Ice-cream sellers have been banned from playing van chimes for more than 4 seconds

The traders face prosecution if tunes such as Greensleeves and Teddy Bears’ Picnic stay on beyond the strict limit. They say the rule – part of a new code of practice – is crazy and could drive them out of business.

Bins risk £5k parking fine

A Council is to slap parking tickets on ‘WHEELIE BINS’, with the threat of a £5,000 fine. Any left on the pavement too long will be booked by a team of wardens. And the initial £100 penalty could rise to £5,000 if not paid within 14 days.

Police stop a man swimming in his local pool after 30 years

Roland Grimm hadn’t reckoned on the goggle police at his local pool. His special mask stops water going up his nose and has a single eye piece which does not press against his face. But now, almost inevitably, it has fallen foul of the Health and safety enforcers.

Landlord ordered to pull down pub sign – because it ‘encourages drink-driving’

When landlord Thomas Russell and his wife Tricia took over the Black Dog pub, there were no signs of anything untoward. In fact, the only sign visible was a nearby road side one, which they have now been asked to remove – because it could encourage drink driving.