OPPONENTS of a giant Tesco in Glasgow's West End have been accused of abusing supermarket employees.

OPPONENTS of a giant Tesco in Glasgow's West End have been accused of abusing supermarket employees.

The company has written to protest leaders complaining even junior members of staff had been subjected to "unsavoury language and "aggressive behaviour" over the telephone.

And Tesco said the attitude of the protesters makes it "virtually impossible" for staff to discuss the controversial planned development at Partick.

Organisers of protest group Stop Tesco Owning Partick claim they have not yet been able to identify any culprits but say that such behaviour is "unacceptable".

The allegations were made in an e-mail from Tesco corporate affairs manager Nick Gellatly to campaign leader Dr Samer Bagaeen.

Mr Gellatly wrote: "While we are always happy to engage with those with a genuine interest in our proposals, it has become increasingly difficult for us to do so in Partick. I think it is fair to say that you have conducted yourself with some dignity.

"It is a pity others have not behaved so well and we now find the use of unsavoury language and aggressive behaviour are employed on the telephone to me and junior members of staff.

"This is a clear step change to your opposition and it makes further engagement virtually impossible."

Mr Gellatly said Tesco would continue to discuss the application, for a store, flats and underground car park at the foot of Byres Road, with Glasgow City Council.

When contacted by the Evening Times he said he did not want to make any further comment "because anything I do say is either misinterpreted or escalated into an issue that perhaps it need not be".

Dr Bagaeen said he had no idea who had made the comments but pointed out the letter had come only weeks after Tesco had caused fury by demolishing the old Partick Central station ticket office.