SHOPPERS have expressed concern about their supermarket being unsafe and unhygienic.

Residents have reported multiple leaks in the ceiling of the Co-op in Meridian Way, Peacehaven.

There are plastic boxes put out to collect dripping water obstructing the aisles and some water seeping on to the floor.

Lesley-Anne Brennan went to the shop on Friday to pick up some groceries with her daughter Kerry.

She said she was “absolutely gobsmacked and disgusted” at the state of the shop.

The 71-year-old, of Trafalgar Close, Peacehaven, said she was concerned for customers’ safety.

Kerry Brennan, 46, also of Trafalgar Close, said the supermarket was so cluttered it was not easy to navigate, especially as her mother is in a wheelchair.

She said: “We went to get some bits from the shop and we just couldn’t get around it, there were so many boxes.

“There were buckets and boxes in the aisles and water coming through from the ceiling.

“What worried my mum more than anything else is her wheelchair slipping, as there was water on the floor as well which had missed the boxes.”

Kerry said when they approached the self service tills there was a “huge gaping hole” in the ceiling where water was trickling down, and there were four black plastic boxes underneath.

She said: “I was in shock.

“I just felt that it needed to be reported.

“There are a lot of elderly people in the area who could have slipped.

“There are also many families with young children who use the shop, and it’s half term at the moment.

“Really, in that state, they should not be open to the public.”

Kerry said she had not approached supermarket staff about the issue, but her mother had reported their concerns to Trading Standards.

She said: “You should also not have that leaking rain water and damp conditions around food, as it’s not very hygienic.”

A spokeswoman for the Co-op said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is a priority for us.

“The store’s roof is currently undergoing maintenance and due to poor weather and heavy rainfall, it has resulted in isolated, small leaks which are being fixed as a matter of urgency.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience caused to our Peacehaven customers.”