A FAMILY-run electrical appliance business based on a town high street for nearly a century has been left broken hearted by parking issues which is forcing them to look for a new premises.

Bisset and Steedman, founded in 1932, is a fourth generation business and has been situated on Tranent's High Street for 90 years.

However, the company took to social media earlier this week to announce the "hard decision to move the business to another premises locally".

In a statement, a Bisset and Steedman spokesperson said: "The main reason we have come to this decision are the constraints on customer accessibility to shop on Tranent high street through the lack of parking and tough parking attendant measures handed out to our customers on a daily basis.

"As we see our sales grow on line and via telephone sales we have always and will remain dedicated to face to face sales but we feel we need a retail property that gives our customers the ability to feel comfortable and not rushed when purchasing with us.

"We will remain trading from 58 High street Tranent until we have found a suitable buyer for the property and will then re locate to our new home.

"This decision has generally broken our hearts but we need to adapt with change and our customer service and satisfaction is our main priority."

The town's community council, along with local traders, organisations and the general public, have been involved in ongoing discussions and debates about the issue of traffic management, volumes of traffic and the effect the problems have on the quality of life, opportunities and amenities in Tranent's town centre.

Mike Falconer, chairperson, added that Tranent's traffic problems are "fairly unique" in East Lothian due to how narrow the High Street is and "the volume of through traffic from surrounding towns & villages which has no viable alternative route".

In recent days, East Lothian Council agreed to hold a 10-week consultation to propose parking charges in town centres across the county.

A report, which went before councillors on Tuesday, said: “To understand public opinion and acceptability of interventions necessary to balance the intricacies and complexity of various components and requirements of town centre parking, it is proposed to run a consultation for 10 weeks, starting in July 2022.”

The consultation was approved by 16 votes to three.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson told the Courier: "“A key priority for the council is working to maintain a supportive business environment and vibrant town centres, while helping firms recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraging folk to use local services through our Stay Safe, Support Local, Love East Lothian campaign.

“While Tranent has parking on the High Street and in nearby car parks, we recognise there can be challenges associated with parking here and in some of East Lothian’s town centres. That’s one of a number of reasons why a consultation is to be held on possible improvements to parking management.

“As highlighted in a recent council report, East Lothian is one of Scotland’s fastest growing areas. The planned consultation will be an opportunity to look at ways of ensuring parking facilities support the economic and environmental requirements of our town centres whilst meeting the needs of growing communities.

"It will also look at operational arrangements and accessibility of town centres – for example ensuring the availability of short-stay parking to help people access local businesses which are the lifeblood of the local economy.

“Pedestrian and road safety are other important considerations, as is the promotion of active travel and addressing the climate emergency.”

Customers rallied behind Bisset & Steedman, with one commentor saying: "Good luck with your move.

"Sad to see you leaving the High Street after all these years.

"Tranent High Street should be pedestrianised.

"No reason for cars using the High Street. It would certainly boost the local economy."

Another said: "Sad news but the reconstruction of Tranent High Street has made it virtually impossible for the shop traders to keep going.

"Bottom line is that East Lothian Council don’t want cars or delivery vehicles in any of our towns.

"The High Street will soon have nothing but bookies, takeaways, hairdressers, nail parlours and tanning salons."

A final comment read: "Bissett and Steedman will be sorely missed.

"Always helpful, knowledgeable, very fair prices, hope they don't go too far."

Bisset and Steedman is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.