conversion of the old Teignmouth police station into flats is causing big headaches for neighbours.

Residents in the adjoining St Joseph's Court – the former courthouse – claim noise and vibrations from the project is disturbing their peace and damaging their homes.

And they are also annoyed that complaints about the situation are being ignored by the developers and council.

The old court building was converted into apartments some years ago, and now the same treatment is being carried out to the next door police station in Carlton Place.

Roy Phillips, a former councillor and mayor of Teignmouth, said they had been subject to loud banging and drilling, often before 8am.

'When the pile driver is in ­operation it shakes our building, vibrating through the walls, and I have to take down all the mirrors and pictures.

'Cracks have appeared, including one from ceiling to floor leaving pieces of plaster on the floor, and windows have shaken.

'We should not have to put up with such disturbances and damage, and letters to the builders and Teignbridge Council have gone unanswered.

'We are so frustrated and annoyed that nobody is listening to our complaints, I will have no alternative but to seek redress through the courts. Nobody seems to give a damn, and the builders appear to do exactly what they want without any consideration to residents,' Mr Phillips maintained.

The builder, Torquay based McCarthy Contractors (South West), did not respond to requests to comment on the claims.