COMMUNITY councillors in Musselburgh are collecting feedback on a plan to build a second £35 million high school for the town at Wallyford.

Chairman Irene Tait has asked members to speak to as many people as possible before the community council formulates a response to East Lothian Council.

Speaking at the community council’s meeting on Tuesday, she said: “It is important we get feedback from the community and find out what people think.”

A “robust” public consultation was pledged after a recent council meeting, after concern was raised by parent groups that the plan was being “railroaded” through.

The proposal also includes a revision of the catchment boundaries of Pinkie St Peter’s Primary School in Musselburgh, Musselburgh Grammar School and schools in Tranent where a small cluster of houses near Wallyford are affected.

A new school is needed to cope with the influx of pupils generated by massive new house building earmarked for the Musselburgh area, and the council came up with options. A new school close to Dolphingstone, east of Wallyford, came out as the front runner.

The existing Musselburgh Grammar School would continue to serve pupils from the Campie, Burgh, Stoneyhill and Whitecraig catchments areas. The consultation will run from now until June 15.

A public meeting to discuss the school proposals will be held at the Brunton Hall on Monday, May 30, at 7pm. Drop-in sessions will take place on: May 16, Wallyford Primary School, 11am to 5pm; May 18, Brunton Hall, 10am to 2pm; and May 19, Pinkie St Peter’s Primary School, 11am to 5pm.

To complete an online consultation questionnaire go to eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/education/musselburgh-school