by the Building Regulations Office – some even continuing excavation works in July.

The council is very concerned about the veracity of "dangerous structures" claims being put forward by these developers to claim for an extension at the Building Regulations Office. This is more so when such developers pay absolutely no fines or fees for progressing with these disruptive works in the summer period.

The Sliema council said it was not consulted by the Building Regulations Office about the granting of such extensions.

"We are thus very concerned that the law prohibiting such works in the summer period is being rendered null by the granting of continuous extensions by the Building Regulations Office.”

The intention of the ban is to ensure cleaner and less disturbed localities in the peak tourism season and it applies to a number of localities.