Plans that will see the development of a community-led project in Tranent have been announced, with the scheme to begin shortly.

‘A Place of Great Importance’ (APOGI) is an idea led by Liz Hutchison, Muirpark and Steading View Tenants and Residents Association chairwoman, that would develop the green space between the town’s Muirpark area and the recent development of Steading View.

The group involved with the project is aiming to build on the success of new community allotments and a children’s playpark.

As part of the plans, residents will be able to make a tally, similar to that used during the mining days, when miners used a brass coin to record who was down the pit.

The group is hoping residents create their own tallies, which will be built into cairns to form the park entrance.

And people from the Fa’side area are being encouraged to come up up with any personal tally story that is important to them and it could be about past, present or future.

Artist David Wilson was appointed by the project group to create proposals for the gateway, while a second idea involves concealing items into the entrance cairns.

A folk tradition in many parts of the world was the act of building a personal item belonging to the residents of the house into the new walls of a house, often children’s shoes.

Liz said: “The project group hopes that the local community will get involved in this exciting and unique project. The ultimate aim is to change this little neglected corner of Tranent and transform it into... A Place of Great Importance.” Councillor Tim Day, cabinet member for community wellbeing, added: “Funding is in place to begin a first phase of planned improvements, namely a gateway feature to the park which will increase the space’s visibility within the town and create an attractive point of interest at the eastern side of Tranent. Putting the local community at the centre of any planned proposals has been very important to the project steering group.” The project group is keen to hear from residents. Stories and pictures that will form part of the tallies and concealment items can be sent via Facebook, email or by contacting the project group.

To get involved, email apogipark14@gmail.com or contact East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel on 0131 665 9304 or by email at tenatspanel@hotmail.com The progress of the project can also be followed on Twitter, @apogipark14, or by searching Apogi Park or APOGI on Facebook.