MORE than 100 people headed to North Berwick's East Beach on Saturday as they protested against controversial plans to extend a car park over part of the beach.

Residents demonstrated to show their opposition to East Lothian Council's plans to extend the Marine Parade car park by eight metres, which would result in the loss of part of the popular beach.

Local musician Pete 'the Beat' Vilk brought his samba drummers and children waved banners and chanted “save our beach” from the rocks.

More than 3,600 people have signed a petition on change.org calling for the plans - which would provide an additional 22 parking spaces - to be refused, with many more signing a hard copy available in the town.

They are set to be decided at a meeting of the council's planning committee tomorrow morning (Tuesday) in Haddington. Council planners have recommended the proposals be approved.

At the same time, another set of controversial parking plans for the town are set to be decided: an extension to the Glebe car park, off St Margaret's Road, as well as residential development and covered parking.

There is also a petition against those plans.

Parking has been a major issue in North Berwick for many years.