COUNCILLORS today gave the green light to radical changes to parking in North Berwick and the east end of High Street.

At a meeting of East Lothian Council, the introduction of parking charges in the town, and a redesign of High Street from Quality Street to Market Place, were approved.

Alterations to the east end of High Street, in a bid to make it more pedestrian-friendly, gained cross-party support, though the Conservative Group opposed the introduction of parking charges in the town, asking for the vote to be delayed.

Their request was turned down and the changes, despite opposition from North Berwick Business Association and the town's local community council, were voted through with Labour and SNP backing.

READ MORE: North Berwick parking charges: concessions for churchgoers and golfers

After the meeting, Councillor John McMillan, the local authority's cabinet member for environment, economic development and tourism, said of the parking charges plan: “This has been a very detailed and complex piece of work and I would like to extend my thanks to the residents, businesses, visitors and other interested parties who have engaged with the consultation and provided their views.

“North Berwick town centre is a destination for both local residents and visitors and the greatest level of concern raised by the respondents [about the scheme] is the perceived impact on the local economy.

"The North Berwick Business Association specifically requested lengthening the proposed free charge [parking] period of 30 minutes to 90 minutes on the High Street.

"The consultants have produced data from parking management schemes elsewhere which indicates a shorter time period for parking increases turnover of spaces and so also increases availability.

"Taking varied views on this into account, the new proposals will increase the free charge period from 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

"We have also responded to concerns about the lack of residents’ parking within Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and so are removing designated residents-only spaces and combining those with on-street paid spaces which will greatly increase parking space availability.

"Another concern was that the proposed maximum length of stay within CPZs was too short so the new recommendation is to increase the proposed five hours to six hours in the west area and from four hours to five hours in off-street car parks.

“The council today agreed to progress to the next stage of the Traffic Regulation Order process to make the order which will allow further opportunity for people to raise further representations and objections to the proposals as amended.

"I would encourage all who may have a view to consider these amended proposals and continue to engage on this issue.”

The approved changes to the east end of the High Street aim to improve safety and access to those using it on a regular basis.

READ MORE: Here's how a revamped North Berwick High Street could look

The council said it engaged an independent consultant to build upon the work of previous studies, including the 2017 North Berwick Charrette, to propose a design for changes to the road layout to create a "safer, more accessible and more attractive High Street that meets the needs of all users and businesses".

After the meeting, Mr McMillan said of the plans: “North Berwick High Street is a popular destination for both local residents and visitors but significant concern has been raised in recent years about vehicle congestion and perceived safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists accessing this area.

“The North Berwick Charrette in 2017 placed ‘improving walking and access at the east end of High Street – making major people-focused improvements to walking and access conditions along this section of the street’ as one of the top three projects identified from their extensive community engagement.

"The council has now built upon that proposal by engaging an external consultant to carry out further engagement leading to the approval of these new measures today.

"Widening pavements and creating dedicated areas for businesses loading and unloading and for blue badge holders will introduce a more balanced approach for access.

"I believe these measures will help to create an even more welcoming environment for people to the High Street.”

Kenny Miller, chair of North Berwick Community Council, was disappointed to see the plans move forward.

He said: "The community council recognises that change is needed to the east end of the High Street as the pavements are narrow and do not provide a safe route for those with mobility issues or visual impairment.

"A scheme was agreed over the past few years and it is disappointing that yet another scheme is now proposed which disregards the views of High Street traders, particularly in terms of parking loss.

"North Berwick Community Council did not support the proposals as presented."

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, took to Twitter afterwards to highlight his frustration at the parking charges decision.

He said: "Shocking: in East Lothian SNP and Labour councillors just voted against East Lothian Conservatives attempt to delay a vote on North Berwick parking charges.

"Only Scottish Conservatives are listening to the concerns of local residents and retailers."