A NEW supermarket has apologised after the first day of opening saw customers queuing in the car park for up to an hour.

The new store, in St Helen's Trading Estate, Bishop Auckland, opened its doors at 8am on this morning.

But contractors working for Tesco were still completing the entrance to the car park and by noon there were 60 minute queues of people trying to leave the store car park.

One customer, who did not want to be named, said: "There was no apology from car park attendants; there were numerous near misses as cars tried to find the way out, and the queues just built up.

"A lot of folks were saying they wouldn't be shopping there again."

A spokesman for Tesco said: "We are sorry to customers for any inconvenience caused and would like to thank them for their patience while we work to resolve this issue as swiftly as possible."

The store is the first of two supermarkets opening within yards of each other this week - with a large Sainsbury's due to welcome customers tomorrow (Wed).

A Morrison's store has been in the town centre for many years while an Asda opened in 2002 and expanded last year.

Many believe that the new additions could have a negative effect on the town centre.

County councillor Sam Zair said: "Of course lots of jobs are being created which is good news but I am worried about what effect it will have on the town centre.

"Asda and Morrison's are in a better position to ride it out but the small retailers will have to knuckle down and hope for a good Christmas period."

Asda said it welcomed the new competition.

"The Asda store in Bishop Auckland trades very well and provides a great service to the local community," an Asda spokesman said.

"We have a good product and we offer a wide range of good services.

"We really welcome the competition and choice."

Tesco store manager Tim Howell said: "My colleagues and I are looking forward to welcoming our customers into the new store and we hope that Tesco will become a key part of the local community."

As well as food, clothes and homeware, The new Tesco store has an opticians and pharmacy, a phone shop and a cookshop.