A SWINDON supermarket had to shut up shop all day after heavy rainfall poured through its roof.

Yesterday’s disruption forced thousands of customers at Tesco Extra in Ocotal way to make other shopping plans.

Cars made quick U-turns and shoppers on foot walked home or got the bus into town.

Engineers were Tesco all day trying to fix the problem at the 24-hour store, but as the Adver went to press last night the shop was still closed.

One shopper put out by the problem was pensioner Celia Cotton. “The store is closed and I’m having to catch the bus into town to shop at Tesco Metro instead,” said Celia, from Salisbury Street in the town centre.

“But it’s not just me, there are loads of people having to make other arrangements.

“It’s not ideal and it’s quite inconvenient as this Tesco has a lot more variety in the stock it sells.

“It is lucky I didn’t have to do a weekly shop as I just need a few bits.”

Tim Goodwin, 48, from Stratton, said: “I’m amazed a leak in the roof has caused it to close all day.

“I didn’t think this sort of thing happened to the big multi-national companies.

“They must be losing out on so many sales and giving up business to other rival supermarkets.

“I’m used to popping in and out of the shop as it’s open 24 hours, so it’s a bit of a shock to see it shut to be honest.”

Pete Johnson added: “I hope they get it sorted out soon as many people, especially the elderly, rely on this shop being open throughout the day.”

A Tesco spokeswoman couldn’t comment on the amount of sales lost by the closure, but did say the store was doing everything it could to reopen soon.

She said: “The small leak in the roof happened overnight and the shop couldn’t open as normal at 8am.

No stock has been damaged by the deluge.

“Staff will be paid as normal and we will be open again as soon as possible.”

The petrol station remained open and was unaffected by the flood.