CHIMES from ice cream vans are being heard on estates in Brighton less often these days.

It's not just because more people have freezers and buy their ice cream from the superstores rather than from vans. Another reason is the high cost of fees imposed on ice cream vendors by Brighton and Hove Council. Many councils in the south of England do not make any charge at all but Brighton and Hove has a fee of nearly £900 a van. It is small wonder that there are only a few vans left and that the main trader, British Bulldog, is making a protest. Some administrative charge would be reasonable but £900 does seem exorbitant. No wonder councillors have asked for a breakdown of the costs. Hundreds of kids will be grateful to the council if it manages to reduce the charge to something more reasonable.

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