Work will start later this month on a number of temporary measures on the east end of North Berwick High Street aimed at making walking there safer and more pleasurable, says East Lothian Council.

The works, which will be for a 12-month trial scheme, are due to start on Monday, October 25 and last for no more than two weeks - though will, say the local authority, “require a temporary road closure” but access for pedestrians will be maintained.

It will include:

• Widening of existing pavements through the use of temporary materials

• New double yellow lines and appropriate traffic signage

• Consolidation of loading bay facilities

• Keeping some of the planters

• Fixing fallen kerbs and broken surfacing of footways

• Maintenance of some street lighting

Councillor Norman Hampshire, the local autjority’s environment spokesman, said: “In 2017, a series of proposals to improve access to the town centre were discussed as part of the North Berwick charrette organised through the local Area Partnership.

“More than 40 main projects were identified by the local community and a priority was to consider improvements for the east end of the High Street which would create more space for people to walk safely.

“An agreed scheme was ready for construction in early 2020 but was delayed as a result of the Covid pandemic halting all non-essential construction works.

“However, the pandemic did provide opportunities for temporary changes of public access. As part of the national Spaces for People initiative to create room for social distancing in town centres, a number of planters and reduction of public parking have been in place in North Berwick over the past 12 months.

“Informal consultation has suggested that the increased space and reduced parking has been beneficial to the businesses and wider community.”

The existing one-way system through Market Place will remain while the trial is ongoing.

Following the trial period the design may require to be adjusted before funding is sought to implement a final scheme using appropriate permanent materials.