Anger as ice cream vans across Wales now charging up to £4 for a 99

Anyone who's been to an ice cream van with a parent or grandparent in the last decade will be familiar with the phrase "they used to actually cost 99p."

But as people enjoyed the sun over the hot weekend, a home truth became clear once again - ice cream really does cost more than it used to. Of course, inflation and the cost of living are hitting the whole of society including the nation's ice cream vans - but when we shared an example of some particularly high prices, many readers were quick to comment.

Several people shared examples of being charged upwards of £4 and £5 for even a single cone in some places, with Janine Rixon Merritt saying (after paying £3 for a 99): "It can only be a special treat from now on."

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Some people pointed out that an increase was only natural. Gillian Watkins commented: "Factor everything in. Fuel, insurance etc nothing is cheap these days." Andrea Owen added: "If you use it as a treat then it's OK, they have to make a living too."

But others compared it to the wages many people pick up, with Elaine Gill saying: "Most people have to work for a hour to buy their kids an ice cream, shocking what they are charging."

For many, it won't stop them from enjoying an ice cream when given the chance. Kelly David said: "Just paid £3.50 for a single cone. Devastating, but can't resist!"

Inflation hasn't hit as hard in some places, though - Darren Daniel said: "I literally bought an ice cream an hour ago from a van near Carmarthen. I paid £2 for a cone with sauce, that's not too bad for today's money."

And plenty of people had ideas for alternatives, with Dave Owen adding: "Well as me mum always used to say.....choc ices in the freezer!"

For families with kids it's especially difficult. Maria Fordii Ford said: "No need of it, we're living by day by day saving to take the kids out and BANG they want an ice cream. £20 for 4 kids? Disgusting prices."

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