Residents living close to the Newton Abbot Asda development have been saved from more late-night construction misery after a pincer movement by the Advertiser and Teignbridge Council.

Households in Wolborough Street were set to endure 2am roadworks next week, despite heavy criticism of a similar operation in February. After being told by contractors and Asda there was no alternative, considerable behind the scenes efforts have produced an 11pm shut down, early enough to at least allow a decent night's sleep. Teignbridge spokesman Michelle Kenney said her colleagues had taken residents' welfare seriously and had gone further than required to resolve an issue that was actually the responsibility of the county council.

'While we are sorry that there has to be any disruption for residents, we are pleased to confirm that we have negotiated an 11pm, instead of the intended 2am, finish for the scheduled evening work next week,' she said.

'In addition, we will be maintaining a close watch on noise levels, although we have received assurance from the contractor that any potentially noisier work will be completed as early as possible each evening.'

Contractor Glendinning admitted this week it had received several complaints within a short time of the works notice going out.

Mark Simmons, site manager, told the Advertiser on Tuesday that the 2am plan was 'what Asda wanted' but the supermarket denied it was directly involved.

In a statement it said: 'The Asda store is actually being built by a local developer (not by Asda) and although we are doing everything we can to liaise with the on-site team, the building works are being dictated to us, therefore we have no control over this process.'

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: 'I'm really pleased with the result as otherwise it would have been hell for families with children and those who have to get up early for work. 'But it was complete rubbish for Asda to claim it was being dictated to to by contractors when Asda commissioned them to do the work in the first place. 'It shouldn't have needed the Advertiser and Teignbridge Council to achieve a change of mind. we all know that construction causes disruption but it shouldn't rank people's welfare below corporate profits.' Teignbridge MP Richard Younger-Ross has said residents should be compensated by contractors who make residents suffer unduly.