DRILLING into the Greenhills between Prestonpans and Cockenzie would open up a “Pandora’s box” of health hazards for the surrounding communities, it has been claimed.

Concern over East Lothian Council’s decision to market the open space as part of the former Cockenzie Power Station site to developers has sparked fears it could be built upon.

And at a meeting of Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council last Tuesday, ward councillors were challenged over the decision, amid warnings that the Greenhills themselves were built on top of toxic waste.

One resident told the meeting: “Drilling into them would open Pandora’s box.

“There is blue and white asbestos under there and disturbing that would unleash terrible health problems in the local communities.

“You would have to live with that.”

Ward councillors Fiona O’Donnell and Lachlan Bruce confirmed that the entire site, which was bought from ScottishPower by East Lothian Council earlier this year, was being marketed.

That includes the Greenhills, community orchard and Battle of Prestonpans site.

However, both councillors insisted it did not mean the land would be sold.

Ms O’Donnell told the meeting: “The important fact is that the council owns the land so has a say over what happens to it.

“I would prefer to see the land leased so we could bring some much-needed income into the council from it.

“The whole site is being marketed but that does not mean it will be sold, it simply opens it up for ideas to be brought forward.”

She added that any future development on the site would be carefully regulated by governing bodies, including environmental agency SEPA.

Local resident Shona Brash, who was a founding member of the Coastal Regeneration Alliance which fought to retain the Greenhills and surrounding land for the community, voiced concern that it was now being put forward as part of a package.

She told the meeting: “I am extremely concerned that the Greenhills, community orchard and battle site are being included in any marketing.

“The community has made it clear what it wants to happen to these sites, it is in the Cockenzie masterplan and that is what should be adhered to in any future plans.”

Councillor Bruce said that, while the entire site was being marketed, safeguards would be in place.

He said: “It is not a case of selling it to the highest bidder, it is about opening it up to investors to come forward with ideas.

“Any marketing includes full reports about the site.”

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “The whole site as shown in the masterplan document will be marketed widely and generally to establish investment interest, with community engagement remaining a key strand.

“Environmental assessment will be a key part of any future planning applications for any part of the site.”