Official Canterbury road signs have been cheekily altered to read 'Canterburger' - sparking accusations one of the city's new restaurant chains is behind the stunt.

The signs, seen by thousands of visitors entering the city from various directions, were tampered with at some point yesterday.

Stickers - apparently professionally made and cut to size - bear the word Canterburger in place of the city name Canterbury.

Rob Davies, a spokesman for Canterbury City Council said contractors were this morning removing the stickers at sites including Sturry Road, New Dover Road, Rheims Way and the Canterbury approach from Blean.

Mr Davies said: “We can see the funny side of this and it certainly helped to get the message across about Canterbury’s latest options for a meal out.

"Serco staff will be removing them during today in the course of their normal work so there is not a cost to the taxpayer.

"Hopefully it’s a one-off and we’d ask people thinking of pulling off a similar stunt not to bother.”

The stunt corresponds with a proliferation of new upmarket US-style food chains which are opening in the city.

Residents have taken to social media to accuse the newcomers of changing the signs.

On Monday Gourmet Burger Kitchen opens its doors in St Peter's Street, while rival firm Byron Burger opened recently in Burgate.

Other diner-style restaurants appearing in the city centre include Elsie Mo's in Burgate and Ed's Diner in the Whitefriars development.

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