I refer to your article regarding the proposal to build a children’s home at Lewisvale Park in Musselburgh to house six young people in care.

I attended both public meetings regarding the development and it is fair to say that there is strongly felt opposition to the development.

During both meetings, the head of children’s wellbeing from East Lothian Council and other colleagues made a fantastic effort to answer questions from the hundreds of residents attending. These questions covered many issues, including the nature of the development, whether it could be sited elsewhere, as well as building design and matters related to the ground such as water problems.

There were many shouts out loud from people that their opposition was to the building and not to the children, if any issue relating to the need for the development was raised. Clearly, people now have the planning process to use their voice to object or support the development.

I support the need for this development. If the development achieves planning consent, and objections are indeed “not about the kids”, then I hope that the community will welcome these six young people and not let their criticism of the building impede that warm welcome.

Shonagh McEwan Gullane