PEOPLE living in Wallyford are to be asked what would make their lives better and improve their community.

A new tenants’ and residents’ association is getting ready to canvas locals about what it can do for them and how it can work to improve life in the growing village.

Members are planning a questionnaire and are currently on the lookout for volunteers to help distribute it throughout the village.

The group was formed about five months ago with the support of Sue Cairns of East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel.

Open meetings are held at Wallyford Community Centre on the third Wednesday of each month at 6.30pm, which tenants and residents are welcome to attend to raise issues of concern. Closed committee meetings also take place.

Chairwoman Anne Philp said: “We are hoping to compile a questionnaire to give people the chance to say what they want from us, what amenities they use and need. We are now getting established and making the necessary connections.”

She stressed that the work of the new association was being backed by Wallyford Community Council, which was “really supportive”. She added that, although different organisations, they would work in partnership with each other on certain projects.

Mrs Philp said: “We are finalising our constitution and are looking for new committee members as well as a band of volunteers to put the questionnaire out around the village. We are keen to get feedback on what people want from the group.

“Wallyford is getting a lot of new housing and we need, as a community, for the voice of tenants and residents to be heard.”

Members are also delighted at the help they are receiving from Pamela Martin, community centre manager, and caretaker Stuart Durham after being given the green light to hold their meetings in the Albert Place facility.

Mrs Philp said projects being explored included the possibility of transforming the vacant Catholic church building in the village into a community hub which could have space for a cafe and local groups.

She added that the group had also opened up dialogue with developers at the new housing being built at St Clement’s Wells.

“If there are any issues with anything on the site we have to get back to them,” she added.

The group is also hoping to target problems with dog fouling in the village with the support of East Lothian Council’s community warden, possibly through a public campaign.

The speed of some motorists on Salters Road has been highlighted and it has been agreed to contact East Lothian Council on the matter.

The next open meeting is on Wednesday, 6.30-8pm. Anyone interested in seeing what the group is all about is welcome.

Those interested in joining the group or volunteering to distribute the questionnaire can contact Mrs Philp at alfno1wallytra@outlook.com