TEIGNBRIDGE Council appears to have ‘backed down’ over contentious changes to a Newton Abbot town centre car park.

Shoppers have been up in arms over new rules at Asda’s car park which mean vehicles can park for only two hours, instead of the previous three, and only to shop in the supermarket.

It had been understood that as part of the original planning permission for the store to be built 20 years ago, the car park should remain available for anyone wanting to visit the town centre, not just Asda.

However, a spokesman for Teignbridge Council said: ‘Following a review of the historic agreement, our legal team has advised that we will not be challenging the changes ASDA have made to their car park arrangements.’

The spokesman added Teignbridge has ‘several other town centre car parks for people visiting Newton Abbot for shopping or leisure as an alternative’.

Complaints have flooded in from furious shoppers since the changes came into force.

Newton Abbot Town Council was ‘keen’ to see parking retained within the town centre on the terms originally agreed between Asda and the district authority.

A spokesman said: ‘Newton Abbot Town Council remains hopeful further talks between Asda and Teignbridge District Council can deliver a solution which provides for the people and businesses of the area.

‘The car park is an essential part of the town’s infrastructure and must remain freely available for all those who wish to use it.’

The original deal between Teignbridge Council and Asda was made as part of the Section 106 agreement made in 2005 when the land was transferred to Asda.

Part of that was a clause agreeing charges between Teignbridge Council and Asda.

There was also a provision for ASDA to refund customers spending in store on production of a valid parking ticket.

But it is understood the original agreement could be considered ‘price fixing’ and, if the agreement was found to be in breach of competition law, both Asda and the council could face legal consequences.