AMMANFORD'S new Tesco store has been likened to a World War Two prisoner of war camp by one disgruntled councillor.

Betws community councillor Annette Price claims the presence of the giant supermarket is blighting the lives of residents of nearby Bwtrimawr who have complained of bright lights and visual intrusion.

"I feel sorry for them," Cllr Price told colleagues. "I took my dog for a walk down there the other night and it was more like Stalag 17."

Community clerk Cerith Griffiths said residents had complained that Tesco customers using the store's cafeteria could see directly into their homes.

They also said the main Tesco sign was too bright and asked whether it could be turned off at night.

Cllr Price said councillors had floated the idea of screening the houses with a line of evergreen trees two years previously.

Alderman Arnallt James argued the superstore had to maintain lighting for health and safety purposes.

"When I was a boy there were no lights at all during the blackout in the war," he added.

A Tesco spokesman said residents’ concerns were being taken seriously.

"We are committed to being a good neighbour and have positioned the store's internal lights below the windows to ensure there is no direct glare during the evening," he added.

"As an extra precaution, we will start dimming the store and café lights by 50 per cent after we close.'