A DISPUTE over the best location for an ice-cream van in Tavistock broke recently, when councillors argued over the van's pitch within the centre of the town.
Willy's Ice-Cream had asked the town council to approve the pitch in the Guildhall Square car park and give the business a long term 'lease' for use of the site.
However, councillors have now voted to refer the question back to their next properties committee meeting.
Cllr Pat Warne said: 'The van continues to park in front of an ancient monument, blocking people's enjoyment of Court Gate — I feel that it is wrong.'
Cllr Warne said she had heard comments from visitors who felt the van was inappropriately sited, and she said it blocked a shoppers car space.
She suggested the council could offer one of its empty business premises to Willy's ice-cream.
But Cllr Betty Batchelor believed having an ice-cream van in the centre of town attracted passing families to stop in the town and had a knock-on benefit for other businesses close to Bedford Square.
Cllr Robin Pike suggested a compromise, whereby the owner of the ice-cream van could be encouraged to park further away from Court Gate and closer to the river side of the square, reducing the visual impact to the town centre.
The town clerk is waiting to hear the views of the owner of the ice-cream van on this proposal, before the properties committee meets.
In February, the council discussed proposals to allow continental style tables and chairs on Bedford Square, serving snacks, drinks and ice creams.
Two Tavistock businesses had approached the council with their ideas for using the Square in such a way.
However, this proposal appears to have stalled, because West Devon Borough Council insisted on planning permission being obtained for their use, and no-one seemed willing to fund such an application.