OFFICIALS have defended the opening of a new petrol station in Shaftesbury and deny claims that ongoing construction work posed a risk.

Locals have described how the road leading to the new Tesco petrol station was littered with obstructions, leaving motorists driving on the wrong side to avoid obstacles, and pedestrians unclear where it was safe to cross.

But Tesco says the road was finished "to all intents and purposes" and posed no danger.

Richard Thomas, a Shaftesbury town councillor, said he had been swamped with complaints about the site.

He added: "It has been a shambles - this is causing a lot of anger.

"When it opened on Monday there were obstacles in the road, the road had no markings and the pedestrian crossings were unfinished. Cars were weaving in and out of building work."It should be closed until work is complete."

A local tree conservation group has also raised concerns that ventilation outlets for the petrol storage chambers will cause damage to two large beech trees.

But Will Kitchener, a spokesman for Tesco, said: "We absolutely and categorically refute any suggestion that we are operating outside of planning consent or in breach of health and safety regulations.

"The petrol filling station petrol licence was granted by the local authority's petroleum officer - that would not have happened had he been concerned about the development."

A spokesperson for North Dorset District Council said there was an apparent breach of planning because the petrol station had opened before the car park, but that was not something the council planned to pursue and did not have concerns about the road through the petrol station.

An officer is due to inspect the site to consider issuing a permit for a petrol vapour recovery unit.

Dorset County Council highways department said it was satisfied with the current access arrangements from the main road on to the site.

Tesco says it is grateful to the public for their patience during the construction period and that any concerns locals may have had over a parking shortage will be allayed when the store opens on November 8.

Mr Kitchener added: "We apologise for any inconvenience the development has caused."

First published: October 22