SUPERMARKET giant Asda failed to bring round-the-clock shopping to Bishop Auckland when district councillors threw out a bid for 24-hour opening.

The store closes at 9pm from Monday to Saturday, and Asda said the store needed extra hours because of customer demand.

But Wear Valley's development control committee agreed that overnight opening would create noise and disturbance for people living nearby.

Councillors heard from residents of Holdforth Drive who said they were kept awake at night by noise from the store's warehouse.

Spokesman Brian Dixon said: "We have complained to the council and to Asda since the store opened.

"Twenty-four hour opening would lead to increased activity and further disruption of our lives."

Councillor Betty Todd said: "They have suffered noise and disruption since the day it was opened.

"These people are tormented with noise - it has got to stop.

"We can't have more vehicles and more work going on in that loading bay.

"There must be some way that this planning authority can make Asda do what is right and stop harassing the residents."

Asda estimated that 3,235 customers would shop between 9pm and 8am each week, with ten vehicles arriving every hour.

Noise levels would increase by two decibels.

Council deputy leader Charlie Kay, a telecommunications engineer, said: "Decibels are my business. A two decibel increase is nearly twice as loud.

"It is contrary to the amenity of the residents of that area."

Councillor Barbara Laurie was concerned that 24-hour opening could increase anti-social behaviour at the store.

She said: "Our police are already overstretched. They shouldn't have to sort out problems at Asda."

An Asda spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that our application has been turned down.

"Twenty-four hour trading is driven by customer demand and our desire to provide our customers with the best possible service.

"We recognise that people's lifestyles are very different these days. Many people work shifts and are looking for convenience and flexibility.

"Obviously, we're very conscious of keeping the impact on the local community to a minimum."