by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

A couple have turned their backs on Tesco after an employee told them where to go with a four-letter expletive.

Estate agents Michael and Jacqui Johnson were stunned at the member of staff’s behaviour when they tried to put more than four items through the kiosk aisle.

Michael, 41, and Jacqui, 42, had dropped into Whitstable’s Tesco store on Easter Monday to buy some lunch for a day out in London.

Michael said: "It was even busier than Christmas as the weather was good and it was a busy bank holiday weekend.

"Queues at some of the checkouts were stretching back to the aisles, but we spotted the kiosk queue only had a few in it.

"We had nine items and we didn’t have a basket as we were carrying them in our hands.

"The sign at the kiosk does say no more than four items, but I asked if on this occasion she could let us put them through. She said she would, but that quite frankly we were taking the p***."

Michael and Jacqui left the items on the counter and began to leave. But a customer services manager soon rushed their shopping through and gave them four free bags of crisps as an apology.

Michael added: "I can’t believe that in this day and age with all the advertising that they do, a Tesco employee can behave how she did.

"Although we eventually received an apology from their customer services team, I wanted the employee to apologise in person.

"We’ve spent more than £100 a week in there for the past 13 years and this is how we’re treated."

Tesco spokesman Sarah de-Salis added: "On this occasion, we fell below the high level of customer service we expect. We have said sorry to the customer."

uE06E What do you think? Email whitstablegazette@thekmgroup.co.uk or write to Gazette House, 5-8 Boorman Way, Estuary View Business Park, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3SE.