Couple claim Fenland Tesco store made them feel 'like criminals'

A Fenland couple claim they were treated like "criminals" when they tried to shop together at a local supermarket.

Chris and Kim Price, of Wisbech St Mary, claim their experience on Wednesday (13) at Tesco in Cromwell Road, Wisbech left them both upset and angry.

The couple attended the store on Wednesday morning with the aim of doing both their grocery shopping and for Kim, who uses a mobility scooter and is cared for by husband Chris full-time, to buy some new underwear and other feminine items.

However, Chris said: "I had barely got out of the car, with my mask and some Latex gloves already on, and was starting to get Kim's mobility scooter out of the boot when the woman who was on duty at the door came rushing over.

"She said 'I wouldn't bother doing that if I were you, you are not both coming in'. I was really shocked and explained that I was Kim's carer and she needed help to do the shopping she wanted, but the woman was having none of it.

"She was quite aggressive and in the end told us if we didn't like it, we should just leave. I wanted to argue but Kim doesn't like confrontation and she was getting upset. So we left and went to Asda, where we were welcomed by very friendly and helpful staff.

"I tried contacting the Tesco store manager and he eventually came back to me with the comment that his main concern was the safety of his staff and his staff member had acted correctly.

"Clearly he doesn't know his own company's policy because within a day or two of this happening Kim received a generic email to customers from Tesco boss Jason Parry explaining their rules about wearing masks, only allowing one person to shop at a time and social distancing.

"However, it also said that people who need a carer or parents with young children can be accompanied in store.

"I accept that they need to limit people in store, but we were only trying to do what we are allowed to do according to Tesco rules. Kim doesn't normally come shopping with me, I normally go alone, it was just this day that she wanted some personal items and wanted to choose them for herself.

"One thing is certain - we will not be going back to Tesco in Wisbech."

Tesco have been approached for a comment.