More than 1,100 people have signed a petition calling for a halt to plans for car parking zones (CPZ) and charged parking in North Berwick.

The petition, launched by North Berwick Community Council (NBCC), came after East Lothian Council – with the exception of Conservative councillors – voted to introduce the large-scale change for both visitors and residents throughout the town centre area.

Councillors also unianimously approved a proposal to alter the east end of the High Street with the extension of pavements, installation of bollards and removal of parking.

The proposals were given the green light at East Lothian Council’s meeting last month.

In its petition protesting parking charges and zones, NBCC states: “Please sign our petition and help us to stop East Lothian Council from introducing parking restrictions which the majority of residents and local businesses are strongly opposed to.

“Despite less than half of respondents to the consultation agreeing with the council that a parking problem exists all year round, and over half stating they were opposed to the implementation of CPZs, East Lothian Council have decided to push ahead with proposals which do not accurately reflect the views of the majority of residents nor those of local businesses.

“At a time of increased costs of living, a massive seven per cent council tax hike and a period of great uncertainty for many businesses, who are also having to deal with increased operating costs including business rates, the council’s push to introduce damaging and unwelcome parking charges could not be more ill-timed or poorly thought out.

“Residents are also concerned that there will be less availability of parking provision than there is now.

“We, the undersigned, urge the council to pause these plans, to better engage with the public and businesses and to actively consider alternative plans.”

More than 1,100 people have signed the petition, posting messages of support for the community council’s efforts to halt the proposals.

The group also launched a second petition opposing the removal of parking on the east end of the High Street.

The petition states: “While most of us will agree that improvements for pedestrians are sorely needed in that area… this decision was based on an impact assessment that considered interest groups ranging from refugees to Gaelic speakers but, astonishingly, gave no consideration to local shoppers nor local business.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “ Extensive community consultation has been carried out regarding both parking and safety and access concerns in North Berwick town centre.

"This has included engagement with the Area Partnership, the ‘on the move’ group and representatives from the Business Community.

"In addition to this we also undertook a  stakeholder engagement exercise which included an online survey, a public event held at the church hall on the High Street, a walk-through event where stakeholders physically walked through the proposals, internal and external stakeholder workshops, workshops with groups representing equalities and disability groups, circulations on the Council’s website and social media and a dedicated email address and phone number for direct enquiries.

“The final design should provide benefits by prioritising walking, wheeling (wheelchairs, prams etc.) and cycling for everyday journeys and leisure trips while retaining access to the businesses on the High Street, allowing for loading and unloading and, thus, creating a more pleasant, safer environment.

"This in our view will make the High Street a much more welcoming environment and more importantly a safer place for all to visit.”

The two petitions can be visited by clicking on the links here and here.