UNPOPULAR plans for a car park on North Berwick's iconic Elcho Green will “no longer be taken forward” says East Lothian Council, marking victory for campaigners.

Last month, a number of temporary changes to the town as part of the council’s Spaces for People initiative, which aims to help people safely socially distance, were put forward, including the temporary creation of a long-stay car park on much-loved seafront grassy area, Elcho Green.

This sparked outrage from local residents with an petition, entitled 'West Bay NOT Parking Bay', attracting more than 6,800 signatures.

Following the backlash, the local authority announced on July 20 that the proposals were being put “on hold” to allow “further opportunity to engage and consult”.

Now it has been confirmed by East Lothian Council that the project, for about 80 spaces, has been ditched.

A council spokesperson said: “In support of East Lothian Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the decision has been taken to no longer take forward the proposal of temporary parking at Elcho Green at this time.

“East Lothian Council is a listening authority and we are aware of the various perspectives being raised within the North Berwick community.”