WORRIED residents have called for something to be done to stop their streets being turned into a race track.

Complaints about speeding vehicles and anti-social behaviour on Belhaven’s North Street, Duke Street, Back Road and Shore Road have been passed to East Lothian’s MSP Iain Gray and MP Martin Whitfield.

More than 60 residents have signed a letter calling for various measures to be put in place, including the possibility of speed bumps, a one-way system, and a 20mph speed limit.

A spokeswoman for the group said they started the petition after growing fed up with speeding vehicles.

She said: “We have got trouble with ‘hot hatch’ cars which come flying along Shore Road.

“They go down the front and there are groups of them who turn up with their music going on.”

A number of residents had previously approached East Lothian Council and the police to see if anything could be done.

Residents have now joined forces, with a petition created.

The group’s spokeswoman added: “We are just fed up with it.

“Then there are the young people who go down the front and who throw their rubbish out.

“I’ve had words with them but it is very intimidating.

“I’m in my early 60s and my husband tends to walk the dogs there now because he is worried about my safety.”

The letter sent to the politicians is calling for speed bumps to be introduced on Shore Road and also wants Belhaven included in any plans for a widespread 20mph speed limit in Dunbar.

A suggestion was also made to see a footpath introduced along the length of Back Road to improve safety for pedestrians.

Community warden James Wilson joined Police Constable Gavin Ross in the area last week to try to identify any problems.

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said: “They followed up on complaints of alleged speeding on Shore Road, Duke Street and Back Road and 15 vehicles had their speed checked.

“Speed of vehicles (all cars) ranged from 11mph to 22mph.

“They also inspected vehicles and spoke to drivers at a nearby car park but there were no issues and no litter. Further spot checks may be carried out.”

PC Ross, who chairs Dunbar and East Linton Community and Police Partnership (CAPP) meetings, confirmed that no vehicles had been caught driving above the speed limit.

He added: “We also linked in with a group of young people in their cars in the car park, again no issues regarding anti-social behaviour or litter arose.We shall return and repeat the checks.”