THE Chorleywood family whose dodgy batch of fuel from Tesco was reported in the Watford Observer three weeks before the story broke nationally last month have finally had the costs of repairs to their car paid by the supermarket giant.

The quest for compensation since Deborah Pattison filled up with contaminated diesel at Tesco Extra in Waterfields Retail Park, Watford has taken Deborah and her husband Allan more than two months to resolve.

After the Watford Observer featured the couple from Blacketts Wood Drive, their story was also covered in national car magazine Auto Express.

The RAC's technical support manager confirmed that the fuel was contaminated with water and sediment after his laboratory analysis.

Following the local and national media coverage, many emails and letters, and finally Mr Pattison threatening Tesco with legal action, Tesco finally paid costs of £1,850.

Mr Pattison took advice from the same lawyer who represented David Bond, the van owner from Gloucester who sent bailiffs in to his local Tesco to seize £60,000 worth of goods after Tesco had refused for three years to settle a contaminated fuel claim.

"After a lot of fighting, it worked out okay," said Mr Pattison.

"I want to say a big thank you to the Watford Observer for their interest and coverage of our personal story, which has uncovered a less than acceptable side of Tesco's treatment of a loyal customer."

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