COMPLAINTS about people urinating on a narrow Haddington street have been passed on to police.

High-visibility patrols will be carried out near Cross Lane, which links High Street and Market Street, after concerns about anti-social behaviour there.

Constable Lynn Black highlighted the problem during the town’s community and police partnership (CAPP) meeting last month.

The officer noted that problems on the street, which is beside the Mercat Cross, had been raised before.

She said the issue was at its worst at weekends and added: “At pub dispersal time, there is the associated anti-social behaviour that comes with that – persons and patrons travelling between the buildings urinating in the street.”

Residents have already approached East Lothian Council regarding lighting being installed as a potential deterrent.

PC Black told members improved lighting “would be fantastic” but was not something the police controlled. Instead, regular patrols will be carried out on Friday and Saturday evenings, 6pm-1am.

She added: “We’ve been made aware of it by residents and I am going to email the police response teams [about the issue].” 

Callum Colquhoun, one of the county’s community wardens, said he had looked at the issue over one weekend but there was little activity, which could have been down to the cold weather.

The community wardens also have access to a CCTV van and visit known problem hotspots to check if any anti-social behaviour is taking place.

However, he stressed they could not be at that location all the time.

A council spokeswoman said: “We have been working with residents of Cross Lane on this issue and have implemented a number of measures, including stepping up patrols of our community wardens in the area at key times, plus more use of mobile CCTV. 

“To date, we have not observed the type of behaviour initially reported to us but we will continue to monitor the situation.

“In the meantime, we are looking at upgrading the lighting in Cross Lane, subject to budget being available, and have also advised residents on upgrading their own security and lighting. We hope all of these actions will mean residents feel more secure and any anti-social behaviour will be reduced.”