It was business as usual yesterday (Tuesday) for beach trader Gary Grange who has whipped up controversy by giving away ice creams from a hut in Frinton.

The 42-year-old is locked in battle with Tendring Council in a David and Goliath struggle.

Mr Grange has vowed to carry on trading, despite council threats to take him to court.

A defiant Mr Grange, who lives in Connaught Road, Weeley Heath, spent two hours locked in meetings with Tendring Council on Monday.

But he emerged determined to carry on until a court orders him to stop.

Mr Grange, who has enjoyed plenty of support from sun seekers and families on the beach but has annoyed shopkeepers in Connaught Avenue, said he had a difference of opinion over his lease with Tendring Council.

"I have a document which says I can store and hire out deckchairs and associated beach goods, but that is disputed by the council," he said.

"As far as I am concerned, I will wait until I have to go to court when I will put my side, and show up their inconsistency."

Mr Grange maintains he is hiring out sand flags for £1 and giving away an ice cream with them, and not selling the ice cream, which is not permitted.

He said he was due to see the council's solicitor to show the lease allowing him to store and hire out deckchairs and beach goods.

"However, after that I will be back down the beach at the end of Connaught Avenue. As long as the sun shines it will be business as usual," he added.

Mike Page, Tendring Council's public relations manager, said: "At this stage we have served a notice of forfeiture on the lease and Mr Grange has carried on trading," he said.

"We are now preparing a forfeiture claim that will be served at court."

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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