Food van ban near city park up for debate

Councillors will discuss options for what to do about food vans near Sefton Park in Liverpool

Ice cream vans and other food and drink sellers could be banned from trading near a city’s largest park.

Councillors in Liverpool will weigh up several options for the streets around Sefton Park, in the south of the city.

Options also include not issuing any more than the current six permits, giving out more, and limiting the number of trucks that can operate at any one time.

More than 130 people gave feedback about what to do next.

'Great for coffee'

One argued an increase in traders would “destroy” one of the city’s “jewels”.

Others raised concerns about littering and parking.

But some responses welcomed the prospect of more food and drink options near the Victorian-era park.

“The street trading around Sefton park is a great addition to the park area as you are limited sometimes whilst out with wet dogs.

“Great to stop for a great coffee or a little bite during cold winter days,” one person who responded to the consultation said.

Sefton Park was opened on 20 May 1872 by Prince Arthur, who dedicated it "for the health and enjoyment of the townspeople".

The review was launched in 2022, after concerns were raised about the impact an increase in street vendors might have on the Grade I listed park.

The roads bordering it are currently designated as “Consent Streets” for the purposes of street trading.

This means that street trading on these perimeter roads, including namely Mossley Hill Drive, Croxteth Drive and Aigburth Drive, and within 10 metres of them, is banned unless the trader has “consent” from the council.

Liverpool City Council’s Street Trading Committee will decide which option to support on Friday.