Ice cream van's night-time chimes whip up a storm of protest in Wem

Local people have complained that a van is travelling around the town playing its chimes loudly after 7pm in the evening, which is illegal, leading to an investigation by Shropshire Council.

Resident Matt Ikin took to the Wem community Facebook page to voice his frustrations at the noisy nuisance.

• In 2013 ice cream van chiming rules were relaxed by the Government following consultation

• However, it is an offence for an ice cream seller to sound the van’s chimes before noon or after 7pm

• The rules say that sellers can advertise their wares through chimes for up to 12 seconds at a time every two minutes

• But the chimes should not be played in areas where people may be especially sensitive to their sound, and in particular they should not be played within 50 metres of a hospital, a school during school hours, or a church on a day of worship

"He's down our street in the dark January evenings with his stupid chimes going after 7pm," he said.

"My missus has been out twice and asked him politely not to do it so late because of our baby sleeping. I'm getting on to the council and if that doesn't stop him I'm just worried the locals will take matters into their own hands."

Councillor John Murray, mayor of Wem, said: "It's wrong, especially when people are trying to put their kids to bed at night.

"The last thing they want is music from an ice cream van to be playing.

"I know they are a part of history but if what is happening is illegal then it should stop.

"While we don't want to stop businesses, after 7pm there should be no disturbance."

John Palmer, spokesman for Shropshire Council, said: "Shropshire Council is investigating a matter relating to an ice cream van operating in Wem but cannot disclose details of the case."

The driver of the van has been unavailable to comment.