A food stall has closed following a menu row over burgers.

The Sausage Shop, in Gravesend Borough Market, had its licence revoked after a behavioural incident, which included allegations of racism, was witnessed by customers.

A spokesman for Gravesend Borough Council said: "Their licence to trade was revoked after an incident of unacceptable behaviour towards another trader at the market.

"It was witnessed by a number of others including customers of the market, and was fully investigated.

"We have a zero tolerance policy with regards to such behaviour on council-owned property, whether that be towards our own staff, customers, or, as in this case, other market traders."

In a post to Facebook the German hot dog, burger and chicken kiosk announced its closure on Tuesday. August 30

The owners, Ed and Jayne Hollinsworth, said: "The Sausage Shop is now closed permanently.

"We would like to say a big thank you to all our customers that have supported us.

"The Sausage Shop has been closed down because of one of the traders that do similar food to us."

The council confirmed that The Sausage Shop, which also sold takeaways through Just Eat, had lodged a corporate complaint after the licence had been revoked.

In a letter sent to the shop owners, which they shared on their Facebook page, an independent officer who investigated the claims set out the reasons the decision was made.

It explained: "On Wednesday, July 27, Mrs Hollinsworth was emailed and requested that a menu change was made to her business, as some changes that had recently made had started to encroach on the core business of other traders in the market.

"Mrs Hollinsworth replied stating that there were many similarities between traders menus but they 'will not be bullied by any other trader' and that the menu will not change."

The officer asked The Sausage Shop to immediately cease selling anything other than a basic burger, as per the trading agreement.

This agreement was created by the market manager to ensure a healthy competition and variety in the area.

The letter continued: "Mrs Hollinsworth stated that The Sausage Shop was only selling basic burgers but will add other ingredients on a customer request.

"On Thursday, July 28, at around 9.50am, Mrs Hollinsworth arrived at the market to 'confront' another trader.

"According to witness statements an incident occurred which involved shouting, threatening behaviour and allegations of racism.

"Several onlookers said they wanted the police called."

The following day, on Friday, July 29, The Sausage Shop owners attended Gravesend Civic Centre for a meeting where the decision to terminate the trader licence was decided.

In the independent officers conclusion they said: "I have no doubt whatsoever that operating a business in the current economic climate is tough and diversifying any business is necessary in finding new products and customers, but in the trading environment you were operating in (the market), these should be considered against the needs of all traders.

"This is exactly what the council was addressing when asking The Sausage Shop to adjust the menu.

"I see no evidence to suggest that the council was victimising or bullying you', nor 'playing one trader off another'.

"As a result of the council's emails you took matters into your own hands and then went to the market purposely to confront another trader and by your own admission you were 'angry' and vocal' at the time.

"This was in full view of other traders, market staff and members of the public.

"As mentioned above there were witnesses who were very disturbed by this incident and had requested the police were called.

"This behaviour was not in accordance with the expectations upon you as a trader in the market or in line with responsibilities you agreed when you became a licenced trader."

Jayne and Ed have claimed that the accusations of racism are completely false.

In a statement sent to KentOnline, the husband and wife said: "A racial comment was actually said to us by the other trader involved in this situation.

"We have complained to the council about the racial allegation, they have confirmed to us that they are looking into it further.

"We did not make the racial comment we are waiting for a reply from the council regarding this issue.

"We also have a witness that is speaking to the council to confirm this. We will carry on the fight.

"I hope the council are satisfied regarding what they've done. It's harmed our mental health so much.

"We were told by another trader that we made people come to the market. We were one of the busiest stalls."