I’ve been an ice cream man for 50 years but now the council want to kick me off my pitch – I’m devastated
A VETERAN ice cream man claims he is being booted off his usual pitch by a “greedy” council.
Alan Philipson, 71, has traded at a beauty spot since 1974 but says a bike rack has been installed in his place.
The remaining area of The Sele, in Hexham, Northumberland, is a no parking zone.
A petition backing Alan has more than 1,000 signatures.
He said: “I serve children now with their grandparents, who I served when they were young.”
Award-winner Alan said the old Tynedale council — taken over by Northumberland County Council in 2009 — concreted the space for him and gave him a key to a retractable bollard.
He won a battle to keep the pitch in 2013.
Alan also claims the land was gifted to the people of Hexham in the 1910s, so the council has no right to lease it.
He added: “The council sent me a letter demanding I pay them but with no invoice. It’s greed.
“What they’re doing is wrong.”
He added: “We gave out free ice cream during Covid to hospital workers and give water out to overheated children in the park during the summer.
“A young lad fell of his skateboard in the park the other day and guess who he came to for a plaster? My van.
“We’re eco-friendly and have solar panels.
“We also turn the engine off in the park.
“I’ve offered to make a contribution to the community to keep it clean.
“We’re well loved by the community, it’s a big part of what we do.”
The council said: “Concessions for park traders are let via tender.
“Winning bidders are required to comply with all licence conditions including making annual payments.”