A SERIES of measures could be introduced in a bid to create a safe and accessible route from Dunbar town centre to the town’s East Beach.

Work has been carried out in recent years to restore the beach to its former glory, with steps taken to bring sand back to the area.

Now, Dunbar Shore and Harbour Neighbourhood Group is keen to improve pedestrian safety in the area.

The group has “long-held concerns” over the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in the area.

Discussions are already under way with East Lothian Council with a view to a set of trial measures being put in place in the New Year.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of the community group, said: “Roads are narrow and heavily parked and, with the ever-improving amenity of the East Beach, we have seen a marked increase in visitor motor traffic, cruising and often parking on the sea front.

“We want people to use and enjoy Dunbar’s East Beach and harbour areas but are concerned that this increased traffic is making pedestrian and cycle access more dangerous for everyone.”

Steps being considered include a pedestrian crossing at the junction of High Street and Silver Street.

The narrow Silver Street would also become one-way as vehicles could only travel from High Street and a wider footpath would be created.

A speed table would then be created at the junction of Silver Street, Church Street and Castle Street. An accessible path would be built between Church Street and Lamer Street, where there would be another raised table to help people cross to the East Beach.

Another speed table would be created at the junction of Church Street, East Links Road and Woodbush Brae.

Mrs Swan stressed that the works would be on a temporary basis and, if the trial proved unpopular, it would not become permanent.

She said: “We would like to work with East Lothian Council transportation to design and deliver a minimum six-month trial, that would start in March, using demountable barriers/crossings etc (as were used during Spaces for People) so that the community has a chance to comment and discuss impacts before any final decisions are made.

“We will engage with our local community to gather feedback and, as in the East Beach Regeneration Project, commit to working closely with East Lothian Council throughout.”