Croydon Council has been forced to deny it is planning on banning ice cream vans.

Sanderstead ward councillor Yvette Hopley went on the attack at the latest full council meeting accusing the Labour group of planning to ban the trade after receiving an email between officers and a retailer.

The email sent to a major retailer in her ward reads: "We have made some progress in that Croydon licensing officers are looking at a ban on ice cream sales borough wide and permits to trade in specific areas."

Replying to her speech, directed at council leader Tony Newman, where she asked "What has Mr Whippy done to you?", Coun Newman said all policy is set by councillors in the cabinet and the licensing committee and that there has been some mistake.

He said: "I can assure you that as you look forward to a long hot summer, I can assure Councillor Hopley and the people of Croydon that there will be an ice cream van of every corner.

"The policies of this council are set in Cabinet and there is not even a one per cent chance that what you’re saying is true."