TRAFFIC congestion around the new town of Blindwells could reach levels found at Midlothian’s notorious Sheriffhall Roundabout, a longstanding East Lothian councillor has warned.

David Berry, North Berwick Coastal ward member, raised concerns over proposed traffic access arrangements at the new town, located between Prestonpans and Longniddry.

Plans for 1,600 homes on the former opencast coal mining site were given the go-ahead by East Lothian Council last month – and thousands more are expected in years to come.

Traffic will enter the development from an existing roundabout near the southbound slip road of the Bankton Junction of the A1, north of Tranent. A second access point would be created on the A198.

But Mr Berry, who is not seeking re-election at next month’s local government elections, expressed his fears at the potential congestion levels in the area at a meeting of North Berwick Community Council.

A significant proportion of North Berwick traffic going to and from Edinburgh uses the A198 at Blindwells.

He told members: “I think traffic at Blindwells could be along the lines of Sheriffhall Roundabout and I think it is something that, although outside your area, you should be giving a lot of consideration.”

Hilary Smith, North Berwick Community Council chairwoman, shared Mr Berry’s concerns and said: “I think we will need to find a different road into Edinburgh.”

She added: “Anything that will put more traffic on that road is definitely something that we need to think about. It is outwith our remit but we definitely need to be doing something about this.”