A MAGAZINE could be sent out to more than 1,000 new houses on the outskirts of Haddington in a bid to entice new residents to use the town centre more often.

Businesses in the town centre have joined forces to work on a magazine entitled ‘My Haddington’.

Moira Graham, of Haddington Business Community Partnership (HBCP), said: “We are proposing to put together a one-off glossy magazine. We are going to run 3,000 copies aimed at the new housing.

“With lots of local community members, our community groups are going to write their own editorials and tell us a little about what happens in Haddington.”

Members of HBCP, including award-winning Blooming Haddington, Friends of the River Tyne and various sports groups, have been asked to contribute to the magazine, which will be A5 size.

Mrs Graham added: “All the groups are going to have a wee say in it.

“A lot of people know what a great place Haddington is to live and work.

“We are aiming to publish in the summer.”

Work is already under way to build more than 800 new homes at Letham Mains, between Haddington’s West Road and Pencaitland Road.

Similarly, more than 100 new homes are being built at Dovecot, to the south of Pencaitland Road.

Business representatives have repeatedly stressed the importance of attracting new residents into the centre to boost the local economy.

The proposed magazine was highlighted at Haddington’s community council meeting and received the backing of long-standing chairwoman Jan Wilson.

She described Haddington as “a beautiful town, steeped in history”.

Mrs Wilson said: “Let us hope it will bring people into the town to use the town centre.

“If this magazine can bring people together and make them aware of the things going on in the town it has to be a good thing.”