EAST Lothian Council is “at long last gathering the courage to take over” the former Cockenzie Power Station site, says the county’s MP George Kerevan.

In his Courier column (see this week's paper), Nationalist Mr Kerevan said moves were afoot for the local authority to take ownership of the site from ScottishPower.

Discussions between various parties looking at the future of the land have been going on for a number of months, with the redundant power station demolished last September.

Plans by Scottish Enterprise for a giant energy park there were scrapped in March last year, following opposition from residents and community group the Coastal Regeneration Alliance (CRA).

Mr Kerevan said: “During my election campaign last year, I made clear my view that the best solution to developing this strategic site for the greater good was for East Lothian Council to take the land into public ownership. This would ensure it was built out properly in real consultation with the local community. It would also ensure a mixed development, meaning sustainable local jobs and visitor attractions, as well as housing.

“Sadly, my arguments met with a deafening silence from the ruling Labour-Tory coalition on East Lothian Council.

“I was told there were too many risks in the council taking over the site despite the fact that, once developed, it is worth 10s if not hundreds of millions of pounds. Now it seems the council is gathering courage to take the Cockenzie site.

“The downside is that this move may scupper a proposal from the Coastal Regeneration Alliance to negotiate a community buyout on part of the site.”

In response to Mr Kerevan’s comments, East Lothian Council said they had been in “discussions and dialogue with ScottishPower for a long period of time”.

A spokeswoman said: “The council has been in confidential discussions and dialogue with Scottish Power for a considerable period of time, so it is not correct for Mr Kerevan to assert that his ‘arguments met with a deafening silence’.

“In addition, we have been working collaboratively with the local community, including the CRA, through our collective Community Forum and together we have begun the process of developing a masterplan for the site. Mr Kerevan’s comments do not accurately reflect the council’s position in relation to this strategically important site and we will be raising our concerns directly with him.”

A spokesman for ScottishPower confirmed they were in discussions with parties regarding the future of the site.