ROGUE ice cream vendors are flocking to two East Lancashire towns and robbing licensed firms of business because regulations aren't being enforced by council chiefs, it was claimed today.

Bosses at one of the two firms licensed to send ice cream vans around Blackburn and Darwen claim their chances of making a profit are melting all the time, because they are forking out £600 a year to work while rivals get away with paying nothing.

And they are further upset after the council revealed plans to increase street trading permit licences next year by £300 to £900.

They say the council's failure to enforce the rules, and prosecute people without a permit, is well-known throughout Lancashire, meaning unlicensed vans flocking to the borough.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council today insisted it was doing all it could to enforce the rules --- and said two unlicensed vendors have been prosecuted in recent days.

Catherine Elliott, who owns Blackburn-based Ripplehead Ices, which operates three licensed vans in Blackburn with Darwen, hit out as the council unveiled plans to increase street trading permit licences -- up 50per cent -- from next year.

The council says the new charges would mean they would be better able to monitor and enforce street trading.

Under the scheme, firms like Rippleheads would have to pay £900 a year for a 'roaming consent,' another £900 a year for a fixed site around Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park ground, and a further £900 a year to trade in Blackburn town centre.

All street traders, ranging from the programme sellers for Blackburn Rovers to hotdog stalls, are covered by the rules.

But Catherine, whose firm has been trading in Blackburn with Darwen for 25 years, said: "An extra £300 like that is a lot of extra ice cream to sell, particularly when the council aren't enforcing the rules properly. All this year, we have had other vans, without licences, come in and visit streets ahead of, stealing our trade and then disappearing again.

"Other authorities actually enforce their rules and prosecute people but word has got round that it doesn't happen in Blackburn.

"There comes a point when the fees mean you just don't turn a profit and unless the council actually start enforcing the rules there isn't enough business for us."

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods, said: "The council does take this issue seriously and just this week has successfully prosecuted two unlicensed traders. We will continue to prosecute where necessary to ensure that the law is adhered to and that those traders who abide by the law and apply for permits are not losing out economically."