A Co-op has closed while fridges at supermarkets and convenience stores across Greater Manchester have broken down as the region swelters in the heatwave. Met Office records for top temperatures have been smashed two days running in Greater Manchester and residents have been rushing to their local shops for chilled drinks and snacks to keep cool.
But there has been a big problem for many shoppers looking to chill out - as fridges have broken down in several stores in the region. A number of Tesco shoppers have reported broken fridges at stores in Greater Manchester, with items taken off the shelves.
At Tesco Extra, in Stretford, vast fridge shelves have been left empty as the machines reportedly broke down. Richard Addison shared an image of the supermarket's bare fridges on Facebook, telling users on the Chorlton M21 group: "Tesco Stretford : Every fridge and freezer has broken due to the heat. Similar stories everywhere.
READ MORE: Greater Manchester temperatures set to almost HALVE after another record-breaking day
"No milk, dairy, meat, fish, chilled or frozen (apart from a few lollies). Maybe leave your shopping until autumn."
A printed note placed on the fridges by Tesco staff reads: "Sorry, due to the extreme heat our fridges have broken down. We are working to solve this as a priority. We apologise for any inconvenience."
Other stores have had similar problems over the past 48 hours, with broken fridges reported at Tesco's Parrs Wood supermarket and Burton Road Express store in Didsbury. And it's not just Tesco which has been having issues with fridges.
Shoppers at other retailers have also faced the same problems - with Sainsbury's on Moseley Street in the city centre and M&S at Manchester Piccadilly also having broken fridges earlier today. Some Co-op stores have also been having trouble, with broken fridges seen at the Cross Road shop in Sale.
Meanwhile, another Co-op store in Sale had to close entirely in the soaring heat. The Northenden Road store had a sign on the door on Tuesday evening which read: "Sorry, we've had to close due to the bad weather."
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Refrigeration and freezer units at some of our stores are currently being worked on by our maintenance teams who will get them back up and running as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
The Co-op has been contacted.
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