AS Tesco continues to investigate the cause of the contaminated fuel crisis, motorists claim the supermarket giant’s response to complaints has been “pretty poor”.

Meanwhile trading standards officers have launched a separate investigation into the fiasco, which has left some motorists facing repair bills of up to £5,000.

More than 100 people are thought to have had problems with their vehicles after filling up with diesel at the Tesco garage in Branksome on Thursday, September 18. The station has since been closed.

One driver, who asked not to be named, said she was left stranded at home after her car would not start on Friday morning.

The woman, who suffers from ME, said: “The phone number they give out is to make the initial complaint.

“After that, the team is only contactable by email. They are causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage, much frustration and inconvenience, but they won't talk to you.”

She was due to go away with her family to celebrate her 40th birthday but had to cancel the trip after her car would not start.

Branksome resident Peter Hampton said he repeatedly called the Tesco helpline after his jeep broke down but nobody got back to him.

“When I called them they told me I would be contacted by the team who was dealing with it but I didn’t hear anything. I had to call them again the next day. It’s pretty poor.”

Peter Jackson, who filled up his Jaguar XF at the garage on Thursday, attempted to contact Tesco yesterday after he heard about the problem.

He said: “I’ve called them about three or four times and they said they would get back to me but they haven’t.”

The filling station remains closed while investigations continue.

Tesco had not commented on the complaints at the time of going to press, but the company said in an earlier statement: “We’re in touch directly with all the customers who are known to have been affected and we’ll ensure that customers are reimbursed for any necessary repairs.”

Motorists affected are asked to call the Tesco helpline on 0800 505555.

Working with trading standards

PETER Haikin, regulatory services manager at Borough of Poole, said: “We are working closely with trading standards at Hertfordshire County Council, who are obliged to take the lead in this investigation as Tesco HQ is within their area.

“We have met with senior representatives of Tesco, at Branksome petrol station, to agree the work necessary to ensure that fuel supplies will be free from contamination.

“Tesco are fully co-operating with the investigation, and the petrol station will remain closed for the time-being.”