HONG KONG’S Occupy protesters started dismantling some of their barricades yesterday in an apparent concession to city authorities.

The partial clear-out came after a night of clashes as police sought to enforce their pledge to have key streets open for the start of the working week.

Police and protesters could be seen shaking hands in main protest area Admiralty before jointly taking down some roadblocks, allowing traffic to begin flowing along Lung Wo Road, a main artery in the city.

The roadblocks went up last week as Occupy escalated its protest in response to Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying refusal to step down.

A large number of the demonstrators had tried to stop their fellow protesters closing the road for fear of alienating the public, with many forming human chains to stop people stepping out into traffic.

One student told Chinese state news agency Xinhua that “some citizens have a negative view on the days of protest. It’s time for us to leave.”

However a group of around 300 protesters remained standing peacefully outside the main government building with no apparent intention of moving.

Around 3,000 civil servants were prevented from getting to work on Friday, with Mr Leung insisting they “must” be allowed to get to their jobs today.

Protest leader Benny Tai, a university professor who regularly attends events funded by the US State Department and its front organisations, said he accepted that condition as a precursor to talks.

“We only target CY Leung,” he said. “By opening a route, CY will have no reason or excuse to clear our occupation and spread foul rumours.”

Across the harbour in Mong Kok protesters were also divided over what to do following leaders’ call for a retreat.

The area saw 19 arrests on Friday when Occupy supporters and opponents clashed. Some left yesterday to join the main site in Admiralty but others said they were going home.

Mong Kok became a flashpoint again on Saturday night when police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds.

Police said they had to use force because protesters had verbally abused them, while Occupy complained that officers weren’t protecting them from pro-Beijing thugs.