Robotics

Milkshake vending machine stirs controversy at Wales farm

A popular milkshake vending machine at Castle Farm in Bishton, Wales, has resulted in high traffic but also community controversy.

April 5, 2024

A popular milkshake vending machine at Castle Farm in Bishton, Wales, has resulted in high traffic but is also attracting big community controversy, according to a BBC report.

The farm went viral in 2022 when it launched the machine, according to the news outlet, but community members complain it results in high traffic of tourists at all hours, along with unwelcome noise.

"We simply cannot enjoy our garden space," Jack Hooper, a longtime neighbor of the farm, told the BBC.

The farm contends it is simply engaging in the kind of diversified operations pushed by the government for farm owners.

"Milk and milk products are no different from other farm products which we can sell," Sarah Rickard, spokesperson for Castle farm, said during a meeting of the council planning committee, according to the news report. The outcome of the council meeting ultimately limited the hours of operation for the vending machine.