CLAIMS that some shoppers at Tesco in Ledbury were blocked and harassed last Saturday by anti badger cull protestors have been firmly denied by both the protestors and the store.

But at least one shopper felt so strongly about what she saw as harassment, she has formally complained to Tesco head office about the protest, which involved people dressed in badger suits while handing out leaflets.

Elizabeth Green said the protestors were "rude and were blocking the trolleys and not letting people past without going into the rain and the road".

She said: "I'm not amused. I do not except to be harassed by anti badger cull protesters whilst trying to do my weekly shop. I think Tesco need to be very careful how it makes them look, and perhaps pro badger cull people could campaign next week? Whatever your view, let people do their shopping."

Tesco manager, Mel Yates acknowledged "there was one customer who felt brow beaten".

But he added: "I have to say, however, that it was the most cordial protest I have dealt with in my career. I had no onsite complaints from colleagues or customers. The protesters were monitored and at no time were they seen to be blocking doors or harassing anyone as we gave them a spot away from the entrance, which they stuck with."

A spokesman for the protestors, Ronald Lee said: "There was plenty of room for people to get into the store. No-one was being blocked at all."

Members of No Herefordshire Cull and Worcestershire Vegans and Veggies staged the event outside Tesco in Orchard Lane, where they distributed leaflets and collected signatures on anti-cull postcards to be sent on to the government.

Hundreds of leaflets were distributed and dozens of signatures were taken.

Mr Lee, who is the Worcestershire Vegans and Veggies' communications officer, added: "We were delighted at the positive response from the public, who were queuing to sign against the cull.

"As well as collecting signatures from shoppers, we were also calling on Tesco not to sell milk from farms that are involved in killing badgers.

"The vast majority of people in this country are opposed to the slaughter of badgers and are appalled that the government wants to authorise the killing of 100,000 of them nationwide."

The protest took place in Herefordshire because a cull is set to take place in the county.