THE front of a town centre fish and chip shop was ripped out because of a dispute over an unpaid bill.

Amid chaotic scenes workmen took out the windows and shutters of The Hake Boat, in Railway Road, Blackburn.

A crowd gathered and police were called after workmen from Smart Security Shutters began dismantling the newly installed front of the shop yesterday morning.

A scuffle ensued when the premises landlord stepped in, with one workman claiming he was punched and another saying he came off his ladder.

The pavement was left strewn with large pieces of metal during the dispute.

With the front of the shop completely open, staff had to stand guard until late afternoon when it was boarded up.

Mohammed Shafiq, the owner of Smart Security Shutters, based in Oakenhurst Road, Blackburn, said he instructed his staff to remove the shutters after landlord Jaffar Gabbary refused to pay a £4,200 bill.

The new shop front was installed five weeks ago because the window had been damaged.

Mr Gabbary said he had offered to pay for the shutters, but was unhappy with the standard of the window fitted.

Sgt Dave Clarke, of Lancashire police, said officers would not be taking any action.

He said: “This is a civil dispute between the shutter fitters and the premises owner.

“It is not a police matter, but we did attend when things got out of hand.

“We will be taking no further action and it is up to the parties involved to come to an agreement.”

Mr Shafiq said Mr Gabbary had refused to pay and he felt he had no other alternative. He said the work had been off a good standard.

He said: “He owes me £4,200.

“I rang the police about this three weeks ago and it is a last resort to rip the shop front out.”

Mr Gabbary, who paid a £100 deposit ahead of work being carried out, said the work to fit the shop front had initially kept getting delayed.

He said: “I gave him a deposit but they kept delaying the work.

“Eventually they did it, but I felt there were massive problems with the window.

“I told him I would pay for the shutters but he wanted money for the whole job, in cash.”

Zeki Atez, who owns The Hake Boat and rents the premises from Mr Gabbary, said he was caught in the middle.

He said: “I am the victim here. I pay my rent and I am really disappointed that the police have done nothing to offer me any support.

“I don’t know what has happened as far as the dispute is concerned, but I have lost my business right now.

“I don’t know how long I will have to stay closed.”

Sixteen-year-old Katie Dent, of Astbury Chase, Darwen, works at the chip shop.

She said she was shocked at the scene when she arrived for work yesterday morning.

“I got here and everything was on the floor,” she said.

“I just thought, ‘oh my God what’s happened?’ “This job is vital to me as my mum is on low income so I try to support myself.

“Without being able to work I won’t be able to do that. ”