Hundreds of residents of an East Lothian town signed up to a campaign to find an alternative solution to parking problems after plans for a controversial car park were ditched.

Local councillor Craig Hoy launched the Help Craig Help Haddington survey online on Sunday.

He said he aims to  highlight the priorities, issues and problems facing those who live in East Lothian's county town.

The decision to launch the online consultation came after a number of controversial proposals emerged for Haddington town centre, including most recently the aborted plan to construct a car park on Whittingehame Drive.

The Whittingehame Drive project would have moved parking out of the town centre but saw a wave of protests from traders who feared it would drive away business.

Earlier this month councillors agreed to move funds set aside for the carpark to other projects.

Conservative councillor Mr Hoy, who is also his party's candidate for the Holyrood 2021 election, said: "While many of our current efforts are directed towards the Covid-19 response and recovery, it is important we don’t lose sight of what needs to be done to improve our town.

"This process begins with knowing residents' thoughts on the current issues connected to living or working in Haddington.

"As a Haddington resident, I know how important it is that we are all fully engaged on the long-term future of our town centre and how vital it is we tackle the concerns of residents and retailers."

Some of the concerns raised over recent town centre proposals were around them being made without proper public consultation.

In July there was an outcry after parking was suspended in the town centre as the local authority prepared to making it more pedestrian friendly as part of its Spaces for People iniative.

The parking suspension was lifted amid objections.

Mr Hoy said he will compile the views or residents, business owners - and those who visit the town regularly - into a series of short snapshot reports which will be circulated to East Lothian Council, local transport operators, Haddington Community Council, the police and local tenants and residents associations.

In a letter distributed to local stakeholders, Mr Hoy said: "With unpopular plans for a new carpark at Whittingehame Drive having been scrapped, we now have an opportunity to pause for thought and to look short, medium and long-term at solutions to issues in the town centre.

"We also need to explore the problems of anti-social behaviour, our transport links, parking solutions and the environment.

"To kick-start this process, I’d like to know views and hear suggestions and comments across a whole range of issues affecting those who live and work in the town."

The survey which is open until the middle of October can be found at www.craigforeastlothian.com/improvinghaddington