American retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc has no control over contractors building its Newton Abbot Asda store, nor the disruption they generate.
The firm said it would be 'inappropriate to comment on the intricacies of the development' and residents should expect disruption.
Although traffic congestion eased during the week, on Tuesday morning the town had all but ground to a halt after the new Wolborough Way and a revamped Bradley Lane replaced the now closed Highweek Way as the main thoroughfare. The change – including diversions that directed traffic away from town centre businesses and a temporary traffic light system that broke down – was made by Wal-Mart's contractors without the blessing of Devon County Council. The authority had wanted them to wait until the new permanent and more efficient lights system was ready, but workmen wanted immediate access to Highweek Way. Ron Southcombe, chairman of the market traders' association, slammed the move which he said was selfish and had hit business. 'They've opened it a month too early and the signing that's gone up is insufficient,' he said.
'Wolborough Street car park is now invisible to drivers but there are directions for a superstore that's not opening until September.' Wal-Mart press officer Simon Leonard said in a written statement that the opening of Wolborough Way was a 'major milestone' and the shop would ultimately benefit the town. But he maintained the position he took two weeks ago when residents complained about contractors' plans to conduct roadworks at 2am, a bid that was thwarted at the last minute by the Advertiser and Teignbridge Council. He wrote: 'Once again I would like to draw your attention to the fact the store is being built for us – not by us – so we do not have the ability to influence the building programme. 'I hope you reflect this is your article.' Mr Leonard' s message failed to get through to at least one motorist, however. when Kirsty Venney, from Ogwell, was asked if she knew the cause of her delayed journey she said simply and without any prompting: 'Asda.' Town centre businesses have urged customers not to stay away and Mr Southcombe commented: 'We're very much open for business and looking forward to a good weekend.'