WIDENING pavements, removing some parking spaces and creating a new cycle route are among temporary measures set to be introduced in Prestonpans to aid physical distancing.

The measures are being brought in by East Lothian Council under its Spaces for People scheme.

It says that due to the limitations on space in the town, it is important that more spaces are introduced for people on foot, in wheelchairs and on bikes.

A council spokesperson said: “Supporting safe physical distancing for essential journeys and exercise is vital if we are to suppress Covid-19.

“It will also improve opportunities for walking and cycling, creating environments that foster healthy and sustainable travel habits.”

Since last month, several new measures have already been introduced to Prestonpans, including a town-wide 20mph speed limit which also covers Cockenzie and Port Seton.

Additional traffic calming measures were also brought in to allow the council to respond to requests for the use of public space, make it easier for people to cross the road if necessary to maintain social distancing and support walking and cycling to school.

Over the next few weeks, more measures will be introduced.

On the south-east side of Prestonpans High Street, outside the Filling Station sandwich shop, the pavement will be widened and parking spaces for four cars removed; the existing disabled parking space will remain.

A three-metre-wide hard-surfaced temporary cycle route will be introduced adjacent to the north-western side of Edinburgh Road, between Prestonpans and Cockenzie.

A temporary 30mph speed limit is also set to be introduced for Edinburgh Road, with regular traffic calming measures along the route.

Measures to increase space for pedestrians on busy routes to school and at the school gates are being considered; plans include widening pavements.

More details on routes to school and the chance for members of the public to comment on them are available at bit.ly/3afajKc

Before the end of the year, the council hopes to explore the option of installing a public ebike hire station for eight bikes at Prestonpans Community Centre, Prestonpans High Street and in Cockenzie on Edinburgh Road and East Lorimer Place.

Fiona O’Donnell, ward councillor, said: “I want to see businesses in our high streets able to operate safely.

“These measures will help them do that with space for people to pass when queues are forming outside.

“Feeling they can shop and use other businesses safely will, I hope, encourage more people to use them, keep them open and protect jobs.

“The 20mph limit will keep us all safer when out and about. I have already seen that it is making it easier for pedestrians to cross the road.

“I know it requires a change from drivers, and want to appeal to them to stick to the new limit.”

Brian Weddell, chair of Prestonpans Community Council, said: “I’m very supportive [of the plans], particularly the slowing of traffic as we’ve been campaigning with Cockenzie and Port Seton and Longniddry Community Councils for a couple of years to get traffic speeds reduced entering the villages, so hopefully it will lead to that.”

He also expressed his support for the cycle path plans.