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Noise warning issued for ice cream man over loud chimes from van

Locals in the Rhondda were outraged that someone had lodged a complaint against their long-serving ice cream man

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Mark Edwards says he will no longer visit the area the complaint originated from(Image: Phil Harris/Daily Mirror)

An ice cream man received a warning letter from a council following a complaint the chimes on his van were "excessively loud" leaving his local community outraged.

Rhondda Cynon Taf council wrote to ice cream man Mark Edwards, who has been serving treats in the Rhondda for decades, citing issues "concerning the regular disturbance being caused as a consequence of the chimes" from the van.

It is understood that a number of complaints were received by the council from an address at Capel Farm in Tonyrefail, which is on Mr Edwards' regular route, voicing concerns about the vehicle which was said to visit the area on an almost daily basis.

The complaint alleged that the ice cream van was playing "excessively loud" chimes or music and was doing so late in the evening.

Under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, ice cream vans are only permitted to sound their chimes between noon and 7pm. They are still permitted to trade outside these hours, but should not play music from the vehicle.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said it looked into the report and found that a complaint alleging the ice cream van was playing its chimes beyond 8pm true. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here

A spokesperson said that while the council understands concerns from the local community, officers have a legal duty to enforce the law.

After receiving the warning letter, the ice cream man said he would no longer be visiting the housing estate in where the complaint originated from, causing much upset amongst his "loyal customers".

Responding to a post made by Mr Edwards, one person wrote: "The kids will be devastated!! There are some sad sad people in the world.. so angry". Another said: "What has the world come to!"

A petition was set up in support of the much-loved ice cream man, stating: "Our beloved ice cream driver has been a cherished figure in our community for as long as I can remember.

"For years, his cheerful jingles could be heard around the corner, bringing joy to generations of children and offering sweet treats that have become vital parts of our summers.

"He has always gone above and beyond, providing a welcoming smile and a heartfelt conversation to anyone who approaches his truck."

It added that the ice cream man is viewed as a "pillar" of the Rhondda community and the complaint made against him "is not reflective of the community's appreciation for his work."

After Mr Edwards learned how devastated the children on the Capel Farm estate were when they heard he would no longer be stopping there, he said he had made an agreement with residents and would continue visiting in his van, but without sounding his chimes.

A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: "We received a noise complaint about music being played by the ice cream van after 8pm in the evening. This was looked into and was found to be true.

We contacted the owner of the vehicle with a standard letter to remind them of the requirements set out in law. The law requires a 7pm cut off to the chimes being used but does not prevent them from trading after this time, and we consider this matter closed.

We completely understand the comments from the community, but we do have a legal duty that compels us to look at all noise complaints under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. The legislation is not written by us, but we are legally bound to enforce it.

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