A PLAN to assess and upgrade CCTV cameras in East Lothian is currently being progressed, despite concerns from members of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council.

There are currently issues with the CCTV cameras in Tranent town centre and they have not been repaired for some time.

The matter was raised by community councillor Robert McNeill at last month’s meeting of the group following several reports of increasing anti-social behaviour in the town over the past few weeks.

He asked if there was any development on the issue, to which fellow member Mike Falconer said: “I think we’ve all been talking about the CCTV cameras for long enough to realise that nothing is going to change in terms of the CCTV cameras very quickly.

“We’ve had a report back many, many times to tell us that no matter how much we ask, we’re not going to get CCTV cameras back; that seems to be par for the course.

“Whether they will help or prevent incidents in the town, I’m not sure.”

There has since been an increase in patrols by East Lothian Council’s community wardens in the town to help minimise any issues, engage with youngsters and keep an eye on the situation.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “CCTV is an invaluable addition to keeping our town centres vibrant and safe for people to visit and live in.

“The council is currently progressing a plan to assess and upgrade the camera network as required in the most cost-effective and future-proofed, way and capital expenditure for this has been agreed over a four-year period.

“In addition to remote observation via CCTV, there is also close joint working between police and community safety staff in regularly monitoring and visiting areas where anti-social behaviour has been identified.”