Have you been going into meltdown this summer over the long queues found at ice-cream vans?

Once my children see such a vehicle when we’re out and about I’m forever having to disappoint them and say I’m not queuing for up to 20 minutes for an icy treat.

But maybe I won’t have to give the ice-cream sellers the cold shoulder next time if a pilot scheme involving Vince Bianco, the owner of Luton-based One Coronetto, and Barclaycard takes off.

On the 10th anniversary of contactless payments in the UK, Vince is helping to pilot ‘Contactless Cones’ – a contactless, self-service van that allows customers to pay and serve their ice-cream in less than 60 seconds!

That compares to the average wait-time of 7 minutes and 42 seconds per visit during the summer.

The upgraded prototype van consists of two separate queues, allowing ice-cream fans who want a simple vanilla cone to pay and pour their own ice-cream in under a minute, freeing up Vince to take orders simultaneously for ice-lollies and other snacks or drinks.

Vince tested the van last week at Riverside Slice, South Bank, London, upgrading the ‘191P Classic’ Carpigiani ice-cream machine within his van.

Vince said: “I was delighted to partner with Barclaycard on the ‘Contactless Cones’ trial to see how contactless technology could help me serve even more ice-cream fans over the busy summer months.

“I am always looking for innovative ways to improve my business and anything that allows me to serve double the number of happy customers and reduce the queuing time is a ‘win’ for me.”

Tami Hargreaves, at Barclaycard Mobile Payments, added: “Ice-cream vans have long been a real staple of British summertime and to mark the 10th anniversary of introducing contactless to the UK, we wanted to celebrate this popular tradition with a prototype that gives it a modern makeover. Touch and go payments are continuing to soar in popularity, so that’s why we developed ‘Contactless Cones’ – where the ice-cream doesn’t melt away but the long queues do!”

Police investigating a robbery that took place at Barton Rovers FC in Barton-Le-Clay on Wednesday, July 19, have released CCTV images.

Three men wearing masks entered the clubhouse and approached a lone member of bar staff.

They took money from the till and then demanded access to the safe, threatening the worker with what is believed to be a small handgun.

They made off with around two weeks’ takings. The incident happened between 12.30am and 1am.

Detective Constable, Mark Amey, said: “This is a serious incident which left the member of staff shaken - we’re not letting it drop.

“CCTV images don’t always provide the clearest pictures, but something as simple as footwear or clothing can sometimes be enough to spark a link and create a lead. We’re asking anyone with any information to get in touch with us straight away.”

After the incident, club chairman Darren Whiley said: “We believe they got away via Sharpenhoe Road in a waiting car that has been caught on various CCTV around the village.

“There are repeat sightings of a car on Sharpenhoe Road, Luton Road and Bedford Road from earlier in the evening. If anyone has CCTV could you please have a look at the evening of Tuesday 18 and early hours of Wednesday 19 for anything suspicious.

“Our staff are all ok, shaken and also angry that scum could do this in what appears to be a pre-targeted attack.

“Could I thank everyone for their support and kind messages toward the staff affected by the incident, it’s heart warming to know we do live in a caring community even when it’s penetrated occasionally by scum bags.

“This is a lovely village, let’s stick together, be vigilant and keep it that way.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Amey on 101 quoting crime reference number JD/30755/2017.

A 25-year-old man who has been growing his hair for ten years visited Sadler Hair salon to get the chop on Saturday, so he could donate it to charity.

Fred Two, of Luton, decided it was time for a new hair style and came up with the idea to raise money for charity at the same time.

His hair made eight donation plaits for the Little Princess Trust, and he raised £400 for the charity that produces wigs for children who are undergoing cancer treatment.

Sadler Hair salon, on Stuart Street, works with Little Princess Trust, having passed along many people’s donated hair.

If you want to make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fred-two

Beds Police has issued CCTV three weeks after a devastating crash in Caddington left a woman disabled.

