Frozen out

Twenty shops have backed a petition objecting to Mario Manfredi selling ices in pedestrianised Bradshawgate, in front of the new Albion Street stalls. But Mr Manfredi, in partnership with his father, Carl, is fighting back in a bid to stay on the market the company has served for more than 100 years.

Customers have signed a counter petition to save the ice cream van and, with the backing of market traders, councillors, market management and environmental services, it is hoped the problem can be solved.

Mr Manfredi said: "We have been at every new market site since 1899 and were promised a pitch at Albion Street. Originally, we should have gone where the seats have been removed at the end of the stalls.

"On the opening day of the new market, I moved into Bradshawgate, but someone complained and I was moved back to Gas Street until the matter could be sorted out.

"It's not an ideal place in a loading bay, where a pedestrian crossing is planned. This market site is our main business."

Coun Brian Jarvis, chairman of Leigh Town Centre Management, said: "At the time of the market move to Albion Street, a spot at the Bradshawgate end had been promised for the ice cream van.

"I received a petition signed by businesses in Bradshawgate, who objected to the van being in a pedestrianised zone, and they thought it unfair that a street trader should be allowed in Bradshawgate.

"I contacted the legal department and found that if the van went on Bradshawgate, it would breach traffic orders. A similar problem arises in Gas Street, but there's not much in the short term we can do. We are doing all we can to satisfy both parties." I do feel an injustice will have been done if the ice cream van can't be accommodated somewhere linked to the market." TRADITIONAL ICES: Louis Manfredi's ice cream van is a familiar part of Leigh's street scene

"I would like to thank everyone who has shown their support. We belong on Leigh market after all these years and it will be a disaster if we are forced off.