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Ice cream man licks opposition
AN ICE cream man from Sheffield is to continue trading from the business his grandfather started - after the school which tried to ban him withdrew its objection.
John McNeil - who sells from a van near Handsworth Grange Community College - faced losing his licence after the school complained about the "unhealthy" ices he sells to pupils.
School business manager Steve Wild wrote to Sheffield Council complaining of the "cheap, unhealthy goods laced with all the wrong E numbers" sold from Joe's Ices.
He said the ice creams, lollies and sweets were causing "low level disruption" in classes and harming the school's efforts to provide healthy meals.
But, just days before the council's licensing board was due to meet, the school withdrew its objection. It today declined to comment on the reasons for its U-turn.
Its decision left board members facing just one objection, from Ballifield Crescent resident Margaret Holland.
She complained that youngsters around the van are a nuisance for the street. Joe's Ices had already been asked to stop parking in front of the school on Handsworth Grange Road.
Mrs Holland said: "I do not have any issue with the day-to-day trading of Joe's Ices, but feel it is encouraging a lot of negative behaviour within the neighbourhood."
Speaking to the licensing board Mr McNeil, of Robin Lane, Beighton, said: "I'd like to be able to continue to ply my trade responsibly.
"I always put a bin out for the kids, and clear up their litter after they've gone. The board has had one complaint, but they haven't heard from all the residents who thank me.
"I also stopped serving ice creams with lots of E numbers in when the deputy head asked me to last year.
"I don't think I should be made a scapegoat for the kids' behaviour."
The board, chaired by Coun Clive Skelton, granted a renewal of Mr McNeil's licence.
Mr McNeil, whose grandfather - the original Joe - started the business in 1926, said: "I'm really pleased to be able to trade like my father and grandfather did before me. Ice-creams all round!"
Supporter Audrey Eadon, of Ballifield Drive, said: "Joe's Ices has been selling ice cream in this area for years, and we have no complaints."
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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