A FUEL mix-up which affected scores of motorists is thought to have originated at a delivery tank depot.

Fuel delivery company Greenergy said early indications show the problem in the past week at the Hangleton Esso began at the warehouse on the north bank of the River Thames in Essex.

At least 60 drivers unwittingly filled their vehicles with diesel instead of petrol or vice versa at the Hangleton Road garage.

Some customers first noticed problems with their cars after filling up on Monday and told the garage that evening. Those using pumps on Tuesday and Wednesday claimed they were still sold contaminated fuel. Normal service has since resumed at the garage.

A Greenergy spokesman said the company was working with garage owner Gunvant Patel to resolve the problem.

He said: "The investigation is in process and is not yet complete. Provisional indications suggest there was a failure in the connection between one truck and the storage terminal, which led to the wrong fuel being delivered into one of the truck tanks, but this has not yet been confirmed. Only one delivery was affected."

Mr Patel apologised to his customers in The Argus last week, although some said he should have told them sooner.

He said: "My customers are my first priority and I am not forwarding the buck. I would want to say sorry for any inconvenience caused. The majority of cases that have been reported to us have been resolved."

Alan Johnson, owner of small business New Leaf Removals, in Hove, said one of his vans was filled with what they thought was diesel on Wednesday - two days after other motorists first reported problems. It has now been repaired but he initially feared he would have to pay £40,000 to replace it so they could have a van back on the road quickly.

He added: "We're waiting for the invoice for the repairs and have been in contact with the garage owner who has asked us to keep receipts of costs."

Stephanie Medlock thanked Mr Patel for being helpful, kind and prompt with covering the cost of damages.

Her car broke down last Tuesday and the AA took it to be repaired at Chandlers garage in Portslade, costing her £1,100 to fix.

She said: "It was such a horrible experience and really scary, my car lost complete power with my little girl in it. I immediately phoned Mr Patel to tell him, he was so nice and genuine about the situation I couldn't be angry at him, he immediately said he would refund all costs of damages."

Background

BRIGHTON and Hove Trading Standards has received reports of problems with the fuel at Hangleton Esso.

Motorists are urged to make sure they have proof that they bought fuel from the garage - such as a receipt of bank statement showing a credit card transaction - and to make sure any garage performing repairs gives them proof that problems were caused by the wrong fuel.

For help call the Citizens Advice Bureau helpline on 03454 040506 or report damage to the garage directly on 01273 716100.