The Sliema Residents Association has called on authorities to urgently intervene over an alleged takeover of public land by a new restaurant at the corner of Annunciation Street and the Ferries in Sliema, while Moviment Graffitti has warned of direct action if the alleged illegal setup is not removed.

The residents' association said the restaurant had installed an awning covering the full width of the pavement, while workers had allegedly cemented paving stones extending onto the road.

It described the changes as an illegal alteration to the street alignment and said the awning was creating a visual obstruction and a potential road-safety hazard for both motorists and pedestrians.

The association also said the setup was taking away pavement space belonging to the public.

Dr Claire Bonello has filed an enforcement request with the Planning Authority on behalf of the Sliema Local Council, the Sliema Residents Association said, adding that no response had been received from the Authority so far.

The association is calling on the authorities to remove the alleged illegal structures, restore the public land and respond to residents' concerns over what it described as the takeover of public land by commercial establishments.

Moviment Graffitti issued a separate warning over the same development, saying developer Carlos Stivala had put up a large tent on the pavement and in an area reserved for parking without any type of permit.

The group said private paving had also been laid and tables and chairs placed outside the establishment, claiming that the setup was obstructing pedestrians and creating a danger because it was located on a corner.

Graffitti said the commercial activity under the tent should stop immediately and gave Stivala until Friday, 9 October to remove the alleged illegal structure.

If the tent is not removed by then, the group warned that it would take "direct action" to stop what it described as the "theft" of public land.

Graffitti also criticised the authorities for what it described as a lack of action over the alleged illegal setup.

The group said that if it resorted to direct action, it should not be accused of taking the law into its own hands, arguing that the law was already being flouted.

The Sliema Residents Association has urged authorities to listen to residents and take action to prevent commercial establishments from taking over public land.