A "cold war" has broken out between businesses and a new ice cream van in a popular tourist spot.
Independent ice cream parlours and cafes in Lyndhurst, Hampshire have clashed with Warren's Ice Cream van.
Warren's is run by ice cream entrepreneur Warren Dickens who set up shop just yards from Lyndhurst High Street, at the car park of beauty spot Bolton's Bench.
The spot is popular for visitors to the New Forest National Park, and prime real estate for a business like an ice cream van.
A Cold War has broken out between the two businesses
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Less than half a kilometre away is Forest Glade Ice Cream parlour, run by Tim Laine and son Simon. They are one of the businesses calling for the van to be removed, speaking to the Verderers Court, an ancient group responsible for the preservation of the New Forest
Laine, 73, said that Warren's was making "no contribution" to the local community. He said: "Two years ago the Verderers granted a licence for an ice cream van to trade from the car park at Bolton's Bench.
"I am requesting that this is not granted again for the following reasons. The sale of 'refreshments' at Bolton's Bench location adversely affects the footfall into the village, and consequently, the turnover of establishments in our village is significantly reduced.
"This van pays no rates to the local council, doesn't belong to the local Chamber of Commerce and makes no contribution to the local events and the 'community' of Lyndhurst. The van also has its engine running continuously, which is not good for air quality, and Lyndhurst already has a very poor record for air pollution."
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Warren Dickens, 45, runs 12 ice cream vans in the New Forest and surrounding area. He told MailOnline that he is within his rights to operate at Bolton's Bench, having had his licence approved by Forestry England.
He said: "I only deal with Forestry Commission, not the Verderers. We pay for the licence."
When asked what he makes of concerns that his business is hindering footfall on the high street, he said: "I don't really know what to make of that, to be honest. We're away from the high street, the way I see it."
Previously, Sweet Chillies cafe owner David Pearson said it was "absolutely ridiculous" that the van was allowed to operate in the beauty spot.
The licence is currently up for renewal, with Forestry England set to decide which business will take on the new tender in the coming weeks.
A Forestry England spokeswoman said: "A small number of ice cream and refreshment vans have been operating in Forestry England car parks in the New Forest for many years. The vans operate under contract to Forestry England.
"The funds raised by Forestry England from this goes directly back into caring for the Forest and looking after facilities including car parks that serve the Forest and the local area."
