Street traders who have operated two pitches on Liverpool's Pier Head for more than 15 years have said they fear they could lose their livelihoods under new council plans.

Patsy Murphy and Harry Khanijau have operated a hot food stall and ice cream van next to the Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal since 2009.

Liverpool City Council officials have proposed ending their permits from April next year because more tourist attractions and museums have been created in the area.

Ice-cream seller Harry Khanijau said: "This is our livelihoods, this is our lives."

The 73-year-old added: "We run at a loss but we're here on the bad days when nobody is around.

"It's who we are, it's more than an ice cream pitch.

"When we got these pitches, we were told to keep our prices affordable, we've done that.

"We did that to serve the people of Liverpool."

His son Anthony said: "For us, this is about family.

"We've traded here for years, my children have been in the van with their grandad, my mother has."

A council committee report said "substantial changes" had "occurred in the Pier Head area" since the permits were granted.

A council spokesperson said "Pier Head has become a destination in its own right thanks to the growth in tourism numbers and cruise liner visits" since 2009.

"There are now a wide range of established cafes and venues across the waterfront and it is timely to review the offer at the Pier Head.

"We are keen to ensure that visitors to the area have the best possible experience and are exploring new arrangements which will give more opportunities to businesses interested in trading from the site."

The council is due to vote on the proposals next week.

Patsy Murphy said: "It just makes no sense, there's no valid reasons to do this."

The Deli stallholder described the plans as "really wrong".

The 67-year-old added: "I've been a street trader my whole life, my mum ran a fruit and veg stall.

"We're not in the way of tourists, they're our customer base."