RESIDENTS living near Hereford’s Belmont Tesco had their sleep disturbed when contractors started cleaning a forecourt canopy in the early hours.

People living near the 24-hour store on Abbotsmead Road say they were subjected to the noise of a pressure wash, on and off, between 3am and 7am.

Belmont councillor Phil Edwards said he was walking in the area, in his role as parish watch volunteer, when he saw a van arriving.

“It was about 11.45pm when I saw them pull up at the filling station,” he said.

“I asked what they were doing and they said they were going to pressure wash the canopy of the filling station.”

Coun Edwards said he advised the workers they would be in breach of planning regulations if they carried out the work at that time of the night.

“I’ve since received emails from residents saying they heard the pressure wash from around 3am.

“I’m sure everyone agrees Tesco gives value for money but we have some difficulty in that we don’t believe they care enough for people living in the immediate area.”

Tesco has since apologised for disturbing residents’ sleep.

“Tesco sincerely apologises for the noise caused by cleaning the canopy of the Belmont Tesco petrol station,” said the supermarket’s Jenny Runnacles.

“We are putting steps in place to prevent this happening again.”