A FED-UP town centre resident has told police how “blood, urine, excrement and vomit” have been left outside his door.

Falko Burkert revealed his frustration about fights and people using Cross Lane, which links Haddington High Street and Market Street, as a toilet.

German pastry chef Mr Burkert – who runs the nearby Falko Cafe and Restaurant at the former George Hotel building – raised the issue during a meeting of the town’s community and police partnership (CAPP) meeting.

One suggestion at the meeting was for gates to be put on the lane, similar to those on Ross’s Close.

Mr Burkert feared that the lane would be used by more people as the weather got warmer.

He added: “There will be more traffic, people misbehaving there. I know a few of my neighbours had the dream to live in Haddington and now they are thinking it is the biggest mistake and want to move away.

“A neighbour is selling their house because of the trouble.

“It is not good for the image of the town and something needs to be done.”

Police Constable Charlie Duncan, who chaired the meeting, stressed he was aware of the complaints and was not dismissing them.

Police have identified the problem as one of their priorities ahead of the group’s next meeting, which takes place next month.

Regular patrols are to be carried out due to “ongoing anti-social behaviour consisting of drunken disorder, damaging property and urinating in the vennel”.

PC Duncan said: “We have put a lot of effort into the youth problem and adult problem that we had.

“I think High Street is a pretty good place to be.

“I do accept, Friday and Saturday evenings, there is a slight fallout from pubs and a bit of anti-social behaviour.

“You are going to have that in every modern town – that is not trying to excuse it but it is absolutely honest and realistic.”

Members heard how there were CCTV cameras in the area, while there had been talk about installing extra lighting on the street.

However, Callum Colquhoun, community warden, felt that the “only” way to solve the issue would be the introduction of gates, like those on Ross’s Close.

Gates are in place on four town centre closes – The Vennel, The Butts, Ross’s Close and Lodge Street, by Carlyle House. The gates are timed to lock shut at 7pm and release at 3am. Between those times, residents have a key fob to open the gates.