A petition has been raised in support of a long standing ice cream van in Retford Market Square, that has been told it is not licensed to trade on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays by Bassetlaw District Council.

Following a public outcry, complaints have been made to the licensing team by local councillors in a bid to bring about a successful resolution.

The ice cream van, run by Russ Cairns and his family, has served the public from the same spot for more than 40 years, and, say local people, is 'a cornerstone of the town's character' and 'emblematic of the spirit and charm of Retford'.

The petition circulating on social media states that: 'We must act now to ensure that long-standing traders like Russ do not disappear from our high streets, leaving a void that no chain store or franchise can fill.

Retford Town Square, where an ice-cream van of 40 years standing has been told it may not trade on three days of the week.

placeholder image — Retford Town Square, where an ice-cream van of 40 years standing has been told it may not trade on three days of the week.

'By supporting this petition, you can help preserve the independent businesses essential to our community's character and future. Let's come together to advocate for a resolution that allows Russ to continue serving our community for generations to come.'

Bassetlaw MP Jo White has also got involved in the matter, saying she is 'very disappointed and surprised' to learn of the decision taken not to allow the ice cream van on The Square on three days of the week.

She said via social media that she would be contacting Bassetlaw Council urgently to understand the reason for this, ‘and will press the case for this decision to be reversed as soon as possible'.

A spokesperson for Bassetlaw District Council said: “We understand the strength of feeling Retford residents have on this issue and recognise the importance of small businesses locally.

“The Council would like to provide reassurance that we are working pro-actively to support Mr Cairns within the framework of licensing at Bassetlaw District Council, which will allow him to continue to trade from his current location while this matter is being resolved.

“Mr Cairns is currently operating with a licence which allows him to trade as part of Retford Market, which is held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays.

“He also has a Mobile Street Trader License that allows him to operate across the district seven days a week. This licence includes a maximum waiting time of 20 minutes in any location.

“Last week, the Council’s Licensing Team advised Mr Cairns of the conditions attached to both of the licenses he currently holds, which permit him to trade in Retford.

“As part of this conversation, the Council did not instruct Mr Cairns to stop trading from his usual position and has not banned Mr Cairns from trading.

“The Council has provided Mr Cairns with two options that will allow him to trade legally from his current location on non-market days, these being a Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.”

Below are some examples of social media comments people have made regarding this issue:

Wayne Leatherland – ‘They should be giving Russ the freedom of the town for 40 years service not running him out of it.’

Sue Sullivan – ‘Our family has been buying from Russ for 40 years at Tuxford Primary and the market place and now in the village I live.

He’s an asset to every location he serves.’

Vicky Bentaouet – ‘Absolutely shocking what’s happening these days! It’s all about extracting money left right and centre. And then wonder why we have empty shops, fewer shoppers and people running amuck all around us! Let’s start right back at the beginning and support people trying really hard to make living just that little bit easier and nicer place to be.’

Fil Walker – ‘Do the right thing with Russ, he’s a genuine guy with the whole of Retford to support him, he and his yellow van have been ‘Retford’ for years and years - all this support will get this resolved soon!