COMPLAINTS have been raised that buses backing up at the Musselburgh depot are causing traffic problems on Mall Avenue.

The issue was highlighted at a recent meeting of the town’s community council in The Brunton.

Ward councillor Andy Forrest said that as many as five buses could be parked on Mall Avenue while they waited to enter the depot for cleaning and refuelling.

He said that other vehicles couldn’t get past them if there was traffic coming in the other direction.

“One night I came past and there were five buses sitting in a row. Once they’re there and the traffic comes the other way, you can’t get past,” he said.

Mr Forrest stressed that the problem had been highlighted at a recent meeting of the town’s community and police partnership (CAPP) and he had also written to Lothian Buses, parent company of East Coast Buses, which operates from the depot.

Betty Ramsden said that she saw two buses parked outside the depot ahead of the community council meeting.

She added: “It was quite busy coming down and there were cars on the other side.

“One bus wouldn’t be so bad but there [were] two.

“They are needing a bigger place.”

Irene Tait, community council chairwoman, said: “Traditionally they would go back and round the roundabout and come back and wait to get in.

“But if there is more than one then they will back up.”

She said she would also raise the issue with Lothian Buses.

A spokesperson for East Coast Buses said: “East Coast Buses launched operations in August 2016 and now provides vital transport links to over 100,000 customers each week across the county.

“In August this year we invested in a further eight brand new double-deck vehicles, a cost of £2m, following a fleet investment of £3m in 2017.

“Such investment demonstrates our commitment to the local community and our promise to provide a first-class service for the residents and visitors of East Lothian.

“Over the past two years we have built good relationships with the local community including East Lothian Council and community councils across the county and we will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to address any issues that are raised directly.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Road traffic problems in the Mall Avenue area of Musselburgh were raised as a priority at the recent Musselburgh CAPP meeting. Officers have been in touch with the bus company to give advice and we will continue to monitor the situation.”