NORTH Berwick Coastal Area Partnership is asking local community organisations and groups to help set priorities for its first draft area plan.

The plan sets out a wide range of suggestions for changes local communities want to see to make their areas a great place to live, get around, work and visit.

The area partnership covers North Berwick, Gullane, Dirleton, Drem and surrounding communities in the North Berwick Coastal ward, and its co-chairwomen are Sue Northrop and Lesley Kay.

They said: “We are delighted that the draft North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership Area Plan is being discussed across the communities.

“The partnership has worked hard to get to this point of turning our collective aspirations into action.

“This is a different way of doing business – the plan is set by the community, not imposed on it.

“We are looking forward to our next meeting on March 15, when we will start to agree priorities.”

The partnership was granted £2,000 in the current financial year, with the money allocated to short-term priorities.

The local bursary scheme will be extended to offer after-school activities to young people and there are plans to increase the number of minibus drivers to support local organisations.

The Oasis Group, which supports people with a history of substance misuse, received funding to help members access counselling and support to aid their recovery.

Funds have been allocated to support dementia-friendly activities. and the arts centre steering group received money to complete its stage two feasibility study.

Money has also been allocated for traffic calming measures across the area, and discussions are under way to determine how best to take suggestions forward.

A new pavement will be installed on a section of Dunbar Road, North Berwick, and money has been set aside to upgrade and improve the paths network.

The co-chairwomen added: “We are delighted with the progress made so far and are looking forward to the next stage when we develop our 10-year plan.”

To find out more, contact areapartnership@eastlothi an.gov.uk or 01620 827871.