POLICE have come under fire after it was revealed they did not send a single officer to help at a major community event, despite concerns about child safety.

Musselburgh Children’s Gala clashed with Ladies Day at the town’s racecourse for the second year running this month.

Worried community councillors had repeatedly asked for police assurances they would attend.

But Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council chairwoman Irene Tait said not a single officer turned up to the event – despite the fact 14 officers were on duty at the racecourse.

Mrs Tait said: “I was disappointed we had no police at the children’s gala. We made repeated requests for a police presence and I received a call from Dalkeith Police Station the day before asking what our expectations were.

“They were told about the difficulties with people driving to the racecourse and children crossing the road with their families – the children get excited when they approach the gala.

“We were told we would get one officer at The Brunton for one hour from noon on the day, but no one turned up.” At a meeting of the community council on Tuesday night, it was revealed a police van had been spotted during the gala parked at the bottom of Fishers Wynd, but when the officers inside were approached and asked if they were there to assist they said they knew nothing about the gala.

Ward councillor John McNeil told the community council there had been 14 police officers at the racecourse for Ladies Day but, he said, they were paid for by Musselburgh Racecourse as additional cover so should not impact on community resources.

He said: “It should not be about resources because the racecourse pay for the police officers who attend, they pay a significant amount. East Lothian Council also pays for community police officers, so they should have been there for it.” One community councillor added: “It should be the community of Musselburgh they should protect, not people coming in for the day.” Inspector Andrew Harborow said police worked with the racecourse organisers to ensure the impact of an event like Ladies Day was kept to a minimum.

He said: “Ladies Day is a major event with 10,000 people attending and requires a substantial policing commitment. We work with organisers to minimise the impact on the community.

“This year there were only eight ejections and one incident during a successful day.” Bill Farnsworth, Musselburgh Racecourse general manager said: “Racecourses are approved to race on dates allocated by the British Horseracing Authority and can’t just race when they wish.

“Ladies Day has been a popular fixture since it was first launched 11 years ago and this year attracted a 10,000 capacity attendance; however, we will always look to work with the local community wherever possible.”