Cape Town — Tensions ran high in Greenmarket Square today as law enforcement officers and traders clashed in a mix-up about the planned move from the historic square, set for a major renovation, to Government Avenue in the Company's Garden.

From today, the traders were supposed to operate at the new venue for the next six months.

Representatives said they received messages this morning of a change in plans as the Western Cape heritage authorities had yet to approve the necessary permits.

After major confusion and high tempers, the traders were allowed to start setting up shop on the square with plans for a meeting between their representatives and city authorities.