Town residents have rallied round to refurbish a derelict building on Tranent High Street.

Sean McDonald purchased a property in the block last October and has since taken the lead on the refurbishment of the building, next to William Hill.

It has lain unused for a number of years, and residents were concerned over the state of the building.

Mr McDonald told the Courier: “It has been the eyesore of Tranent for a number of years, with the building being left in a derelict state.” Locals have, though, managed to raise the required funds to have the building’s exterior renovated.

However, the group is angered that multiple pleas to East Lothian Council for assistance seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Mr McDonald added: “The chief executive was sent lengthy correspondence. We did not even receive a response.” The 27-year old explained some of the work that is currently being undertaken on the building.

He added: “Burst drain pipes were leaking onto the pavement, which was a hazard over winter, along with slates coming off the roof. There is a full scaffold up at the moment around the entire block.

“Pipes and the roof are being fixed, along with the entire building scraped, patched, sealed and repainted.” Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council chairman Colin Martin said: “I’m really pleased – it’s become an eyesore and it’s made the street look grubby for years.” He extended an invitation to Mr McDonald, and the group carrying out the work, to the next meeting of the community council.

“I’d be more than happy for them to come and take the credit for the work, and to thank them,” he added.

Work commenced earlier this month and it is expected to be finished in mid-August.

A council spokeswoman said: “The council continues to explore all options for funding for town centre improvements including Tranent but currently we are unable to provide financial support for this project.

“The responsibility for maintaining any building lies with the owners.”