THE dispute over the most suitable pitch for an ice cream van in Tavistock?s Bedford Square appears to have been resolved after councillors last week agreed the van should stay where it was.

Willy?s Ice Cream recently asked the council to approve the pitch by the Guildhall and give the business a longer term ?lease? on the site, allowing greater stability.

But Cllr Pat Warne objected to the siting of the van in front of the listed buildings, which she said spoilt visitors? enjoyment of the town centre view.

In a letter to the council, Andrew Williams, of Willy?s Ice Cream, expressed concern over the pitch dispute.

He said the present position was the safest one as far as other users of the car park were concerned and was still used by shoppers when it was not economical for the ice cream van to trade.

And he said it was ?unfair? to claim the traditionally painted van was detrimental to the view of the old buildings in Bedford Square.

Mr Williams said: ?All vehicles in the car park; police cars, vans at times and general cars, they are all there in front of the building at times, it is the normal pattern.

?If you suddenly said I want to look across at the church, do you ever not look beyond the taxi rank? I am just trying to make a comparison.?

Cllr Peter Donkin at last week?s meeting of the town council?s properties committee said he had ?a great deal of sympathy? with Mr Andrews.

?There doesn?t seem to be any ideal location for him really,? he said.

Cllr Caroline Keane said: ?I don?t see anything wrong with the present site of the van at all. I don?t think it?s deterimental to the listed buildings and it?s in keeping with enjoyment of the square.?

Cllr Betty Batchelor said: ?I think it?s in the best place ? and for someone who parks in the disabled space, it creates better access.?

Councillors agreed the present arrangement with Willy?s Ice Cream should be extended for another year.