A pizza van situated next to a South London church has won a continued licence to operate, despite some concerns that its location is “disrespectful”.

Vesuvio’s “Pizza on the Road” has been serving pizzas outside St Pius X Church in Kingston, Tuesday to Saturday, for the past six months.

"Trading from a pizza van at the gates of the church in such a location is demonstrably unsuitable – even, some say, disrespectful," said churchgoer Richard Smith.

He told a planning meeting that the van had caused  "disturbance and inconvenience" for elderly members of the congregation or those who needed mobility aids to access the church.

Van owner Alessandra Rea said the pizza business was her "source of income” and insisted that she tries to operate considerately.

"We have four children and we rely on this business to feed our family and cover essential living costs,” she told the licensing committee.

"We fully respect that this location is beside a place of worship and that there are sensitive occasions such as funerals and weddings,” Rea added.