AN ice cream vendor looking to park his van at Portishead marina had a frosty reception from residents.

Residents of Port Marine say they are angry that Crest Nicholson has given the go-ahead for a van to be placed on the piazza area opposite the lock gates.

The ice cream van would operate from 11am-7pm seven days a week.

A final decision on whether the van can set up at the marina lies in the hands of North Somerset Council licensing committee, which meets later this month.

Residents have already launched a petition against the move and put up posters around the marina urging people to write to the council objecting to the plans.

They are concerned that the van will cause more litter in the area and noise from the generator used to power it will disturb homeowners.

June Williams, 70, of Lockside, said: "We already have outlets that sell ice creams and drinks, so why would we want another one?

The litter bins have been removed after a disagreement about who empties them, and rubbish is already a problem in the area and will only get worse if this is allowed."

Margaret and Norman Bennett, who moved to Port Marine five years ago, are also concerned about the plan.

Mrs Bennett, 66, said: "There are no public toilets on the marina and the nearest ones are at Wyndham Way. We are also concerned about the extra litter this ice cream van could cause because there are no bins in the area."

Jenny Williams, who has been running the Galley Cafe for the last six years, said the van would impact on her business.

She said: "There are plenty of food and drink outlets on the marina and I cannot see the benefit in having another one. It will not be selling anything different than I do and the first I heard about it was when the local residents told me."

Any comments on the proposal need to be submitted to North Somerset Council by March 12.

A Crest Nicholson spokesman said: "Crest Nicholson has given permission for a drinks and ice cream vendor to be sited at the Port Marine development.

"It will serve the high numbers of visitors to the area and will be at the end of the marina, at a distance from other bars and cafes in the area. The vendor already runs successful units across Bristol and this facility will bring additional employment opportunities to the area."