Milford on Ice scoops Hampshire County Council parking exemption
AN ice cream van owner can continue trading despite new parking restrictions in Keyhaven following a 1,000-signature petition.
Debbie Head has been operating her ‘Milford on Ice’ van close to the junction of New Lane and Salt Grass Lane for the last 12 years, but with parking rules set to come in later this summer she feared she would be stopped.
As reported Hampshire County Council approved a proposal to introduce charges at the beauty spot last month in a bid to “bring order” to the narrow roads and prevent campervans from staying overnight.
However, Debbie realised the small print of the new parking order also outlawed any selling or trading from parked vehicles. She said: “It really could have spelt the end for my little business, which would have been very sad because I believe an ice cream van has been operating from this spot for thirty years or more.”
After hearing about Debbie’s predicament, one of her customers Mark Law launched a petition calling on HCC to grant an exemption to allow the business to continue operating. Published on change.org and circulated on a We Love Milford social media page, the petition attracted 1,074 signatures.
Introducing the petition, Mr Law wrote: ”Debbie is not just a vendor, she’s a local legend and a heart warming fixture of the Keyhaven/Milford on Sea experience.
“For the past 11 years, she has provided: award-winning New Forest Ice Cream; crabbing tackle for children at the crabbing bridge; dog treats for our four-legged friends; lost property help; tourist information; First aid support and a friendly face and listening ear for all ages.
“Her van is a cherished part of the local landscape, especially for families with young children, and her presence brings life, charm and community spirit to our area.”
Debbie said she feels very supported by the village. “I felt very touched when I realised Mark had launched a petition to help me. When I spoke to local councillor Fran Carpenter she was also very helpful in getting the situation resolved.”
As a result of the petition and Cllr Fran Carpenter’s intervention, Debbie has now received notice that she will be granted an exemption from the parking restrictions.
She said: “I’m not exactly sure how the exemption will work, but I have received a response from Hampshire County Council stating that as a longstanding business operating from the location they will arrange for my vehicle to have authorisation to continue operating.”
As reported, parking on New Road and Salt Grass Lane was unrestricted, leading to regular complaints from residents that mobile homes and campervans were in situ for prolonged periods.
Under new restrictions, on-street parking will be chargeable between 10am and 6pm, with a ban on overnight parking by campervans and mobile homes enforced between 8pm and 8am.