At around 10.30am on Wednesday 8 August, a blue Vauxhall Corsa was involved in an incident on Dunstable Road, Caddington.

Officers would like to speak to the man pictured, as they believe he may have information which could assist their enquiries.

Det Constable Gail Cotton said: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this collision and would appeal for anyone who recognises the man pictured to come forward with information.

“I would also be keen to trace any witnesses to the collision itself, this is a busy road and we believe a number of cars passed at the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Cotton on 101 with the crime reference JD/33886/2017, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

On September 6, 1997 the normally gridlocked M1 at Luton and Dunstable was eerily quiet.

The road northbound had been closed to allow the funeral cortege of Diana, Princess of Wales, to pass through on the way to her final resting place at Althorp Park in Northampton.

Thousands of people lined the embankment as the cortege, with police escort, travelled up the M1 following an emotional funeral service at Westminster Abbey.

The Princess had been killed a week earlier, at the age of 36, when the car she was in crashed in an underpass in Paris.

Were you on the embankment? Why not let us know your memories of that fateful week. Our email address is editorial@lutonnews.co.uk

The council is investigating an alleged breach of planning consent by London Luton Airport’s operator, after noisy night-time building work caused a “tsunami” of complaints.

Upset Wigmore residents claim that they have not been able to get a good night’s sleep recently due to piling work that is taking place to build the airport’s new immigration hall.

The bleary-eyed residents complained to Luton Borough Council, who confirmed on Tuesday that airport operator, London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL), did not provide the council with detailed pre-information about the works in advance - the council was neither notified about the night works nor of any measures to mitigate the noise.

Luton Liberal Democrats have also been investigating the matter on behalf of the distressed residents.

Posting on the party’s Facebook page, Liberal Democrat Wigmore councillor, Diane Moles, claimed: “I am appalled at the disturbance residents of Wigmore and Crawley have had to put up with.

“Why does this work have to be carried out at night? I was told it was due to health and safety issues.

“Cargo planes take off throughout the night so where are the issues with daytime drilling?”

A Luton Borough Council spokesman, said: “The council has investigated as a priority.

“We can additionally confirm that detailed pre-information about these works had not been provided to the council by the operator in advance, as was required under the terms of a planning condition.

“The council was not notified of the night working, nor was it informed of measures to mitigate the noise, and therefore we did not have the opportunity to agree the proposals in advance.

“We have therefore written to the airport operator as a matter of urgency today (August 29) to advise that we are investigating an alleged breach of its planning consent.

“Unless the work ceases and a proposal for the works, including appropriate mitigation, is submitted to the Council for our agreement, we will have to consider enforcement action to remedy the breach and the harm that is resulting to the amenities of nearby residents.

“We have asked for confirmation that the operator’s contractors will cease piling at night until appropriate measures have been submitted and agreed by the council.

“We have just received notification from the airport operator that it will cease piling works until a formal notice has been submitted and it has been agreed how the works can recommence.”

A London Luton Airport Operations Limited spokesman, said: “We would like to apologise to all residents who have been affected by noise caused by overnight construction works at London Luton Airport.

“We can confirm that overnight works continue to be suspended and will be replaced with a plan to trial daytime piling works.

“We have made significant progress with the works already undertaken and working with our contractors, Luton Borough Council and UK Border Force we are confident we have now found a solution to undertake this complex work safely and without compromising security during the day.

“The daytime works will start on Thursday, August 31, between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

“Works are expected to complete by mid-September at the latest.

“We will continue to monitor noise in the area and will update the community if there are any changes to this plan.

“We thank our neighbours for their ongoing patience while we complete our transformation.

“This will bring benefits to our passengers, and the local community as well as the economy.”

If you have any further questions or queries please contact the LLAOL noise line on 01582 395382 or send an email to the address: email info@ltn.aero.

>Have you been affected by the works? Then please get in touch with the news desk and send us your thoughts.

Contact us at editorial@lutonnews.co.uk or call us on: 01582 798505.

