Fears closure of Haddington Corn Exchange could be extended

An £800,000 refurbishment of the town’s Corn Exchange got under way at the beginning of February, with the Court Street building set to be closed until early November.

However, that closure could be extended if further issues are found.

Fears were raised at a meeting last month of the town’s community council that the work could be delayed after underground issues were identified.

The building, when open, is used by a wide range of groups, including the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, community council, sports clubs and a lunch group.

Plans were revealed two years ago for more than £800,000 to be invested in the building.

Works include new storage for the main hall, as well as replacing the floor, new roof lights and decoration.

Additional toilets will also be created, while the back hall will be upgraded and a new kitchen installed.

Outside, roofing and drainage works are also part of the overall plans.

Provost John McMillan, a councillor for Haddington and surrounding villages, highlighted at the community council meeting that there were new issues with the building.

He said: “They are finding problems below ground, caused by damp.”

Ward colleague Tom Trotter, who works in the construction industry, was also at the meeting.

He added: “It is not until you get into the guts of them that you find our what is needed.

“If it takes a bit longer, it takes a bit longer.”

Mr Trotter was confident that local groups and anyone planning to use the building would be kept up to date with any potential delays or developments.

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said: “There aren’t any new problems as such but rather that specialist contractors will inspect the building this week to assess whether rot may be present that would require additional works to the original plans.

“Until they have carried out their survey we can’t detail whether additional work would be needed and how this may impact on the original timetable.”