LEC Elan EL654AZ Larder Fridge

I own one of these and suspect that the thermostat has gone on it which is located on the front off the fridge, top right hand side above the door. The trouble I’m having is actually removing the top panel/strip that the thermostat sits behind – I have removed the two obvious screws that hold it in place but however much I pull and wiggle the panel/strip it will not budge.

Does any service engineer know this model and can tell me what I’m doing wrong OR does anyone have a service manual for this model? I’ve contacted LEC but since they have been bought out by Glen Dimplex in 2005 they do not have any old service manuals pre this date (fridge purchased in 2004).

Really frustrating as the fridge is in excellent condition and swapping out the thermostat is no worries to me – getting access to it is a different matter.