The First Luton Sea Scouts ishoping to win £25,000 to upgrade their shower and toilet facilities.

The group, based on the banks of the River Lea near Luton Hoo, is appealing for the public to vote for them to win the money from the OneFamily Foundation. They will use the money to build an up-to-date sanitary block for those that use the facility.

Luton Sea Scouts opens their venue to Scouts from across the county to try canoeing, kayaking, rafting, rowing and sailing.

Joanne Merrick, lead volunteer for the Group said: “To be able to continue this amazing work and make it even more enjoyable for all we are looking to raise money to build a new washroom and provide a better standard of basic facilities.

“We often have to hire in facilities which means money being diverted to hire charges rather than providing activities for young people.”

Voting closes on Wednesday, September 6, to vote go to: www.onefamily.com/your-foundation/community-awards/.

A caring paediatrician is taking on a challenging swim round the Isles of Scilly to raise money for cancer patients at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.

Dr Trevor Hedges will be taking on the 9.5 mile swimming mission over two days on September 4 and 5 in order to help fund two child oncology rooms at the hospital.

Dr Hedges, 39, said:“We currently have around 30 children undergoing chemotherapy who during their treatment can spend a significant amount of time in the two oncology cubicles.

“Due to their lowered immunity on chemotherapy making them more prone to infections, when they are admitted to hospital, they are unable to be nursed in the open ward or have full access to the play room.”

The work will see the oncology rooms transformed to include a wash area, play area, comfortable beds, temperature control, sensitive lighting, hidden storage of medical equipment.

> www.justgiving.com/fundraising/trevor-hedges1.

A proud Luton takeaway has been crowned Takeaway of the Year Overall Winner at the English Curry Awards 2017.

Masterchef Indian Takeaway, of Hart Lane, were announced as the champions on August 21 at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, which welcomed over 400 guests to the black tie event.

Owner, Suruk Miah, of Masterchef Indian Takeaway, said: “This is a great honour and we would like to thank all our customers who have been supporting us.

“We cook fresh food every day and we work so hard to ensure everything is nice and fresh.

“We always create new curries and listen to our customers’ feedback.

“Our business is helping Macmillan Cancer Support and our next event is a fundraising night in September. “All the money we raise on the night will be donated directly to the Macmillan charity and the date will be announced shortly. Please help us so we can raise more money for this good cause.”

Takeaway: 01582 480202

Luton Town Football Club played games with disabled children at Families United Network (FUN) to celebrate FUN becoming the players’ charity of the season.

On August 22, The Hatters paid a special visit to the Leagrave Road facility to mark the special announcement, FUN being a member-based charity supporting children and young people living with additional needs or disabilities throughout Bedfordshire.

Scott Cuthbert, Danny Hylton, Andrew Shinnie, Dan Potts and Olly and Elliot Lee had an action-packed day, diving into the ball pool, as well as playing skittles, air hockey, pool and a giant Connect Four with the children, and being given a tour of the centre.

Captain Cuthbert said: “It’s always great as a player to be able to reach out to local charities and when Families United Network popped up as a candidate to be the players’ charity, it was an obvious one for us to choose.

“As a parent, you take your children’s health for granted a bit at times. It’s not until you come into situations like this, where there are children as young as my daughter that struggle with autism or any form of disability, that you realise. It’s nice to come here and give back to the community.”

The origins of FUN began 20 years ago when a group of families went swimming together or met in hired halls, and FUN officially became a charity in 2002, moving to its present premises in Britannia Estates, Leagrave Road in 2015.

The charity’s community and corporate fundraiser, Laura Smythe, said: “We are a small local charity in Luton, but we are still little known, so this means the world to us.

“The children have photos and memories that are going to stay with them.”

FUN support over 500 families.

Call: 01582 420800.

A Luton mental health football tournament for men over 30 is aiming to kick away the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

On September 17, just a week after international suicide awareness day, Lutonian men are invited to gather at Denbigh High School and take part in the Mental Health Community Cup 2017.

