Burnley Council will soon invite businesses to bid for the right to run ice cream vans at Towneley Park, with the next concession starting in April 2026.

The current licence, which runs until March 2026, allows two vans to trade – one by the riverside play area and another at the Hall car park. While the arrangement has generally worked well, some families told the Council that prices felt too high and that menus were difficult to read. The operator has since been instructed to make prices clearer.

Councillor Jack Launer, Executive Member for Housing, Health & Culture, said: “We’ve listened to local people and understand their concerns. Families visiting Towneley should be able to see prices clearly and feel they are getting good value. That’s why we are making sure any future operator offers fair prices, clear information, and a high-quality service.”

When the tender opens, applications will be judged on both the rent offered and the quality of service – including fair pricing, well-kept vans, trained staff, and environmental measures such as reducing waste.

Money raised from the concession supports the upkeep of Towneley and other local parks.