A SIZEABLE step forward has been taken in a bid to find a way to open Belhaven Bay up to everyone.

The stunning sandy beach and iconic Bridge to Nowhere have been enjoyed by many people for generations.

However, discussions have taken place over the last few years in an attempt to find a solution which would allow people with mobility issues to cross the Biel Burn and access the golden sands.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dunbar Community Council, has been at the heart of discussions to find a way to cross the stream.

On Wednesday, she was due to meet with engineering experts from Royal Haskoning.

She said: “They are going to do a set of trial holes across a bit of the Biel Burn where we think a crossing will happen to determine what ground conditions are like and to see if the idea of a culvert crossing would work.

“The funding was largely given to us by Dunbar and East Linton Area Partnership because it is an area partnership-fostered project at this stage.

“They funded the feasibility exercise but it is fantastic to be getting to some practical hole digging instead of talking about it.”

The trial holes will highlight what is below the surface and how easy it would be to create a new path.

Currently, people visiting the picturesque bay have two choices when they step onto the beach.

To cross the Biel Burn, they face wading through the water or using the Bridge to Nowhere.

However, neither option is available to people with wheelchairs, buggies or mobility issues.

Mrs Swan said: “You watch families with ordinary pushchairs or with an elderly relative who would love to go on the beach.

“Children scamper over the bridge but the elderly relative is abandoned.

“It [the new path] will be an access for all.”

Current plans would see a low walkway created across the burn.

The new path would be visible at low tide but disappear when the water comes in, which would preserve the much-photographed sight of the bridge surrounded by water.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, the local authority’s spokesman for the environment, was keen to see a solution reached that would open the beach up to all.

The Dunbar and East Linton ward member said: “Anything that can improve access to Belhaven Bay will be a huge benefit to everybody.”