A NEW community centre will be built for Whitecraig next to the village bowling green if proposals submitted to East Lothian Council’s planning department are delivered.

The application, for “the erection of community centre/hall/cafe/creche and associated works” has been lodged by the local authority.

If the proposals are approved, the new community facility would be built on the site of the village bowling club’s old clubhouse, which was demolished three years ago.

Deantown Welfare Bowling Club still use the green at the site, on Whitecraig Avenue, and new changing facilities for bowlers are also included in the plans. Bowlers currently use a portable cabin.

The design statement, submitted as part of the application, reads: “The site is owned by East Lothian Council and is currently a gap site located within the residential area of Whitecraig, which use to house the old Deantown Bowling Club clubhouse. This was demolished in 2013.”

The project would see the existing community centre, on Whitecraig Crescent, replaced.

The design statement adds that the new community centre would be a “focal point for the village”, and “suitable for a range of uses”.

Councillor Andy Forrest, Musselburgh East and Carberry member, welcomed the plans.

He told the Courier: “It would give the village a big boon. It will give people somewhere to go, and a place to hold events.

“I’m from Whitecraig and, going back a number of years, the bowling club used to be the focal point of the village – it’s where everyone met.

“This would give the village a focal point again.”

He was also hopeful more bowls competitions could be played in the village, if the application was approved.

Mr Forrest added: “The green is one of the most admired in the country.

“Clubs and organisations are often looking for somewhere to host competitions, and the new community centre would give the club somewhere to do that.”