Community councillors have discussed the possibility of having more pedestrian crossings in North Berwick.

There has been a strong debate about the issue on social media, which prompted community council members to discuss it at their monthly public meeting in August.

A number of areas had been suggested, with the majority requesting pedestrian crossings between Lochbridge Road and Glenburn Road, and Recreation Park.

Kathryn Smith, North Berwick Community Council (NBCC) secretary, told the meeting she had contacted East Lothian Council officials about getting more pedestrian crossings in the town.

She said: “I have spoken to Colin Baird [East Lothian Council’s transport area officer] and he said that they will look at it [getting more crossings] but it had to be a location that’s used all-year round.” Dr Deborah Ritchie asked her fellow NBCC members to think about making routes to the town’s schools safer, while ward councillor David Berry said this had been carried out 10 years ago.

Dr Ritchie added: “It still does not work and a lot has changed in 10 years – kids are now going to play football at the 3G.” She described getting to the new Recreation Park 3G sports pitches as “a nightmare”, while Sheila Sinclair, community council chairwoman, added: “You take your life in your own hands when you walk from the park to the tennis courts.” Members discussed several options, including reducing the speed limit on East Road, and reducing the height of the wall, although Peter Hamilton conceded “that’s very expensive and it’d never be done”.

Mr Baird has formally responded to the community council’s concerns, with Dr Ritchie notified locals of his views through the North Berwick News and Views Facebook page.

She wrote: “He has noted the concerns about the crossings and has offered a detailed traffic survey on Dunbar Road and a feasibility study for traffic signals on Dunbar Road/St Baldreds Road. He asked for a site visit for Kirkports/Lodge entrance. St Baldreds Road/Lady Jane Road consideration of build outs or blisters or central refuge islands. He has asked for more information about safer routes to school and traffic calming on York Road.

“I have replied stressing the potential for significant increased traffic with the new Aldi on Dunbar Road having a knock-on effect. I have stressed the importance of safe access to leisure facilities (tennis club, the Lodge, five-a-side football, rugby, recreation areas and schools. I have also highlighted the opportunity for safer routes to school when new estates are built. If we are to have the choice to be more active it needs to be an easy choice and safety would feature in this choice for us all.” She urged residents to contact Mr Baird with their concerns.