TWO Tesco branches have come under fire over alleged failures in following Covid-19 safety guidance, as well as refusing to co-operate with council bosses.

Independent councillor Martin Terry, who oversees public safety in Southend, was left furious after visiting the Tesco petrol station on Prince Avenue in Westcliff and discovering apparent failures in following crucial safety measures.

He said problems included no limit on the number of customers in the kiosk at once, no requirement to wear masks and no hand sanitiser available for customers.

Mr Terry said the council also had to investigate a Tesco Express store at the Kursaal, in Southchurch Avenue.

Tesco bosses insisted the shops were following Government guidelines when quizzed over complaints.

But in an email seen by the Echo, the manager of Southend’s community safety team stated they would look to escalate the issue as “officers weren’t happy with response or indication to make changes”.

Mr Terry said: “At the petrol station in Prince Avenue I had to touch the petrol pumps, I had to pull open a door and had to the use the keypad to pay for the petrol on card as most transactions are over the tap pay limit.

“I asked if there was some hand sanitiser available and was told if I want it, I need to buy it. There was a completely dismissive and bad attitude about the situation and when I reported it and uniformed officers went in the next day, they got the same thing.

“They experienced the problem at a store in Kursaal as well.

“It seems Tesco is being very complacent about this and they are not being Covid secure.

“We have got to avoid the risk of a second wave and this sends out the wrong message.

“It is a disgrace.”

If the problems persist, the council can send in its environmental health team and if officials find the two stores are operating in a dangerous manner, they could be closed down.

He said: “It would be the ultimate sanction and we don’t want to do that. But there are thousands of people going in and out of those buildings and I was absolutely shocked there is nothing there about Covid-19.”

Tesco was asked whether any investigation would be carried out into the claims and what improvements could be made to the stores.

However, a spokesman claimed Tesco is “following Government guidance” and customers need to ensure they are following the rules.

He said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority and we are closely following government guidance.

“We have reviewed the social distancing measures in our stores to ensure that they are in line with the latest guidance and that everyone can continue to maintain a safe distance.”