PREPARATIONS are under way to create Port Seton’s new sports hall.

The new facility will be part of the Port Seton Centre on the area currently used as the children’s play area; it will allow the community hub to offer a wider array of activities, including indoor basketball, badminton, tennis, football and gymnastics.

Some of the existing outdoor play equipment is being removed from the area to facilitate the building works, though this will be relocated to a new play area elsewhere within the park, along with the installation of some new play equipment.

Tom Reid, head of infrastructure with East Lothian Council, said: “We are all very excited about the construction of the new sports hall, which will be an excellent new facility for the people of Cockenzie and Port Seton, complementing existing activity areas within the Port Seton Centre.

“We do appreciate that there will need to be an element of disruption associated with the construction work, particularly as the new extension requires to be sited where the current children’s play park is located.

“We expect to relocate elements of the existing play equipment where possible to the new area and this will be installed to coincide with the arrival of other play equipment in the coming months.

“We recognise this means that there will be a temporary reduction in the amount of play equipment available within the park and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of park users at this time. Ultimately, though, we will have a relocated children’s play park, featuring new equipment, close to the new sports hall.”