Several street traders on one of Belfast's main shopping streets have had their stalls and goods confiscated by city council officials.

The clampdown on Royal Avenue street traders happened on Saturday.

One man was arrested as the police supported council officers operating under new legislation, seized goods on the spot.

Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said up to 25 stall holders had set up in the city centre in the last few weeks and they were causing an obstruction.

'Ongoing operation'

"They are making it extremely difficult for those who are in wheelchairs, and also the blind and the visually impaired," he said.

"They are blocking the footways and this is causing great frustration. The City Hall has been inundated with complaints on a daily basis wanting to know when we are going to tackle this issue.

"It has been an ongoing exercise and it will continue not just in the run up to Christmas but throughout the new year if that is necessary."

However, the traders are angry about the latest action against them and are collecting names on a petition calling for their stalls to be legalised.

Ciaran Kerr, criticised the action as "heavy handed".

"Under this new legislation that was implemented on 1 October they have the new powers of seizure to seize the goods," he said.

"In turn, they were supposed to grant licences for us to be legal somewhere in the city and to operate under the council's bye laws.

"They haven't issued any licences yet."