CLAIMS have been made that sexual acts, drug-taking and urinating are being carried out in Haddington town centre.

The shocking claims were made during a discussion about anti-social behaviour and a lack of working street lights in the area.

Community councillor David Barrett, who lives in the town centre, spoke about the issues at a meeting of the group before Christmas.

He said: “I have had somebody pee up against my neighbour’s door.

“There were kids doing drugs opposite [East Lothian MSP] Paul McLennan’s office and it has happened so frequently that it is not worth reporting.

“Half of the lights in Mitchell’s Close are out and all these things needed looking into and upgrading.”

Concerns about a lack of lighting in other nearby areas of the town centre, including a number of closes and vennels, were also highlighted.

Mr Barrett, who joined the community council last year, also suggested people were carrying out sexual acts in the area.

Ward councillor Tom Trotter was among those at the virtual meeting.

He encouraged anyone witnessing such incidents to report them to the police.

Mr Trotter said: “The only way we can improve these certain issues that crop up time after time is if police are made aware.

“Even the urinating – that’s an offence and it has to be reported.”

Fellow Haddington and Lammermuir ward councillor Shamin Akhtar was also at the virtual meeting.

She said: “It’s vitally important that any incidents of anti-social behaviour are reported.

“In Haddington we have extremely proactive community police officers in PC Boyd and PC Black, as well as regular meetings of the community and police partnership (CAPP).”