Huge queues at Tesco for NHS shopping hour

Videos sent to the Oxford Mail show queues snaking around car parks. 

One NHS worker who went this morning said they had been unable to shop for their family of five all week due to shifts and empty shelves. 

"I had to turn around and come back," they said. "People were queueing all around the car park - there was no social distancing."

Several people have posted on social media in particular about the Bicester store. 

I could not believe my eyes...this queue just before 9 in front if Tescos in Bicester. Not in the mood to wait or be shouted at by Tesco's staff especially after a night shift and knowing I'm back tonight! What is happening with the world??? #ICU @Tesco pic.twitter.com/kHFpN1AgWL

— Raluca Vagner (@RalucaVagner) March 22, 2020

Eldest daughter sent this at 10:10 this morning from Tesco Bicester, nice to see social distancing being practiced..🤦🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/uNkxvWtxuU

— Uinseann Ó Briain (@VincentOBrien1) March 22, 2020

Some have claimed that lots of people waiting in the queues were not NHS staff but regular shoppers. 

Bicester @Tesco this morning #COVIDー19 #coronavirus #CoronaCrisisuk #COVIDIOT @MailOnline pic.twitter.com/3rSkEdaIxp

— Sam (@samharris0305) March 22, 2020

There also seemed to be problems at Tesco in Abingdon.

Yes.... my human arrived at 0850, saw the queues & gave up. There were NHS members there literally sobbing at the length of the queue as they have no provisions. Shop local is definitely the best option from now on.

— KindCat (@KindCat3) March 22, 2020

However, those NHS staff who did get in say the stores were 'well stocked' and thanked Tesco for putting on the hour. 

@Tesco Just attended the NHS shopping hour at your Bicester store & wanted to say thank you to your staff. The store was well stocked & your staff were friendly & helpful. It was busy but we got all we needed and the free flowers was a lovely gesture. You're all heroes too 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/oQnd747h3z

— Gina Soanes (@GinaSoanes1) March 22, 2020

@Tesco Thank you Tesco for opening early in Bicester and allowing the army of Bicester’s NHS staff to do their shopping. And Thank you for the free flowers. You and all your staff deserve a big 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/moqF0fcQCS

— Sandeep Bhatti (@Birminghambret) March 22, 2020

In other areas of the country, stores were forced to implement a 'one in one out' policy. Tesco has also suspended its multi-buy deals.

Tesco has been contacted for comment.

Did you go this morning? What did you think?