A LONG-SERVING Tynedale ice cream man has sold his van due to an unexpected hike in the price of his trading licence.

Michael Bell has travelled the streets of South Tynedale for 34 years, selling ice cream in Haltwhistle, Bardon Mill, Haydon Bridge, and surrounding communities.

But the 52-year-old decided to call it a day after receiving a letter from the licensing authority, Northumberland County Council.

He said the letter stated the fee for renewing his annual mobile trader’s licence would be £1,000 – a considerable hike from the previous fee of £350.

For years Mr Bell, from Haltwhistle, has combined his part time ice cream business with his regular job as a postman.

He said the £650 increase would amount to several week’s work, and that, combined with other costs, would make the business unviable.

Mr Bell said: “That’s the final straw. I decided I wasn’t going to pay such an increase, so I’ve already sold the van to someone in Nottingham. It’s gone.

“It’s a shame. I’ve always enjoyed it and I’ve got to know a lot of people. I’ve seen kids grow up and bring their own children to the van. But I can’t justify paying £1,000 for a trading licence because I don’t make enough money from selling ice cream and sweets.”

Mr Bell, who once ran two ice cream vans across South Tynedale, and was assisted by his mother, Anne Bell, said other costs included £1,7000 annual vehicle insurance, as well as fuel and maintenance.

A county council spokeswoman said that the fee for street trading permits had not been increased since 2010.

She added: “We appreciate that this has been a significant increase for some traders, and have offered operators the opportunity to pay by instalments.

“In order to keep pace with the level of fees charged by other councils, Northumberland agreed to phase-in increases over a three-year period.”