A financial dispute between a West Malling restaurant and one of its suppliers kicked up a gear today when a butcher launched a protest over debt.

Since 11am this morning (Tuesday) 78-year-old Norman Gunne, owner Gunne Butchers LTD, based in Bexhill, Sussex has stood outside The Fancy Goat restaurant in High Street with a placard 'shaming' the firm over its alleged £9000 unpaid meat bill.

The blackboard reads: "Why am I standing here? Because Fancy Goat owes my company £9,121.34 plus interest since February 2016."

Mr Gunne said his actions are a "last resort" after months of negotiations dating back to February.

He said: "I have given them every opportunity to pay the money.

"I am doing what I doing when I have a business that doesn't pay up. We go out of our way to help people but when they appear to have no intention of paying I have to draw the line.

"Taking anyone to court over money is a waste of time."

The Kent Messenger has approached The Fancy Goat for comment.