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Paddock Wood dad stages protest outside Harveys in Aylesford Retail Park

A dad-of-two has staged a protest outside a furniture store after he was denied a full refund.

Ian Hayden, of Warrington Road, Paddock Wood, has been embroiled in a dispute with Harveys for the last 10 months after he claimed a sofa he bought from the firm was faulty.

The frustrated 44-year-old took his grievance a step further today when he stood on top of his flat bed truck, outside the company's store in South Aylesford Retail Park, holding a placard with the question "how long do you think a Harveys sofa should last?".

Ian Hayden, from Paddock Wood, staged a protest outside Harveys in Aylesford retail park. Picture by Martin Apps.
Ian Hayden, from Paddock Wood, staged a protest outside Harveys in Aylesford retail park. Picture by Martin Apps.

He said: "I first complained about the sofa in February last year and I've just been fobbed off since then.

"On Thursday, they promised someone from customer services would get back to me in 48 hours but what a surprise, no-one has. I'm sick of being passed round the houses.

"Someone needs to stand up to them and I'm not afraid to do it."

Click here for a look-back at some of Kent's wackier protests over the years, which have included a naked cycle ride, public marches for a cat and a human barrier outside a school.

The self-employed builder bought two recliner sofas and a footstool in November 2013 for around £2,500 with extended warranty. Three months later, he noticed the dye was coming off the head and foot rests.

Ian Hayden, from Paddock Wood, staged a protest outside Harveys in Aylesford retail park. Picture by Martin Apps.
Ian Hayden, from Paddock Wood, staged a protest outside Harveys in Aylesford retail park. Picture by Martin Apps.

He claims when he contacted Harveys, engineers were sent to inspect the purchase but concluded the damage was due to hair products.

Mr Hayden said: "I can't see how it can be hair products because I haven't got any hair!

"Since I stood on my truck, they've offered me a credit note or a replacement but I won't be happy until I've got a full refund."

Ian Hayden, from Paddock Wood, staged a protest outside Harveys in Aylesford retail park. Picture by Martin Apps.
Ian Hayden, from Paddock Wood, staged a protest outside Harveys in Aylesford retail park. Picture by Martin Apps.

Kent Police attended but ruled no criminal offences have been committed.

Mr Hayden left at around 2.20pm after security asked him to leave the privately-owned car park.

The manager of the store, off London Road, declined to comment.

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