A plan to site mobile catering facilities at a Musselburgh nature attraction has been branded “inappropriate” by a community group which has an interest in the area’s future.

East Lothian Council is advertising catering pitches available for lease at the car park at Levenhall Links West in Musselburgh, as well as Longniddry Bents car parks No.1 and No.2.

Jason Rose, chairman of the Friends of Musselburgh Links, said the plan had “come out of the blue”.

“Listening to local residents and regular users of the lagoons, it seems inappropriate,” he added.

“There’s a big difference between an ice cream van or burger van at a big car park next to a popular beach, and this small car park right next to what we have spent years trying to have designated as a Local Nature Reserve.

“The lagoons are already part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area, and the problems we have with dogs being let off the leash and causing havoc among the birdlife are well documented.

“So, anything that encourages more cars to drive onto the site or increase litter in the area would be hugely damaging.

“Levenhall Links is a wonderful green space for the community to enjoy and there are plenty of cafes nearby in the town centre that would be happy to receive business after a walk or cycle through the links, but having something on site seems a step too far.

“People come for the wildlife, not a Mr Whippy.

“One suggestion I’ve heard is that maybe if it was a simple coffee kiosk that encouraged people to use their own cups rather than disposables, that would be acceptable.

“But I’m not sure how likely that is or how easy that would be given the increased need for hygiene measures in light of Covid-19.”

And he added: “It feels like this idea has been dreamt up by someone in a remote office who hasn’t been to the lagoons and doesn’t realise how unique a location it is.

“If there is a successful application, it will be interesting to see how they get on applying for planning consent because I’m sure at that point there will be many objections.”

Mr Rose has contacted the estates department at the council for more information about the plan.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “There are a number of sites across East Lothian where mobile catering facilities have been provided for many years and are popular with visitors.

“Other sites have now been assessed by the council’s estates and countryside teams and the one at Levenhall is located within the entrance car park.

“The council will require an operator to lease a site and apply for planning permission.

“The type of catering is up to the successful applicant but current stance holders include ice cream vans, fish and chips sellers, and general food and drink sellers.”