But a hasty move to close it in the middle of a tourist season will only hurt tour operators and local villagers.

BBC: DiCaprio's Beach closes

David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, which represents housing associations, said the decision to get rid of the targets was "a hasty and damaging move, which has already seen plans for over 180, 000 homes scrapped".

BBC: Eric Pickles housing move 'unlawful'

Iran's foreign ministry called the British move "hasty", state TV reported, according to Reuters.

BBC: UK to expel all Iranian diplomats over embassy attack

Iran's foreign ministry called the British move "hasty", state TV reported, and said Iran would take "further appropriate action".

BBC: Iran set to dominate EU foreign ministers talks

Government sources say there will be no hasty reaction to Mr Trimble's surprise move, not least because the announcement coincided with the Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid's wedding.

BBC: Unionist pressure results in border call