A GROUP which can award thousands of pounds to projects throughout the Dunbar and East Linton ward is not, after all, looking for a new chairman.

George Robertson has been at the helm of Dunbar and East Linton Area Partnership (DELAP) for two years.

The group, which is made up of Dunbar and East Linton ward councillors, representatives from local groups, pupil and parent councils and tenants’ and residents’ groups, was due to host its annual meeting later this month, with a new chairperson to be appointed.

But due to “the ongoing Covid uncertainties”, Mr Robertson has agreed to remain in the role for another year.

The Dunbar community councillor said: “Normally, it is a two-year duty and my two years are up in October but because they are not having any elections, I was asked to stay on for another year.

“It has been quite a rewarding thing to do and I have got no problems with staying on.

“I would not be staying on beyond that, though, as it will coincide with my 80th birthday.”

Area partnerships are in place across each of East Lothian Council’s six wards – Musselburgh, Preston Seton Gosford, Tranent Macmerry Wallyford, North Berwick Coastal, Haddington and Lammermuir, and Dunbar and East Linton.

Thousands of pounds can be spent on a variety of projects, including roads and amenity services related schemes.