Local charity, Our Minds Matter, of Park Street, have teamed up with voluntary organisation Community Needs, of Biscot Road, to promote an important message: that it’s OK to talk about suicide.

Jolel Miah, co-organiser and chair of Our Minds Matter, said: “Suicide affects most men over the age of 30 and one of the key aims for this tournament is to normalise mental health, so the wording around the tournament was important.

“We have called this Luton’s first ever ‘Mental Health Community Cup’; it is all part of breaking the stigma. Sporting activities are a great way of building confidence.”

Our Minds Matter work with Luton’s diverse communities to promote mental health, with a focus on Black Minority Ethnic Communities, and the team consists of individuals who have either professional or personal experience in the field of mental health.

Jolel added: “In addition to the football tournament there will be a community fun day which families and friends can attend.

“There will be bouncy castles, stalls, such as henna, and a barbecue.

“Mental health charities will also be there to answer any questions about mental health.”

The tournament is five-a-side and starts at 11am.

The maximum number of players is 7, and ID must be provided to prove you are over 30. Registering your team costs £35.

To register, contact Islam on 07449322190 or email Syed at syed.hayder@btinternet.com.

> ourmindsmatter.org.uk

Crawley Green Road has been closed following reports of a collision earlier.

The collision took place near the cemetery.

A Bedfordshire Police spokesman said: “We are currently in attendance at a road traffic collision in Luton. We were called at approximately 11.50am to reports of a collision between a moped and a pedestrian on Crawley Green Road.

“One person has sustained serious injuries and the road is closed while emergency services deal with the incident.”

An East of England Ambulance spokesman added: “We were called at 11.48am today to Crawley Green Road, Luton, to a report of a road traffic collision between a moped and a pedestrian.

“Two teenagers, who were on moped, had suffered serious leg and head injuries and were taken by land ambulance to Luton and Dunstable Hospital for further care.

“The pedestrian was assessed at the scene, but did not require transport to hospital.”

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police have charged a Luton man over a terror attempt near Buckingham Palace last Friday.

Mohiussunnath Choudhury, 26, of Luton, was charged today with an offence of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Three police officers suffered injuries in the attack on Constitution Hill on Friday, 25 August.

Mr Choudhury will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today.

Courageous Luton burns survivor Shamiam Arif celebrated her 15th birthday in Scotland with an appearance on the main ITV Border news.

A television crew attended her party at the North West Resource Centre in Dumfries where guests were welcomed by piper Callum Watson.

Shamiam will always have soft spot for the town as it was a special constable from the area who was responsible for bringing her to the UK from her home in Kotli, Pakistan, as a desperately ill tiny tot.

Local people took her to their hearts and organised an appeal committee to raise funds for the extensive surgery she required.

She, her parents and brother Shakaib - who is a year younger and shares the same birthday - subsequently moved to Luton where they have extended family. She now has two younger sisters – Shamita, 10, and Monoor, seven.

Since arriving here in 2003, Shamiam has undergone numerous operations under the care of her beloved ‘Uncle Doctor’ – Professor Peter Dziewulski of St Andrews Burns Unit at Chelmsford Hospital.

Her sweet nature and sunny disposition have won her friends wherever she’s gone and she’s an award-winning pupil at Challney Girls High where her can-do attitude has made her a role model.

Shamiam told ITV reporter Matthew Taylor that she wants to be a photographer when she leaves school.

Mum Tahira said she would always be grateful for the love and support they have received in this country.

A Luton football club has netted a £750 funding boost from a leading housebuilder.

ASR FC was selected from hundreds of nominations for the Persimmon Homes Midlands Healthy Communities campaign.

The scheme will see Persimmon give away more than £600,000 to sporting causes across the UK over the next 10 months, with an overall top national prize of £200,000 as well as regional donations.

ASR FC is a sports project that seeks to engage young people to give them positive experiences, with the aim of reducing youth offending and anti-social behaviour and developing a culture of respect and tolerance.

