A Tesco store has been closed all day after heavy rain and blocked drains caused a “foul smell”.

Staff have been forced to shut the shop in Tenterden after customers reported issues at the Smallhythe Road site.

Some residents took to social media to complain about the smell, which first hit yesterday.

One customer said: “They should have closed yesterday – the smell was so bad that it put me off shopping.”

Another added: “Popped in there last night and it did stink, a sewage problem apparently.”

It is understood there will be a deep clean of the store, with reports that part of the shop had to be cordoned off yesterday evening.

One resident said: “When I was in there last night part of the shop was taped off and it stank in there.

“I would guess that the heavy rain last night has made it worse.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are really sorry for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of our Tenterden store today.

“This is due to a blocked drainage pipe. We’re working hard to clear the blockage and expect the store to reopen later today.”