A number of shop owners in Tower Road, Sliema have complained about the noise and dust caused by construction work carried out in the same road.

The block close to the Plaza shopping centre was demolished in recent weeks and an extension to the centre is to be built in its stead.

A shop owner said the quantities of dust generated while the buildings were being demolished was substantial.

“Even though the contractors put up the green protective covering, it was pretty useless as the dust still flew out into the road and into the shops,” he said.

However, the owners said they noted no difference in the flow of traffic in the street, even during peak hours.

One owner pointed out that “at least a tower crane was set up on the other side of the road, reducing possible traffic jams that might have caused by the work.”

The parking bays have been shifted to the right hand side of the roads and a double yellow line has been painted on the left hand side.

Another owner pointed out that now that the demolition phase is over, excavation work for the foundations will cause a lot of background noise.

“Although the amount of dust has reduced dramatically, the digging will go on all day making it almost impossible to speak,” he said.