A DECISION on the fate of the former Tranent Infant School should be made by the end of the month, according to East Lothian Council chief executive Angela Leitch.

The announcement was made at a Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council meeting, after concerns were again raised over the derelict site.

What happens to the property on Sanderson’s Wynd has long been a bone of contention, with the building being left empty and unused for the last 10 years after the school shut in 2007.

The site is a popular gathering place for youths in the area and, although covered by CCTV, it has not acted as a deterrent.

There have previously been reports of vandalism and people breaking into the building.

An external inspection in May 2011 found “a fine former infant school which externally is in generally sound condition but vacant and in need of a new use”.

At the meeting, Ms Leitch said: “By the end of September, a clear decision is likely to happen.”

She also told the meeting that options for the school had been discussed and included sheltered housing and extra childcare provision.