SAINSBURY'S has apologised to customers who were stuck trying to get out of the car park at the firm's Stanway store for hours on Wednesday.

Members of the public were reportedly abused after trying to direct cars out of the jammed supermarket car park, with residents describing the situation as “absolute chaos”.

Frustrated drivers reported being stuck in the car park at Sainsbury’s Stanway store, in Western Approach at Tollgate, “for hours” on Wednesday afternoon.

Residents took to Twitter to express their annoyance, urging the supermarket to do more to help alleviate the situation.

One Twitter user described it as “absolute chaos”, tagging the Sainsbury’s official account and calling for them to step in.

He said: “Cars can’t get out and members of the public are risking themselves trying to direct traffic.

“You need to get out there Sainsbury’s and take some immediate action.

“Some people have been stuck hours.”

Delays are understood to have been related to the ongoing roadworks scheme in the area, being conducted as part of the construction of the £60 million Stane Retail Park, with matters made worse by a broken down vehicle in the queues.

Sainsbury’s broadcast an apology over the tannoy system about the delays whilst drivers were trying to get out of the car park.

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Resident Tanya Smeed said it took her 45 minutes to get out of the car park after visiting Sainsbury’s and said she wouldn’t be returning to the store any time soon.

She said: “One member of public got out and tried to direct traffic and I heard she was getting abuse from another driver.

“There needs to be some intervention.

“There was a broken down vehicle which didn’t help. However, this area is often queuing.

“The road closure is becoming problematic - I appreciate work needs to happen but in all this gridlock, not a workman in sight.

“I for sure will avoid this area after today.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesman apologised for the inconvenience to members of the public.

They added: “There are ongoing roadworks near our Stanway store and yesterday a broken down car caused further disruption.

“This affected customers leaving our store car park and we‘re sorry for the inconvenience this caused.”

Roadworks in the area will see the Western Bypass widened to two lanes.