AN EXISTING footpath between Dunbar and West Barns could be widened instead of a long called-for alternative route being created.

Calls for a path connecting Beveridge Row with Brewery Lane in Dunbar have been ongoing since the late 1980s.

The potential of a route being created received a boost when funding was secured eight years ago through the CALA Homes development at Castle Bay, between Belhaven and West Barns.

However, earlier this year, East Lothian Council appeared to rule out the new 200-metre path, on the south side of the A1087, due to “significant technical and cost issues”.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, who represents the town on East Lothian Council, confirmed alternative plans were now being examined by local authority staff.

He told members of Dunbar’s community council that there were two sizeable hurdles which meant the original plans had stalled.

Mr Hampshire pointed to an “old box” at the junction of Beveridge Row and the A1087 and also that the proposed path was at its narrowest point at the junction of the A1087 and Brewery Lane.

The leader of East Lothian Council said the original plan was “not feasible” and added: “What they are looking at now is trying to design something to increase the width of the footpath on the other side so it is available for walking and cycling on the opposite side of the road.

“That is where they are just now and I will update when they come up with a final solution for that.”

Jacquie Bell, secretary of the community council, has been leading the call for the previously proposed footpath.

She called for more discussions with the local community before the current plans progressed and said: “People will still have the problem.

“If you come down Beveridge Row and want to go to the Brig and Barrel or to Dunbar Grammar School, you have still got to find a place to cross the road.

“People will still have to cross the road twice.”