Contractors who disregarded the conditions of a permit allowing them to demolish a building should have their licence suspended, the Malta Developers Association said.

In a statement, the MDA said a number of demolition contractors were not following the approved construction method statements that bound the owner of any such works on the methods to be used when demolishing an existing structure.

It was also obvious that no safety precautions were being taken to protect pedestrians, passing traffic and workmen on site, it said.

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"MDA’s position regarding this issue is clear and unequivocal. It believes that demolition works should only be carried out by regulated, licensed contractors, who would be fined and even have their license suspended whenever they disregard the conditions of the permit that allows the demolition of buildings.

"If such contractors are MDA members, they would be named and shamed, and their membership would be terminated," it said.

It appealed to the authorities to introduce a register of licensed demolition contactors so that harsh measures can be taken against such rogue contractors.