The sight of mould growing on a Swindon supermarket’s shelves sparked disgust and outrage from Adver readers.

A mum-of-two spotted the unpleasant growth beneath the children’s yoghurt in West Swindon’s Asda, then showed the store manager - who admitted it was unacceptable - only for it to still be there when she returned two days later.

The shelves were later cleared and a spokesperson for the chain said that the cleanliness of its stores is a top priority, and there are rigorous processes in place to ensure that all stores are clean and tidy.

Not everyone was convinced by this claim and other examples of mouldy shelves were highlighted in the comments.

This incident appears to have prompted questions about the store’s overall management and whether other hygiene or safety concerns are being overlooked.

Carol Garrington said: “Don't shop there often, but it's really gone downhill lately.”

Elaine Passmore agreed: “And that's why I don't shop at Asda! It's always dirty.”

Darryl Dunk added: “Sainsbury's and Tesco are the same why not mention these as well instead of shaming one company?”

Rachael Evans said: “Since big Asda got taken over by those couple of brothers, the store has gone right downhill. More and more staff let go, more self-service, it’s just not the same anymore.”

Anna Gibson said: “I found out-of-date pasties in there recently (out of date by three days). I noticed a member of staff who wasn’t interested in the slightest, she eventually looked at them and waited for me to walk away - I think she left them on the shelf!”

Alicja Czerwiak said: “That's just storage shelves. Some of them are made of wood so you wouldn't even see the mould. The food is sealed in boxes - everyone should know it is worth giving a can a rinse before opening.”

Another reader added: “Look in their store rooms and fridges and freezers, you would have nightmares.”

One commenter said: “More proof of the nonsense that is food hygiene ratings. “Rigorous processes” in place yet a spillage wasn't cleaned for two days when shown to the store manager.

“Staff raising concerns to management, customers noticing fall in standards - alarm bells are ringing.

"Expect to see Asda lose their battle for survival in the near future.”

Another added: “Sadly, there has been a theme of Asda stores being understaffed, unclean, understocked etc ever since they were taken over and laden with debt.

“Whether the issue in Swindon is connected or an isolated one remains to be seen, but this is what happens when a couple of brothers plunder a valuable asset and bleed it dry, with others left to clean up the mess (or not in this case).”

A response said: “I worked for them before and after the takeover drastic changes.

"Cleaning teams totally removed single man to do shop floor. We cleaned our till areas etc. Disgraceful.”

The general state of Swindon Asda branches was raised in a letter from staff at the Orbital branch to management.

As well as chronic understaffing and missed paychecks, staff described a “very poor state of repair” with roof leaks in the canteen and shop floor.

An Asda spokesperson responded to that by saying that investment into the business was being made.