An ice cream van in Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park has faced backlash for charging high prices, leading to parents and locals expressing outrage. The price list, which included £3.95 for a 99 cone and up to £6.95 for a King Cone, was labelled as ‘shocking’ and ‘unbelievable’ by residents. Concerns were raised about children in tears due to their parents being unable to afford the expensive treats. One visitor shared their surprise at being charged £11.25 for two ice creams, describing it as ‘the shock of my life’.
Manchester City Council has acknowledged the complaints and is engaging with the van operator to address the pricing concerns. The van has since reduced its prices, offering two standard waffle cone 99s for £7, with a standard 99 now costing £3.25. The Knickerbocker Sunday is priced at £3.95, and the King Cone at £6. A council representative emphasised the importance of affordability in their procurement process to ensure fair prices for residents.
The issue highlighted the wider trend of rising ice cream prices, impacting families seeking affordable treats during outings. The public outcry prompted the ice cream van to adjust its pricing strategy to better align with community expectations. The van’s response demonstrates the power of community feedback in influencing business practices for the benefit of local residents.