Leighton Buzzard retailers react to latest town earthquake

A 3.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Leighton Buzzard was the third recorded tremor within the town in less than two weeks.

Several retailers who spoke to Asian Trader said while they did feel the latest earthquake many were not phased by the incident.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) said the tremor happened at around 8.32am on Tuesday, 22nd September with a depth of 10km.

Previous earthquakes confirmed in the Bedfordshire town included a 2.1 magnitude on 8th September and a 3.5 magnitude on 13th September.

Rohit Patel store owner of VNP News & Stores said that he was not frightened by the earthquakes but noted the fourth one lasted the longest.

“A bottle of gin actually fell off the shelf because of it,” he said. “It was like a shock and a heavy vehicle going by, this one lasted only about three or four seconds.

“Where my shop is situated lots of people drive by but then customers did walk in and say there was an earthquake and this particular one was nothing like the previous three. A lot of the bottles where shaking about because if it.”

He added: “There is no geological reason why it happened but we are based and built on sand which the town is known for.

“It’s unusual for this part of the town and region to get earthquakes.”

However, Mrs Shah who has been running Cottage Stores with her husband for nearly 38 years said she has not felt any of the earthquakes.

Despite not noticing any of the recent tremors, the retailer recalled one that was recorded in Hemel Hempstead several years ago.

She said: “I didn’t feel none whatsoever, if people didn’t tell me about it I wouldn’t have known it had happened.

“I haven’t felt a single one. The first time I was going into town but then my husband mentioned it to me and I said no.

“Mr Shah was in the shop and he felt it but thought it was car being hit otherwise. It was lucky enough not experience it.

“I’m so busy half the time when working and talking with customers I wouldn’t even know.”

According to the British Geological Survey, the UK experiences about 200 to 300 earthquakes each year, but 90% are so minor most people do not feel them.