North Berwick residents can have their say on how to fix the town's parking problems at special workshops devoted to the issue next month.

East Lothian Council surprised some town residents when it announced it was setting aside £600,000 for the provision of a park and ride facility.

While happy that the local authority was setting aside money and acknowledging the town's parking issues, North Berwick Community Council was concerned that there had been no consultation on whether a park and ride would be the best way of addressing the problem, while a number of residents spoke out against the idea.

There was particular opposition from some residents living near the proposed site, a field at the corner of Dirleton Avenue and Strathearn Road. In the summer it was announced consultants would look at options, while the public would have a chance to give their views.

The two workshops will take place on the week beginning October 24.

Although exact dates, times and locations are still to be confirmed, the community council has requested that one takes place in the afternoon and one in the evening, allowing people at work in the day to have their say on the proposals too.

October 25 and 26 have been suggested as possible days, with the town's community centre and North Berwick High School likely venues.

The workshops will also allow residents to put forward their own views on other options to solve the town's parking issues, which have been described as North Berwick's "all-consuming problem" by community councillors.

The workshops will be open to everyone and residents are encouraged to attend and have their say.

Councillor David Berry, North Berwick Coastal ward councillor, previously defended the council's decision to set aside money for a park and ride before consulting residents. He claimed that the park and ride name was merely a heading for solving parking problems in the town and that public consultation was always going to take place.