Rana Miah, portfolio holder of ASR, said: “We are thrilled to receive this support from Persimmon Homes.

“Our aim for this year is to host various tournaments which will bring together young people from across communities to engage in something they love, whilst creating community cohesion.

Visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

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People are being invited to learn more about Luton’s heritage with Luton Culture’s Hat District tours.

The free tours run from Thursday, September 7, to Saturday, September 9, at 11.30am as part of the national Heritage Open Day.

The tours, led by Piers Read, mark the beginning of a new era in the development of Luton’s historic town centre.

The arts and culture charity has been awarded £3.9m funding from South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership for the innovative ‘Hat District Cluster’ project.

Situated in the heart of the Plaiters Lea Conservation area of Luton, the redevelopment project will boost the local economy and protect the area and its historic buildings for future generations.

Included in each tour is a rare chance to explore one of the old factories: Hat House at 32 Guildford Street.

The Hat District tours take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11.30am and will last about 45 minutes. Meet at Connors Café Bar in The Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65-67 Bute Street. Places are limited.

A music festival to raise funds for children and young people suffering from cancer is being held at the weekend.

Children and young people’s cancer support charity CLIC Sargent is organising the family friendly event, which is being held at The Red Lion Pub in Studham, on Saturday (September 9)from 1pm.

All are welcome and it features a top line up of eclectic local bands headlined by Toffees, The Hallows and Common People.

Now in its fifth year, the festival was originally staged after the villagers had experienced the fantastic support that CLIC Sargent provides.

Since then it has grown in size and strength and it raised more than £7,000 last year.

CLIC Sargent fundraising and engagement manager Emma Taylor said: “If you love you music – you will love this event!”

Go to http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/event/studhambury-music-festival-2017.

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Groundwork Luton & Bedfordshire, an environmental charity based in Luton, has received from Affinity Water’s Community Engagement Programme.

The charity works to improve people’s prospects, promote greener living and working and create better places.

With the £2,487 donated, Groundwork has run a project at the Memorial Park Wellbeing Garden.

In support of mental health charity Mind, Groundwork delivered a Green Skills project on site, which gave volunteers a chance to gain practical skills and qualifications to help them into work while also improving a local community space.

Phil Paulo, development manager for Groundwork Luton & Bedfordshire, said: “This kind donation from Affinity Water has helped us purchase materials so that we can add to the community garden. We have installed rainwater harvesters to make it as green as possible and we have increased the growing space so that more people can use the site.”

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A man’s ear was sliced off and a Luton mother faced the barrel of a gun in a series of events which police have linked to organised crime.

Two Romanian men have been remanded in custody following the incidents, which took place in Luton town centre on August 30.

At Luton Magistrates Court today, 54-year-old Gelu Creanga stood accused of slicing off the ear lobe of Lucian Carabageac, 21, as well as possession of a firearm.

In turn, the younger man faces a charge of possession of a gun with intent to cause fear or violence.

Both men were remanded ahead of an appearance at Luton Crown Court on October 2.

The court was told that the younger man, Mr Carabageac, had only been in the country for two months at the time of the incident.

He began frequenting a Romanian convenience store owned by Mr Creanga.

It is alleged that on the evening of Wednesday, October 30, Mr Creanga invited the young man and another young friend to dinner at a restaurant where it is alleged an unloaded gun was produced.

Appearing in court with a bandage over his ear, Mr Carabageac alleges that the older man sliced off his ear lobe following a disagreement.

After taking the unloaded gun to his temporary home, Mr Carabageac is said to have startled the landlady. She allegedly had no idea he was living there as he was subletting from another tenant.

The woman ushered her children away and went up to the bedroom where Mr Carabageac had fled. It is claimed that after she opened the door, she found Mr Carabageac lying on the bed with the gun pointed towards her.

Both men will appear at Luton Crown Court on October 2.

Today marks 16 years since England beat Germany 5-1 in THAT World Cup qualifying game.

But how much do you know about Sven’s finest hour?