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Ice-cream seller in row over licence
A SHEFFIELD school is trying to stop an ice-cream seller renewing his trading licence - claiming he is hindering its efforts to meet Government nutritional standards.
Handsworth Grange Community Sports College does not want John McNeil selling ice cream, sweets and soft drinks to pupils at lunchtime.
School business manager Steve Wild said: "The school is working to provide healthy meals which meet the Government's new nutritional standards.
"Activities of this trader are counter productive as he is selling cheap, unhealthy goods laced with all the wrong E numbers.
"Consumption by our students is contributing to low level disruption experienced in classes during the afternoon."
In November Joe's Ices was asked to stop parking in front of the school and he moved to nearby Ballifield Crescent and Handsworth Grange Road.
But Mr Wild said: "Students going out into the community to buy these goods are having a negative impact on the lives of local residents. We are receiving numerous complaints about litter, noise, behaviour and graffiti."
The school is finding it difficult to stop children leaving at lunchtime to visit the ice cream van because it does not have a high enough fences and gates, he added.
"To assist us doing our part in reducing childhood obesity and make the lives of our neighbours as trouble-free as possible, we urge the licensing board not to renew the trader's licence," Mr Wild said.
The school also claims Mr McNeil breached the terms of his licence by selling sweets when he only has permission to serve ice cream.
Ballifield Crescent resident Margaret Holland is also opposing Mr McNeil's application. She complained that with up to 30 youngsters at a time crowding around the van, lunchtime has become a real nuisance.
"This can be very intimidating, especially for older persons," she said. "My understanding was that the school was to keep the children over lunchtime, and if they were released at lunchtime, then they must go straight home."
But Mr McNeil said: "The council has had a letter from one resident, but they haven't heard from all the residents who thank me for the service I provide. People thank me for picking up the litter from kids."
Sheffield Council will consider the application by Mr McNeil, of Robin Lane, Beigton, on Tuesday.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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