COMMUNITY councillors have chosen not to object to proposals to change the layout of a park at the heart of Haddington – despite the opposition of one of the group’s members.

Friends of Neilson Park is behind an East Lothian Council planning application, which includes moving the tennis courts and play area, and realigning a path.

The scheme would see the children’s play park moved slightly southwards, towards the location of the pavilion, with the path to the east of the play park realigned further to the east.

And the tennis courts, currently south-east of the play park, would be moved to the park’s north-west corner, roughly on the play park’s current location.

On top of that, various trees could be removed, something which has angered community councillor Charles Ingle.

A report on the plans states: “This is seen as an opportunity to move the play park closer to the pavilion, which, if itself is redeveloped, would afford parents/guardians opportunity to enjoy new facilities within the pavilion while still able to watch over their children.” The issue was raised at the town’s community council meeting last month.

Mr Ingle said: “It’s a really, really serious issue.

“What is going to happen is a major reconfiguration of a park, which has been there since 1910.” Mr Ingle said some of the yew trees in place were 120 years old but they could now be removed under the plans.

He stressed he was not against the redevelopment of the tennis courts, which were last resurfaced in 1972.

But he added: “I don’t think we should support [the application].

“We will continue to support the Friends of Neilson Park’s attempts to deliver the tennis courts but it should be in situ.” However, the community council chose not to object to the plans.

The Friends of Neilson Park group was also in discussions with sportscotland, Viridor, Lawn Tennis Association and East Lothian Council in a bid to move things forward.

The plans, which come from Stuart Pryde, of the local authority’s sport, countryside and leisure department, were sent to planners in February.

Council planners will now consider the scheme.

If approved, work on the new tennis courts could start by next spring.