Policemen and MTA enforcement officers descended on Tigne' and Sliema seafront this morning and removed chairs and tables which were blocking pavements.

Armed with measuring tape, the officials also removed street furniture that was found to have been placed beyond the areas allowed by permit conditions.

The Malta Tourism Authority had warned last month that it would clamp down on abuse following complaints by residents that they could not walk on the pavements.

The action drew loud protests by the bar owners who said the clamp-down would hurt their pockets, especially as the summer approached.