EAST Lothian Council has been urged to help improve security at a historic building in Dunbar town centre.

Dunbar Corn Exchange, located just off High Street, has lain empty for a number of years and been targeted by vandals.

The town’s Christmas lights are stored in the building.

Graham Adams, co-chairman of the town’s Christmas lights committee, told the Courier: “The council are looking at [the security] just now.

“They have had people out just to make sure that the building is appropriately secure.

“The police are aware of the problems and boarding that has been put up has been pulled away in the past.” The building was one of the projects put forward last year for funding through the Viridor Legacy Grant.

It was estimated that the building, which could be turned into “a multi-functional community space,” needed £500,000 worth of remedial works.

The state of the building was brought up at the town’s community council meeting last month.

Ward councillor Norman Hampshire said: “Once youngsters know they can get in, they will try and try again.

“Police and community wardens are aware this is an area they must be aware of and are trying to give it more attention.

“That will stop them from doing more damage to the property.

“The Corn Exchange is not a building in a great condition.

“It is wind and water tight but it needs some investment.” Stephen Bunyan, chairman of the community council, agreed that something needed to be done and stressed that the building was fulfilling “an important use” for the community.

Kirsty Saunders, from the Corn Exchange Trust, remained committed to seeing the building – which dates back to 1855 – utilised to its fullest.

A report was commissioned in 2011 into the possibility of using the building as an arts hub.

The plans failed to reach fruition but again last year a bid was made to see the building used for theatre, cinema and music.

Previously, writer Irvine Welsh and comedian Fred MacAulay supported plans for the building.

Mrs Saunders was looking for people to come forward and help with ambitious proposals to see the building used by the community again.

She stressed that, if that did happen, there would still be space in the building for the storage of the lights.

“It comes down to if there are people willing and able to help,” she said. “I think we may have to go down the route of trying to get funding to do a proper feasibility study before we go towards further funding again.” A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said: “The council has responded to secure the premises when required but there are no current plans for any additional works.” Those interested in helping with the Corn Exchange can visit www.facebook.com/groups/390840754269365