A SUPERMARKET has responded to concerns after it closed a number of manned checkouts at one of its Cornish branches.

Shoppers at Tesco’s Launceston have been expressing their frustration after the store replaced a number of its manned tills with extra self-service units.

Residents have claimed that the removal of the manned checkouts has caused disruption to the flow of service, with some concerned it is only set to get worse as the Christmas season approaches.

One resident said: “If I’m shopping for just a few items then I don’t mind using the self service as it’s quick.If I’m doing a bigger shop then I use the checkout as I think it’s more efficient and quicker. Also if I am using self service every time then someone has lost their job; so am I saving Tesco money? Should you get a discount for doing the work ?

“At the weekend the queues for the tills were long and an extra till was opened.”

While another added: “I only go to check outs on principle. I support the staff on them and help keep their jobs for them. Otherwise it will soon be like the banks - with no service and closing.”

However, the national chain has defended its decision, speaking to the Post, a Tesco spokesperson said: “Our colleagues and the friendly service they provide are absolutely vital to our stores and they will always be on hand to help our customers, whatever time of day, whether they are checking out at one of our colleague-operated or self-service checkouts.

“We first introduced self-service checkouts more than 20 years ago to give our customers a choice and our stores have both types of checkouts. We are proud to offer customers choice when it comes to checking out and customers can always ask a colleague for a manned till to be opened.”

Despite local rumours that the business has plans to close all of its manned checkouts, the Post understands that Tesco does not intend to do so at its Launceston branch, instead aiming to give shoppers a choice as to their preference of checkout method.