CONTROVERSIAL plans for a car park on Elcho Green, North Berwick, will “no longer be taken forward” by East Lothian Council, marking victory for those campaigning against them.

Last month, plans were revealed that included 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 while helping businesses.

Among the changes was the temporary creation of a long-stay car park on the iconic green space of Elcho Green, at West Bay.

Despite the council saying that the measures were temporary, they sparked outrage from local residents, with a petition launched against the plans.

Titled ‘West Bay NOT Parking Bay’, it has attracted more than 6,800 signatures.

Those behind the petition said: “Temporary or otherwise, Elcho Green is not the correct location for any car parking.”

Following the backlash, on July 20 East Lothian Council said that the proposals had been put “on hold” to allow it “further opportunity to engage and consult” over the plans.

However, the plans have now been scrapped.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council 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.”

Judy Lockhart, chair of North Berwick Community Council, has contacted East Lothian Council several times requesting a meeting to discuss the issue; however, no dates for this meeting have been set.

She said the community council was “disappointed”.

Judy said: “The car park at Elcho Green was put forward by East Lothian Council after our July monthly meeting and removed again for further consultation just prior to our special mid-month meeting held to discuss the proposals on July 21.

“Also on July 21, we wrote to Peter Forsyth at East Lothian Council to request a meeting and, despite several attempts, we were not offered any dates.

“Last week, we were invited to a meeting held by the local area partnership and attended by Alan Stubbs of East Lothian Council.

“Three community councillors attended this meeting and the minutes confirm that Alan Stubbs advised that ‘Elcho Green is no longer being taken forward at this time’.

“North Berwick Community Council are disappointed that despite being the only group in the town democratically elected to represent the views of residents, East Lothian Council are not engaging directly with us.”

Hilary Smith, chair of North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership, said: “As a listening council, it’s encouraging that East Lothian Council have responded so quickly to the local community’s concerns about using a public green space as a car park.

“Improving accessibility for all is a priority for the North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership members while continuing to support projects that make the area an even greater place to live, work and visit.

“We are working closely with East Lothian Council to implement the recommendations outlined in the 2017 Town Centre Charrette report.”