THE name Manfredi is to Leigh what flakes are to 99s.

It seems unbelievable, but the ice cream company faces the threat of being frozen out of Leigh town centre after 102 years - by businesses with little service in comparison.

They have organised a petition to remove Mario, the fourth-generation ice cream man, and his van from the new Leigh market site in Albion Street.

And I'm sorry, but it's just not on.

Something must be done to find a permanent spot for the van, which has had a pitch on every market site in town since 1899 - and a place in the heart of ice cream lovers throughout the area.

Mario was promised that when the market moved to the new stalls, he could have a base at the Bradshawgate end - but nearby shops objected and it came to light that parking on the street flouted traffic regulations.

After a tense time, and fears that the end was nigh, Mario was told he could stay in Gas Street until something is hopefully sorted.

Manfredi is a name synonymous with Leigh and must be allowed to continue trading on the market.

A firm that has served the town for so long deserves better than this. Mario has organised petitions which have been signed by hundreds of supportive customers.

If you want to help save our ice cream man, sign up at the van or at mum, Vivien's, hairdressers in Wilkinson Street.

And everyone involved should be thankful that dad, Carl, has been banned from going anywhere near!