A MEETING over the future of Musselburgh Racecourse ended in chaos after racing officials and local councillors clashed.

Members of Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee met on Tuesday for the first time since East Lothian Council voted to replace them.

The committee, made up of four elected councillors and three members of Lothians Racing Syndicate (LRS), is being replaced with a new associated committee made up of four elected councillors and two racing experts.

At the meeting on Tuesday it is understood LRS calls for the council to withdraw plans to transfer racecourse staff into council employ were rejected.

John Prideaux, LRS chairman, said there had been a “complete breakdown in trust” with the council, adding: “It is plain their only interest is in rail-roading through this ill-thought-out proposal to take complete control of the racecourse.”

A council spokesperson said: “There was a meeting on Tuesday which was intended to allow the council and LRS to continue working constructively together. Unfortunately, while discussing racecourse business, the LRS chose to walk out of the meeting, preventing the business being concluded.”

GMB union officials are due to meet with staff and council representatives at the course today (Friday).