MORE concerns about the loss of community police cover in Prestonpans have been raised by community councillors, despite reassurances from Police Scotland.

Prestonpans Community Council chairman Jimmy Yule told this month's meeting that he and some members had sat down for talks with a local police inspector after raising concerns.

He said: “He assured us the Pans is not getting neglected.” Members of the community council had raised concerns about the loss of a community police officer in the town through a recent restructuring of Police Scotland’s staffing levels.

The force has introduced a new tier system which has seen some officers reassigned to Musselburgh as part of a centralised response team, leaving fewer community-based officers.

There was concern it could lead to an increase in the number of youth disturbances in the Prestonpans area and had taken away officers with local knowledge.

One community council member said there had been a recent incident when a member of the public called the new 101 Bilston Glen call centre to report an issue at Cuthill Park and was asked for a postcode.

She pointed out that elderly residents or people in distress might not know the postcode and the lack of local knowledge in the call centres was “worrying”.

Mr Yule said: “The lack of local knowledge is letting the older people of Prestonpans down. It is a big concern for the community.” Community police officers also attend community council meetings to keep members up to date on local crime issues.

However, no officer attended the community council meeting this month.