AN ONLINE petition against a controversial car park extension in North Berwick has gained almost 3,000 signatures since being set up at the weekend.

The petition has been set up by local residents against the plans to extend the car park at Marine Parade, which would see the existing car park extended on to the beach by eight metres.

The proposed extension, put forward by East Lothian Council, would create an extra 22 spaces added at the beachside car park.

In the application to the local authority, the work is described as “works to include the increase in the width of the existing car park and maximise car park capacity with suitable coastal protection”.

Previously, a council spokeswoman told the Courier: “This application is for an extension to the current car park at Marine Parade – four of the spaces will be for Blue Badge holders and there will also be dedicated parking spaces for both motor bike and bicycles.”

Residents have expressed their concerns over the plans to the town’s community council, with one Marine Parade resident describing the parking situation as “an absolute zoo.”

But the community council gave its backing to the plans, voting eight-to-two in favour, with one abstention – a decision branded “a disgrace” by another local resident.

The online petition gained more than 2,500 signatures in the first 48 hours, while a hard copy of the petition is also available in the town at whynot? and Earth Matters, on High Street.

A protest is also planned at the site on Saturday from 2pm.

A spokesman for the group behind the petition and protest told the Courier: “We want to get as many people down to the beach by Marine Parade to show the level of opposition to building car parks on the beach.

“Bring a picnic and a flask, if you can play music, bring your talents and your instrument. Musicians, the press and local political candidates will be invited.”

“At the very least, we can have one last afternoon enjoying this beach before it is built over.”

The plans go before councillors on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, another petition has been lodged against the proposed development of the Glebe field for parking – and has nearly 500 signatures.

The application, put forward by community councillor Jake Scott, is for formation of new vehicular access and extension to the car park, off St Margaret’s Road, as well as residential development and covered parking.

Both petitions can be viewed at change.org