HUNDREDS of concerned residents have signed a petition against allowing long-stay parking on Elcho Green in North Berwick. 

East Lothian Council announced a number of temporary changes to the town centre earlier this week as part of its Spaces for People initiative, which aims to revive towns while helping people socially distance to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 

Among the changes was the temporary creation of 200 long-stay car parking spaces on the town's famous Elcho Green, which overlooks the iconic West Bay.

The council says that the changes are temporary and designed to keep people safe from the virus.

But a petition set up yesterday evening in opposition to the plans has already gained nearly a thousand signatures and has won the support of former British Open-winning golfer Catriona Matthew, who lives in the town.

The petition, titled 'West Bay not parking bay', reads: "Please sign our petition and help us to protect stunning and iconic West Bay in North Berwick. 

"East Lothian Council have announced plans to turn Elcho Green into a 200-space long-stay car park.

"Whilst the council state that this is a temporary measure to comply with their Covid Spaces for People initiative, it is greatly feared that this will in fact lead to a permanent car park in the most iconic seafront location in East Lothian.

"North Berwick residents and visitors alike will be robbed of the very essence of this beautiful recreational space that personifies this famous Conservation Area seafront.

"Temporary or otherwise, Elcho Green is NOT the correct location for any car parking and we would urge you to help us stop this environmental catastrophe."

Commenting on the petition on Twitter, Catriona Matthew said she thought "public opinion overwhelmingly disagrees" with the plans and called for "an end to this madness".

Comments on the petition include "I am totally against turning a green space into a car park" and "leave this beautiful green space and view as it is".

The petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/east-lothian-residents-westbay-not-parking-bay