Mark Edwards, an ice cream vendor in Tonyrefail, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has vowed to continue playing his van's music despite a noise complaint that led to a council warning. The complaint, made in June, alleged that Edwards played his chimes after 8pm, prompting the council to notify him of a 7pm cut-off for ice cream van music. Edwards, who has traded in the area for over 20 years without prior issues, described the complaint as 'unbelievable' and has refused to stop operating in the area, instead using a horn to alert customers.
Long-serving vendor refuses to be silenced
Edwards, who works for an employer that instructed him to avoid the area to prevent fines, said he was 'not [going] to let one individual spoil it for everybody else.' He now relies on locals knowing his approximate arrival times and uses a horn to signal his presence, saying, 'They all come out and enjoy it.' He added that the complainers are 'not going to beat me.'
The council confirmed that the law requires a 7pm cut-off for ice cream van music but noted that this does not 'prevent them from trading.' The complaint and Edwards' response have sparked widespread support on social media and within the local community.
Community rallies behind ice cream man
Amy Elwood, from Trebanog, told The BBC: 'It's a bit silly to be honest, Mark is not harming anybody. I don't see what the problem is about.' Eleven-year-old Lexi echoed this sentiment, saying the music should continue as it's tradition, adding: 'Its exciting, it's nice to have ice cream in the hot weather.'
Edwards expressed surprise at the level of support, stating, 'I knew I was pretty popular but I didn't think I was as popular as I am now – it's just gone completely crazy.' He questioned whether the late-night rule is 'outdated,' noting that the chimes only play for a few seconds at a time. He also highlighted the broader challenges facing local businesses, saying, 'With local businesses going down, the last thing we need is to go out of business. It is a dying game as it is to be honest. There are less and less of us about.'
Council closes case after legal duty fulfilled
The council stated that it considered the matter closed after fulfilling its legal duty to investigate the noise complaint and enforce the rules. Despite the warning, Edwards remains determined to continue his service, and the community's backing suggests his ice cream van will remain a summer staple in Tonyrefail.
