POLICE and community leaders in Ilminster this week condemned the "disgusting" and "abhorrent" abuse being levelled at construction workers in the town centre.

Workers making Ditton Street one-way southbound as part of the new Tesco development in neighbouring Shudrick Lane are being subjected to foul-mouthed tirades, and one was even spat at, say police.

The attacks are apparently from people aggrieved at Tesco's impending arrival in the town (see page 5).

Ilminster beat manager PC Louise Wright said: "One of the builders spoke to me in regard to somebody spitting at him. That's completely abhorrent. If people are taking their anger out on these workmen, who are just doing their job, then that's totally wrong.

"Whatever your opinion of Tesco, acts of that nature are misguided."

Town and district councillor Kim Turner said the acts of abuse shamed the town.

She said: "The amount of abuse these people get from people walking along I think is disgusting.

"It makes Ilminster look pretty poor. People have to accept the decision to allow Tesco here and realise these people are only doing their job - they do not deserve abuse.

"The things some people are saying are unrepeatable."

Tesco spokesman Richard Whiskin said: "The workforce has suffered some abuse and the manager on site has suffered some abuse. But I handpicked him for his character - he is a very polite young man.

"I am briefed on every incident if it's affecting members of the public. If it was festering I would get involved."

Mr Whiskin added: "We are about to become part of the town. We are helping the air cadets, we are sponsoring a summer fete and we are determined to be good neighbours."