Shoppers say broken lights at a Sainsbury's car park have increased the risk of accidents and crime, turning it into a "muggers' paradise".

The supermarket was unable to say why the lights are not working at its store in Romney Place, Maidstone, or when they would be fixed, despite car park users saying they have repeatedly raised concerns about the situation.

Victoria Chadwick, who regularly uses the shop, said her main concern was the risk of an accident, and that the issue was becoming more problematic as daylight hours grow shorter.

She said she was concerned whenever she drove into the car park or crossed it on foot and described it as "extremely dangerous".

She added: "It's also the fact that the zebra crossing has no lights and it's a struggle to see people waiting to cross the road."

Another shopper Jill Home, who lives at nearby Midhurst Court and uses Sainsbury's regularly, said she had repeatedly called for the issue to be fixed, but that her pleas had been ignored.

"I report it all the time," she said. "I told the car park guy again today. About three months ago the manager told me it would be sorted out in the next two weeks.

"You can't see anything until you're practically at the door...."

"He said the homeless people who were sleeping underneath cut all the wires.

"It's so dangerous. Cars can't see you even on the crossing and lots of late-night staff say they feel unsafe walking across there in the dark. It's awful.

"You can't see anything until you're practically at the door."

Commenting on Facebook, others feared the car park would become "a muggers' paradise" and that cars would be broken into.

A statement from Sainsbury's said: “We are working hard with our contractors to repair the flood lights in the car park of our Maidstone store as soon as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience.”

Despite being asked by KentOnline on several occasions, the supermarket did not reveal why the lights were out of order.

It is understood repairs are due to be carried out at the end of this week with the intention of the lights being back on by Sunday (Nov 20).