They say revenge is a dish best served cold, and the owners of a Maidstone fish and chip shop certainly got a chilly reception when they came to open up this morning.

Big Ben's Fish & Grill, in Loose Road, was left inaccessible by a barricade of around 20 fridges which mysteriously popped up overnight.

Kevin Wildeman and Paul Stone of neighbouring white goods firm Extra Mile have claimed responsibility for the prank, which they say was a peaceful protest about their forthcoming eviction.

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The landlord of the property, who also owns the fish bar, had asked them to leave today.

But rather than go quietly, the two spent 40 minutes this morning creating the wall of fridges as part of a demonstration.

Richard Phillips, who works for the landlord, said the tenants of Clutter Box and Extra Mile had breached their contract on numerous occasions and would be evicted.

He added: "I'm disgusted at what they've done, this isn't a prank."

Mr Stone, who spoke on behalf of Extra Mile as his business partner Mr Wildeman was asleep following a busy night of fridge gutting, said they were being forced to leave the property for no reason.

He added the prank was a response to Big Ben's asking its customers to park on the forecourt of Clutter Box.

Mr Stone said: "There's no malice in it, we spent 40 minutes bolting the fridges together but didn't want to cause any damage to the property.

"We're being pushed out of our business and this was the best way of showing the landlord we can't be bullied."

He added: "You could say revenge is a dish best served cold."

An environment team from Maidstone Borough Council was soon on the scene to inspect the barrier and the police were also called.

Soon after the council team arrived Mr Stone set about dismantling the white goods wall.

The owner of the fish bar did not wish to comment on the situation.

At least one bemused customer was forced to go elsewhere for his lunch, with his entrance to the fast food store blocked.

A shop worker confirmed the chippie would be open today as normal.

It comes two months after the pair erected another unusual fridge installation.

Dubbed "fridge henge", a circle of white goods was erected on the corner of Woodville Road and Upper Stone Street.

On that occasion the stunt was carried out as an unusual way to mark the summer solstice.

The white goods barrier was constructed as a response to an eviction notice