MORE than 80 unlicensed stallholders on Changli Road in the Pudong New Area have been cleared as a crackdown on illegal vendors nears its end.

The last batch of 85 unlicensed stands, selling clothing and household goods, were dismantled by officials of the Pudong New Area Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau yesterday morning. The stalls blocked pavements and forced passengers waiting for buses onto the street.

The Shanggang Xincun Subdistrict government began removing illegal eateries from Changli Road in May.

Changli Road, which was famous for its street kitchens and restaurants offering tasty food at affordable prices, was one of the last of its kind in the downtown.

However, residents had long complained about oily smells and smoke.

The pavements will be upgraded with landscaping.

Officials are helping businesses with financial difficulties obtain new licenses and venues.

Joint law enforcement teams of police, urban management and market supervision authorities will monitor the area to prevent the return of illegal vendors.